Best antivirus for multiple devices in 2026
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Most of us juggle multiple devices daily, from laptops to phones and tablets. Yet, each one of your devices can be a target for malware, phishing attacks, or data theft. Cyberthreats no longer focus on just one device, making antivirus protection that covers all your devices essential for staying safe online.
To find the best antivirus for multiple devices, we spent several weeks testing over 20 providers. We mainly focused on how well antivirus software protects multiple devices under a single plan, its performance across different devices, and the overall value it offers. Keep reading to discover the results of our hands-on testing.
5 best multi-device antivirus programs
- Bitdefender – best antivirus for multiple devices in 2026 overall
- Norton 360 – reputable anti-malware solution for multiple devices
- Avast – antivirus for multi-device protection
- TotalAV – multiple-device antivirus with secure browsing features
- ESET – multi-device antivirus with unique security features
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.
Methodology: how we tested multi-device antivirus
When testing these antivirus programs, the research team and I mainly focused on multi-device functionality. Our testing was performed on a Virtualbox VM with Windows 11 (20GB RAM and 4 CPU cores) on a Lenovo ThinkStation (AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX 12-core processor, 3.99 GHz, 64GB RAM, 3TB SSD, Windows 11). We used real-world malware samples from Malware Bazaar and abuse.ch, as per our antivirus testing methodology. Below are the in-house testing results that showcase the providers’ malware detection rates, speeds, and system usage.
The scoring for providers was done according to these criteria:
- In-house testing (25%). Because an antivirus is designed to protect your device and data, it must have high detection rates for adware, spyware, and other types of malware. We looked at the results from both independent test labs and in-house testing.
- Performance (25%). An antivirus shouldn’t slow down your device. When testing top antivirus programs, we evaluated their impact on the device’s performance. We made sure they don’t consume a lot of CPU resources and keep your operating system running smoothly during both deep scans and whilst real-time protection is running in the background.
- Device limit (10%). It’s crucial that an antivirus meant for multi-device protection offers sufficient device coverage. Premium antivirus software that covers only 1 device is inferior to a freemium plan that supports 10 devices. To curate this list, I evaluated how many devices each provider can protect.
- Ease of use (10%). Regardless of how simple or complex an antivirus program is, anyone should be able to use it without any difficulties. When testing the top antivirus programs, we downloaded and installed them to check how easy the process was. We also evaluated app usability.
- Multi-device compatibility (15%). Protecting several devices under a single subscription is a major advantage. I looked at how many devices each provider allows and gave priority to those that support more.
- Additional features (10%). If an antivirus does more than just scan, it’s a strong contender for being the best. Extra features that are nice to have include spam filters, secure browsers, cleaners, firewalls, webcam protection, password managers, and VPNs.
- Price (5%). An antivirus might seem like a pricey investment, but it doesn’t have to be. Numerous antivirus suites offer quite affordable plans, so everyone can protect multiple devices without spending a lot of money. Whilst ranking the top antivirus programs for multiple devices, we made sure to assess each provider’s overall price-to-value ratio.
We tested each antivirus software for at least 30 days, using it as our primary protection across multiple devices.
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The best antivirus software for multiple devices in 2026
We reviewed over two dozen antivirus programs to find the best for multi-device protection. To get the final list, our team combined in-house testing and independent lab results to choose the most reliable options.
1. Bitdefender – excellent family protection for up to 25 devices
| Max simultaneous devices: | 25 |
| Free version: | ✅ Yes |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get Bitdefender for up to 78% OFF |
Bitdefender ranks among the strongest antivirus options for multi-device protection, especially for households that need coverage across several platforms. It can protect up to 25 devices with Bitdefender Ultimate Security, making it the perfect family antivirus for seamless security across platforms.
During our testing, Bitdefender consistently performed well against malware samples, and independent testing by AV-TEST also reported a 100% detection rate for zero-day malware. In our in-house testing, the real-time malware detection rate was lower, at 80%, but still the highest on this list. Full scan detection rate stood at 89%.
Bitdefender’s strongest advantage is its layered protection approach. Advanced Threat Defense continuously monitors suspicious behavior, while Ransomware Mitigation adds an extra layer by preventing unauthorized file encryption.
According to our Bitdefender review, it includes a wide selection of additional tools alongside the malware protection. Fire Shredder can permanently delete sensitive data, while performance optimization tools will, as the name suggests, optimize your system. And if you want more customization, the Profiles feature enables users to differentiate between activities.
