Best antivirus for Chromebook in 2026
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Based on our recent tests in August 2025, TotalAV is the best antivirus for Chromebooks. It offers robust scanning and real-time protection capabilities to ensure your device is well protected from common Chromebook malware. Moreover, it comes with other features, like a VPN and an ad blocker, to further reduce your exposure to possible online dangers.
While Chromebooks are theoretically more secure than Windows or macOS devices, they still require additional security measures to protect against common attack vectors. More precisely, you need tools that block user behaviour attacks, such as phishing emails and scams. That’s why you need reliable antivirus software to improve your security.
We tested many Chromebook antivirus services to find the five best providers for your consideration. Besides TotalAV, our recommended antivirus, it is worth looking at other alternatives. Read on to see which Chromebook antivirus is best suited for you.
Top 5 best virus protection for Chromebook
- TotalAV – best Chromebook antivirus for scanning and real-time protection
- Norton 360 – great Chromebook antivirus for day-to-day use
- Bitdefender – Chromebook antivirus with great security and many additional features
- Malwarebytes – privacy-oriented Chromebook antivirus
- ESET – reliable antivirus protection against online threats
Our team of researchers thoroughly tests antivirus software following a well-established testing process. In unison, our experts combine in-house and independent testing lab findings with first-hand experience to help you make informed decisions about each product. Learn how we test antivirus software.
Do Chromebooks need antivirus software?
Yes, Chromebooks need antivirus software, despite being inherently more secure than conventional OSs like Windows and macOS. ChromeOS is designed in a way to make it more resilient against common file-based malware threats that target other operating systems. For example, Google claims on its ChromeOS security page that there have been zero reported ransomware attacks on the devices. I couldn’t find any reports that would dispute this claim.
Still, that doesn’t mean that Chromebooks are completely immune to cyberthreats. Namely, you still need extra protection from threats that target user behaviour.
For starters, a common cyberthreat that can affect you regardless of which OS you use is fake browser extensions. Malwarebytes reports that millions of people were spied on by malicious browser extensions on Chrome and Edge. Such malicious software can make its way onto your device even if you’re using a Chromebook. After all, it can’t stop you if you unknowingly install malicious software that appears legitimate at first sight.
Secondly, you can still be targeted by phishing attacks and scams that aim to trick you into revealing sensitive information, such as your login credentials. There are many types of phishing attacks, some of which are OS-agnostic, meaning you can fall victim to them regardless of what device you use.
The best antivirus for Google Chromebook in 2026 – detailed list
While there are lots of great antivirus programs available on the market, not all of them are good at protecting you from threat actors or malware. Therefore, we tested more than two dozen top-rated antivirus programs and selected the best ones that work on Chromebooks. Our testing criteria included malware detection rates, features, and price-to-value ratio.
1. TotalAV – feature-rich antivirus solution for Chromebooks with excellent malware detection
| Free version: | Yes |
| Max. devices: | 8 |
| Starting price: | From $19.00/year |
| Current deal: | Get TotalAV, now 80% OFF |
TotalAV is the best Chromebook antivirus in 2026 due to its excellent malware detection and removal rates, useful security features, and price-to-value ratio. This is an excellent option if you’re looking for a high-performance, low-budget solution. TotalAV also offers a free plan that has demonstrated great malware detection capabilities during our in-house tests.
Malware detection. During in-house tests, we analyzed both premium and free versions of TotalAV. With the real-time protection feature turned off, we ran the Smart scan to find 10 malicious files from MalwareBazaar. In total, the scan took 2 minutes, which is the longest time compared to other providers. We also tested TotalAV’s WebShield feature using 10 malicious URLs. The results were excellent in both cases. As for independent testing, the latest AV-TEST evaluation done in May 2025 gave TotalAV top scores in all three categories (protection, performance, and usability). Meanwhile, TotalAV wasn’t included in the latest AV-Comparatives Mobile Security Review, which focused on providers' Android app effectiveness. On the other hand, the provider earned the Advanced+ badge in the Real-World Protection Test from May 2025, which shows that the provider is excellent overall.
Features. As expected, the free version of TotalAV is quite limited – it doesn’t offer real-time protection. However, WebShield, Photos, Videos and Contacts Optimisation, Breach Scan, Secure Browser, and App Lock features function normally. It can also scan apps and files for malware. Overall, this is the most feature-rich free version of all antivirus services on this list. But if you want real-time protection, go for the premium TotalAV version. It comes with additional TotalAV features such as a VPN, QR Check, Wi-Fi Checker, and Secure Browser.
