The 5 Best Antivirus for USB Drives (2023 Update)

Summary

Norton has the best device, privacy, and identity protection. It has all the security features you need and a great price too.

• Malware protection: 100%. Norton averaged 6 out of 6 in the last 10 protection tests. It is excellent at detecting and removing malware.
• Speed impact: 100%. Norton averaged 6 out of 6 in the last 10 performance tests. It does not slow down your PC.
• Features: 100%. Norton offers anti-malware, anti-phishing, firewall, unlimited VPN, password manager, parental controls, and more.
• Price: 95%. Norton offers better value for money than all competitors, except for Kaspersky, which is slightly cheaper.

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Summary

Bitdefender offers excellent protection and bonus features. However, it’s pricey if you want the VPN and password manager.

• Malware protection: 95%. Bitdefender averaged 5.95 out of 6 in the last 10 protection tests. It is excellent at removing malware.
• Speed impact: 100%. Bitdefender averaged 6 out of 6 in the last 10 performance tests. It does not slow down your PC.
• Features: 95%. It offers anti-malware, anti-phishing, firewall, parental controls, and more. But the VPN and password manager cost extra.
• Price: 75%. If you only want the antivirus, Bitdefender offers great value. But if you want all features, Norton offers a better deal.

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Summary

McAfee offers excellent device, privacy, and identity protection. However, some features are only available in the USA.

• Malware protection: 100%. McAfee averaged 6 out of 6 in the last 10 protection tests. It is excellent at detecting and removing malware.
• Speed impact: 85%. McAfee averaged 5.85 out of 6 in the last 10 performance tests. So it has a minimal impact on your PC’s speed.
• Features: 100%. McAfee offers anti-malware, anti-phishing, firewall, unlimited VPN, password manager, parental controls, and more.
• Price: 95%. McAfee offers better value for money than most competitors, except Kaspersky, which is slightly cheaper.

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Summary

Panda offers excellent protection and has flexible pricing. However, it’s expensive if you want the unlimited VPN.

• Malware protection: 99%. Panda averaged 99.9% in the malware protection tests. It is excellent at detecting and removing malware.
• Speed impact: 99%. Panda averaged 99% in the performance tests. So it has almost no impact on your PC’s speed.
• Features: 100%. Panda offers anti-malware, anti-phishing, firewall, unlimited VPN, password manager, parental controls, and more.
• Price: 75%. Panda offers the most flexible pricing of all brands. But, if you want all the security features, Norton is more affordable.

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Summary

Kaspersky has excellent protection at a low price. But the war in Ukraine raises concerns about its ties to the Russian government.

• Malware protection: 100%. Kaspersky averaged 6 out of 6 in the last 10 protection tests. It is excellent at removing malware.
• Speed impact: 100%. Kasperksy averaged 6 out of 6 in the last 10 performance tests. So it does not slow down your PC.
• Features: 100%. Kaspersky has anti-malware, anti-phishing, firewall, unlimited VPN, password manager, parental controls, and more.
• Price: 100%. Kaspersky Plus is the most affordable way to protect a Windows PC with all essential features, including an unlimited VPN.

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Antivirus software buying guide

Below we cover a range of topics:

• What is antivirus software?
• How does antivirus software work?
• Why should you scan USB drives with antivirus software?
• How do we test antivirus software?
• How to choose the best antivirus software?
• What cyber threats can antivirus protect you from?
• What cyber threats can antivirus not protect you from?
• What antivirus software have we tested?

Clicks the links to be taken to the one of your choice:

What is antivirus software?

Antivirus software is a specialized tool designed to safeguard your digital devices – computers, smartphones, tablets – from various forms of malware, including viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware.

In essence, it acts as a shield, protecting your devices and the data stored within them from unauthorized access, corruption, or theft. As our digital lives become more intricate and valuable, having a robust antivirus solution becomes indispensable for securing personal information, sensitive data, and overall online safety.

For more, read our blog post on what antivirus software is.

How does antivirus software work?

Antivirus software works by utilizing a combination of detection methods to identify potential threats and then acting accordingly to neutralize or eliminate them. There are three key types of detection methods: signature-based detection, heuristic analysis, and behavior-based detection. Let’s delve deeper into each one.

