Best Antispyware Software 2024
An antivirus with antispyware features can protect you from constant surveillance.
Last updated Nov 14, 2023
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Best for Malware Protection
5.0
Learn More
On Norton 360 Antivirus's website
Norton 360 Antivirus
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Multi-tab navigation may be overwhelming at first
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Best for Ease of Use
4.8
Learn More
On Bitdefender's website
Bitdefender
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Premium features incur additional subscription fees
View More
Best for Premium Security
View More
Spyware is a sneaky form of malware and cybersecurity threat that gathers data from your computer or mobile devices about you or your online habits without your knowledge. One of the best ways to keep your online presence secure is to use an antivirus that protects you from spyware. For this reason, we’ve sorted through a sea of products to give you the top three programs that offer the best antispyware coverage.
Norton 360, Bitdefender, and McAfee are stellar antivirus providers with strong malware detection and spyware removal tools. Norton 360 has a range of plans to fit most budgets and offers features like webcam protection and dark web monitoring. Bitdefender, while geared more toward PC use, protects against malware and includes a firewall for even more security. And McAfee is great for users who want to pick the perfect plan for their budget and needs.
We jump deeper into all three of these antivirus programs to show you how they can help keep you safe from annoying spyware.
In this article
The best antispyware softwareNorton 360: Best for malware protection
Bitdefender: Best for ease of use
McAfee: Best for premium security
Honorable mentions
Best antispyware software FAQs
Bottom line: The best antispyware software
The best antispyware software 2024
The best antispyware software should include options that give users what they need at a fair price. You want superior coverage against computer viruses, but sometimes it can be difficult knowing if you’re on the right path to protection. We will show you why these are some of the best antispyware software options on the market today.
- Norton 360: Best for malware protection
- Bitdefender: Best for ease of use
- McAfee: Best for premium security
Top 3 antispyware software compared
| Antivirus |  Norton 360 |
 Bitdefender |
 McAfee |
| Starting price | $14.99/first yr | $59.99/first yr | $39.99/first yr |
| Free version | |||
| Firewall | |||
| Phishing protection | |||
| Ransomware protection | |||
| Parental controls | |||
| Learn more | Get Norton 360 | Get Bitdefender | Get McAfee |
Norton 360: Best for malware protection
5.0
Save up to 66% on your first year
Norton 360 Antivirus
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Easy-to-install antivirus protection
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Secure VPN and password manager included
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Parental control features
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Multi-tab navigation may be overwhelming at first
Who it’s best for
If you’re looking for the best antivirus software, Norton 360 often makes the list. It works well for users who want additional security features with their antivirus software. You won’t find a shortage of options with Norton 360. Some features we liked were the parental controls, the included virtual private network (VPN), and identity theft protection.
How does Norton 360 guard against spyware? We are glad you asked. When your antivirus works in the background to catch real-time threats, it can prevent hackers from latching onto your device and stalking your online movements. For instance, imagine someone standing over you and watching everything you type. That’s precisely what keyloggers do. Norton 360 can prevent keylogging so that you can feel secure while you browse.
Norton 360 has different plans to fit almost any budget and desire. The basic plan starts at $14.99/first yr, but you could select the Deluxe or Select + LifeLock plan for even more features. No matter which option you choose, you’ll get the password manager, smart firewall, and real-time threat protection.
What we liked
Norton 360 has enlisted the Intrusion Prevention System to analyze home networks, looking for security threats and keeping unauthorized users from accessing your device. The feature works in conjunction with the firewall to detect intruders and malware, keeping your data and online habits more secure.
We’re impressed with Norton 360’s analyzing speed when checking for malware. When using the full scan option, it flew through over 600,000 files in under 10 minutes. (Some antivirus scans can take over an hour!)
The junk file cleaner is an added benefit, especially if you need to get rid of some files and folders from days past. (Don’t we all?)
What we didn’t like
Norton 360 is a great antispyware product, but it doesn't have all the features for macOS that it does for Windows. Some of these features could help protect your Mac, so you might want to look into other options if you're using a Mac.
Some Norton 360 features that are currently unavailable for Apple products include:
- Proactive Exploit Protection
- SafeCam
- Parental controls
We were disappointed to find that we couldn’t get these incredible antispyware tools for our macOS.
Norton 360 specs
| Starting price | $14.99/first yr |
| Free version | No |
| Firewall | Yes |
| Phishing protection | Yes |
| Ransomware protection | Yes |
| Webcam protection | Yes |
| Network protection | Yes |
| Parental controls | Yes |
| Extras | Password manager, cloud backup, dark web monitoring |
| Learn more | Get Norton 360 |
Bitdefender: Best for ease of use
4.8
Bitdefender
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Antivirus software offering reliable security
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Simple yet powerful interface tools
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Perfect protection score in third-party tests
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Premium features incur additional subscription fees
Who it’s best for
Bitdefender is a solid antivirus program geared mostly toward Windows PCs and Android users who want reliable protection. That’s not to say that Apple fans cannot use this security software, but you might not get the benefit you want from it, since not all the features will be available. That’s not unusual with antivirus products, though.
