Irrespective of your intentions online, it’s risky to step into the digital world without a competent antivirus software overseeing your protection. The right software will protect your system, including its data and privacy, from malware attacks and provide you with a smooth internet experience.

Not sure where to begin? We’ve done the legwork for you and put together a list of the top 12 best antivirus software of 2024, so make sure you read this article until the end to find the perfect antivirus software for your needs.

Our Pick for Best Antivirus Software In India: TotalAV

Out of all the 12 antivirus software we analysed, TotalAV was our favorite. 

Here are the standout features of TotalAV:

  • The tool offers all-around protection from every kind of online threat.
  • The tool is equipped with world-class features like smart scan and data breach monitoring that keep your device and information protected 24×7.
  • TotalAV includes a VPN, password manager, and secure cloud storage for important data.
  • It’s also renowned for offering decent customer support service to all its users.
  • TotalAV is also an award-winning software with more than 30 million loyal users.

The 12 Best Antivirus Software India for 2024: Antivirus Ranking

Before we go into the details, here is a quick glimpse of the top 12 antivirus software in India we will be talking about:

  1. TotalAV: Rated the best antivirus software in India, that’s intuitive and easy to use and comes with powerful security tools.
  2. Norton: Leading antivirus solution with excellent detection rates, and which offers comprehensive protection against viruses and malware.
  3. Nord Threat Protection: Popular tool with a useful lite version, and an adblocker, dark web scanning, a double VPN, and malware protection.
  4. Surfshark One: Top pick from leading VPN provider that is ideal for real-time protection, ensuring you can use the internet securely and privately.
  5. McAfee Antivirus Plus: Leading antivirus product, known for its secure firewall and automated privacy tools, and with custom features to tackle data leaks and phishing scams.
  6. Avast: The best free India antivirus software with robust antivirus detection, a password manager, and multi-layered ransomware defenses.
  7. Kaspersky: Budget-friendly solution that’s great for families and businesses and packed with features ranging from parental controls to a VPN.
  8. Avira: Fast, thorough security tool to combat viruses, spyware, and malware. Leading free antivirus software in India, with a great set of features included.
  9. Intego: Apple specialist with custom solutions and tools optimized for Mac and iOS devices that offer an advanced protective shield.
  10. ESET: Scalable option for home, business, or enterprise, with tools for mail protection, file server security, and banking encryption.
  11. House Call: Standalone tool for quick, free scans reporting on threats, which is easy to set up and comes with no compatibility issues.
  12. Quick Heal: Reasonably priced option, available on Mac, Windows, and Android, that stands out for its WiFi virus scanner.
  13. ZoneAlarm: Privacy and security suite which sets out to offer foolproof protection against ransomware with advanced threat detection tools.

The Top Antivirus Software India Reviewed 

Although proficient, each antivirus software is tailored to fulfil a certain kind of need. So here is a detailed review of the best antivirus in 2024 in India, including their best features, pricing, advantages, and limitations to help you zero in on the one perfect for your needs:

1. TotalAV: Best Antivirus Software in India 

TotalAV is one of the most popular antivirus solutions in 2023, and for good reason. With more than 30 million users worldwide, it’s best known for its superior virus detection rate and a generous free version.

totalav

It comes with a built-in real-time protection functionality that keeps your device shielded against malware and viruses on the go. 

For instance, if you’re on a potentially unsafe website downloading a game or checking an email from an unknown sender, the real-time protection feature will prevent any digital threat like virus, malware, or ransomware from sneaking into your device. 

Along with the basic Quick Scan and Full Scan options, you’ll also benefit immensely from TotalAV’s Smart Scan and Custom Scan features. 

  • The Smart Scan will allow you to schedule your virus scans in advance so that it makes no difference if you aren’t present to manually start the scan.
  • Use the Custom Scan to scan a particular folder or file you’re suspicious of instead of combing through every file on the system.

TotalAV also has a built-in system optimizer that helps you remove duplicate and junk files, clean the system, free some more space, and improve the overall performance and speed of your device. 

Plus, since the antivirus in itself is lightweight, these two factors together will help your device run fast and without any glitches.

