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Best antivirus software in Australia for 2021

Protect all your devices with the best antivirus software for a variety of purposes.

Chris Jager
Chris Jager

Updated . What changed?

Fact checked
Woman with mobile antivirus software

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The best antivirus software for 2021:

  1. Best overall antivirus software: Norton 360
  2. Best free antivirus software: AVG AntiVirus
  3. Best small business antivirus software: Avast Premium Security
  4. Best Android antivirus software: Sophos Intercept X
  5. Best antivirus software for Mac: Kaspersky Internet Security
  6. Best antivirus software for households: McAfee Total Protection
  7. Best complete online security suite: Norton 360 Premium

How did we pick this list?

Our editorial team selected the products on this list based on actual customer reviews and expert testing. For each category, we carefully selected parameters based on our research and identified the antivirus software with the highest review score and test results within those parameters.

All choices are independently made based on our combined 60+ years of reviewing experience and are not based on commercial relationships. Get more detail on our methodology below.

Best overall antivirus software: Norton 360

RRP from $79.99

  • Complete protection against malware threats
  • Inbuilt VPN and Password Manager
  • Firewall for PC and Mac
  • Beware of auto-renewal
  • Only supports one device

Where to buy

Buy at Amazon
Mwave Australia
Buy at Norton
Why we chose it

Norton 360 was the highest-rated general purpose antivirus software as rated by over 1,000 Amazon reviewers with an average score of 4.5/5. Customers gave positive feedback about the breadth of features, malware protection, cloud storage (up to 250GB) and VPN software. However, as with many of its competitors, Norton 360 has auto-renewal switched on as standard. You need to opt out manually, which restricts certain features including the Virus Protection Promise.

In the AV-TEST Institute's May-Jun/2020 Certification Report, Norton 360 successfully protected against 100% of widespread/prevalent malware and 100% of zero-day malware attacks. This is marginally better than the industry average of 98.8%.

The Standard version of Norton 360 comes with complete online security for one PC or Mac, 2GB of PC Cloud Backup, a Password Manager, a VPN, a firewall and SafeCam software. You can boost the cloud storage to 50GB and get Norton Parental Control and support for three devices by subscribing to Norton 360 Deluxe (RRP: $89.99.)

Learn more about Norton products on Finder.

Best free antivirus software: AVG AntiVirus

RRP Free

  • Protects against viruses, spyware and other malware
  • Easy to upgrade
  • Shows ads
  • Missing some useful features

Where to buy

Buy at AVG
Why we chose it

AVG AntiVirus Free was the highest-rated free antivirus software as rated by 6.9 million Google customers with an average score of 4.75/5. Customers gave positive feedback about its user-friendly interface, reliability and high levels of protection.

AVG AntiVirus frequently displays ads and promotes the paid version but this does not affect the overall usability. The software provides identical malware protection in both the free and Pro versions. (The Pro version adds additional features including a webcam lock, an enhanced firewall and an extra layer of ransomware protection.)

In the AV-TEST Institute's May-Jun/2020 Certification Report, AVG successfully protected against all malware attacks including zero-day threats. However, its resource consumption was slightly higher – expect slightly slower speeds on protected systems.

Learn more about AVG products on Finder.

Best antivirus software for small businesses: Avast Antivirus Pro Plus

RRP From $174.96

  • Custom features for PC, Mac, Android and iPhone/iPad
  • Up to 10 devices per licence
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Beware of auto-renewal

Where to buy

Buy at Amazon
Buy at Avast
Why we chose it

Avast Antivirus Pro Plus was the highest-rated business antivirus software as rated by over 6.2 million Google and Trustpilot reviewers with an average score of 4.7/5. Customers gave positive feedback about the large number of included tools and features, the lack of slowdown and the prompt customer support.

The antivirus component continuously scans files, URLs and email attachments in the background. It comes with an impressive range of cybersecurity tools including a file shield, email scanner, spam blocker, data shredder, SharePoint server protection and an external rescue disk in the event of a successful malware attack.