Your privacy can be further enhanced with Anti-Tracker, which blocks data collection and speeds up page load times. The provider’s VPN, which comes with the premium version of the antivirus, masks your online activity, and you can further enhance your security with a password manager and the Safepay secure browser. Webcam Protection and Microphone Monitor check and stop unauthorized apps from accessing these devices.
What helps Bitdefender stand out from the crowd is its flexibility for users. Bitdefender offers a free version, but it can protect only 1 device, which is great for testing antivirus risk-free. If you want coverage for multiple devices in your household, a premium plan with specialized protection is a better choice. Total Security ($19.99/year) protects up to 3 devices, while the Premium Security plan ($64.99/year) protects up to 5 devices.
Overall, Bitdefender is an impressive antivirus tool and, most importantly, can protect many devices with a single account. Only McAfee beats Bitdefender in this regard, as it’s an antivirus for all devices.
| Plan | Devices | Starting price | Renewal price |
| Antivirus Plus | 1 | $12.99/year | $49.99/year |
| Total Security | 3 | $19.99/year | $89.99/year |
| Premium Security | 5 | $64.99/year | $129.99/year |
| Total Security Family | 25 | $79.99/year | $139.99/year |
2. Norton Antivirus – reliable multiple-device antivirus
| Max simultaneous devices: | 10 |
| Free version: | ❌ No |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Current deal: | Get up to 60% OFF Norton Antivirus |
Norton is a well-known name in the antivirus market. It’s a solid multi-device antivirus, supporting up to 10 devices and offering good malware detection, with plans starting at $29.99/year.
According to the AV-TEST independent lab tests, Norton detects 100% of zero-day malware. It also shows great detection results. Unfortunately, our in-house tests reveal that Norton uses up more system resources than some other premium antivirus programs on this list. This means that the real-time protection might burden the system of older devices.
In-house tests show similar results – with a 61% real-time malware detection rate and 53% in idle RAM usage.
The Secure VPN that comes as part of a premium plan masks your online activity, and your privacy is further enhanced with a password manager and built-in AI-powered scam protection. You can also further protect your files by placing them in Cloud Backup with 250GB of space. This solidifies Norton as multi-layered antivirus software that provides both protection against malware and additional features that make your browsing more private.
After taking a closer look at Norton, it’s apparent that this antivirus is not the cheapest software on the market, with plans starting at $29.99/year for 1 device. If you want to protect multiple devices at once, you can subscribe to the Norton 360 Standard plan, which offers scam protection and dark web monitoring. It costs $39.99/year and is available for up to 3 devices. If you have more devices, Norton 360 Deluxe protects up to 5 devices for $49.99/year, and Norton 360 Premium offers to guard up to 10 devices for $59.99/year.
| Plan | Devices | Starting price | Renewal price |
| Norton AntiVirus Plus | 1 | $29.99/year | $59.99/year |
| Norton 360 Standard | 3 | $39.99/year | $94.99/year |
| Norton 360 Deluxe | 5 | $49.99/year | $124.99/year |
| Norton 360 Premium | 10 | $59.99/year | $149.99/year |
3. Avast – antivirus for multi-device protection
| Max simultaneous devices: | 10 |
| Free version: | ✅ Yes |
| Platforms: | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get up to 60% OFF Avast Antivirus |
Avast is a well-rounded antivirus solution that combines malware protection with privacy and device management tools. It supports up to 10 devices, making it a practical choice for those who want to extend a single plan to several devices.
Based on the data from independent testers, Avast delivered consistent real-time protection against a variety of threats, including malware. Its zero-day detection also stayed at 100%. However, there are still things that keep Avast from being the best antivirus on this list. In-house testing revealed that Avast's scan detection rate is 72%, with malware detection at 68%.
Our Avast review showed that Avast offers a balance between detection and performance. During full-system scans, CPU usage fluctuated between 11% and 70%, which is more user-friendly for users with older systems since it’s lower than some of the older providers on this list. The lower strain on the system also makes Avast a good choice for users who tend to multitask.
Additionally, Avast includes a range of tools designed to improve privacy and device maintenance. You can mask your online activity with VPN and Anti-Tracking tools that help reduce online tracking, while an AI-powered Avast Assistant detects suspicious emails and scam messages. With these features, Avast becomes more than just antivirus software.
Avast stands out from other entries on this list by combining security, privacy, and device maintenance within a single ecosystem. Instead of focusing solely on malware, its additional tools can be appealing to users who seek a more universal option. The one major drawback is the add-ons that might go beyond a premium subscription, which starts at $31.20/year. This means they increase the overall cost of this antivirus, making it more pricey compared to some other options.