Countries Scan Speed Device Supported Price Customer Support Money-back Guarantee
Worldwide  15 Minutes  Windows, Mac, IOS & Android Starting from $29/year Live chat & Email Within 14-30 days

Pros

  • Award-winning service
  • Compatible with multiple devices
  • Protection for your device 24×7
  • Offers a decent free version
  • Phenomenal threat detection rates

Cons

  • The browser extension isn’t user-friendly

Pricing

TotalAV is one of the cheapest antivirus solutions in the market, starting at just $29 for the first year. Although the renewal prices are high, you get access to multiple security features such as custom scans, real-time protection, system optimizer, and more.

TotalAV Pricing

What’s more, it also has a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can try the platform risk-free. 

2. Norton: Leading Antivirus Solution with Excellent Detection Rates

Norton is often termed the best antivirus solution in the market, owing to its excellent performance on independent tests and its diverse suite of features.

norton

It offers all the scans that are available in the TotalAV antivirus plan, plus additional insights through the Norton Insight feature. 

Under this, Norton will automatically mark files or folders that seem suspicious for a quick custom scan. For those who don’t know what a potentially dangerous file might look like, this feature is a godsend to prevent unsuspecting attacks.

For protection on the web, Norton has its very own Safe Web feature. This tool will analyze the websites you click on and look for potential threats before actually establishing the connection with your system. 

The threats are labeled in 4 different colors, and each has a different meaning:

  • Red stands for a risky site
  • Yellow signifies potentially risky
  • Grey signifies unknown URL
  • Green stands for a completely safe website 

If you want more information about the risk, you can click on the “View Full Report” option right below the danger warning. While you can still continue to the site, you’ll at least know what you’re headed towards.

When visiting risky sites, it’s best to use the Norton Isolation Mode. This feature renders the harmful pages on Norton’s own servers so that you can establish a connection without opening a gateway to viruses.

Countries Scan Speed Device Supported Price Customer Support Money-back Guarantee
31 More than 1 hour  Windows, Mac, IOS & Android Starting at $19.99/year Live chat or phone support Within 60 days

Pros

  • Affordable
  • All-in-one protection
  • 2-GB cloud backup
  • Real-time protection

Cons

  • The first scan is pretty slow

Pricing

Norton offers substantially cheaper plans starting at just $19.99/ year — renews at $59.99/year. Depending on the plan you choose, you can monitor 3 to 5 devices simultaneously.

Norton pricing

What makes Norton a winner is that it gives you two full months to test the platform with its 60-day money-back guarantee. Plus, there’s a 7-day free trial as well. Get started with Norton risk-free today.

Nord Threat Protection comes with the NordVPN plan at no additional cost. The tool protects your device from malicious websites, trackers, and ads.

Nord Threat protection

Protection from trackers will protect your privacy and personal information from malicious third parties. In addition to that, you’ll also enjoy seamless browsing.

There are two versions on offer — the standard Nord Threat Protection and the Lite one. 

The regular version protects your device from digital threats even when you’re not connected to the VPN. This works great for users who do not want to turn on the VPN on their phone every time they need to use the antivirus. 

On the other hand, the Lite version will protect your device when you’re connected to the VPN. 

Another benefit of using Nord Threat Protection is the ease of its setup. If you’re using it on a Windows or Mac device, all that you’ve to do is open the app and click on the shield icon on the left side of the screen. 

On the next page, you’ll find the threat protection feature right at the top. Turn it on by clicking the button present there. 

The steps remain fairly similar for the mobile application as well. The threat protection feature will be under the “Settings” tab. Enable it to enjoy a protected and uninterrupted browsing experience.

Countries Scan Speed Device Supported Price Customer Support Money-back Guarantee
60 Unknown Windows, Mac, Android, iOS $4.19/month — 2-year plan Chat, email and FAQs 30 Days

Pros

  • Comes with a Double VPN for security
  • Offers dark web scanning
  • Built-in ad blocker
  • Fast scan speeds

Cons

  • Cannot be purchased without VPN

Pricing

At just $4.19/month, Nord Threat Protection is one of the most affordable antiviruses out there. The best part is that there are no renewal hikes either.

Nord VPN Pricing

For better features, such as a data breach scanner and password manager, consider upgrading to its Complete plan at $6.69/month.

A 30-day money-back guarantee helps you test out the platform risk free.

4. Surfshark One: Top Pick from Leading VPN Provider, Ideal for Real-Time Protection

Surfshark is another VPN + antivirus combo, just like Nord. Although not as feature-rich as some of the other options on the market, Surfshark is a worthy pick because of its 360-degree security and unbreakable encryption.

surfsharkone

It provides four types of scans — quick, full, scheduled, and drag-and-drop. What makes these scans stand out is their accuracy rate and virus detection efficiency. 