Pricing. TotalAV offers three paid plans. The basic plan starts at only $19.00/year, but it is missing some useful features. The Internet Security plan starts at $39.00/year and offers a safe browsing VPN, while the Total Security plan, which starts at $49.00/year, adds an adblocker and a password manager.
| Plan | First-year price | First-year price per month | Price after the first year | Price after the first year per month |
| Premium | $19.00 | $1.58 | $99.00 | $8.25 |
| Internet Security | $39.00 | $3.25 | $129.00 | $10.75 |
| Total Security | $49.00 | $4.08 | $149.00 | $12.42 |
2. Norton 360 – great antivirus for Chromebook in 2026
| Free version: | No |
| Max. devices: | 10 |
| Starting price: | From $29.99/year |
| Current deal: | Get up to 60% OFF Norton Antivirus |
Norton 360 is another great antivirus for Chromebook. Norton is a well-regarded company with many years of experience, and Norton 360 is the star of this company’s personal security suite. With one simple product, Norton 360 can protect just about any device, including your Chromebook. Unfortunately, unlike a few other providers on this list – like TotalAV or Bitdefender – Norton doesn’t have a free version.
Malware detection. We performed hands-on testing to check how good Norton 360 is at catching malware. The overall scan took only 30 seconds and was faster than TotalAV’s scan. However, the antivirus detected 7/10 threats. During our tests, we also assessed real-time protection and the Safe Web feature, which proved to be decently effective. On the other hand, according to independent evaluations by AV-TEST, Norton 360 is slightly less effective in the usability category. Meanwhile, AV-Comparatives approves Norton’s Android protection capabilities in its Mobile Security Review.
Features. Norton’s scan assesses apps and files, while its main feature is real-time protection. The App Security feature shows newly installed apps, safe apps, and data harvesting apps (e.g., Google Play Books and Dropbox).
The Safe Web feature is meant to help identify malicious websites, and Safe Search is a private search engine. Norton 360 for Chromebooks also comes with Wi-Fi Security, SMS Security, and a VPN. Finally, Norton 360 includes access to its updated LifeLock identity protection plans, which now feature automated data broker removal across all tiers, expanded scam protection tools, and tiered scam reimbursement under LifeLock Core, Advanced, and Total.
Pricing. Norton 360 subscription plans start at $29.99/year (1 device support). With more device coverage, Norton becomes quite expensive. However, it does offer excellent value for money, and there’s a 60-day money-back guarantee.
| Plan | First-year price | First-year price per month | Price after the first year | Price after the first year per month |
| Norton AntiVirus Plus | $29.99 | $2.50 | $59.99 | $5.00 |
| Norton 360 Standard | $39.99 | $3.33 | $94.99 | $7.92 |
| Norton 360 Deluxe | $49.99 | $4.17 | $119.99 | $10.00 |
| Norton 360 with LifeLock | $99.99 | $8.33 | $189.99 | $15.83 |
3. Bitdefender – robust Chromebook antivirus to prevent malware threats
| Free version: | Yes |
| Max. devices: | 10 |
| Starting price: | From $12.99/year |
| Current deal: | Get Bitdefender for up to 78% OFF |
Bitdefender is one of the most popular antivirus brands on the market, with a great reputation for consistently delivering top-notch protection against malware and other threats. Unlike Norton 360, Bitdefender antivirus offers a free version, which, although quite basic, provides an effective malware scanner.
Malware detection. Bitdefender scanned the device in just 30 seconds and detected all 10 malicious files, leading to a 100% success rate. During our in-house test for the Bitdefender full review, we also assessed the Web Protection feature, which successfully blocked all 10 malware-containing URLs. The latest evaluations by AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives also show that Bitdefender is highly effective.
Features. The only feature that the free version of Bitdefender antivirus has is the malware scanner, but it is as effective as the scanner available with the premium version. This version has Web Protection, Scam Alert, VPN (200MB/day limit), App Lock, App Anomaly Detection, Account Privacy, and Anti-Theft features. This is one of the best features of this suite, enabling you to remotely snap a photo upon a failed unlock and locate, lock, or wipe your device.
Pricing. If you choose this antivirus for Chromebook, note that the cheapest plan won't support your device. You can instead purchase the Mobile Security plan for just $17.99/year (1 device) or choose the Total or Internet Security plan for $19.99/year (up to 3 devices) or $42.49/year (up to 3 devices), respectively.
| Plan | First-year price | First-year price per month | Price after the first year | Price after the first year per month |
| Bitdefender Antivirus Plus | $12.99 | $0.83 | $39.99 | $3.33 |
| Bitdefender Total Security | 19.99 | $1.66 | $89.99 | $7.49 |
| Bitdefender Premium Security | 64.99 | $6.65 | $159.99 | $13.33 |
4. Malwarebytes – privacy-friendly Chromebook antivirus
| Free version: | Yes |
| Max. devices: | 20 |
| Starting price: | From $44.99/year |
| Current deal: | Get Malwarebytes, now 50% OFF |
The Malwarebytes Chromebook app effectively neutralizes malware and protects against various online threats. However, it also audits existing apps with a Security Advisor feature.