For larger businesses, there's also a Management Console version that allows you to manage unlimited devices remotely by adding additional licences from the console when needed. This costs the same as the standalone version.

In the AV-TEST Institute's May-Jun/2020 Certification Report, Avast Business Antivirus Pro Plus successfully protected against 100% of widespread/prevalent malware and 100% of zero-day malware attacks. False detections of legitimate software were much lower than the industry standard (2 vs 28), which is handy if your business uses propriety software.

Learn more about Avast products on Finder.

Best Android antivirus software: Sophos Intercept X

RRP Free

Sophos Intercept X
  • Free
  • No ads
  • Complex interface
  • Occasional crashes

Where to buy

Google
Sophos

Why we chose it

Sophos Intercept X received an average score of 4.4/5 from more than 43,600 Google Play reviewers. Customers gave positive feedback about the free price tag, successful detection rate and lack of intrusive advertising. In fact, the app has no advertising of any kind, which is exceedingly rare for free antivirus software. Some customers did experience unexplained crashes when launching certain features but this issue appears to be uncommon.

Once installed, Sophos Intercept X automatically scans your Android device's apps and storage media for malware threats. (Malware definitions are updated daily). It also protects against malicious websites via a web filter, "man-in-the-middle" attacks conducted over public Wi-Fi and dodgy links contained in non-browser apps and text messages. It even performs security checks during QR Code scans.

In addition, the app comes with a password safe and multi-factor authentication. It also displays the permissions of all your installed apps in one place via the Privacy Advisor. As an added bonus, the app is designed to have minimal impact on performance and battery life even on older phones – it supports Android 5.0 and up.

Learn more about Sophos Intercept X on the Google Play Store.

Best antivirus software for Mac: Kaspersky Internet Security

RRP $89.99

  • Support for five devices
  • 30-day free trial
  • VPN is limited

Where to buy

Buy at Amazon
Mwave Australia
Buy at Kaspersky
Why we chose it

Kaspersky Internet Security received an average score of 4.5/5 from more than 1,000 Amazon reviewers. Customers gave positive feedback about the breadth of features, zippy performance and effectiveness at combating threats. The package includes antivirus and anti-ransomware software, webcam security, a password manager and a VPN.

In the AV-TEST Institute's Jun/2020 Certification Report, the Mac version of Kaspersky Internet Security received a perfect score across all categories (Protection, Performance and Usability.) It successfully detected and removed all viruses, worms and Trojan horses that had been discovered in the previous four months.

Learn more about Kaspersky products on Finder.

Best antivirus software for households: McAfee Total Protection

RRP from $89.95

  • Up to 10 devices
  • Multiple OS support
  • Average zero-day malware protection

Where to buy

Buy at McAfee
Why we chose it

McAfee Total Protection received an average score of 4.5/5 from more than 720,000 Amazon and Google reviewers. Customers gave positive feedback about the low resource consumption, dependable virus protection and the number of supported devices. One licence covers 10 devices, with virus protection for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android.

In addition to antivirus software, the package boasts a spam filter, 256-bit AES file encryption, an inbuilt file shredder and a Password Manager. It will also automatically block high-risk websites so that your kids can't accidentally stumble onto them.

In the AV-TEST Institute's May-Jun/2020 Certification Report, McAfee Total Protection successfully protected against 100% of widespread/prevalent malware and 98.8% of zero-day malware attacks. In the same lab test, McAfee Total Protection performed well when it came to computer speed with minimal impact on standard and high-end PCs. This makes it a good choice if you or your kids are using low-spec machines.

Handily, there's also an option to block auto-play videos on websites.

Learn more about this product at Finder.

