Best Antivirus For Windows 10: Top Protection Software In 2024

Looking for the best antivirus for Windows 10? You’re in good hands. In this piece, we’ll break down the best options to keep your PC safe.

Reigning supreme among 65% of Windows users, Windows 10 comes with Windows Defender, which does a decent job. However, a third-party antivirus will give you that extra layer of protection.

You can find the best defense against zero-day threats, be it malware, phishing scams, or ransomware in the anti-virus options below:

Best antivirus for Windows 10: Quick Overview

Antivirus	Pros	Cons	Price
ESET HOME Security Essential	✅ Minimal power usage ✅ Gamer Mode ✅ Strong web-browsing and online payment protection ✅ Excellent phishing defense ✅ Military-grade encryption for passwords	❌ UI can feel outdated compared to competitors	Free trial
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus	✅ Cutting-edge lightweight technology ✅ Real-time protection ✅ Low system impact ✅ Excellent malware detection rates ✅ Built-in VPN (limited) ✅ Password manager included	❌ VPN limited to 200MB/day in basic plan ❌ Additional tools like file shredder and parental controls are missing	Paid
Total AV	✅Boost up PC with device optimization tools ✅ Cross-platform compatibility ✅ Excellent real-time protection ✅ WebShield for browser ✅ Built-in ad blocker ✅ User-friendly UI	❌ Expensive renewal pricing ❌ VPN is a separate paid feature	Paid
Guard.io	✅ Super lightweight browser extension ✅ Effective phishing and malicious site blocking ✅ Very easy to install ✅ Good privacy tools for web browsing ✅ Prevents browser-based data breaches	❌Limited protection outside of the browser ❌ No mobile device support	Free trial
Intego Antivirus	✅ Full bulletin virus report on Windows & Mac ✅ Excellent real-time protection ✅ Low impact on system performance ✅ Great ransomware protection ✅ Full system cleanup tools ✅ Advanced reports on malware activities ✅ Cross-platform (Windows & macOS)	❌ No mobile app support ❌ Lacks advanced features like VPN or parental control	Paid
Norton Antivirus Plus	✅ Low system impact ✅ Frequently updated ✅ Excellent real-time malware protection ✅ Cloud backup (2GB) included ✅ Built-in VPN and password manager ✅ Dark web monitoring (premium tiers)	❌ Can be expensive on a per-device basis ❌ VPN and cloud storage are limited in basic plans ❌ Intrusive notifications	Paid
Vipre	✅ Robust real-time protection ✅ Excellent email protection (great for business users) ✅ Low system impact ✅ Data loss prevention features ✅ Good for home and business environments	❌Lacks features like VPN or parental controls ❌ Some users find the UI to be too basic ❌ Limited mobile device support	Free trial
Kaspersky	✅ Top-notch malware, ransomware, and phishing protection ✅ Low resource consumption ✅ Works across PC, Mac, and mobile ✅ Advanced transaction protection ✅ Built-in password manager ✅ Affordable pricing	❌Data privacy concerns (especially in the US and EU) due to alleged ties with government ❌ Limited features in the free version ❌ Lacks advanced tools like optimization or a VPN	Paid
Avast Free Antivirus	✅ Comprehensive free version with great malware protection ✅ Behavior shield monitors suspicious app activity ✅ Built-in browser cleaner ✅ Frequent updates ✅ Low resource footprint ✅ Silent mode for gaming and streaming	❌ Privacy concerns due to past data-sharing practices ❌ Intrusive upgrade prompts ❌ Advanced features require a paid upgrade	Free
Avira Antivirus Premium	✅ Strong protection against web-based threats and ransomware ✅ Includes privacy-focused features like system tune-up tools ✅ Excellent detection rates ✅ Built-in driver updater ✅ Good free and paid options	❌ Can use more system resources compared to competitors	Paid

Need more information? Keep reading!

Which antivirus is best for Windows 10?

ESET HOME Security Essential – Best Windows 10 antivirus overall

ESET HOME Security Essential is ranked as one of the best antivirus for Windows 10. Their antivirus solutions protect against malware, including viruses, ransomware, worms, as well as spyware.

So, the most modern assaults and harmful activity on your PC are no match for LiveGuard from ESET HOME Security Essential, which will integrate well into 2024.

Additionally, ESET HOME Security Essential offers military-grade encryption for all your passcodes when your device is lost or destroyed, so nothing leaks or gets stolen.

It is critical to prevent unauthorized access and exploitation of your data and camera, as well as to secure online payments and safeguard your online experience. This is where ESET shines; therefore, your virtual identity is always shielded.

Here are the perks of using Internet Security:

• Install & forget the antivirus model
• Active web-browsing protection
• Minimal power usage
• Ransomware and spyware shield
• Gamer Mode
• Online banking & payment protection
• Suitable for Windows, macOS, and Linux

ESET HOME Security Essential

A lightweight antivirus that offers just the protection all your devices need against the latest malware.

