The 10 Best Malware Protection Solutions Compared for 2023

The best malware protection tools can keep you safe from online threats that aim to harm, exploit, or compromise the functionality of your devices and networks. There are plenty of dangers on the internet today, and having your details stolen or your computer locked or rendered unusable is likely to be disruptive, expensive, and traumatic.

In this guide, we review and compare the 10 best malware protection solutions today. Stick around to learn how to stay safe while browsing, streaming, and performing crucial work tasks online.

The 10 Best Malware Removal Tools Ranked

If you’re in a hurry, here is a brief overview of the best malware and virus protection tools in our top 10 malware tools shortlist:

  1. TotalAV – $2.41/month – The best malware removal tool in 2023. It boasts 99.7% accuracy against viruses, Trojans, and worms discovered in the last four weeks and works well with different operating systems.
  2. Surfshark – $2.49/month – Prioritizes online privacy and security with its cost-effective VPN service. It also excels in malware protection, offering a top-notch antivirus with 100% malware detection and an ad blocker to eliminate unwanted ads.
  3. CyberGhost – $2.11/month – Provides robust malware protection for Windows 11 and effectively tackles Trojans with its CyberGhost Security Suite. Comes with a 45-day refund guarantee.
  4. Norton – $1.25/month – Get the maximum WiFi security possible for iOS devices and enjoy 100% malware detection, as well as flexible payment options.
  5. AVG – $3.83/month – A top-notch enterprise malware tool with robust ransomware protection that can ensure the security of your business network with a 100% detection rate.
  6. TrendMicro – $4.16/month – The best computer malware protection, which is compatible with multiple operating systems. It boasts a customizable and user-friendly email security feature that excels in safeguarding against common email threats.
  7. ESET – $1.08/month – Budget-friendly solution with a focus on Android protection. It’s one of the best free Android malware protection options, with a 99.9% malware detection rate. There’s a 30-day trial for premium plans, which include features such as malware removal.
  8. Intego – $3.33/month – Offers outstanding Mac malware protection with a 99.2% detection rate. VirusBarrier is its standout feature, which safeguards Mac devices against malware, viruses, and spyware.
  9. Avast – $4.16/month – The best free malware removal tool with a 100% detection rate. The freemium version covers malware blocking, WiFi scanning, and file protection tools.
  10. Avira – $2.91/month – A versatile cybersecurity provider with a user-friendly interface and a free password manager feature, which boasts 100% detection against known malware threats. It provides solid online account protection and is ideal for small businesses.

Common Types of Malware and Their Impact

Malicious software consists of harmful computer programs and code. This “malware” is often distributed through channels such as email attachments, infected downloads, and malicious websites.

Here are the most common types of malware, described along with the damage they can do to your digital devices:

  • Viruses – One of the most common types of malware. Computer viruses can infect a file or program and are typically spread through emails, shared files, or infected downloads.
  • Worms – An online threat that aims to exploit computer or network vulnerabilities and has the ability to replicate itself. Worms can consume network bandwidth, corrupt files, manipulate data, and slow down infected computers.
  • Spyware – Designed to compromise the user’s privacy and security, spyware can infiltrate a device via seemingly legitimate applications. Often undetectable to regular users, this sort of malware can steal logins and credentials and access your browsing history, chats, and emails.
  • Keyloggers – A subset of spyware that’s able to record user keystrokes, take screenshots, and monitor activities while remaining undetected. It can capture your usernames and passwords, among other sensitive details.
  • Ransomware – Encrypts user data and locks users out of their devices until the victim pays up – which may just be another scam. These attacks can impact individuals and businesses of all sizes and cause major disruptions, including large data and financial losses.
  • Trojans – Often disguised as legitimate programs, documents, or games, Trojans infect the user’s device and perform multiple actions, such as stealing data or enabling hackers to enter the system and take over the device remotely.
  • Adware – Advertising-supported software is one of the most annoying malware types you’ll come across. Once triggered, it displays different ad types, like pop-up ads and sponsored content. It’s not as harmful as most viruses or Trojans, but it can be invasive and slow down your device.
  • Botnets – A derivative of worms, these programs can create a network of infected computers. Botnets are most commonly used in DDoS attacks and can help spread malware, like Trojans.

Do I Really Need Anti-Malware Software?

Malicious software can cause severe damage to your devices and compromise your digital well-being.

