When choosing antivirus software in the UK, the most important factors are: independent lab test scores (AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives), features (VPN, password manager, parental controls), device coverage, performance impact, and price. McAfee, Norton, Kaspersky and Bitdefender consistently score highest in independent evaluations.
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5 Things to Look for in Antivirus Software
1. Independent Lab Test Scores
Check AV-TEST (av-test.org) and AV-Comparatives (av-comparatives.org) for independent malware detection scores. Top products like McAfee consistently score 99–100% on detection rates. Never rely only on the vendor’s own claims.
2. Features Beyond Basic Antivirus
- VPN for secure public Wi-Fi use
- Password manager to secure your online accounts
- Identity monitoring (alerts if your data appears in breaches)
- Parental controls for families
- Firewall (in addition to Windows built-in firewall)
3. Device Coverage
Consider how many devices you need to protect: Windows PC, Mac, Android phone, iPhone, and tablet. McAfee LiveSafe covers unlimited devices on one subscription, making it excellent value for families.
4. Performance Impact
A good antivirus should protect without slowing your PC. Check performance scores in AV-TEST evaluations. Modern McAfee versions score 16–18/18 on performance, meaning minimal day-to-day impact.
5. Price and Renewal Costs
Be aware that introductory prices often increase significantly on renewal. McAfee’s first-year price can be as low as £19.99, with renewal prices higher. Compare the renewal rate, not just the first-year price, when making your decision.
Best Antivirus for UK Home Users 2025
- McAfee Total Protection — best all-round value for multi-device households
- Norton 360 — highest lab scores, good for single-PC users
- Bitdefender Total Security — excellent performance, very light system impact
- Kaspersky Total Security — top scores but Russian-origin concerns for some users