Best online security suite: Norton 360 Premium

$99.99 per year

  • VPN, Password Manager and SafeCam included
  • 250 GB cloud backup
  • Firewall for PC and Mac
  • Beware of auto-renewal
  • Only five devices

Where to buy

Buy at Amazon
Buy at Norton
Why we chose it

Norton 360 Premium was the highest-rated online security suites, as chosen by over 500 Amazon, JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman reviewers. Customers gave positive feedback about the breadth of features, malware protection, 250GB cloud storage and included VPN software.

The package includes a 12-month subscription to the following tools and services: Norton Anti-Virus for 3 devices, 250GB cloud backup, Norton Password Manager, Online Threat Protection, Norton Smart Firewall, parental controls, SafeCam (PC only), a VPN for 3 devices and Dark Web monitoring.

The package also comes with Norton's "Virus Protection Promise", which guarantees a refund in the event Norton is unable to remove a virus from your device. However, to qualify for this feature you need to have auto-renewal switched on. (Fortunately, it's possible to switch it off just prior to the renewal date – make a note in your calendar.)

Learn more about Norton products on Finder.

Compare antivirus software

Name Product Price (AUD) How many computers are supported? Supports mobile devices? Free trial? Money-back guarantee 24/7 support
Norton Security Premium
Norton Security Premium
$49.99
1
Yes
No
30-day money back guarantee
Yes
Norton Security Premium protects one device against malware and provides 2 GB of secure cloud backup.
Go to site
More Info
AVG Internet Security
AVG Internet Security
$99.99
Unlimited
Yes
30 days
30-day money back guarantee
Yes
In addition to standard malware protection, AVG Internet Security now includes webcam and ransomware protection.
Go to site
More Info
Kaspersky Anti-Virus
Kaspersky Anti-Virus
$39.95
1
No
30 days
No
No
Kaspersky Anti-Virus software prevents viruses, spyware, Trojans, and worms from affecting your PC.
Go to site
More Info
McAfee Total Protection
McAfee Total Protection
$53.95
1
Yes
No
30-day money back guarantee
No
McAfee Total Protection offers award winning antivirus, identity and privacy protection for your computer, smartphone or tablet.
More Info
Avast Premier
Avast Premier
$89.99
1
Yes
30 days
30-day money back guarantee
No
Avast Premier blocks webcam-hacking and makes sure deleted files are permanently gone to protect sensitive data.
Go to site
More Info
Bitdefender Total Security 2019
Bitdefender Total Security 2019
$59.99
5
Yes
30 days
30-day money back guarantee
Yes
Bitdefender's newest suite adds multilayer protection and network threat prevention to its existing lineup of security features.
Trend Micro Internet Security
Trend Micro Internet Security
$49.95
2
Yes
No
30-day money back guarantee
No
Trend Micro Internet Security helps protect your personal data and keep your computer running efficiently.
Go to site
More Info
ESET NOD32 Antivirus
ESET NOD32 Antivirus
$49.95
1
Yes
30 days
No
No
ESET protects the devices of over 110 million users worldwide.
Go to site
F-Secure Anti-Virus
F-Secure Anti-Virus
$52.31
1
No
30 days
No
No
F-Secure Anti-Virus protects your computer against cyber threats including viruses, spyware, infected email attachments and other malware.
Panda Dome Essential
Panda Dome Essential
$44.24
1
Yes
30 days
No
Yes
Panda Security offers secure online shopping and USB device protection to help users get the most out of Windows devices.
STOPzilla AntiVirus
STOPzilla AntiVirus
$62.39
1
No
No
30-day money back guarantee
No
STOPzilla AntiVirus uses real-time scanning to remove malware and prevent infections without impacting computer performance.
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Compare up to 4 providers

Methodology

40+
Antivirus products considered
60+
Years' combined reviewing experience
7
Best antivirus products chosen
  • We've spent hundreds of hours writing about antivirus software as well as cross-checking with reputable IT security labs and external review sources.
  • Our editorial team has a combined 60+ years of experience writing about tech and reviewing the latest software.
  • The antivirus software on this list are chosen by our editorial team and are not based on commercial relationships.

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