Antivirus software is crucial for businesses to protect against cyber threats like malware, data breaches, ransomware attacks, and productivity loss. This article evaluates the top 10 antivirus solutions based on factors like malware detection, web filtering, automatic updates, and ease of deployment.
Here are the top picks:
- Norton Antivirus – Strong malware detection, multi-device support, real-time protection. Priced per device on an annual subscription.
- Bitdefender Antivirus – High detection rates, customizable, multi-device. Priced per device per year, with a minimum device count.
- Avast Business Security – Scalable, easy to use, real-time scanning. Priced per device per year, cheaper in volume.
- McAfee Total Protection – Advanced threat detection, multi-device. Sold as a plan with a device cap, discounted for the first term.
- Kaspersky Endpoint Security – Multi-layered protection, diverse device support. Priced per device per year in bands – but banned from sale to US customers.
- ESET Endpoint Security – High detection rates, customizable. Priced per device per year, with a minimum device count and multi-year discounts.
- CrowdStrike Falcon – Advanced threat detection, multi-device support. Falcon Go from $59.99 per device per year; Falcon Complete is quoted.
- Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security – Cloud-based protection, mobile device security. Priced per seat per year, tiered by seat count and term.
- Sophos Intercept X – AI-powered threat detection, anti-ransomware. Priced per user per year, quoted through a partner.
- Malwarebytes for Business – AI-powered malware detection, free trial available. Now sold as ThreatDown; priced per device per year.
| Solution | Key Features | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Norton Antivirus | Malware detection, multi-device, real-time protection | Per device, annual subscription |
| Bitdefender Antivirus | High detection rates, customizable, multi-device | Per device per year, minimum device count |
| Avast Business Security | Scalable, real-time scanning, sandboxing | Per device per year, volume tiers |
| McAfee Total Protection | Advanced threat detection, multi-device | Plan with a device cap, first term discounted |
| Kaspersky Endpoint Security | Multi-layered protection, diverse device support | Per device per year, banded (US sales prohibited) |
| ESET Endpoint Security | High detection rates, customizable, affordable | Per device per year, minimum device count |
| CrowdStrike Falcon | Advanced threat detection, multi-device support | From $59.99 per device/year (Falcon Go) |
| Trend Micro Worry-Free | Cloud protection, mobile device security | Per seat per year, tiered by seats and term |
| Sophos Intercept X | AI threat detection, anti-ransomware | Per user per year, quoted via partner |
| Malwarebytes for Business | AI malware detection, free trial | Per device per year (sold as ThreatDown) |
A note on the prices. This article used to carry two different price lists for the same ten products – one in the summary above, another in the comparison section further down – and they disagreed on every product. We could only verify one vendor’s figures against the vendor’s own published pricing, so the rest have been replaced with a description of how each product is actually billed. That is less satisfying than a number and considerably more useful than a wrong one.
CrowdStrike’s prices below were correct at the time of writing and are taken from CrowdStrike’s own pricing page. Endpoint security list prices move often, and most vendors on this list quote through a reseller rather than publish, so treat any figure – ours included – as a starting point for a quote, not a budget line.
When choosing antivirus software, consider factors like detection rates, essential features, scalability, user interface, cost, and customer support to find the best fit for your business needs.
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Norton Antivirus is a top antivirus software that offers strong protection for businesses of all sizes. With its user-friendly design and advanced features, it’s an excellent choice for companies seeking to secure their devices and data.
Malware Detection
Norton Antivirus excels at detecting and blocking a wide range of malware threats, including viruses, Trojans, spyware, and ransomware. It achieves this through advanced machine learning algorithms and a global threat intelligence network.
Multi-Device Support
Businesses can protect multiple devices with Norton Antivirus, including PCs, Macs, Android, and iOS devices. This flexibility makes it suitable for companies with diverse device fleets.
Real-Time Protection
Norton Antivirus provides real-time protection, scanning files and emails for threats as soon as they arrive. This ensures your business stays protected against the latest threats without delay.
Pricing
Norton sells business protection as an annual subscription priced per device. The headline monthly figure you see on its site is a first-term promotional rate; the renewal price is higher, and the renewal price is the one that matters over a three-year horizon. Check the per-device rate and the renewal rate together before you buy.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Malware Detection | Detects and blocks viruses, Trojans, spyware, ransomware, and more |
| Multi-Device Support | Protects PCs, Macs, Android, and iOS devices |
| Real-Time Protection | Scans files and emails for threats as they arrive |
| Pricing | Per device, annual subscription; renewal costs more than year one |
Overall, Norton Antivirus is a reliable and effective antivirus solution that offers robust protection, flexibility, and affordability for businesses. Its user-friendly interface and advanced features make it a top choice for safeguarding devices and data.
