Viruses are scary whatever the context, whether dealing with your health or computers. We’re not medical experts, though, so let’s talk about the viruses that we’re very much familiar with: Computer viruses.
Computer viruses can attack pretty much any internet-connected device, from computers to smartphones. That being said, some systems are more resistant to viruses and others come with built-in virus protection. That begs the question, “Is getting third-party antivirus software still necessary?”.

Pro Tip: Protecting every device with antivirus software can run you a pretty penny. Save with Kaspersky Free, one of the best free antivirus software. Read about it in our Kaspersky review; it’s better at detecting malware than most people think.
Overall, you probably still need antivirus software, but some devices need it more than others. The only operating system that you absolutely do not need to install antivirus software on is iPhones. However, Windows, macOS, and Androids still need antivirus software.
It really shouldn’t be a question of “if”; rather, it should be a question of “which one.” Based on our experience testing antivirus software for years, we’ve determined the best ones protect against ransomware, spyware, malware, and other digital threats. They can detect these threats and neutralize them before they do damage. Here are a few of our favorites:
Every day, new malware and other online threats emerge. In fact, the AV-Test Institute registers over 350,000 new pieces of malware and potentially unwanted applications (PUA) every day.1 Yes, you read that right: every single day. In general, malware is more of a problem than PUAs, making up 90 percent of all total threats in 2020 vs. the 12 percent from PUAs.
That being said, some operating systems are much more susceptible to viruses than others, with Windows coming in first. 87 percent of ransomware targeted Windows computers as of January 25, 2021, according to managed service providers (MSPs).2
Similarly, data from AV-Test showed that Windows devices had the most new malware and new PUA in all of 2020 and January of 2021, followed by Androids and then Macs. In sum, unless you have an iOS device like an iPhone or iPad, antivirus software is a necessity.
In a nutshell, antivirus software will scan your devices for viruses, malware, and other cyber threats. If it detects anything malicious, it will quarantine and remove the file. Let’s get into a bit more detail.
Here are the basics that every antivirus includes in its software:
A lot of antivirus software is bundled with other digital security software, such as:
Of course, those that say that antivirus software isn’t necessary aren’t completely wrong. It’s definitely not needed for iOS devices, nor does it exist for iOS devices in the first place.

FYI: While some antivirus companies may trick you into thinking you are downloading antivirus for iOS devices, it is usually some form of mobile security that doesn’t include virus protection. Be sure to read the fine print!
There’s also the argument that antivirus software is expensive, which we must agree with, unfortunately. On average, antivirus costs around $40 a year, and term lengths aren’t usually any shorter. And while some free antivirus software exists, it usually limits things like the number of devices you can connect or the amount of time you can use it. Finally, some devices like Windows and Macs have built-in antivirus software, so many feel that additional third-party software is unnecessary. Well, we did some investigating, which brings us to our next topic…
If devices already come with virus protection, antivirus software is useless, right? Wrong. Let’s go into some specific examples.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus, also known as Windows Defender, offers real-time protection against threats spyware, malware and viruses across:
However, only Windows 10 and later computers come with Windows Defender,3 and even so, it won’t work for all users, business-users in particular. That’s because Windows Defender doesn’t have endpoint protection and response or automated investigation and remediation. In fact, Microsoft also offers another software called Defender for Endpoint to make up for these limitations,4 but users can also use third-party apps if they prefer.
Similarly, Mac computers with the Big Sur operating system come with XProtect, built-in antivirus software that runs in the background without the user having to lift a finger. Apple also offers:
While these features are an essential part of any antivirus software, this built-in protection doesn’t block against adware or any PUPs (potentially unwanted programs) that have been installed without the user’s knowledge or consent. That means that some malware has been able to slip by in the past.5 Plus, Malwarebytes’ 2020 “State of Malware” report found that, compared to 2019, threats against Macs increased by over 400 percent.6 So while you can take your chances and use the Mac built-in antivirus only, redundancy is always a good thing when it comes to digital security, and protection against adware and PUPs is essential.
Like we mentioned previously, there is a lot of free antivirus software on the market, be it completely free subscriptions or free trial periods. However, these free options may have limitations such as:
Free antivirus software is certainly better than nothing, but for comprehensive protection against all of your devices, you’ll probably need to invest in a paid subscription.
In a nutshell, yes, you still need a VPN even if you use antivirus software. Why? Because comparing VPNs and antivirus software is like comparing apples and oranges. While VPNs encrypt your device’s IP address and web activity, antivirus software guards against viruses and malware, so there’s no overlap in their capabilities. However, some antivirus options come bundled with VPNs, so you may be able to knock out two birds with one subscription.
Now that you know that antivirus software is a digital security necessity, here’s how to get the most out of it.

Pro Tip: If you’re opting for scheduled scans, we recommend making them weekly at the very least.
Although some devices may have built-in protection against viruses, using third-party antivirus software is a necessity, be it free or paid. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we get about antivirus software, so read on if you’ve still got some question marks in your mind.
We’re here to answer your most pressing questions regarding antivirus software, and whether or not you need it in the first place.
Antivirus is necessary even if you’re on a Mac or Windows device, which both come with some level of virus protection built in. For total protection with endpoint protection and response, and blocks against malware and potentially unwanted programs, it’s best to install a third-party antivirus software. The one exception is for iOS devices like iPhones and iPads, which don’t require antivirus software. However, for Macs, Windows and Androids, antivirus software is a necessity, as new viruses are created every day.
You do need an antivirus for Windows 10, even though it comes with Microsoft Defender Antivirus. That’s because this software lacks endpoint protection and response plus automated investigation and remediation. For full protection, you can either pair it with Defender for Endpoint or another antivirus software from a third party.
Yes, you still need antivirus protection with a VPN. VPNs do not protect against viruses and malware; instead, they encrypt your web activity and IP address, so they perform completely different functions.
Apple does not recommend antivirus software as it has a few antivirus protection features built in to Macs, like XProtect, Gatekeeper and Sandbox mode to quarantine files. However, these features don’t block against adware or potentially unwanted programs, so many people still use antivirus software on their Macs for more protection against malware.
AV Test. (2021). Malware.
av-test.org/en/statistics/malware/
Statista. (2021). Major operating systems targeted by ransomware according to MSPs 2019.
statista.com/statistics/701020/major-operating-systems-targeted-by-ransomware/
Microsoft. (2021). The most secure Windows ever.
microsoft.com/en-us/windows/comprehensive-security
Microsoft. (2021). Better together: Microsoft Defender Antivirus and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.
docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-antivirus/why-use-microsoft-defender-antivirus
XAAS journal. (2020). Viruses that target Macs are on the rise. Built-in security may not be enough to handle all the threats users face, but Mac antivirus software can help.
xaasjournal.com/the-rising-need-for-macos-antivirus/
Malwarebytes. (2020). Malwarebytes Finds Mac Threats Outpace Windows for the First Time in Latest State of Malware Report.
press.malwarebytes.com/2020/02/11/malwarebytes-finds-mac-threats-outpace-windows-for-the-first-time-in-latest-state-of-malware-report/
iolo. (2021). 10 Steps to Maximizing Your Antivirus Protection.
iolo.com/resources/archived-articles/10-steps-to-maximizing-your-antivirus-protection/
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