Best Antivirus Software Canada 2024 — Top Antivirus Softwares Compared

With the best Canada antivirus, you’ll be able to rest easy about rising digital threats and protect your private data and devices. Plus, with one of the best antiviruses, you’ll safeguard yourself from the danger (and the annoyance) of ads and web trackers — need we say more? But, with a market flooded with options, filtering the sub-par from the quality Canada antiviruses is tough.

In this post, we’ve tested and shortlisted 11 of the best Canada antivirus tools — the best is undoubtedly the almighty TotalAV. It has industry-leading security at an incredibly affordable price point. Try it now with the 30-day free trial, or read on to see how it stacks up against other popular Canada antiviruses like McAfee.

11 Best Antivirus Software in Canada for 2024

Below is a list of the 11 best antivirus software in Canada — with ample phenomenal options, you’re bound to find one that fits both your budget and your needs:

1. TotalAV — Incredibly easy-to-use antivirus service, rated the best antivirus software in Canada overall, and with robust tools such as the Total WebShield.
2. Norton — Top antivirus provider that offers comprehensive protection, with AI-powered threat detection and custom tools to prevent webcam snooping.
3. NordVPN — Powerful combined antivirus and VPN solution with an adblocker, malware protection, and affordable plans on offer.
4. Surfshark One — Popular VPN service with built-in antivirus software for top-notch online security to ensure you’re able to use the internet in safety and privacy.
5. McAfee Antivirus Plus — Highly reliable antivirus product that is a great option for Windows, provided with tools to address phishing scams, data leaks, and identity theft.
6. Avast — The best antivirus software available for free in Canada with high rates of success in antivirus detection and with multiple layers of protection against ransomware.
7. Kaspersky — Award-winning antivirus solution which offers premium security, a VPN, and parental controls, making it a top pick for families and businesses.
8. Avira — Service runs fast and comprehensive scans on Windows machines without slowing down your device – and there’s a free plan available with outstanding features.
   
9. ESET — Cloud-based solution with plans for home, business, and enterprise, including great security features and coverage for multiple devices.
10. Quick Heal — Affordable option for Windows, Mac, and Android devices that provides malware, virus, and ransomware protection.
11. Intego — Mac-specialist provider with advanced features to block Zero Day attacks and to secure open WiFi networks, compatible with the spectrum of iOS devices.

To compile our list, we looked at various factors, including price, features, and effectiveness. So whether you’re looking for the best free antivirus software or the most comprehensive protection, our list has you covered. 

Top Antivirus Software in Canada Reviewed

Eager to learn more about each of the best Canada Antivirus solutions?

Our reviews cover all the essential details you need to know, including pricing, how many devices you can cover with 1 subscription, device compatibility, and more. Let’s dive right in!

1. TotalAV — Overall, the Best Antivirus Software in Canada for 2024

TotalAV is an award-winning antivirus solution used by more than 30 million users across the planet, including Canadians. In 2024 alone, TotalAV won the prize for the Top Product in its industry, 3* Malware Protection, Deceptor Fighter, and VB100, which all speak volumes about the quality of its offering. Along with Canada, TotalAV is one of the top-rated antivirus software in the UK.

You can use TotalAV on both Windows and Mac, as well as on mobile devices using iOS and Android operating systems. It comes in three different packages, each bringing additional benefits to the user. The basic one includes all the tools for keeping up to three computers or mobile devices safe, such as a malware scanner, ad blocker, WebShield, and many more.

If you go for the more expensive plan, you’ll get a VPN to ensure safe internet browsing on up to five devices, while the most costly option can be used on a maximum of six gadgets and adds both the VPN and Password Vault into the picture. 

Whichever plan you choose, you’ll easily find your way around TotalAV, thanks to its user-friendly interface suitable for first-timers. Also, some users claim that TotalAV can easily be named the best antivirus for Kindle Fire, so if these devices are your cup of tea, you know what to do.

Pros:

• Smart firewall for PC
• Cloud backup safely stores important data
• 24/7 customer support
• Straightforward interface

Cons:

• The password manager feature needs improvements
• No free plan

Pricing:

The Antivirus Pro package offered by TotalAV, which is priced at $29 per year for three devices and renews at $119 per year after the first year, provides excellent value for money compared to other options in the market.

