virusFor everyday essentials
AntiVirus Plus
A focused starting point for a PC or Mac, with malware protection and tools for managing passwords.
- Real-time threat protection
- Password manager
- PC cloud backup
YOUR DIGITAL LIFE, BETTER PROTECTEDA safer digital life
A safer digital life
starts with the
right antivirus
Less confusion. More confidence. Compare trusted security brands and find protection that fits the way you live online.
Clear comparisons Practical buying guides
Protection that fits your lifeStart with your devices, not the hype
Five familiar names
One clearer choice
Reader supported: we may earn a commission from partner links. Commercial relationships may influence placement, but do not change the features described. How this works
01 / MEET YOUR OPTIONSGood protection
Good protection
is a personal choice
Start with a shortlist, explore what each brand offers, then compare the details that matter to you.
For protection controls
Premium Security
A security suite for people who want more control over device and web protection.
- Malware and web protection
- Ransomware protection
- Single or multi-device options
For antivirus + VPN
One
A privacy bundle that brings antivirus, VPN and breach alerts into one subscription.
- Antivirus for supported devices
- VPN in the One bundle
- Data breach alerts
For a straightforward setup
Antivirus
An accessible antivirus range with real-time scanning and web protection on eligible paid plans.
- Real-time scanning on paid plans
- WebShield browsing protection
- Scheduled scanning
For a connected household
Total Protection
A security range that combines device protection with privacy and account security tools.
- Antivirus and web protection
- Password manager options
- Multi-device plan choices
A few questions
A clearer shortlist
Your devices and priorities are a better starting point than a one-size-fits-all ranking.
Find your fitProduct summaries reviewed November 12, 2026 · Features vary by plan, platform and region · Prices confirmed at the provider’s checkout
02 / FIND YOUR FITYour devices
Your devices
Your priorities
Your protection
Tell us what you want to protect. We’ll suggest a starting point and explain why it fits.
Three questions · No email required01 / 03
THE PROTECTION FINDER
03 / THE BIGGER PICTUREUnderstand the protection
Our comparison method Understand the protection
before the subscription
THE ESSENTIALS
Antivirus does more than scan files
A modern antivirus watches for signs that a file, application or website could be harmful. Some tools recognise known malware; others look for suspicious behaviour, such as a process trying to change many documents at once. Web protection can also warn you about dangerous links before you open them.
What you get depends on the operating system and the subscription. A Windows security suite can have access to files and processes that an iPhone app cannot inspect. A familiar logo on two different devices does not mean the protection works in exactly the same way.
A useful reality checkNo security app guarantees complete protection. Software updates, unique passwords and a separate backup still matter, even with a paid subscription.
Think in layers, not silver bullets
A strong setup gives different jobs to different tools. Antivirus helps detect malware. A password manager helps you avoid reusing passwords. Multi-factor authentication makes stolen passwords less useful. Backups give you another way to recover important files if something goes wrong.
01ProtectAntivirus + updates
02SecureUnique passwords + MFA
03CheckLinks + permissions
04RecoverSeparate backups
A VPN serves a different purpose: it protects the connection between your device and a VPN server. It does not make every download safe, remove malware already on the device or prove that a shopping site is legitimate. Look at antivirus and VPN features separately when comparing a bundle.
WATCH / THE 20-SECOND CHECKLIST
A safer setup, in four steps
Read the video transcript
Start with the device you use. Compare the features included in the exact plan. Check the first term, renewal price and cancellation process. Install from the official provider, enable updates and keep a separate backup. No antivirus can guarantee complete protection.
Choose for your operating system
Windows and Mac
Start by checking the security settings already built into your computer. A paid suite may add controls or services you value, but the right choice depends on what you will actually use. Before installing another real-time antivirus, follow the vendor’s instructions for removing incompatible software. Two full antivirus engines running together can cause conflicts.
Android
Android protection can include app checks, malicious-link warnings and privacy tools. Keep Google Play Protect enabled, install updates and be cautious with apps from outside your usual store. Check that the provider supports your Android version and device architecture. Read the Android guide
iPhone and iPad
iOS apps are restricted by the platform’s security model. Products sold as mobile security usually focus on web protection, VPN, account monitoring or related features rather than scanning every app and system file. Surfshark’s antivirus component is not available for iOS; other parts of its bundle may be.
THE SUBSCRIPTION CHECKLISTRead the small print
Read the small print
before the big button
- First term vs renewal Check the total billed today, the renewal amount and how long each term lasts.
- Device allowance Count the devices and check whether the licence covers all of their operating systems.
- Included extras A VPN, password manager or identity service may belong to a different tier.
- Cancellation and refunds Find the cancellation steps and the refund conditions for your region before paying.
What our comparisons can tell you
VirusVigil compares published product information and explains practical trade-offs. We do not present our own malware laboratory results or invented performance scores. Our summaries are a starting point for your research, and the provider’s current plan page is the final reference for what you buy.
The guide is maintained by VirusVigil. Alex Morgan is an illustrated fictional guide used to make our educational material easier to navigate; this character is not a real security researcher. About the guide
04 / A LITTLE MORE CLARITYGood questions
Good questions
Clear answers
Understanding the details makes the decision easier.
Do I need a paid antivirus?+
Not always. Your device may already include useful security tools. A paid subscription can add features, support or multi-device management. Choose based on the tools you need and the total renewal cost.
Can antivirus protect every device in my home?+
A multi-device plan may cover several operating systems, but features differ between them. Check the supported OS versions, licence count and mobile limitations for the exact plan.
Will a VPN replace antivirus?+
No. A VPN protects network traffic to the VPN server. Antivirus looks for malware and suspicious activity on supported devices. They address different risks.
Why don’t you show a universal winner or score?+
Different users need different tools. We compare published capabilities rather than claiming unperformed laboratory tests or using a single invented score.
Where do I buy my subscription?+
View plans opens the provider’s website, where you can confirm availability, current price, renewal and refund terms. VirusVigil does not take payment or create the antivirus subscription.
MAKE YOUR NEXT CLICK COUNTMore confidence
Find my protection More confidence
Less guesswork
Your next step towards a safer digital life starts here.