The 10 Best Antivirus Reddit Recommendations for 2023

Weighing in on first-hand experiences is important in helping you find the best antivirus and, more importantly, to know which ones to avoid. To help, we’ve rounded up what Reddit users find are the best and the worst services for device security, and having spent time testing the market leaders, we’ve reviewed their strengths and weaknesses and compared them head-to-head to help you make an informed decision.

The Best Antivirus Software Reddit Users Recommend

Having tested all the best antiviruses, we know that Redditors are spot on about which ones are best to use. Here’s a quick overview of the providers you’ll find featured throughout the best antivirus Reddit threads:

1. TotalAV — The best antivirus Reddit users recommend, as it comes with a generous free tier and boasts stellar detection rates.
2. Surfshark — Features often on Reddit best antivirus threads as it offers an antivirus, VPN, and an ad blocker for 5 devices.
3. Norton — A top recommendation as it has one of the largest databases and industry-leading scan time and threat detection.
4. Avast — The best free antivirus Reddit users talk about as it consumes few resources and scans external hardware.
5. McAfee — A highly recommended antivirus for its ease of use, making it ideal for anyone new to antivirus software.
6. Eset — Features often in Reddit best antivirus discussions as it comes with a VPN and an interactive firewall that you can train.
7. Avira — One of the best antivirus apps, the free tier offers plenty of scanning and protection.
8. Kaspersky — A family-friendly Reddit suggestion as it includes parental controls and coverage for up to 20 devices.
9. Intego — Reddit users find this is the best antivirus for MacOS. Its tools are organized into six different apps.
10. TrendMicro — An AI-powered antivirus that boasts solid testimonies, and it comes with a password manager.

Best Reddit Antiviruses Compared

Here’s a crisp table highlighting the key differences between the best antivirus Reddit recommendations:

Reddit Best Antivirus Picks Reviewed

Although these are market leaders and they all boast stellar reputations, we’ll dive into their key standout capabilities and weaknesses so you can decide on the best one for you.

1. TotalAV — The Best Antivirus Reddit Users Recommend

TotalAV is known for its user-friendly interface, and it offers a generous free scan that, unlike most, offers real-time protection. In fact, it even boasts advanced malware and ransomware protection.

Plus, it’ll remove adware so that your browsing experience isn’t interrupted. However, you’d need to upgrade for unlimited connections, the password manager, and other advanced features.

One that Redditors rave about is the WebShield extension that works on Chrome, Edge, and Opera. It’ll warn you about harmful websites and redirect you before damage is done if you click on one.

Another benefit of using TotalAV is its system cleaner and optimizer that automatically removes junk and cache files (including on browsers), duplicate folders, and other unnecessary programs that take up space on the system.

Pricing

Besides the free scan option, TotalAV offers incredible value for money — something you’ll find Redditors have praised the tool for. For just $29/year, you can protect 3 devices and get PUA protection. Plus, there’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

• Has a built-in ad blocker for online security
• Customize your cookies via a privacy manager
• Offers a free scan to test the software
• You can set up scheduled scans

Cons

• No PC cloud backup

2. Surfshark — Highly Recommended Security Package

Surfshark is highly recommended as an all-in-one package. It defends against trojans, malware, and viruses, and it boasts a VPN and ad blocker. That said, its key USP is its minimal resource usage.

Speaking of efficiency, Surfshark has a solid record for blocking threats. For example, in a test done by AV-Tests, it blocked 99% of zero-day attacks, scoring 4.⅚ — placing it among the very best.

People also rave about how fast Surfshark scans, with full scans spanning 25 minutes and quick scans taking just 7. It’s easily among the fastest, which is impressive given how little resources it uses.

You can even schedule scans, and it allows you to protect up to 5 devices on one subscription, making it easily one of the best family security solutions.

Pricing

The fact that Surfshark is a VPN + antivirus combo already makes buying it a smart financial decision. Add its dirt-cheap pricing on top of this, and you get a security package that just can’t be ignored.

Pricing starts at just $2.05/month, and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee for peace of mind.

Pros

• Comes with a handy CleanWeb feature
• Scan files when they’re being downloaded
• Offers multi-hop connections
• Comes with excellent VPN functions

Cons

• Full scans slow down systems

3. Norton — A Reddit Favorite With Super-Fast Scanning 

Norton is one of the most popular antiviruses. Whether it’s spyware or ransomware, it’s well-equipped to handle threats with its huge malware directory, machine learning abilities, and heuristic analysis.