One way to stop yourself from becoming a victim of cyberattacks is to:

  • Keep your OS and software up to update
  • Create up-to-date backups of your data
  • Use strong passwords
  • Take advantage of two-factor authentication
  • Be cautious when opening emails and downloading software online
  • Use ad-blocking browser extensions

However, even following these practices doesn’t guarantee you’ll be protected against the full range of cyber threats – and relying on built-in virus protection solutions, like Windows Defender, isn’t ideal either.

Best Malware Protection Dashboard

While it’s true that built-in security features have significantly improved over recent years, their overall ability to cope with more advanced online threats remains questionable.

Despite consistent upgrades, integrated security suites can fall short against dedicated anti-malware solutions in several critical areas, such as functionality, frequency of updates, real-time protection, usability, support, and performance impact.

From our experience, much the best way to stay protected while online is to combine healthy browsing practices and embedded computer threat detection software with the best malware removers you can find.

Reviews of the Top Tools to Remove Malware

With numerous options available online, finding the best antivirus and malware protection can be challenging. We’ve taken care of the work for you, however, and have researched and tested the best online threat removal solutions available.

Here are the top 10 malware protection tools today, which stand out for their performance, efficiency, reliability, and pricing.

1. TotalAV – Overall, the Best Malware Protection in 2023

TotalAV is our top pick as the best malware protection software in 2023. The popular cybersecurity tool stands out with an intuitive and beginner-friendly interface and is compatible with various operating systems, such as Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

We rate it as one of the best antivirus software solutions available, and it offers real-time protection from malware and viruses, privacy protection, web browsing security, and performance optimization tools.

TotalAV - Best Malware Protection

Cheapest Subscription Testing Results Max Devices Supported Free Version Details Money-Back Guarantee
$2.41/m or $29/y in the first year – 6/6 for usability
– 99.7% malware detection
6 Free-Forever Plan 30 days

Accessing TotalAV’s malware protection tools is straightforward. Just go to the home screen and pick an option from the sidebar menu. From here, you can access information on your protection status, run a malware scan, and view items in quarantine.

From the moment you install TotalAV, the software will start scanning for threats. It compares the device’s files and activities against its known database of malicious software. It continuously monitors your system to identify potentially harmful files and programs.

If it finds suspicious activity, it immediately moves the threat into quarantine. The best part about TotalAV is that it isolates threats automatically, eliminating the need for manual user actions. You can review quarantined items and choose to either eliminate or restore them.

Our research found that TotalAV is highly efficient against prevalent malware. It effectively detects and removes malware threats discovered in the last four weeks with 99.7% precision, per AV-Test’s latest testing.

Pricing

TotalAV’s starter plan costs $29/y for the first year. This doesn’t include the ad block feature, unfortunately, which is a standard option with other malware removal tools like Surfshark. You can get it included in the Total Security plan, which costs $49/y for the first year.

TotalAV Pricing

That said, the TotalAV basic subscription includes advanced features like real-time protection, zero-day cloud scanning, and ransomware protection, which typically cost extra with other malware removal tools.

Pros

  • Real-time protection that detects newly-engineered threats
  • Built-in antivirus protection to keep you safe while browsing
  • Has a free version with basic protection
  • User-friendly interface
  • Multiple optimization tools for a seamless experience

Cons

  • Ad blocker not included in the basic subscription plan

2. Surfshark – Take Advantage of a Great VPN and Antivirus Combo

Surfshark’s core focus is protecting online privacy and security with its top-notch virtual private network. However, in addition to one of the best, cheapest VPN services, this tool also stands out for its impeccable malware protection solution.

Surfshark offers one of the best antivirus services with malware protection, which eliminates malware, viruses, spyware, and pop-ups. There’s an easy-to-use app, which enables you to run scheduled and manual scans with minimal system impact. In addition, there are webcam security tools and access to breach notifications.

Surfshark

Cheapest Subscription Testing Results Max Devices Supported Free Version Details Money-Back Guarantee
$2.21/m (27 months) – 6/6 for usability
– 100% malware detection
Unlimited Yes 30 days

It also has an excellent ad blocking feature, included as standard, unlike with TotalAV. This comes as a browser extension you can install on your computer or smartphone. Its primary purpose is to prevent adware from entering your system, which you may have been exposed to from pop-ups.

