In the realm of antivirus software, small businesses often find themselves navigating a challenging landscape. The personal antivirus tools, like McAfee or Kaspersky, may lack the necessary robustness, while enterprise solutions tend to be overly complex and costly. Thankfully, there are antivirus solutions specifically designed for smaller companies. Here, we present a curated selection of six top antivirus software options tailored for small businesses.
Top antivirus software for small businesses comparison
When selecting the ideal antivirus software for a small business, several factors beyond price warrant consideration. The following table summarizes key aspects to keep in mind:
| Starting price | Free trial | Devices covered | VPN included | Password manager included | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bitdefender | 4.99 for 5 devices for 1 year | Yes | macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Windows Server | Yes | Yes |
| Norton | .99 a year for 6 devices for 1 year | Yes | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Premium plan only | Yes |
| Trend Micro | Contact for pricing | Yes | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | No | No |
| ESET | 9.99 for 5 devices for 1 year | Yes | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Certain plans only | Certain plans only |
| Avira | .99 for 5 devices for 1 year | Yes | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Yes | Yes |
| Microsoft Defender | .75 per user per month | Yes | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | No | No |
Bitdefender GravityZone: Best overall
Bitdefender, renowned for its consumer antivirus solutions, also excels in catering to small businesses. It supports a variety of platforms including macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, and Windows Server, making it a versatile choice for SMBs with diverse device usage. The user-friendly dashboard facilitates easy management of security settings, even for those without extensive IT expertise. Additionally, certain plans provide unlimited VPN traffic and account breach monitoring.
Why I chose Bitdefender GravityZone
The decision to highlight Bitdefender GravityZone stems from its user-friendliness and stellar reputation. Its flexible pricing options allow businesses to pay based on the number of devices or users, ensuring that you only pay for what you need. Moreover, as your business grows, Bitdefender offers scalable security solutions and managed services, minimizing the need for a provider switch.
Pricing
- Small Business Security: Starts at 4.99 for 5 devices for 1 year.
- Business Security: Starts at 9.49 for 5 devices for 1 year.
- Business Security Premium: Starts at 6.99 for 5 devices for 1 year.
- Ultimate Small Business Security: Starts at 9.99 a year or .99 a month for 3 users and 6 devices.
Features
- Risk management capabilities.
- AI-powered Scam Copilot feature.
- Protection against fileless attacks.
- Integrated password management and digital identity monitoring.
- Dedicated email protection.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Centralized security dashboard. | Pricing plans can be confusing. |
| High scores in independent testing. | Monthly payment option not available for all plans. |
| Intuitive user interface. | |
| Easily scales with business growth. |
Norton: Best for 24/7 customer support
For small businesses that operate beyond typical hours, Norton stands out with its round-the-clock customer support. Offering online chat assistance 24/7 for English-speaking clients, Norton also features a comprehensive knowledge base for self-help. Its small business plans encompass a suite of features, including password management and cloud backup.
Why I chose Norton
Norton was selected for its exceptional customer support and comprehensive security platform. While it may not scale as effectively as some competitors, it remains an excellent choice for small businesses needing protection for up to 20 devices.
Pricing
- Norton Small Business: Starts at .99 a year for 6 devices.
- Norton Small Business Premium: Starts at 9.99 a year for 10 devices.
Features
- Secure browser for protecting internet traffic.
- Encrypted vault for storing login information.
- Automatic software update tool.
- PC cleaning and optimization features.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable promotional pricing for the first year. | VPN requires an upgrade to a premium plan. |
| Monitors up to 5 contacts for identity theft. | Limited cloud storage on both plans. |
| Automatically backs up critical business data. | 24/7 chat support is English-only. |
| Includes PC cleaning, updating, and optimizing features. |
Trend Micro: Best for endpoint protection
Trend Micro excels in detecting and defending against cyber threats, making it a top choice for Windows users. It offers two tiers of software: Trend Vision One for Small Businesses and a version for larger enterprises. The small business edition protects not just endpoints but also workloads and cloud applications, incorporating both endpoint detection response and extended detection response.