During our testing, we planted 10 malicious files in the system, and Surfshark was able to detect all 10 of them within 25 minutes (full scan).

Its drag-and-drop feature makes it easier to customize a scan. You can select the files you’re suspicious of and drop them in the Custom Scan folder. 

This’ll not only save you a lot of time but will also increase your chances of finding the threat. What’s more, Surfshark can scan up to 5 devices at the same time, making it one of the best family antivirus software.

While it’s almost impossible for a malicious party to leak your data with Surfshark, even if a crisis does hit, Surfshark will inform you immediately. 

With the help of its Data Breach Monitoring, Surfshark constantly looks out for data leaks. With timely alerts, you can take the right action and maybe even retrieve your data from the internet before it ends up in the wrong hands.

Countries Scan Speed Device Supported Price Customer Support Money-back Guarantee
95 25 minutes  Windows, Mac, IOS & Android Starting at $2.49/month (with discount)  Help Centre Within 30 days

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Beginner-friendly
  • Money-back guarantee
  • Real-time protection

Cons

  • No firewall protection

Pricing

Get the best bang for your buck with Surfshark’s 2-year plan, priced at just $2.30/month. 

Surfshark Pricing

Need a shorter commitment? Go for the shorter plans priced at $3.99/month for 12 months or a flat fee of $12.95 for one month. 

Try Surfshark risk-free today — a 30-day money-back guarantee will be your friend if you don’t find the tool to be your cup of tea.

5. McAfee Antivirus Plus: Leading Antivirus Product for Secure Firewall & Automated Privacy

If you’re looking for a premium option to safeguard your sensitive information online, McAfee antivirus might be the perfect match for you.

mcafee

Depending on your chosen plan, you can secure up to 10 devices with a single account.

McAfee Antivirus Plus is known to offer the best-in-class user experience through impeccable cross-platform compatibility and multiple payment options. Each user also gets an uncompromising 30-day money-back guarantee.

For the best service with a flawless experience, choose McAfee.

Best Features

Here is what we love about McAfee antivirus:

  • Protection Score: McAfee automatically tells you how safe you are on a given network so that you fix your vulnerable spots before anything goes wrong.
  • Secure Firewall: The secure firewall upheld by McAfee ensures that no hacker can break into your system and compromise your privacy.
  • Automated Privacy: McAfee also offers VPN benefits that automatically turn on every time you step into a risky network.
  • Expert Assistance: Not sure if you can pull it off on your own? No problem. McAfee gives you instant access to tech experts whenever you need them.

More information about McAfee Antivirus Plus:

Countries Scan Speed Device Supported Price Customer Support Money-back Guarantee
40 Minimum 4 hours  Windows, Mac, IOS & Android Starting at $4.97/month Help center & community  Within 60 days

Pros

  • Protection score for risk analysis
  • Instant expert help
  • Automated privacy with VPN services
  • A secure firewall that’s hard to break into

Cons

  • Takes up significant space in system memory

Pricing

Norton offers substantially cheaper plans starting at just $19.99/ year — renews at $59.99/year. Depending on the plan you choose, you can monitor 3 to 5 devices simultaneously.

What makes Norton a winner is that it gives you two full months to test the platform with its 60-day money-back guarantee. Plus, there’s a 7-day free trial as well. Get started with Norton risk-free today.

6. Avast: Best Free India Antivirus Software

If you’re looking for a free India antivirus, Avast is a go-to option for decent security. Not only is their protection backed by over 3 decades of experience, but their detection rate has been tried and tested — and yes, it’s as impressive as they claim.

Of course, everything free does come with limitations and, unfortunately, upselling — but overall, when it comes to free antiviruses in India, Avast is the cream of the crop for protecting your device — Android, iOS, Windows, or Mac.

