Antivirus software program is a key side of defending what you are promoting’ assets and units. The most effective antivirus software program scans and detects malware and protects in opposition to viruses and different malicious recordsdata designed to compromise firm information.
On this article, I’ve listed 9 of the very best antivirus software program for companies in 2024, together with their standout options and how one can select the proper antivirus answer for what you are promoting.
High antivirus software program comparability
Whereas many options—reminiscent of menace detection, real-time scanning and ransomware safety—are constant throughout varied antivirus software program options, there are key variations that set distributors aside. Options reminiscent of firewall safety, OS help and bundled VPN providers are a number of differentiating add-ons. Under, I evaluate the highest antivirus software program by options and value.
OS compatibility | VPN possibility | Firewall safety | Dwell 24/7 help | Beginning value | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
McAfee | Home windows,Mac, Android, iOS, ChromeOS, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Edge | Sure | Sure | Sure | $39.99 per yr (5 units) |
Kaspersky | Home windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Edge, Safari, Firefox | Sure | Sure | Sure | $120 per yr for 5 customers |
CrowdStrike Falcon | Home windows, Linux, Mac, ChromeOS | No | Sure | Sure | $299 per yr (5 units) |
Bitdefender GravityZone | Home windows, Mac, Linux | No | Sure | Is dependent upon area | $199.49 per yr (10 endpoints and three servers) |
ESET Shield | Home windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS | No | Sure | No | $211 per yr (5 units) |
Avast Enterprise | Home windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge | Sure | Sure | No | $139.99 per yr (10 units) |
Pattern Micro | Home windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS | Sure | Sure | Sure | Contact vendor for pricing. |
ThreatDown by Malwarebytes | Home windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome, iOS, Android | Sure | No | Sure | $69 per yr, per endpoint |
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | Home windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Edge | Sure | Sure | No | $3 per person, monthly |
McAfee Complete Safety – Finest starter antivirus
In case you don’t but have an antivirus answer for what you are promoting, McAfee Complete Safety is an effective start line. McAfee gives steady and computerized safety from cybersecurity threats reminiscent of phishing, viruses, hackers and ransomware.
Smaller companies and startups can profit from its real-time malware safety throughout all units. And, with the a number of subscription plans, you possibly can customise the product in your explicit wants.
Along with customary options reminiscent of firewall safety, Wi-Fi safety, password administration and PC optimization, McAfee gives a PC cleaner, identification safety, file shredder and a digital non-public community. Many of those options could also be accessible at a further value.
Why we selected McAfee
We selected McAfee for its huge availability on many shopper laptops and machines as we speak. Since many PC and pc packages come pre-installed with McAfee, it serves as an honest gateway answer for enterprise house owners or staff which might be solely beginning to care about cybersecurity. Whereas it might not essentially present the very best person expertise, its built-in safety remains to be higher than having none in any respect in your system.
Throughout our evaluation, McAfee Complete Safety acquired a rating of three.5 stars out of 5.
Pricing
McAfee Complete Safety gives three plans:
- Important: Begins at $39.99 per yr and protects as much as 5 units.
- Premium: Begins at $44.99 per yr, excluding some options however protects limitless units.
- Superior: Begins at $69.99 per yr with full function set and limitless machine safety.
Options
- Id theft safety.
- Safe VPN possibility.
- Password supervisor.
- Contains a file shredder that may delete recordsdata with out leaving traces.
Professionals
- Free trial.
- Limitless machine safety.
- Flexibility with a number of plan choices.
- 24/7 buyer help.
Cons
- Decrease subscription tiers exclude essential security measures.
- Not appropriate with Linux.
- Increased value level in comparison with others.
Kaspersky – Finest for robust safety efficiency
As one of many extra well-known antivirus suppliers, Kaspersky is a controversial choose. On one hand, it gives among the greatest malware prevention and detection in the marketplace. Then again, it has been named a “menace to nationwide safety” by america Federal Communications Fee for being based mostly in Russia and has been alleged to be a doable venue for espionage.
As a lot as there are persevering with discussions of those allegations in opposition to Kaspersky, I consider that any doable danger will depend upon a enterprise proprietor’s private choice and danger tolerance.
For small companies of as much as 50 staff, I like to recommend Kaspersky’s Small Workplace Safety safety—an antivirus suite that incorporates a premium VPN, password supervisor and protected cash providers. The small workplace safety suite protects servers, computer systems and information and is appropriate with varied working techniques, reminiscent of Home windows, Android, macOS and iOS.
For companies with greater than 250 staff, I like to recommend Kaspersky’s Endpoint Safety Cloud, which helps companies uncover, perceive and remediate recognized and unknown vulnerabilities on their workstations.
