Best antivirus for multiple devices in 2025
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As of January 2025, I recommend Norton 360 as the best antivirus for multiple devices. Starting at just $29.99 per year and supporting up to 10 devices, it’s an affordable and comprehensive solution for households or individuals with multiple gadgets. It offers robust features like real-time threat detection, a built-in VPN, cloud backup, and compatibility across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. With an intuitive interface and multi-device coverage, Norton 360 delivers exceptional value and top-tier protection.
Our 5 best antivirus programs for multiple devices
- Norton 360 – best antivirus for multiple devices in 2025 overall
- Bitdefender – anti-malware solution for family use
- Surfshark Antivirus – great antivirus with a robust VPN
- TotalAV – multiple-device antivirus with secure browsing features
- NordVPN Threat Protection – VPN with an ad blocker and anti-malware suite
Most of us use multiple devices every day. From phones to tablets to laptops, every device is susceptible to malware. And with phishing attacks on the rise, having an antivirus is more important than ever.
Antivirus for multiple devices ensures that every one of your devices is protected 24/7. What’s more, many antivirus programs include optimization features to boost your performance, so you benefit in more than one way.
With so many antivirus programs available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your individual needs. That’s why I collaborated with our research team to bring you our list of the best antivirus for multiple devices.
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.
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.
If you plan to protect multiple different types of devices, 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.
Our top antivirus picks for multiple devices
26 antivirus programs were reviewed in our research lab to help figure out which products were best for users seeking multiple-device protection. After the initial research and tests, I carefully assessed all options to pick the top 7 antivirus programs for multiple devices.
1. Norton Antivirus – best multiple-device antivirus
| Max simultaneous devices: | 10 |
| Free version: | No |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Current deal: | Get up to 58% OFF Norton Antivirus |
Norton is a renowned name in the antivirus market, and Norton 360 is the best antivirus for multiple devices. With prices starting at $29.99/year, Norton is a budget-friendly solution that doesn’t compromise on security. However, TotalAV still offers the best deal on this list ($19.00/year). On the other hand, while TotalAV users can protect up to 8 devices, if you subscribe to the Norton 360 Select plan, you can get support for up to 10 devices.
Norton 360 offers real-time protection and has an excellent malware detection rate. According to the latest independent lab tests, Norton 360 can detect 100% of zero-day and prevalent malware infections. On the downside, during tests, I noticed that Norton has a noticeable impact on system resources during scans. Still, independent lab tests have shown that it has slightly improved over the last year. So, while the antivirus tool performs without notice during real-time protection, scans can be somewhat burdensome – unless, of course, you have a more powerful device.
Some of the most notable Norton Antivirus features include a Secure VPN, password manager, firewall, and 250GB of Cloud Backup. In short, with only one simple product, you get to secure your network, protect your device from malware infections, safeguard your login credentials, and back up your most important files.
Norton AntiVirus Plus is the cheapest plan and costs just $29.99/year for 1 device protection. For multiple-device protection, Norton 360 Standard is your best bet. With Norton 360 Standard, you can protect up to 3 devices for just $39.99/month. If you have more devices, Norton 360 Deluxe protects up to 5 devices for $49.99/month, and Norton 360 Select Plus offers to guard up to 10 devices for $99.99/year.
| Plan | Norton AntiVirus Plus | Norton 360 Standard | Norton 360 Deluxe | Norton 360 with LifeLock Select Plus |
| First-year price | $29.99/month | $39.99/month | $49.99/month | $99.99/month |
| Renewal price | $59.99/year | $94.99/year | $119.99/year | $189.99/year |
2. Bitdefender – excellent family protection for up to 15 devices
| Max simultaneous devices: | 3 |
| Free version: | Yes |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get Bitdefender for up to 78% OFF |
Bitdefender is one of the most popular antivirus programs and easily one of the best options for multiple-device protection. It has an exceptional track record of efficiently dealing with malware programs. The latest AV-TEST reported a 100% zero-day and prevalent malware detection rate.
When it comes to security benefits, Bitdefender offers various protection features, including Advanced Threat Defense, which is essentially a real-time threat monitor for all running processes. I was also impressed by the Ransomware Mitigation feature, which detects and effectively stops all ransomware attacks and attempts to encrypt your files. And I cannot forget about Anti-Theft Protection that’s available with the Bitdefender Total Security plan.
