Cheapest antivirus software for PC in 2024

Antivirus software comes in all shapes and forms, but on average, you can find a trustworthy one for about $50 a year or $4.1/month. However, if you’re not willing to pay that much, you might be inclined to look for something much cheaper or even free. And as with anything affordable, there’s a caveat - you can never be sure if the affordable AV software is truly capable of protecting you and your device.

That’s why I set up to compile a list of the best cheapest antivirus software for PC in 2024, and some of my contenders go as low as $1.67/month without compromising your security. Of course, I did not put my selected AVs here blindly, but conducted tests on 19 software and checked their accuracy in real-time protection and deep scans. I also tried out all of the additional features they offer and whether they are truly functional and deliver on their promises. So, continue reading and learn all about my top 5 cheapest antivirus software for PC in 2024.

Best cheap antivirus protection: comparison of software prices

What to consider when looking for the cheapest antivirus for laptop?

While free antivirus software can provide basic protection against cybersecurity threats, it often lacks advanced features like ransomware protection, phishing safeguards, or real-time updates. Besides, free versions can come with intrusive ads, limited support, or data privacy concerns, which may not be ideal for comprehensive security, to say the least. So, here are key considerations when choosing an affordable antivirus for a laptop:

• Essential features. Even a budget antivirus software should not make compromises on core protections like real-time scanning, malware and ransomware detection, and anti-phishing tools. These are the minimum defenses your system needs to stay secure.
• System performance impact. Look for antivirus programs that are lightweight and don’t slow down your laptop. There definitely are affordable options optimized to run smoothly without consuming excessive system resources.
• Multi-device protection. Look for an affordable antivirus package that offers coverage for more than one device. This way, you’ll make it even more cost-efficient.
• Subscription costs and renewal fees. Be aware of the initial discount versus renewal costs. Many budget antivirus options offer steep first-year discounts, but renewal prices may jump significantly, so check long-term pricing.
• Customer support. Even low-cost antivirus software should provide reliable customer support. Check if they offer support via chat, email, or phone in case you run into issues.
• Additional features. Consider whether the antivirus includes extras like a basic VPN, password manager, or firewall. These can add value to a cheap package and improve your overall cybersecurity.
• User-friendly interface. Make sure the software is easy to install and use, even for non-tech-savvy users. A good interface ensures you can manage your protection settings effectively without frustration.
• Privacy protection. Cheap antivirus should still respect your data privacy. Some budget options might come with bundled software that collects user data. So, choose one that has a transparent privacy policy and is well-respected in the industry.

I always consider these aspects when looking for affordable antivirus programs. Hopefully, these pointers will help you, too, in selecting a value antivirus software.

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Best and cheapest antivirus protection for PC: detailed guide

1. TotalAV – best cheap antivirus overall
2. Norton Antivirus – cheapest antivirus for laptop in 2024
3. Surfshark Antivirus – affordable antivirus with excellent security features
4. Bitdefender – solid cheap antivirus with excellent security features
5. NordVPN Threat Protection – best budget antivirus with an excellent VPN

To find the best affordable antivirus, I checked out several viable options, and based my choices on the software’s security feature availability, my own tests, results by independent test labs, overall brand reputation, and, of course, pricing. So, here are my top 5 choices of the best affordable antivirus for PC protection:

1. TotalAV – best cheap antivirus overall

TotalAV is the best cheap antivirus with impeccable malware scanning and real-time threat protection capabilities. Its super-simple software interface makes it beginner-friendly, and the plan pricing is one of the lowest in the industry, starting from just $2.42/month.

TotalAV offers real-time protection, which continuously monitors your web activity for malware and other malicious entities. During my testing, TotalAV’s real-time protection performed at 90% accuracy, while deep system scans performed at around 95%.

Besides the core features, TotalAV also offers a trustworthy VPN service that adds an additional layer of cybersecurity. System tune-up tools and a clean-up feature declutter your device. Lastly, there’s even an ad blocker to prevent you from accidentally clicking on malicious links. This alone makes it one of the best, if not the best value antivirus.

The TotalAV software is compatible with Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS devices. And if you want to try it our with no strings attached, the annual plans come with a 30-day guarantee, while the monthly ones have a 14-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of TotalAV, read our TotalAV review.

2. Norton Antivirus – cheapest antivirus for laptop in 2024

Norton Antivirus is another cheapest antivirus for laptops in 2024. The software performs exceedingly well with threat and malware detection and is also one of the cheapest around with prices starting at a mere $1.67/month. However, Norton’s interface is not the most intuitive, making it a bit less beginner-friendly than my other choices.

Besides the mandatory security features, such as real-time protection and deep scans, Norton AV comes with a whole slew of additional features. There’s a reliable VPN service, parental controls, cloud backup, firewall, and data breach alerts. All of these features ensure your cybersecurity. As for their effectiveness, Norton AV malware detection rates kept a high score of 98% accuracy, while deep scan rates hovered at a solid 92%.