It’s renowned for offering near-flawless detection, and our testing of the tool further cemented this. In a test environment, as AV-Test has also found, it efficiently identifies, blocks, and removes threats.

Another thing that we liked about Norton was how fast its scans were. The full scan took about 35 minutes, which is fast compared to market standards, where scans can go on for 2 hours or more.

Pricing

Norton’s starter plan is cheaper than TotalAV’s, but it covers a single device instead of TotalAV’s 3. Still, at just $19.99/year, you get 2GB cloud backup, a password manager, and online threat protection.

If you’re unsure, Norton offers a 7-day free trial and a whopping 60-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

• Automatic file backups
• Offers several parental control options
• Smart AI-based vulnerability assessment
• Offers webcam protection and dark web monitoring
• Renowned for being one of the best Windows antiviruses

Cons

• On the pricier side

4. Avast — Best Free Antivirus Reddit Users Recommend

Avast is massive in the antivirus industry, as it even protects your WebCam to prevent hackers from spying on you for ransomware. Plus, it lets you scan external devices like USBs and CDs.

That said, its biggest USP is its free plan. For $0, you’ll get real-time protection, and it’ll even scan your WiFi for vulnerabilities. Plus, despite being free, we love how lightweight it is.

Tests also back Avast’s competency. In a test conducted by AV-TEST, it achieved a 100% detection rate, earning it the “Top Product” certificate, the highest rank AV-TEST offers.

Pricing

Avast’s free forever plan will fetch you an advanced firewall, data leak alerts, ransomware protection, and more — which is why you’ll find that it’s mentioned in the best free antivirus Reddit threads.

That said, given the add-ons (the VPN and protection for 10 devices), we recommend considering a paid plan once you’ve given it a test drive.

Pros

• Boot Time Scan removes stubborn spy apps
• Real-time wifi scanning and threat protection
• Features one of the best firewalls
• Has an entirely free plan
• One of the top Android antiviruses

Cons

• Paid plans can be expensive

5. McAfee — Recommended for Antivirus Newbies

McAfee is undoubtedly a top player in the market thanks to its ease of use and fast scans. Setup takes +-5 minutes, and we found that full scans take about 30 minutes, with quick scans spanning 5.

Beyond this, if you’re suspicious about a particular file or folder, you can have them looked at through McAfee’s folder scan. It’s a much faster way to detect vulnerabilities than the full scan.

That said, McAfee is also well-equipped to protect you against ransomware. It does so by turning on an extra layer of protection with its Ransom Guard that monitors your device 24/7.

Plus, like most reputed antivirus software, McAfee also comes with its own system cleaner — QuickClean to remove old and outdated files to reduce the risk of exploitation.

Pricing

McAfee’s best offering is its Premium plan with security freeze functionalities, identity monitoring, and coverage for unlimited devices. You can try it risk-free for a full month with the free trial.

Pros

• The QuickClean feature cleans out system junk
• A score-based assessment for easy understanding
• Offers a unique 100% virus protection pledge
• Identity monitoring for up to 10 email addresses

Cons

• Not ideal for Mac devices

6. Eset — All-in-One Computer Security Tool

Eset isn’t just antivirus software — it’s an all-in-one system security solution that boasts virus protection, parental control, a VPN, and an in-built system cleaner.

It offers both internal and external scan options, and during our tests, it proved incredibly effective at detecting threats. It detected all the 100 malware-infected files we placed in the test device.

Redditors also find the intuitive firewall helpful. You can choose what traffic needs blocked or have it do it automatically. In fact, it can create custom rules based on your activities.

Pricing

Eset has many pricing options. You’ll also appreciate how the plans are separated based on whether you need protection for your home or work devices, and there’s a 30-day free trial and guarantee.

Pros

• The anti-theft tool helps recover stolen devices
• Easy to set up and light on system resources
• Allows scheduling several security tasks
• Effective background operations

Cons

• Detection rates need improvement

7. Avira — Feature-Rich Free Antivirus Reddit Suggestion

Avira is best known for its generous free plan. As with Avast, it offers real-time protection and updates. Its efficiency isn’t just a claim, either. It got full marks in tests done by AV-Test.

Plus, tests conducted by AV-Comparatives conclude that it ranks as one of the safest antivirus solutions, and it got an Advanced+ rating, the highest rating offered by AV-Comparatives.

