Walk into any electronics shop or search online and you'll find dozens of antivirus products all claiming to be the best. So how do you actually choose? Here's what matters — and what doesn't.
Do You Even Need Paid Antivirus?
Windows 10 and 11 come with Microsoft Defender built in, and it's actually very good. For most home users with sensible browsing habits, Defender combined with common sense provides solid protection at no cost.
That said, paid antivirus products often offer additional features that can be worth the investment, particularly for businesses or users who want extra peace of mind.
What to Look for in Antivirus Software
1. Detection Rates
The most important metric is how well the software actually detects threats. Look for products that score well in independent tests from organisations like AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives. These labs test antivirus products against thousands of real-world threats and publish their results publicly.
2. Performance Impact
Some antivirus products are notorious for slowing down your computer. Look for software that has a low performance impact — again, independent test results are your best guide here.
3. Real-Time Protection
Any decent antivirus should offer real-time protection — scanning files and downloads as they happen, not just when you run a manual scan. Make sure this feature is included and enabled.
4. Web Protection
A good antivirus should also protect you while browsing, blocking malicious websites and phishing pages before they can do damage. This is increasingly important as many attacks now start with a dodgy link rather than a downloaded file.
5. Email Scanning
For businesses especially, email is the most common attack vector. Look for antivirus that scans incoming emails and attachments, particularly if you use a desktop email client like Outlook.
6. Ransomware Protection
Ransomware — malware that encrypts your files and demands payment — is one of the most damaging threats facing businesses today. Look for products that include specific ransomware protection and folder shielding.
Home vs Business Antivirus
Home antivirus products are designed for individual users and typically cover one to a handful of devices. Business antivirus (often called endpoint protection) adds centralised management, allowing an IT administrator to monitor and manage protection across all devices in the organisation from a single dashboard.
If you have more than a couple of devices or employees, a business-grade solution is worth the investment.
Our Recommendations
While we don't endorse specific products (the market changes frequently and the right choice depends on your situation), some consistently well-regarded options include:
- Home users: Microsoft Defender (free, built into Windows), Bitdefender, or ESET
- Small businesses: Bitdefender GravityZone, ESET PROTECT, or Microsoft Defender for Business
Need Help Choosing or Setting Up?
If you're not sure which solution is right for your situation, our Cyber Security Assessment includes a review of your current protection and a recommendation tailored to your specific needs and budget.