Avast
Free antivirus in the Avast One app, with Premium Security and Ultimate adding scam, Wi-Fi and privacy tools.
Most modern antivirus products share a core of real-time malware scanning, ransomware defenses and web or phishing protection, so the real differences sit in what gets bundled around that core. Start by listing the devices you need to cover and their operating systems, then check which features actually work on each platform: several vendors limit cloud backup, parental controls or webcam protection to Windows.
Next, decide which extras you would otherwise pay for separately. Some plans include an unlimited VPN while others cap daily VPN traffic or leave it to higher tiers, and identity monitoring or data-broker removal is usually reserved for premium bundles. Compare device allowances per tier, confirm whether a family plan is needed, and review the renewal terms on the vendor's own site before committing.
Free antivirus in the Avast One app, with Premium Security and Ultimate adding scam, Wi-Fi and privacy tools.
Bitdefender Total Security covers Windows, macOS, iOS and Android with layered malware, ransomware and privacy protection.
ESET HOME Security tiers scale from core antivirus and safe banking to VPN and identity protection.
Free antivirus in the Avast One app, with Premium Security and Ultimate adding scam, Wi-Fi and privacy tools.
Bitdefender Total Security covers Windows, macOS, iOS and Android with layered malware, ransomware and privacy protection.
ESET HOME Security tiers scale from core antivirus and safe banking to VPN and identity protection.
Antivirus bundled with scam detection, a VPN and identity monitoring, sold as Total Protection or the broader McAfee+ tiers.
Norton 360 bundles antivirus with a VPN, scam protection, password manager and, on Windows, cloud backup.
Consumer antivirus with real-time scanning, breach monitoring and plans that add a VPN, ad blocker and password manager.