Overall, Avast remains a solid choice for users who want strong protection, good system performance, and access to a broad set of privacy and maintenance tools.
| Plan | Devices | Starting price | Renewal price |
| Premium Security | 1 PC + 1 mobile | $31.20/year | $77.99/year |
| Premium Security | 10 | $39.99/year | $99.99/year |
| Ultimate | 1 PC + 1 mobile | $43.99/year | $109.99/year |
| Ultimate | 10 | $55.99/year | $139.99/year |
4. TotalAV – antivirus for your phone, computer, and tablet
| Max simultaneous devices: | 8 |
| Free version: | ✅ Yes |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Current deal: | Get TotalAV, now 80% OFF |
TotalAV combines security, privacy, and device optimization and is easy to use, making it one of the better-known antivirus software products on the market. While it doesn't support as many devices as some competitors, such as Norton 360 or Bitdefender, it still offers coverage for 8 devices, which is more than enough to keep your household protected.
TotalAV performs well in malware detection, according to AV-TEST's recent evaluations, which show that it detected 100% of zero-day malware samples. The score matches other premium providers on this list, so it’s still safe to say that TotalAV offers reliable and active protection. In-house results show a 66% scan detection rate but only a 50% malware detection rate.
The provider’s protection extends beyond just catching viruses. WebShield is TotalAV's Chrome browser extension that blocks malicious sites and includes a safe search feature. It can provide an extra layer of security for people who use many online financial services.
According to our TotalAV review, it offers a somewhat diversified plan selection, with different features and device limits. The Plus plan offers essential protection and works on up to 4 devices. The Internet Security plan includes a VPN and covers up to 6 devices. The Total Security plan adds a password manager and protects up to 8 devices.
In general, TotalAV aims to accommodate different needs and budgets while offering well-rounded protection. With plans starting at $19.00/year, you can have a comprehensive antivirus suite without breaking the bank.
| Plan | Devices | Starting price | Renewal price |
| TotalAV Plus | 4 | $19.00/year | $99.00/year |
| TotalAV Internet Security | 6 | $39.00/year | $129/year |
| TotalAV Total Security | 8 | $49.00/year | $149/year |
5. ESET – multi-device antivirus with advanced security
| Max simultaneous devices: | 10 |
| Free version: | ❌ No |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Current deal: | Get ESET, save up to 30% |
ESET excels in multi-device antivirus protection, since all the provider’s plans offer up to 10 devices. ESET provides security-focused tools and advanced device protection features.
ESET enhances the foundational defense and offers excellent malware protection, according to AV-TEST. During our in-house ESET testing, the antivirus software demonstrated good results in full-scan and real-time protection. Results show that both real-time malware detection and full-scan detection were at 78%. Its detection rates during in-house tests were second only to Bitdefender and McAfee. ESET also seemed to be relatively light on the system, so you can run this antivirus on older devices without overburdening them. This means ESET sufficiently protects your devices, even with some margin of error due to false positives.
ESET testing showed that what sets it apart is its focus on securing online activities. Secure banking and browsing tools are designed to reduce risks while entering personal information online. You can further safeguard your devices with ESET’s device tracking and webcam protection. ESET also offers smart home and smartphone protection for PCs, laptops, smart TVs, and IoT devices. Rather than adding a large number of extra features, ESET emphasizes security-focused functionality.
ESET’s plans start at $34.99/year, which is on the costly side. Perhaps the most important advantage of ESET is the multi-device support regardless of the plan you’re using. So, even at a lower price range, you can still protect up to 10 devices. Overall, ESET is best suited for those who value strong protection with additional specialized security features and multi-device coverage.
| Plan | Devices | Starting price | Renewal price |
| Essential | 1–10 | $34.99/year | $49.99/year |
| Premium | 1–10 | $55.99/year | $79.99/year |
| Ultimate | 5–10 | $125.99/year | $179.99/year |
6. Sophos Antivirus – multi-device antivirus with fast scans
| Max simultaneous devices: | 10 |
| Free version: | ✅ Yes |
| Platforms: | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get Sophos Home, now 25% OFF! |
Sophos takes a relatively straightforward approach to antivirus protection and is known for its fast scanning. The software focuses on core security and device management. The multi-device support extends up to 10 devices at an affordable price.