The ad blocker aims to intercept and block code that comes from third-party sources. Every time you load a screen, this feature will start scanning in the background and look for suspicious elements, such as banner ads, pop-ups, and video and text ads. They often promote products connected to suspicious or fraudulent activities.

The ad blocker will either completely hide the ads or replace them with a blank space – you can choose the type of content you want to appear and block other ads by adding them to a blacklist.

When it comes to efficiency, Surfshark has shown remarkable performance in malware detection. It boasts a 100% detection rate for widespread malware, according to AV-Test.

Pricing

You can get Surfshark for as little as $2.21 per month. However, this subscription plan comes with some limitations. Unlike TotalAV, which offers 24/7 support on its basic account, you won’t be able to enjoy around-the-clock security with the Surfshark Starter plan. Instead, you’ll have to go for higher subscription tiers.

Surfshark Pricing

Luckily, you won’t have to pay an arm and a leg to get this feature. The Surfshark One plan costs just $2.73/m, which is only $0.52 extra.

Pros

  • 100% malware detection rate
  • Ad blocker stops pop-ups that can deliver malware
  • State-of-the-art antivirus for maximum security while browsing
  • The real-time email breach feature is ideal for marketers

Cons

  • 24/7 protection not available in the Starter account

3. CyberGhost – Ideal Malware Protection for Windows Users

CyberGhost has long been known for its top-notch VPN service. However, after partnering with Intego, it expanded its offerings to include robust malware protection, with the CyberGhost Security Suite as its flagship feature.

The Security Suite was designed as a sidekick to Windows Defender – and as such, CyberGhost has arguably become the best malware removal for Windows 11.

CyberGhost - Best Malware Removal for Windows 11

Cheapest Subscription Testing Results Max Devices Supported Free Version Details Money-Back Guarantee
$2.11/m (2 years) No independent tests 6 24-hour trial for Windows 45 days

This feature aims to compensate for the limitations of the Windows software when it comes to malware, such as limited browser protection, high resource usage, long scanning times, and intrusive pop-up notifications.

The CyberGhost Security Shield is a simple-to-use anti-malware app that works discreetly in the background, and because it’s compatible with Windows Defender, it allows your machine to work at the optimal CPU capacity.

The Security Shield is particularly effective against Trojans. This type of malware is most often found in malicious downloads and email attachments, and users can be exposed to the threat by P2P file-sharing networks. All it takes is to click on an email that appears to be legitimate at a glance.

By installing this feature, you can permanently ensure you’re Trojan-free. Once installed, the Security Shield starts scanning your computer’s files and directories to search for malicious behavior. Once found, the trojan malware will be quarantined so your system will remain safe.

One area where we found CyberGhost needs improvement is that users have to manually run the Software Updater to keep the antivirus up to date, which isn’t the case with TotalAV, giving it an edge as the best malware protection tool.

However, the good news is that the CyberGhost Software Updater is pretty fast, and you can bring it up to speed without much delay.

Pricing

You can get the CyberGhost Security Shield, covering up to seven devices, for only $2.11 monthly. It’s also worth mentioning this service comes with a 45-day refund guarantee, so you have time to evaluate the product.

CyberGhost Pricing

Pros

  • Compatible with Windows Defender for optimal performance
  • 45-day money-back guarantee
  • Robust VPN service
  • Great overall protection against Trojans

Cons

  • Lacks automatic software update

4. Norton – Get the Best Dedicated iOS Malware Protection

Norton offers a host of services, including malware and hacking protection, 50 GB cloud backup, a VPN private internet connection, and a password manager option. It’s compatible with multiple operating systems and works well with home computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones.

If you use multiple devices with different OS, you can get all-in-one protection by subscribing to the Norton 365 Deluxe, which costs from $49.99 to $299.88 per year, depending on the number of devices and the level of protection you need.

Norton - Best iPhone Malware Protection

Cheapest Subscription Testing Results Max Devices Supported Free Version Details Money-Back Guarantee
$1.25/m or $14.99/y – 100% for zero-day and last-four-weeks malware detection
– 6/6 in performance
1 7-day trial 60 days

While this is great for people who operate multiple devices for home and business purposes, single-device users won’t find much value in this subscription plan.

For this reason, Norton has created separate plans tailored to solo device users, one of which particularly stands out – Mobile Security for iOS.

