How to choose antivirus software

If you’re after an antivirus and have decided to do a little research, you’re likely met with a massive list of technical reviews, conflicting opinions, and aggressive marketing claims. And suddenly, this seemingly simple purchase can start feeling like a monumental task.

You might get caught up in trying to find the best tool on the market, but what you need to realize is that best is very subjective — the best antivirus software for someone dealing with highly sensitive client data will be very different from the right software for someone who casually watches YouTube videos and checks their email once in a while.

So, how do you steer away from all this information overload online and pick a service that’s right for you? I’m here to help you figure out what actually matters, so read along.

Do you actually need antivirus software today?

Before we jump into figuring out how to weigh your options, let’s address a common question: Is antivirus even necessary anymore?

Modern operating systems have come a long way. If you use a Windows PC or a Mac, your device already has built-in security features like Windows Defender or Apple’s Gatekeeper. These native defenses might be enough if all you do online is occasionally browse major news sites, strictly stick to official app stores, and avoid email attachments from unknown senders.

However, third-party antivirus software adds significant value if your online habits are more complex. You should consider dedicated antivirus software if:

• You frequently download files. Whether it is software from third-party websites or mods for your video games, downloading files increases your exposure to hidden malware;
• You share devices with others. You might practice excellent digital hygiene, but someone in your family less conscious of online threats can compromise the entire system, for example, by clicking on a flashy banner or a disguised link;
• You handle sensitive information. If you work from home, manage business finances on your personal laptop, or frequently log in to sensitive portals, an extra layer of digital defense is a highly recommended practice.

In essence, the goal of modern antivirus software is to act as a safety net for human error — anyone can click the wrong link by accident.

5 things that actually matter when choosing antivirus software

When choosing antivirus tools, long feature lists can confuse even the tech-savvy. And while extra security features can be beneficial in better protecting your devices, day-to-day security really comes down to five core pillars. If the antivirus excels at these, it will serve you well:

1. Real-time protection

Manual system scans are great for finding viruses that are already on your device. However, real-time protection is what actively monitors your system to stop malicious files from opening in the first place. You want a tool that effectively prevents infections rather than having to deal with consequences afterward.

2. Performance impact

Even the best security tool in the world would be useless if you had to turn it off because it makes your device unbearably slow. Your antivirus software should work quietly behind the scenes without slowing you down. It needs to be lightweight and optimized so that you can stream video, play games, and run demanding software without lag.

3. Automatic updates

Cyberthreats evolve daily, with thousands of new malware variants created every week. Thus, your software must stay up-to-date to recognize these new threats. Make sure to pick a program that downloads virus database updates automatically — if you have to remember to update it manually, your system might eventually be left vulnerable.

4. Ease of use

Feature-packed software can sometimes have a complex, overwhelming interface. If an antivirus tool requires you to dig through five sub-menus just to run a quick scan or allowlist a safe program, you’ll likely stop using it properly. A clean, intuitive dashboard that makes your security status immediately clear is an important, yet often overlooked feature.

5. Device compatibility

Most people nowadays have multiple devices — at least one smartphone, laptop, and perhaps a tablet. Those devices run on different operating systems, such as Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, etc. So, rather than buying separate antivirus apps for each, look for a tool that offers multi-device compatibility under a single subscription.

Features that sound important — but usually are not

As you evaluate different antivirus options, you might notice brands heavily advertising bonus features (usually to justify higher price tags). However, more features do not automatically equal better protection. In fact, feature overload can often create a frustrating user experience and even hinder performance if they conflict with one another.

Let’s take overlapping system tools as an example. Many premium antivirus suites include extras like system optimization or cleanup tools that sound really important. However, your modern Windows or Mac operating systems already have these tools built in, and they work just fine.

Some highly advanced settings might seem like a must, too. But unless you’re an IT professional managing a complex home server setup, you likely don’t need features like granular, port-level firewall configurations. As an average user, you probably will never touch these settings, and tweaking them incorrectly can mess up your internet connection.

When choosing antivirus software, keep it simple — focus on the core malware detection engine first.

Free vs. paid antivirus: how to decide in 60 seconds

One of the biggest debates when choosing antivirus software is whether you should get a free tool or invest in a paid service. Here’s a practical way to look at it.

Free antivirus is generally good at basic, on-demand scanning. If you suspect a file might be infected, a free tool is usually capable of finding and removing malware just as well as a paid one.

However, free versions often lack features like real-time ransomware protection and can’t proactively stop a ransomware attack in progress. Furthermore, free antivirus software is usually updated less frequently against new threats and often covers its cost by showing you constant pop-up ads and urging you to upgrade.

Paid antivirus, on the other hand, is for users who want the set it and forget it convenience. The cost typically covers comprehensive real-time defense, protection against advanced threats like zero-day exploits, easily accessible customer support, and a quieter, ad-free experience.

How antivirus fits into a simple security setup

One quite common point of confusion I see online is people wondering how an antivirus program differs from other security tools — and whether or not you even need one if you use, let’s say, a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Let’s see what’s what:

• Antivirus software protects your devices and files. It looks inward, scanning your hard drive, checking your downloads, and stopping malicious code from executing;
• A VPN protects your connection and privacy. It looks outward, encrypting your internet traffic so that your ISP (Internet Service Provider), hackers on public Wi-Fi, or third-party trackers cannot easily monitor your browsing activity.

Ideally, you’d be using both as a well-rounded digital protection plan. And because of this, many modern cybersecurity companies have begun offering comprehensive security suites that combine antivirus, VPNs, and other tools (like data leak alerts and ID masking) into one package. This simplifies the user experience, as you only have one app to install and one dashboard to check.

For example, Surfshark, mainly known for its VPN, offers an all-in-one suite that includes antivirus capabilities alongside other security tools, providing multifaceted protection both on- and offline, simplicity, and peace of mind.

An example of a simple antivirus approach

If you are wondering what a balanced, non-bloated security tool looks like in practice, Surfshark Antivirus is a good example of how the core antivirus criteria can be met without overwhelming the user:

• Real-time protection and scans. It offers the standard quick and full system scans, as well as a real-time protection engine that monitors files as they are opened or downloaded, preventing malware from getting into your system;
• Low system impact. Independent evaluations show that Surfshark Antivirus is lightweight — it runs quietly without causing frustrating CPU spikes that slow down standard PC operations;
• Automatic updates. Threat databases are updated regularly and seamlessly in the background, requiring zero user intervention;
• Device compatibility. Surfshark Antivirus operates across different platforms and can be set on five different devices under the same subscription. However, it’s worth noting that features vary by operating system — some features are highly optimized for Windows, while the macOS version might have a slightly different feature set due to Apple’s strict ecosystem;
• Independently tested. When evaluating any tool, third-party validation is essential. Surfshark Antivirus has been evaluated by AV-TEST — a respected independent IT security institute — achieving top scores for malware protection and usability.

By focusing on these core elements, tools like Surfshark Antivirus keep your devices safe without requiring you to become a cybersecurity expert.

Bottom line: you don’t need a science degree to choose the right antivirus

At the end of the day, choosing antivirus software doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on the fundamentals: strong real-time protection, a lightweight footprint that won’t ruin your device’s performance, and a user-friendly interface. Assess your own daily habits and risk level, and choose a tool that runs quietly in the background, allowing you to enjoy the internet with peace of mind.

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