In case you assume Chromebooks are secure from cyber threats, it’s time to rethink. Whereas ChromeOS, primarily based on Linux, does provide built-in protections, Chromebooks aren’t fully proof against malware.
Malicious recordsdata can nonetheless discover their manner by means of browser extensions and Android apps, posing potential dangers.
To safeguard your system, putting in a dependable antivirus is an clever transfer.
We’ve evaluated 20+ antivirus options to find out one of the best antivirus for Chromebooks in 2024, highlighting software program that successfully shields ChromeOS gadgets from malware.
Learn on to learn to strengthen your Chromebook’s defenses with the highest antivirus picks for this 12 months.
Ought to You Set up Safety Software program on a Chromebook?
Sure, Chromebooks profit from having safety software program. Whereas ChromeOS encounters fewer threats than Home windows or macOS, dangers nonetheless exist.
Putting in reliable antivirus software program offers an additional layer of protection, guarding in opposition to numerous on-line threats.
ChromeOS isolates every app inside a safe “sandbox” setting. This setup limits apps from making adjustments to your complete system.
Chromebooks can also’t execute .exe recordsdata, defending them from many malware varieties.
Nonetheless, Chromebooks are nonetheless weak to:
- Malicious code from web sites and app downloads, particularly from the Google Play Retailer
9 Prime-Rated Antivirus for Chromebook in 2024
1. Bitdefender – Highly effective Chromebook Safety with Prime-Notch Risk Prevention
Free Entry: Sure
Gadget Restrict: 15
Preliminary Worth: Beginning at $9.99/12 months
Present Promotion: As much as 78% low cost on Bitdefender
Web site: Go to Bitdefender
Bitdefender has a powerful fame for enough malware safety.
Identified for its complete strategy, it effectively safeguards Chromebooks from cyber threats, providing each paid and free choices.
Malware Safety: Bitdefender’s scanner labored quickly, detecting all 10 take a look at recordsdata in simply 15 seconds, attaining an ideal success fee.
Its Net Safety characteristic additionally blocked all harmful URLs throughout checks, showcasing dependable protection capabilities.
Unbiased testing by AV-TEST helps these outcomes, with a 100% malware safety rating.
Most important Options: The free model of Bitdefender contains an efficient malware scanner.
The premium model affords options like Rip-off Alert, App Lock, VPN (200MB every day restrict), and Account Privateness instruments for added safety.
The Anti-Theft characteristic permits customers to find, lock, or remotely wipe their system, making it a extremely safe possibility.
Pricing: The essential Cellular Safety plan begins at $14.99/12 months for one system, whereas the Antivirus Plus plan is on the market at $9.99/12 months for one system.
Benefits:
- Excellent malware detection
- Important VPN included in cheaper plans
- Many additional safety instruments
Drawbacks:
- Some pricing choices may be pricey
- VPN has a restricted every day utilization cap
2. TotalAV – Complete Safety for Chromebooks with Prime Detection
Free Entry: Sure
Gadget Restrict: 8
Preliminary Worth: From $19.00/12 months
Present Promotion: 80% low cost on TotalAV
Web site: Go to TotalAV
TotalAV is a feature-rich answer for Chromebooks, providing highly effective malware detection alongside different sturdy safety instruments at an reasonably priced value level.
The free model of TotalAV carried out nicely in in-house checks, making it a sensible choice for these on a finances.
Malware Safety: Each premium and free variations have been examined, with TotalAV’s Sensible scan taking just one minute and 16 seconds to determine 10 take a look at malware recordsdata.
TotalAV’s WebShield blocked 10 malicious URLs in testing.
Unbiased evaluations discovered TotalAV 100% efficient in opposition to frequent malware, and AV-Comparatives rated its on-line safety at 99.94%.
Most important Options: The free model contains WebShield, Breach Scan, Safe Browser, and optimization instruments for photographs, movies, and contacts.
Whereas it lacks real-time safety, the premium plan provides options like VPN, Wi-Fi Checker, QR Examine, and App Lock for stronger safety.
Pricing: TotalAV’s free model offers important options, whereas the premium Antivirus Professional plan with real-time safety begins at $19.00/12 months for as much as three gadgets.
Benefits:
- Works successfully on ChromeOS
- Responsive buyer assist
Drawbacks:
- Restricted to 4 connections on the Antivirus Professional plan
3. Norton 360 – Complete Chromebook Safety with Sturdy Instruments
Free Entry: No
Gadget Restrict: 10
Preliminary Worth: Beginning at $29.99/12 months
Present Promotion: As much as 58% off Norton Antivirus
Web site: Go to Norton
Norton 360 is a long-established safety supplier, providing full-scale safety throughout a number of gadgets, together with Chromebooks.
It’s ideally suited for customers in search of high-grade safety with no free model.
Malware Safety: Norton’s scan course of was fast, accomplished in 30 seconds, and detected 7 out of 10 malware recordsdata in checks.
Norton additionally offers enough real-time safety and Secure Net searching.
Unbiased checks reported that Norton blocks 100% of malware threats, with a 99.97% success fee for on-line safety.
