The Best Antivirus Deals for March 2023: Protect Your Device for Less

Hackers never sleep, and with the amount of personal data we keep on our devices, antivirus software is a must. Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS have built-in security tools, but it’s still a good idea to install third-party software.

What can an antivirus do for you? This software is designed to intercept, scan, identify, and eradicate malware and viruses. It runs in the background, protecting your desktop computer, laptop, smartphone, or tablet from harm while you navigate the internet. There are free versions, certainly, but that baseline offering often isn’t enough to keep up with the ever-evolving nature of digital threats. But you don’t have to break the bank to stay secure. Check out the top deals on some of the most comprehensive security suites below.

Bitdefender

Bitdefender is the only antivirus software on our list to receive a perfect score from PCMag for “a collection of features that puts many full security suites to shame.” In addition to battling malware, Bitdefender protects against phishing, fraudulent websites, ransomware, and more. It also includes useful features like the Anti-Tracker browser extension, which blocks ad and site analytic trackers, and a Wallet feature that saves passwords.

Avast One

Avast One does all of the basic things an antivirus should do, with some added features. That includes a VPN with no bandwidth or server limits and an Email Guardian that scans messages in the cloud and filters out malicious attachments. Protection is available for up to 30 devices depending on your plan. Avast has a free version called Avast One Essential, but the paid version throws in some extras you may benefit from depending on your needs.

McAfee Antivirus Plus

McAfee AntiVirus Plus offers all-in-one protection for an unlimited number of Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and ChromeOS devices, a rarity these days. It includes a Virus Protection Pledge, meaning if any malware gets past the antivirus, McAfee will fix it remotely (and waive the $89.95 fee it usually charges for the service). It’s a PCMag Editors’ Choice award winner.

Norton Antivirus Plus

Norton AntiVirus Plus gets impressive scores in independent lab tests and our own hands-on tests, and it offers a wealth of useful features, like Data Protector, which battles ransomware by preventing malicious programs from modifying documents in specified directories. The suite’s straightforward online backup also serves up 2GB of cloud storage, the ultimate security against ransomware and any other destructive attacks that might get past antivirus defenses. It’s pricier than some, but with this deal, the $59.99 fee per year for a single license drops to $19.99.