Cheapest Antivirus Software of 2021

Comparing prices for antivirus programs for Windows 10 and other versions of Windows can be tricky. First, antivirus software packages vary widely in the internet security features and protections they offer, which makes valid price comparisons difficult.

More importantly, the low prices prominently displayed on antivirus vendors' websites often only reflect the price for the first year. Once you renew, your annual subscription cost will be the nondiscounted price (usually crossed out on the screen), which can be more than twice as much as the introductory price. This nondiscounted price will give you a clearer idea of what your true ongoing antivirus protection costs will be.

To help you save money on antivirus software for Windows, here's our list of the cheapest antivirus software of 2021 (prices reflect the annual subscription rate after the first year):

#1 F-Secure: $35.99
#2 Trend Micro: $39.95
#3 Bitdefender: $39.99
#4 Webroot: $39.99
#5 ESET: $39.99

Cheapest Windows Antivirus Software

The Cheapest Antivirus Software for Windows of 2021 includes:

F-Secure: F-Secure sells three antivirus software packages, including the least expensive subscription in our ratings: $35.99 for the company’s basic, single-device “viral scanner” with no introductory discount. F-Secure SAFE, which covers three devices for 12 months, costs $69.99. F-Secure TOTAL, which covers seven devices and includes both a VPN and password manager, costs $129 a year.

Read more about F-Secure or check out the top F-Secure coupons.

Trend Micro: Trend Micro offers a range of antivirus software. On the cheaper side, it costs $29.95 for one year of the Windows-only Antivirus+Security or the Antivirus for Mac package. For two years of the Maximum Security package for up to 10 devices, it costs $154.95.

Read more about Trend Micro or check out the top Trend Micro promo codes.

Bitdefender: Bitdefender’s five different antivirus packages, each with different prices depending on the number of devices (usually three, five, or 10) and subscription length (one, two, or three years). These packages range in price from $19.99/$39.99 for one device for one year for Antivirus Plus to $89.99/$149.99 for 10 devices for one year for Bitdefender Premium Security.

Read more about Bidefender or check out the top Bitdefender coupons.

Webroot: Webroot’s plans start at $39.99 for a single year and a single device with basic malware protections and a few extras. At the high end, these plans cost up to $239.97 for a more complete set of protections, a password manager, and 25 GB of cloud storage covering up to five devices for three years.

Read more about Webroot or check out the top Webroot promo codes.

ESET: ESET’s cheapest option costs $39.99 a year for basic malware defense for one device. The most advanced option comes in at $449.97 a year for the Smart Security Premium package, which covers 10 devices for three years.

Read more about ESET or check out the top ESET promo codes.

All prices reflect the ongoing annual subscription rate, not the discounted introductory rate for the first year. The cheapest antivirus software offerings from all these vendors are for a single Windows PC for a single year's subscription, but some vendors offer multiyear packages that often work out to be even less expensive.

How Much Does Antivirus Software Cost?

Antivirus software is sold with annual renewable licenses, usually with two or three tiers of features. Most standard packages include basic real-time protection from and on-demand scanning for a broad range of malware threats, while premium antivirus programs include a variety of extra protections from malware, such as a virtual private network (VPN).

Entry-level antivirus packages often protect at least three devices and are discounted to less than $50 for the first year. The prices increase when you renew, usually to less than $100. Premium packages will often cost between $50 and $100 initially, then jump to their regular prices – usually less than $150 – upon renewal.

For a higher price, you can pay for licenses to provide antivirus and malware internet security for up to 10 devices. Many vendors also offer multiyear subscriptions that save you money over one-year plans.

Should I Get Cheap Antivirus Software?

Damage to your computer and the loss of your personal information due to malicious intrusions from hackers can cost you money, time, and your reputation. It's expensive to hire a professional to clean out a heavily infected system, pay a fee (or "ransom") to unlock your computer or keep embarrassing information private, or replace costly equipment. Financial losses if your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card are compromised can be even higher.

As a result, shopping for antivirus software based primarily on price involves a calculated risk. Choosing "cheap" antivirus software usually requires a compromise in protection that may or may not be adequate for your situation, even if you're disciplined in your online behavior.

Instead of price, shop based on value – how much protection is included for the money. If you need coverage for multiple devices running multiple operating systems for both PCs and mobile devices, contemplate these questions: Does the software you're considering provide it? Does it have a VPN for safe mobile web surfing? Are there protections for your webcam, email, web browsing, passwords, children, and personal data?

Instead of comparing misleading introductory prices, consider the price after the first year and the price difference between basic and premium choices. Usually this difference is small, and paying a little more for additional protection will be worth it in the long run.

Should I Get Free Antivirus Software?

Although some Windows antivirus software is free, it usually includes only basic features and protects only one device. And although Windows has some anti-malware features, these too offer minimal protection. For example, most free antivirus programs probably won't protect you from ransomware, email phishing, or Wi-Fi security either individually or collectively. And if you have more than one Windows device, you'll need to pay for a multidevice license with an included VPN for safe connectivity away from home on open Wi-Fi networks.

The upshot is that a paid antivirus program offers more protection and a better value. Most experts agree that your internet security is too important to trust to free software.

How to Choose Antivirus Software

Here's a checklist that highlights what features you should look for in antivirus software.

1. Known Brand. Stick with antivirus software vendors that are familiar and have a proven reputation. As a starting point, check out our list of the Best Antivirus Software of 2021.

2. Device/OS Coverage. Look for packages offering coverage for multiple devices running different operating systems.

3. Malware Protection. Software should include safeguards against both current and future malicious threats, including various types of malware such as spyware, adware, viruses, phishing, worms, and ransomware. Choose antivirus software that guards against threats from web browsing, email, and all of your other online activities.

4. Necessary Extras. Look for packages that include at least a VPN, as well as email, web browsing and webcam protections, firewalls, password managers, parental controls, backup, financial account protection, and VIP support.

5. Free Trial. Try out antivirus software for 14 or 30 days to make sure it doesn't slow down your system and that you're comfortable with it.

6. Price. Don't put too much stock in discounted prices, which usually refer to the first year's subscription. Compare original prices, which is what you'll be paying each year after the first discounted year.

For more information, see How to Buy Antivirus Software.

Cheapest Antivirus Software for Macs

The Cheapest Antivirus Software for Macs of 2021 includes:

#1 Trend Micro
#2 Bitdefender
#3 Webroot
#4 ESET
#5 Intego

Just like for Windows, many entry-level antivirus licenses for Mac protection are usually discounted to less than $40 for the first year. When you renew, it usually costs less than $50. Premium packages initially will cost between $50 and $100, then increase in price – often to less than $150 – upon renewal. The renewal price depends on how many devices are covered and how long the subscription lasts.

The least-expensive Mac antivirus software packages offer basic malware protection with few additional frills. Most of these cheap Mac antivirus packages cover just a single computer, and none provide iPhone protections.

For more information see our Cheapest Antivirus Software for Macs of 2021.

Best Antivirus Software

To help you find the antivirus security software that best meets your needs, we've rated the Best Antivirus Software of 2021. This software includes:

Learn More

Still looking for more information about antivirus software or trying to find the best antivirus software for you? Explore the directory below to learn more.

Our 360 Methodology for Evaluating Cheapest Antivirus Softwares

To determine the cheapest antivirus software, 360 Reviews collected the price of the base home security package offered by each company on our Best Antivirus Software and Best Antivirus Software for Mac OS lists.This resulted in a list of companies ranked from least to most expensive. For information about our methodology, click here.

All information was accurate as of Mar. 18, 2020.