Antivirus, Security & Privacy Software — 100 Products

 

Online security software has expanded well beyond traditional antivirus programs. Today's security products can cover malware, ransomware, phishing, unsafe websites, passwords, identity monitoring, VPN privacy, device security and family protection.

The best choice depends on what you are trying to protect. Someone who simply wants malware protection may need a lightweight antivirus program, while a family with multiple computers and smartphones may benefit from an internet security suite. A privacy-focused user may prioritize a VPN, while someone managing dozens of online accounts may get more value from a dedicated password manager.

This list brings together 100 antivirus, internet security, VPN, password-management, identity-protection and privacy products to help shoppers compare different approaches to digital security.

Shop Antivirus, Security & Privacy Software on Amazon:
Shop Antivirus, Security & Privacy Software

Quick Comparison

Buyer Intent	Main Protection	Typical Price	Best For
Antivirus	Malware and ransomware	Free–$100+/year	Individual devices
Internet security	Multi-layered protection	$30–$200+/year	Families and multiple devices
VPN	Online privacy and encrypted connections	Free–$150+/year	Privacy and travel
Password managers	Passwords and credentials	Free–$60+/year	Account security
Identity & privacy	Identity monitoring and data protection	$30–$300+/year	High-value personal information

Prices are approximate and can vary by plan, number of devices, region, promotional pricing and renewal terms. Digital security subscriptions also change their included features over time.

---

1. Antivirus Software

1. Norton AntiVirus Plus

• Type: Antivirus software

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Real-time malware protection, ransomware protection and password manager

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $20–$60/year

• Best for: Individual Windows and Mac users

2. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

• Type: Antivirus software

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Malware protection, phishing protection and ransomware defense

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $20–$60/year

• Best for: Everyday PC protection

3. McAfee Antivirus

• Type: Antivirus software

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Malware scanning and web protection

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $30–$80/year

• Best for: Individual users

4. ESET NOD32 Antivirus

• Type: Antivirus software

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Real-time protection with a relatively lightweight design

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $40–$60/year

• Best for: Users prioritizing performance

5. Malwarebytes Premium

• Type: Anti-malware software

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Malware, ransomware, exploit and web protection

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $40–$60/year

• Best for: Malware protection and cleanup

6. Avast Premium Security

• Type: Antivirus software

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Malware protection, web protection and ransomware defense

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $40–$80/year

• Best for: Comprehensive individual protection

7. AVG Internet Security

• Type: Antivirus/security software

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Malware, ransomware and web protection

• Quality: Very good

• Price: Around $40–$80/year

• Best for: Budget-conscious users

8. Avira Antivirus Pro

• Type: Antivirus software

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Malware protection, web security and privacy tools

• Quality: Very good

• Price: Around $30–$60/year

• Best for: Users wanting straightforward protection

9. F-Secure Internet Security

• Type: Security software

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Malware, ransomware and browsing protection

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $40–$80/year

• Best for: Windows and Mac users

10. Trend Micro Antivirus+

• Type: Antivirus software

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Malware, ransomware and phishing protection

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $30–$60/year

• Best for: Web-focused protection

11. Panda Dome Essential

• Type: Antivirus software

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Real-time malware protection and Wi-Fi security

• Quality: Very good

• Price: Around $30–$50/year

• Best for: Basic device security

12. Webroot Antivirus

• Type: Cloud-based antivirus

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Cloud scanning and real-time threat detection

• Quality: Very good

• Price: Around $30–$50/year

• Best for: Lightweight security

13. Emsisoft Anti-Malware

• Type: Anti-malware software

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Malware blocking and behavioral detection

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $30–$70/year

• Best for: Advanced malware protection

14. Sophos Home

• Type: Home security software

• Connection: Cloud

• Feature: Malware and web protection

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Free–premium depending on plan

• Best for: Households managing multiple computers

15. Malwarebytes Free

• Type: Malware scanner

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: On-demand malware scanning