Bitdefender Antivirus is a powerful security solution designed to protect businesses of all sizes. With its user-friendly interface and advanced features, it offers robust defense against cyber threats.
Malware Protection
Bitdefender excels at detecting and blocking various malware, including viruses, Trojans, spyware, and ransomware. It utilizes machine learning algorithms and a global threat intelligence network to identify and stop these threats.
Multi-Device Support
Businesses can secure multiple devices with Bitdefender Antivirus, including PCs, Macs, Android, and iOS devices. This versatility makes it suitable for companies with diverse device fleets.
Real-Time Scanning
Bitdefender provides real-time protection by scanning files and emails for threats as soon as they arrive. This ensures your business stays guarded against the latest cyber risks without delay.
Pricing
Bitdefender’s GravityZone business range is billed per device per year, with a minimum device count and a lower unit price as the count rises. Two- and three-year terms are discounted. Bitdefender changes its packaging fairly often, so price the exact edition you want rather than the range.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Malware Detection | Detects and blocks viruses, Trojans, spyware, ransomware, and more |
| Multi-Device Support | Protects PCs, Macs, Android, and iOS devices |
| Real-Time Protection | Scans files and emails for threats as they arrive |
| Cost | Per device per year, minimum device count |
Overall, Bitdefender Antivirus is a reliable and effective solution that offers robust protection, versatility, and affordability for businesses. Its user-friendly design and advanced features make it a top choice for securing devices and data.
Avast Business Security is a powerful security solution designed to protect businesses from cyber threats. With its user-friendly interface and advanced features, it offers comprehensive defense against malware, ransomware, and other attacks.
Malware Detection
Avast excels at detecting and blocking various malware types, including viruses, Trojans, spyware, and ransomware. It uses machine learning and a global threat intelligence network to identify and stop these threats.
Multi-Device Protection
Businesses can secure multiple devices with Avast, including PCs, Macs, Android, and iOS devices. This versatility suits companies with diverse device fleets.
Real-Time Scanning
Avast provides real-time protection by scanning files and emails for threats as soon as they arrive. This ensures your business stays protected against the latest cyber risks without delay.
Pricing
Avast Business is billed per device per year, with volume tiers and a discount for multi-year terms. The management console is included rather than charged separately, which is worth checking against rivals that bill it as an add-on.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Malware Detection | Detects and blocks viruses, Trojans, spyware, ransomware, and more |
| Multi-Device Protection | Secures PCs, Macs, Android, and iOS devices |
| Real-Time Scanning | Scans files and emails for threats as they arrive |
| Cost | Per device per year, volume tiers |
Avast Business Security is a reliable and effective solution that offers robust protection and affordability for businesses. Its user-friendly design and advanced features make it a top choice for securing devices and data.
McAfee Total Protection is an antivirus software that provides strong security for businesses. With its user-friendly design and advanced features, it offers reliable protection against malware, viruses, and other cyber threats.
Malware Detection
McAfee Total Protection is skilled at detecting and blocking various malware types, including viruses, Trojans, spyware, and ransomware. It uses advanced threat detection and real-time scanning to identify and stop threats before they can cause harm.
Multi-Device Support
McAfee Total Protection supports multiple devices, allowing businesses to secure PCs, Macs, Android, and iOS devices. This makes it suitable for companies with diverse device fleets.
Real-Time Protection
McAfee Total Protection provides real-time protection by scanning files and emails for threats as soon as they arrive. This ensures businesses stay protected against the latest cyber risks without delay.
Cost
Total Protection is a consumer product sold as a plan with a device cap rather than a per-seat business licence, and the advertised price is a first-year rate that rises on renewal. If you need central management across a fleet, this is the wrong McAfee product – look at its business range instead.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Malware Detection | Detects and blocks viruses, Trojans, spyware, ransomware, and more |
| Multi-Device Support | Secures PCs, Macs, Android, and iOS devices |
| Real-Time Protection | Scans files and emails for threats as they arrive |
| Cost | Plan with a device cap, first term discounted |
McAfee Total Protection is a reliable and effective solution that offers robust protection and affordability for businesses. Its user-friendly design and advanced features make it a top choice for securing devices and data.
