Best Antiviruses in 2024 – Top Reddit Recommendations
Reading time: 21 min
Updated on April 16, 2024
Reddit, a hub of diverse knowledge and insights, holds a wealth of recommendations from cybersecurity enthusiasts. So, I browsed threads across various cybersecurity subreddits to learn which antiviruses Redditors recommend the most.
I found that there are 5 antiviruses Redditors are most impressed with. So I tested them myself and learned that all the antiviruses on the list provide reliable malware detection, various impressive security features, and great value for money.
Of all the recommendations, I noticed that Norton is the most popular choice for Redditors because of its industry-leading malware detection, helpful customer support, and useful security features. Best of all, it’s backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee, meaning you don’t have to take Reddit’s word for it and can try Norton risk-free yourself.
Quick Guide: 2024’s Best Antivirus Software According to Reddit
- Norton — Reddit’s #1 antivirus recommendation with flawless malware detection. Try Norton risk-free to secure your devices.
- TotalAV — Provides useful optimization tools and malware detection, but its firewall isn’t customizable.
- Bitdefender — Has a highly customizable firewall but doesn’t offer 100% protection against real-time threats.
- Avira — Offers many useful features, but its paid plans are costlier than other choices.
- Kaspersky — Delivers a well-rounded security suite but has some potential privacy concerns.
Secure your devices with Norton
The Best Antivirus Software According to Reddit Users (Tested in 2024)
1. Norton — Reddit’s #1 Antivirus Recommendation With Industry-Leading Security
Key Features:
- Detects 100% of cyber threats without highlighting false positives.
- Built-in VPN for added safety while surfing the web.
- Up to 250GB of cloud storage (in the US) for all your sensitive data.
- Best-in-class support via 24/7 live chat and phone support.
- 60-day money-back guarantee
Norton is the antivirus Reddit users recommend the most. Its industry-leading malware detection, excellent security features, and best-in-class customer support are why it’s so popular with the Reddit community.
During tests, Norton’s virus scans and real-time threat detection effectively safeguarded my system. Its Quick and Full virus scans are fast, taking only 2 and 20 minutes each, and they found 100% of the malware they came across. Plus, its real-time security kept me safe by blocking any malicious files I tried to download. I also found that its web protection stopped me from opening dangerous websites by marking them as unsafe.
Besides its threat protection, Norton offers the following features for added safety:
- Built-in VPN — safeguards your online activity with AES 256-bit encryption and keeps you anonymous.
- Encrypted Cloud Storage — offers up to 250GB (in the US) of secure cloud storage for sensitive data.
- Parental Controls — protects your kids with tools that help you monitor and manage their activity.
- PC SafeCam — blocks any unauthorized attempts to access your webcam.
- Software Updater — keeps your software updated to remove vulnerabilities.
- Password Manager — provides secure storage for your credentials and sensitive information.
- Dark Web Monitoring — checks if your passwords were leaked in data breaches.
Another reason Redditors prefer Norton is that it doesn’t slow down system performance, and my test findings corroborated this. When I tested Norton, I only experienced a 2% slowdown when copying files and a 7% slowdown when launching apps, well below the industry average and not nearly enough to be noticeable.
You’ll also get quick and helpful customer support if you choose Norton. I connected to a live chat agent in under a minute whenever I needed help, and the phone support was equally fast. All the agents I talked to were knowledgeable and provided the necessary answers to resolve my issues. Also, there’s a detailed online knowledge base with lots of helpful information on how to use the antivirus and resolve common issues.
Norton’s plans start at just /year and include the following options:
- Antivirus Plus — protects 1 device with Norton’s core antivirus, firewall, password manager, and 2GB of cloud storage (in the US).
- 360 Standard — includes Norton’s VPN, Dark Web Monitoring, PC SafeCam, Dark Web Monitoring, protection for up to 3 devices, and all the features in Antivirus Plus.
- 360 Deluxe — provides 50GB of cloud storage (in the US), Norton’s Privacy Monitor, parental controls, all the features in 360 Standard, and protection for up to 5 devices.
