The regular rate for the services may be double the introductory rate or sometimes more. After the first billing period - typically a year or two, depending on the plan you purchase - the amount you pay for the service may increase substantially. Note: The pricing structure for antivirus services can be complicated, since the providers often offer low introductory prices to entice you to sign up for their services. Here's where to start when looking for the best antivirus software for your specific needs. Whether you're looking for free antivirus protection or are willing to pay for a program that offers more security features, we have you covered. These tools are all essential in protecting your personal information. A secure virtual private network can help protect your internet privacy, and a password manager will help you create and keep track of more secure login credentials. Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, and the more steps you take to lock down your online security, the safer you'll be. Note that antivirus software is only a piece of the cybersecurity puzzle. We regularly research and test software to determine which product leads the pack, and we update this list periodically based on those tests. These picks of the best antivirus programs are a combination of recommendations from independent third-party labs AV-Test, AV-Comparatives and SE Labs, as well as CNET's own hands-on testing. We're here to help you find the antivirus software that best fits your needs. Windows-targeted malware has a larger base of devices to infect, giving it more potential in the eyes of cybercriminals. Windows devices make up three out of every four laptop or desktop operating systems, according to latest data from Statcounter. It can be difficult to know which antivirus programs are worth it, especially when there are so many options for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users.

Most of them will even let you know or stop you before doing something dangerous. These programs offer secure browsing, malware protection and monitored downloads.

The best free antivirus software has had to adapt constantly to the ever-changing landscape of malware. As hackers, scammers and viruses have become more advanced, antivirus software has had to become more advanced too.

Best free virus scanner review