Why I chose Trend Micro
Trend Micro was chosen for its array of cyber threat tools that facilitate early detection and response. Its plans are designed to grow alongside small businesses, accommodating their evolution into midsize or larger enterprises. Additionally, it provides managed services through partnerships with third-party providers for those considering outsourcing IT tasks.
Pricing
Trend Micro does not publicly disclose pricing for its small business solutions; interested parties should contact the sales team for a customized quote.
Features
- Attack surface risk management.
- AI-driven threat intelligence tools.
- Data protection to support regulatory compliance.
- Advanced email and mobile device security.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Diverse applications for threat detection and prevention. | Lack of transparent pricing. |
| Educational tutorials available. | Feature set can be overwhelming. |
| Scalable as your business grows. | |
| Simulated attacks can be run on endpoints. |
Avira: Best value for money
Avira stands out for its affordability, allowing small business owners to protect up to 25 devices at a reasonable cost. Its plans bundle additional features, such as a VPN, rather than offering them as separate paid add-ons, enhancing overall value.
Pricing
- Avira Prime for 5 devices: .99 for the first year, or .99 per month.
- Avira Prime for 25 devices: 9.99 for one year, or .99 per month.
Features
- Blocks unwanted spam calls on smartphones.
- Unlimited VPN traffic.
- Automatic software updates for Windows devices.
- Device cleaner and privacy settings manager for PCs.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers tools to enhance security, privacy, and performance. | Limited pricing tiers available. |
| Includes unlimited VPN. | Device range may not suit all SMBs. |
| Device cleaner removes junk files from PCs. | |
| Blocks trackers and adware during browsing. |
Microsoft Defender: Best for Windows-only systems
For small businesses operating exclusively on Windows, Microsoft Defender may fulfill basic antivirus requirements. Built into Windows 11 and 12, it can also be bundled with other Microsoft applications like Word and Excel through the 365 E3 and E5 packages. While it can be used on other operating systems, alternatives on this list may offer a more straightforward setup for non-Windows devices.
Why I chose Microsoft Defender
Microsoft Defender is often the most seamless choice for small businesses relying solely on Windows. Opting for a 365 E5 bundle provides Defender alongside other Microsoft applications, eliminating the need for a separate subscription.
Pricing
- Microsoft 365 E3: .75 per user, per month; includes Windows for Enterprise, 1TB of cloud storage, and MDE P1.
- Microsoft 365 E5: .75 per user, per month; encompasses all E3 features plus advanced security and compliance capabilities, business analytics, and MDE P2.
Features
- Automatic disruption of ransomware attacks.
- Secure Score provides prioritized security recommendations.
- Global threat intelligence and reporting.
- Copilot AI feature available for security solutions, including Defender.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Built into Windows 10 and 11. | Pricing plans can be complex. |
| Often bundled with other Microsoft tools. | Lacks advanced features compared to competitors. |
| Integrates well with other Microsoft security solutions. |
How do I choose the best antivirus software for my small business?
Choosing the right antivirus software for a small business begins with assessing your specific needs and budget. Consider that bundled plans offering additional features, such as a VPN and password manager, can provide better value than purchasing each tool separately. Use your budget and essential features to create a shortlist, potentially starting with the six platforms highlighted here.
Next, take advantage of free trials to test the software firsthand before committing to an annual contract. I highly recommend hands-on testing to ensure compatibility with your business operations. Additionally, scheduling demo calls with sales teams can clarify any lingering questions during or after the trial period.
If uncertainty persists regarding your antivirus choice, consider platforms like Avira and Bitdefender, which offer month-to-month options. This flexibility allows you to avoid long-term contracts while you evaluate your decision.
Methodology
To determine the best antivirus software for small businesses, I reviewed product documentation and user feedback. Key features considered included endpoint protection, phishing and anti-malware measures, included VPNs and password managers, and automatic software updates. Other factors weighed included pricing plans, scalability, free trials, customer service availability, ease of use, and user interface design.