Signature-based detection

Signature-based detection is one of the most traditional techniques used by antivirus software. It works by maintaining an extensive database of known ‘signatures’ or unique identifiers of established malware.

Whenever a file or program enters your system, the antivirus scans it, comparing it to the database. If it finds a match, it recognizes the file as malware and takes action – either deleting the file or placing it in a secure ‘quarantine’ for further inspection.

Heuristic analysis

Heuristic analysis is a more advanced method that helps detect new or modified malware that may not yet have a known signature. Instead of looking for known signatures, heuristic analysis evaluates the behavior or characteristics of files and programs, predicting their intent. For instance, if a file attempts to write data to an executable program, heuristic analysis could flag this as potentially malicious behavior.

While powerful, heuristic analysis can lead to false positives, meaning it might flag legitimate programs as malware.

Behavior-based detection

Behavior-based detection, also known as behavior blocking, monitors the activities of applications in real-time. It focuses on the actions of software after it’s already installed and running on the system. If an application begins to behave suspiciously, such as attempting to access protected files or modifying system settings, the behavior-based detection system flags this as potentially malicious.

This method is particularly effective against zero-day threats – new forms of malware that haven’t been previously detected or cataloged.

For more, read our blog post on how antivirus software works.

Why should you scan USB drives with antivirus software?

Scanning USB drives with antivirus software is essential for several reasons.

Firstly, USB drives can act as carriers for various types of malware, including viruses, worms, and trojans. This can happen when they are plugged into an infected device, where malware can automatically copy itself onto the drive without the user’s knowledge. When this contaminated USB drive is subsequently used on another device, it can spread the malware, causing further damage.

Secondly, malware on a USB drive can often remain dormant and undetected until the drive is used. This characteristic makes it a preferred tool for cybercriminals who use it as a means of bypassing network security and directly infecting devices.

Thirdly, it’s worth mentioning the concept of “autorun” or “autoplay” functionality that some operating systems have. This feature, while convenient, can automatically execute programs from the USB drive upon insertion, potentially leading to immediate infection if the drive carries malware.

Therefore, it’s crucial to scan USB drives with antivirus software before opening any files or executing any programs stored on them. This precautionary step can help detect and remove any potential threats, safeguarding your devices and the data they hold.

Keep in mind, the best practice is to disable autorun features and always scan USB drives, even if they were previously used on trusted devices. Digital threats are ever-evolving, and it’s better to err on the side of caution.

For more, read our blog post on whether Windows 11 needs antivirus.

How do we test antivirus software?

When testing antivirus software, we carry out a comprehensive evaluation based on six key criteria, each with a different weighting:

• Anti-malware protection (30%)
• Security and privacy features (30%)
• Speed impact (10%)
• False positives (10%)
• Price (10%)
• Ownership and reputation (10%)

These factors collectively provide an in-depth picture of an antivirus software’s performance, affordability, and trustworthiness, aiding us in generating a comprehensive and fair review.

Anti-malware protection (30%)

Our assessment of anti-malware protection is a critical component of our testing, constituting 30% of the overall score. To provide an accurate evaluation, we conduct in-house testing and review results from the highly regarded AV-Test lab.

In-house testing

In our in-house testing, we subject our test computers to hundreds of malware samples via USB drives to measure the capability of the antivirus scanner. This test checks whether the antivirus can accurately detect and neutralize all the different types of malware we introduce.

In a separate test, we simulate various malware attacks. We execute malware files and initiate ransomware attacks to determine the efficacy of the software’s real-time protection. The goal is to see if the antivirus can not only identify but also successfully halt these attacks, preserving the integrity and safety of our systems.

AV-Test results

In addition to our own tests, we closely examine the protection test results from AV-Test, a leading independent organization specializing in IT security. AV-Test conducts thorough examinations of antivirus software on Windows, Mac, and Android platforms, providing a broad and reliable picture of performance.

By incorporating their findings into our review process, we ensure a well-rounded and robust assessment of each antivirus software’s anti-malware capabilities.