Avast best free India antivirus

Best Features

  • WiFi Security: View who’s on your WiFi and block any unwanted users
  • Behavior and File Shield: Receive alerts on any suspicious apps and files before you download or open them
  • Rescue Disk: This scans your device even when it’s off
  • Smart Scan: Pick up even the hardest-to-find threats with a deep scan
  • Quarantine: If something suspicious is picked up, Avast will keep it separate from the rest of your device to avoid spreading the threat or putting your data at risk

More information about Avast:

Countries Scan speed Devices supported Price Customer support Money-back guarantee
Worldwide 28-32 minutes Windows, Mac, Android, iOS Free Ticket support Within 30 days (premium)

Pros

  • Offers superb security in the free plan
  • Boasts a solid reputation and millions of users
  • The paid plans are budget-friendly
  • VPN and password manager are options
  • Seasoned antivirus professionals

Cons

  • Free plan users get pop-ups to upgrade

7. Kaspersky: Budget-Friendly Solution for Families and Businesses

With over 750 million threats removed last year alone, Kaspersky is an antivirus worthy of making our top 5 for those after solid protection online.

From offering payment security to safeguarding your private data and devices from well-known and new threats, Kaspersky is a go-to solution not only for families but also for businesses.

This is largely due to how affordable Kaspersky is in terms of covering multiple devices (3-1,000+) on one subscription. On top of this, Kaspersky also offers one of the best parental control solutions for parents, plus a generous unlimited VPN and a password manager.

Kaspersky, leading India antivirus

Best Features

  • Ransomware: Kaspersky protects individuals’ and business’ private data and files to ensure they don’t fall victim to these costly attacks
  • Performance: It clears all the junk and clutter to improve your device’s performance for optimal speeds
  • VPN: The advanced plan includes a VPN so that you can protect your identity, hide your location, and surf the web anonymously
  • Parental control: This is included in the Premium plan and it helps parents protect their children, both online and offline

More information about Kaspersky:

Countries Scan speed Devices supported Price Customer support Money-back guarantee
Worldwide 40 seconds – 12.5 minutes Windows, Mac, Android, iOS $27.99/year Call and email support 30-day

Pros

  • Delivers industry-leading security
  • Offers superb value for money
  • A VPN and parental control is an option
  • Phenomenal reputation in the industry

Cons

  • Complaints of issues with renewing subscriptions

8. Avira: Top Free Antivirus Software In India

Avira is another award-winning company best known for its diverse cybersecurity services. Unlike other antivirus software, Avira’s services aren’t limited to malware protection; it also protects your device from more serious cyber crimes like identity theft or financial scam. 

The best thing about Avira is that its service is 100% free. All you have to do is download and install it on your system to unlock world-class protection. Trusted by millions of users, including Fortune 500 companies, Avira is worth a try. 

avira

Best Features

Here is what we love about Avira, the best free antivirus for Mac:

  • All-round Protection: Spyware, malware, viruses, or hackers; anything that can be a potential threat to your security will be eradicated by Avira.
  • Identity Protection: The software secures all your online accounts with its special password manager extension that generates unhackable passwords that you don’t even have to remember to log in.
  • Safe Shopping: Don’t want to fall prey to shopping scams? Avira will block phishing websites on your behalf and help you get the best deals every time you shop online.
  • Free VPN: Amp up your online security and safe browsing with the added benefit of Free VPN by Avira.

More information about Avira:

Countries Scan Speed Device Supported Price Customer Support Money-back Guarantee
28 30 minutes  Windows, Mac, IOS & Android Starting at $44.99 Email support Within 14-60 days

Pros

  • Free tool
  • Easy to set up
  • Doesn’t sell your data
  • Offers VPN along with antivirus 

Cons

  • Not as powerful as other antivirus software

9. Intego: Apple-Specialist Antivirus Software for Mac and iOS

While it’s great to find antivirus software that works for all types of devices, sometimes you might want to consult a niche expert, especially if you are looking for advanced security. For instance, if you are looking for all-around security for your Mac, Intego is the best pick for you.

The software is exclusively programmed to understand the ins and outs of a MAC device and curate custom security solutions accordingly. Protect your data and keep your kids safe online with Intego’s personalized service.

intego

Best Features

Here is what we love about Intego:

  • Industry Experts: Intego has been around since 1997 and has served close to 34 million people so far. A software like Intego, with such rich experience, is undoubtedly a worthy pick. 
  • Customized Solutions: Intego believes in customizing solutions for different needs. That’s why it offers a separate plan for home and mobile device protection and a cloud-based service for business protection.
  • Adequate Resources: With Intego, you get adequate resources to get started with the tool. From a dedicated knowledge base to a reliable customer support team, starting your journey with Intego is a breeze.
  • No Zero-day Attack: Benefit from the advanced protective shield of Intego’s antivirus to prevent zero-day attacks on your system.