- 360 Select — has everything in 360 deluxe, protection for up to 10 devices, 250GB of cloud storage (in the US), and Norton’s ID theft protection.
While each plan is well-priced, I suggest getting Norton’s /year Deluxe plan because it has every important security feature and delivers the best overall value. Best of all, you can try Norton risk-free because it’s backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee. Getting a refund is easy, and I had my money back in just 5 days after requesting a refund via live chat.
Try Norton risk-free for 60 days
2. TotalAV — Helps Optimize Your System’s Performance While Protecting Against Malware
Key Features:
- Offers multiple virus scans with a 100% malware detection rate.
- Smart Scan finds multiple ways to improve system performance.
- Provides a Data Breach Test that lets you check for compromised passwords.
- Has a built-in VPN for added online security.
- 30-day money-back guarantee
TotalAV is a popular antivirus amongst Redditors thanks to its optimization features. Besides securing your system, TotalAV helps you get the best possible device performance. For instance, the built-in Smart Scan quickly checked my PC and found multiple ways to enhance its speed. It deleted junk files, removed trackers, and cleared duplicate files to free up space and make my system run faster.
Along with the Smart Scan, TotalAV includes a Startup Manager that helps disable unnecessary apps at startup so your system boots faster. Plus, there’s an App Uninstaller that frees up space by helping you remove apps you don’t use and a Browser Clean-Up tool that removes cookies and browsing history.
When I tested its security, TotalAV’s virus scans delivered impressive results. TotalAV’s Full Scan took 22 minutes to check my whole system, and quarantined 100% of the malware I hid on it. Also, its real-time security blocked 99% of cyber threats, which is excellent but not as impressive as Norton’s 100% detection against real-time threats.
Other security features in TotalAV include the following:
- Data Breach Check — checks if any of your passwords were leaked in data breaches.
- WebShield — protects you from malicious websites while surfing the web.
- Built-in VPN — uses AES 256-bit encryption to secure your online activity.
- Password Vault — provides a simple and secure way to store and use your passwords.
I also found that TotalAV offers reasonable pricing that starts at just $19.00/year. Its plans include the following:
- Antivirus Pro — includes TotalAV’s core antivirus features, web protection, optimization tools, and protection for up to 3 devices.
- Internet Security — provides all the features in Antivirus Pro, TotalAV’s VPN, and protection for up to 5 devices.
- Total Security — protects up to 6 devices, has TotalAV’s password manager, Adblock, and all the features in Internet Security.
I advise getting TotalAV’s $39.00/year Internet Security plan if you want the best value. This plan offers all of TotalAV’s important security features and includes its VPN. Of course, you can try TotalAV risk-free for 30 days regardless of your chosen plan with its money-back guarantee. If you’re unsatisfied with its performance, getting a refund is easy, and I had my money back after just 2 days when I requested mine.
Try TotalAV risk-free for 30 days
3. Bitdefender — Provides a Secure and Customizable Firewall to Defend Against Viruses
Key Features:
- Finds and removes 100% of malware via its scans.
- Secure and highly customizable firewall that you can customize to your liking.
- Webcam and Microphone protection prevent attackers from spying on you.
- Includes a built-in VPN, password manager, and more.
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Many Redditors recommend getting Bitdefender to secure your system thanks to its excellent firewall. Bitdefender’s firewall is pre-configured to provide excellent security out-of-the-box, and it has an intuitive interface that easily lets you customize its settings to your liking.
Of course, Bitdefender also provides effective virus scans and real-time security with its firewall. Bitdefender’s virus scans detected 100% of the malware samples on my test system, and its real-time security successfully flagged 99.7% of cyber threats. One downside to Bitdefender’s security is that its System Scan took almost an hour to scan my whole system, while Norton finishes its Full Scan in roughly 20 minutes.
You’ll also get other security features in Bitdefender that provide added layers of security, including:
- Webcam and Microphone Protection — stops unauthorized access to your system’s webcam and microphone.
- Built-in VPN — secures your online activity using AES 256-bit encryption.
- SafePay — provides a safe way to bank and shop online.
