Cyber attacks and global data breaches are on the rise across the globe, with companies and individuals alike increasingly at risk of having private information intercepted and shared. The content we share online – social security numbers, credit card information, passwords – is susceptible to finding its way into the wrong hands, and this risk is heightened by the threat of computer viruses. Multi-device protection is an important feature for anti-virus software, to ensure all your gadgets are guarded. 

Top 6 Best Antivirus Software for Multiple Devices

  1. McAfee Antivirus Plus – Best Overall Software 
  2. Norton 360 with Lifelock Select – Best Software for Windows 
  3. Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security – Best Multi-Platform Software 
  4. Bitdefender – Best Software for Mac
  5. Malwarebytes – Best Software for Malware Protection 
  6. Avast – Best Free Software 

1. McAfee Antivirus Plus – Best Overall Software 

PRICING: $24.99/year basic subscription, unlimited device package $69.99/year 

Probably the biggest name in the antivirus software industry, McAfee offers the gold standard in malware and virus protection. The Plus package is designed specifically for families with multiple devices each, ensuring full household protection. That said, its features are far more extensive for Android products. If you need protection for predominantly Apple devices, it’s worth looking elsewhere. 

KEY FEATURES:

  • Works across iOS and Android devices 
  • Virus Protection Pledge – free service in case malware does penetrate 
  • VPN licenses 

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Performs at 100% protection in tests 
  • Affordable, particularly in comparison to competitors 
  • Basic plan includes 10 devices 

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Limited features with Apple products 

2. Norton 360 with Lifelock Select – Best Antivirus Software for Windows 

PRICING: $150/year, includes 5 devices. 

Norton is another industry spearhead, with their first antivirus software released back in 1991. Its protection for PC specifically is second-to-none, and therefore makes the ideal option for users of Windows. As of May 2022 it’s on offer at a heavily reduced price on the Norton website, but even without this reduction it’s good value for money. 

KEY FEATURES:

  • Anti-phishing protection
  • Webcam protection (on Windows) 
  • Secure VPN 
  • 100GB of cloud storage 

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Good for families 
  • Continual upgrades and improvements 

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Doesn’t work with all servers 
  • Only covers 5 devices

3. Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security – Best Multi-Platform Software 

PRICING: 30-day free trial, paid plan from $19.95 (currently 50% off)

Antivirus software from Trend Micro supports all major platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. The Plus version even support Chrome OS, which is a rarity in the market. In testing it’s quick to intervene with warning notices, and it also has the additional layer of anti-ransomware which keeps a close eye on computer files – including those on external hardware connected via USB. 

KEY FEATURES:

  • Secure backup
  • Flags phishing mail
  • Bonus spam filter for Outlook 

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Easy to use 
  • Blocks threats at the source 

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • No firewall 
  • Scores a 94% protection rate

4. BitDefender – Best Software for Mac

PRICING: From $24.99/year 

BitDefender is a truly comprehensive piece of software. It meets all the fundamental requirements of a decent antivirus software, as well as offering plenty of additional features. The software is optimised for maximum efficiency and memory usage 

KEY FEATURES:

  • Real-time protection
  • Time Machine protection
  • Password manager 

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Affordable 
  • Frequent updates 

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Limited security for iOS on the web 
  • 200MB VPN plan too small 

5. Malwarebytes – Best Software for Malware Protection

PRICING: Plans from $3.33/month. 

Malwarebytes is a piece of software focused on guarding against malware and ransomware. Its developers recently released an updated version with quicker scanning and a 50% reduction in the use of CPU power. Although market alternatives offer a wider selection of tools, Malwarebytes comes at a very affordable price point. 

KEY FEATURES:

  • Browser Guard 
  • VPN with unlimited data 

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Small memory footprint 
  • High rate of malware detection 
  • Budget-friendly 

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Lacks firewall

6. Avast – Best Free Software 

PRICING: Free, paid plans from $50/year

Although it offers a premium plan, Avast’s free version offers a substantially reliable solution for computer protection. Users report it as a fast and seamless piece of software that provides them with peace of mind 

KEY FEATURES:

  • Webcam protection
  • Multi-platform compatibility 
  • External drive scans 

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Easy to use 
  • 99.7% protection shown in tests 

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Expensive for business use 

References and Links

  • https://www.investopedia.com/best-antivirus-software-5084503
  • https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-antivirus/ 
  • https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/mcafee-antivirus-plus 
  • https://us.norton.com/products/norton-360-lifelock-select 
  • https://cybernews.com/best-antivirus-software/trend-micro-review/
  • https://www.safetydetectives.com/best-antivirus/bitdefender/ 
  • https://cybernews.com/best-antivirus-software/avast-antivirus-review/