Here are the top five small business antivirus solutions:
Other top-rated antivirus products:
Editor’s note: Pricing and feature information below may change without notice.
AVG AntiVirus Business Edition
AVG AntiVirus Business Edition is one of the most complete antivirus software solutions for your business. AVG has delivered real-world protection for over 30 years, and our world-class threat detection network stops more than 1.5 billion cyberattacks every month. It goes without saying that we're extremely proud of the ironclad protection we offer small businesses.
Features
Our all-in-one solution comprises a range of security, performance, and privacy features. AVG AntiVirus Business Edition is perfect for small businesses that are looking for a robust antivirus solution and have a long-term ambition to scale. 24/7 protection is complemented by integrated cloud-based Real-Time Outbreak Detection and proactive AI Detection technologies, which automatically detect and eliminate common online threats.
We’ve included a range of security tools in our solution that put your business firmly in control of your systems and devices. AVG AntiVirus Business Edition can be paired with our AVG Cloud Management Console, which lets you use a signal platform to monitor all your endpoints, such as desktops, laptops, tablets, printers, and servers.
Successfully blending practicality with advanced performance, our comprehensive antivirus software for small businesses also features automatic updates and keeps your files and applications protected against the latest exploits.
AVG’s CyberCapture feature also helps mitigate human error by restricting access to suspicious files after they’re downloaded until our experts can analyze and deem them safe.
Additional features of AVG AntiVirus Business Edition include:
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Linkscanner Surf-Shield: Analyses webpages for malicious code, signs of hacking, and harmful content to ensure safe browsing.
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Remote Management: Allows administrators to have remote configuration permissions on business devices from a central point — essential for modern hybrid working practices.
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Smart Scanner: Scans your devices outside core business hours to reduce downtime and ensure your network remains protected.
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File Server Security: Protects confidential data and sensitive files from different types of hackers.
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Identity protection: Integrated anti-spyware tools that secure devices against spyware, adware, and other malware that can track your digital footprint.
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File shredder: Permanently deletes files safely and securely to prevent the accidental recovery of confidential data.
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Ransomware protection: Multi-stage ransomware analysis provides an extra layer of security to ensure your organization is safer against ransomware attacks.
The verdict
Of course, don’t just take our word for it that AVG AntiVirus Business Edition is the best solution for your business. Here are some comments from the review site Capterra:
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“We utilize AVG AntiVirus Business Edition for our cybersecurity and computer security needs. I love the ease of use across networked computers and ability to make/adjust master settings.”
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“The most important thing is that basically the antivirus makes everything automatic. Anyone with basic computer knowledge can learn to use it.”
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“It’s a must-have!”
Here’s how one company described it on TrustRadius:
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“It's good, reliable, secure antivirus protection against data breaches, PC hijack, and identity theft. You cannot go wrong with using AVG AntiVirus Business Edition.”
So if you’re in the market for one of the most complete antivirus packages for your small business, get AVG AntiVirus Business Edition. For safer web browsing, malware protection, free phone support, data protection, and more — protect your SMB today with world-class business antivirus.
AVG Internet Security Business Edition
AVG Internet Security Business Edition includes and builds upon our business antivirus software, aiming to protect small businesses that are after even more comprehensive digital protection and a wider range of features.
Features
AVG Internet Security Business Edition incorporates a range of features in addition to those already included in AVG AntiVirus Business Edition, including Email Server Security, which scans all your emails for suspicious code, content, and attachments. We all know how tedious spam emails can be, and our email server security can bring peace of mind to you and your busy staff.
AVG Password Protection also comes built in to AVG Internet Security Business Edition. This feature secures passwords saved in Chrome or Firefox, saving you and your staff the stress of trying to remember multiple unique, complex passwords — and making them harder for hackers to crack.
The verdict
AVG Internet Security Business Edition offers robust cybersecurity protection for small businesses by protecting endpoints, email, and networks from a range of threats. And small business owners agree, as this review from G2 shows:
“[AVG Internet Security Business Edition] cuts down the need for multiple programs, utilizing anti-spam, malware, and virus methods. It also lets you restrict access to various sites/programs, and truly is an all-in-one kind of program. The only solid thing I can recommend is to go with AVG over any other software.”
If your small business needs the robust protection that a more comprehensive security suite offers, give AVG Internet Security Business Edition a try. With the trusted engine behind AVG AntiVirus products, plus additional security tools optimized for your small business environment, AVG will help protect your entire staff from malware, hackers, and other online threats.
Avast Premium Business Security
Avast Premium Business Security is another leading antivirus solution for small businesses. This award-winning SMB security software places significant focus on securing your business from threats, both inside and outside of your organization with an advanced, next-generation antivirus engine.