The WiFi Security option is a standout feature. It scans networks using advanced scripts, looking for anomalies in network traffic. Once it detects patterns connected to potentially unwanted software, it signals something’s wrong and isolates the item to prevent the malware spreading.

Connecting to a WiFi network in your local coffee shop most likely won’t get you in any trouble. However, public networks are typically open and unsecured, putting your iOS device at risk of downloading malicious software or having your data intercepted by man-in-the-middle hacker attacks.

Norton has an incredible 100% efficiency in discovering both zero-day threats and malware found in the last four weeks, as per AV-Test – which makes it the best iPhone malware protection software in 2023.

Pricing

The Mobile Security for iOS feature costs $14.99 and includes only one device, which might seem a bit pricey to some. For example, iOS protection with Trend Micro includes up to five devices on its starter plan.

Norton Pricing

However, it’s important to mention that Trend Micro lacks identity protection, a feature that comes as a part of the standard package at Norton. That said, it offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, which is hard to overlook when picking the best malware protection software.

Pros

  • 100% protection against zero-day malware
  • 100% protection against malware discovered in the last four weeks
  • 60-day refund guarantee
  • Comprehensive pricing plan that caters to different users

Cons

  • Mobile Security feature only covers one device

5. AVG – Great Security Tool for Large Businesses

AVG boasts the best enterprise malware protection, which, in addition to the antivirus software, offers expert guidance on how to keep your business secure and safe from hacker attacks.

The AVG’s malware and antivirus suite covers protection against malware, viruses, ransomware, scams, and phishing sites.

AVG - Best Enterprise Malware Protection

Cheapest Subscription Testing Results Max Devices Supported Free Version Details Money-Back Guarantee
$3.83/m or $46/y – 100% against zero-day malware
– 6/6 for performance
1 Free-Forever Plan 30 days

Simply put, it is extremely challenging to track how and in what way your employees use your company’s WiFi. One misclick is all it takes to put your company data at risk, which can severely affect your business operations. This could lead to data and financial losses, not to mention losing your client’s confidence.

Ransomware is one of the most common types of malware. It infiltrates company networks via email attachments or software vulnerabilities. It can then wreck an entire system or even encrypt whole databases. The victim is typically then instructed to pay for a decryption key.

Here’s the biggest benefit of including AVG in the companies’ network defense system. It’s installed on endpoints (company computers, servers and mobile devices) and uses sophisticated ransomware protection to monitor the system.

The AVG ransomware protection looks for signs of malware by relying on behavioral and holistic analysis. Once it finds a potential threat, it blocks malicious code and isolates it to prevent its spreading on other companies’ devices.

Moreover, it does it with pinpoint precision. The latest AV-Test results show AVG detects 100% of zero-day and four-week-old malware.

We found that AVG slows down devices while launching popular websites by 32%, increasing from a previously recorded 28% – which is a significant slowdown. On the other hand, it does a good job of decreasing speeds by only 1% when copying files and downloading frequently used apps.

Pricing

AVG AntiVirus Business Edition costs $46/y for one device. The Internet Security package adds exchange server protection and password protection for $56/y per device.

However, the price decreases as you add more devices – so you’ll pay $24.99 per device to protect 100 devices. For more server options, check out our guide to the best antiviruses for servers.

AVG-Pricing-Pllan

AVG is slightly more expensive than CyberGhost, which costs just $2.11/month and covers six devices. However, you have to consider the protection level, which is significantly higher with AVG. Protecting your company assets is probably worth the investment needed to make your network bulletproof.

Pros

  • 100% against zero-day and four-week-old malware
  • 1% speed slowdown when downloading frequently used apps
  • Ideal for business and individual use
  • Lots of additional features for device and network protection

Cons

  • Slows down computers by 33% when launching popular websites

6. TrendMicro – Solution Tailored for Desktop Computer Users

TrendMicro offers the best computer malware protection for desktop users. It’s compatible with Windows, Mac, and Chromebook operating systems.

The platform offers several services, including malware, ransomware, and the best spyware remover. However, after thoroughly testing its capabilities, we rated Email Security as its number one feature.

TrendMicro - Best Computer Malware Protection

Cheapest Subscription Testing Results Max Devices Supported Free Version Details Money-Back Guarantee
$1.66/m or $19.95/y – 100% against zero-day malware
– 6/6 for performance
-6/6 for usability
1 Free Malware Scanner 30 days

Emails are a major entry point for malware and viruses to enter your system – or even to access multiple devices. Once hackers enter your system, they can steal your personal and banking details, social media accounts, and more.

