These days, any internet user needs an antivirus for multiple devices. Think about it – you use your smartphone as much as your personal computer, if not even more. If you also happen to have a tablet around your house, which makes for at least three devices that you connect to the internet. And we haven’t even counted the ones of your family members.
So, why not spare yourself of unnecessary headaches and pick an AV with cross-platform support? The best antivirus for multiple devices should work with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
That one-stop-shop that gives you everything you need to keep all your internet-connected devices secure under a single license is not a unicorn. More and more antivirus developers put together security suites that enhance virus and malware protection with ransomware protection, firewalls, network scanning, VPNs, safe online shopping, banking, or even parental controls.
Below, I’ve selected some of the top security solutions you’ll come around and looked at how many licenses they come with and what operating systems they support. Buckle up, and let’s get started!
Bitdefender
You can’t possibly consider your options in terms of the best antivirus for multiple devices without looking into what Bitdefender has to offer you. Their protection for PCs and Macs, as well as mobile devices and smart home technologies, will wow you, without a doubt. And it’s by far the Bitdefender Total Security suite that you will fall for, once you start analyzing their offerings.
Correct that; Total Security is not your average suite. It’s a mega-suite that packs all the security components you can think of, plus a few bonuses you didn’t think you’d need until you got to hear of it.
Long story short, I’m talking protection for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, all of them at an advanced level – with a slight exception for the iOS perhaps, where, you’ll see for yourself, the features are somewhat limited.
Then again, they’re packing in the most features for the Windows and macOS devices and you can choose to get licenses for either 5 or 10 different devices.
All features left aside, you’ll be interested to know that you’re getting serious protection against advanced malware, including zero-day attacks, and that your files will be kept secure with multi-layer ransomware protection.
If you’re looking to use the VPN, expect to get 200MB of traffic each day, for every device under the purchased licenses.
As a parent, you’ll find great comfort in the advanced parental controls it comes with. And if you’re quite a computer geek, the reduced system impact will please you.
Great protection, performance, and privacy, from one of the industry leaders. Are you in?
Norton
If you’re someone leaning towards Norton, you’ll see how their three main offers for home users come with some particularities regarding what and how many devices they can cover.
The basic Norton AntiVirus Plus can protect up to 5 devices, but only PCs or Macs. And the middle-tier package, Norton 360 Premium I, can protect up to 10 devices, not just PCs and Macs, tablets, and smartphones too.
The option that gives you the most freedom is, by far, the Norton 360 with LifeLock Select Plus. While all three packages work with multiple devices, other than these limitations, everything else is just about adding more numbers.
From one package to another, as the price and the number of supported devices go up, so does the number of licenses for VPN and the amount of storage space for online backups.
The most expensive option however is worth the expense because it comes with professional support for recovering in case of an identity theft, which is a growing concern these days.
Say you want all the security features you can think of? Support for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices? Virus protection promise, no-limits VPN, and identity theft mitigation? You know what you need to do. Buy the best that Norton has to offer you!
TotalAV
Here’s another security solution provider that understands the importance of offering multi-device packages. Total AV lets you choose between their AntivirusPro (for 3 devices), Internet Security (for 5 devices), and Total Security (for 6 devices).
All of these support Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. And they all rely on a cloud scanning engine that has won multiple awards from various independent testers.
Other than the price and the number of licenses it integrates, differences are given by the inclusion of VPN services (with the Internet Security and Total Security packages) respectively the Ad Blocker and the Secure Password Vault (that you’re only getting with the Total Security package).
Now, you’ll quickly realize that the products from TotalAV have this easy-going, friendly interface that supports their outstanding detection rates. Whether for your mobile, tablet, desktop, or laptop, the main interface is pretty intuitive and you’ll get a quick glance at your security options.
If you’re an avid web researcher, you’ll come to appreciate its anti-phishing component that clearly outranks anything that your web browser built-in protection can provide. And their VPN will please you too since it’s widely recognized as one of the best products in this category on the market.
AVG
Without a doubt, there’s plenty of value one can get from AVG’s free antivirus utility. Still, if you want protection for more than one device, you’ll have to take some money out of pocket. Your best bet? The AVG Internet Security suite, that also incorporates advanced protection for Android and iOS devices, with the added benefits of webcam protection and data security tools.
With AVG Internet Security you can protect up to 10 different devices running on Windows, iOS, or Android. And this suite scored outstanding results after being tested by multiple independent labs.
Basically, you’re looking at the option of enjoying an award-winning virus and malware scanner with a built-in, generously customizable firewall, with remote access on your devices for enhanced protection against hackers.
