The best antivirus in the UK for most people is Bitdefender Total Security. It covers 5 devices across Windows, Mac, Android and iOS, and you can start with a free 30-day trial. Want a full security suite with extras? Pick Kaspersky Premium, which adds an unlimited VPN, a password manager and 24/7 remote IT support.
Our picks link to the brands through their affiliate programmes. Buy through them and we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. Our picks are our own: no brand pays to be listed. How this works
a simple allow-list approachBlocks unknown programs by default for simple, hands-off protection
Blocks unknown programs by default for simple, hands-off protection
This guide is for UK homes and small offices that want to protect Windows PCs, Macs and phones from scams, malware and ransomware (nasty software that locks your files). When you choose, check how many devices a plan covers and which systems it works on. Then look at the extras you will actually use, and what happens to the price after year one.
Pick 1 · BitdefenderBitdefender Total Security
Bitdefender Total Security
Best for an all-round antivirus
Bitdefender Total Security is an all-round antivirus for your whole kit, on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. One plan covers 5 devices, so the laptop, the Mac and the phones are all sorted.
Who it's for: Anyone who wants one strong, all-round antivirus for a mixed household of devices.
The facts that matter
Total Security covers 5 devices on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.
The Family plan covers 25 devices across 5 accounts and adds parental control.
You can start with a free 30-day trial, and there is a 30-day refund window on your first purchase.
Why it made the list: You get 5 devices covered on every major system, and the Family plan stretches to 25 devices across 5 accounts with parental control built in. You can start with a free 30-day trial, and there is a 30-day refund window on your first purchase. The catch: the first-year price auto-renews at a higher renewal price, and the bundled VPN (a private tunnel for your internet connection) is capped at 200 MB a day per device.
Worth knowing: The first-year price auto-renews at a higher renewal price, and the bundled VPN is limited to 200 MB a day per device.
The deal: Total Security for 5 devices is £49.99 for the first year (41% off £84.99), with a 30-day free trial and a 30-day refund window.As shown on the brand's site on 16 October 2026. Offers change: check the final price before you pay.
Kaspersky Premium is a complete security suite for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. It bundles the extras many people pay for separately.
Who it's for: Households that want everything in one box: antivirus, VPN, passwords and someone to call for help.
The facts that matter
Kaspersky Premium protects Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
It adds an unlimited VPN, a password manager, identity protection and 24/7 remote IT support.
You can choose a plan for 1, 3 or 5 devices, and a 30-day money-back guarantee applies.
Why it made the list: Premium adds an unlimited VPN, a password manager, identity protection and 24/7 remote IT support. You choose a plan for 1, 3 or 5 devices, so you only cover what you own, and a 30-day money-back guarantee applies. Just know the first-year price is for year one only, then it renews at a higher yearly price, which Kaspersky may change.
Worth knowing: The low price is for the first year only, then it renews at £59.99 a year for 3 devices, and Kaspersky may change that price.
The deal: Kaspersky Premium from £19.60 for the first year, up to 65% off, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.As shown on the brand's site on 16 October 2026. Offers change: check the final price before you pay.
Malwarebytes removes viruses, ransomware and spyware (software that secretly watches you) on PC, Mac, Android and iOS. It is built for cleaning up a problem and blocking scams.
Who it's for: Anyone who suspects something nasty is already on their computer and wants it gone.
The facts that matter
Malwarebytes removes viruses, ransomware and spyware on PC, Mac, Android and iOS.
A free download with a free virus scan is offered, so you can try it before you pay.
The Total plan adds a VPN and identity protection, and all paid plans carry a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Why it made the list: A free download with a free virus scan lets you check your device before you spend a penny. The Total plan adds a VPN and identity protection, and every paid plan carries a 60-day money-back guarantee, the longest window in this guide. One honest catch: the first-year offer on Total applies to year one only, and features vary by operating system.
Worth knowing: The 50% discount on Total applies to the first year only, and features vary by operating system.
The deal: 50% off Malwarebytes Total for the first year: £74.99 instead of £149.99, with a 60-day money-back guarantee.As shown on the brand's site on 16 October 2026. Offers change: check the final price before you pay.
PC Matic Complete Protection uses application allowlisting, which means only approved programs can run. Anything unknown is blocked by default.
Who it's for: People who want a simple "block first" approach, and anyone setting up computers for a less techy mum or dad.
The facts that matter
PC Matic blocks unknown programs by default, using application allowlisting.
One subscription covers up to 5 devices across Windows, Mac, iOS, iPadOS and Android.
You can pay yearly or choose a Lifetime plan that includes updates for life.
Why it made the list: Blocking unknown programs by default is a clear, simple idea that is easy to live with. One subscription covers up to 5 devices across Windows, Mac, iOS, iPadOS and Android. You can pay yearly or choose a Lifetime plan with updates for life. The catch: the 30-day money-back guarantee does not cover renewals, and the UK page does not show the Annual plan's renewal price.
Worth knowing: The 30-day money-back guarantee does not cover renewals, and the UK page does not show the Annual plan's renewal price.
The deal: PC Matic Complete Protection from £40 a year for 5 devices, or £132 for lifetime updates, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.As shown on the brand's site on 16 October 2026. Offers change: check the final price before you pay.
We shortlisted the antivirus services UK readers search for most. Then we picked on each brand's own published features, plans and terms, read on 16 October 2026.
We matched each service to a clear need: all-round protection, a full suite, clean-up and scam blocking, or a simple allow-list. We gave each pick one honest catch, so you know the trade-off before you click. Our link opens the partner offer shown beside each button.
How many devices the plan covers, and whether it works on all of them (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS)
The renewal price after year one, not just the first-year offer
The free trial or money-back window, and whether it covers renewals
Which extras you will really use, such as a VPN, password manager or parental control
Frequently asked questions
What is the best antivirus in the UK?
Bitdefender Total Security is our top pick for an all-round antivirus. It covers 5 devices on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS, with a free 30-day trial to start.
Can I try antivirus for free before I pay?
Yes. Bitdefender offers a free 30-day trial, and Malwarebytes has a free download with a free virus scan, so you can try it before you pay.
Which antivirus is best for a whole family?
Bitdefender's Family plan covers 25 devices across 5 accounts and adds parental control. That makes it the biggest family plan in this guide.
Which antivirus comes with an unlimited VPN?
Kaspersky Premium includes an unlimited VPN, plus a password manager, identity protection and 24/7 remote IT support. Bitdefender's bundled VPN is limited to 200 MB a day per device.
Will my antivirus cost more after the first year?
Often, yes. Bitdefender auto-renews at a higher renewal price, Kaspersky renews at a higher yearly price after year one, and Malwarebytes' first-year offer on Total is for year one only. Always check the renewal price before you buy.
What does allowlisting mean in antivirus?
Application allowlisting means only approved programs can run. PC Matic Complete Protection uses it to block unknown programs by default.