• Quality: Very good

• Price: Free

• Best for: Occasional malware scanning

16. Avast Free Antivirus

• Type: Free antivirus

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Malware scanning and real-time protection

• Quality: Very good

• Price: Free

• Best for: Basic protection

17. AVG AntiVirus Free

• Type: Free antivirus

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Malware detection and basic protection

• Quality: Very good

• Price: Free

• Best for: Budget users

18. Avira Free Security

• Type: Free security software

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Antivirus, privacy and system-security tools

• Quality: Very good

• Price: Free

• Best for: Basic multi-feature protection

19. Panda Dome Free

• Type: Free antivirus

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Malware protection and security monitoring

• Quality: Very good

• Price: Free

• Best for: Basic Windows protection

20. Sophos Home Premium

• Type: Premium home antivirus

• Connection: Cloud

• Feature: Malware, ransomware and web protection

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $40–$70/year

• Best for: Families

21. ESET Internet Security

• Type: Antivirus and security software

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Malware, phishing, ransomware and network protection

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $40–$70/year

• Best for: Advanced everyday protection

22. Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac

• Type: Mac security software

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Malware, phishing and privacy protection

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $30–$60/year

• Best for: Mac users

23. Intego Mac Internet Security

• Type: Mac security software

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Malware protection and network security

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $40–$70/year

• Best for: Mac-focused protection

24. Norton AntiVirus for Mac

• Type: Mac antivirus

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Malware, ransomware and web protection

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $20–$60/year

• Best for: Mac users wanting Norton protection

25. Kaspersky Standard

• Type: Antivirus/security software

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Malware, phishing and online protection

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $30–$60/year

• Best for: Users in supported markets

---

2. Internet Security & Complete Security Suites

Security suites combine multiple security functions into one subscription. Depending on the product, this can include antivirus, firewall protection, VPN, password management, parental controls, backup and identity-monitoring tools.

26. Norton 360 Deluxe

• Type: Internet security suite

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Antivirus, VPN, password manager, parental controls and cloud backup

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $50–$120/year

• Best for: Families and multi-device users

27. Norton 360 Premium

• Type: Security suite

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Antivirus, VPN, password manager and larger device coverage

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $60–$150/year

• Best for: Larger households

28. Norton 360 Advanced

• Type: Comprehensive security suite

• Connection: Internet/cloud

• Feature: Security, privacy and identity-related tools

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Premium

• Best for: Users wanting broad digital protection

29. Bitdefender Total Security

• Type: Internet security suite

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Antivirus, ransomware defense, VPN, parental controls and vulnerability scanning

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $40–$100/year

• Best for: Multi-platform households

30. Bitdefender Internet Security

• Type: Internet security suite

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Antivirus, firewall, ransomware and parental controls

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $30–$80/year

• Best for: Windows households

31. Bitdefender Premium Security

• Type: Premium security suite

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Security protection with expanded privacy tools and VPN

• Quality: Premium

• Price: Around $60–$150/year

• Best for: Users wanting an all-in-one package

32. McAfee+ Premium

• Type: Security and identity suite

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Antivirus, VPN, password manager and identity monitoring

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $50–$150/year

• Best for: Families and multi-device users

33. McAfee+ Advanced

• Type: Security suite

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Security, privacy and identity tools

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $80–$180/year

• Best for: Users wanting broader identity protection

34. McAfee+ Ultimate

• Type: Premium security suite

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Antivirus, VPN, password manager and identity protection

• Quality: Premium

• Price: Around $150–$250/year

• Best for: Comprehensive household protection

35. ESET Home Security Essential

• Type: Security suite

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Malware and online security protection

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $40–$70/year

• Best for: Everyday home security

36. ESET Home Security Premium

• Type: Premium security suite

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Antivirus, password-related tools and enhanced security features

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $60–$100/year

• Best for: Advanced home users

37. ESET Home Security Ultimate

• Type: Premium security suite

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Security, privacy and VPN-related tools