If you shop online, the payment protection that comes with this suite will serve you well. Same if you store sensitive, personal information on your devices – the privacy protection you get from AVG is something you’ll be thankful for, at some point. And if you spend lots of time online, the web and email protection tools will spare you lots of headaches.
Just to name a few of the features that will blow your mind:
- AI Detection – with artificial intelligence detection mechanisms, this antivirus will proactively identify malware samples and keep your device protected even against the latest threats;
- Turbo Scan – if you’re in a hurry, you can opt for the turbo scanning option, which basically skips the files that are already known as safe;
- PUA Scanner – say you have unknowingly downloaded some unwanted apps, you can rest assured that the PUA scanner will automatically identify them and take action;
- CyberCapture – finally, new threats are blocked by default and automatically uploaded for in-depth analysis.
And if you want some more, go ahead and do your own research on AVG’s Web and Email shields, the Link Scanner, Wi-Fi Guard, Remote Access Shield, or Password Protection. I’m pretty sure I’ve missed a couple of other handy features…
ESET
ESET has loads of options for home use, but if you’re looking for cross-platform compatibility and multiple licenses, you’ll only need to consider one of its two suites: ESET Smart Security Premium or ESET Internet Security.
Both of them are compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android operating devices. And they can both serve up to 10 devices. By choosing one of these two, you will automatically unlock access to ESET’s top-of-the-line products on any of the above-mentioned OS, with one license.
In a nutshell, you can purchase only one license and you will be able to use it for whatever device you have in mind. Or you can choose to purchase two, three, or anything up to 10 and use them as you see fit.
In any case, it won’t take you long to notice that with the Smart Security Premium subscription you’ll get everything that ESET has to offer to its home users.
In case you were wondering, it does feature an award-winning antivirus, with ESET scoring top results in various independent tests. No need to worry about its detection capabilities, or about ever having to pay a ransom to unlock your data.
But aside from stopping hackers from accessing your devices or blocking ransomware attacks, this antivirus will allow you to safely shop and check your bank accounts online.
It protects your home network, keeps your passwords secure, and even prefills them, so you won’t bother remembering them all. And if you’re really obsessed with privacy, you’ll appreciate that it can lock your pictures so others won’t see them.
Avast
Avast is particularly popular for the effectiveness of its free Antivirus, compatible with PC, Mac, Android, and iPhone or iPad devices.
If you’re looking to get a full-scale suite, one that is packed with a lot more than the basic antivirus protection and that will cover multiple devices, you should be looking into their Avast Premium Security Multi-Device.
Pay attention that Avast Premium Security comes as either Single- or Multi-Device. You’ll want to purchase the latter, which you can use on up to 10 devices, and that offers you a solid firewall, effective malware removal, and loads of extra features.
The “up to 10 devices” feature implies that you can either use it exclusively for your own devices or to protect the devices of other family members or… even friends.
And yes, if you change your mind, at any point, you can remove your Avast Premium Security Multi-Device from one device and activate it on a different one. You’ll get the activation code from within your Avast Account.
Back to Avast’s plethora of built-in features, I mentioned the firewall, which, by the way, is a two-way component with five levels of network access. This is a must-have for any security product that pretends to be more than just an antivirus solution.
Then, you also have a sensitive Data Shield (meant as an extra… shield, on top of the on-demand and on-access scans that it typically performs), a Data Shredder (that overwrites random bits of information on the file you wish to remove before it actually deletes it), and Webcam Protection (with Smart, Strict, and No Mercy protection levels against webcam spyware).
Good security, plenty of features, and lots of flexibility when it comes to the devices you can install it on. Hard to pass on it, right?
Avira
Here’s another antivirus that scores excellent results in independent lab tests and that also offers a free antivirus. Avira could be your preferred antivirus for multiple devices, but if you have to choose and want the most value for your money, don’t even consider anything other than Avira Prime.
With a subscription on Avira Prime, you get protection for Windows and macOS, but also for Android and iOS devices, for 5 or… 25 devices, with a subscription for one month, a year, 2 years, or 3 years.
Not only you get protection on more devices than you’ll probably gather around your house, but you’re also getting a free pass on all of Avira’s existing and future products!
This security solution relies on a sturdy, AI-enabled, cloud-based system that ensures malware protection in real-time. The virus scans are really a breeze, and you will hardly tell that it impacts your system resources. And to top it off, it comes with a system optimizer and limitless VPN.
Now, if you’re tempted to look into their mid-tier security solution, which is Avira Pro, don’t do it. It will only allow you to protect 1, 3, or 5 devices and you won’t be getting as much value for your money as you do with the Prime suite. Better to have more options and not need it than the other way around, wouldn’t you say so?
