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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 is the best antivirus for multiple-device protection. It offers protection for up to 25 devices with its family plans, making it the perfect family antivirus for seamless security across platforms.
Bitdefender 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 the Safepay secure browser, 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/year) and up to 5 devices with the Premium Security plan ($64.99/year). And if you have to protect more devices, the family plans cover up to 25 devices per subscription.
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 | Bitdefender Antivirus Plus | Bitdefender Total Security | Bitdefender Premium Security | Bitdefender Total Security Family plan |
| First-year price | $12.99/year | $19.99/year | $64.99/year | $79.99/year |
| Renewal price | $49.99/year | $89.99/year | $129.99/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 renowned name in the antivirus market, and, according to our research, is among the best antivirus for multiple devices. It covers up to 10 devices, which is perfect for protecting your and your family's computers and phones. With prices starting at $29.99/year, it’s a budget-friendly solution that doesn’t compromise on security.
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, and built-in AI-powered scam protection. 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/year. 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 | Norton AntiVirus Plus | Norton 360 Standard | Norton 360 Deluxe | Norton 360 Premium |
| First-year price | $29.99/year | $39.99/year | $49.99/year | $59.99/year |
| Renewal price | $59.99/year | $94.99/year | $124.99/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-established antivirus provider recognized for its strong phishing protection and comprehensive security toolkit. It offers multi-device coverage with great extras, including a VPN, Anti-Tracking privacy controls, and system optimization tools.
September-October 2025 AV-TEST tests showed that Avast achieved near-perfect results. However, it was a little behind its competitors in zero-day threat detection.
During our Avast testing, the software demonstrated solid performance during full scans and real-time protection. Also, it proved to be lighter on the system resources, compared to other providers on my list, using up between 11–70% of CPU during scanning.
Other notable Avast features include SecureLine VPN for encrypted connections, Cleanup Premium for system optimization, password management tools, and AI-powered Avast Assistant for detecting suspicious emails and scam messages. Its multi-device plans allow protection of up to 10 devices, covering computers, smartphones, and tablets.
Avast Premium Security supports both individual and multi-device plans. Multi-device coverage makes it suitable for families or users with several devices, though some premium features are sold separately. Customer support is available via live chat, phone, and email for paid users, but wait times and quality can vary.
| Plan | Premium Security | Ultimate |
| First-year price | $39.99 | $55.99 |
| Renewal price | $99.99 | $139.99 |
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, which can protect up to 8 gadgets. Even though it doesn’t cover as many devices as Norton 360, Bitdefender, or Avast, advanced features and excellent protection rates make up for that.
Like other quality antivirus, TotalAV offers real-time and ransomware protection. The latest AV-TEST assessment of TotalAV showed that the antivirus detected 99.5% of zero-day malware throughout the two-month testing period. It’s a slight drop in performance compared to its previous tests, where it detected 100% of zero-day malware.
Just like Norton 360 and Bitdefender, TotalAV offers a 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.
TotalAV offers several plans with different features and device limits. The Premium plan protects 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.
| Plan | TotalAV Premium | TotalAV Internet Security | TotalAV Total Security |
| First-year price | $19.00/year | $39.00/year | $49.00/year |
| Renewal price | $99.00/year | $129.00/year | $149.00/year |
5. ESET – multi-device antivirus with advanced security
| Max simultaneous devices: | 10 |
| Free version: | ✅ Yes |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Current deal: | Get ESET, save up to 30% |
ESET is a great antivirus with unique security features for multiple device protection. ESET is known for its strong security, reliable protection, and user-friendly apps.
In the latest AV-TEST tests, ESET demonstrated excellent malware protection, earning top marks. However, it scored 5.5/6 in the Usability category due to false positives. Another downside that I noticed was that ESET can be heavy on system resources during scans. This can make the user experience feel dated compared to alternatives.
During our in-house ESET testing, the antivirus software demonstrated solid full scan and real-time protection results. Its detection rates during in-house tests were second only to Bitdefender.
What sets ESET apart are its unique security features. ESET offers smart home and smartphone protection for PCs, laptops, smart TVs, and IoT devices. It locks and tracks missing devices, secures access to your webcam, and monitors microphone activity. Other notable features include smarter protection for AI-powered computers, safe banking, and browsing.
ESET offers three plans. Each plan differs in features, yet no matter which one you pick, they all cover up to 10 devices. The prices differ not only based on the plan you choose, the subscription length, but also depending on the device allowance.
| Plan | Essential | Premium | Ultimate |
| First-year price for 5 devices | $69.99/year | $99.99/year | $179.99/year |
| Renewal price | $69.99/year | $99.99/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! |
Shopos Antivirus is a multi-device protection solution with fast scanning. It’s great for families looking to protect up to 10 devices for an affordable price. Sophos covers all the essentials, so if you’re after the basic protection and don’t need advanced security features, it’s a consideration-worthy option.
According to the latest AV-TEST evaluation report, Sophos achieved almost excellent protection against zero-day threats, with a detection rate of 99.3%. While the score is slightly lower than that of top providers such as Bitdefender or Norton 360, it’s still a strong result.
During our in-house Sophos testing, it also demonstrated solid performance. It scored above average results in real-time protection and proved to be light on the system resources, using up only between 1–69% CPU during the scans.
In terms of notable features, Sophos only has a few. The most unique feature offered by the antivirus is remote app control and scanning. It allows configuring settings on your devices and monitoring them from a distance. Another notable feature is Sophos’ AI Threat Detection that protects against viruses, malware, trojans, worms, bots, and unwanted apps.
Sophos offers only one plan. However, you can pick from 1, 2, or 3-year subscriptions. As usual, the biggest savings are available with long-term subscriptions.
| Plan | Sophos Home Premium |
| First-year price | $44.99/year |
| Renewal price | $59.99/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% |
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 antivirus for all devices and protect all personal and family gadgets.
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. According to the latest AV-TEST, McAfee has excellent malware detection rates.
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.
McAfee has earned its spot on my list 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 up to 5 devices. With Advanced Individual and Family 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 parental controls with the family plan.
| Plan | Essential | Advanced Individual | Advanced Family |
| First-year price | $39.99/year | $89.99/year | $119.99/year |
| Renewal price | $119.99/year | $199.99/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.
