Chromebooks have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their affordability, portability, and ease of use. However, as with any device connected to the internet, Chromebooks are vulnerable to malware and viruses.
To ensure the security of your Chromebook, it is essential to have reliable antivirus software installed. With the ever-evolving threat landscape, it is crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest antivirus software to protect your device from potential threats.
In this article, we will explore the best antivirus software for Chromebooks in 2024, providing you with the necessary information to make an informed decision and keep your device secure.
Top 5 Best Virus Protection for Chromebook
Having a solid antivirus for your Chromebook is crucial these days. With increased security threats, people want to ensure their devices stay safe. If you use a Chromebook and need the best antivirus, we’ve got you covered with our top choices!
1. TotalAV
TotalAV is the best antivirus for Chromebooks because it’s great at finding and removing viruses, has useful features, and gives you good value for your money. It’s a smart choice if you want something powerful that doesn’t cost too much.
The TotalAV app has cool things like real-time protection, which stops viruses right away. It also scans your apps for problems, encrypts your online data with a VPN, blocks bad websites, and checks your Wi-Fi for safety.
TotalAV comes at a reasonable price, starting at just $19 for the first year with support for up to 3 devices under the Antivirus Pro plan. It’s a comprehensive solution that offers great value for your money.
Pros:
- Provides excellent protection against various online threats.
- Offers a great desktop application for comprehensive security.
- Features a basic free version for users with budget considerations.
- Real-time protection ensures continuous safety from potential threats.
- Includes optimization tools to enhance the efficiency of your devices.
Cons:
- Limits protection to a maximum of six devices.
- The browser extension may not be very user-friendly.
- Safe Search functionality doesn’t consistently work as expected.
2. Norton 360
The Norton 360 security suite is recognized as one of the best antivirus programs in 2024. It stands out for its impressive ability to detect malware, provides solid real-time protection, and is possibly the antivirus with the most features.
For Chromebook users, Norton 360 is a great choice. While it may require downloading extra apps for some features and can use up a lot of computer resources during full scans, overall, it’s a reliable antivirus.
Starting at $19.99 per year, the cheapest Norton subscription covers only one device. As you add more devices, the cost goes up, making it pricier for broader coverage. Despite this, Norton is seen as offering great value for money, and they even provide a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Provides 100% protection against all types of malware.
- Achieved excellent results in independent security tests.
- Offers outstanding security features.
- Includes a secure VPN and password manager.
- Provides tools for identity theft protection.
- Features an excellent mobile app.
- Includes parental control features.
Cons:
- No free version is available.
- Considered pricier for an antivirus suite.
- Some features require additional apps to function.
3. Bitdefender
Bitdefender is a widely recognized antivirus brand known for providing strong protection against malware and various threats. It effectively removes existing malware and has gained a positive reputation in the market.
For Chromebook users, Bitdefender offers all the essential features. This includes a malware scanner, web protection to prevent visiting harmful sites, a VPN (with a daily data cap of 200 MB), identity protection that scans the Dark Web for leaked information, and more.
Bitdefender does have some downsides, such as the limited usability of the VPN feature unless you go for the most expensive plan, and the cheapest plan only covers 1 device.
If you opt for Bitdefender for your Chromebook, you can choose the Mobile Security plan at $14.99/year, the Antivirus Plus plan at $29.99 for the first year, and then $59.99 annually after that.
Pros:
- Best-in-class malware detection capabilities.
- Includes a built-in VPN for added security.
- Flexibly adapts to your hardware specifications.
- Achieves exceptional scores in independent performance tests.
- Automated system updates for ongoing protection.
- Offers a password manager for enhanced security.
- Provides multi-layered protection against ransomware.
- Excellent customer support services.
Cons:
- Limited VPN usage on most plans.
- Fewer features available for macOS users.
- Web protection may not always function as intended.
- Incompatibility with other security software.
4. Trend Micro
Trend Micro is a modern antivirus software company that uses AI-powered security protection. It offers excellent browsing tools and user-friendly applications, including a great option for Chrome OS.
Trend Micro provides a variety of features, including a Security Scan, Web Guard, Fraud Buster, Wi-Fi checker, App Stop, and more. It also offers Social Media Privacy Protection, PayGuard for secure online shopping, and Dark Web monitoring. You can even opt for a VPN proxy for an extra cost.
While Trend Micro may not have as many features as some other providers, and it can be a bit heavy on your device, it’s reliable in catching all kinds of malware threats.
The Android version plan is priced at $29.99 per year, and it comes with a 14-day free trial.
Pros:
- Offers real-time protection for continuous security.
- Provides a basic free version for budget-conscious users.
- Includes a free 30-day trial for testing out premium features.
- Features a good desktop application for ease of use.
- Demonstrates strong protection against all types of internet threats.
Cons:
- Lacks Windows webcam protection.
- The browser extension may have a clunky interface.
- Provides limited licensing choices for users.
- Does not include a firewall as part of its features.
5. Avira
If you’re looking for a free antivirus for your Chromebook, Avira could be the best choice. Even though its paid plans come with more features, the free plan still provides solid antivirus protection, especially against ransomware and other types of malware.
Avira offers an impressive set of security features in its paid subscriptions, including a system optimizer, an email breach scanner, theft prevention, an app lock, a network scanner, microphone and camera protection, and web protection.
The paid version also includes a password manager, and free users get access to a VPN with a daily data limit of 100MB. The free version itself offers smart scanning, a call blocker, email breach scans, a Permissions manager, and more useful functions.
You can get Avira for $30.99 per year, covering a single device. There’s a 60-day money-back guarantee in case you change your mind.
Pros:
- Achieves outstanding results in laboratory tests for security.
- Protects from ransomware threats.
- User-friendly interface that is easy to navigate.
- Includes an integrated VPN for added privacy.
- Offers useful browser extensions for enhanced security.
- Extra features for mobile devices.
Cons:
- The free version lacks the web protection feature.
- Customer support may have delayed response times.
How to Install Antivirus on Chromebook?
Despite Chromebooks being generally secure, it’s a good idea to download antivirus software to protect against potential malware threats.
Installing antivirus on your Chromebook is a straightforward process, and you can do it through the Google Play Store. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Open the Google Play Store on your Chromebook.
- Choose an antivirus application from the available options.
- Download the antivirus app.
- Install the software onto your Chromebook.
- Open the app and complete the installation process as instructed.
- Log in or set up an account with the antivirus provider.
- Start using your antivirus software to ensure the safety of your Chromebook.
FAQs
Q: Do Chromebooks need antivirus software?
While Chromebooks are generally secure, adding antivirus software, such as TotalAV, adds an extra layer of protection against potential threats.
Q: Can I use free antivirus software on my Chromebook?
Yes, there are reputable free antivirus options available for Chromebooks, but ensure they offer essential features like real-time protection and regular updates.
Q: Will antivirus software slow down my Chromebook’s performance?
The best antivirus for Chromebooks is designed to have minimal impact on system performance, ensuring smooth operation without significant slowdowns.