Security and privacy features (30%)

The security and privacy features of an antivirus software hold substantial weight in our testing process, accounting for 30% of the overall score. We scrutinize each feature and evaluate how effectively it performs its designated function. Below are the specific features we assess.

Web protection (anti-phishing)

Web protection, particularly anti-phishing, is crucial in shielding users from harmful websites that try to steal sensitive information, such as login credentials or credit card numbers. We test this feature by intentionally visiting a series of known phishing sites to see if the antivirus software adequately alerts and blocks access to these dangerous pages.

Firewall

A firewall is designed to control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It acts as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks. We analyze this feature by attempting to establish various connections with potentially unsafe servers to check the effectiveness of the firewall in blocking such attempts.

Password manager

A password manager helps users securely store and manage their passwords. It should enable them to generate strong, unique passwords and auto-fill forms. To test this feature, we assess the manager’s ability to store, recall, and autofill credentials across various websites and apps. We also evaluate its password generation capability.

Virtual private network (VPN)

A VPN provides a private network from a public internet connection, ensuring online actions remain untraceable. We test the VPN feature by checking IP leakage and evaluating its impact on internet speed. We also review whether it can effectively access geo-blocked content.

Parental controls

Parental controls allow adults to limit what content children can access and set usage times. We test this feature by attempting to bypass restrictions and assessing the ease of setup and customization.

Identity theft protection

Identity theft protection monitors personal information online and alerts users if their information is found in suspicious contexts. We simulate identity theft scenarios to see if the feature accurately detects and sends alerts about potentially compromised personal data.

Secure cloud storage (cloud backup)

Secure cloud storage offers a safe space for users to back up their important data. We test this by backing up and restoring data, measuring speed, ease-of-use, and security during the process.

Anti-ransomware

Anti-ransomware tools prevent ransomware from encrypting user’s files, effectively holding them hostage. We simulate ransomware attacks to check if this feature can successfully block and neutralize such threats.

Dark web monitoring

Dark web monitoring scans the dark web for the user’s personal information, alerting them if their data is found on these hidden platforms. We assess this feature by checking its effectiveness in detecting simulated personal information leaks on the dark web.

Bonus features

An antivirus program can come with various entry-level functions, such as spam filters and secure browsers, and premium options like online storage with enhanced security. We consider the following bonus features worthy of your consideration:

• Ad Blocker
• Anti-theft
• Email protection
• File encryption
• File shredder
• Gaming mode
• Microphone protection
• PC maintenance features
• Secure browser (hardened browser to protect your online banking)
• Spam filter
• Startup optimizer
• Tune up tools
• Virtual keyboard
• Webcam protection

Speed impact (10%)

The speed impact of an antivirus software measures how much it slows down a device during regular use. This is a crucial factor as it directly influences the user experience. Heavy applications may slow down your device considerably, affecting productivity.

For assessing this, we rely on the performance tests conducted by AV-Test, an independent IT security institute. They test the impact of antivirus software on common tasks such as downloading and installing applications, copying files, and browsing websites. The lesser the impact, the higher the software scores in this category.

False positives (10%)

False positives occur when antivirus software misidentifies a safe file or activity as harmful. This could lead to unnecessary alerts or even blocking or deleting safe files. We use AV-Test’s usability tests to guide our analysis in this area.

These tests involve interacting with thousands of safe files and reputable websites to see if the antivirus software wrongly flags any of them as dangerous. An antivirus solution with fewer false positives provides a better user experience, and so, scores higher in our assessment.

Price (10%)

When considering the price of antivirus software, we look beyond the numerical value. We focus on the ‘value for money’ that the software offers, considering the range and quality of features provided.

Additionally, we pay attention to differences between first-year prices and renewal prices in subsequent years, as there can be a considerable increase after the initial year. Affordable software that doesn’t compromise on essential features scores higher in this category.

Ownership and reputation (10%)

The ownership and reputation of the antivirus software company play a crucial role in our evaluation. Not all companies uphold the same standards of ethics and transparency.

A notable example is the scandal involving Avast, where they sold user data via a subsidiary called Jumpshot. Such breaches of trust impact a company’s reputation and, consequently, our scoring.