To fight this, Trend Micro has developed an email security system that allows users to protect inbound and outbound emails. The platform is easy to navigate and offers multiple customization options, so you can specify the detection type or enable machine learning settings to detect security risks.

The Email Security feature scans email attachments. Once it identifies a threat, it blocks users from opening such content and strips it from the email. Also, it monitors email links to make sure you enter legitimate sites only. Once it detects fraudulent websites, it wipes them out entirely from your email.

We rate TrendMicro as the best malware protection solution for email. It can occasionally show false positive results, but it operates within acceptable parameters, with an average of one false report per 38 samples, as shown in the latest AV-Test results.

TrendMicro is also competitive when it comes to its impact on computer device performance. The average slowdown while launching popular sites is only 28%, compared to AVG, for example, which measured 32%.

Pricing

Protecting your Windows OS with TrendMicro costs $19.95 per year. However, this plan only covers one device, unlike other popular malware protection tools like Surfshark, which protects unlimited devices.

TrendMicro Pricing Plan

Because of this, getting the Premium Security Suite is probably the most economical solution. It allows you to protect up to ten devices, meaning you’ll only be paying $6 per year per device.

Pros

  • Protects inbound and outbound emails
  • 100% zero-day malware detection
  • Low-performance impact while launching popular websites
  • Compatible with multiple OS

Cons

  • Starter account covers only one device

7. ESET – Go-To Malware Security Solution for Android Users

ESET offers the best malware removal for Android devices, and it’s easy on the pocket for everyone. Occasional internet visitors will benefit from its free version, while advanced users can take advantage of its Premium plan, which comes with a 30-day free trial.

ESET was generous with its free subscription plan, offering users a range of services, including antivirus protection, real-time scanning, activity log monitoring, USB scanning, and security reports.

Eset - Best Malware Removal for Android

Cheapest Subscription Testing Results Max Devices Supported Free Version Details Money-Back Guarantee
$1.08/m or $12.99/y – 99.9% detection for malware found in last four weeks
– 99.8% real-time Android malware protection
– 6/6 for performance
1 Some features are limited 30-day

Users can benefit the most from its real-time scanning features – it detects Android malware in 99.9% of cases. Because of that, it’s safe to conclude ESET offers one of the best free Android malware protection plans.

However, there’s a downside to it. While it boasts real-time detection, the free account doesn’t cover malware removal.

To get this option, you’ll have to subscribe to its Premium subscription plan. This Android protection plan includes features like an app lock, scheduled scanning, a call filter, payment protection, and a network inspector.

ESET also offers an automatic software update, which isn’t the case with CyberGhost, for instance.

Pricing

Apart from having the best free malware protection for Android, ESET offers a 30-day free trial for its premium subscription plan. The price of this plan is $12.99/year for one device.

ESET Pricing Plan

Considering all the above, it’s reasonable to rate ESET as one of the most affordable Android malware protection software products out there.

Pros

  • Cheap malware protection service
  • Doesn’t impact battery life too much
  • 99.9% malware detection
  • Great free plan

Cons

  • Free account has performance limitations

8. Intego – Tailored Solution To Keep Your Mac Malware-Free

Intego offers the overall best malware and antivirus protection for Mac devices. It boasts 34+ million users around the world and stands out for its fair pricing, high malware detection rates, and around-the-clock customer support.

During our tests, we installed 376 files infected by viruses, and Intego detected 375 online threats. This matches the recent AV-Test results, where the malware protection software detected 99.2% of malware.

Intego - Best malware protection for Mac

Cheapest Subscription Testing Results Max Devices Supported Free Version Details Money-Back Guarantee
$3.33/m or $39.99/y – 99.2% malware detection
– 6/6 for usability
1 14-day trial 30 days

While testing this product, we saw zero impact on our Mac computer performance while launching popular websites. However, installing some of the frequently used apps lasted longer than expected, which is something Intego should improve in the future.

Still, this pales in comparison with the fact that launching applications slows down your Mac device by a mere 8%.

Intego offers a comprehensive library of developed in-house features on all three pricing plans. However, one stands out in particular. VirusBarrier is the best malware removal tool for Mac. It prevents malware, viruses, spyware, and other hacking tools from accessing and causing damage to your device.

