Antivirus comparison: Which option is best for your PC or Mac?

If you browse the internet regularly, you can’t get around the fact that you need antivirus software. Viruses can pop up in unexpected places, and you want your device to be able to fight one off if it appears.

Dangerous malware making the rounds is what makes having antivirus software protecting you so critical. But what’s the best antivirus software for a Mac or Windows computer? Keep reading to see the best options.

TotalAV

TotalAV works with Windows PCs, Macs, Android phones and iPhones. TotalAV is Kim’s pick and a sponsor of her national radio show. As far as features go, it stacks up compared to the other names on the market you already know. And you can get a killer discount using Kim’s special offer.

Here are the pros and cons.

The good

  • Blocks phishing URLs through its SafeSite extension, which stays up-to-date on the latest malicious phishing URLs.
  • Spots, quarantines and eliminates ransomware, viruses, adware, spyware, trojans and more.
  • Provides remote firewall access to stop unauthorized access to private data.
  • Schedule scans so you don’t have to mark a date on your calendar for your next scan.
  • Lets you choose the type of scan you want to run (it’s hassle-free).
  • Cleans your disk, app cache and duplicate photos to save disk space.
  • Enhances your computer’s performance.

The bad

  • No boot-time scanning.
  • No email security features.

Get the best security suite and save 85% at TotalAV.com/Kim. That’s just $19 for a year of protection on up to five devices.

Bitdefender Antivirus

Bitdefender Antivirus can be used on Mac and Windows computers, and mobile versions for your smartphone also exist. A $39.99 subscription can cover five devices.

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Protect all your devices with the best antivirus software

When it comes to antivirus software, there’s no better choice than our sponsor, TotalAV. For one, it’s available for your phone and computer, so all your devices are protected.

This security suite protects all your devices from the scariest online threats, such as ransomware, spyware, adware and (of course) malware. Its WebShield browser extension provides advanced protection against malicious websites and even blocks bad guys from stealing your data.

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Need a screenshot fast? On Windows, hold down on the Windows key + Shift + S to capture and save what you want. On a Mac, use Cmd + Shift + 4 for a custom crop.

Update your Apple gear ASAP: Apple dropped important security updates that patch a serious bug in Safari for Macs, iPhones and iPads. Google’s Threat Analysis Group believes a foreign government is behind the attack. On a Mac, click the Apple icon > System Settings. Look for “Software Update Available.” The latest version is Sequoia 15.1.1. Update your iPhone to iOS 18.1.1 under Settings > General > Software Update.

Iconic: It’s easy to adjust the icon size on your computer. On Windows, right-click on the desktop, choose View, and select from Large icons, Medium icons or Small icons. On Mac, click on your desktop to ensure you’re in the Finder. Then, from the menu bar, hit View > Show View Options, and adjust your icon sizes using the slider. Easy!

🛠️ Built-in network helper: Can’t connect to Wi‑Fi? On a Windows PC, right-click the Wi‑Fi icon in your taskbar, select Troubleshoot problems or Diagnose network problems, and let Windows work its magic. On a Mac, press and hold Option on your keyboard while clicking the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar. Choose Network settings from the menu.

Try this, Mac friends: Hit Option + Cmd + L to quickly open your Downloads folder. If your browser is active, it’ll show your latest browser downloads. Nice.

Add these to your shortcut repertoire: Use Ctrl + T (Windows) or Cmd + T (Mac) to open a new tab and Ctrl + Shift + T (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + T (Mac) to reopen a recently closed tab. Hit Ctrl + Tab (Windows) or Cmd + Option + right arrow (Mac) to quickly switch between open tabs. Sweet.

(File)sharing is caring: Stop emailing docs to people on the same wireless network as you. There’s a setting that lets you share. On Windows, go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings. Then, open Private networks and turn on File and printer sharing. On a Mac, use AirDrop. Yeah, Apple wins this round.

A trio of Mac quick tips: If you don’t know, now you do! 1.) Click a file and press the spacebar to preview it, 2.) Click an open spot on your desktop to pull all your open windows to the sides, and 3.) Hit the Option key any time you have a menu open to see hidden options.

Ctrl + Alt + Del: Windows people know that’s how you force-quit apps, and it’s just as easy on a Mac. Press and hold Cmd + Q to close the app that’s not responding. Another method: Right-click on the app’s icon and choose Quit from the dropdown menu. Bye-bye, spinning wheel of death.

Hide-and-seek: You’re shopping online for your kiddo or spouse and they walk in. Quick! Hide your open browser windows. On a PC: Windows key + M. (Use Windows key + Shift + M to reopen.) On a Mac: Cmd + Option + H + M. Phew, no spoilers.

🚨 North Korean hackers are targeting Macs: It starts with an email containing a fake crypto news headline, like “Hidden Risk Behind New Surge of Bitcoin Price,” and includes a link to a PDF. The link actually leads to a malicious app that lets the sender take control of your system. If you’ve clicked on a random PDF link recently, scan for malware ASAP.

⏩ Mac pro user tip: If you’re a link hoarder, try this Safari trick. Open Settings > Advanced > Press Tab to highlight each item on a webpage. Now you can sail through the links on whatever page you’re on. To do it, hit Tab on your keyboard to highlight a link and Enter to open it. Cmd + Enter opens the link in a new tab. Maybe this will make Christmas shopping less painful … maybe.

📂 Mac quick tip: Here’s a shortcut to open folders. From your desktop, hit (Cmd) then the down arrow. To go the other way, hold and press the up arrow.

Record your Mac screen: Maybe you’re sharing directions or want to show something to a friend. Hit Cmd + Shift + 5. A toolbar will pop up. Here’s a quick look at what each tool does. Pick your fave, hit Record, then press Stop when you’re done.

Attn., shortcut newbies: Start working these into your repertoire. Try Ctrl + A to select all of something, Ctrl + X to cut your selection, Ctrl + V to paste, Ctrl + Z to undo your last action and Ctrl + Y to redo. On a Mac, use Cmd instead of Ctrl.

Keyboard rockstar: Move through your open tabs with just your keyboard. Press Ctrl + Tab on Windows or Cmd + Tab on a Mac to cycle. To quickly close your active tab, hit Ctrl + W on Windows or, on a Mac, Cmd + W.

Iconic: It’s easy to adjust the icon size on your computer. On Windows, right-click on the desktop, choose View, and select from Large icons, Medium icons or Small icons. On a Mac, click on your desktop to ensure you’re in the Finder. From the menu bar, go to View and choose Show View Options. A window will pop up where you can adjust the icon size using the slider provided. Sweet!

⌛ Quick privacy tip: Use Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + N (Mac) to open an incognito or private browsing window in most web browsers. Incognito mode doesn’t save your browsing history, cookies or form data.