Antivirus software program is a key facet of defending your small business’ sources and gadgets. One of the best antivirus software program scans and detects malware and protects in opposition to viruses and different malicious recordsdata designed to compromise firm knowledge.
On this article, I’ve listed 9 of the most effective antivirus software program for companies in 2024, together with their standout options and how one can select the suitable antivirus answer for your small business.
Prime antivirus software program comparability
Whereas many options—equivalent to risk detection, real-time scanning and ransomware safety—are constant throughout varied antivirus software program options, there are key variations that set distributors aside. Options equivalent to firewall safety, OS help and bundled VPN companies are a couple of differentiating add-ons. Beneath, I evaluate the highest antivirus software program by options and value.
OS compatibility | VPN choice | Firewall safety | Stay 24/7 help | Beginning value | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
McAfee | Home windows,Mac, Android, iOS, ChromeOS, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Edge | Sure | Sure | Sure | $39.99 per yr (5 gadgets) |
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 gadgets) |
Bitdefender GravityZone | Home windows, Mac, Linux | No | Sure | Depends upon area | $199.49 per yr (10 endpoints and three servers) |
ESET Defend | Home windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS | No | Sure | No | $211 per yr (5 gadgets) |
Avast Enterprise | Home windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge | Sure | Sure | No | $139.99 per yr (10 gadgets) |
Development 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 consumer, per thirty days |
McAfee Whole Safety – Finest starter antivirus
Should you don’t but have an antivirus answer for your small business, McAfee Whole Safety is an effective place to begin. McAfee gives steady and computerized safety from cybersecurity threats equivalent to phishing, viruses, hackers and ransomware.
Smaller companies and startups can profit from its real-time malware safety throughout all gadgets. And, with the a number of subscription plans, you may customise the product in your explicit wants.
Along with normal options equivalent to firewall safety, Wi-Fi safety, password administration and PC optimization, McAfee gives a PC cleaner, id safety, file shredder and a digital personal community. Many of those options could also be obtainable at an extra 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 workers which are solely beginning to care about cybersecurity. Whereas it might not essentially present the most effective consumer expertise, its built-in safety remains to be higher than having none in any respect in your system.
Throughout our evaluate, McAfee Whole Safety acquired a rating of three.5 stars out of 5.
Pricing
McAfee Whole Safety gives three plans:
- Important: Begins at $39.99 per yr and protects as much as 5 gadgets.
- Premium: Begins at $44.99 per yr, excluding some options however protects limitless gadgets.
- Superior: Begins at $69.99 per yr with full function set and limitless machine safety.
Options
- Identification theft safety.
- Safe VPN choice.
- Password supervisor.
- Encompasses 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 vital security measures.
- Not appropriate with Linux.
- Increased value level in comparison with others.
Kaspersky – Finest for sturdy 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. Alternatively, it has been named a “risk to nationwide safety” by america Federal Communications Fee for being based mostly in Russia and has been alleged to be a attainable venue for espionage.
As a lot as there are persevering with discussions of those allegations in opposition to Kaspersky, I imagine that any attainable danger will rely on a enterprise proprietor’s private choice and danger tolerance.
For small companies of as much as 50 workers, I like to recommend Kaspersky’s Small Workplace Safety safety—an antivirus suite that contains a premium VPN, password supervisor and secure cash companies. The small workplace safety suite protects servers, computer systems and knowledge and is appropriate with varied working programs, equivalent to Home windows, Android, macOS and iOS.
For companies with greater than 250 workers, 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 powerful status for its top-tier anti-malware efficiency and ransomware safety. Whereas there are issues about its hyperlinks to Russian intelligence, the product is without doubt one of the greatest antivirus options obtainable as we speak.
Throughout our evaluate, 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 weak functions on PCs.
- Sensible safety robotically connects customers to a VPN when an unsecure community is detected.
Professionals
- Cybersecurity coaching provided.
- Suitable with a number of gadgets and working programs.
- Free trial obtainable 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 risk evaluation
Should you’re in search of 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 gadgets and networks in opposition to malware, ransomware and different cyberattacks.
I actually like CrowdStrike’s AI-powered risk evaluation that enables companies to establish and reply to potential threats shortly. As a result of it’s cloud-based, companies can handle their safety from a centralized location. CrowdStrike is out there on Home windows, Home windows Server, macOS, Linux and ChromeOS.
Why we selected CrowdStrike Falcon
Using AI know-how makes CrowdStrike Falcon a first-rate answer for customers that need bleeding-edge safety, particularly these frightened about newer and extra fashionable threats. AI-based antivirus options can sift by means of knowledge at a a lot sooner charge—a bonus over different options when detecting viruses and different malicious recordsdata.