Kaspersky Endpoint Security is a capable security product with strong independent test results. Before you evaluate it, settle one thing: the US Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security prohibited Kaspersky from selling software and supplying updates to US customers in 2024. If you are a US business, this one is off your list whatever it scores.
Malware Detection
Kaspersky excels at detecting and blocking various malware, including:
- Ransomware
- Trojans
- Spyware
- And more
Its multi-layered protection uses advanced threat detection to identify and stop these threats.
Multi-Device Support
This solution supports multiple devices, including:
- Windows
- Linux
- macOS
- Android
- iOS
This makes it suitable for businesses with diverse device fleets.
Real-Time Protection
Kaspersky provides real-time protection by continuously monitoring and scanning:
- Files
- Emails
- Web traffic
Its advanced threat detection and automatic rollback features ensure businesses stay protected against the latest cyber risks.
Cost
Kaspersky bills per device per year in bands, with the unit price falling as the device count rises. It does not publish a flat list price, and the figures this article previously printed could not be sourced:
| Edition | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Per device per year, priced in bands | Minimum device count applies |
| Advanced | Higher per device per year | Adds sandboxing and managed detection and response |
Kaspersky Endpoint Security is a reliable and effective solution that offers robust protection and flexibility for businesses of all sizes. Its advanced features and competitive pricing make it a top choice for securing devices and data.
ESET Endpoint Security is a powerful security solution that protects businesses from cyber threats. It offers advanced features to detect and block malware, viruses, and other attacks.
Malware Detection
ESET excels at identifying and stopping various malware types, including:
- Ransomware
- Trojans
- Spyware
- And more
It uses multi-layered protection and advanced threat detection to stop these threats.
Multi-Device Support
This solution supports multiple devices, including:
- Windows
- Linux
- macOS
- Android
- iOS
It’s suitable for businesses with diverse device fleets.
Real-Time Protection
ESET provides real-time protection by continuously monitoring and scanning:
- Files
- Emails
- Web traffic
Its advanced threat detection and automatic rollback features keep businesses protected against the latest cyber risks.
Cost
ESET bills per device per year with a minimum device count, and discounts two- and three-year terms. Its published price varies by region and by the exact bundle, so price the bundle you want:
| Edition | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Per device per year, minimum device count | Minimum device count applies |
| Advanced | Higher per device per year | Adds sandboxing and managed detection and response |
ESET is usually among the cheaper serious endpoint products per device, and it is light on system resources, which matters if you are protecting older hardware. Its advanced features and pricing make it worth shortlisting for securing devices and data.
CrowdStrike Falcon is a powerful endpoint protection platform designed to detect and stop cyber threats. It offers a range of features to secure businesses against attacks.
Malware Detection
CrowdStrike Falcon is skilled at identifying and blocking various malware types, including:
- Ransomware
- Trojans
- Spyware
- And more
Its multi-layered protection and advanced threat detection capabilities keep businesses safe from the latest cyber risks.
Multi-Device Support
The platform supports multiple devices, including:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
This makes it suitable for businesses with diverse device fleets.
Real-Time Protection
CrowdStrike Falcon provides real-time protection by continuously monitoring and scanning:
- Files
- Emails
- Web traffic
Its advanced threat detection and automatic rollback features ensure businesses stay protected against the latest cyber risks.
Cost
| Bundle | Cost per device |
|---|---|
| Falcon Go | $59.99/year, or $7.99/month. Capped at 100 devices |
| Falcon Pro | $99.99/year, or $14.99/month |
| Falcon Enterprise | $184.99/year, or $19.99/month |
| Falcon Complete Next-Gen MDR | Quoted by sales |
CrowdStrike is the exception on this list: it publishes its bundle prices per device. The article previously said the pricing was not publicly disclosed, which is no longer true. Falcon Go is a small-business bundle capped at 100 devices; the managed detection and response tier is still quoted rather than listed. Prices correct at the time of writing.
CrowdStrike Falcon is a robust endpoint protection platform that offers advanced threat detection, multi-device support, and real-time protection. Its flexible pricing makes it a top choice for businesses of all sizes.
Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security is an antivirus solution designed to provide hassle-free protection for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers a range of features to secure digital assets and intellectual property.
Malware Detection
This solution is highly effective at detecting and blocking various malware types, including:
- Viruses
- Trojans
- Spyware
- Ransomware
It uses next-generation streaming analysis to provide an additional layer of protection against unknown threats.
Multi-Device Support
Worry-Free Business Security supports multiple devices, including:
- Windows
- macOS
- Mobile devices
It allows administrators to create policies and roll out agents remotely, enabling centralized management across diverse device fleets.