Malware detection. As always, we performed in-house testing to review Malwarebytes. The service completed a scan in just 19 seconds, which is the fastest time of all tested antiviruses for Chromebooks. That was enough for it to detect all 10 malware samples we had placed on our Chromebook device. Unfortunately, the service wasn’t evaluated recently by AV-TEST, while AV-Comparatives gave it the Standard rank in its Real-World Protection Test from May 2025.
Features. This antivirus neutralizes adware, spyware, hijackers, and PUPs. Malwarebytes also audits app privileges for safe personal data management and displays the results in the Security Advisor dashboard. Coupled with its Privacy VPN (included in the premium plan), it enhances Chromebook privacy better than other antivirus services.
Pricing. To get the most out of Malwarebytes, you'll have to pay $44.99/year. You can also test it out risk-free using the 60-day money-back guarantee.
| Plan | First-year price | First-year price per month | Price after the first year | Price after the first year per month |
| Standard | $44.99 | $3.75 | $44.99 | $3.75 |
| Plus | $59.99 | $4.99 | $59.99 | $4.99 |
| Ultimate | $139.99 | $9.99 | $239.99 | $19.99 |
5. ESET – antivirus for increased threat safety when browsing
| Free version: | No |
| Max. devices: | 5 |
| Starting price: | From $34.99/year |
| Current deal: | Get ESET, save up to 30% |
ESET is a trusted antivirus provider that offers a well-rounded and reliable malware protection for your Chromebook. Its unique focus on online safety makes it ideal for protecting your data whenever you browse.
Malware detection. During our in-house antivirus tests for ESET review, we tested its real-time protection and full system scan. It successfully detected and quarantined 9 out of 10 planted threats. With 90% accuracy, ESET slightly fell to its competitors, including TotalAV and Bitdefender. However, ESET did better in independent lab tests. In August 2025, AV-TEST awarded it with the highest scores in protection and usability categories.
Features. ESET antivirus is capable of neutralizing various threats, including malware, phishing scams, and ransomware. In addition, it lets you monitor who is logging into your Wi-Fi router, and easily track down your lost devices. While its safe banking and VPN increase your data protection whenever you’re online.
Pricing. ESET’s pricing starts from $34.99/year for 1 device, which is rather expensive compared to other providers on this list. Adding devices exponentially increases the price. While ESET doesn’t have a free version, it offers a 30-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
| Plan | First-year price | First-year price per month | Price after the first year | Price after the first year per month |
| Essential | $34.99 | $2.90 | $49.99 | $4.16 |
| Premium | $55.99 | $4.66 | $79.99 | $6.66 |
| Ultimate | $125.99 | $10.50 | $179.99 | $14.99 |
6. McAfee – antivirus with minimalistic design
| Free version: | Yes |
| Max. devices: | Unlimited |
| Starting price: | From $29.99/year |
| Current deal: | Get McAfee, save up to 67% |
McAfee is a user-friendly antivirus for Chromebook. It not only offers minimalistic design, which is great for beginners, but also provides robust security for your device from malware, ransomware and cryptojacking.
Malware detection. During testing for McAfee review, we gathered 150 malware samples, including keyloggers, RATs, and stealers and ran a full system scan. McAfee detected 90.67% of all threats that were planted in the in-house testing. However, much like ESET, it showed better performance in independent evaluations. AV-Comparatives reported a 99.3% malware detection rate, while AV-TEST gave it a perfect 6/6 score.
Features. McAfee has an intuitive dashboard, that makes launching scans easy and lets access important features without having to dig deep to find them. In addition to virus protection, it also includes some useful extras, like Scam Detector, File Shredder to permanently delete sensitive files, and WebAdvisor to protect you while you browse.