Why we selected Kaspersky
Kaspersky has constructed a robust status for its top-tier anti-malware efficiency and ransomware safety. Whereas there are considerations about its hyperlinks to Russian intelligence, the product is likely one of the greatest antivirus options accessible as we speak.
Throughout our evaluation, Kaspersky acquired a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.
Pricing
Kaspersky’s antivirus answer for companies is obtainable in two classes: Small Workplace Safety and Endpoint Safety Cloud.
- Small Workplace Safety: Begins at $120 per yr for 5 customers.
- Endpoint Safety Cloud: Begins at $193.50 per yr for 5 customers.
- Endpoint Safety Cloud Plus: $308.25 per yr for 5 customers.
- Endpoint Safety Cloud Professional: $495.00 per yr for 5 customers.
Options
- Patch and encryption administration.
- Person entry customization.
- Software program updater helps repair susceptible purposes on PCs.
- Good safety mechanically connects customers to a VPN when an unsecure community is detected.
Professionals
- Cybersecurity coaching provided.
- Appropriate with a number of units and working techniques.
- Free trial accessible for every plan.
Cons
- Controversy as an alleged avenue for Russian espionage.
- Increased value level in comparison with others.
CrowdStrike Falcon – Finest for AI-powered menace evaluation
In case you’re searching for an antivirus answer centered round synthetic intelligence (AI), I like to recommend CrowdStrike Falcon. It’s a cloud-based software program that makes use of machine studying algorithms to detect and reply to assaults in real-time. Companies can use its endpoint safety to safe their units and networks in opposition to malware, ransomware and different cyberattacks.
I actually like CrowdStrike’s AI-powered menace evaluation that enables companies to determine and reply to potential threats rapidly. As a result of it’s cloud-based, companies can handle their safety from a centralized location. CrowdStrike is on the market on Home windows, Home windows Server, macOS, Linux and ChromeOS.
Why we selected CrowdStrike Falcon
Using AI expertise makes CrowdStrike Falcon a chief answer for customers that need bleeding-edge safety, particularly these nervous about newer and extra fashionable threats. AI-based antivirus options can sift via information at a a lot sooner charge—a bonus over different options when detecting viruses and different malicious recordsdata.
Throughout our evaluation, CrowdStrike Falcon acquired a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars.
Pricing
CrowdStrike Falcon gives 4 pricing tiers:
- Falcon Go: $299 per yr (minimal of 5 units).
- Falcon Professional: $499 per yr (minimal of 5 units).
- Falcon Enterprise: $924.95 (minimal of 5 units).
- Falcon Elite: Contact the seller for a quote.
Options
- Actual-time menace detection and response.
- Endpoint safety.
- Cloud-based administration console.
- AI-powered menace evaluation.
- 24/7 monitoring and help.
Professionals
- Simple to deploy and handle.
- Detailed menace intelligence and reporting.
- A spread of pricing choices.
Cons
- Increased value level in comparison with others.
- Some options require extra licenses or add-ons.
- Requires an web connection for full performance.
Bitdefender GravityZone – Finest for internet scanning
If utilizing the web is an enormous a part of your operations, I counsel giving Bitdefender’s GravityZone a attempt. It’s an on-premises and cloud antivirus answer, providing unified endpoint safety and analytics and superior menace intelligence for small companies. It comes with a single administration console and is designed to guard small companies in opposition to phishing, ransomware and different assaults.
Particularly, I discover GravityZone’s internet scan function noteworthy, because it mechanically scans all incoming SSL, HTTP and HTTPS visitors to assist customers keep away from downloading malware to their endpoint. Along with the net scan performance, customers are additionally supplied content material scanning and heuristic evaluation for cover in opposition to worms, viruses, trojans, adware, keyloggers and different varieties of malicious software program.
Why we selected Bitdefender GravityZone
Bitdefender GravityZone’s internet scanner is particularly helpful for companies that usually use on-line providers or purposes of their workflow. Most malware originates from the web, subsequently, having a fast-performing internet scanner is crucial.
Throughout our evaluation, Bitdefender GravityZone acquired a rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars.
Pricing
Bitdefender GravityZone gives the next subscription plans:
- One-year subscription: Begins at $199.49 for ten endpoints and three servers.
- Two-year subscription: Begins at $339.49 for ten endpoints and three servers.
- Three-year subscription: Begins at $440.99 for ten endpoints and three servers.
Options
- Net scanning functionality.
- Centralized administration console.
- Robotically blocks phishing and fraudulent internet pages.
- Fileless assault safety.
- Superior Anti-Exploit for real-time exploit detection.