Real-Time Protection
The solution provides real-time protection by continuously monitoring and scanning:
- Files
- Emails
- Web traffic
Its cloud-based nature ensures automatic updates as soon as they are released, without requiring user action.
Cost
The cost varies based on:
- Number of users
- Length of licensing period
It offers tiered pricing, with larger discounts for buying more user licenses or longer licensing periods.
The per-seat figures this article used to print for 5, 10 and 25 users could not be traced to Trend Micro’s own pricing, and they contradicted the number given for the same product elsewhere in the article, so they have been removed. What holds is the shape: the unit price falls as seat count rises, and a two-year term costs less per year than a one-year term. Get a quote for your actual seat count from Trend Micro or a reseller.
Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security is a reliable antivirus solution that provides complete protection for small to medium-sized businesses. Its ease of use, cloud-based protection, and mobile device security make it a top choice.
Sophos Intercept X is a powerful endpoint security solution designed to protect businesses from advanced cyber threats. It offers robust detection and response capabilities, making it an ideal choice for organizations seeking comprehensive security features.
Malware Protection
Sophos Intercept X excels at detecting and blocking malware, utilizing deep learning AI and endpoint detection and response (EDR) to identify both known and unknown threats. Its CryptoGuard technology stops unauthorized file encryption by malicious software, restoring data to its original state and neutralizing ransomware attacks.
Multi-Device Support
This solution supports multiple devices, including Windows, macOS, and mobile devices. Administrators can create policies and remotely roll out agents, enabling centralized management across diverse device fleets.
Pricing
Sophos does not publish list prices for Intercept X. You buy through a partner, and the per-user figure depends on seat count and term, with discounts for both. The three editions stack, each adding capability on top of the one below:
| Edition | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Intercept X Advanced | Quoted per user/year | Managed from Sophos Central |
| Intercept X Advanced with XDR | Quoted per user/year, above Advanced | Managed from Sophos Central |
| Sophos Managed Threat Response | Quoted per user/year, highest tier | Managed from Sophos Central |
Sophos Intercept X is a reliable endpoint security solution that provides comprehensive protection for businesses. Its user-friendly interface, cloud-based protection, and mobile device support make it a top choice for securing devices and data.
Malwarebytes for Business is a cloud-based cybersecurity solution designed to protect businesses from threats like malware, ransomware, and other advanced attacks.
Malware Detection
This solution uses advanced technologies, including AI and machine learning, to detect and remove malware from infected devices. Its behavior tracking tool helps monitor and foster positive behavior, while industry analysis assesses your business position against competitors.
Multi-Device Support
Malwarebytes for Business supports multiple devices, including Windows, Android, iPhone, and iPad, providing comprehensive protection for businesses. It offers a free trial, and the business product is now sold under the ThreatDown brand.
Real-Time Protection
This solution provides real-time protection against malware, ransomware, and other threats. Its application control analyzes applications to identify malware before they are downloaded, ensuring proactive protection.
Cost
| Plan | Cost |
|---|---|
| Free Trial | Free |
| Paid Versions | Per device per year; price depends on device count and term |
Malwarebytes renamed its business line ThreatDown, which is worth knowing before you go looking for a price. It is configured per device with a term you choose, and longer terms are discounted; the figure changes with both, which is why we no longer quote one. Users praise its ease of use and support, and it is a reasonable choice for businesses that want detection and cleanup without a heavy management layer.
Comparing Antivirus Software for Businesses
When choosing antivirus software for your business, it’s crucial to compare key features, advantages, drawbacks, and costs. The pricing column below describes how each product is billed rather than quoting a headline figure, for the reason given at the top of this article: the two price lists this page used to carry contradicted each other, and only one vendor’s numbers could be checked against the vendor’s own page.