We suggest TotalAV’s Total Security package, which includes both Antivirus and Internet Security, as well as a VPN for added device protection and enhanced online security. Try it out with confidence thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Norton — Top Antivirus Provider, Which Offers Comprehensive Protection

Whether you’re a generation that welcomed the first PC or the younger antivirus user who just bought the newest mobile gadget, there’s a 99% chance you’ve heard of Norton, the top-rate cloud-based antivirus on the market.

This antivirus solution has been on the market for over three decades and has protected over 50 million people from malware, spyware, phishing attacks, ransomware, and other malicious attackers. It’s also a globally renowned tool and finds its place in the list of the best antivirus software India.

You’ll be safe from any real-time threat and enjoy the perks of firewall protection with Norton antivirus on your side. If you’re late to the party and already have malware on your device, the Norton Power Eraser tool will help you remove any virus for free. At the same time, you’ll also get access to the latest security software that will prevent any future infections.

All the plans apart from the basic Norton antivirus protection include VPN and SafeCam for PC, so you’ll be able to hide your location and stop potential spyware. Last but not least, one of the best Norton features includes Cloud Backup, which will safely store all the essential data and keep it safe around the clock. So, sensitive files are safe even if your device is compromised.

Pros:

• Safe data storage with Cloud Backup
• SafeCam for PC protects you from spyware
• Norton Power Eraser tool helps remove malware
• Free trial available

Cons:

• No free version
• Expensive for multiple device use

Pricing:

Norton’s Antivirus Plus plan, which costs only $19.99 for the first year and renews at $59.99, is a highly affordable option for removing spy apps.

Norton’s Antivirus Plus plan only covers one device, but their higher-end plans can protect up to five devices and include additional features such as Dark Web Monitoring and Parental Control. The most cost-effective premium option is the Select + LifeLock plan, starting at $99.99 for the first year or $9.99 for the first month.

Give Norton a try with a 7-day free trial and if you’re not satisfied, take advantage of their 60-day money-back guarantee to get a full refund.

3. NordVPN — Powerful Antivirus and VPN Solution

Nord is a strong option Canadians can choose for protecting their devices on every possible level. The key feature of this provider is that you’ll get the antivirus software through the provider’s VPN service, which will make you virtually untraceable online and protect all the data stored on your devices.

The antivirus will include an innovative NordVPN Threat Protection feature. Its goal will be to prevent your browser tracking, notify you about malicious websites, and prevent you from downloading suspicious files that could potentially carry malware. NordVPN is available to users worldwide, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it’s the best antivirus software Singapore too.

This project aims to create all-encompassing protection on the web, and Canadians who sign up for it can rest assured that their devices won’t be compromised.

Pros:

• Additional CyberSec protection
• Astonishing VPN service
• Reliable customer support
• Great price for paid plans

Cons:

• Only available in the beta version
• Limited information about antivirus features

Pricing:

To get access to Nord Threat Protection, you’ll have to purchase its parent product, NordVPN, which is affordably priced at just $4.19/month (2-year plan) to begin with.

In the Standard plan, you get a high-speed VPN plus malware protection and ad blocker as well.

Would you also like a data breach scanner and 1Tb encrypted cloud storage? Bump your plan up to the Complete NordVPN plan at just $6.69/month.

Try Nord risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Don’t like it? Ask for a full refund and try out the other tools on our list.

4. Surfshark One — Popular VPN with a Built-In Antivirus

Surfshark One simplifies your digital security by providing an all-inclusive platform that includes antivirus protection, VPN service, and many protection tools. The company’s goal is to offer one reliable program, so you don’t have to worry about mixing multiple providers of protective services. With Surfshark One, you can relax knowing that everything will be taken care of.

When we say everything will be sorted out, we mean that Surfshark will scan your device in real time, check your downloads for malware, block harmful websites, prevent ads from popping up, and more. You’ll also be able to schedule regular scans or complete them manually whenever you feel like your device has been at risk for some reason.

Apart from offering top-notch protection, Surfshark One is also considered the best antivirus that increases speed by many users in Canada. This antivirus solution is so light, even with the additional services, that you’ll never notice it working. It won’t slow down your PC or mobile device and won’t hog your CPU or RAM either.