This feature scans and removes malware automatically or on-demand. The best part about using VirusBarrier is that you can select files or folders you wish to exclude from the scan, significantly boosting detection speed and allowing a computer’s maximum performance.

Finally, it’s worth noting Intego works well with all Mac products, including the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac Pro, iMac, and MacBook.

Pricing

With the price of $39.99, Intego’s starter plan is more expensive than CyberGhost’s or Surfshark’s basic pricing plans.

Intego Pricing

However, its starter pack is worthy of attention because it includes firewall network protection and anti-phishing solutions, which are missing from many competitors’ offerings.

Pros

  • Trusted malware protection software with 34+ million users
  • 0% slowdown when downloading frequently used apps
  • 99.2% malware detection
  • Zero false positives when installing legitimate software

Cons

  • Slows down systems while installing frequently used applications

9. Avast – Best Free Malware Removal Tool

Avast is a popular cybersecurity brand that offers a wide variety of services, including one of the best antiviruses with a VPN and anti-malware software. It offers three subscription models designed to cater to individual users, small businesses, and large-scale companies.

With over 400 million users, Avast is one of the most popular free antivirus and malware removal tools. The freemium account offers three major features – blocking malware, WiFi scanning, and file protection.

Avast - Best Free Malware Protection

Cheapest Subscription Testing Results Max Devices Supported Free Version Details Money-Back Guarantee
$4.16/m or $49.99/y – 100% malware detection
– 100% zero-day viruses, Trojans, and worms stopped
– 6/6 for performance
10 Free-Forever plan 30 days

When it comes to scanning and preventing malicious software like viruses, worms, and Trojans, this anti-malware tool does a great job with a 100% success rate, as per AV-Test.

However, users can run manual scans only, as there’s no automatic malware detection option on the freemium plan. Still, that doesn’t mean Avast lacks automatic scan entirely – it’s just reserved for premium users.

Furthermore, Avast will scan your WiFi network for free. The network protection is basic – the service doesn’t use advanced machine learning algorithms like TrendMicro does, for example. But we don’t see this as a pivotal issue, especially with the service being offered at no cost.

What makes this anti-malware tool stand out from the rest of the crowd is the file protection option. While the majority of its competitors offer this feature on their premium accounts, Avast has decided to include this option for free.

Therefore, with its advanced firewall, you can safeguard your files, documents, and photos from unauthorized access without incurring any expenses.

Pricing

There’s no doubt that Avast offers one of the best free anti-malware tools in 2023, though this comes with minor limitations, and there are two subscription plans you can upgrade to.

Avast Pricing

The Premium Security plan, priced at $49.99 per year, may initially appear costlier than Surfshark or Norton. However, an Avast subscription covers up to ten devices, while those competitors only support seven devices in total – so it’s a great offer for securing multiple devices.

Pros

  • 100% in detecting Trojans, worms and viruses
  • Free-forever account
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • File protection feature for securing documents and photos
  • Free WiFi network scan feature

Cons

  • Slower customer service
  • Lack of automatic scan on the freemium account

10. Avira – Top Malware Security Choice for Small Businesses

Avira is a versatile cybersecurity provider that stands out with a user-friendly interface, frequent updates, and a massive library of anti-malware features.

From the dashboard, you’ll have access to virus and malware reports, vulnerable online account alerts, and updates. The UX design is straightforward, and you can reach all major options from the sidebar menu.

This is great for businesses, as the simplified dashboard makes it easier for smaller companies to implement this anti-malware solution.

Avira - Best Malware Removal for Small Business

Cheapest Subscription Testing Results Max Devices Supported Free Version Details Money-Back Guarantee
$2.91/m or $34.99/y – 100% against threats found in last 4 weeks
– 6/6 in performance
1 Free-Forever plan 30 days

Avira provides a standard set of features in its starter account, but what truly sets it apart from the competition is its exceptional online account protection.

This option scans and monitors your online accounts to make sure your credentials are safe from hackers. Also, it protects you from opening phishing websites that contain malware by either blocking or removing them entirely.

This is great for marketing companies that typically run a large number of social media accounts, given the higher likelihood of cybercriminals attempting to compromise these logins.

We rate this as the best small business malware removal tool, and it boasts a 100% success rate against Trojans, worms, and viruses discovered in the last four weeks. However, our research found that it slightly underperformed when it comes to zero-day malware.