More information about Intego:

Countries Scan Speed Device Supported Price Customer Support Money-back Guarantee
75 5-15 minutes  Mac On request Contact form Within 30 days

Pros

  • Free trial
  • Best antivirus for Mac
  • 24×7 uninterrupted protection
  • Leading industry expert
  • Impeccable protection against zero-day attacks

Cons

  • Works only for Mac

10. ESET: Scalable Options Excels in Mail Protection

ESET is a globally renowned software best known for its advanced cybersecurity features. Protecting users all over Europe, America, Africa, the Middle East, and India, it is one of the few antivirus tools to have such a dominant global presence yet offer personalized service for each location.

With over 30 years of experience, ESET has already protected more than 110 million users from data theft and malware attacks. The best part is that its services are segmented into Home protection, Business security, and Enterprise-level protection, giving each stratum of users a personalized plan of their own.

eset

Best Features

Here is what we love about ESET, the best antivirus for Google Pixel:

  • Mail Protection: All spam emails that could potentially contain malware are blocked at the server level so that they never reach your inbox.
  • File Server Security: Whatever servers your company document passes through, ESET will maintain its protective shield in real-time, no matter what. 
  • Privacy and Banking Encryption: All unauthorized uses of your personal data are instantly blocked by ESET. Protect your money and secure the experience of your kids online with best-in-class data protection.
  • Protection Against New Threats: ESET offers 24×7 LiveGuard protection which is programmed to fight off never-seen-before malware and attacks.

More information about ESET:

Countries Scan Speed Device Supported Price Customer Support Money-back Guarantee
100 3-3.5 hours  Windows, Mac, Linux & Android On request Help Centre & Phone Within 30 days

Pros

  • Available worldwide
  • Banking encryption
  • Mail protection from spam 
  • Enterprise-grade security for businesses 

Cons

  • Sometimes it might block legit connections

11. House Call: Ideal for Quick and Free Scans

House Call is slightly different from the other tools on this list. For starters, it’s a genuinely free antivirus software. It’s a stand-alone tool designed to run quick scans on your device to check for virus or malware attacks.

That said, this software offers only the most basic feature, which is a smart scan for virus detection. So it might not be perfect for your advanced needs, but it’s surely best for beginners with basic needs. Along with its independent virus scanner, House Call will also allow you to set up a connection for your home IoT devices to scan all your home devices at once. 

housecall

Best Features 

Here is what we love about House Call:

  • Easy File Recover: After each scan, you get a detailed report of the potential threats, ensuring you do not lose valuable files and data to them.
  • Smart Scan: House Call’s smart scan feature enriches your website with only the latest antivirus benefits for safer browsing and downloads.
  • Custom Scan: Choose the kind of scan you want for your device. You can go for a full-length scan or a quick scan, as per your requirements.
  • High Compatibility: Since it’s a stand-alone tool free of browser dependency, it’s much more compatible with a number of devices compared to other tools.

More information about House Call:

Countries Scan Speed Device Supported Price Customer Support Money-back Guarantee
40+ Less than 15 minutes  All devices Free Email, char & email support NA

Pros

  • 100% free
  • Easy to set up
  • No compatibility issue
  • Customized scanning options 

Cons

  • Limited features

12. Quick Heal: Stands out for its WiFi Virus Scanner

Quick Heal is one of the oldest and most popular antivirus solutions in India. With over 25 years of experience in this industry, Quick Heal’s reliable and consistent service has earned it millions of loyal users. 

What we love the most about Quick Heal is its superior customer support. Technical software like this is not complete without the right support system. Quick Heal is one of the few antivirus software that offers support over Whatsapp as well as phone. 

quickheal

Best Features

Here is what we love about Quick Heal:

  • Webcam Protection: Don’t let any hacker gain unauthorized access to your webcam and record you. Quick Heal’s unparalleled webcam support is the ultimate answer to webcam protection.
  • Data Breach Alert: Worried about your personal data ending up in the wrong hands? Quick Heal will notify you every time there is a chance of a possible data breach.
  • WiFi Scanner: Are you sure your WiFi connection is 100% secure? Let Quick Heal run a quick scan before you connect your system to it.
  • Anti Tracker: Not a fan of third-party apps tracking your online activity? Try Quick Heal’s fast anti-tracker feature to avoid getting your searches tracked.