Features
Advanced threat detection, AI, machine learning, predictive analytics, and behavioral monitoring technologies are all incorporated into Avast Premium Business Security. It also includes some advanced privacy features, such as an integrated VPN and a network discovery tool.
Avast’s USB security also stops employees from using USB devices to leak data by blocking the use of unauthorized flash drives. And Avast Premium Business Security’s anti-exploit capabilities ensure software updates are automatic, which helps to keep your business safe from the latest threats.
The verdict
Avast’s antivirus software for business has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 on Capterra, which considers customer service, ease of use, features, and value for money. Reviewers particularly like that it's easy to install and has a user-friendly interface.
Norton Small Business
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Number of devices: 5, 10, or 20 devices
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Operating systems: Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
Norton Small Business offers cost-effective cybersecurity tailored to small businesses and includes a centralized cloud-based management console.
Features
As a small business owner or manager, you are probably used to budgeting, and one reason to consider Norton Small Business is that you pay only for the tools you need. Additional features — such as a VPN, safe browsing, and endpoint protection — can be added on a pro-rata basis.
Norton can be installed on Windows PCs, Macs, Androids, and iPhones. This is particularly useful for SMBs working predominantly with a bring-your-own-device policy. Do you have salespeople working from their laptops and mobiles, designers on Macs, and administrators on Windows? They can all be protected.
Norton Small Business is available for 5, 10, or 20 devices, and deployment is made simple with an email link delivered to your employees. Once installed, you can remotely monitor the security of devices and applications from a central console.
The verdict
Norton Small Business is a popular antivirus solution with a range of features and add-ons. “Norton Small Business is very light on resources and has no noticeable effect on the system's performance,” says one user on TrustRadius. “It protects against the usual online threats, social media scams, network invaders, viruses, and spam.”
McAfee Small Business Security
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Number of devices: 5 PCs or Macs (unlimited iOS and Android devices)
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Operating system: Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
The McAfee Small Business Security solution delivers comprehensive cybersecurity with flexible licensing that allows small businesses to add up to 25 devices.
Features
McAfee’s SMB antivirus includes everything you expect to see: firewall protection, email scanning, and data protection shields. Virus removal is also included with the license, although this is a separate tool.
You and your employees will also benefit from color-coded safety ratings that signal any unsafe websites, which helps prevent accidentally visiting pages with hidden malware or other threats.
However, if you want to choose McAfee for your business, you may have to contact their support team — the company’s website focuses on family protection as its primary offering.
The verdict
McAfee Small Business Security is reliable and user friendly. One user explained via SourceForge that the software improved cybersecurity within their company, although they also note that the antivirus struggles with threats that are hidden more deeply within the system.
Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security
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Number of devices: 3-100 (up to three servers)
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Operating systems: Windows, macOS, and Linux
Small businesses that invest in Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security can opt for either a cloud or an on-premise management console to monitor business servers and devices. The solution features advanced antivirus and security tools to help keep SMBs secure.
Features
Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security uses a cloud-based architecture, which removes the need for additional servers, maintenance, and IT staffing. Its ransomware-mitigation tool, alongside its anti-malware tool, can identify new ransomware strains aiming to encrypt your files.
The business security software also includes email protection, adware protection, safe browser tools, and an integrated VPN so employees can browse online safely.
There are some negatives, though. Some users have criticized Bitdefender’s deployment tools and note that antivirus scans can noticeably slow down systems. There has also been some criticism of Bitdefender’s customer support.
The verdict
While Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security has great features to support small businesses, it may involve more management than you have the time or expertise for. On Gartner, one user said, “I have a love-hate relationship with Bitdefender. The product is effective, when it works — the interface is clunky and requires too much day-to-day attention to keep it running.”
Kaspersky Small Office Security
Editor’s note: Some world governments have warned against (or outright banned) using Russian cybersecurity brand Kaspersky due to fears of potential exploitation by the Russian government. However, there is no concrete evidence of this, and Kaspersky’s products remain well rated.
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Number of devices: 1-50
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Operating systems: Windows, macOS, Windows servers, iOS, and Android
Kaspersky Small Office Security is described as “set and forget” small business antivirus protection. It claims to offer the simplicity of home security with the features businesses need to remain secure.
Features
Kaspersky’s small business product offers a VPN for safe and speedy web browsing and data protection for all devices. It also includes anti-malware scanning, ransomware protection, password management, and a handy software updater, which ensures outdated system data is removed and replaced with the newest code.
While the antivirus solution for small businesses boasts ease of use, the management console — usually a key feature to help businesses manage all their devices from a single point — lacks tools for reporting and deployment. It also doesn’t include policy-based management, which can simplify access-control configuration for your business.