Pros:

• Scheduled and manual scans
• Unlimited devices
• Full protection through several services
• Reasonably priced plans

Cons:

• Antivirus is only available as a part of the package
• No password manager

Pricing:

The 2-year + 2 free months plan from Surfshark is a great deal, costing only $2.05 per month. Additionally, it does not have a renewal price increase, which is a huge plus.

Try Surfshark today with the added security of a 30-day money-back guarantee, ensuring that you won’t lose any money if the service does not meet your expectations.

5. McAfee Antivirus Plus — Highly Reliable Antivirus Solution 

Every home should have all its devices protected from viruses and malware. McAfee Antivirus Plus is a fantastic option for this purpose.

Although you can get the basic or the premium McAfee antivirus plan, the Plus option offers the best value for money within a reasonable price range for Canadian users.

Any five devices you decide to protect will be safe against existing and upcoming viruses, malware, ransomware, and spyware. McAfee also offers identity monitoring, and it regularly keeps up its protection score by analyzing your data, and detecting, and removing any threats.

Additional features include a password manager and file shredder, while the in-house VPN service is part of any McAfee package.

On top of that, if you decide to splash out for the premium package, you’ll get an extra parental control feature that’ll help you block content and apps you don’t want your child to see or use and enable you to track your child’s phone if necessary.

Pros:

• Free trial
• Decent basic package
• Extra options like file shredder
• Knowledgeable customer support

Cons:

• The quick scan may not work correctly
• It may slow down your devices

6. Avast — The Best Free Canada Antivirus Software

Avast is a name you’re bound to have come across in your search for the best Canada VPN — with nearly half a billion customers, over 3 decades of experience, and over 60 million threats blocked every single day, it’s a name worthy of making our top 5.

What’s most impressive about Avast is its generous free plan, although it covers just one device, it gives you a free VPN with 5GB of data a week, and solid, industry-leading security that helps you fend off viruses, scams, WiFi threats, and more — without spending a cent!

As an award-winning antivirus, Avast goes above and beyond what you’d expect. So whether you’re banking online, shopping, surfing the web, or anything in between, Avast safeguards your private information and protects your device from all emerging threats.

If you’d like to cover more than 1 device, enjoy an unlimited VPN, and access advanced privacy tools and password protection, you can opt for the Premium plan for less than $5 a month.

You can test Avast for free right now with the free plan, or trial the Premium version risk-free for a full 30 days. Not a fan? Get your money back.

Pros:

• A generous free plan
• Holds a solid reputation
• Offers solid protection
• Constantly upgrading its offerings
• Majority are pleased with the customer support

Cons:

• Complaints of intrusive upselling

7. Kaspersky — Leading Antivirus Software for Families and Businesses

Kaspersky is a popular award-winning antivirus solution that offers complete protection and peace of mind, at an affordable price. In fact, you can even get a solid VPN from Kaspersky or one of the best parental control apps if you’re looking to safeguard your children online.

With the annihilation of nearly 700 million cyber attacks last year alone, it’s clear that Kaspersky not only works, but it does a phenomenal job at protecting your device and data from any threats.

For as little as $34.99 a year, you can cover up to 3 devices — whether Android, iOS, Windows, or Mac to protect your privacy, ensure payment security, and safeguard your private data online and on WiFi networks.

You can see what Kaspersky is all about, completely risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee. What have you got to lose?

Pros:

• Offers premium security
• Option of an unlimited VPN
• Has one of the best parental control solutions
• Great value for money
• Solid ransomware protection
• Offers plans for businesses

Cons:

• Issues with repeat subscriptions

8. Avira — Fast and Comprehensive Scans and a Great Free Plan

Avira is not only an antivirus program but the base on which many other antivirus software options have built their enterprise. Several other antivirus competitors have been using Avira’s outstanding anti-malware technology, which has made the company easily recognized in the world of well-guarded computers and mobile devices.

If you know what good antivirus software should do for you, you can probably guess that Avira can meet your expectations. The company has a record of blocking 900 million threats in 100 days, along with 23 million phishing attempts and 18 million malware monthly.

However, you’d probably never assume that such an antivirus magnum could also offer its full support for free. Yup, you read that right — Avira features a free plan you can use to create a virtual barrier for malware without being charged a dime.

Tech lovers from Canada can protect their Windows and Mac devices, as well as their iOS and Android mobile phones and tablets with Avira antivirus. However, since a couple of features proved to work magic on Windows exclusively, Avira often gets rated as the best Windows antivirus scan on the Canadian market.