Throughout our evaluate, 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 gadgets).
- Falcon Professional: $499 per yr (minimal of 5 gadgets).
- Falcon Enterprise: $924.95 (minimal of 5 gadgets).
- Falcon Elite: Contact the seller for a quote.
Options
- Actual-time risk detection and response.
- Endpoint safety.
- Cloud-based administration console.
- AI-powered risk evaluation.
- 24/7 monitoring and help.
Professionals
- Straightforward to deploy and handle.
- Detailed risk intelligence and reporting.
- A variety 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 a giant a part of your operations, I counsel giving Bitdefender’s GravityZone a strive. It’s an on-premises and cloud antivirus answer, providing unified endpoint safety and analytics and superior risk 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.
Specifically, I discover GravityZone’s internet scan function noteworthy, because it robotically scans all incoming SSL, HTTP and HTTPS visitors to assist customers keep away from downloading malware to their endpoint. Along with the online scan performance, customers are additionally supplied content material scanning and heuristic evaluation for defense in opposition to worms, viruses, trojans, adware, keyloggers and different kinds of malicious software program.
Why we selected Bitdefender GravityZone
Bitdefender GravityZone’s internet scanner is very helpful for companies that repeatedly use on-line companies or functions of their workflow. Most malware originates from the web, subsequently, having a fast-performing internet scanner is important.
Throughout our evaluate, 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.
- Routinely blocks phishing and fraudulent internet pages.
- Fileless assault safety.
- Superior Anti-Exploit for real-time exploit detection.
Professionals
- Provides safety for on-premises and cloud.
- Straightforward to make use of and handle with a centralized console.
- Gives detailed stories and logs for auditing functions.
- Creates a real-time backup of the recordsdata to forestall knowledge loss throughout assaults.
Cons
- Could require extra customization to suit particular enterprise wants.
- Increased value level in comparison with others.
ESET Defend – Finest for flexibility and customization
Should you’re in search of an antivirus answer with a number of plan choices, I like to recommend ESET Defend. ESET gives antivirus companies designed for house use, small companies and enterprises. I respect that, inside every tier, ESET gives totally different subscription choices.
ESET Defend leverages superior multi-layered know-how to safe PCs, file servers and cellular gadgets from viruses, brute drive assaults and different assault vectors. The answer may be run on-premises or through the cloud, making it straightforward for enterprises operating on a cloud-based, hybrid or on-premises ecosystem to undertake the product.
ESET Defend gives mail safety, superior risk protection, full disk encryption, cloud software safety and file server safety.
Why we selected ESET Defend
ESET Defend’s intensive subscription choices make it a prime consideration for small to massive companies. Its wide-ranging plans permit organizations to decide on a service that caters to their particular safety wants.
Throughout our evaluate, ESET Defend acquired a rating of three.9 out of 5 stars.
Pricing
ESET Defend 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 Defend Entry: $211 per yr for 5 gadgets.
- ESET Defend Superior: $220 per yr for 5 gadgets.
- ESET Full: $270 per yr for 5 gadgets.
- ESET Defend Elite: Contact vendor for pricing.
Options
- Mail safety.
- Unified safety administration console.
- Suitable with a number of working programs, together with Linux.
- Superior safety for Microsoft 365.
Professionals
- Large number of reporting choices.
- Provided on-premises and cloud.
Cons
- Complicated 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 know-how, VPN service and ransomware safety make it a viable safety answer.
Avast Enterprise additionally gives password safety for companies that need to shield their workers’ passwords and guarantee USB safety.
Avast Enterprise consists of id safety and internet safety to assist chase away malicious third events on-line. Its easy-to-use administration console additionally permits companies to handle their safety throughout all gadgets from a single dashboard.
Why we selected Avast Enterprise
Avast’s Premium Enterprise Safety subscription gives an awesome steadiness of options along with the primary antivirus service. It consists of phishing safety, internet management, endpoint and ransomware safety and a VPN to encrypt and safe on-line visitors.
Throughout our evaluate, 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 gadgets.
- Important Enterprise Safety: $148.36 per yr for 5 gadgets.
- Premium Enterprise Safety: $187 per yr for 5 gadgets.
- Final Enterprise Safety: $227.08 per yr for 5 gadgets.
Options
- Superior risk detection.
- VPN included with Premium and Final plans.
- Actual-time scanning and risk identification.
- System and software patching.
- Cloud-based know-how for computerized updates.
- Identification and internet safety.
Professionals
- Will be deployed in both on-premises or cloud environments.
- Straightforward-to-use administration console for managing safety throughout all gadgets.
- Computerized updates to programs and functions.
- Limitless VPN choice to encrypt knowledge and safe web connections.
- Patch administration.
