Best antivirus for multiple devices in 2024
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We use numerous electronic devices each day, whether it’s a phone, a computer, or a tablet. And every single one of these devices is vulnerable to malware, phishing, hijacking, and other cyberthreats.
That’s why getting antivirus for multiple devices is in your best interest. With multiple device coverage, all of your gadgets are under 24/7 real-time protection against all kinds of online threats, and you might even experience enhanced device performance.
But how do you know which antivirus program is the best? Together with a team of experts, I assessed 26 antiviruses to pick the top ones. Here’s a comprehensive overview of antivirus programs that offer a reliable layer of protection for multiple devices including PCs, Macs, and mobile devices.
Top 5 best antiviruses for multiple devices
- Norton 360 – best antivirus for multiple devices in 2024
- Bitdefender – excellent cyberthreat protection for family use
- Surfshark Antivirus – great antivirus for multiple devices
- TotalAV – antivirus for your phone, computer, and tablet
- NordVPN Threat Protection – VPN with an antivirus package
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, pay attention to key aspects such as security capabilities, performance, compatibility, and pricing.
An antivirus must, first and foremost, offer real-time protection and guarantee top-notch security against a variety of different kinds of online threats, including trojans, ransomware, adware, or rootkits.
The best antivirus for multiple devices also should 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 antiviruses 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.
The best antivirus for all devices in 2024
26 antiviruses 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 antiviruses for multiple devices. Here they are in detail.
1. Norton Antivirus – feature-rich multiple device antivirus
| Max simultaneous connections: | 10 |
| Free version: | No |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Current deal: | Get up to 58% OFF Norton Antivirus |
Norton Antivirus is a renowned name in the antivirus market, and Norton 360 is the best antivirus for multiple devices. It is a budget-friendly option, with prices starting at $29.99/year, although 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 great detection of malware programs. 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 witnessed that Norton 360 can have a noticeable impact on system resources during scans. 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.
There are so many Norton Antivirus features that listing them all would take up a little too much space. But some of the more notable ones include a Secure VPN, password manager, firewall, and 50GB of Cloud Backup. In short, with only one simple product, you get to secure your network, protect your device from malware infections, safeguard all of your login credentials and credit card info, and back up your most important files.
Norton Antivirus Plus is the cheapest plan and costs just $29.99/year for 1 device protection. With Norton 360 Standard, you can protect up to 3 devices, Norton 360 Deluxe protects up to 5 devices, and Norton 360 Select offers to guard up to 10 devices for $99.99/year.
2. Bitdefender – excellent family protection for up to 15 devices
| Max simultaneous connections: | 15 |
| Free version: | Yes |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Current deal: | Get Bitdefender for up to 78% OFF |
Bitdefender is one of the most popular antiviruses, and easily one of the best options for multiple-device protection. It has an exceptional track record of efficiently dealing with malware programs. AV-Test reported 100% zero-day and prevalent malware detection during its latest test.
When it comes to security benefits, Bitdefender offers various protection features, including Advanced Threat Defence, 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.
Among impressive Bitdefender features, there’s also a file shredder, performance optimization profiles ranging from work to gaming modes, and an anti-tracker together with microphone and webcam protection from unauthorized access. Other notable features are SafePay, a 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 the free version, although you can only protect 1 device, and the security features are quite limited. Fortunately, you can protect up to 3 devices with Bitdefender Antivirus Plus ($9.99/year) and Internet Security plans and up to 5 with Bitdefender Total Security. And if you’re interested in covering all the main devices of your family, the Family Pack covers up to 15 devices per subscription.
Overall, Bitdefender is an impressive antivirus tool, and, most importantly, it can protect many devices on one account. Only McAfee beats Bitdefender in this regard as it can protect an unlimited number of devices.
3. Surfshark Antivirus – the best antivirus for multiple devices
| Max simultaneous connections: | 5 |
| Free version: | No |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Android |
| Current deal: | Get Surfshark Antivirus - 86% OFF + 4 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, 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 are spoiled with 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 antiviruses support more devices.
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 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 $34.86/year (Surfshark One), but you can save more money if you opt for the 24-month plan.
4. TotalAV – antivirus for your phone, computer, and tablet
| Max simultaneous connections: | 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 cannot cover as many devices as Norton 360, Bitdefender, or McAfee can, there are plenty of features and excellent protection rates to make up for that.
Like other best antiviruses, TotalAV offers real-time and ransomware protection. AV-Test assessed TotalAV in January-February 2024 and discovered that while the antivirus detected 98.2% of zero-day malware in January, it improved the score to 100% in February.
Just like Norton 360 and Bitdefender, TotalAV offers a Safe Browsing VPN for securing an encrypted internet connection. However, the feature I was most excited about was WebShield – a secure browser extension for Chrome that includes Safe Search for some sensitive searching business, such as connecting to your bank account.
Some other TotalAV features worth mentioning are a solid password manager for safekeeping your passwords and other sensitive information, as well as system optimization features such as 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 higher coverage, look into McAfee, Bitdefender, or Norton 360.