We research each company’s history, consider any controversies, assess their commitment to user privacy, and examine their responses to past security incidents. Companies with a strong reputation and a proven record of trustworthiness score higher in this category.

For more, read our blog post on how we test antivirus software.

How to choose the best antivirus software?

Choosing the best antivirus software is a multi-faceted decision that depends on a variety of factors. Each individual or business will have different requirements, making the “best” choice a matter of perspective. However, there are several key elements you should take into consideration:

Reliable protection from malware

At its core, antivirus software must provide dependable defense against malware including viruses, trojans, ransomware, and other malicious programs. This requires continuous scanning of your files and systems, as well as real-time protection to stop threats before they can cause damage. Look for software that consistently scores well in independent lab tests for malware detection and removal.

Security updates

New malware threats are being developed continually, and as such, your antivirus software must be able to keep pace. Regular security updates are crucial to ensure that the software can recognize and defend against the latest threats. Consider how frequently the software releases updates and how easy these are to install.

Security features

Beyond basic malware protection, consider what other security features are included. Elements such as a firewall, VPN, password manager, and parental controls may provide additional value. It’s important to assess which features you’ll actually use – extensive features are only beneficial if they meet your specific needs.

Performance impact

Consider the software’s impact on system performance. Good antivirus software should provide robust protection without significantly slowing down your computer or interrupting your normal activities. Refer to independent tests which measure the impact of antivirus software on system speed.

Customer support

Support is a key element to consider. If you encounter issues or have questions, it’s important to have access to helpful and responsive customer service. Look for companies that offer multiple ways to contact support, such as live chat, email, and phone, and that have a reputation for timely and effective help.

First-year and second price

Price is always a factor to consider. Many antivirus products offer a lower price for the first year, which can then significantly increase upon renewal. Be sure to consider the long-term cost, not just the introductory price. Balance this against the features and protection offered to determine if it represents good value for money.

Operating system

If you have a specific operating system that you would like to protect, we probably have a dedicated antivirus comparison for it:

• The best antivirus of 2023 – For all OS.
• The best antivirus for Windows 11 – For Microsoft’s latest desktop OS.
• The best antivirus for macOS – For Apple’s desktop OS.
• The best antivirus for Android – For Google’s mobile OS.
• The best antivirus for iPhone – For Apple’s mobile OS.
• The best antivirus with a VPN – For both security and privacy.
• The best VPN providers – For a dedicated privacy solution.

Click the links to be taken to your comparison of choice.

What cyber threats can antivirus protect you from?

Antivirus software serves as a vital shield, safeguarding your digital life from a broad spectrum of cyber threats. Although no solution can offer 100% protection, an efficient antivirus software can significantly reduce the risks. Here’s an overview of the main types of cyber threats that antivirus can defend you against:

Malware

Malware, short for malicious software, is a general term that refers to any software designed to harm or exploit any computing device or network. It includes viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, adware, and other malicious programs. Antivirus software defends against malware through methods like signature-based detection, heuristic analysis, and behavior-based detection.

For more, read our blog post on malware or malware examples.

Adware

Adware is software that downloads or displays unwanted ads when a user is online. It’s not always harmful, but it can be intrusive and create vulnerabilities for more serious threats. Antivirus software can identify and block adware, keeping your online experience uninterrupted.

For more, read our blog post on adware or adware examples.

Botnets

Botnets are networks of private computers infected with malicious software and controlled as a group without the owners’ knowledge, usually for nefarious purposes like sending spam or attacking websites. Antivirus solutions can detect the presence of botnet malware, helping to keep your device from becoming part of such a network.

For more, read our blog post on botnets or botnet examples.

Keyloggers

Keyloggers are a type of monitoring software designed to record keystrokes made by a user, potentially exposing sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers. Antivirus software can detect and neutralize these threats, safeguarding your personal data.

For more, read our blog post on keyloggers or keylogger types.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s files. The attacker then demands a ransom from the victim to restore access to the data upon payment. Comprehensive antivirus solutions provide robust defenses against ransomware attacks, often including dedicated features to counter this specific threat.

For more, read our blog post on ransomware or ransomware examples.