Free Trial Visit Website

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus – Most security features

Bitdefender has an excellent antivirus technology approach proven to be a cutting-edge solution on Windows. You will soon see why we ranked it as the best antivirus for Windows 10 that doesn’t slow down your computer.

It’s an award-winning antivirus developer that has garnered wide appraisal over the years. This is thanks to its efficiency in fighting off malware balanced with a low system impact.

Also, Bitdefender antivirus products are an entire security suite filled with tools that make using your PC a worry-free experience.

Furthermore, the Bitdefender family comprises five products. These are Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, Bitdefender Internet Security, Bitdefender Total Security, Bitdefender Family Pack, and Bitdefender Premium Security.

These five entries share one common goal: they hold your PC’s security as their top priority.

Finally, those interested in Mobile security should also know that Bitdefender hasn’t forgotten about them, providing them with Bitdefender Mobile Security (Available for Android and iOS), a product just for them.

Here are the perks of using Bitdefender Antivirus Plus:

• Protection against unauthorized use of your microphone and webcam
• A single subscription gives you protection for multiple devices
• You gain real-time protection against cyber-threats
• Anti-theft features for your devices’ protection
• You are provided with a premium-class VPN (limited)
• Gives you anonymity on public Wi-Fi
• Built-in browser protection
• Built-in password manager

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Get the best antivirus tool of the year, now available at a discount for a limited time!

Check price Visit Website

Total AV – Great for browsing security

Firstly, Total AV is an award-winning antivirus and security software that protects every aspect of your PC. It offers virus protection, safe web surfing, block tracking cookies, as well as verification for breach attempts. Thus we ranked it as one of the best antivirus for a Windows 10 Home user.

Additionally, you get real-time protection from threats by checking all downloads, installs, and executables for any scripts or viruses.

Furthermore, its bright protection system keeps you safe from ransomware and phishing software that wants to lay hands on your data.

Total AV also provides WebShield in your browser to browse the web safely and securely. Hence, it is a defense against fake, scam, or phishing websites that exploit unknowing users. Also, this means that Total AV lets you take control of the browsing experience for browsers.

Lastly, with a built-in ad blocker for websites and videos, you will never see those annoying ads again.

Here are the perks of using Total AV:

• Great real-time protection
• WebShield for browser protection
• Data breach monitoring
• Compatibility with Mac, Android, and iOS
• Blocking of tracking cookies

Total AV

A simple solution for a complete package of protection.

Check Price Visit Website

Guard.io – Best for internet browsing

Firstly, Guard.io is a lightweight Chrome extension that is one of the best antivirus for Windows 10. It’s built to create the safest way of browsing the internet.

Additionally, since it takes seconds to add to your browser, it provides immediate online security. Your browsing experience will be smoother with no annoying pop-ups and scam notifications.

Also, harmful sites will be blocked immediately, while advanced anti-phishing protection will prevent all attempts to steal your data.

Furthermore, Guardio acts as your online bodyguard. Hence, its machine learning integrations, cloud infrastructure, and security research bring state-of-the-art web browsing protection.

Lastly, you can keep your whole organization safe by having unlimited licenses within one subscription plan.

Here are the perks of using Guard.io:

• Install with just a click right into the browser
• Real-time protection against any threats
• Malicious site blocking
• Links, emails, and web pages verification before you open them
• Personal data security and breaches notifications
• Malicious Extension Removal

Guard.io

Your browsing bodyguard for any online threats.

Free Trial Visit Website

Norton Antivirus Plus – Best for home PC

Norton does a fantastic job updating its virus databases and is one of the best antivirus apps for Windows 10.

Also, it works silently in the background, having minimum impact on your system’s resources.

What distinguishes Norton is the multi-layered approach to protecting your device from assaults by identifying hazardous files, preventing the download, and removing viruses or malware such as worms and trojan viruses.

Email scanning is essential for protecting against malicious emails. So, Norton Antivirus checks outgoing and incoming emails to guarantee that no potentially harmful emails are sent or downloaded.

Additionally, you receive up to 2GB of cloud backup space to save and defend essential files and documents from hard disk failure and hardware theft.

The drawback of Norton is that it is pricey per device. However, it also provides excellent performance when gaming in silent mode.

Here are the perks of using Norton antivirus products:

• Efficient real-time protection
• Built-in password manager
• Comes with a built-in VPN
• Frequently updated
• Low system impact

Norton AntiVirus Plus

Multi-layered, smart encryption helps safeguard your devices from arising from various malware threats.

Check price Visit Website

Vipre – Best email security

Vipre is among the best antivirus apps for Windows 10 for every aspect of your PC and online surfing. It is excellent for both home and business use.

Also, with award-winning endpoint protection, email security, and data loss prevention, Vipre is one of the industry leaders. It creates security layers from every possible angle to ensure your data is safe.

Additionally, anti-malware, anti-phishing, and smart email verification features protect all online activities from threats.

Furthermore, you will experience web browsing without ads, unnecessary notifications, and spam pop-ups for the time being. Vipre works to create the best user experience.

