It’s more important than ever that you run antivirus software on your devices, especially if they run Windows and Android. But even if you have a Mac, iPhone or iPad antivirus software (or more correctly, antimalware software) protects you from a lot more than just viruses.
The best security software offers all-round protection that keeps your data safe no matter which device, app or web browser you’re using.
From ransomware and phishing scams to ID theft, a top-notch security package can help to prevent them all wreaking havoc. Many also come with a built-in VPN service, password manager, parental controls and optimisation tools to speed up your device and free up storage.
Even if you don’t want or need those, antivirus software isn’t optional. The risk of your computer becoming infected with something nasty – and stealing your data or holding it to ransom – is simply too great not to use it.
So if any of your devices aren’t protected by up-to-date antivirus software, now’s the time to sort that out. And hopefully that’s why you’re here, looking for the best deals available this month.
Of course, the best deal for you will depend upon how many devices you need to protect as subscriptions cover a certain number of them: you can’t just install the app on as many as you want.
Some providers offer different discounts for different numbers of devices and, in some cases, you can even sign up for two years to get a bigger discount.
It’s not simply about getting the lowest price, though. Features do vary across packages, as does the level of protection, so it’s worth reading our antivirus reviews to find out more about how well they defend your devices – and you – from the latest threats.
Remember that these are subscriptions: you can cancel them after the deal period ends, but they will renew (often at higher prices) if you forget to cancel.
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Best Antivirus Deals
Norton 360 Deluxe – 1 Year, 5 Devices
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From: Norton
Was: $104.99 / £84.99
Now:
$49.99 / £29.99
($55 / £55 off)
Norton is one of our top antivirus picks, so it’s good news that you can get the first 12 months for only $49.99 / £29.99 which saves you $55 / £55.
Do note that the renewal price is $104.99/£84.99 per year after that.
Alternatively, you could take out a two-year subscription (you’ll find this option on the same page) and get two years for $89.99/£89.99 ($44.99/£44.99 a year) which sounds like a worse deal, but don’t forget you’re getting a discount on both years, not just the first, so it is cheaper overall.
Read our review: Norton 360 Deluxe review
Trend Micro Internet Security – 1 Year, 3 Devices
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From: Trend Micro
Was: £49.95 / $79.95
Now:
£19.95 / $29.95
(60% / 62% off)
Trend Micro’s online protection for up to three devices is 60% off the first year for those in the UK and there’s a slightly higher 62% discount if you’re in the US (get the deal here).
In AV-Test’s latest report, Trend Micro earns maximum points for protection, usability and performance, making this not just an affordable deal, but top-notch protection as well.
McAfee Total Protection – 2 Years, 5 Devices
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From: McAfee
Was: £159.99 / $159.99
Now:
£69.99 / $69.99
(£90 / $90 off)
McAfee’s current deals allow you to get a discounted subscription for either one or two years, and for five or 10 devices.
You can pick which deal you want on the website, but we’ve listed the price for the two-year, five-device deal. You can use the software on laptops, phones, Macs and any other supported device. It you were to go for the 10-device deal and use all the licenses, you’ll be paying just £3.99 / $3.99 per device for each year of this two-year deal.
Usually, only the first year is discounted and there’s no option to get that price for two years.
Bitdefender Total Security – 1 Year, 5 Devices
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From: Bitdefender
Was: £69.99 / $89.99
Now:
£34.99 / $36
(60% off)
Bitdefender is consistently rated as one of the best options for protecting your Windows, macOS, iOS and Android devices, and this deal allows you to use your subscription on five computers, phones or tablets.
It’s rated Advanced+ (the top score) by AV-Comparatives and gives you excellent anti-malware protection against the latest threats.
This deal gives you 60% off for the first year and after that the price charged will be the original price shown above.
Avast One – 1 Year, 5 Devices
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From: Avast
Was: £79.99 / $99.99
Now:
£39.99 / $50.28
(£40 / $49.71 off)
Avast’s revamped security suite is fantastic. Not only does it provide excellent protection, it has a welcoming, fresh interface that’s easy to understand and use.
Better still, Avast One Essential is free, which is the best price of all.
However, the Essential package (as opposed to the fully featured Avast One) does come with a few limitations such as not being able to choose a country when using the VPN service and no email monitoring for ID protection.
Those are unlocked along with other advanced features when you pay for Avast One, and this deal means you pay considerably less than full price for the first year.
Antivirus deals: What to look for
Antivirus software detects, and then prevents, disarms or removes malicious programs and malware, often referred to as ‘viruses’. But as we’ve said, security software is no longer just about countering viruses. It’s also about the security of personal data and protection from ransomware.
Check that the antivirus software you’re buying has ransomware protection built-in, and it’s also worth looking out for the ability to detect malware is so new that it hasn’t yet been analysed by security companies. This may be bolstered by a cloud element or artificial intelligence, which can really help to ensure that even the most sophisticated attacks get nowhere near your devices.
Discounts on security software is typically just for the first year of the subscription, so it is worth hunting around for a new deal when those 12 months are up rather than paying full price for the second year. It’s a bit like switching energy providers, although the protection and feature do differ between packages so price isn’t the only consideration.
Also bear in mind that going direct to the antivirus providers isn’t the only way to get their software. You might also find good deals from the likes of
Amazon,
Argos and
Currys and remember that you can pay less to protect fewer devices: there’s no point in paying for a 10-device package if you only have one laptop.
Antivirus student deals
If you’re a student, be sure to check out
Tech Advisor’s Student Beans page. There, you can benefit from massive discounts from some of our favourite antivirus brands for school, college or university.