Norton Antivirus
| Key Features | Pros | Cons | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced threat detection, password manager, cloud backup | Strong protection, user-friendly | Resource-intensive; promotional price rises sharply on renewal | Per device, annual subscription |
Bitdefender Antivirus
| Key Features | Pros | Cons | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-layered protection, anti-phishing, anti-ransomware | High detection rates, customizable | Steep learning curve, limited support | Per device per year, minimum device count, multi-year discounts |
Avast Business Security
| Key Features | Pros | Cons | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centralized management, real-time protection, sandboxing | Scalable, easy to use, console included | Limited basic plan features, slow scanning | Per device per year, volume tiers |
McAfee Total Protection
| Key Features | Pros | Cons | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced threat detection, password manager, file shredder | Strong protection, user-friendly | A consumer plan, not a managed fleet product; renews above the advertised rate | Plan with a device cap, first term discounted |
Kaspersky Endpoint Security
| Key Features | Pros | Cons | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced threat detection, encryption, patch management | High detection rates, customizable | Prohibited from sale to US customers; steep learning curve | Per device per year, priced in bands |
ESET Endpoint Security
| Key Features | Pros | Cons | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced threat detection, anti-phishing, anti-ransomware | High detection rates, light on system resources | Steep learning curve, limited support | Per device per year, minimum device count |
CrowdStrike Falcon
| Key Features | Pros | Cons | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced threat detection, incident response, threat intelligence | High detection rates, prices published rather than quoted | Expensive at the upper tiers, complex setup | $59.99 to $184.99 per device/year; MDR quoted |
Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security
| Key Features | Pros | Cons | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced threat detection, cloud-based protection, email security | Strong protection, user-friendly | Resource-intensive; no published list price | Per seat per year, tiered by seats and term |
Sophos Intercept X
| Key Features | Pros | Cons | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced threat detection, anti-ransomware, endpoint protection | High detection rates, customizable | Steep learning curve; partner-only, so no list price | Per user per year, quoted via partner |
Malwarebytes for Business (ThreatDown)
| Key Features | Pros | Cons | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced threat detection, anti-malware, anti-ransomware | High detection rates, customizable | Limited basic plan features, slow scanning | Per device per year, configurable term |
When selecting antivirus software, consider:
- Detection rates: Look for high detection rates against various malware and threats.
- Features: Identify essential features like password management, cloud backup, and incident response.
- Scalability: Choose software that can grow with your business, regardless of device count.
- User interface: Opt for user-friendly software that’s easy to navigate and manage.
- Cost: Ensure the software fits your budget.
- Customer support: Look for reliable support, including online resources, phone, and email.
Choosing the Right Antivirus for Your Business
Understand Your Business Needs
Before selecting an antivirus software, assess your business’s specific requirements:
- Number of devices: How many devices need protection?
- Device types: Laptops, desktops, mobile devices, etc.
- Operating systems: Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.
- Protection level: Basic malware detection or advanced features like ransomware protection?
Consider Cost and Scalability
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Budget | Determine your budget for antivirus software. |
| Scalability | Will the solution grow with your business, or will you need additional licenses/upgrades? |
Evaluate Features and Functionality
Look for antivirus software with essential features:
- Advanced threat detection and removal
- Real-time protection
- Anti-phishing and anti-ransomware capabilities
- Password management and encryption
- Centralized management and reporting
- Compatibility with various operating systems and devices
Assess User Interface and Support
- Choose software with a user-friendly interface for easy navigation and management.
- Consider the level of customer support offered (online resources, phone, email).
Ensure Regular Updates and Maintenance
- Regularly update your antivirus software to maintain protection against emerging threats.
- Implement a maintenance schedule to ensure efficient and effective operation.
FAQs
Which antivirus is best for small businesses?
For small businesses, these antivirus solutions offer strong protection against malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats:
- ESET Endpoint Security
- Avast Small Business Solutions
- Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security
- Norton Small Business
- Sophos Intercept X
These solutions provide key features like real-time scanning, firewalls, email protection, and centralized management tailored for small business needs.
How much does an antivirus cost for a small business?
It depends far more on what you are buying than on which brand you buy. Plain antivirus with a management console sits at the bottom of the range; add endpoint detection and response and the per-device price roughly doubles; add a managed service, where someone else watches the alerts around the clock, and it can double again. CrowdStrike, the one vendor on this list that publishes its prices, charges $59.99 per device per year for its small-business bundle and $184.99 for its enterprise bundle – a threefold spread across one vendor’s own range, which tells you most of what you need to know about quoting a single industry average.
The pricing depends on factors like:
- Number of devices
- Features included
- Level of protection required
It’s recommended to compare options, assess your specific needs, and consider free trials to find the best value solution within your budget.
Which is the best antivirus for enterprises?
For large enterprises, these antivirus solutions offer advanced protection:
- Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security
- Bitdefender GravityZone Ultra
- Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business
- ESET Endpoint Protection Advanced
- Sophos Intercept X Advanced with EDR
These enterprise-grade solutions provide features like:
- Endpoint detection and response (EDR)
- Managed threat hunting
- Robust centralized management for large-scale deployments across multiple locations and devices
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