• Quality: Premium

• Price: Around $80–$120/year

• Best for: Users wanting extensive protection

38. Avast Premium Security

• Type: Internet security suite

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Malware, phishing, ransomware and network protection

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $40–$100/year

• Best for: Home computers

39. Avast One

• Type: Security suite

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Antivirus, privacy tools, VPN and security monitoring

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Free–premium

• Best for: Users wanting security and privacy together

40. AVG Internet Security

• Type: Internet security suite

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Malware, ransomware and payment protection

• Quality: Very good

• Price: Around $40–$80/year

• Best for: Home users

41. AVG Ultimate

• Type: Security and optimization suite

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Antivirus, VPN and device optimization

• Quality: Very good

• Price: Around $60–$120/year

• Best for: Users wanting security plus optimization

42. F-Secure Total

• Type: Complete security suite

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Antivirus, VPN, password management and identity monitoring

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $60–$120/year

• Best for: Comprehensive privacy and security

43. Trend Micro Maximum Security

• Type: Internet security suite

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Malware, ransomware, phishing and privacy protection

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $50–$100/year

• Best for: Families and multiple devices

44. Trend Micro Premium Security

• Type: Premium security suite

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Antivirus, ransomware protection, privacy and password tools

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $80–$150/year

• Best for: Multi-device households

45. Kaspersky Plus

• Type: Internet security suite

• Connection: Internet/software activation

• Feature: Antivirus, privacy tools and VPN

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $40–$80/year

• Best for: Users in supported markets

---

3. VPN & Online Privacy Software

A VPN creates an encrypted connection between your device and a VPN service. It can improve privacy on networks you do not fully trust and can help reduce exposure of your normal IP address. However, a VPN is not a replacement for antivirus software, strong passwords or multi-factor authentication.

Current VPN comparisons commonly assess privacy policy, speed, server coverage, device support, usability and additional security features.