The verdict
Kaspersky Small Office Security has some helpful tools and is straightforward to use, even for those SMBs with less technologically savvy staff. However, PCMag says that “it isn't really a business product, as it lacks the functionality of other products on the market.”
ESET PROTECT Advanced
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Number of devices: 5-99
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Operating systems: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and both Linux and Windows servers
ESET PROTECT Advanced safeguards against new and developing threats to small businesses across computers, smartphones, tablets, and file servers.
Features
ESET’s business protection solution offers multi-layered protection, with integrated machine learning and behavioral analysis technology. The security software can be centrally managed on premises or from a cloud-based console.
Similar to other solutions on our list, ESET’s experts will examine suspicious files in a sandbox environment — these can be submitted to the team in one click — and the package also includes server security and encryption tools.
The verdict
Overall, ESET PROTECT Advanced is a comprehensive antivirus that could be made even better for small businesses with just a few interface updates. Apart from a few criticisms from Mac users — “It is not very compatible with Mac products” says one review and another refers to the product as “buggy” — it garners good feedback on review sites like G2.
Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection
Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection provides antivirus and threat protection for businesses of all sizes using Windows or Mac computers. Small businesses can buy it directly online.
Features
Speed and ease of use are two of the key features of Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection. For busy SMBs, this is essential. When it comes to cybersecurity, your antivirus solution should be doing the hard work for you and not the other way around.
The suite comprises seven threat detection and remediation tools that can be managed from a central console. It includes features such as web browsing protection — to help reduce the risk of malvertising and online scam networks affecting your business — as well as infection removal and machine learning.
On the downside, server support must be purchased as a separate add-on rather than as an alternative all-in-one solution like some of the other products on our list.
The verdict
Malwarebytes has received some criticism for its customer service — one reviewer on Gartner described the support as “not helpful” — but the business internet security software offers effective endpoint threat protection from which many organizations have benefitted.
Choose advanced security from AVG and protect your business today
If you’re looking for one of the market’s most complete antivirus suites for your small business, look no further than AVG AntiVirus Business Edition. It ensures safe web browsing, malware protection, free phone support, data and privacy protection, and more. Protect your SMB today with world-class business antivirus.
FAQs
Do small businesses need antivirus?
Small businesses need antivirus to protect them from a range of threats including spyware, viruses, and other malware. In fact, 82% of ransomware attacks are targeted at companies with 1,000 or less employees. Social engineering attacks are also a risk for small businesses, and a trusted antivirus can help protect your business from fallout after an attack.
Is paid antivirus worth it?
A paid antivirus solution is worth the investment because it offers extra security benefits and is usually supported by expert customer service teams. Built-in antivirus, such as Windows Defender, is sometimes less effective at detecting malware than paid antivirus software for business. Paid antivirus from reputable providers offers advanced protection against hackers, malicious software, and identity threats.
What is better than antivirus?
Endpoint protection is better for businesses than antivirus alone, because it defends the network at the point where data — and potentially hackers or malware — can enter most easily. While antivirus software protects devices individually, endpoint security software provides real-time protection on all endpoints, with visibility from a single console.
EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) refers to solutions that proactively identify, respond, and remediate threats. This typically includes elements of AI or machine learning to detect zero-day attacks.
What to look for in a business antivirus?
Look for a business antivirus that provides 24/7 protection with real-time monitoring of network threats, including web scanners to prevent employees from accessing malicious sites and a firewall to monitor all traffic going in and out of your network.
Other tools to look for in a small business antivirus solution are protection against data and identity theft (such as file shredders and credential protection), server security, and anti-spyware. Some security suites also include smart solutions that automatically provide scans and updates during hours with the least network activity for maximum productivity.
How much does an antivirus cost for small businesses?
Small business antivirus costs range from around $12 to $70 per device per year, though most providers require at least three, five, or ten devices.
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Antivirus
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Cost per year (starting price)*
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Minimum number of devices
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AVG AntiVirus Business Edition
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$46.99 per device
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3
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AVG Internet Security Business Edition
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$56.99 per device
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3
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Avast Premium Business Security
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$37.40 per device
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1
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Norton Small Business
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$99.99 per 5 devices
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5
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McAfee Small Business Security
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$59.99 per 5 devices
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5
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Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security
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$75.67 per 3 devices
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3
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Kaspersky Small Office Security
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$229.81 per 5 users
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10 (5 users)
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ESET PROTECT Advanced
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$248.40 per 5 devices
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5
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Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection
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$69.99 per device
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10
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*all prices are subject to change