- Password Manager — protects your passwords and other sensitive information.
I found Bitdefender’s SafePay feature especially useful. E-commerce and banking sites are common targets for cybercriminals, and this tool provides much-needed security while using them. SafePay prevents screenshots, data interceptions, and keylogging attempts, thus keeping you safe while banking or shopping online.
Bitdefender’s pricing is also reasonable considering its reliable security. Starting at just $24.99/year, it offers the following plans:
- Antivirus Plus — provides Bitdefender’s core antivirus features and protects 1 device (Windows only).
- Internet Security — includes the features in Antivirus Plus, Bitdefender’s Privacy Firewall, parental controls, and protects up to 3 devices (Windows only).
- Total Security — provides Bitdefender’s VPN (200MB/day), optimization tools, protection for up to 5 devices, and all the features in Internet Security (all platforms).
- Premium Security — offers an unlimited VPN, Bitdefender’s password manager, protection for up to 10 devices, and all of Total Security’s features.
- Ultimate Security — adds Bitdefender’s ID monitoring alongside all the features in Premium Security.
I consider Bitdefender’s $40.99/year Total Security plan the best value proposition because it protects all platforms and has all vital security features. Regardless of your plan, you can try Bitdefender risk-free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee. After testing Bitdefender, it took 5 days to get my money back when I requested a refund.
Try Bitdefender risk-free for 30 days
4. Avira — Includes a Variety of Security Features for Added Protection
Key Features:
- Has various virus scans that find 99.98% of malware.
- Multiple tools to optimize system performance.
- Web protection and a built-in VPN to keep you safe on the web.
- Built-in software updater.
- 60-day money-back guarantee
Many Reddit users prefer Avira because it provides many security features. It has tools to optimize system performance, a built-in VPN, a software updater, and more. Some of the other key features you’ll get with Avira antivirus include the following:
- Safe Shopping — blocks ads and trackers on e-commerce websites.
- Password Manager — stores unlimited passwords and lets you safely use them to log into websites.
- Hyper Boost — makes various optimizations to help your system boot faster.
- Power Cleaner — finds and removes junk files taking up space on your system.
- Software Updater — updates outdated software on your system to fix vulnerabilities.
I also tested Avira’s virus scans and was pleased with the results. The Quick Scan was especially fast and took under a minute, while the slower Full Scan took roughly an hour. Avira’s scans have a malware detection rate of 99.98%, which is good, but Norton outperforms it with its flawless 100% malware detection.
While getting a paid subscription for comprehensive security is best, one of Avira’s highlights is its impressive free plan. Avira’s free plan provides virus scans, real-time security, and a 500MB/day VPN for 1 device. Not many other antiviruses offer all this for free.
Onto its paid plans, Avira’s pricing starts at $26.99/year and includes the following options:
- Antivirus Pro — offers Avira’s core antivirus features and firewall for 1 device (Windows only).
- Internet Security — provides Avira’s software updater and password managers besides the features in Antivirus Pro (Windows only).
- Prime — offers protection for up to 5 devices, Avira’s optimization tools, unlimited VPN, and all the features in Internet Security (all platforms).
You’ll get the most value from Avira’s $59.99/year Prime plan, as it protects multiple devices and has an unlimited VPN. Also, you can try Avira risk-free for 60 days regardless of your plan because of its money-back guarantee. I had my money back in just 1 day when I tested its refund policy and asked for a refund via email.
Try Avira risk-free for 60 days
5. Kaspersky — Well-Rounded Lightweight Antivirus That Effectively Safeguards Against Viruses
Key Features:
- 100% real-time malware detection and via scans.
- Built-in VPN and web protection for airtight online safety.
- Password manager to secure your passwords and sensitive information.
- Various useful tools for device optimization.
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Lots of Redditors recommend Kaspersky because it offers a good mix of the essentials. It offers excellent malware detection, many useful features for security and optimizations, and is lightweight. So, while it isn’t the best in any category, it’s a reliable antivirus that checks the necessary boxes.