Professionals
- Presents safety for on-premises and cloud.
- Simple to make use of and handle with a centralized console.
- Offers detailed studies and logs for auditing functions.
- Creates a real-time backup of the recordsdata to stop information loss throughout assaults.
Cons
- Might require extra customization to suit particular enterprise wants.
- Increased value level in comparison with others.
ESET Shield – Finest for flexibility and customization
In case you’re searching for an antivirus answer with a number of plan choices, I like to recommend ESET Shield. ESET gives antivirus providers designed for residence use, small companies and enterprises. I respect that, inside every tier, ESET gives totally different subscription choices.
ESET Shield leverages superior multi-layered expertise to safe PCs, file servers and cellular units from viruses, brute drive assaults and different assault vectors. The answer could be run on-premises or through the cloud, making it simple for enterprises working on a cloud-based, hybrid or on-premises ecosystem to undertake the product.
ESET Shield gives mail safety, superior menace protection, full disk encryption, cloud utility safety and file server safety.
Why we selected ESET Shield
ESET Shield’s in depth subscription choices make it a prime consideration for small to massive companies. Its wide-ranging plans enable organizations to decide on a service that caters to their particular safety wants.
Throughout our evaluation, ESET Shield acquired a rating of three.9 out of 5 stars.
Pricing
ESET Shield pricing is categorized beneath Small Workplace Safety, Enterprise and Enterprise Safety. Every class gives a number of plan choices.
For small companies, ESET gives:
- ESET Shield Entry: $211 per yr for 5 units.
- ESET Shield Superior: $220 per yr for 5 units.
- ESET Full: $270 per yr for 5 units.
- ESET Shield Elite: Contact vendor for pricing.
Options
- Mail safety.
- Unified safety administration console.
- Appropriate with a number of working techniques, together with Linux.
- Superior safety for Microsoft 365.
Professionals
- Broad number of reporting choices.
- Provided on-premises and cloud.
Cons
- Advanced pricing plans.
- Lacks patch administration options.
Avast Enterprise – Finest for included VPN
For these wanting an antivirus answer bundled with a VPN, I like to recommend Avast Enterprise. Constructed for small and mid-sized companies, I discover that Avast Enterprise’s bundle of anti-malware expertise, VPN service and ransomware safety make it a viable safety answer.
Avast Enterprise additionally gives password safety for companies that need to defend their staff’ passwords and guarantee USB safety.
Avast Enterprise contains identification safety and internet safety to assist keep at bay malicious third events on-line. Its easy-to-use administration console additionally permits companies to handle their safety throughout all units from a single dashboard.
Why we selected Avast Enterprise
Avast’s Premium Enterprise Safety subscription gives an excellent steadiness of options along with the principle antivirus service. It contains phishing safety, internet management, endpoint and ransomware safety and a VPN to encrypt and safe on-line visitors.
Throughout our evaluation, Avast Enterprise acquired a rating of three.7 out of 5 stars.
Pricing
Avast Enterprise pricing is subscription-based and comes with a 30-day money-back assure.
- Avast Small Workplace Safety: $139.99 per yr for 10 units.
- Important Enterprise Safety: $148.36 per yr for 5 units.
- Premium Enterprise Safety: $187 per yr for 5 units.
- Final Enterprise Safety: $227.08 per yr for 5 units.
Options
- Superior menace detection.
- VPN included with Premium and Final plans.
- Actual-time scanning and menace identification.
- System and utility patching.
- Cloud-based expertise for computerized updates.
- Id and internet safety.
Professionals
- Could be deployed in both on-premises or cloud environments.
- Simple-to-use administration console for managing safety throughout all units.
- Automated updates to techniques and purposes.
- Limitless VPN choice to encrypt information and safe web connections.
- Patch administration.
Cons
- Increased value level in comparison with others.
- Some options, reminiscent of limitless VPN and identification safety, are unavailable for Mac.
- Restricted help choices for Important Enterprise Safety subscribers.
Pattern Micro – Finest for EDR capabilities
For these with Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) as a prime precedence, I like to recommend Pattern Micro. It touts itself as an all-in-one EDR answer, which, after additional evaluation, I discover laborious to argue in opposition to. It gives options for each endpoint safety and cloud safety, top-tier malware detection and blocking and role-based entry controls for simpler administration.
I particularly like Pattern Micro’s Apex One endpoint safety answer that gives automated menace detection and response in opposition to superior malware reminiscent of residing off the land (LOTL), ransomware and fileless threats.
Why we selected Pattern Micro
Pattern Micro’s give attention to EDR safety makes it an excellent choose for companies which have shifted to a hybrid work setting with distant staff. Sturdy EDR is essential in guaranteeing that any firm’s assets, communications or recordsdata stay safe, particularly when utilized in a distant setting.
