Antivirus software for email protection
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One accidental click on a suspicious email can open the door to malware. To not compromise your privacy, you need reliable antivirus software that scans email links and attachments in your inbox.
The right antivirus not only detects suspicious activity but also removes threats to keep your data safe.
That's why choosing a trustworthy antivirus is a smart investment. I worked with the Cybernews research team to find the best antivirus software for email protection. We analyzed 30 premium antivirus providers and selected the top 5 that offer the most effective threat defense.
5 best antiviruses for email protection
- Norton Antivirus – best antivirus for email protection and malware removal
- TotalAV – antivirus with strong real-time email threat protection
- Surfshark – antivirus for AI-powered scam detection
- Bitdefender – best email antivirus for real-time malware detection
- ESET – effective email antivirus with advanced security features
The best antivirus for email protection in 2026
Together with a team of experienced researchers, I reviewed 30 antivirus tools for email protection to determine what features set them apart. In our in-house tests, we conducted quick and full system scans to see how much protection they offer when you send or receive emails. To conclude our top list of best antiviruses, we evaluated real-time protection, malware scanning properties, and security features.
1. Norton Antivirus – best email antivirus for all-around security
| Free version: | No |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Price: | From $29.99/month |
| Current deal: | Get up to 60% OFF Norton Antivirus |
Norton Antivirus is the leading software for advanced threat detection and email protection. Its set of features ensures secure email interactions, making it a top choice for businesses seeking comprehensive protection against cyberthreats.
Email scanning test. When we tested Norton’s capabilities to protect emails against malware, we uncovered that the antivirus detects infected files and removes them immediately. Norton Antivirus successfully protects your email against phishing attacks and malware, too. With its AntiSpam feature, Norton uses local filters to determine if a message is spam and should be sent to a junk folder.
Real-time protection. Norton Antivirus provides real-time protection, detecting viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other types of malware. In short, Norton’s database of known threats is constantly updated, and the antivirus can detect threats targeting your inbox in real time. During our tests, Norton Antivirus caught 100% of malware files, which is one of the reasons why it has earned the number-one spot on this list.
Security features. Norton Antivirus offers a two-way silent firewall that monitors network traffic. With Norton Antivirus, you also get a password manager that keeps your passwords secure.
Pricing. Norton Antivirus Plus is the most basic Norton Antivirus plan that covers 1 device for $29.99 for the first year. For more security features, you may choose other Norton Antivirus plans. If you choose Norton 360 Deluxe, you will be able to secure up to 5 devices for $49.99/year.
2. TotalAV antivirus – reliable real-time email protection antivirus
| Free version: | Yes |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Price: | From $19.00/month |
| Current deal: | Get TotalAV, now 80% OFF |
TotalAV is a versatile antivirus solution that offers comprehensive email protection against ransomware. It protects your email inbox from various viruses and malicious links. In essence, TotalAV is a solid antivirus for email.
Email scanning test. During our testing, TotalAV successfully detected and removed multiple malicious file samples, proving its effectiveness in malware protection. Additionally, the TotalAV Web Shield detected and blocked dangerous links, protecting against phishing scams. If an email contains malware or harmful code, TotalAV will identify the threat and allow users to take action by choosing to delete the malicious files.
Real-time protection. TotalAV antivirus enables real-time protection by default. Besides, it uses advanced cloud scanning to compare scanned threats to those in the known malware database. TotalAV protects you from malicious viruses, malware, and dangerous websites in real time. However, Norton Antivirus' real-time protection is more comprehensive with Intrusion Prevention System and Proactive Exploit Protection features that help to recognize malicious behaviors.
Security features. TotalAV is well known for ransomware protection. It contains a WebShield extension that stops you from visiting malicious websites by checking the sites you want to visit against TotalAV’s list of known malicious sites. WebShield is available on Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Opera browsers.
Pricing. TotalAV’s free plan is very basic, while the cheapest premium plan costs only $19.00/year, covers up to 3 devices, and includes the main security features. If you want to have advanced security features, like a VPN, password manager, and ad blocker, you should choose TotalAV’s Total Security plan, which costs $49.00/year.
3. Surfshark – top pick for AI-powered email scam detection
| Free version: | No |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, FireTV |
| Price: | From $29.88/year |
| Current deal: | Get Surfshark Antivirus - 86% OFF + 3 months FREE |
Surfshark Antivirus stands out for its lightweight yet comprehensive protection, especially in terms of email security. It's part of the Surfshark One bundle, which combines antivirus, VPN, identity protection, and breach monitoring – perfect for all-round online protection.
Email scanning test. In our hands-on tests, Surfshark Antivirus immediately blocked malicious email attachments and dangerous links. The AI-powered email scam checker flagged suspicious emails in Gmail, while Surfshark Alert promptly notified us if our address appeared in a data breach.