Most important Options: The core options embody real-time safety, app safety, Secure Net, and Secure Search.
Norton contains Wi-Fi Safety, SMS Safety, and a VPN for added safety, protecting important security facets for Chromebook customers.
Pricing: Beginning at $29.99/12 months for a single system, Norton 360 turns into pricier with extra gadgets.
Regardless of this, the excellent safety makes it worthwhile, with a 60-day money-back coverage included.
Benefits:
- Sturdy Android assist on Chromebook
- LifeLock ID safety is extremely helpful
- Dependable malware detection
- Parental controls for household utilization
Drawbacks:
- No free entry is on the market
4. Avira – Chromebook’s Finest Free Safety Resolution
Free Model Out there: Sure
Gadget Restrict: As much as 50
Subscription Worth: Begins at $26.99/12 months
Web site: Go to Avira
Avira affords robust antivirus safety with a free plan that’s fairly helpful for Chromebook customers.
Whereas its premium variations have much more to supply, the free plan offers stable protection.
Malware Detection: Avira’s Sensible Scan confirmed cheap effectiveness in our checks, although it didn’t detect each malware pattern. Nonetheless, AV-TEST discovered Avira’s detection fee to be 100%.
Most important Options: The free plan contains Sensible Scan, Identification Safety, Name Blocker, VPN (100MB/day), Permissions Supervisor, and App Lock.
The paid model expands these with Microphone Safety, Password Supervisor, and extra. Nonetheless, Avira’s interface could really feel higher fitted to Android gadgets than Chromebooks.
Professionals:
- Chromebook-compatible app
- Spectacular lab take a look at efficiency
Cons:
- Sluggish response from buyer assist
- Greater price for premium plans
5. Development Micro – Newbie-Pleasant Chromebook Safety
Free Model Out there: Sure
Gadget Restrict: As much as 10
Subscription Worth: Begins at $19.95/12 months
Web site: Go to Development Micro
Development Micro’s antivirus affords robust safety powered by AI and is straightforward to make use of, making it a best choice for Chrome OS. The free model is well-equipped with important options.
Malware Detection: The free plan successfully recognized potential threats, much like the premium model.
The scan accomplished in seconds, flagging threats and prompting customers to think about upgrading. AV-TEST confirms its wonderful efficiency with a 100% success fee.
Most important Options: The free plan affords an important Malware Safety Scan, Wi-Fi Checker, App Cease, and Actual-Time Scanning.
For paid customers, extra instruments embody Net Guard, Fraud Buster, App Freeze, Parental Controls, and extra.
Professionals:
- Nice options within the free model
- Specialised Chromebook app
- Efficient real-time safety
Cons:
- Interface can really feel crowded
- Makes use of vital system sources
6. Malwarebytes – Privateness-Targeted Safety for Chrome OS
Free Model Out there: Sure
Gadget Restrict: As much as 20
Subscription Worth: Begins at $44.99/12 months
Web site: Go to Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes strongly focuses on privateness for Chromebook customers, providing instruments to stop unauthorized entry and app evaluation to make sure information security.
Malware Detection: Whereas in-house checks confirmed Malwarebytes may detect 50% of malicious recordsdata, its complete characteristic set compensates for this.
Nonetheless, no current impartial lab information is on the market for verification.
Most important Options: Moreover its free scanning instruments, Malwarebytes checks for adware, spy ware, and PUPs (doubtlessly undesirable packages).
It additionally audits app permissions and affords a Privateness VPN in its premium plan for enhanced privateness.
Professionals:
- Privateness options particularly for Chromebook
- VPN included in paid plans
Cons:
- Vulnerable to some false positives
- The value is larger than related choices
7. ESET NOD32 – Light-weight, Fast Chromebook Safety
Free Model Out there: Sure
Gadget Restrict: As much as 5
Subscription Worth: Begins at $41.99/12 months
Web site: Go to ESET NOD32
ESET NOD32 is thought for its streamlined, environment friendly antivirus answer, making it a stable alternative for Chromebook customers in search of low-impact safety.
Malware Detection: ESET’s Sensible Scan characteristic works shortly, scanning in 3 seconds with a detection fee of 90%. In AV-TEST opinions, it scored a near-perfect 99.9%.
Most important Options: The free plan affords important Sensible Scan and real-time safety.
The premium plan contains extras akin to Anti-Phishing, Fee Safety, Community Inspector, and App Lock, offering extra thorough protection.
Professionals:
- Environment friendly for Chromebook use
- Contains instruments for community security
Cons:
- Restricted additional options within the free model
8. Avast Antivirus: Dependable Protection with Anti-Ransomware Help
Free Model Out there: Sure
Gadget Restrict: Limitless for the free model
Subscription Worth: Free, Avast One – $99.99, Avast Premium Safety – $89.99
Description
Avast has been a frontrunner in cybersecurity for years, providing a sturdy free antivirus for Chromebooks, which incorporates a sophisticated firewall.
Avast’s premium options add extra layers of safety, together with ransomware protection and anti-tracking options. It additionally runs intensive safety updates to safeguard your system.
