The best antivirus for threatware in 2024

According to AV-Test, some 30 million new malware samples were detected in 2023. Threatware is growing and constantly evolving and will not go away anytime soon. Staying one step ahead of the latest threats is all the more important. Not all antivirus programs are equally capable of protecting against threats. Their detection methods, update frequency, and features can all impact their effectiveness.

Threatware uses various sophisticated techniques to sneak past security measures, including antivirus programs. These methods continually evolve, making detecting and neutralizing threats all the more challenging.

With this in mind, we’ve tested many different antivirus programs to find the best antivirus for threat detection. Below is an overview of our top choices.

The best antivirus for threatware:

1. Norton 360: Best antivirus for threatware. Smart firewall, VPN, and identity theft protection. High detection rate and 24-hour live chat support. Parental controls make it a good option for families.
2. Surfshark Antivirus: Best value antivirus for threatware. Includes one of the best VPNs on the market, a lightweight and user-friendly app, and 24-hour live chat support.
3. TotalAV: Much improved apps and greater billing transparency. Scores well in testing labs and includes ransomware protection. Even offers a VPN and password manager.
4. Intego Antivirus: Emphasis on antivirus protection for Mac (also available for Windows). Real-time protection and easy to use. Two-way firewall for extra protection.
5. McAfee Total Protection: Protects against a wide range of threats including identity theft. Features include a firewall and VPN. Option to secure multiple devices.
6. VIPRE Antivirus: Strong scoring across the board. Available for Windows and Mac. Includes ransomware protection and various features to secure online browsing.
7. Bitdefender Internet Security: Packed with security features but remains user-friendly. Performed well in testing and provides 24/7 live chat support.

Criteria for the best threatware antivirus

With so many antivirus providers available, it helps to have a clear set of criteria to narrow down the options. Below, we provide an overview of what we were looking for, although you can find out even more about our testing process in our methodology later on in this post.

• Comprehensive protection: A broad range of security features.
• Performance and compatibility: Light on resources and compatible with your OS.
• Ease of use: A user-friendly interface and straightforward navigation.
• Value for money: Fits your budget and provides good value for the level of protection.
• Customer support: Reliable customer support for assistance with any issues.

Best antivirus for threatware in 2024

Here’s our list of the best antivirus programs for threatware:

Aug 2024

Norton 360 is a comprehensive cybersecurity suite that integrates antivirus protection with a host of additional features, including a smart firewall, VPN, cloud backup, and identity theft protection. Norton 360 stands out for its extremely high detection rate. Its efficient operation ensures minimal impact on system resources for optimal device performance. The Norton 360 suite is particularly popular with families because of its robust parental controls.

All of this resulted in us providing Norton 360 with the following scores:

• Protection score: 99.75
• Performance score: 92.5
• False positives score: 86.9
• Transparency score: 80

The integrated VPN service of Norton 360 lets you browse anonymously and secure your connection on public Wi-Fi networks. This is, of course, particularly important nowadays when online surveillance and data breaches are increasingly common. The identity theft feature provides monitoring and alert services to protect your personal information from being exploited. Another advantage is Norton’s 24-hour support, which is available via live chat.

BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR THREATWARE:Norton 360 incorporates many features into one single package. It has a high detection rate and doesn’t slow down your device. Popular choice with families thanks to its parental controls. With a particularly generous 60-day money-back guarantee, you have plenty of time to try it out risk-free.

Read our full Norton Antivirus review.

Surfshark Antivirus is really just one part of a larger security suite in the form of Surfshark One. This includes a top-rated VPN service, a private search tool, and identity monitoring. In fact, it’s this comprehensive combination that makes it one of the best value options available. It stands out for having a particularly lightweight app with all features in one place. You can use Surfshark without having to worry about it slowing down your device.

• Protection Score: 99
• Performance Score: 94.5
• False Positives Score: 96
• Transparency Score: 93

With Surfshark Antivirus, you can expect real-time protection with immediate notifications of malicious apps or files. There’s also a level of customization in that you can schedule full scans at the most convenient times. It protects your identity by preventing unauthorized apps from accessing the webcam. Surfshark Antivirus receives regular updates and you can use it on up to five devices at once.

BEST BUDGET ANTIVIRUS:Surfshark Antivirus offers excellent value for money when you consider it includes an excellent VPN. Very lightweight, a user-friendly app, and a particularly impressive protection score. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark Antivirus review.

TotalAV has made great strides in recent years, overhauling its apps as well as becoming more transparent with regard to billing.TotalAV has added many new features, all of which are available under the same package. These include ransomware protection and cloud scanning. Depending on the plan you choose, you can even get access to a VPN, ad blocker, and password manager, making this a very comprehensive security suite.

• Protection score: 91.6
• Performance score: 83.3
• False positives score: 100
• Transparency score: 90

As you can see, TotalAV performed particularly well in the false positives department. With a score of 100, it didn’t once incorrectly block a legitimate program as a virus. TotalAV is highly regarded for the antivirus protection it provides as indicated by its consistently high scores in independent testing labs.

AFFORDABLE ANTIVIRUS:TotalAV is highly affordable, particularly when you consider how many features are included. Real-time antivirus protection, a VPN, and even a data breach checker. Very user-friendly with apps for desktop and mobile. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Total AV review.

Intego Antivirus is unique in that it is one of the few providers emphasizing its antivirus and anti-malware protection for Macs. Easy to set up and configure, you can choose between automatic and scheduled scanning as you see fit. Of course, you can expect real-time protection and a host of other threat protection tools. Notably, it has firewall protection.