More information about Quick Heal:

Countries Scan Speed Device Supported Price Customer Support Money-back Guarantee
Worldwide Less than 5 minutes  Windows, Mac, IOS & Android Starting at $40/year Email & phone support NA

Pros

  • Trusted by millions
  • Webcam protection
  • Fast WiFi scanner
  • Unparalleled customer support

Cons

  • It can get a little slow sometimes 

13. ZoneAlarm: Foolproof Protection Against Ransomware

The new generation needs up-to-date, next-gen antivirus protection service, which is exactly what ZoneAlarm offers. Thanks to its advanced security protocols, you will have constant protection against malware attacks, phishing, and hacker attacks. 

Whether you are looking for basic antivirus software for your home and mobile devices or a premium tool that can protect your business with enterprise-grade safety, ZoneAlarm can cater to both and more. 

zonealarm

Best Features

Here is what we love about ZoneAlarm

  • Anti-ransomware: Ransomware is the biggest threat in the cyber world today. Luckily, ZoneAlarm is designed to fight ransomware and shield your device from all types of threats.
  • Anti-phishing: Hackers today pose as reliable websites to steal your data. But with ZoneAlarm, no amount of deception will make your device fall into its traps.
  • Threat Detection: With advanced threat detection, ZoneAlarm only allows you to open emails and documents that have been scanned for safety.
  • Mobile Application: Get all ZoneAlarm’s features in a compact, mobile-friendly package. Keep your mobile phone secure at all times, even on the go.

More information about ZoneAlarm:

Countries Scan Speed Device Supported Price Customer Support Money-back Guarantee
Worldwide Not disclosed  Windows & Android Starting at $39.95/Year Email Support & Live Chat Within 30 days

Pros

  • Advanced document protection
  • Protection against deadline ransomware
  • Intuitive mobile application
  • Premium features for businesses 

Cons

  • Does not work for Mac or Linux

Best Antivirus Software India: Compared

The table below outlines the most notable differences between the antivirus software for India we presented. We review parameters like scan speed, availability, compatibility with multiple device types, money-back guarantee, and, of course, pricing. 

Software Countries Scan Speed Device Supported Price Customer Support Money-back Guarantee
TotalAV Worldwide 15 Minutes Windows, Mac, IOS & Android Starting from $29/year Live chat & Email Within 14-30 days
Norton 31 More than 1 hour Windows, Mac, IOS & Android Starting at $19.99/year Live chat or phone support Within 60 days
Nord Threat Protection 60 Unknown Windows, Mac, Android, iOS $4.19/month — 2-year plan Chat, email and FAQs 30 Days
Surfshark One 95 25 minutes Windows, Mac, IOS & Android Starting at $2.49/month (with discount) Help Centre Within 30 days
McAfee 40 Minimum 4 hours Windows, Mac, IOS & Android Starting at $4.97/month Help center & community Within 60 days
Avast Worldwide 28–32 minutes Windows, Mac, IOS & Android Free Ticket support Within 30 days (premium)
Kaspersky Worldwide 40 seconds – 12.5 minutes Windows, Mac, Android, iOS $27.99/year Call and email support 30-day
Avira 28 30 minutes Windows, Mac, IOS & Android Starting at $44.99 Email support Within 14-60 days
Intego 75 5-15 minutes Mac On request Contact form Within 30 days
ESET 100 3-3.5 hours Windows, Mac, Linux & Android On request Help Centre & Phone Within 30 days
House Call 40+ Less than 15 minutes All devices Free Email, char & email support NA
Quick Heal Worldwide Less than 5 minutes Windows, Mac, IOS & Android Starting at $40/year Email & phone support Not available
Zonealarm Worldwide Not disclosed Windows & Android Starting at $39.95/Year Email support & Live Chat Within 30 days
Stinger 40 16 minutes approx (Depends on scan settings) Windows, Mac, IOS & Android Free Help center & community NA
Bitdefender 150+ Close to 2 hours Windows, Mac, IOS & Android Starting at $34.99/year Phone, chat & email Within 30 days

What is Antivirus Software?

Antiviruses are software or programs that prevent, detect, search for, and remove software malware and other malicious viruses such as trojans, worms, adware, and others from your devices. Such software is intended to be used as a proactive cyber security measure, blocking threats from accessing your PC and mobile and causing problems. 