Also, Vipre has unparalleled engine systems for the business side that give you complete insights into your security strengths and weaknesses and deliver ways to improve them.

No matter how big your organization is, data security is critical. So, avoid data breaches with Vipre’s patch management, ransomware protection, and endpoint malware protection.

Since your employees receive hundreds of emails daily, a layer of security is essential. Hence, VIPRE Email Security solutions ensure that all inbound messages are scanned for suspicious content.

Here are the perks of using Vipre:

• Data loss prevention
• Email verification before opening
• Prevention of sending emails to the wrong person
• Malware, ransomware, phishing protection
• Home and business subscription plan
• Real-time protection using threat intelligence
• Remote employees protection

Vipre

Keep your business protected and your email secured.

Free Trial Visit Website

Kaspersky – Best malware protection

Kaspersky Antivirus is one of the best antivirus apps for Windows 10. It is an anti-malware tool with a long history in the industry.

This software tool has evolved for some time now, providing anti-malware solutions for home and much larger business environments, each tool being adapted specifically for its job.

Kaspersky’s antivirus disinfection feature may be disappointing. When a file becomes infected with a virus, most antivirus programs delete the entire file; however, Kaspersky does not.

This may be troublesome in the future because of the clutter on your PC if the corrupted file is not completely removed.

However, on the bright side, Kaspersky was once used to uncover a kind of malware called MiniDuke.

According to a Kaspersky specialist in spy gear examination, MiniDuke hails from a school of modern espionage software created for snooping.

So, it is useful if you work remotely and suspect someone is spying on you and intends to steal your work.

Get a year-long license, and you never have to worry about malware regarding your home and business.

Lastly, among all its strengths and weaknesses, Kasperky prides itself on its products’ transparency and efficiency.

Here are the perks of using Kaspersky:

• Easy-to-use
• Light resource usage
• Transaction protection
• Built-in password manager
• Works for PC, Mac, and mobile devices

Kaspersky

Kaspersky uses advanced monitoring systems to detect both known and unknown harmful spyware.

Free Trial Visit Website

Avast Free Antivirus – Best free antivirus option

Firstly, This antivirus tool is one of the best for Windows 10.

First, we love the Behavior Shield. With this function, Avast monitors the behavior of individual apps on a computer to counter anything suspicious.

Also, Avast Omni, Premium Security, and Free Antivirus have CyberCapture, which automatically detects questionable files and sends them to the cloud for review.

Additionally, the free version may assist with password management, browser cleansing, and network security. It also has a Do Not Disturb mode, preventing popups when viewing movies or playing games.

However, the downside is that it has a lousy track record for detecting and eradicating malware, spyware, and trojans.

Despite its excellent antivirus protection, we would not rely on Avast free antivirus since we require continuous protection against additional dangers.

Finally, you get what you pay for, and upgrading to the premium version will unlock this tool’s full potential.

Here are the perks of using Avast Free Antivirus:

• Frequently updated
• Limited resource footprint
• Efficient virus removal
• Works silently during gaming and movie-watching sessions

Avast Free Antivirus

Avast scores first in malware blocking and anti-phishing testing and scanning of the network.

Free Download Visit Website

Avira Antivirus – Great free protection

Avira is one of the best antivirus apps for Windows 10. The developer has improved the software significantly over the past year to be competitive enough.

As such, the Avira security suite now includes several products, among which three stand out.

Avira provides a free solution with the basics, a traditional antivirus, and a premium product: Free Security, Internet Security, and Prime.

Additionally, Avira Free Security can detect and prevent emerging threats and zero-day exploits.

Also, you receive several privacy and performance utilities, including a VPN and password manager, driver updates, and memory optimization.

Lastly, Avira’s disadvantage is that it consumes more resources than its competitors. As a result, this may not be ideal for you if you have a PC that quickly drains its battery.

Here are the perks of using Avira:

• Advanced web & ransomware protection
• Premium tune-up tools
• Built-in VPN
• Software and driver patching
• VIP customer support

Avira Antivirus

Best free antivirus software with enticing upgrade options if you want better protection.

Free download Visit Website

Does Windows 10 need antivirus?

Yes, Windows 10 certainly needs an antivirus. Even though Windows constantly updates the OS for better security, you’ll always need to use an antivirus that can quickly detect, block, and remove threats. 

Such tools can block access to malicious sites, stop intrusive pop-ups, prevent/detect spam, and protect your privacy against spyware, data theft, hackers, and phishing attacks.

Good cyber hygiene also goes a long way, but no matter how well-versed you are in online security, you can never be too sure. New threats arise daily.

Summary

That concludes our list of the best antivirus tools for Windows 10. We will update the list once more information is uncovered to provide you with the most updated and relevant information.

If interested, check out our guide on Antivirus statistics to know more about the importance of security tools. And finally, check out our antivirus market share report to find out which antivirus is topping the charts.

Did you download the best antivirus for Windows 10? Let us know by leaving your feedback in the comments below.