Staying safe online has never been tougher. Even tech giants like Facebook and Apple regularly battle security threats. Don’t panic - just take a few minutes to pick the antivirus that suits you best.

A free antivirus can work in limited situations. If you only need to protect one device, it might be all you need. But if you’re safeguarding your whole family - especially children - you’ll likely prefer the extra features in paid plans, such as website filtering and secure-banking protection. Also consider support: free products rarely give you a number to call for security advice or virus removal help.

Wondering why antivirus still matters in 2025? Here are two key reasons - both tied to the nightmare of losing your data for days or even weeks.

Think back to the last time you left your phone at home. That short disconnect probably felt unsettling. Losing all your data to malware is ten times worse. You’ll have to hire costly professionals to clean your computer, and there’s no guarantee every file can be saved.

It’s far easier to take simple precautions now. Spend a few minutes reviewing your options and try one out. Most antivirus products offer a free trial, so you can test the software before committing.

TotalAV is a cross-platform antivirus solution that protects multiple devices. Its regular price is higher than many competitors - $99 to $149, depending on the edition - but it adds value with ransomware defense, browser protection, and anti-phishing shields. The Premium tier also includes 24/7 customer support, a real advantage if you often run into security issues.

Older antivirus tools were infamous for dragging system performance down; TotalAV tackles that problem with two built-in utilities - System Boost and Disk Cleaner - that keep your computer running smoothly when used regularly. To boost productivity even more, TotalAV provides a Password Vault, letting you ditch paper notes and spreadsheets for storing complex passwords.

Some of Total AV’s key features include:

• Eliminates viruses and malware
• Real-Time antivirus protection
• Keeps all your devices safe
• Award-Winning Antivirus Protection
• Shields your virtual identity
• Enhanced online security with VPN & Ad Blocker

Norton Antivirus has protected users for decades, putting your devices in reliable hands. Beyond its industry-leading malware detection, Norton includes a built-in firewall that blocks threats before they reach your computer. Parents can enable robust parental-control tools to monitor and limit their children’s online activity. Higher-tier plans add premium support, giving you 24/7 access to experts and on-demand virus removal whenever you need it.

Norton sets the standard for customer service. Its 100 % Virus Protection Promise guarantees your devices stay malware-free - or you receive a full refund. If immediate, expert assistance matters to you, Norton is the clear choice.

For complete peace of mind, Norton bundles LifeLock identity protection with select plans. Should your personal information be compromised, LifeLock provides real-time alerts, dedicated restoration specialists, and insurance coverage to cover eligible losses.

Some of Norton’s key features include:

• Identifies viruses, no false alerts
• Secures your login details
• Guards your system against hacker attacks
• Manage your devices seamlessly via an online portal
• Helps secure and recover from identity theft
• Safely stores your data in the cloud

Founded in the United States, McAfee has earned a strong reputation for comprehensive antivirus protection. It’s perfect for anyone who wants full-spectrum digital security. Beyond core malware defense, McAfee bundles a suite of tools to block identity theft, phishing, and other online threats. Built-in credit and identity monitoring keeps you informed about any changes to your personal data, and every new user can start with a free trial to test these advanced features.

Why choose McAfee? The software runs on every major platform - Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS - so one subscription secures all your devices. Around-the-clock customer support and included identity-theft insurance underline McAfee’s commitment to user safety. Reviews consistently praise its high malware-detection scores and intuitive interface.

For families or individuals who need broad, no-nonsense protection across multiple devices, McAfee’s all-in-one security package is tough to beat.

Some of McAfee’s key features include:

• Real-time malware protection
• Enhanced PC performance
• Comprehensive system scan options
• Online safety with phishing and malware protection
• Automated repair of damaged system files
• User-friendly interface for easy navigation