Pricing. McAfee offers a wide range of plans starting from $29.99/year. It’s not the most affordable option, but its family plans offer a good money-to-value ratio.
| Plan | First-year price | First-year price per month | Price after the first year | Price after the first year per month |
| Essential (Individual) | $29.99 | $3.33 | $119.99 | $9.99 |
| Premium (Individual) | $29.99 | $4.16 | $149.99 | $12.49 |
| Advanced (Individual) | $89.99 | $7.49 | $199.99 | $16.66 |
| Ultimate (Individual) | $199.99 | $16.66 | $279.99 | $23.33 |
| Premium (Family) | $69.99 | $5.83 | $169.99 | $14.16 |
7. Avira – best free antivirus for Chromebook
| Free version: | Yes |
| Max. devices: | 5 |
| Starting price: | From $22.99/year |
| Current deal: | Get 1 year of Avira at 65% OFF |
If you want a free antivirus for Chromebook, Avira is certainly a worthwhile option to consider. Although its paid plans come with many more features, its free plan still offers pretty good antivirus protection with a solid defense against threats.
Malware detection. During our in-house Avira antivirus tests, we tested the Smart Scan and its ability to detect malicious files. It managed to detect 8 out of 10 malware samples in 30 seconds, which is the same time as Bitdefender and Norton. Meanwhile, AV-TEST ranks Avira with the same score as Norton, giving it slightly lower scores only in the usability category. Similarly, AV-Comparatives approved Avira’s mobile protection capabilities in its Mobile Security Review 2025.
Features. The free version of Avira antivirus includes the Smart Scan, Call Blocker, Identity Protection, VPN (100MB/day limit), Permissions Manager, and App Lock features. The premium plans come with additional Avira features such as Web Protection, Microphone Protection, Password Manager, and Optimizer. Surprisingly, you cannot change the interface to one that is more suitable for tablets, and you only get to use an interface that’s meant for Android phones. In short, Avira is certainly not the most user-friendly antivirus on this list – TotalAV is superior in that regard.
Pricing. You can purchase Avira for $22.99/year (1 device coverage). Although the price is steep, there's a 60-day money-back guarantee that you can take full advantage of.
| Plan | First-year price | First-year price per month | Price after the first year | Price after the first year per month |
| Antivirus Pro | $22.99 | $2.49 | $64.99 | $5.41 |
| Internet Security | $34.99 | $2.91 | $70.99 | $5.91 |
| Prime | $59.99 | $4.99 | $109.99 | $9.16 |
Video review
Check out our video on the best antivirus for Chromebook in 2026. See our top picks, features, and performance to help you choose the right solution.
How we tested and ranked Chromebook antiviruses
To create our list of the best antivirus software for Chromebooks, we tested more than 20 top-rated antivirus providers by simulating device infection and monitoring the system's performance during antivirus scans and real-time protection. To perform testing, we used a Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook (8GB RAM, 256GB eMMC storage, Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 7c Gen 2 processor, ChromeOS 121).
In-house tests allowed us to narrow the list down to the best antiviruses, covering various price points and offering an excellent balance of price and quality. Here’s a more detailed list of our security software testing criteria when choosing the best antivirus for Chromebook:
- Android app for ChromeOS (25%). To get on our list, the antivirus had to offer an Android app compatible with a Chromebook. Moreover, the Android app had to be well developed and feature rich and provide needed security features. Therefore, we tested each provider’s Android app quality, ease of use, and whether they met our quality requirements.
- Independent tests (20%). We analyzed independent testing lab results regarding how successful these antiviruses were with malware removal. We only included providers with malware detection rates above 90%.
- In-house tests (20%). We tested the providers’ scanning capabilities. For this, we used 10 malware files placed somewhere on the device. Then, we ran different virus scanning options to see how successfully the antiviruses found, isolated, and removed malware from the Chromebook.
- Additional features (15%). Top-rated antivirus software usually comes with extra features, like device optimization tools, parental controls, VPNs, or password managers. So, we also checked the providers for any additional perks and how well they worked.
- Customer support (10%). If anything goes wrong with your antivirus protection, you’ll want to be able to reach out for help. Every antivirus on our list provides a range of customer support options that we tested ourselves.
- Price (10%). Whenever you’re considering a lengthy subscription, price is crucial. That’s why we included a range of options at different price points to suit your specific needs and budget.
Comparison of the best antivirus software for Chromebook
| Rating | Malware detection rate (independent test results) | Free version | Max. devices | Money-back guarantee | Starting price | |
| TotalAV | 100% | Yes | 8 | 30-day | From $19.00/year | |
| Norton 360 | 100% | No | 10 | 60-day | From $29.99/year | |
| Bitdefender | 100% | Yes | 10 | 30-day | From $12.99/year | |
| Malwarebytes | N/A | Yes | 20 | 60-day | From $44.99/year | |
| ESET | 98.3% | No | 5 | 30-day | From $34.99/year | |
| McAfee | 99.3% | Yes | Unlimited | 30-day | From $29.99/year | |
| Avira | 100% | Yes | 5 | 60-day | From $22.99/year |
How to install antivirus on Chromebook
Even though Chromebooks are supposed to be secure, you can (and should) download antivirus software to prevent any malware threats. The easiest way to install antivirus software is by downloading it from the Google Play Store.