Rootkits

Rootkits are a collection of software tools that enable unauthorized access to a computer. They’re notoriously difficult to detect because they can hide at the system level. High-quality antivirus software often includes specific features to detect and remove rootkits.

For more, read our blog post on rootkits or rootkit examples.

Spyware

Spyware is software that gathers information about a person or organization without their knowledge, which could lead to identity theft or other privacy breaches. Antivirus software provides protection against spyware by identifying and removing these hidden threats.

For more, read our blog post on spyware or spyware examples.

Trojans

Trojans are malicious programs that mislead users of their true intent, often disguised as legitimate software. They create backdoors in security systems for other malware to exploit. Antivirus software protects against these threats by scanning downloaded files and detecting malicious behavior.

For more, read our blog post on trojans or trojan examples.

Viruses

Viruses are malicious software that can replicate itself and spread to other computers, often by attaching themselves to various programs and executing code when that program is run. Antivirus software uses a database of known virus signatures to identify and eliminate these threats.

For more, read our blog post on viruses or virus examples.

Worms

Worms are a type of malware that replicate themselves to spread to other computers over a network, often causing harm by consuming bandwidth or overloading web servers. An antivirus can detect and remove these threats before they can spread and cause damage.

For more, read our blog post on worms or worm examples.

What cyber threats can antivirus not protect you from?

As essential as antivirus software is to digital safety, it’s important to recognize its limits. No antivirus solution can provide complete immunity against all cyber threats, especially those that rely more on human factors than technical vulnerabilities. Let’s explore some of the major threats where antivirus alone may not suffice:

Phishing

Phishing is a form of cyberattack where attackers trick users into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or credit card numbers, by masquerading as a trustworthy entity. While some antivirus programs can identify known phishing sites, they cannot prevent you from entering your information into a well-disguised phishing website or email if you fall for the trick.

For more, read our blog post on phishing or phishing examples.

Online Scams

Online scams come in many forms, including deceptive advertising, false job offers, and fraudulent online marketplaces. Although an antivirus solution can block known fraudulent sites and detect malware downloaded from scam sites, it cannot prevent you from being deceived by well-constructed scams that don’t rely on malicious software.

For more, read our blog post on online scams.

Social Engineering

Social engineering involves manipulating individuals into divulging confidential information or performing actions that compromise their digital security. Techniques can range from impersonation to baiting to tailgating. While antivirus software can block malicious attachments or downloads, it can’t shield you from a convincing phone call or email that tricks you into revealing sensitive information or performing a risky action.

For more, read our blog post on social engineering.

Zero-Day Exploits

Zero-day exploits are attacks that take advantage of a software vulnerability on the same day it becomes known (hence “zero-day”) before the software vendor has a chance to patch it. Antivirus software relies largely on known malware signatures and behaviors for detection, making it less effective against new, unknown threats. While some advanced antivirus solutions use heuristic analysis to identify potential zero-day exploits, they may not catch all such threats.

In essence, it’s crucial to pair antivirus software with safe online habits, regular software updates, and a healthy dose of skepticism to navigate the internet safely.

For more, read our blog post on zero-day exploits.

What antivirus software have we tested?

We have tested 28 antivirus brands, ranging from entry-level free antivirus programs, to mid-range paid antivirus software and full-featured internet security suites.

As a general rule of thumb, even the best free malware removal programs, like Avast One, cannot compete with the comprehensive malware protection offered by paid solutions, like Norton 360 Deluxe or Bitdefender Total Protection.

Below is the list of the 20 most important brands:

• Avast
• AVG
• Avira
• Bitdefender Antivirus
• ESET
• F-Secure
• Intego
• Kaspersky
• MacKeeper
• Malwarebytes
• McAfee Antivirus
• Microsoft Defender (Windows Defender)
• Norton Antivirus
• Panda
• PC Matic
• Sophos
• TotalAV
• Trend Micro
• VIPRE
• Webroot

The best antivirus programs are Norton 360 Deluxe, Norton 360 Advanced, and Bitdefender Total Security. By comparison, the other antivirus software cost too much, offer less capable protection from malware threats, or have no unlimited VPN access.