According to AV-Test, Avira has a 98.8% zero-day malware detection rate, which is just below the industry standard of 99.3%.

Our testing of Avira involved 564 samples, which saw it detect 558 threats – approximately 98.9% – which is a slightly more favorable result.

It’s also good to keep in mind Avira offers one of the best free password managers, which allows small businesses to safeguard their social media logins at no cost.

Pricing

Avira offers several packages, starting at $34.99 per year, making it cheaper than Avast and Intego.

Avira Pricing Plan

It’s also worth mentioning Avira offers automatic updates and scans, which isn’t the case with CyberGhost, for example.

Pros

  • 100% detection against four-week-old malware
  • Beginner-friendly interface
  • Free password manager
  • Zero false blockages while installing legitimate software

Cons

  • Slight underachievers in zero-day malware protection

The Market’s Best Malware Removal Solutions Compared

In the table below, we rank the leading malware protection tools based on their pricing and device support. You can also see how our top choice fares in testing results and the range of free features it offers in comparison to other solutions.

Malware Removal Tool Cheapest Subscription Testing Results Max Devices Supported Free Version Details Money-Back Guarantee
TotalAV $2.41/m or $29/y in the first year – 6/6 for usability
– 99.7% malware detection
6 Free-Forever Plan 30 days
Surfshark $2.21/m (27 months) – 6/6 for usability
– 100% malware detection
Unlimited Yes 30 days
CyberGhost $2.11/m (2 years) No independent tests 6 24-hour trial for Windows 45 days
Norton $1.25/m or $14.99/y or – 100% for zero-day and last-four-weeks malware detection
– 6/6 in performance
1 7-day trial 60 days
AVG $3.83/m or $46/y – 100% against zero-day malware
– 6/6 for performance
1 Free-Forever Plan 30 days
TrendMicro $1.66/m or $19.95/y – 100% against zero-day malware
– 6/6 for performance
– 6/6 for usability
1 Free Malware Scanner 30 days
ESET $1.08/m or $12.99/y – 99.9% detection for malware found in last 4 weeks
– 99.8% real-time Android malware protection
– 6/6 for performance
1 Some features are limited 30 days
Intego $3.33/m or $39.99/y – 99.2% malware detection
– 6/6 for usability
1 14-day trial 30 days
Avast $4.16/m or $49.99/y – 100% malware detection
– 100% zero-day viruses, Trojans, and worms stopped
– 6/6 for performance
10 Free-Forever Plan 30 days
Avira $2.91/m or $34.99/y – 100% against threats found in last 4 weeks
– 6/6 in performance
1 Free-Forever Plan 30 days

Which Tool Offers the Best Free Malware Protection?

After conducting a series of tests, our team of experts concluded Avast is the best free malware removal tool in 2023, though it has a strong competitor in AVG. Check out the head-to-head comparison of two of the best free antivirus solutions and find out why we picked Avast as our top cost-free malware removal tool.

Avast vs. AVG H2H Comparison

Avast and AVG are highly regarded for their cost-free solutions. While both are similar in many ways, there are a few notable differences.

AVG Freemium

First, these counterparts cater to different target audiences. In addition to the real-time malware scanner, Avast offers an option to protect your online credentials and bank details while purchasing online.

On the other hand, AVG has a strong email shield and phishing protection feature included in their free plan.

However, the reason Avast is the best malware removal tool for free lies in its minimal impact on system performance while launching popular sites. AVG will slow down a user’s machine by 32%, while Avast consumes only 22% of the PC’s CPU.

Free Malware Removal Tool Free Features  Zero-Day Malware Score 4-Weeks Malware Score Performance Impact When Launching Popular Sites
Avast – Shop and Bank Securely
– Smart Scan
– Web Shield
100% 100% 22%
AVG – Malware Protection
– Email Shield
– Phishing Protection
100% 100% 32%

Are Free Anti-Malware Software Solutions Good?

There’s a common misconception that free anti-malware tools aren’t as safe as premium options. However, from our experience, both cost-free and paid solutions are equally effective in discovering online threats. So, why pay for the anti-malware removal tools when one can use a free solution?

The main difference between free and premium malware removal tools is the number of features they offer and the level of security they deliver.