F-Secure
If you’re used to checking reports from the few leading independent test labs out there, F-Secure is a name you’ve come across more than once.
It is their F-Secure SAFE suite that you will want to consider, in particular, knowing that you can get a subscription for 1-3/5/7/10/15/20/25 devices at once, for either 12 or 24 months.
Their most popular package, however, seems to be the one for five devices for one year, which, as you can expect, is available for any PC, Mac, iOS, or Android devices, and it is backed up by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Compared to its more popular cross-platform competitors out there, F-Secure won’t sweep you off your feet with endless features. But the ones it incorporates will offer you peak performances.
So, expect this small but mighty security suite from F-Secure to arm your devices with viruses, browsing, and banking protection. If you’re considering it for your whole family, you’ll be happy to hear that it also has some parental control options that you can tweak.
Kaspersky
Most people interested in the Kaspersky security solutions know of their Anti-Virus, Internet Security, and Total Security Packages.
The presence of the Kaspersky Security Cloud is seen by many as a novelty, but it is one meant to offer you enhanced protection as you can expect. Naturally, it comes with a higher price, though there’s a serious reason for it.
As the developer itself likes to put it, Kaspersky Security Cloud is their most serious attempt at offering “beyond device” security – more on that in a few seconds.
For now, I just want to stress that if you’re serious about protecting your devices with a security solution from Kaspersky, by far, the best choice is this Security Cloud option.
You’ll find it as the Personal package, recommended for individual users (with protection for 3 or 5 devices), and the Family package, recommended for families because it can protect up to 10 different devices and brings the extra feature of parental control. They both work on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices.
The unique thing about this option is that, no matter how many devices you choose to activate it on, it will work as a single service. Some of the data it relies on is sourced into Kaspersky’s cloud. Taking this approach allows it to run a more comprehensive security assessment of the Wi-Fi network you’re connecting to and offer you enhanced overall security.
Still wondering what sets the Kaspersky Security Cloud apart from other products like Kaspersky Total Security? The answer is straightforward. It offers you outstanding protection even for iOS – most of the other cross-platform security solutions out there offer limited iOS functionalities – AND some of its advanced technologies and security tools can adapt in real-time.
For instance, you can check in real-time if some unauthorized device is trying to connect to your network. Or you can see if your private data leaked online. You also have access to control your settings from anywhere, with your online account.
If you go for the Family pack, you’ll be the main account holder, but each family member will have his own My Kaspersky account from where to tweak personal preferences and security features.
To keep it short, you just can’t afford to ignore getting anti-virus and anti-ransomware, password management, data leak detection, VPN, Wi-Fi network monitoring, parental controls, and even HDD health checks from the Kaspersky Security Cloud.
BullGuard
Are you scratching your head wondering what to choose from BullGuard? I get it, it’s hard to make a choice when all your options look so catchy. To shed some light on our topic of interest, here’s what you should know regarding the devices that BullGuard works with.
Both the Internet Security and the Premium Protection packages work on Windows, Android, and iOS devices. Nevertheless, their top-tier security suite, the Premium package, also includes Ultimate Identity Protection. What’s more, it works with 10 or 15 devices, as opposed to Internet Security, which is only meant for 3, 5, or 10 devices.
To take one step further this comparison, if you opt for the top-tier, you’re not just getting the identity protection as an extra feature, but also the network security scanning tool.
Do you rely on multiple devices and share files between them oftentimes? It only makes sense to look at the package that covers more devices and keeps an eye on the security of your network, right?
If I had to add, BullGuard is an antivirus that needs no introduction in the world of passionate gamers. Say you’re from a family of video game addicts? If so, wouldn’t it be nice to have all your devices protected with the same antivirus and all slip into your Game Mode whenever you feel like playing a game together, without any interruptions?
But whether you’re attracted by its notorious gaming features or you’re just looking for the best you can get in terms of performance and cross-platform, multi-device functionalities, you can’t leave BullGuard aside. Go ahead and check its detailed features!
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Already feeling a little overwhelmed with these options? As you might have noticed, the most versatile ones are typically the more expensive, top-tier suites.
The great news is that because they aren’t the cheapest out there, they are also backed up by a solid money-back guarantee. Go ahead and take advantage of it, if it makes you feel better.
At the end of the day, you will have to choose based on your personal preferences too. You might be a long-time user of BullGuard, or Norton, or whatever. It’s ok to follow your gut and use what makes you feel most comfortable.
But it’s also ok if you choose to experiment with a different solution. You might be pleasantly surprised with what you find and learn from a different antivirus for multiple devices.