Sophos has performed well in both independent and in-house testing. According to AV-TEST evaluation, Sophos achieved a 99.5% detection rate against zero-day malware threats. During our in-house Sophos testing, it also demonstrated solid performance, delivered above-average real-time protection, and didn’t overburden the system. During scans, CPU usage fluctuated between 1 and 69%, which was lower than that of many other software programs on this list. This means devices may show better performance even while security checks are running. What’s more, the quick scan detection rate was 82%, the highest on this list (matched only by McAfee). Full scan detection, on the other hand, dropped to 72%.
As with any testing, the results should be viewed only as general guidelines, but Sophos seems to provide solid protection for everyday use. The antivirus’ most unique feature is remote app control and scanning, so you can configure and monitor your devices from afar. This can be especially useful to users who are responsible for multiple devices, as it makes security management more convenient.
After reviewing Sophos, it appears that it also offers AI Threat Detection, which identifies a broad range of threats, including malware, trojans, ransomware, worms, and potentially unwanted applications. While AI-powered protection has become increasingly common across the antivirus industry, Sophos integrates this feature into its services, making it easier to utilize.
From a pricing standpoint, Sophos only offers a single plan, which starts at $44.99/year. The simplified pricing makes it easy to understand what is included in the plan. But users who are expecting advanced features, like a built-in VPN or password management, as offered by some other antiviruses on this list, would have to look elsewhere.
| Plan | Devices | Starting price | Renewal price |
| One-year subscription | 10 | $44.99/year | $59.99/year |
| Two-year subscription | 10 | $74.99/year | $99.99/year |
| Three-year subscription | 10 | $104.99/year | $139.99/year |
7. McAfee – antivirus for unlimited devices
| Max simultaneous devices: | Unlimited |
| Free version: | ❌ No |
| Platforms: | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get McAfee, save up to 67% |
When it comes to multiple device support, McAfee might be one of the more prominent contenders. It offers unlimited device support, which easily covers your entire household. It also shows solid malware detection and protection results.
According to AV-TEST, McAfee has excellent malware detection rates, rising to 100%. Our in-house testing also reveals good detection and protection results, with a 93% full-scan detection rate. However, the real-time malware detection rate stands at 0%, which is a major drawback when compared to other entries on this list.
What’s more, McAfee creates copies of your files and secures them against malicious encryption, further strengthening your device against ransomware attacks. McAfee's approach extends beyond traditional malware protection and includes a couple of features to boost your system’s performance. The Vulnerability Scanner periodically scans your system to check whether any of your apps have security patches available. This feature can eliminate gaps in your security, especially if you don’t keep up with various updates.
In addition to security features, according to our McAfee review, the antivirus offers a variety of privacy and maintenance tools, including a VPN, a password manager, a file shredder, and browser protection. Their inclusion makes McAfee a convenient all-in-one solution for users who prefer to manage security and privacy through a single service rather than multiple subscriptions.
McAfee has several plans to choose from, starting at $29.99/year. The Essential plan covers up to 5 devices, while higher-tier subscriptions offer unlimited device protection along with features such as identity monitoring, scam protection, VPN access, and parental controls, which safeguard your browsing activity.
| Plan | Devices | Starting price | Renewal price |
| Essential | 5 | $29.99/year | $119.99/year |
| Advanced Individual | Unlimited | $89.99/year | $199.99/year |
| Advanced Family | Unlimited | $119.99/year | $269.99/year |
How to choose a multi-device antivirus
To choose the right antivirus that protects multiple devices simultaneously, consider factors such as security capabilities, performance, compatibility, and pricing.
First and foremost, it must provide real-time protection and guarantee top-notch security against online threats, including trojans, ransomware, adware, or rootkits, among others.
The best antivirus for multiple devices should also offer great performance. That means it shouldn’t use up a lot of system resources while scanning your system and performing real-time protection. Scans shouldn’t take hours, and the interfaces of all apps should be intuitive and user-friendly.
Crucially, the best multi-device antivirus should cover several devices. It’s important to check the number of devices allowed per license, since some providers only cover one device, while others can protect up to 10 devices, even for a similar price.
If you plan to protect multiple device types, you also want to make sure that your chosen antivirus tool is compatible with them all. Fortunately, most antivirus programs these days cover the basics with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS operating systems.
Of course, pricing is an important factor when choosing an antivirus as well. You want your chosen antivirus software to guarantee optimal value for the asking price.
Why is it important to protect all your devices at once?