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 4 devices. With Internet Security and Total Security, the device number goes up to 6 and a maximum of 8 devices, respectively.
5. NordVPN Threat Protection – a VPN with an antivirus on 10 devices
| Max simultaneous connections: | 10 |
| Free version: | No |
| Platforms: | Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows |
| Current deal: | Get NordVPN Antivirus with 74% OFF + 3 months for free |
Threat Protection is a feature available to NordVPN users that helps you secure your essential home devices. It can protect you against malicious programs, web trackers, cloud-based threats, intrusive ads, and vulnerabilities on up to 10 devices at the same time.
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 in-house 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 8/10 malicious files while the deep scan – 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 2024, which means you get exceptional services to boost your online security and unblock geo-restricted content from anywhere in the world.
You can get Threat Protection along with any NordVPN plan. Subscriptions start from $3.89/month for 10 devices.
6. McAfee – antivirus for unlimited devices
| Max simultaneous connections: | Unlimited |
| Free version: | Yes (Android, iOS) |
| Platforms: | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get McAfee, save up to 70% |
One of the world’s most popular antivirus brands, McAfee is also 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, which means you can get one plan to cover all personal and family devices.
During the research and testing phase, McAfee stood out for me for it complex real-time monitoring with protection from ransomware attacks. The antivirus actually 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 AV-Test, McAfee can detect 100% of threats.
Other notable McAfee features include QuickClean for improving your computer 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 device performance-boosting, 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. This means it can offer better coverage than Norton 360, Bitdefender, and all over antiviruses in the lineup.
Whether you opt for McAfee Premium, Advanced, or Ultimate, you get antivirus protection for as many devices as you wish. Other benefits included in all plans include scam protection, VPN, 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.
7. Malwarebytes – resource-friendly cross-device antivirus
| Max simultaneous connections: | 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 Malwarebytes Standard or Malwarebytes 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. Thereferore, I recommend this antivirus 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 $22.49/year to protect a single device and goes up in price depending on how many devices you add. 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.
How we selected and tested these antiviruses
Choosing the best antivirus program is not an easy process and many things need to be considered. Our team of experts reviewed numerous antiviruses before selecting the top 7 to test in-house. Our top criteria included device coverage, compatibility, threat detection rates, overall performance, ease of use, features, and pricing. Here's what we looked at when curating our best antivirus for multiple devices list:
- Initial evaluation. Before testing the top 7 antiviruses with multiple device support for the final ranking, our team of experts analyzed 26 antiviruses. We carefully assessed them based on our criteria. As this list is dedicated to the best antivirus suites that support multiple devices at the same time, this was the primary point of consideration. We also made sure to only include antiviruses that are compatible with all the popular operating systems: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
- In-house testing. Because an antivirus is designed to protect your device and data, it must have high detection rates of adware, spyware, and other types of malware and cyberthreats. We looked at the results both from independent test labs and in-house testing.
- Performance. Antivirus shouldn’t slow down your device. When testing top antiviruses, 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. Regardless of how simple or complex an antivirus program is, anyone should be able to use it without any difficulties. When testing the top antiviruses, we downloaded and installed them to check how easy the process was. We also evaluated different features to check how easy or difficult they were to grasp and use.
- Additional features. 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. 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 antiviruses for multiple devices, we made sure to assess the overall price-to-value ratios.
Why do I need an antivirus for multiple devices?
While having an antivirus security suite installed on your computer is pretty much a given these days, 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 makes no distinction between mobile devices and computers. They are all devices that can be infected, exploited, and otherwise compromised. So, don’t hesitate when it comes to protecting 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 antiviruses don’t offer multiple connections. Besides this obvious disadvantage of using free antivirus, there are some others as well.
For example, very few free antiviruses 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 this list of the best free antiviruses.
Conclusion
Whether you want to protect many personal devices or all the phones and computers that belong to your household, choosing a quality antivirus suite is a must.
The best antivirus software for multiple devices should include not only the most basic features such as real-time monitoring and malware protection but also some extra perks, such as performance optimization, a VPN, maybe even a password manager and a file shredder. Most importantly, however, it should be usable on more than one device at the same time.
Based on extensive research and testing, Norton 360 is the best antivirus for multiple devices. You can protect up to 10 Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices using one account. Independent lab tests revealed that this antivirus demonstrates great malware detection rates. You can enjoy an array of extra features, including Secure VPN, password manager, firewall, and cloud backup. On top of that, with prices starting from $29.99/year, it’s a budget-friendly option among other antivirus providers.
More antivirus guides from Cybernews:
Best antivirus for small business: mitigate the effects of a possible attack
Best antivirus for Mac in 2024: prevent the infiltration of unwanted programs on macOS
Best antivirus for Android: protect your Android device and stay safe online
FAQ
Which antivirus is best for multiple devices?
Norton 360 is the best antivirus for multiple devices. While there are a few antiviruses on the 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 the 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.