Pros:

• Unlimited VPN with a paid plan
• Great free antivirus software for Canada
• Doesn’t slow down your device
• Ultra-fast and successful scans on Windows

Cons:

• Better suited for Windows than for Mac
• VPN limited with a free plan

9. ESET — Cloud-Based Solution with Plans for Home, Business, and Enterprise

Windows users will get no better protection for their PCs and laptops than ESET. This provider is one of the best antivirus software for Windows 10 and Windows software in general and offers a home plan, a separate business plan, and even an enterprise antivirus solution, so you can get the right level of protection for your needs. Furthermore, ESET is a cloud-based service, meaning that it won’t overload your computer with unnecessary stuff.

You can protect a maximum of ten devices, and the price of the plan will change according to the number of devices and the type of protection you pick. The basic protection includes ESET NOD32 Antivirus, which will cost you $39.99 for one device, while the protection for your Android device will be even cheaper. 

Apart from these two deals, you’ll find many other ESET plans, including the business solution, which is a bit more expensive. Regardless of your plan, you’ll be protected from phishing and ransomware, malware and viruses, and other potential device attackers. Unfortunately, ESET isn’t suitable for iOS devices, so we rated it as the Best Antivirus for Windows in 2024.

Pros:

• Numerous paid plans
• You can choose 1–10 devices
• Includes all the top-rated protective features
• Free trial available

Cons:

• No VPN
• Doesn’t work on iOS

10. Quick Heal — Affordable Option for Windows, Mac, and Android

Canadian users who don’t want to spend a lot of money on the protection of their gadgets but still get a decent service should find Quick Heal more than satisfying. This antivirus solution can guard your Windows, Mac, or Android device, but it turned out to be the best Microsoft antivirus software.

In case you’re unsure how you feel about Quick Heal, you can start slowly and use its free online scan to check the infection status of your device. Then, you can download the solution for free and test it for one month, as the trial version will allow you to remove any malware or virus that gets into your system.

Note that the free trial is better than having a free version, as it’ll give you an insight into all Quick Heal features, such as malware, virus, and ransomware protection, anti-malware scan and clean-up, vulnerability scan, Anti-Keylogger, laptop tracking, and others. If you like what you see, you can get this protective scheme for a relatively small price, which is excellent if you want to stay safe but on a budget.

Pros:

• Cheap yearly plan
• Several layers of protection
• Smart Scan Engine
• Laptop tracking feature 

Cons:

• Doesn’t support iOS devices
• A limited number of devices

11. Intego — Best Canada Antivirus for Mac

While many antivirus competitors pay more attention to Windows devices, Intego has focused on protecting Mac devices since 1997, and the company has managed to do it well to the present day. Like all the other antivirus software solutions, Intego offers numerous plans for Canadians containing various features.

You can get Mac Internet Security X9 for $49.99 or spend $84.99 and get Intego’s best-selling package, Mac Premium Bundle X9, for ultimate protection. Moreover, there’s a business product, too, if you’re a company owner who uses Mac products daily. But, the best news is that you can try all these solutions for 30 days without spending any real money.

Intego uses advanced features to block Zero Day attacks, discover harmful viruses and malware on your device, protect children by blocking certain content, and several other tools. The company has also developed a plan for Windows and now offers protection for both operating systems if you’re a user who can’t decide between the two computer-powering giants.

Pros:

• Well-built firewall
• Special Mac cleaning tools
• Secure open WiFi networks
• Compatible with iOS gadgets

Cons:

• Has a Windows product, but it isn’t nearly as good as the Mac version
• Expensive for more devices

Best Canada Antivirus Compared 

If you can’t remember all the details from our best antivirus software reviews, here’s a table that includes all the options from the list below and their key details:

What Is Antivirus Software?

Antivirus software is a program designed to protect your computer from malware, viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other malicious threats that can damage your system or steal your personal information. 

Antivirus programs scan your computer for any signs of infection and then quarantine or remove the infected files. Some antivirus programs also include features such as real-time protection, which can block malware before it has a chance to infect your system. 

How Does Antivirus Software Work?

Antivirus software is designed to protect your computer from malicious software, also known as malware. Malware is a broad term that can refer to any type of harmful code, including viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, and more. In basic terms, antivirus software scans your computer for signs of malware and then removes or quarantines the infected files.