• Protection score: 91
• Performance score: 91
• False positives score: 100
• Transparency score: 75

Some of the extras you can get with Intego Antivirus include parental controls (ContentBarrier) and a VPN. A generous 30-day free trial is included, and signup and setup are very straightforward. Live chat support makes resolving any issues you may encounter even easier.

BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR THREATWARE:Intego Antivirus focuses almost exclusively on providing protection for Mac computers. Lightweight and user-friendly design. Includes an incoming and outgoing firewall as well as live chat support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Intego Antivirus review.

McAfee Total Protection is a versatile antivirus solution with a comprehensive set of features. You get extensive protection against various cyber threats, be they viruses, malware, ransomware, or phishing attacks. McAfee Total Protection gives you the option to secure multiple devices under a single subscription, which makes it good value for families or individuals with several devices.

• Protection score: 91.73
• Performance score: 92.5
• False positives score: 97
• Transparency score: 95

One of McAfee Total Protection’s standout features is its identity theft protection service, which monitors personal information on the dark web and alerts you if your data is compromised. The software includes a password manager and a VPN to further secure online activities. McAfee Total Protection features an intuitive interface, making managing security settings and scans simpler.

IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION:McAfee Total Protection includes identity theft protection, a password manager, and VPN. It provides the option for you to protect all of your devices. Beginner-friendly interface. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full McAfee Antivirus review.

VIPRE Antivirus protects you from all forms of viruses and malware. This is reflected in its very impressive scores, with a nearly perfect protection score and full marks for false positives and transparency. VIPRE Antivirus is available for both Windows and Mac. It includes ransomware protection. Being cloud-based allows for the fastest possible protection.

• Protection score: 99.83
• Performance score: 94
• False positives score: 100
• Transparency score: 100

Depending on the subscription tier you opt for, you can potentially have a whole host of extra features designed to protect you while browsing the web. In particular, VIPRE Antivirus offers protection against phishing, a webcam and microphone blocker, and a dark web scanner (which warns you if your personal information surfaces on the dark web).

BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR THREATWARE:VIPRE Antivirus has an affordable first year subscription and a nearly 100 percent protection score. Receives regular updates and offers a dark web monitoring feature. Numerous privacy tools. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full VIPRE Antivirus review.

Bitdefender is a leading cybersecurity provider. Founded in 2001, it delivers comprehensive protection against various cyber threats with user-friendly apps for Windows (Bitdefender Antivirus Plus), Mac, Android, and iOS. Just some of its many advanced features include multi-layer ransomware protection, real-time behavioral detection, and a cloud-based scanning system.

• Protection score: 99.3
• Performance score: 91.5
• False positives score: 100
• Transparency score: 100

Where Bitdefender stands out from many other antivirus solutions is that it has consistently excelled in independent tests, proving to be fast and accurate. If you desire even greater protection, it offers plenty of optional extras, including a VPN and password manager. If you need help, Bitdefender offers 24/7 live chat support.

BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR THREATWARE:Bitdefender Antivirus Plus has no shortage of security features and performed particularly well in independent tests. Easy to use and provides 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Bitdefender Antivirus review.

Antivirus testing methodology: How we found the best threatware software solutions

In our efforts to find the best antivirus for threatware, we employed a comprehensive testing methodology. Here are some of the key aspects we considered:

• System impact: Not all antivirus programs are capable of providing comprehensive protection from threatware without significantly impacting system performance. We’ve prioritized lightweight antivirus programs that are able to operate efficiently without putting too much strain on system resources, even when performing a full scan.
• Extra features: We looked at the additional security features offered by each antivirus, such as firewalls, VPNs, parental controls, and identity theft protection. These tools improve your overall security and offer more value.
• Ease of use: This may be your first time using an antivirus program so it helps if it has a user-friendly interface so you can easily navigate its features. We assessed each software’s setup process and configuration options. We also wanted to make sure that any alerts and reports were clear and easy to understand.
• Update frequency: Frequent updates are essential for keeping antivirus software effective against new threats. We examined how often the virus definitions and software features are updated.
• Customer support: Should you have any issues with your new antivirus, it’s good to know you have quality customer support to fall back on. As part of our testing, we evaluated the options provided including live chat, email, and phone support, as well as the availability of resources like FAQs and community forums.
• Value for money: We also compared the cost of each antivirus program against the features offered and number of devices covered in a single subscription. The aim was to find those that offered the best balance between affordability and comprehensive protection. Free trials and generous money-back guarantees were also considered.

You can find out more about how we test antivirus tools at Comparitech in our antivirus software testing methodology post.

How to use an antivirus for threatware

First time using an antivirus? Getting set up so that the antivirus can protect your device from threatware is actually very simple.

Here’s how to protect your device from threatware using an antivirus:

1. Start by signing up with one of the best antivirus programs for threatware. We particularly recommend Norton 360.
2. Download the antivirus software from the official website, following the installation instructions provided by the software.
3. Once installed, update the antivirus software to make sure you have the latest version (most programs offer automatic updates).
4. Perform a full system scan to check for existing threats on your device. Once the scan is completed, follow any recommended actions if threats are detected.
5. That’s it! You could also enable real-time protection for continuous monitoring of your system. It’s also a good idea to schedule regular scans.

Antivirus for threatware: FAQs