46. NordVPN

• Type: VPN service

• Connection: Encrypted VPN tunnel

• Feature: Secure browsing, multiple protocols and threat-blocking features

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $40–$150/year

• Best for: General privacy

47. Surfshark VPN

• Type: VPN service

• Connection: Encrypted VPN tunnel

• Feature: Unlimited device connections and privacy tools

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $40–$100/year

• Best for: Households with many devices

48. ExpressVPN

• Type: VPN service

• Connection: Encrypted VPN tunnel

• Feature: User-friendly apps and broad device support

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $60–$150/year

• Best for: Beginners

49. Proton VPN

• Type: Privacy-focused VPN

• Connection: Encrypted VPN tunnel

• Feature: Strong privacy architecture and no-logs policy

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Free–premium

• Best for: Privacy-focused users

50. Private Internet Access VPN

• Type: VPN service

• Connection: Encrypted VPN tunnel

• Feature: Broad configuration options and device support

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $40–$100/year

• Best for: Advanced VPN users

51. CyberGhost VPN

• Type: VPN service

• Connection: Encrypted VPN tunnel

• Feature: Large server network and easy-to-use apps

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $40–$100/year

• Best for: Streaming and general privacy

52. IPVanish

• Type: VPN service

• Connection: Encrypted VPN tunnel

• Feature: VPN encryption and multi-device support

• Quality: Very good

• Price: Around $40–$100/year

• Best for: Multi-device users

53. Windscribe VPN

• Type: VPN service

• Connection: Encrypted VPN tunnel

• Feature: VPN, ad blocking and flexible plans

• Quality: Very good

• Price: Free–premium

• Best for: Flexible privacy protection

54. Mullvad VPN

• Type: Privacy-focused VPN

• Connection: Encrypted VPN tunnel

• Feature: Privacy-focused account model and secure connections

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $60–$70/year

• Best for: Privacy enthusiasts

55. PrivateVPN

• Type: VPN service

• Connection: Encrypted VPN tunnel

• Feature: VPN encryption and multi-platform apps

• Quality: Very good

• Price: Around $30–$80/year

• Best for: Budget VPN users

56. PureVPN

• Type: VPN service

• Connection: Encrypted VPN tunnel

• Feature: Multi-device VPN and privacy tools

• Quality: Very good

• Price: Around $30–$100/year

• Best for: Multi-device households

57. Hide.me VPN

• Type: VPN service

• Connection: Encrypted VPN tunnel

• Feature: Privacy protection and configurable connections

• Quality: Very good

• Price: Free–premium

• Best for: Privacy-conscious users

58. TunnelBear VPN

• Type: VPN service

• Connection: Encrypted VPN tunnel

• Feature: Simple VPN applications

• Quality: Very good

• Price: Free–premium

• Best for: VPN beginners

59. Hotspot Shield

• Type: VPN service

• Connection: Encrypted VPN tunnel

• Feature: VPN encryption and multi-platform support

• Quality: Very good

• Price: Free–premium

• Best for: Casual VPN users

60. VyprVPN

• Type: VPN service

• Connection: Encrypted VPN tunnel

• Feature: VPN privacy and secure browsing

• Quality: Very good

• Price: Around $60–$120/year

• Best for: General online privacy

61. TorGuard VPN

• Type: VPN service

• Connection: Encrypted VPN tunnel

• Feature: Configurable VPN connections

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $60–$120/year

• Best for: Advanced users

62. StrongVPN

• Type: VPN service

• Connection: Encrypted VPN tunnel

• Feature: VPN encryption and multi-platform support

• Quality: Very good

• Price: Around $40–$100/year

• Best for: Everyday privacy

63. Mozilla VPN

• Type: Privacy VPN

• Connection: Encrypted VPN tunnel

• Feature: VPN protection backed by Mozilla

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $50–$70/year

• Best for: Privacy-conscious users

64. PrivadoVPN

• Type: VPN service

• Connection: Encrypted VPN tunnel

• Feature: VPN privacy with free and paid options

• Quality: Very good

• Price: Free–premium

• Best for: Occasional VPN use

65. Atlas VPN

• Type: VPN service

• Connection: Encrypted VPN tunnel

• Feature: VPN privacy and multi-device support

• Quality: Very good

• Price: Around $30–$80/year

• Best for: Budget privacy users

---

4. Password Managers & Credential Security

Password managers are designed to reduce the need to remember numerous individual passwords. Many can generate strong passwords, store credentials in encrypted vaults and synchronize information between supported devices.