Beyond all this, one of Avira’s biggest USPs is the automated software updating tool that looks for outdated apps and updates them to minimize the risk of exploitation.

Pricing

Although limited in its capability, Avira’s free plan is still decent for individuals with basic protection needs. It offers a 500Mb/month VPN and an Update Scanner.

Many Redditors recommend the premium plan as it comes with an unlimited VPN and real-time data breach alerts.

Pros

• Offers a forever plan
• Optimizes system battery usage
• No runtime system slowdowns
• Compatible with most systems

Cons

• Sluggish customer support

8. Kaspersky — Redditors Recommend This for Families

Kaspersky is easily one of the most efficient antiviruses, with fast detection and almost zero false positives. However, people on the best antivirus Reddit threads think its key USP is that it lets you cover 20 devices on one subscription.

Its ever-growing virus database makes Kaspersky efficient in identifying and removing malware. Once a potentially harmful file is on its radar, it’ll upload it to its cloud database for further analysis and then use machine learning to check if it’s actually malicious.

Whatever the result, it’s stored in its database for good so that the next time something similar occurs, it can find fault faster. Last but not least, Kaspersky also has parental control features and a robust VPN, much like the other providers on our list.

Pricing

While the Kaspersky Standard plan is good, we recommend the Premium plan since it offers a parental control app and can simultaneously protect up to 20 devices. It offers a 30-day risk-free guarantee as well.

Pros

• No unnecessary pop-ups
• Fast, powerful, and effective low-resource scans
• Tracks app changes to detect malicious activity
• A well-laid-out Security Center makes system management easy

Cons

• The controls seem a bit clunky

9. Intego — The Best Antivirus for Mac

Intego is specifically designed for computers. Its Windows app isn’t particularly feature-rich, but it’s easily the best for Mac, with lightning-fast real-time protection and superb threat detection rates.

In all tests conducted by AV-Comparatives, Intego consistently scored well against several types of digital threats. That said, Reddit users have one point they nitpick about the service.

Instead of handling one app, you’ll have to manage up to 6 at a time. And although we’re not a fan of it either, dividing it up like this does make it easier for beginners.

Pricing

Intego offers separate plans for Windows and Mac. The Mac Internet Security X9 plan is the best, starting at $19.99, but you can also pick the premium bundle for parental controls.

On the other end, Intego’s Family plan will offer the best bang for your buck for Windows but will cost $10 more.

Pros

• Comes with a handy File Cleaner
• Excellent real-time malware protection
• 100% malware immunity pledge
• Offers several parental controls

Cons

• Doesn’t come with a VPN

10. TrendMicro — An AI-Powered Antivirus for Any OS

TrendMicro is popular for its multi-platform support. In fact, it even supports Chrome OS, which is rare. Some plans also offer a VPN for online anonymity and a password manager.

All in all, it makes for a compelling security solution for your device across many fronts. It uses AI powers to detect digital threats and proved impenetrable in our testing.

Its folder shield is also a key highlight noted by Redditors who recommend this tool. It scans all your important files — both locally and on the cloud.

Pricing

The free version of TrendMicro — HouseCall — comes with custom scanning options, detailed reports, and analysis of the threats found during scans. Try it to get the hang of the platform.

Once convinced, you can move to a paid plan, the best of which is the Antivirus+ Security plan, which costs $19.95 as it even offers email protection.

Pros

• Several data breach alerts
• Offers a password manager
• Safeguards your payment information
• Offers email phishing scam prevention

Cons

• Customer support is sluggish

Is an Antivirus Necessary in 2023? Key Benefits

Yes, antivirus software is still necessary for 2023. Cybercriminals are still constantly developing new viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other malicious software to compromise the security of computers and other devices.

In fact, there’s a cyberattack every 39 seconds. If that isn’t enough proof that you need one, here are some key benefits of using antivirus software:

Protection Against Malware 

Antivirus software is designed to protect your device from malware, which includes any malicious software that can cause harm to your system. Malware can infect your device in many ways, including through downloads, attachments, email links, and even websites. Antivirus software can detect and remove malware before it can wreak havoc on your device or compromise your data.

Safe Web Browsing 

Recent statistics show that 12.8 million websites are infected with malware worldwide. Antivirus software can protect you while browsing the internet, and many also include browser extensions that can help block malicious websites and alert you to potentially dangerous sites.

These extensions can also prevent you from clicking on links that lead to malicious sites to prevent phishing attacks and other forms of cybercrime.