In my evaluations, I found that Kaspersky’s virus scans and real-time security effectively detected 100% of malware. However, I must mention that there were a few false positives, indicating that Kaspersky’s security is not flawless like Norton’s, although it remains commendable. Another point worth noting is that Kaspersky’s scans tend to be slower compared to Norton’s. The Full Scan, for instance, takes approximately 45 minutes, whereas Norton’s Full Scan completes in under 20 minutes.
There are also other useful security features in Kaspersky, like the following:
- Password Manager — provides a safe way to store and use your passwords.
- Built-in VPN — encrypts your traffic and keeps you anonymous while surfing the web.
- Data Leak Checker — checks if your passwords were leaked in past data breaches.
- Parental Controls — help monitor your kids’ activity and block unnecessary apps and websites.
- Privacy Protection — blocks unauthorized attempts to access your webcam and microphone.
- Safe Money — lets you safely bank and shop online in an isolated and secure browser environment.
You should note that there are some privacy concerns around Kaspersky, with the USA’s FCC and the UK’s NCSC recommending you avoid using it. However, Kaspersky has set up transparency centers in Zurich, Madrid, Tokyo, and various other locations as part of its Global Transparency Initiative to combat this. Both state agencies and enterprise partners can review Kaspersky’s source code in these locations.
You can subscribe to Kaspersky for as low as $27.99/year and choose from the following price plans:
- Standard — offers Kaspersky’s core antivirus, Safe Money feature, and optimization tools.
- Plus — includes Kaspersky’s Data Leak Checker and VPN besides the features in Standard.
- Premium — has Kaspersky’s parental controls, ID protection, and expert virus check alongside the features in Plus.
This antivirus is available as a 1-year or 2-year subscription, and you’ll get the best value with Kaspersky’s 1-year Plus subscription. Whichever plan you choose, you can try Kaspersky risk-free because it has a 30-day money-back guarantee. I had my money back in 7 working days when I requested a refund after testing Kaspersky.
Try Kaspersky risk-free for 30 days
Warning! Reddit Users Recommend Avoiding This Antivirus Brand
Avast
Many Redditors recommend avoiding Avast due to its past data-selling scandal and claim it isn’t trustworthy. However, I want to highlight that Avast has since been redeeming itself as another company acquired it, and it has also shut down its data-selling subsidiary Jumpshot. Under its new leadership, it’s a much more trustworthy name than it once was.
Quick Comparison Table: 2024’s Reddit Antivirus Recommendations
| Malware Detection via Scans | Real-Time Malware Detection | Web Protection | Lowest Price | Money-back Guarantee | |
| Norton | 100% | 100% | ✔ | 60 | |
| TotalAV | 100% | 99% | ✔ | $19.00 | 30 |
| Bitdefender | 100% | 99.7% | ✔ | $26.99 | 60 |
| Avira | 99.98% | 99.98% | ✔ | $26.99 | 60 |
| Kaspersky | 100% | 100% | ✔ | $27.99 | 30 |
6 Easy Steps: How to Use Reddit’s #1 Antivirus
Norton stood out as Reddit’s #1 antivirus in most of the threads I researched. In the following steps, I’ll show how you can get Norton to secure your system and use its Full Scan to look for threats.
- Subscribe to your preferred plan — Browse through Norton’s various plans, click on Buy Now, and enter your email and payment details in the subsequent menu to subscribe to it.
![Screenshot showing how to choose one of Norton's plans]()
- Download Norton’s setup — Log into Norton’s web portal after subscribing and click the Download button to get its setup.
![Screenshot showing how to download Norton's setup after subscribing]()
- Install Norton — Run the downloaded setup and follow its steps to install Norton on your system.
![Screenshot showing Norton's setup in progress]()
- Access the Scan Options menu — Open Norton once it’s installed, access the drop-down menu next to Device Security, and click Scan Options.
![Screenshot showing how to access Norton's Scan Options menu]()
- Choose the Full Scan — Select the Full Scan option and click Go to check your whole system for viruses.
![Screenshot showing how to start Norton's Full Scan]()
- Remove viruses — Remove or quarantine any viruses found in the scan and click on Finish to complete it.