The top-tier plans also include dark web monitoring and a unique feature called LifeLock that guards users against identity theft.

Norton antivirus software is compatible with Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS devices and you an try the services with a generous 60-day money-back guarantee eligible for annual purchases.

For a deeper investigation of Norton Antivirus, read our Norton Antivirus review.

3. Surfshark Antivirus – affordable antivirus with excellent security features

Surfshark Antivirus is a very affordable antivirus with one of the strongest security features around. Good thing, too, that it is also highly affordable with a starting price of only $3.49/month. Besides its stellar cybersecurity feats, the software has probably the sleekest-looking apps that are easy to navigate and use even if you’ve never used an AV before.

Naturally, Surshark Antivirus comes with the mandatory security features, such as real-time protection which operates at a nice 90% accuracy, deep system scans, and a sure-shot ad-block called CleanWeb that stops all malicious popups before you even see them.

In addition to the core features, Surfshark also offers a very robust and secure VPN which you can get with the Surfshark One plan. Then, there’s the parental controls and data breach alerts.

One thing I liked particularly with this cheap antivirus software is the webcam protection that locks your camera and informs you if any websites try to access it without your consent. Laslty, Surfshark’s malware database is updated every 3 hours, so you can rest assured no zero-day viruses will breach the protection layer.

Surshark Antivirus is compatible with Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS, and you can safely try it out knowing that there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. Bitdefender – solid cheap antivirus with excellent security features

Bitdefender is a solid cheap antivirus that has well-functioning security features and offers extremely good plan pricings starting at just $1.67/month. And if you’re a fan of Linux OS, I have good news for you: Bitdefender is compatible with Linux.

As any reputable AV, Bitdefender has a very solid core feature pack including deep system scans, ransomware protection, and real-time threat protection which proved to be a very solid 99% accurate during my testing.

As for the additional features, Bitdefender offers parental controls, secure online banking, a highly-secure VPN for an additional layer of security. Lastly, there’s the unique feature called Scamio which is an AI-based chatbox that analyzes the legitimacy of any message or link you receive.

As I mentioned earlier, Bitdefender is compatible with Linux, and, of course, all the other big OS such as Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. And if you change your mind about this AV after all, you can use the 30-day money-back guarantee during your first month of its use.

For a deeper investigation of Bitdefender Antivirus, read our Bitdefender Antivirus review.

5. NordVPN Threat Protection – best budget antivirus with an excellent VPN

NordVPN Threat Protection is the best budget antivirus combined together with the best VPN in the industry. Although it’s a tiny bit pricier than others on this list at $4.49/month, don’t forget you’re also getting a robust VPN in the package. It’s a lightweight internet security software, perfect for those looking for something completely secure, yet very undemanding of their attention.

*Note that NordVPN offers the same price for the 1st and the 2nd year, only raising the cost at the 3rd.

Unlike other AV’s on my recommendation list, the Nord Threat Protection isn’t exactly an antivirus software, but rather an additional functionality of the already-excellent NordVPN service. Nord Threat Protection is capable of blocking malicious ads & trackers and prevents access to dangerous websites. And while it’s not exactly an AV, Nord Threat Protection easily scans and removes any infected downloads. Lastly, during my testing, it worked at a very efficient 96% accuracy.

Now, because you will be getting NordVPN together with Nord Threat Protection, you’ll be provided with the most secure VPN in the industry. It comes with a secure IP, unbreachable data encryption, and 1 TB of safe cloud storage. All in all, NordVPN makes a very well-rounded cybersecurity package to keep you out of any cyber crime’s way.

Nord Threat Protection is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and also Linux operational systems. To sweeten the deal, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out with no strings attached.

Affordable antivirus software virus detection test

A good antivirus software, no matter the price, should be plenty capable of detecting malware. So, before submitting my recommendations on the best cheap antivirus, I did some in-house testing on their real-time protection accuracy and deep-scan capabilities. I performed my tests on Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen2 device (AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5650U processor, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD) with the Windows 11 Pro operating system installed.

For the real-time protection accuracy tests, I downloaded unzipped malware files to see if the software will react properly. For deep-scan capability test, I stored malware samples in my computer and evaluated whether the AV caught them all. Then, I checked my results with those of independent test labs, such as AV-Test Institute, SE-Labs, and AV Comparatives.

So, here’s how each antivirus performed in my tests:

As you can see, all of my choices performed at above 90% accuracy rates, which are more than acceptable for an AV to be called near-impenetrable. However, TotalAV stood out of the crowd with the best scores overall, which makes it the best and cheapest antivirus software.

Why not to use free antivirus?