Malware Detection: Excessive
Most important Options:
- Premium firewall included within the free model
- Ransomware and phishing safety
- Common updates to safety protocols
- Anti-tracking with premium
- Checks outdated software program and weak passwords
Professionals:
- Features a VPN with entry to 55 places
- Alerts for weak passwords and previous software program
Cons:
- Scanning can decelerate system efficiency
9. AVG Antivirus: Prime Multi-Platform Safety Resolution
Free Model Out there: Sure
Gadget Restrict: One for the free model
Subscription Worth: Free, Premium options – $69.99
Description
AVG Antivirus delivers dependable safety for Chromebooks and different gadgets, together with Home windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
Whereas its free model offers important malware safety, its paid tiers add superior safety.
AVG’s highest subscription features a built-in VPN, enhanced malware protection, and spam filters, making it an all-around alternative for sturdy safety.
Malware Detection: Excessive
Most important Options:
- PIN code possibility for particular app safety
- Location monitoring for stolen gadgets
- Automated Wi-Fi community scanning
- Actual-time web site scanning
- Superior firewall and spam filters in premium
Professionals:
- Cross-device compatibility for desktop and cell
- Observe misplaced gadgets by means of Google Maps
Cons:
- Knowledge privateness issues have been raised
10. Kaspersky Anti-Virus – Finest For Efficiency and Velocity
Free Model Out there:
Sure
Gadget Restrict:
Varies by subscription
Subscription Worth:
- Kaspersky Anti-Virus Premium: $17.99
- Kaspersky Web Safety: $23.99
- Kaspersky Complete Safety: $26.99
Web site:
Screenshot of Kaspersky homepage with brand within the backside proper nook
Description
Kaspersky has a powerful fame in on-line safety. Their antivirus software program is on the market in three variations: Kaspersky Anti-Virus, Web Safety, and Kaspersky Complete Safety.
Every model provides extra performance to spice up your safety, making it a stable alternative for Chromebook customers.
Kaspersky Web Safety is especially efficient for Chromebooks, a tool that isn’t at all times suitable with different antivirus software program.
This program performs scans with out impacting your system’s efficiency.
Nonetheless, it requires manually triggered scans and doesn’t permit particular person app scans from the Play Retailer earlier than set up.
Malware Detection:
With Kaspersky’s protecting options, you’re shielded in opposition to malware, phishing makes an attempt, and different on-line threats.
Common virus scans and superior safety hold your searching safe, whereas their firewall offers a further layer of protection.
Most important Options:
- Three ranges of safety packages
- Safeguards in opposition to phishing and malware
- Constructed-in firewall for additional safety
- Safe searching and cost safety
- Optionally available password administration and parental controls with the Complete Safety package deal
Professionals:
- Complete malware safety
- Firewall for added protection
Cons:
- Doesn’t assist scheduled scans
- Can’t scan particular person apps from the Play Retailer
Steps to Set up Antivirus on Your Chromebook
Though Chromebooks include built-in safety features, it’s nonetheless smart to obtain antivirus software program to safeguard in opposition to potential malware threats.
Essentially the most easy approach to set up antivirus software program is through the Google Play Retailer.
Right here’s a easy information to get antivirus operating in your Chromebook:
- Entry Google Play Retailer: Open the shop in your system and seek for an antivirus program. TotalAV is extremely really useful and presently accessible at 80% off.
- Obtain the Antivirus Software: Choose your most popular antivirus app and provoke the obtain.
- Set up the Software: Comply with the prompts to put in the software program in your Chromebook.
- Launch the App: Open the put in app and full the set up steps.
- Create or Log In to an Account: You might have to arrange a brand new account or log into an present one.
- Begin Defending Your Gadget: Use the antivirus software program to boost the safety of your machine.
Is There Constructed-in Antivirus on Chromebooks?
Sure, Chromebooks come outfitted with fundamental antivirus options, much like the built-in protections present in Android, iOS, and Home windows programs.
Nonetheless, it’s important to know that these protections alone could not make your Chromebook proof against malware and different on-line dangers.
The antivirus options inside Chromebooks encompass a number of layers of safety:
- Automated Updates: Chromebooks repeatedly set up updates to make sure customers function with the most recent safety enhancements.
- Sandboxing: Net functions and pages run in remoted environments, which helps comprise any threats.
- Verified Boot: This characteristic restores any corrupted parts if malware bypasses the sandboxing, guaranteeing your system stays safe throughout restarts.
- Knowledge Encryption: Delicate info is saved within the cloud and is encrypted, making it very arduous for unauthorized events to entry.
- Restoration Mode: Customers can revert their gadgets to earlier states if any points come up.
Even with these built-in protections, Chromebook customers ought to be conscious that threats could compromise safety and privateness. Putting in dependable antivirus software program akin to TotalAV that works nicely with ChromeOS is advisable for optimum security.
Ultimate Ideas
Whereas Chromebooks provide some built-in instruments to protect your system and information from malware, greater than these options are required.
Quite a few on-line threats may goal your system. Due to this fact, one of the simplest ways to boost safety is to make use of reliable antivirus software program designed for Chromebooks.
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