66. 1Password

• Type: Password manager

• Connection: Cloud synchronization

• Feature: Encrypted password vault, password generation and passkeys

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $36–$60/year

• Best for: Individuals and families

67. Bitwarden Premium

• Type: Password manager

• Connection: Cloud/browser/mobile

• Feature: Encrypted vault, password generation and passkeys

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $10–$20/year

• Best for: Budget-conscious security users

68. Bitwarden Families

• Type: Family password manager

• Connection: Cloud

• Feature: Shared secure vaults and password management

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $40–$60/year

• Best for: Families

69. Dashlane Premium

• Type: Password manager

• Connection: Cloud/browser/mobile

• Feature: Password storage, password generation and security alerts

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $60–$100/year

• Best for: Individuals

70. Dashlane Friends & Family

• Type: Family password manager

• Connection: Cloud

• Feature: Shared password management

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $60–$100/year

• Best for: Families

71. Keeper Password Manager

• Type: Password manager

• Connection: Cloud/browser/mobile

• Feature: Encrypted vault, password generation and secure sharing

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $30–$60/year

• Best for: Personal security

72. Keeper Family

• Type: Family password manager

• Connection: Cloud

• Feature: Multiple private vaults and secure sharing

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $70–$100/year

• Best for: Families

73. NordPass Premium

• Type: Password manager

• Connection: Cloud/browser/mobile

• Feature: Password storage, passkeys and credential management

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $30–$60/year

• Best for: Nord security ecosystem users

74. NordPass Family

• Type: Family password manager

• Connection: Cloud

• Feature: Shared password management for households

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $60–$100/year

• Best for: Families

75. RoboForm Everywhere

• Type: Password manager

• Connection: Cloud/browser/mobile

• Feature: Password storage, form filling and password generation

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $20–$40/year

• Best for: Everyday password management

76. RoboForm Family

• Type: Family password manager

• Connection: Cloud

• Feature: Shared family password management

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $50–$80/year

• Best for: Families

77. Sticky Password Premium

• Type: Password manager

• Connection: Cloud/local synchronization

• Feature: Password storage and secure credential management

• Quality: Very good

• Price: Around $30/year

• Best for: Personal password security

78. Enpass Premium

• Type: Password manager

• Connection: Local/cloud synchronization

• Feature: Encrypted password vault and offline access

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $20–$50

• Best for: Users wanting flexible storage

79. mSecure

• Type: Password manager

• Connection: Cloud/device synchronization

• Feature: Password and sensitive-information storage

• Quality: Very good

• Price: Around $20–$50/year

• Best for: Personal credential management

80. Proton Pass

• Type: Privacy-focused password manager

• Connection: Cloud/browser/mobile

• Feature: Passwords, passkeys and encrypted information

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Free–premium

• Best for: Privacy-focused users

---

5. Identity Protection, Privacy & Security Tools

81. Aura

• Type: Identity and digital-security platform

• Connection: Cloud/mobile

• Feature: Identity monitoring, financial monitoring and privacy tools

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $50–$150/year

• Best for: Comprehensive identity protection

82. LifeLock Standard

• Type: Identity protection

• Connection: Cloud

• Feature: Identity monitoring and alerts

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $100–$150/year

• Best for: Identity monitoring

83. LifeLock Advantage

• Type: Identity protection suite

• Connection: Cloud

• Feature: Identity monitoring and additional protection services

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $150–$250/year

• Best for: Enhanced identity protection

84. LifeLock Ultimate Plus

• Type: Premium identity protection

• Connection: Cloud

• Feature: Broad identity, financial and security monitoring

• Quality: Premium

• Price: Around $200+/year

• Best for: High-value identity protection

85. McAfee Identity Monitoring

• Type: Identity monitoring

• Connection: Cloud

• Feature: Monitoring for exposed personal information

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Subscription-based

• Best for: Identity-conscious users

86. F-Secure ID Protection

• Type: Identity protection

• Connection: Cloud/mobile

• Feature: Personal-data monitoring and breach alerts

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $40–$80/year

• Best for: Personal-data monitoring

87. Norton Privacy Monitor

• Type: Privacy service

• Connection: Web

• Feature: Helps identify personal information exposed by data brokers

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Subscription-based

• Best for: Privacy-conscious users

88. Incogni

• Type: Personal-data removal service

• Connection: Cloud

• Feature: Helps automate data-broker removal requests

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $50–$100/year

• Best for: Reducing data-broker exposure

89. DeleteMe

• Type: Personal-data removal service

• Connection: Cloud