Additional Bitdefender features include a File Shredder, performance optimization, Profiles ranging from work to gaming, and an Anti-Tracker. There’s also Webcam Protection and a Microphone Monitor to protect you against unauthorized access. Other notable features are a secure browser Safepay, a VPN, and a password manager for keeping your passwords, login credentials, and sensitive data protected.
What helps Bitdefender stand out from the crowd is its free version, although it can only protect 1 device, and the security features are quite limited. Fortunately, you can protect up to 3 devices with Total Security ($19.99/month) and Internet Security plans ($42.49/month). It’s important to note that Internet Security works only on Windows. And if you have to protect more than 5 devices, the Family Pack covers up to 15 devices per subscription.
Overall, Bitdefender is an impressive antivirus tool and, most importantly, can protect many devices on a single account. Only McAfee beats Bitdefender in this regard, as it can protect an unlimited number of devices.
| Plan | Bitdefender Antivirus Plus | Bitdefender Total Security | Bitdefender Internet Security | Family Pack |
| First-year price | $9.99/month | $19.99/month | $42.49/month | $69.99/year |
| Renewal price | $39.99/year | $89.99/year | $84.99/year | $119.99/year |
3. Surfshark Antivirus – the best antivirus for multiple devices
| Max simultaneous devices: | 5 |
| Free version: | No |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Android |
| Current deal: | Get Surfshark Antivirus - 85% OFF + 3 months FREE |
Surfshark Antivirus is a great antivirus for multiple devices, offering excellent antivirus features and amazing extras for a secure online experience. It’s part of a cybersecurity bundle that also includes Surfshark VPN, a private search engine, Surfshark CleanWeb, and data breach monitoring tools. Plus, Surfshark has been recognized with the AV-TEST Top Product award, which speaks to its quality and reliability.
Surfshark VPN users get unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning they can access VPN servers from as many devices as they want. Unfortunately, that is not the case with Surfshark Antivirus, which allows up to 5 connections, meaning you can protect only 5 devices. While that is not really a huge disadvantage, I’m used to unlimited access, so the 5-device cap feels a bit restrictive. Norton 360, Bitdefender, and plenty of other antivirus programs support more devices, so if you want to protect your entire household, Surfshark may not be your best option.
Surfshark Antivirus offers three types of device scanning for malware infections – quick scan, full scan, and specific folders or file scanning. You can customize the scans by excluding certain items or schedule the full or quick scanning. Surfshark Antivirus also offers outstanding real-time protection and threat monitoring for Android, Windows, and macOS device users.
Other Surfshark Antivirus features include a lightning-fast Surfshark VPN for protecting your network from online threats and Surfshark Search, which prevents data collection and ensures a strictly private browsing experience. Surfshark Alert scans the web for your leaked personal information such as IDs, email addresses, and credit cards.
Surfshark Antivirus pricing plans are based on monthly subscriptions, and you get to use all of the features no matter what plan you choose. The 12-month subscription costs $36.32/year (Surfshark One), but you can save more money if you opt for the 24-month plan.
| Plan | Surfshark One | Surfshark One+ |
| First-year price | $2.69/month | $4.29/month |
| Renewal price | $79.00/year | $99.00/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 is a well-known antivirus company with a pretty decent multiple-device antivirus suite. Even though it doesn’t cover as many devices as Norton 360, Bitdefender, or McAfee, advanced features and excellent protection rates make up for that.
Like every other quality antivirus, TotalAV offers real-time and ransomware protection. The latest AV-TEST assessment of TotalAV showed that the antivirus detected 100% of zero-day malware throughout the two-month testing period.
Just like Norton 360 and Bitdefender, TotalAV offers a Safe Browsing VPN for an encrypted internet connection. However, the feature I was most excited about was WebShield – a secure browser extension for Chrome that includes Safe Search. It’s great for situations where you have to use your sensitive information, such as connecting to your bank account.
Other TotalAV features worth mentioning are a solid password manager for safekeeping your passwords and other sensitive information (included in the Total Security plan), as well as system optimization features such as a junk cleaner and browser history and cookie manager.
As for coverage, TotalAV can protect up to 8 devices. This is not a huge number, and if you need more coverage, look into Norton 360, Bitdefender, or McAfee.