Today, many users have multiple devices that they use daily. That means that cybercriminals are catching up with the trends and use malware to exploit all your household devices. That includes computers, smartphones, tablets, and smart home devices. With phishing attacks rising to almost 40% in 2024, which is 4 times higher than in 2023, device security remains a big concern. What’s more, malware is continuously evolving, and securing your devices can be beneficial for many reasons, including:
- Avoiding any weak links to malware in your smart home setup. It’s probably not just your computer that you use on a daily basis, and let me tell you – malware doesn’t discriminate between devices. IoT Security Landscape Report reveals that everyday gadgets, such as cameras, TVs, routers, and streaming devices, are becoming serious vulnerabilities, making them preferred attack targets in the connected household.
- Avoiding phishing and scams. Just like malicious software, phishing and similar online threats don’t differentiate between people, and everyone can fall prey to them. Phishing scams are usually distributed by email, and a quality antivirus will scan your inbox and any attached files on every device that you use to access your email.
- Keeping your children and other family members safe. Some family antivirus programs have parental control features that let you control access to certain websites or monitor what other users are doing. Installing an antivirus on multiple devices can help you protect your child, niece, nephew, or maybe even your elderly neighbor.
- Protecting your privacy. The best antivirus suites not only allow using the software on several devices at once but also have integrated password managers, VPNs, and dark web monitors to enhance your security. These features will help maintain online privacy and anonymity.
How do I install an antivirus on multiple devices?
Installing antivirus software on several devices is an easy process. Whether you’re using a desktop computer or a mobile device, the basic steps are the same:
- Purchase an antivirus subscription plan that allows multiple connections – I recommend Bitdefender, which supports up to 25 devices
- Download and install the antivirus on the devices you want to protect
- Enjoy a secure online experience with all the perks and benefits
Can I use a free antivirus on all of my devices?
Unfortunately, most free antivirus programs don’t offer multiple connections. Besides this obvious disadvantage, there are some others as well.
For example, very few free antivirus programs offer real-time protection and comprehensive recommendations when faced with a potential threat. On top of that, a free suite will get you a basic layer of protection only, with no extra features such as a VPN, password manager, or performance boosters. Besides, some free antivirus software could potentially be malicious and even sell your data.
But if you still want to try free antivirus security software on several devices, you can take a look at our list of the best free antivirus programs.
Final thoughts
When selecting the best antivirus for multiple devices, pay close attention to how many devices each provider supports. Many entry-level options only protect a single device, so it’s worth choosing a plan that matches your needs. You should also review independent lab results to ensure the antivirus will actually effectively protect your devices.
Based on our own testing, Bitdefender stands out as the top choice for multi-device protection. Starting at $12.99/year, it secures up to 25 devices and consistently delivers a perfect 100% malware detection rate. On top of that, it comes with useful extras like a VPN, data breach detection, and a password manager.
If you need coverage for up to 10 devices, Norton 360 and Avast offer solid alternatives.
FAQ
Which antivirus is best for multiple devices?
Bitdefender is the best antivirus for multiple devices. While there’s one antivirus program on this list that covers more devices, Bitdefender stands out for its security features, budget-friendly pricing, and excellent malware detection rates in in-house and independent lab testing.
Can I use the same antivirus on two computers?
Yes, you can use the same antivirus on several devices at once, including computers, if you buy an antivirus that supports multiple connections. My top choice antivirus for two or more computers is Bitdefender, as it protects up to 25 devices.
Are virus protectors necessary for all devices?
Yes, having an antivirus for all of your devices is highly recommended. Any device is susceptible to malware, phishing attempts, and other online threats, including macOS and iOS devices. So, it’s in your best interest to stay protected at all times.
How many computers can I install Norton Antivirus on?
Norton antivirus can be installed on up to 10 devices. You can choose a plan that allows antivirus installation on 3, 5, or 10 devices.
Can antivirus software be shared?
Yes, you can share antivirus software with your friends, family, coworkers, and/or employees if you purchase an antivirus for multiple devices. Bitdefender is my top recommendation for multiple devices because it can cover up to 25 devices while guaranteeing top security.
Which antivirus has unlimited users?
McAfee offers antivirus protection for unlimited devices. You can choose from Advanced Individual or Family plans, and they all offer antivirus protection for unlimited devices, scam protection, a social privacy manager, a VPN, a password manager, and identity monitoring features.
What’s the best multi-device antivirus for families?
Bitdefender is the best multi-device antivirus for families. It offers convenient family plans covering up to 25 devices for reasonable pricing. Plus, depending on the plan, you can get additional password managers, VPN, identity protection, and parental controls.
