These days, there are a lot of digital threats, so getting the best antivirus for multiple devices is very important to protect your data and privacy. Due to the widespread use of smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops, it is important to ensure complete protection across all platforms. Different operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, work with the best antivirus for multiple devices without any problems.
It protects against malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and other online threats that can affect a wide range of devices and operating systems. The best antivirus programmes today have advanced features like firewall protection, secure browsing, real-time scanning, and heuristic analysis that keep your devices safe from new cyber threats. They also provide centralised management consoles or cloud-based platforms that make it easy for users to keep an eye on and control the security of multiple devices from a single interface.
What is Antivirus for Multiple Devices?
Antivirus for multiple devices is a type of security software that can protect different kinds of devices from viruses, ransomware, and spyware. These devices include computers, smartphones, and tablets. Most of these antivirus programmes work with more than one platform, so users can set up and manage protection on a variety of devices and operating systems from a single interface. They protect users’ digital environments and data across all of their devices by scanning, finding threats, and getting rid of them in real time.
Best Antivirus for Multiple Devices Comparison Table
Multiple-device antivirus software protects against malware and cyberattacks on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Norton Security, McAfee Total Protection, and Bitdefender protect users in diverse environments with real-time scanning, firewall protection, and device optimisation.
| Feature | Surfshark One Antivirus | Norton 360 | Bitdefender | McAfee | Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Antivirus with VPN | Internet Security Suite | Antivirus & Internet Security | Internet Security Suite | Antivirus & Anti-Malware |
| VPN Included | Yes | Yes (Limited servers) | Yes (Premium plans) | No | No |
| Firewall | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Dark Web Monitoring | No | Yes (Premium plans) | Yes (Premium plans) | Yes (Premium plans) | No |
| Performance Impact | Low | Moderate | Low | Moderate | Low |
Surfshark One Antivirus
Features:
- Comprehensive malware protection.
- VPN integration for enhanced online privacy.
- Multi-device support.
- Real-time threat detection.
Surfshark One is our pick for a low price. Its VPN service is what the company is known for, but it also has its own antivirus software. For just a few dollars a month, you can protect up to five devices thanks to a great long-term discount. The best thing about the apps is that they are very easy to use and don’t take up much space. Still, it is one of the best antivirus for multiple devices that you can consider.
Pros
- Comprehensive online protection
- User-friendly interface
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- Limited advanced features
- May have occasional performance issues
Norton 360
Features:
- All-in-one security solution.
- Advanced firewall protection.
- Secure VPN for online privacy.
- Cloud backup and storage.
Norton 360 is the best antivirus software to keep your whole family safe. Based on the level of their subscription, users can protect three, five, or ten devices. In addition to antivirus, all plans come with a password manager, VPN, service to watch the dark web, and cloud backups. In our most recent tests, Norton Antivirus did really well. Overall, it is one of the best antivirus for multiple devices that you can consider.
Pros
- Robust malware detection
- Includes multiple device protection
- Offers secure VPN
Cons
- Can be resource-intensive
- Higher subscription costs
Bitdefender
Features:
- Top-tier malware detection and removal.
- Minimal impact on system performance.
- Multi-layer ransomware protection.
- Safepay for secure online transactions.
Bitdefender is a very popular and excellent choice for safeguarding multiple devices. Furthermore, it has a great history of effectively fighting malware infections and provides a wide range of security features. Advanced Threat Defence, which is essentially a real-time threat monitor for all running processes, is one of Bitdefender’s best features. This is the best antivirus for multiple devices that you can consider.
Pros
- Excellent malware detection rate
- Minimal impact on system performance
- Wide range of features
Cons
- Expensive compared to some alternatives
- Customer support can be slow
McAfee
Features:
- Real-time threat detection and removal.
- Secure web browsing with SiteAdvisor.
- Identity theft protection.
- Multi-device compatibility.
McAfee is a great antivirus programme that can protect any number of devices. McAfee is great for large families or businesses because it has a lot of features, such as protection against ransomware and phishing, parental controls, a firewall, and identity monitoring. With McAfee’s parental controls, you can keep an eye on your kids’ devices and stop them from seeing inappropriate content. Overall, this is one of the best antivirus for multiple devices.
Pros
- Offers comprehensive protection
- Includes identity theft protection
- Simple user interface
Cons
- Can slow down system performance
- Some users report installation issues
Malwarebytes
Features:
- Advanced malware scanning and removal.
- Real-time protection against malware.
- Ransomware protection.
- Malicious website blocking.
Malwarebytes makes antivirus software for a variety of operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, and Android. Their software works very well on all of these systems. A strong set of products protects against all types of malware, and the software has been praised for being effective and easy to use. Malwarebytes is dedicated to security on all major operating systems, giving users peace of mind as they navigate the digital world. Currently, this is one of the best antivirus for multiple devices.
Pros
- Specializes in malware removal
- Lightweight and fast scanning
- Free version available
Cons
- Lacks real-time protection in the free version
- Paid version can be expensive compared to alternatives
Tips for Maximizing Security Across Multiple Devices
In today’s connected world, it’s important to make sure that security is at its highest level across all devices. To help you do this, here are some ideas:
Use Strong, One-of-a-Kind Passwords: Make sure that every device has its own strong, one-of-a-kind password. Don’t use default passwords or combinations that are easy to figure out. To make and store complex passwords safely, you might want to use a reputable password manager.
Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Always turn on two-factor authentication. Along with your password, this adds an extra layer of security by needing a second way to prove who you are, like a code sent to your phone.
Update Software and Firmware: Make sure that all of your devices’ operating systems, apps, and firmware are always up to date. Updates often come with security patches that fix holes and keep you safe from known threats.
Use encryption: To keep sensitive information on your devices safe from people who shouldn’t have access to it, encrypt it. To send data over networks safely, make sure your device has encryption turned on and that you use secure communication protocols like HTTPS.
Implement Device Management Solutions: To centrally manage security policies, enforce compliance, and remotely monitor and secure devices, you might want to use device management solutions like Mobile Device Management (MDM) or Unified Endpoint Management (UEM).
Selecting the Right Antivirus for Your Multiple Devices
There are a few things you need to think about when choosing the right antivirus solution for multiple devices to make sure you are fully protected on all platforms and devices. This organised method will help you pick the best antivirus software:
Cross-Platform Support: Look for an antivirus programme that works with more than one operating system, like Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Make sure that the antivirus software protects all of your devices the same way, no matter what platform they are on.
Set of Features: Look at the antivirus software’s features. Some important things to think about are firewalls, email scanning, web protection, ransomware protection, phishing protection, and safe browsing.
Effects on Performance: Check to see how the antivirus software affects the performance of your devices. Pick antivirus software that doesn’t slow down your system or use up a lot of your device’s resources. This is especially important for older computers or phones that don’t have a lot of processing power.
Easy to Use: Think about how the antivirus software looks and how simple it is to use. Look for controls that are easy to understand, configuration options that are simple, and a dashboard that is simple to use and lets you easily manage security settings and scan multiple devices.
Updates and Support: To protect yourself from new threats, make sure that the antivirus software regularly updates its virus definitions and security features. Think about how much technical support the antivirus company provides, such as documentation, online resources, customer service channels, and how quickly problems are fixed.
FAQs
You can get Avast Free Antivirus for free, and it has all the security features you need.
Hackers use normal antivirus, such as Avast, malwarebytes, or AVG for Windows and ClamAV and a Host Intrusion Detection System for Linux.