Antivirus software must be regularly updated with the newest malware signatures to be effective. Otherwise, it may not be able to detect the latest threats. Additionally, some antivirus programs also include features such as firewall protection and web filtering. 

By understanding how antivirus software works, you’ll be able to pick the antivirus service and plan that will work best on your device and protect it from infection on every level.

Why Do You Need Antivirus Software?

Nowadays, almost everyone you know is using a computer, laptop, or mobile device to surf the web, stream movies and TV shows, download files, chat with friends and family, send and receive emails as a part of your business correspondence, and complete a plethora of other tasks. 

Although you can’t see any real threat with your naked eye while doing all this online, almost all of these activities can spread infected files from the internet and get them into your system. Once they are in, malware and other viruses can seriously damage your device and misuse information found on it. 

While no antivirus program can provide 100% protection against all types of threats, using a reputable program is the best way to reduce your risk of infection. That said, we listed some reasons why installing an antivirus may be a good idea for Canadian users.

Real-Time Scanning

Real-time scanning enables antivirus software to automatically scan any new files that are downloaded or created on your computer and discover harmful ones. In addition, you can set most antivirus programs to run scheduled scans, while you can also do a manual scan whenever you want. This helps ensure that your computer is always protected against the latest threats. 

Virus Removal

If your system is already infected with any kind of malware, a good antivirus will detect and remove it before it ruins anything for good. This will enable your system to operate on an optimal level and save you money for potential professional repairs in the future.

Ad and Website Blocking

The ads that pop up while you’re browsing the internet aren’t just annoying — they can be a hidden threat, too. The same goes for websites you stumble upon that don’t come from a recognized source. Yet, with a sound antivirus system, you won’t have to worry about any of those two menaces infecting your device, as your guarding will let you know to steer clear of them at all times.

Privacy and Identity Protection

Computer viruses are more advanced now than ever, and cases of spyware and ransomware are common these days. You can fall into this trap and be put in an uncomfortable position if someone hacks your private data or computer camera and takes advantage of your sensitive data and privacy. New antivirus software solutions fight these types of online attacks and protect you from being spied on and blackmailed.

Tracker Blocker

If you want to avoid tracking and browse the internet safely, you should use antivirus software that can prevent third-party trackers from collecting information about your online moves and actions. In this way, your browsing will leave no trace, and you won’t be seeing those annoying ads or getting offers for expensive products just because you’ve looked them up several times.

What Is the Safest Antivirus Software in Canada?

According to our research, TotalAV has won the competition for the best antivirus in 2024. TotalAV is one of the solutions that can scan your devices for malware, remove viruses, block ads and contagious websites, prevent intrusive tracking, and do everything necessary to protect your device and your privacy online. In short, if safety is your biggest concern, TotalAV will guard it with its own virtual life.

Free Antivirus Software vs. Paid Antivirus Software

When it comes to antivirus software, there are two main options — free and paid versions. Both have their pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. 

Free antivirus software is a good choice for people who only use their computers for basic tasks like browsing the internet and checking email. On the other hand, free plans usually lack some very important features without which your computer won’t be fully protected from threats and attacks.

Paid antivirus software is a better choice for people who use their computers for more intensive activities like gaming and video editing. Paid antivirus software offers more features than free antivirus software, like real-time scanning, malware detection, and identity theft protection. 

Still, paid antivirus software can be expensive, so it’s important to compare prices before buying. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your needs and budget.

How to Get Antivirus Software in Canada?

We find TotalAV to be the best antivirus software in Canada for 2024. We’ll show you how to get TotalAV’s antivirus in a few simple steps:

• Visit the official TotalAV website using your browser.
• Sign up for a TotalAV antivirus plan.
• Log into your TotalAV account and download the correct software for your device.
• Open the TotalAV app and click ‘Run Smart Scan’ to scan for malware.
• Enjoy your malware-free environment!

Conclusion: What Is the Best Antivirus Software in Canada?

Now that you have all the best free antivirus software and paid antivirus programs for Canadian users in one place, you can easily pick one and finally protect all your precious desktop and mobile devices.

To be quite frank, we’re confident that TotalAV is the best of the bunch regardless of your needs simply because it offers a combination of fantastic antivirus features with a password manager, VPN, and secure cloud storage all at a bargain price. Try it now risk-free with the 30-day free trial.

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