Here’s how to install an antivirus on a Chromebook:
- Open the Google Play Store and choose an antivirus. I recommend TotalAV, now 80% OFF
- Download the antivirus app
- Install the software on your Chromebook
- Open the app and finish the installation process
- Log in or set up an account
- Start using your antivirus software to keep your device safe
Does Chromebook have a built-in antivirus?
Yes, Chromebooks have some antivirus protection built into them, much like Android, iOS, and Windows have built-in security features. However, be aware that even this level of protection won’t make your Chromebook immune to malware and other online threats.
How does Chromebook security work?
ChromeOS, the operating system behind Chromebook devices, has a few differences from other OSs that make it fundamentally more secure, especially against malware. Here’s a brief introduction to some of the features that make it more robust:
- Updates. Chromebooks install updates automatically to ensure that users run the latest and most secure version.
- No admin users. ChromeOS is a read-only operating system, meaning neither you nor malicious executable files can gain the deep system privileges needed to exploit your device.
- Sandboxing. Web pages and apps run in sandboxes (restricted environments) on Chromebook devices. This way, threats are always isolated.
- Verified Boot. If threats escape the sandboxes, your device is protected by a Verified Boot feature, which repairs any corrupted elements every time you restart your device.
- Encryption. Sensitive user data is stored in the cloud. It is encrypted using hardware that makes it virtually impossible to breach the data.
- Recovery Mode. Chromebook users can always restore the device to a previous version in case something goes wrong.
Although Chromebook users are relatively safe with these built-in security measures, there are still threats that can tamper with users’ security and privacy. To ensure optimal security, I recommend installing a trustworthy antivirus compatible with ChromeOS, like TotalAV. If you’re looking for a free option, Avira is the best choice for you, offering the most on its free plan.
What is the best free antivirus for Chromebook?
We tested the best-known free antivirus programs on the market, as well as some less famous brands. Overall, TotalAV is the best free antivirus for Chromebook. It performed exceptionally well for a free product, delivering excellent protection against malware.
Beyond this, TotalAV also comes with a whole raft of top-notch security features, including Safe Site extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browsers, and a comprehensive Smart Scan, which cleans your system by finding junk and duplicate files. Most importantly, it supports Android and works flawlessly on Chromebook, delivering a smooth, user-friendly experience.
Other worthwhile free antiviruses for Chromebook are Bitdefender and Avira. Their free plans offer pretty good antivirus protection and defense against a few other common cyberthreats. They’re worth trying, but I recommend the premium tiers if you want truly effective digital protection.
Conclusion
While Chromebooks have some security measures to protect your device and data from malware threats, those features are not perfect. There are plenty of other possibilities that threat actors can use to target you. Therefore, you should install a reliable Chromebook antivirus to fully protect your device from all possible cyberthreats.
Based on our testing, TotalAV is the best antivirus for Chromebook. This antivirus has an excellent Android app that you can easily set up on your ChromeOS device. It has virus scans, a firewall, and malware protection tools and offers device optimization features, a VPN, a password manager, and identity theft protection. So, if you’re concerned about your Chromebook’s security, TotalAV is ideal. However, other providers on my list are also excellent ChromeOS antivirus solutions, so you can easily pick any, depending on your needs.
FAQ
Are Chromebooks safe for online banking?
Chromebooks aren’t very safe for online banking, as they’re closely integrated with the Chrome browser. This makes it only as safe as any other browser you might use. While Chrome gets regular security updates and is generally safe, it’s a popular target for cybercriminals. So you should consider using antivirus software to protect your device and data from cybercriminals.
Can Chromebooks get hacked?
Yes, Chromebooks are vulnerable in certain areas, particularly the browser, so they can get hacked. Luckily, most antivirus software focuses on browser and internet security, so it’s a great tool to add to your device to increase your online protection.
How do I check my Chromebook for viruses?
The easiest way to check your Chromebook for viruses is with a reliable antivirus. We recommend TotalAV as the best antivirus for ChromeOS. It can scan your entire system to check it for malware or any other weaknesses. If any threats exist, it will remove them and, simultaneously, protect the device against new threats.
Can you get viruses on a Chromebook?
Chromebooks are less susceptible to viruses due to their sandboxed environment and Linux-based operating system. However, malware infections are still possible, and the risk may increase as Chromebooks gain popularity. I recommend you protect it with Chromebook antivirus like TotalAV at all times to prevent malware infections.