Once installed, most antivirus software runs in the background, providing real-time security against virus attacks. The majority of antivirus products offer both automatic and manual filtering features. The instant scanning option may examine DVDs integrated into the PC, files created by software installers, and data downloaded from the Internet.

Since malware is a constant threat on all platforms, today’s antivirus software is designed to protect all operating systems and internet-connected devices. This includes macOS desktops, Microsoft Windows, laptops, computers, and iOS and Android smartphones.

How does Antivirus Software Work?

An antivirus system scans incoming code, or files as it travels through your network traffic. Since hackers are constantly creating and disseminating new viruses, such software will also scan systems for the presence of new or previously unknown malware threats. 

When programs, files, and applications enter and exit your computer, the antivirus checks them against a database of known malware types. Similar or identical matches to the database are scanned, isolated, and then removed. You can manually delete the exposed files using the antivirus software’s clear, clean, or delete option.

The majority of programs will use one of three types of detection devices:

  • Specific detection checks for known elements or varieties of malware, as well as patterns linked by a common codebase.
  • Heuristic detection is a virus detection technique wherein the antivirus software searches for unknown infections by looking for suspicious file structures.
  • Generic detection is a type of virus detection that scans the types or general parts of malware and patterns related to a common codebase.

Why Do You Need Antivirus Software?

Investing in the finest antivirus software for your Android device or PC is an excellent method to ensure its security. Why you ask? Let’s look into the benefits of antivirus software that will assist you in making an informed decision about whether to purchase one:

Blocking Spam Sites and Ads

Spam websites and pop-up ads are two of the most common ways viruses infect your devices and damage your files. These spam attacks are designed to steal data from a user’s computer, jeopardize their privacy, or even cause significant financial losses. 

An antivirus software seamlessly blocks spam sites and ads, which not only ensures your security but also provides you with a seamless user experience since you wouldn’t be disturbed by pop-ups and ads.

Real-Time Security

If you have an antivirus program installed on your device, it will regularly check all its processes. This means that if a virus attacks your Android phone at any time, your security software will be able to negate the threat. 

Since everything works in real-time, it’s fair to say that your antivirus acts as your phone’s security bodyguard. It will monitor all functions on your phone (or computer, for that matter) and discontinue any suspicious and unauthorized activities.

Boost Your Computer

Imagine two computers placed side by side. One is experiencing frequent crashes and slow processing. The opposite is AV-protected. Which of the two will run quicker? The one with antivirus! 

The second PC is trouble-free because its antivirus software stopped the virus before it had a chance to do any significant damage. Some antivirus programs may even delete and erase unnecessary files from unidentified sources to speed up your computer and clear up disk space.

Cost-Effective

While many premium antivirus programs require a monthly or yearly subscription fee, a few free antivirus programs exist too, such as Avira and House Call. 

These antivirus programs provide nearly the same level of security as subscription-based antivirus programs. Not to forget that even their premium versions are relatively inexpensive and worthy of purchase.

Convenience

It might be inconvenient to have to perform virus scans and stress about the safety of your computer, but if you didn’t have adequate antivirus protection, you’d have more to worry about. 

Without AV protection, you would be defenceless against viruses from every nook and corner of the internet. You would have to spend time searching for it, erasing it, and trying to repair any damage it may have done. 

In addition, the virus will probably be around for a long time after it has been removed. However, if your real-time antivirus software is functioning correctly, you will only receive a message that a virus has been found and a prompt asking you if you want to delete it. 

Moreover, you can also authorize the antivirus software to go ahead and remove any viruses it finds without having to ask for an admin’s permission.

Anti-spam Measures

Needless to say, it’s irritating to receive a barrage of ads and emails in which you are not interested. 

Many people are unaware that if they are bombarded with spam that appears to come from nowhere every time they log in, that spam is most probably the result of malware saved on their computer. An antivirus program keeps viruses at bay, significantly reducing your spam exposure.

Malware Removal 

Most antivirus programs run tests on your PC, and all its provided hard drives to identify and remove potential malware files. Other tools, such as anti-spyware protection, virus prevention, and email scanning, may also be included in these programs. 

Antivirus software can also be set to run at specific times and days and detect and install updates and representations instantly.

Boot-Time Check

Most antiviruses allow you to run a “boot-time scan.” If the operating system is dynamic and the infection is sufficiently advanced, it may be able to replicate itself after being deleted. 

However, a boot-time scan will have your antivirus software turn off your Windows and then restart it. 

