With cyber threats seemingly coming from every direction, having antivirus software to protect your computer has never been more crucial. It not only assists you in quarantining malware before it causes havoc on your computer, but it also keeps you from becoming infected with an online virus in the first place. 

You may believe that if you have a Chromebook, you are safe from such software. After all, the computer system is designed so that each application runs within its container. Chromebooks can also not run. Exe files, which are a common source of malware infection. This section will look at the best antivirus software for Chromebooks.

Top 5 Best Antivirus Software for Chromebook

  1. Kaspersky – The Best Antivirus Software for Chromebook for Malware Protection.
  2. BitDefender Mobile Security – The Best Antivirus Software for Online Security Suite Chromebooks.
  3. Malwarebytes – The Best Antivirus Software for Chromebook for Simpleness.
  4. Avira – The Best Antivirus Software for Chromebook for Ransomware Protection.
  5. Trend Micro – The Best Antivirus Software for Chromebook for Additional Features

1. Kaspersky – The Best Antivirus Software for Chromebook for Malware Protection

PRICING – Free option or £20/per year. 

Kaspersky’s Android product consistently receives high marks from independent antivirus testing labs. Kaspersky Internet Security for Android will operate on your Chromebook if it supports Android apps, and it has received high marks from both AV-Comparatives and AV-Test for providing comprehensive malware protection. 

Kaspersky includes anti-theft tools, anti-phishing measures, and a web filter to keep you safe online and detect malware with real-time scanning that runs in the background. 

Kaspersky is also compatible with Windows, macOS, and iOS, and the same software will run on your Chromebook and Android phone, allowing you to use the same antivirus suite to protect all your devices.

Key Features

  • Security – uses advanced technologies to protect against threats. 
  • Manual Scan – allows for manual scanning – for devices and apps 
  • Where Is My Device – enables you to remotely lock, locate, and wipe lost or stolen devices.

Reasons To Buy

  • Total security comes with a slew of extras. 
  • There are numerous customisation options. 
  • No credit card is required for the free 30-day trial.

Reasons To Avoid

  • There is no hosted storage for online backup. 
  • Out of the box, there is a moderate performance drain.

2. BitDefender Mobile Security – The Best Antivirus Software for Chromebook for Online Security Suite.

PRICING – £9.99/yearly.

This software includes an autopilot mode that notifies you when it’s time to run another scan or pushes alerts if Bitdefender detects suspicious behaviour from an app. 

These updates may not appear significant, but many other security platforms do not provide them. As a result, it’s easy to overlook scanning your computer regularly. 

Bitdefender also provides several options for securing your device when it is not in your possession. To prevent unauthorised access, you can, for example, protect each app on your Chromebook with a PIN.

The Bitdefender app works well on your Chromebook or Android device as on Windows, macOS, or iOS. It’s also simple to use, making it an excellent choice for those accustomed to Chrome’s clean, simple interface. All pricing plans include 24/7 customer support via live chat and phone if you get stuck.

Key Features

  • Autopilot mode. 
  • Alerts you when there has been suspicious behaviour.

Reasons To Buy

  • App PIN protection 
  • Remote device locking 
  • Included VPN and real-time web security

Reasons To Avoid

  • The VPN only provides 200MB per day.

3. Malwarebytes – The Best Antivirus Software for Chromebook for Simpleness.

PRICING – £29.99/yearly.

Malwarebytes has one of the most user-friendly Chromebook antivirus tools. It’s straightforward to use, and you can start a scan with just a few clicks. Even better, Malwarebytes allows you to run malware scans regularly. Due to this feature, you will never have to worry about forgetting to scan your device for spyware and adware that could lurk on it for weeks. 

It’s worth noting that Malwarebytes is primarily concerned with malware detection and removal. As a result, this software lacks a built-in VPN and other frills and features for tracking your device and password-protecting access to individual apps. However, we don’t believe this is a significant issue because numerous free security apps are available.

When you operate the Malwarebytes privacy audit, the app displays a comprehensive list of permissions and precise data about which apps have been granted each permission. This lets you see which apps can quickly and easily access your connectivity, control your hardware, record your location, etc. In addition, you can revoke authorisations or uninstall the offending app if you don’t like what you see.

Key Features

  • One of the most user-friendly software.

Reasons To Buy

  • Audit all installed apps 
  • Schedule antivirus scans 
  • User-friendly interface 

Reasons To Avoid

  • A few additional security features.

4. Avira – The Best Antivirus Software for Chromebook for Ransomware Protection.

PRICING – £52/year

Avira is an excellent all-around antivirus and security suite, and it is our choice for the best Chromebook antivirus with built-in ransomware protection. The built-in ransomware protects your local data from devastating attacks in addition to searching apps, local files, and even external devices for malware. 

If you keep important data on your Chromebook and are concerned about it being infected with ransomware, the most significant part you can do is ensure that data is automatically synchronised to your Google Drive. If this is impossible, Avira’s ransomware protection can protect malware from encrypting your data and extorting you for the decoding key. 

Avira also has an excellent malware scanner with sufficient security, automatically rates apps relying on privacy concerns, and protects your uniqueness by monitoring data breaches.

Key Features

  • Contains advanced heuristic tools.

Reasons To Buy

  • Updates are automatic.
  • Protects from many types of viruses.

Reasons To Avoid

  • Only home use is allowed.
  • No email protection.

5. Trend Mirco – The Best Antivirus Software for Chromebook for Additional Features

PRICING – £20/monthly.

Trend Micro is an advanced antivirus software provider that provides AI-powered security protection, a plethora of browsing tools, user-friendly applications, and an excellent Chrome OS option. This is more than just your average antivirus programme. Trend Micro has several tools to provide you with protection beyond simply detecting malware. 

Because the provider provides a fully fleshed out Chrome OS app, installing the antivirus on your Chrome OS gadget will be a breeze. Once you’ve got that app set up, you’ll discover it does the basics quite nicely. The scans are entirely customisable and completed in record time. However, it consumes slightly more than the average amount of system resources and has overall malware protection scores that are mixed.

Key Features

  • Scans are customisable.
  • Mixed malware protection scores.

Reasons To Buy

  • Chrome OS-specific app 
  • Excellent extra features 
  • Excellent free version Consistent real-time protection

Reasons To Avoid

  • Malware protection scores are mixed. 
  • It takes over a significant amount of system resources. 
  • Additional features will be charged separately.

References and Links

  • https://www.lifewire.com/best-antivirus-software-for-chromebooks-4770661
  • https://cybernews.com/best-antivirus-software/antivirus-for-chromebook/#trendmicro
  • https://www.techradar.com/uk/best/best-chromebook-antivirus