![Screenshot showing how to finish Norton's full scan]()
The Key Features Reddit Users Considered to Rank The Best Antiviruses
During my research, I found that Reddit users use the following criteria to rank their preferred antiviruses:
- Malware Detection via Scans — Redditors prioritize antiviruses with perfect or near-perfect malware detection via scans.
- Real-time Security — I learned that effective real-time security is a top priority for people on Reddit.
- System Performance — most Redditors recommend lightweight antiviruses that don’t impact performance.
- Value for Money — Reddit users only recommended antiviruses that provide good value for money.
- Customer Support — many Reddit users suggest getting antiviruses with reliable customer support so you can get help at any time.
- Money-back Guarantee — almost every Redditor recommended antiviruses with money-back guarantees so you can try them risk-free.
Why Reddit Opinions Could Be Useful and How to Know Which Ones to Trust
There are multiple reasons why opinions on Reddit can help find an effective antivirus, like the following:
- Real User Experiences — Reddit lets users share their personal experiences with various antivirus software, providing a glimpse into real-world usage scenarios. These firsthand accounts can offer valuable insights, especially when considering specific features, ease of use, and performance.
- Diverse Community — Reddit boasts a large and diverse user base with individuals of varying levels of technical expertise. This diversity can provide a broader range of perspectives and opinions, helping you consider different factors to make an informed decision.
- Discussion and Interaction — Reddit’s threaded discussion format allows for in-depth conversations about antiviruses. Users can ask questions, seek clarifications, and talk to others who have had experiences with specific products. This interactive element can help you gather additional information and uncover nuances that might not be apparent in traditional reviews
Of course, you also need to know which Reddit opinions you should trust. The following are some ways to verify the credibility of someone’s recommendations on Reddit:
- Use Multiple Sources — while Reddit can be a valuable resource, it shouldn’t be your only source of information. For a more informed decision, combine information from multiple sources, such as reputable technology websites, independent security labs, and expert reviews.
- Check for Credibility and Consistency — many Reddit accounts are bots or companies promoting their products. Look for consistency in their comments across multiple threads or posts, as this indicates genuine experiences. Users with a history of valuable contributions and a positive reputation are more likely to offer reliable insights.
- Cross-Referencing and Independent Testing — cross-reference the Reddit recommendations with independent testing results from reliable sources. Independent security labs, such as AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives, rigorously assess antivirus software’s performance, detection rates, and other important metrics. This objective data can help validate or challenge the opinions shared on Reddit.
FAQs on Reddit’s Antivirus Software Recommendations
Are Reddit antivirus recommendations trustworthy?
What’s the best overall antivirus according to Reddit?
While I read suggestions for various high-end antiviruses, Norton was the most recommended antivirus across the threads I researched. Redditors cited Norton’s industry-leading malware detection, feature variety, and impressive customer support as the key reasons to get it.
I also personally consider Norton one of the best antiviruses available. It delivers airtight security and is worth its price. Best of all, it has a generous 60-day money-back guarantee, and we’ve discussed the refund process in detail in our in-depth Norton review.
Which is the most secure free antivirus according to Reddit?
What’s the best iPhone antivirus as per Reddit users?
However, if you want complete peace of mind and airtight security on your iOS device, you can pick from various reliable iOS antiviruses to protect your iPad and iPhone.
Secure Your System Using Reddit’s Most Recommended Antivirus
I got many antivirus recommendations when browsing Reddit, but the antiviruses listed above stood out the most. They have several highlights, but Redditors cited their impressive malware detection, feature variety, and value for money as the main reasons they prefer them.
While all the above antiviruses are popular with Reddit users, Norton is the most popular recommendation according to my research, and it’s not hard to see why. Thanks to its industry-leading malware detection, impressive security features, best-in-class customer support, and affordable pricing, Norton is the top choice.
Best of all, you can try Norton completely risk-free thanks to its 60-day money-back guarantee. This gives you plenty of time to test its features and see if it’s right for you. If you’re unsatisfied, it’s easy to claim a refund and get your money back.
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