TotalAV offers three paid plans that cover a different number of devices. With the Pro plan, which costs $19.00/year, you can use the antivirus on up to 5 devices. With Internet Security and Total Security, the supported device number goes up to 6 and a maximum of 8 devices, respectively.
| Plan | TotalAV Antivirus Pro | TotalAV Internet Security | TotalAV Total Security |
| First-year price | $19.00/month | $39.00/month | $49.00/month |
| Renewal price | $99.00/year | $129.00/year | $149.00/year |
5. NordVPN Threat Protection – a VPN with an antivirus on 10 devices
| Max simultaneous devices: | 10 |
| Free version: | No |
| Platforms: | Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows |
| Current deal: | Get NordVPN Antivirus with 77% OFF |
Threat Protection is a NordVPN feature that helps you secure your essential home devices. It protects against malicious programs, web trackers, cloud-based threats, intrusive ads, and vulnerabilities on up to 10 devices at the same time.
There are two types: Threat Protection, which includes basic ad, tracker, and malicious website blocking, and Threat Protection Pro, which provides a more comprehensive anti-malware suite with download scans, fraud alerts, and a security vulnerability monitor.
To enable Threat Protection, all you have to do is open your NordVPN app, go to Dashboard, and click Turn on under Threat Protection.
I appreciate that once Threat Protection is on, I don’t really need to think about what websites I’m trying to access. If the app detects an infected website, it immediately blocks access to it. During our in-house Threat Protection tests, this feature demonstrated a solid 90% success rate. I also liked the automatic download scanner, which checks if you’re downloading malware programs onto your devices. The basic scan caught 9/10 malicious files while the deep scan detected 9/10.
Threat Protection is always running once you turn it on, even if you’re not connected to a VPN server. Of course, the best thing about NordVPN is that it’s the best VPN in 2025, which means you get exceptional services to boost your online security and unblock geo-restricted content from anywhere in the world.
Starting from $3.09/month, you can get Threat Protection with the Basic NordVPN plan. Threat Protection Pro is available with Plus, Complete, and Prime plans. All plans support up to 10 devices.
| Plan | Basic | Plus | Complete | Prime |
| First-year price | $3.09/month | $3.99/month | $4.99/month | $6.99/month |
| Renewal price | $278.16/year | $359.76/year | $438.96/year | $743.76/year |
6. McAfee – antivirus for unlimited devices
| Max simultaneous devices: | Unlimited |
| Free version: | No |
| Platforms: | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get McAfee, save up to 70% |
One of the world’s most popular antivirus brands, McAfee is a good choice if you’re looking for antivirus protection for unlimited devices. It has a ton of neat features as well as top-tier malware detection and protection rates. The best part is that McAfee supports unlimited devices, so you can get one plan to cover all personal and family devices.
During our research and testing phase, McAfee stood out with its complex real-time monitoring and protection from ransomware attacks. The antivirus creates copies of your files and secures them against malicious encryption. The Vulnerability Scanner is also great, as it checks your apps regularly for new security patches and lets you know when an update is available. And the results are great.According to the latest AV-TEST, McAfee can detect 99.5% of online threats.
Other notable McAfee features include QuickClean for improving your computer’s security and speed, a file shredder to get rid of all the remains of unwanted files, and a secure browser extension called WebAdvisor. There are also a couple of features for boosting your system’s performance, as well as a password manager.
Although McAfee has not taken any of the top slots on this list, it has earned a spot because it covers unlimited devices regardless of which plan you choose, with the exception of Essential. This means it can offer better coverage than our top picks like Norton 360 and Bitdefender.
Essential is the only plan that doesn’t offer unlimited device support, allowing you to protect only 5 devices. With Premium and Advanced plans, you get antivirus protection for as many devices as you wish. Other benefits include scam protection, a VPN, a password manager, and identity monitoring. You also get a social privacy manager, a privacy feature that provides recommendations for your social accounts. Pricing starts at $39.99/year.
| Plan | Essential | Premium | Advanced |
| First-year price | $39.99/month | $49.99/month | $89.99/month |
| Renewal price | $119.99/year | $149.99/year | $199.99/year |
7. Malwarebytes – resource-friendly cross-device antivirus
| Max simultaneous devices: | 20 |
| Free version: | Yes |
| Platforms: | Windows, Android, macOS, ChromeOS, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get Malwarebytes, now 50% OFF |
Malwarebytes antivirus program supports all major operating systems with excellent performance results. Whether you choose the Standard, Plus, or Ultimate plan, you can protect up to 20 devices. The only other antivirus on this list to beat this number is McAfee with unlimited device support.