• Feature: Data-broker search and removal assistance

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $100+/year

• Best for: Privacy-focused consumers

90. Optery

• Type: Data-removal service

• Connection: Cloud

• Feature: Data-broker exposure reports and removal assistance

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Free–premium

• Best for: Reducing personal-data exposure

91. Privacy Bee

• Type: Privacy-management service

• Connection: Cloud

• Feature: Personal-data removal and privacy management

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Subscription-based

• Best for: Advanced privacy management

92. IronVest

• Type: Privacy and identity-protection software

• Connection: Browser/mobile

• Feature: Masked identities, private browsing tools and credential protection

• Quality: Very good

• Price: Free–premium

• Best for: Online privacy

93. DuckDuckGo Privacy Pro

• Type: Privacy service

• Connection: Browser/mobile

• Feature: Private browsing and additional privacy services

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Subscription-based

• Best for: Privacy-focused browsing

94. Malwarebytes Privacy VPN

• Type: Privacy VPN

• Connection: Encrypted VPN tunnel

• Feature: Private browsing and encrypted connections

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $40–$60/year

• Best for: Malwarebytes users wanting VPN protection

95. Surfshark One

• Type: Security and privacy suite

• Connection: Cloud/software

• Feature: VPN, antivirus and identity/privacy tools

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $50–$100/year

• Best for: Users wanting VPN plus security

96. NordVPN Plus

• Type: Security bundle

• Connection: Cloud/software

• Feature: VPN, password management and additional threat-protection tools

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Around $50–$150/year

• Best for: Combined VPN and credential protection

97. NordVPN Complete

• Type: Complete security suite

• Connection: Cloud/software

• Feature: VPN, password manager, identity-related tools and threat protection

• Quality: Premium

• Price: Around $70–$180/year

• Best for: Comprehensive online protection

98. Bitdefender Scamio

• Type: Scam-detection tool

• Connection: Web/app

• Feature: Helps analyze suspicious messages, links and potential scams

• Quality: Very good

• Price: Free/availability dependent

• Best for: Checking suspicious online content

99. Malwarebytes Browser Guard

• Type: Browser security extension

• Connection: Web browser

• Feature: Blocks malicious websites, trackers and unwanted content

• Quality: Excellent

• Price: Free

• Best for: Safer web browsing

100. Avast Online Security & Privacy

• Type: Browser security extension

• Connection: Web browser

• Feature: Website reputation and privacy-related protection

• Quality: Very good

• Price: Free/paid features may vary

• Best for: Browser-focused security

---

How to Choose Antivirus, Security & Privacy Software

1. Decide what you actually need to protect

The first question should not be "Which antivirus is the best?"

Instead ask:

What problem am I trying to solve?

If you need protection against viruses and malware, start with antivirus software.

If you want protection for several computers and smartphones, consider an internet security suite.

If your concern is public Wi-Fi and online privacy, consider a VPN.

If you have dozens of online accounts, a password manager may provide more immediate value.

If your concern is personal information appearing online, look at identity-monitoring and data-removal services.

2. Antivirus versus a complete security suite

Antivirus software concentrates primarily on detecting and blocking malicious software.

A security suite may combine antivirus with:

• Firewall protection

• VPN

• Password manager

• Parental controls

• Cloud backup

• Dark-web monitoring

• Identity monitoring

• Anti-phishing protection

• Web protection

Security suites can therefore make sense for families or people managing several devices. Current security-suite comparisons emphasize the convenience of having several security functions under one subscription.

3. Free versus paid antivirus

Free antivirus can be appropriate for someone who wants basic malware protection without another subscription.

Paid software may make sense when you need additional features such as:

• Ransomware protection

• Password management

• VPN access

• Identity monitoring

• Parental controls

• Cloud backup

• Advanced phishing protection

• Multi-device coverage

Windows users should also remember that modern Windows versions include Microsoft Defender/Windows Security, so the value of buying another antivirus often comes from the additional features, rather than simply having antivirus software at all.

4. Choose software that supports your devices

Before buying, check compatibility with:

• Windows

• macOS

• Android

• iPhone/iPad

• Chromebook

• Linux, where applicable

Do not assume that every feature of a security suite works on every operating system.

For example, parental controls, VPN features, backup and certain identity features may have different functionality across Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.

5. Check the number of devices

If you have:

• 1 computer

• 2 smartphones

• 1 tablet

• 1 work laptop

• 1 family computer

a one-device license may quickly become poor value.

A multi-device plan can be more practical for households.

6. Consider system performance

Security software continuously monitors files, websites, applications and network activity.

For an older computer, look for products known for relatively low resource consumption.