Avast Freemium

Each free malware protection tool will offer a different set of features with its freemium plan. You’ll need to select one depending on your requirements, but the chances are that no free malware removal tools will meet all your demands.

On the other hand, premium solutions offer a broader spectrum of services that include protection against all types of malware, including protection from ransomware, phishing websites, spyware, keyloggers, and botnets.

In general, cost-free options are great for casual internet visitors who only visit trusted sites.

However, if you search intensively online, visit numerous pages, and frequently send and receive emails, it’s good to consider upgrading your protection.

How We Tested the Best Malware Removers

Our mission is to provide you with objective and impartial reviews so that you can pick a solution that suits your needs the best.

To achieve that, our team of analysts has gone above and beyond to deliver precise results so you can make an educated decision. Here’s how we tested the best malware removal tools:

We start by testing the download and setup process to ensure users can get started easily. We check every option on the UI to see whether it suits beginners. The interface must be neat and clear, with easily accessible options.

For security tools, we evaluate the speed and effectiveness of different scan types and measure the speed of every action to make sure we pick the most efficient and effective solution. Once we start scanning, we test how specific actions impact the devices and take into account detection rates with newly identified malware.

We always research how selected solutions performed under independent tests, checking their performance, usability, and protection scores.

It’s also important to us that we incorporate real feedback from users on how they found the product over the long term, so we research forums and review pages to expand on our evaluation of the best anti-malware solutions. to make sure we stay objective and impartial.

Only products that have passed all the tests have made it on our list of the best anti-malware protection solutions. It’s important to us that we remain objective and impartial.

Read More on the Best Antiviruses

If you want to learn more about how to stay safe online, check out some of our best guides on antivirus protection:

How to Remove Malware – A Quick Guide

Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to remove malware using TotalAV. Learn how to scan and remove online threats following the example below.

Step 1 – Obtaining TotalAV Anti-Malware Software

Visit the TotalAV official website. Click on the Product option from the navigation menu and select Antivirus Pro. Once the page loads, click on Protect Your PC Now.

TotalAV Purchase Page

The page will automatically scroll to the Buy Now option. This will redirect you to the TotalAV payment page. Remember that you get two additional licenses and a PC Tune-Up for free.

Step 2 – Download and Installation

Once you complete the purchase, you can start the download process.

TotalAV Download and Installation

Click on the .exe file to continue the installation.

Step 3 – Run TotalAV

Double-click on the icon that appears on your desktop and start the app.

TotalAV Dashboard

Step 4 – Scan for Malware

Select the Malware Protection option from the sidebar menu.

TotalAV Interface

You can check whether your device is infected by selecting the Protection Status option from the dropdown menu. This will initiate the Smart Scan feature, which will look for any signs of malware on your device.

Step 5 – Clean Your Device

In case TotalAV finds malware, you can view the report by visiting the Quarantine option.

TotalAV Quarantine

From there, you can instruct TotalAV to remove the threat entirely from your system.

Step 6 – Enjoy Browsing Malware-Free

Now you know how to use the best malware removal tool, you can enjoy browsing, streaming, and emailing safely in the knowledge your device is secured against malware and other types of cyberattacks.

TotalAV Smart Scan Results

Conclusion – What is the Best Malware Protection Solution to Use in 2023

TotalAV is our top recommendation as the best malware protection tool in 2023. It boasts a simple and intuitive interface everyone can use and is compatible across various devices and operating systems.

TotalAV is able to detect online threats with an impressive accuracy rate of 99.7%. At the same time, it has minimal impact on your machine while running in the background.

At just $2.41 per month, getting your hands on the TotalAV malware protection tool is a sweet deal. TotalAV will stand guard against cyber baddies for a whole year – now that’s a treat. Stay protected online and get the best malware protection tool right now.

Malware Remover FAQs

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References

Aleksandar Stevanovic

Alex is a Senior Software Content Writer at Techopedia. He focuses on creating reader-oriented comparison pages, reviews, research pieces, and editorials. With nearly a decade of experience, he’s written for numerous leading brands across various niches, such as The Tech Report, Bitcoincasinos.com, CEX.IO, Forbes, Business2Community, and many more. His expertise in cybersecurity has made him a popular authority on privacy tools such as VPNs, password managers, blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies, and antivirus software. You'll find Alex working on cars, playing guitar, and cooking fantastic food in his spare time. You can reach Alex on Twitter: @stevanovic_alex