Malwarebytes has a dedicated app for PC, Mac, Chromebook, iOS, and Android devices. During the most recent AV-test analysis, this antivirus caught 99.2% of zero-day threats and 99.9% of prevalent malware. While the results aren’t as great as I’ve seen while researching Bitdefender or Norton 360, Malwarebytes certainly can offer decent anti-malware protection.
That said, these results represent malicious program detection on Windows, and there are no recent or reliable tests inspecting Malwarebytes’ effectiveness on macOS, iOS, and Android. Therefore, I recommend this antivirus only for Windows users.
Additional Malwarebytes benefits include a VPN that has 500+ servers in 40 countries and runs on the advanced WireGuard protocol. There's also a free Browser Guard feature that disables ads and trackers and blocks access to malicious websites.
Malwarebytes costs $44.99/year to protect a single device and goes up in price depending on how many devices you add. Moreover, Malwarebytes has a 60-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try out the service risk-free. You can add up to 20. Windows and Mac users get a 14-day free trial and a one-week free trial for iOS and Android.
| Plan | Standard | Plus | Ultimate |
| First-year price | $44.99/month | $59.99/month | $119.99/month |
| Renewal price | $44.99/year | $59.99/year | $239.99/year |
How we selected and tested these antiviruses
Here at Cybernews, we follow a rigorous antivirus testing process to bring you the latest findings. I collaborated with our research team and reviewed 26 antivirus programs to find the best antivirus for multiple devices. Then, I selected the top five antivirus programs for further evaluation. Here’s what I considered:
- 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 both from independent test labs and in-house testing.
- Performance (25%). 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.
- Ease of use (20%). 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.
- Additional features (15%). If an antivirus does more than just scan, it’s a strong contender for being the best. Extra features that are nice to have may include spam filters, secure browsers, cleaners, firewalls, webcam protection, password managers, and VPNs.
- Price (15%). 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.
Why do I need an antivirus for multiple devices?
While having an antivirus security suite installed on your computer is a given, it might not be so clear why you’d need it for more than one device. Here are some reasons why it’s worth considering getting an antivirus for other devices besides your desktop computer:
- Protect all of your devices from malware. It’s probably not just your computer that you use on a daily basis, and let me tell you – malware doesn’t discriminate between mobile devices and computers. Both can be infected, exploited, and otherwise compromised. So, don’t hesitate to protect all of your devices.
- Avoid 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 inbox.
- Keep your children and other family members safe. Some antivirus programs have parental control features that let you control access to certain websites or monitor what other users are doing with a device. Installing an antivirus on multiple devices will help you protect your child, niece, nephew, or maybe even your elderly neighbor.
- Protect 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 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 Norton 360, which supports up to 10 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 collect and 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 choosing the best antivirus for multiple devices, focus on multiple-device support – most of the cheapest plans cover only one device, so make sure you get the right one. In addition, check independent lab test results for malware detection rate and overall impact on performance.
Our in-house testing shows that Norton 360 is the best antivirus for multiple devices. Starting at $29.99/month, Norton 360 covers up to 10 devices and maintains an excellent 100% malware detection rate. Moreover, it includes a VPN, password manager, and dark web monitor for added privacy.
Nonetheless, if you have to cover more than 10 devices, there are other antivirus solutions, some of which cheaper, such as Bitwarden or McAfee
FAQ
Which antivirus is best for multiple devices?
Norton 360 is the best antivirus for multiple devices. While there are a few antivirus programs on this list that cover more devices, Norton 360 stands out for its security features, budget-friendly pricing, and excellent malware detection rates.
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 Norton 360, as it protects up to 10 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. Norton 360 is my top recommendation for multiple devices because it can cover up to 10 devices while guaranteeing top security.
Which antivirus has unlimited users?
McAfee offers antivirus protection for unlimited devices. You can choose from Premium, Advanced, and Ultimate 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.