Throughout our evaluation, Pattern Micro acquired a rating of three.9 out of 5 stars.
Pricing
Pattern Micro gives over twenty layers of safety for companies, every with various pricing plans. I like to recommend you converse to a consultant to debate your wants.
Options
- VPN prompts mechanically when connection isn’t safe.
- Firewall safety.
- Can be utilized in on-premises, cloud and hybrid environments.
- Superior menace detection.
- Cell safety.
- Electronic mail safety.
Professionals
- Actual-time safety.
- Free primary model.
- 30-day free trial.
Cons
- No Home windows internet digital camera safety.
- Password supervisor function is just accessible on the highest two plans.
- A number of plans might be complicated to some folks.
Options
- Browser Guard acts as an ad-blocker.
- Makes use of AI/ML to watch, detect and interrupt payload supply.
- DNS filtering performance protects customers from suspicious internet domains.
- Cloud administration console gives simple setup.
Professionals
- Leverages AI/ML for sooner and automatic menace detection.
- Presents browser guard to maintain companies away from undesirable adverts.
- Consists of free trial.
Cons
- Firewall possibility not included.
- No file shredder possibility.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint: Finest for Microsoft customers
If what you are promoting has heavy Microsoft integration, Microsoft Defender is a no brainer. It gives a collection of menace safety options designed to guard endpoint units from superior threats reminiscent of ransomware and file-less malware.
Whereas I discover the answer works greatest with Microsoft merchandise, it’s additionally appropriate with different software program.
Microsoft Defender makes use of cloud expertise to offer safety for varied working techniques, together with Home windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.
Why we selected Microsoft Defender
We selected Microsoft Defender for its heavy integration with different Microsoft merchandise. As an providing from Microsoft, the Defender software program could be bought as a part of their 365 Enterprise Premium bundle, which incorporates Workplace 365, Microsoft Entra ID P1 and Azure Data Safety.
Throughout our evaluation, Microsoft Defender acquired a rating of three.9 out of 5 stars.
Pricing
Microsoft Defender for Enterprise has two pricing plans.
- Microsoft Defender for Enterprise: $3 per person, monthly.
- Microsoft 365 Enterprise Premium: $22 per person, monthly.
Options
- Cloud-based administration gives simple deployment and administration.
- Presents superior reporting and analytics.
- Leverages machine studying and behavioral algorithms to detect and block threats.
- Displays for Microsoft and third-party software program vulnerabilities.
Professionals
- Presents a free trial.
- Vulnerability monitoring isn’t restricted to Microsoft software program.
- Can examine safety alerts mechanically.
Cons
- Restricted help for non-Microsoft platforms.
- Requires a Microsoft ecosystem for full advantages.
How to decide on a superb antivirus answer for what you are promoting
Take into account compatibility and integration
Compatibility and integration are important components to think about when selecting an antivirus answer for what you are promoting. I extremely counsel ensuring that your chosen antivirus is appropriate with all working techniques and purposes utilized by your group. The antivirus software program also needs to be capable to combine with different cybersecurity software program—reminiscent of intrusion detection and information loss prevention techniques.
SEE: Password breach: Why popular culture and passwords don’t combine (free PDF)
Take into account value and desires
Whereas the price of an antivirus answer is a vital issue to think about, I like to recommend not compromising on high quality. For my part, the easiest way to reach at a superb value is to discover a wholesome steadiness between what you are promoting’ safety wants and total price range. Take into account the dimensions of what you are promoting, the variety of units it’s essential defend and the extent of safety required. Some antivirus software program could provide extra superior options that you simply don’t want.
Take into account ease of use
Software program needs to be user-friendly and straightforward to put in and handle. Take into account options that provide centralized administration, automated updates and distant entry. This may be sure that your IT workforce can handle the antivirus answer simply with out inflicting any disruption to what you are promoting operations.
SEE: Google Chrome: Safety and UI ideas it’s essential know (TechRepublic Premium)
Test scalability
Selecting an antivirus answer that may accommodate your rising wants is crucial. Make sure the antivirus answer is scalable and has a number of subscription choices or tiers that cater to bigger companies. That is notably essential if in case you have staff who use private units for work, as it’s essential be sure that these units are additionally protected.
Methodology
This text was initially written by Franklin Okeke. The evaluation above centered on critically assessing essential antivirus options reminiscent of malware detection and elimination, efficiency in impartial checks, pricing, additional options and the like. Person opinions and testimonials have been additionally used to complement our findings.
I used an inside algorithm to grade every antivirus answer by these attributes.