At that moment, the software will scan every nook and corner of the hard disk for malware and viruses. Any viruses discovered during the scan would be unable to escape deletion and clone since you have deactivated the operating system.

Personal Information Security

Viruses and hackers are two faces of the same coin. A good antivirus software will secure you while browsing the internet, blocking hackers from accessing your personal information, such as your bank account details and credit card numbers. 

Most antivirus software includes a firewall feature that will block unapproved incoming connections to your computer or network, restricting hackers from drilling their hooks into your life and computer.

What is the Safest Antivirus Software in India?

All the antivirus solutions discussed in this post offer phenomenal security to customers worldwide — our top 3 are, however, the cream of the crop for premium security and reliability. TotalAV, McAfee, and Norton are our top picks for the safest antivirus solutions in India.

They’re among the highest-rated and the most dependable in the industry, and all 3 boast countless awards for their ability to detect and annihilate any well-known and emerging threats. On top of this, these India antiviruses offer more than what you bargained for, including a VPN, password managers, performance optimization, and more.

Real-time protection doesn’t get any better than with these 3, but if you want the best of the bunch, we’re confident you’ll find that TotalAV will meet and exceed your expectations and keep you completely secure online — whether you’re banking, shopping, or just surfing the web.

Free Antivirus Software vs. Paid Antivirus Software

It makes sense not to spend on antivirus software, given that there are plenty of free options available. However, despite the cost, purchasing antivirus software has several advantages. The majority of free antivirus software will not protect you and your system as adequately as either their paid versions or other paid software. A yearly or monthly subscription can be an excellent investment. Consider the potential harm that malware and viruses can cause to your device and how those situations’ repercussions will trickle down on either your personal life or, worse, your business and professional life.

Free antivirus solutions provide essential virus protection, whereas paid antivirus software offer more advanced security. Purchasing antivirus software allows you to protect all your devices (Mac, PC, and mobile), whereas free ones may be device-specific. 

Paid antivirus options give you more control over your data and increase security around sensitive online activities such as banking. Furthermore, paid solutions are more likely to include extra features like a personal firewall, anti-spam, and parental control capabilities to keep your kids safe online. 

What’s more, paid options can also store passwords and protect valuable files such as videos and photos. However, a free app is viable for solid core PC protection only. There’s nothing wrong with going ahead with free antivirus software for those who want to save money and are perhaps more self-assured about reducing online dangers.

Purchasing an antivirus program is a fantastic option if you want to feel safe when surfing on your devices. Of course, the choice between buying antivirus protection and using a free version is yours to make and is entirely based on your requirements. The last thing you would want is to have to replace your computer or mobile because your chosen free antivirus software fell short of expectations, so look into the pros and cons of both options and decide accordingly.

How to Get Antivirus Software in India?

If you already have a TotalAV subscription, you can enable antivirus protection by getting the latest version of the company’s app to solidify your online security. TotalAV mitigates three types of threats: malicious websites, web trackers with malicious ads, and infected files. 

However, if you’re just getting started, we’re here to help. Follow these steps to enjoy the threat protection features of TotalAV:

*Note that most antivirus software installations entail the following steps, so the guide below is equally valid, even if you’re using software other than TotalAV.*

Visit the website: Open your preferred web browser and go to the TotalAV website.

Getting started with TotalAV, the best India antivirus

Sign up for a plan: Choose your TotalAV antivirus plan and complete payment.

Download the TotalAV app: Log into your TotalAV account and download the app for your device.

Installing TotalAV

Run a malware scan: Real-time protection is turned on by default. However, it’s a good idea to run a malware scan when you first download the software. Click Run Smart Scan and TotalAV will automatically detect and remove any viruses on your device.

Scanning with TotalAV

Conclusion: What is the Best Antivirus Software in India for 2024?

Twelve options can certainly give you a lot to consider and think about because, undoubtedly, you would want only the best for yourself. Well, we will make the decision easy for you by telling you what we think is the best antivirus in India in 2024 — TotalAV, with close runner-ups being McAfee and Norton.  

In addition to providing real-time protection from viruses and malware, TotalAV will tune your system and facilitate data privacy, plus minimize data breaches through smart scans and 24×7 monitoring. On top of all this, you get a VPN, password manager, and secure cloud storage to protect your digital life. Sign up for TotalAV today to get started!

Read more: Best Antivirus Worldwide

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