Antivirus software should provide all-round protection that keeps your data safe no matter which device, app or web browser you’re using.
From worms and Trojans to ransomware and phishing scams, a top-notch security package can prevent them all. Some can also help protect your identity and passwords as well. So it’s worth having the best you can get.
Put simply, antivirus software isn’t optional. The risk of your computer becoming infected with something nasty – and stealing your data or holding it to ransom – is simply too great not to use it.
Fortunately, you don’t have to pay full price as we’ve rounded up the best discounts to be found right now.
Best antivirus deals right now
We’ll only share deals if we think they’re good enough to be worth buying, so anything we recommend here will be a great saving on a service we trust. Take a look at our best antivirus chart for more.
Note that these discounts usually apply for the first year, or the number of years you sign up for. After the initial discount period, prices may go up so it’s worth opting out of auto-renewal when you first install the software and – as with insurance and energy deals – it can be worth switching to a different antivirus package when your discounted time is up.
1. Norton 360 Deluxe – 1 Year, 5 Devices
From: Norton
Was: £84.99 / $104.99
Now: £24.99 / $24.99
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Norton 360 Deluxe provides all-round security for up to 5 PCs, Macs, phones and tablets. A password manager and cloud storage is included in the subscription.
Like many security companies, Norton offers a discount for the first 12 months but remember that after those 12 months, the renewal price is £84.99 / $104.99
If you’re prepared to take out a two-year subscription, you’ll find this option on the same page and you can save 47%, which sounds like less, but don’t forget you’re getting a discount on both years, not just the first, so it is cheaper overall.
2. McAfee Total Protection 2021 – 1 Year, 10 Devices
From: McAfee
Was: £89.99 / $114.99
Now: £39.99 / $44.99 (£50 / $75 off)
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If you have quite a few devices to protect, you’ll like this deal on McAfee Total Protection 2021. This is the latest version, and certainly the best yet.
The subscription can used on laptops, phones, Macs and any other supported device, and if you use all 10, then you’ll be paying just £3.99 / $4.49 per device for the first year.
3. Kaspersky Total Security – 1 Year, 5 Devices
From: Kaspersky
Was: £59.99 / $99.99
Now: £29.99 / $49.99 (50% off)
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Save 50% on Kaspersky’s security suite. This is the price to protect five devices, which is better value than a single license.
If you’re in the US, you’ll find the same deal here.
4. Bitdefender Total Security – 1 Year, 5 Devices
From: Bitdefender
Was: £69.99 / $89.99
Now: £27.99 / $36 (£42 / $54 off)
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Bitdefender is consistently rated as one of the best options for protecting your Windows, macOS, iOS and Android devices, and this deal allows you to use your subscription on five computers, phones or tablets.
It’s rated Advanced+ (the top score) by AV-Comparatives and gives you excellent anti-malware protection against the latest threats.
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5. BullGuard Premium Protection – 1 Year, 10 Devices
From: BullGuard
Was: £69.99 / $99.99
Now: £28 / $40 (60% off)
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BullGuard Premium offers protection for up to 10 devices for 1 year.
A discount of 60%, brings the price down to £28 / $40. That’s just £2.80 / $4 per device. Just note that, like the other offers here, the discount applies only to the first year of your subscription.
6. Trend Micro Internet Security – 1 Year, 3 Devices
From: Trend Micro
Was: £49.95 / $79.95
Now: £24.95 / $39.95 (50% off)
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Trend Micro’s online protection for up to three devices is available with 50% off right now for one year.
Antivirus deals: What to look for
Antivirus software detects, and then prevents, disarms or removes malicious programs and malware, often referred to as ‘viruses’. But as we’ve said, security software is no longer just about countering viruses. It’s also about the security of personal data and protection from ransomware.
Check that the antivirus software you’re buying has ransomware protection built-in, and it’s also worth looking out for the ability to detect malware is so new that it hasn’t yet been analysed by security companies. This may be bolstered by a cloud element or artificial intelligence, which can really help to ensure that even the most sophisticated attacks get nowhere near your devices.
Antivirus discounts are plentiful, often with more than 50% off. Sometimes these discounts are just for the first year, so it is worth checking when those 12 months are up rather than paying full price for the second year. It’s a bit like switching energy providers, although the protection and feature do differ between packages so price isn’t the only consideration.
Also bear in mind that going direct to the antivirus providers isn’t the only way to get their software. You might also find good deals from the likes of Amazon, Argos and Currys PC World and remember that you can pay less to protect fewer devices: there’s no point in paying for a 10-device package if you only have one laptop.
Antivirus student deals
If you’re a student, be sure to check out Tech Advisor’s Student Beans page. There, you can benefit from massive discounts from some of our favourite antivirus brands for school, college or university.
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