You need antivirus software for your laptop if you’re looking for advanced protection features. Some laptops don't offer antivirus features like real-time protection against threats like viruses, malware, phishing, or ransomware. Antivirus software adds an extra layer of security to your device, network, and privacy.

Choosing an antivirus for your laptop will depend on several factors. First, you'll want to consider if the antivirus software is compatible with your operating system. Then you can dive into its features, AV-TEST results, and pricing to determine which best suits your needs. We chose Norton, Bitdefender, and AVG as top contenders for an antivirus program for your laptop.

Norton 360 Deluxe is our top pick for antivirus. It's a very comprehensive security suite with a simple app that offers strong antivirus protection and protection against online threats, as well as a whole boatload of features—parental controls, storage for cloud backups, a password manager, VPN, and PC utilities. We like it for how extensive yet affordable the service is—you'll be hard-pressed to find a comparable rival.