Firewall Protection

A firewall is a security feature that helps prevent unauthorized access to your device or network. Some antivirus software includes a firewall that can help protect your device from hackers and other cybercriminals. The firewall can monitor incoming and outgoing traffic and block any suspicious activity.

Automatic Updates

Cyber threats constantly evolve, so antivirus software is updated regularly to avoid new threats. These updates are typically automatic, so you don’t have to update your software manually.

The updates can include new virus definitions, security patches, and other improvements that help keep your device protected.

This is why third-party antivirus solutions like those we’ve reviewed here are trusted over built-in Mac, Windows, and mobile threat detectors. These aren’t updated frequently enough to ensure protection from new and emerging threats.

Why Should I Trust Reddit Recommendations for Antiviruses?

If you’re questioning the reliability of Reddit recommendations for antivirus software, consider these factors that demonstrate why it’s a wise decision:

Real Users Provide Genuine Feedback

Since Reddit is a user-generated content platform, the reviews and comments about antivirus software are likely to be authentic and unbiased. By reading comments from real users, you can gain insight into their experiences with different antivirus software and make an informed decision.

Redditors Are Candid In Their Opinions

Reddit is known for its frank discussions. Redditors aren’t afraid to share their opinions, even if it goes against the popular narrative or the marketing claims of antivirus companies. This means you’ll likely find genuine reviews of antivirus software on Reddit.

Beyond this, they won’t hesitate to express dissatisfaction if a product doesn’t meet their expectations. Therefore, if an antivirus software provider receives a positive review on Reddit, you can be confident that the software is reliable and meets high standards.

Fake Posts Are Easy to Spot

Although some fake reviews or sponsored comments can be found on Reddit, they’re usually easy to spot. One way to identify fake posts is to look at the user’s posting history.

If the user has only made comments on a particular brand or product, it could be a sign of a fake account or a paid comment.

You can stay informed about which antivirus providers to avoid and which ones are worth considering through Reddit user recommendations and user experiences.

Do Reddit Users Think Free Antiviruses Are Good?

When it comes to free antivirus software, Reddit users have varying opinions. While some comments suggest that free antivirus can provide adequate basic protection, the consensus leans towards paid options being more effective due to their additional features and tighter security.

In today’s world, where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, it’s not worth risking your digital safety to save a few dollars.

Redditors are generally not impressed with antivirus software that offers insufficient security, is too expensive, or slows down their system. TotalAV and Surfshark are two antivirus providers that have received positive feedback from Reddit users.

How to Choose the Best Reddit-Recommended Antivirus for You 

When selecting the best Reddit-recommended antivirus program for your needs, you should consider the following factors:

Features

When choosing the best Reddit-recommended antivirus, consider the features that are important to you. Look for antivirus software that offers comprehensive protection against various malware types, including viruses, spyware, and ransomware.

Look for features such as real-time scanning, automatic updates, and anti-phishing protection.

Ease of Use

Another essential factor to consider is the ease of use. You want antivirus software that’s easy to install and configure, with a user-friendly interface that makes it simple to perform scans and manage your settings. Look for software that offers intuitive controls and clear instructions, so you can get up and running quickly.

Read Reviews and Comparisons

Finally, read reviews and comparisons of different antivirus software options. Check out Reddit threads and other online resources to see what other users say about their experiences with various antivirus programs.

Look for reviews that discuss the software’s effectiveness, ease of use, and overall value for the price. Comparing different options can help you make an informed decision and find the best antivirus software for your needs.

To help, we’ve done this step for you. Read the reviews or comparisons again to find the best Reddit-recommended antivirus for you, and consider whether you need region specific-advice, for example, if you’re looking for the best antivirus software for Canada.

Top Antivirus Resources and Guides

Our team of security experts have created a number of other resources on top security services, including:

• The Best VPN According to Reddit
• The Best Password Managers on Reddit
• The Best Antivirus for Mac
• The Best Server Antivirus

Conclusion – What’s the Best Antivirus Reddit Users Recommend in 2023?

Our picks for the best Antivirus compile a comprehensive list of the top antiviruses for your system based on Reddit recommendations and feedback. Whether you need an antivirus for your personal needs or one for your business with several device access, we have one for all.

That said, TotalAV is the perfect all-rounder, irrespective of your needs. With unmatched real-time protection, fast scans, high detection rates, and excellent customer support, TotalAV is the only antivirus you’ll ever need. Don’t believe us yet? Try TotalAV yourself with a free scan now.

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