People often look for a free or very cheap antivirus, which might not actually be the best solution for a wholesome protection of your data and your device. Free and very cheap antiviruses often lack some of the core security features, like ransomware protection, phishing safeguards, or real-time updates, and it puts your security at risk. In addition to that, free antiviruses still need to make money somehow, and your data might be the source of their income. Lastly, some free or very cheap antivirus software can even be infested with malware or trackers of its own, doing the exact opposite job an AV should.

If you want my advice on which specific software not to choose, here are some I have personally blacklisted:

• Kaspersky. Kaspersky is a Russian-based company and their software come Septmeber 2024, will be banned fom operating in the US due to alleged spying accusations. If that was your top AV choice, here are my recommendations on the best Kaspersky alternatives.
• Avast free and AVG free. While both are well-known companies, their free version lacks essential security features. Lack thereof will put your data at risk.
• PC Matic. This software uses a unique white-list approach to malware detection, and although on paper it looks good, its actual detection rates are quite subpar. The software is also known to generate a liberal amount of false positives which often interfere with normal device use.
• Trend Micro. Although a good software, the free and basic plans lack more advanced security features such as firewall and comprehensive malware detection.

Instead of choosing any of these programs, try out one of my suggestions and see if they come up to your standards.

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How to get the best value antivirus software cheaply?

The easiest way to get an affordable antivirus is to purchase the software license directly from a cheap software vendor. However, that is not the way you to get a value antivirus software cheaply, and here are your other options:

1. Take advantage of seasonal promotions. Same as with any other item, antivirus software often fall under seasonal sale bracket. Expect the prices of your favorite software to drop on Black Friday, during the holiday season, before the start of student school year, and on other notable dates. While it requires a bit of manual monitoring, grabbing such a deal might save you a good chunk of money.
2. Opt for multi-year subscriptions. While this might sound daunting at first, getting a 2, 3 or even longer AV subscription is always cheaper than paying month-to-month. And if you’re still a bit weary to commit in such a way, remember than most companies have a 30-day money back guarantee, or in Norton AV’s case even a 60-day one.
3. Utilize free trial periods to test the software. As I briefly mentioned before, almost all respectable AV software comes with a money-back guarantee or free trials. It’s the perfect way to test out if the software works for you before you commit.
4. Look for bundle offers. Why purchase an AV and a VPN software separately, when there are money-saving bundles like the Surfhark One or NordVPN Plus, where you get the whole security package in one. Of course, you might be looking for some other thing, like a password manager to add to your security package, but those can also often be found together with an AV in a budget-friendly package.
5. Explore referral programs. AV software companies often have referral programs. It either works by you referring their product to someone else or vice versa. Either way, you’ll be getting a nice discount for it, so why not search for antivirus software that has a referral program, such as TotalAV?

Final thoughts

Balancing affordability and effective cybersecurity is key when choosing reliable, secure, and inexpensive antivirus software. While free options may seem appealing to many, they often lack essential features and could compromise your security. So, it's definitely worth investing in a budget-friendly solution that offers robust protection, instead.

Among my top 5 contenders, TotalAV stands out as the best overall choice for cheap antivirus for PC. It offers strong malware detection, real-time protection, and additional features like a VPN. All of it comes at a highly competitive price that won’t hurt your wallet. You can try this software freely with a 30-day money-back guarantee before committing to it full-time.

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You may also want to read:
Bitdefener vs Norton: which is better in 2024?
Best antivirus for Windows 10 in 2024
Best antivirus with VPN in 2024
Best antivirus for Chromebook in 2024
Best antivirus apps for iPhone & iPad in 2024

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FAQ

Is there a 100% free antivirus?

Yes, there are 100% free antivirus software. However, free antivirus software usually lack crucial security features, and I wouldn’t recommend entrusting your data and device to such AVs.

Which best antivirus is cheapest?

The cheapest best antivirus are Bitdefender and Norton antivirus. Both of these software’s basic plans come only at $1.67/month which is cheaper than a cup of coffee. Both of then are also very reliable and trusted by many users around the world.

What is a good price for antivirus?

A good price for an antivirus you can trust is around $2-$6/month. However, on average, basic-level antivirus can cost anywhere around $30-$40 a year, mid-tier $50-$90 and top level are somewhere around $100 up to $200.

What is the best cost effective antivirus software?

The best cost-effective antivirus software is TotalAV. It has robust security features, a VPN, and extra features such as secure cloud backup, parental controls, and a password manager. The price for TotalAV starts at $2.42/month.

How much does Norton cost per month?

Norton costs $1.67/month if you choose the Norton Antivirus Plus plan. If you choose the Norton 360 Standard, then it’ll be $3.33/month, Norton 360 Plus comes at $4.17/month, and Norton 360 with LifeLock is $8.33/month.