Real-time protection. Surfshark Antivirus continuously monitors your device for threats like worms, trojans, ransomware, and more, running silently in the background. Its malware database updates every three hours, and Cloud Protect checks suspicious files against a live threat database to spot new risks without collecting your personal data. In recent hands-on tests that can be found in the Surfshark Antivirus review, Surfshark’s real-time protection blocked about 51% of threats, so there’s still room for improvement in instantly stopping malware as it appears.
Security features. Beyond email, Surfshark includes ransomware protection, webcam access control, web protection (malicious website blocking), VPN for encrypted browsing, and privacy search. While it lacks a firewall, the suite is easy to use and lightweight on system resources.
Pricing. Surfshark Antivirus starts at $29.88/year and can be bundled with Surfshark One for additional privacy features and identity monitoring.
4. Bitdefender antivirus – best malware shield antivirus with strong real-time malware scanning
| Free version: | Yes |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Price: | From $12.99/month |
| Current deal: | Get Bitdefender for up to 78% OFF |
Bitdefender is a cutting-edge antivirus program with advanced threat protection and anti-phishing capabilities. It is recommended for email protection due to its comprehensive features, including an integrated password manager and a VPN. It’s an excellent choice for businesses focused on secure email communication.
Email scanning test. We have tested various malware samples and found that Bitdefender’s AntiSpam feature works perfectly, filtering your email client inbox. You can add email addresses or domain names to the blocklist or whitelist.
Real-time protection. Bitdefender antivirus provides real-time protection that catches threats before they enter your system. Overall, this feature protects your device from new and well-known cyberthreats. Additionally, Bitdefender provides cross-platform malware protection, scanning macOS devices for Windows malware and vice versa.
Security features. Bitdefender's AntiSpam feature works with Outlook, Thunderbird, and Gmail mailboxes and provides protection against spam and phishing attacks. The best part is that it can detect spam messages faster than any trained cybersecurity expert. Because of its sophisticated algorithms, Bitdefender can identify and block phishing attempts, protecting users from email-based scams.
Additionally, Bitdefender's email scanning capabilities ensure that attachments are thoroughly inspected for malware, preventing malicious software from infecting the user's system.
Pricing. Bitdefender subscription starts from $12.99/year. However, Bitdefender has several subscriptions that differ by OS, security features, and the number of supported devices. You can also choose between basic Bitdefender protection for Windows PC or Mac and an all-in-one Bitdefender Total Security plan that costs $19.99/year for 5 devices.
5. ESET – excellent email protection antivirus with solid security features
| Free version: | No |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Price: | From $34.99/year |
| Current deal: | Get ESET, save up to 30% |
ESET Antivirus is a trusted software renowned for its core protection features, including antivirus and anti-spyware defenses. It excels in email protection through seamless integration with popular email clients. What’s more, ESET is an ideal choice for businesses prioritizing security in their email marketing strategies.
Email scanning test. To uncover ESET capabilities, we tested its email scanning against malware. During our tests, we found that ESET Anti-Phishing protection, Email client protection, and Antispam protection features work effectively. Overall, ESET is a trustworthy antivirus for your inbox protection.
Real-time protection. ESET Antivirus includes real-time file system protection that checks all files for malicious code when opened, created, or run. It is enabled by default. ESET provides advanced protection just like Norton Antivirus, but it may be more user-friendly because of its intuitive navigation and ease of use.
Security features. ESET Antivirus protects against online and offline threats and prevents malware from spreading to other users. Besides, it catches attacks by malicious scripts that try to exploit Windows PowerShell. If you are an advanced user, it offers such features as Gamer mode, which is for users who don’t want to be disturbed by pop-up windows and want to minimize CPU usage.
Pricing. ESET plans start from $34.99/year for 1 device (Home Security Essential plan). The final price depends on the number of devices you wish to protect and your chosen plan. If you want premium protection, choose the ESET Home Security Ultimate subscription with such additional security features as a VPN and identity theft protection. The pricing of this plan starts at $89.99/year.
Best antivirus for email compared
| Brand | Pricing | Real-time scanning | Features | Free version | Device support |
| Norton Antivirus | From $29.99/year | ✅ Yes | Real-time threat protection, password manager, VPN, Smart Firewall, cloud backup, SafeCam | ❌ No | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| TotalAV | From $19.00/year | ✅ Yes | Safe Browsing (VPN), WebShield extension, system tune up, Secure Password Vault, ad blocker | ✅ Yes | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Surfshark | From $29.88/year | ✅ Yes | Real-time protection, on-demand scans, ransomware shield, webcam protection, web protection, VPN, breach alerts | ❌ No | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, FireTV |
| Bitdefender | From $12.99/year | ✅ Yes | Advanced Threat Defense, ransomware remediation, AntiSpam, VPN, password manager | ✅ Yes | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| ESET | From $34.99/year | ✅ Yes | Anti-theft tools, password manager, Switch Protection Mode, secure browser | ✅ Yes | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
Can I scan an email for viruses?
Yes, you can scan an email for viruses using antivirus software with email scanning capabilities. Antiviruses automatically scan incoming and outgoing emails for malicious attachments, links, and content. You should update the program regularly and run a full scan periodically.