For a modern high-performance computer, additional features may matter more than small differences in resource use.

7. Understand what a VPN does

A VPN can encrypt traffic between your device and the VPN service and can help conceal your normal IP address from websites and network observers.

But a VPN does not automatically:

• Remove malware

• Create strong passwords

• Stop every phishing attack

• Guarantee anonymity

• Protect a compromised account

• Replace two-factor authentication

For stronger protection, combine VPN use with updated software, strong passwords, multi-factor authentication and careful handling of links and attachments. Current VPN evaluations consider factors such as privacy, speed, security, usability and device compatibility.

8. Password managers are increasingly useful

Using one password across multiple websites creates a major security weakness.

A password manager can help you create and store different credentials for different accounts.

Look for:

• End-to-end/encrypted vaults

• Strong password generation

• Passkey support

• Multi-factor authentication

• Cross-device synchronization

• Secure sharing

• Account recovery options

9. Identity protection is different from antivirus

Antivirus protects devices and helps detect malicious software.

Identity protection focuses more on your personal information and financial identity.

Depending on the provider, identity services may monitor:

• Email addresses

• Phone numbers

• Financial information

• Credit information

• Personal identifiers

• Data-broker listings

• Breach information

These services can be useful for people concerned about identity theft, but features and remediation services vary considerably between providers.

10. Pay attention to renewal pricing

This is one of the most important purchasing considerations.

Security software frequently advertises an introductory price that can be substantially different from the renewal price.

Before buying, check:

• First-year price

• Renewal price

• Number of devices

• Subscription length

• Automatic renewal

• Included VPN data

• Password-manager limitations

• Cloud-storage allowance

• Identity-protection coverage

• Cancellation terms

A cheaper first year does not necessarily mean the product is cheaper over several years.

---

Best Products by Buyer Intent

Best for basic antivirus: Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, Norton AntiVirus Plus, ESET NOD32 and Malwarebytes Premium.

Best for families: Norton 360 Deluxe, McAfee+ Premium, Bitdefender Total Security and F-Secure Total.

Best for multi-device security: McAfee+ Premium, Norton 360 Premium and Bitdefender Total Security.

Best for privacy-focused VPN users: Proton VPN, Mullvad VPN, NordVPN and Surfshark.

Best for beginners: Norton 360, Bitdefender Total Security and ExpressVPN.

Best for password management: 1Password, Bitwarden, Dashlane, Keeper and NordPass.

Best for privacy/data removal: Incogni, DeleteMe, Optery and Privacy Bee.

Best for combined VPN and antivirus: Surfshark One, NordVPN Complete, Bitdefender Premium Security and F-Secure Total.

---

Security Software Buying Checklist

Before purchasing, check:

• What devices do I need to protect?

• How many devices are included?

• Does it support my operating system?

• Does it provide real-time malware protection?

• Does it protect against ransomware?

• Does it include phishing protection?

• Does it include a firewall?

• Does it include a VPN?

• Is the VPN unlimited?

• Does it include a password manager?

• Does it support passkeys?

• Does it provide identity monitoring?

• Does it include parental controls?

• Does it provide cloud backup?

• What is the renewal price?

• Is automatic renewal enabled?

• Is there a free trial?

• Is there a money-back guarantee?

• Are all features available in my country?

Final Buying Tip

Do not buy five different security subscriptions simply because each one has an attractive feature.

Start with your primary need.

For malware protection, choose antivirus.

For whole-household protection, consider a security suite.

For online privacy, choose a reputable VPN.

For password security, use a dedicated password manager.

For identity and personal-data protection, consider identity-monitoring and data-removal services.

For many users, an intelligently selected security suite can provide several of these functions under one subscription. Current security-suite reviews highlight this bundled approach as a practical alternative to purchasing antivirus, VPN, password management and identity tools separately.

Ready to compare antivirus, internet security, VPN, password-management and privacy products?

Shop Antivirus, Security & Privacy Software on Amazon