Cons
- Increased value level in comparison with others.
- Some options, equivalent to limitless VPN and id safety, are unavailable for Mac.
- Restricted help choices for Important Enterprise Safety subscribers.
Development Micro – Finest for EDR capabilities
For these with Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) as a prime precedence, I like to recommend Development Micro. It touts itself as an all-in-one EDR answer, which, after additional evaluate, I discover arduous 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 Development Micro’s Apex One endpoint safety answer that gives automated risk detection and response in opposition to superior malware equivalent to dwelling off the land (LOTL), ransomware and fileless threats.
Why we selected Development Micro
Development Micro’s give attention to EDR safety makes it an awesome choose for companies which have shifted to a hybrid work surroundings with distant workers. Robust EDR is essential in making certain that any firm’s sources, communications or recordsdata stay safe, particularly when utilized in a distant setting.
Throughout our evaluate, Development Micro acquired a rating of three.9 out of 5 stars.
Pricing
Development Micro gives over twenty layers of safety for companies, every with various pricing plans. I like to recommend you communicate to a consultant to debate your wants.
Options
- VPN prompts robotically when connection isn’t safe.
- Firewall safety.
- Can be utilized in on-premises, cloud and hybrid environments.
- Superior risk detection.
- Cell safety.
- Electronic mail safety.
Professionals
- Actual-time safety.
- Free primary model.
- 30-day free trial.
Cons
- No Home windows internet digicam safety.
- Password supervisor function is barely obtainable 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 observe, detect and interrupt payload supply.
- DNS filtering performance protects customers from suspicious internet domains.
- Cloud administration console gives straightforward setup.
Professionals
- Leverages AI/ML for sooner and automatic risk detection.
- Provides browser guard to maintain companies away from undesirable advertisements.
- Consists of free trial.
Cons
- Firewall choice not included.
- No file shredder choice.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint: Finest for Microsoft customers
If your small business has heavy Microsoft integration, Microsoft Defender is a no brainer. It gives a collection of risk safety options designed to guard endpoint gadgets from superior threats equivalent to 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 know-how to supply safety for varied working programs, 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 may be bought as a part of their 365 Enterprise Premium bundle, which incorporates Workplace 365, Microsoft Entra ID P1 and Azure Info Safety.
Throughout our evaluate, 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 consumer, per thirty days.
- Microsoft 365 Enterprise Premium: $22 per consumer, per thirty days.
Options
- Cloud-based administration gives straightforward deployment and administration.
- Provides superior reporting and analytics.
- Leverages machine studying and behavioral algorithms to detect and block threats.
- Screens for Microsoft and third-party software program vulnerabilities.
Professionals
- Provides a free trial.
- Vulnerability monitoring just isn’t restricted to Microsoft software program.
- Can examine safety alerts robotically.
Cons
- Restricted help for non-Microsoft platforms.
- Requires a Microsoft ecosystem for full advantages.
How to decide on antivirus answer for your small business
Contemplate compatibility and integration
Compatibility and integration are important components to contemplate when selecting an antivirus answer for your small business. I extremely counsel ensuring that your chosen antivirus is appropriate with all working programs and functions utilized by your group. The antivirus software program must also be capable to combine with different cybersecurity software program—equivalent to intrusion detection and knowledge loss prevention programs.
SEE: Password breach: Why popular culture and passwords don’t combine (free PDF)
Contemplate value and wishes
Whereas the price of an antivirus answer is an important issue to contemplate, I like to recommend not compromising on high quality. In my view, one of the best ways to reach at value is to discover a wholesome steadiness between your small business’ safety wants and general price range. Contemplate the scale of your small business, the variety of gadgets it’s essential shield and the extent of safety required. Some antivirus software program might provide extra superior options that you just don’t want.
Contemplate ease of use
Software program ought to be user-friendly and straightforward to put in and handle. Contemplate options that provide centralized administration, automated updates and distant entry. This can be certain that your IT workforce can handle the antivirus answer simply with out inflicting any disruption to your small business operations.
SEE: Google Chrome: Safety and UI ideas it’s essential know (TechRepublic Premium)
Examine scalability
Selecting an antivirus answer that may accommodate your rising wants is important. Make sure the antivirus answer is scalable and has a number of subscription choices or tiers that cater to bigger companies. That is notably vital when you have workers who use private gadgets for work, as it’s essential be certain that these gadgets are additionally protected.
Methodology
This text was initially written by Franklin Okeke. The evaluation above targeted on critically assessing vital antivirus options equivalent to malware detection and elimination, efficiency in impartial assessments, pricing, further options and the like. Person opinions and testimonials had been additionally used to complement our findings.
I used an inside algorithm to grade every antivirus answer by these attributes.