Antivirus detects and removes viruses, trojans, and other malware threats. It protects your devices and email accounts from potential security breaches and infections. Phishing emails contain malware attachments or malicious links to fraudulent websites. Once you've clicked the link or downloaded the attachment, malware can pass through into the system and steal your personal data.
If you care about being protected when sending or receiving emails, you should get a trusted antivirus, such as Norton Antivirus.
How antivirus protects my email from malware
Email has become a crucial communication tool for both personal and professional purposes. However, with the rise of cyberthreats, such as malware and phishing attacks, ensuring the security of email communication is more important than ever. This is how an antivirus protects your email from malware:
- Real-time scanning. Antivirus software continuously monitors incoming and outgoing emails in real time, scanning attachments, links, and content for signs of malware.
- Malware detection. Upon detecting a potential threat, antivirus software employs sophisticated algorithms and signature-based detection methods to identify viruses, trojans, ransomware, and other forms of malware.
- Quarantine. If malware is found, antivirus software quarantines the infected email or attachment, preventing it from reaching the recipient's inbox and potentially causing harm to the system.
- Notification. Users are promptly notified of the detected threat through notifications, informing them of the potential risk and providing guidance on how to proceed.
- Removal or action. Depending on the severity of the threat and the antivirus settings, users can choose to remove the infected email, delete the malicious attachment, or take further action to mitigate the risk of infection.
Can a free antivirus protect my email?
Yes, using a free antivirus is fine if all you need is basic email protection. On the other hand, premium tools, like Norton Antivirus, provide real-time scanning, robust threat detection, phishing protection, and other features to ensure a more fortified defense against advanced online threats. So, the most notable drawback of free antivirus software is that it offers fewer security features than paid versions.
More precisely, Bitdefender and TotalAV have 100% free antivirus versions. However, while free options may meet minimal needs, investing in a premium antivirus ensures a higher level of protection. It safeguards your email communications and provides peace of mind. I recommend using premium security tools that are much better suited to today's internet threat landscape — particularly if you're not the most experienced internet user.
How does antivirus software handle email attachments containing malware?
Almost any kind of malware, including viruses, spyware, and ransomware, can be delivered via an email attachment. Malware may hide in such files as .iso, .exe, .pdf, .zip, .doc, .xls, or .ppt. The most common types of malware to spread via email attachments include:
- Viruses. Once inside your system, they replicate themselves from system to system.
- Trojans. They disguise themselves as files in email attachments. Once opened, they can gain control of a device, spy on the user, or execute other types of malware.
- Spyware. It collects confidential information, often by tracking cookies or stealing private information.
To prevent attacks or delete malware from your device, you should rely on trustworthy security software. Antivirus software, like Norton Antivirus, handles email attachments containing malware by performing real-time scans and analyzing incoming and outgoing emails. When a malicious email attachment is detected, the antivirus software scans it for known malware signatures or suspicious behavior patterns.
If malware is found, the antivirus may quarantine or delete the infected attachment to prevent it from harming the user's device or spreading to other systems. Additionally, some antivirus programs offer advanced features, such as email sandboxing, to help further analyze and contain potentially malicious attachments.
During the process of sandboxing, malware is sent to a segmented storage location where it cannot reach the internal network. Security analysts use sandboxed malware to research zero-day threats and identify their attack modes.
Conclusion
Using an antivirus is essential for email protection because it prevents malware and phishing attacks that could compromise sensitive data. Being vigilant and careful is no longer enough in today’s vulnerable online space.
My top 5 recommended tools were selected after thorough research and testing, ensuring the selected antivirus tools provide robust security for your email inboxes. I also took pricing into consideration because I wanted to ensure the best deals for your money.
Ultimately, my top choice is Norton Antivirus. Pricing starts at $29.99/year. It secures your email communication in real time and offers solid email scanning, a trusted password manager, a smart firewall, and a secure VPN.
FAQ
What is the best antivirus for email protection?
Norton Antivirus is highly recommended for email protection due to its comprehensive antivirus features, including real-time scanning of email attachments and content to detect and remove malware threats effectively.
Does Gmail have antivirus protection?
Yes, Gmail has built-in antivirus protection that scans incoming and outgoing emails for malicious attachments and links, helping to prevent malware infections and phishing attacks. However, if you want to strengthen your email inbox against malicious emails, choose premium antivirus, like Norton Antivirus.
Do email viruses still exist?
Yes, email viruses still exist, posing a significant threat to users' security. Despite advancements in antivirus technology, cybercriminals continue to develop new techniques to distribute malware via email, making it essential to use antivirus software, like Norton Antivirus, and practice safe email habits to protect against such threats.
Does antivirus software protect against email phishing attacks?
Yes, antivirus software includes features designed to detect and prevent email phishing attacks. An antivirus scans email content and attachments for signs of phishing attempts, like malicious links or deceptive messages. Upon detection, the antivirus blocks access to the malicious content, helping to prevent potential security breaches and identity theft.