If you want a balance between options and price, Bitdefender Total Security strikes a happy medium. You’ll get protection for up to five devices, including macOS and iOS for $59.99/first yr. That security includes safeguarding against malware, adware, and spyware. Bitdefender blocks third-party data tracking, which means it stops unauthorized access to your webcam and microphone.
What we liked
One of the best things about using Bitdefender antivirus is that it is easy to navigate. The interface is intuitive, and you won’t need an IT background to get it up and running quickly. We also liked how the scans made no difference in device performance. Sometimes running antivirus scans can be resource intensive, making the device lag and become slow to respond. That didn’t happen when testing Bitdefender. We gave it the maximum push, too, keeping numerous browser tabs open while scanning.
We also noticed several phishing attempts that were blocked during testing. That is a testament to how well the software performs, and we felt protected while online.
What we didn’t like
Since we tested Bitdefender on a MacBook, we saw all the features we couldn’t use. We had no access to scheduled scans, the firewall, the file shredder, and other features we would have liked to have had at our disposal with an antivirus program. We advise that you review the feature comparisons carefully to see exactly what is included for your preferred operating system.
We also didn’t like how Bitdefender is divided into the Bitdefender Central browser hub and the actual antivirus application. When you need to set up parental controls, the process becomes somewhat painful because you must be logged into both Bitdefender Central and the browser hub.
Bitdefender specs
| Starting price | $59.99/first yr |
| Free version | Yes |
| Firewall | Yes |
| Phishing protection | Yes |
| Ransomware protection | Yes |
| Webcam protection | Yes |
| Network protection | Yes |
| Parental controls | Yes |
| Extras | File shredder, VPN, vulnerability assessment |
| Learn more | Get Bitdefender |
McAfee: Best for premium security
5.0
Save $105 on your first year of McAfee+ Premium
McAfee
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All-in-one protection for your personal info and privacy
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Excellent antivirus protection
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Additional features like a file shredder and parental controls
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Multiple pop-ups for text notifications can be annoying
Who it’s best for
If you’re a user who wants exceptional security protection combined with extra features, McAfee may be best for you. The software has several different pricing options, so you can customize your selection based on what you need. McAfee is a security lover's dream, offering a suite that includes a firewall, phishing protection, and parental controls.
When you want excellent security protection, McAfee hits the mark with things like ransomware protection and real-time protection that is always on for a safer online experience. The ransomware feature is set to auto-update, so you get updated security against the most recent attacks.
What we liked
We were pleased with the speed of the malware scans. During testing, we noticed no performance issues while we worked online. The WebAdvisor feature helps sort through websites and block them by rating and category, keeping frequent internet browsing much safer.
The real-time scanning runs in the background while users are online, which keeps your devices more secure from cyberattacks. Real-time scanning is on by default, and it scans files and apps the moment you access them. If anything suspicious is found, the scanner blocks it from spreading malicious software through the machine.
We think the addition of a password manager is also valuable. It helps keep online credentials secure, and it’s a feature you don’t find with all antivirus solutions.
What we didn’t like
In honesty, there isn’t a lot to not like here. We faced a bit of a challenge accessing the identity theft features, but that problem was easily resolved by contacting McAfee support. We were using a MacBook, and once we switched web browsers, the features worked without any further issues.
We’re a little unsatisfied with McAfee’s renewal prices. The basic plan is offered at $39.99/first yr. That is the introductory pricing, and after that, the subscription costs $89.99 for one device. That’s quite a jump.
McAfee specs
| Starting price | $39.99/first yr |
| Free version | No |
| Firewall | Yes |
| Phishing protection | Yes |
| Ransomware protection | Yes |
| Webcam protection | No |
| Network protection | Yes |
| Parental controls | Yes |
| Extras | Performance optimization tools, VPN |
| Learn more | Get McAfee |
Honorable mentions
Although we’ve scoured the research and performed testing ourselves, we know these three antivirus products may not be your cup of tea. We have a couple of software programs that might be more what you’re looking for, and just because they didn’t make the top cut doesn't mean they aren’t sound investments. Let’s look at two honorable mentions you should know about.
- Avast: Avast has received a AAA rating from SE Labs for online protection. With the competitive pricing and a 60-day free trial, this software is worth keeping in mind for spyware protection.
- TotalAV: TotalAV offers an affordable antivirus that’s easy to use and secure. You get plenty of features with an intuitive interface that gets you on the right track fast.
Best antispyware software FAQs
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What is antispyware software?
Antispyware software protects you against unwanted programs that track your online behaviors. These antivirus programs help keep malware off your device and your data safe.
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What’s the difference between antispyware and antivirus?
Antivirus programs are used to scan your device for all kinds of malware and computer viruses. Antispyware is designed to detect and remove unwanted spyware programs from your device, similar to anti-malware software that deletes and prevents malware like adware, Trojans, and some spyware.
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What is a good free antispyware?
If you want to try a free antispyware product, you could download Bitdefender’s free antivirus. It won’t have all the features you get with the paid plans, but it does provide some protection.
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Do smart devices need antispyware software?
It’s a wise decision to use antispyware software for your smart devices, as you probably spend a great deal of time using them for internet searches. If you get an antivirus suite that covers multiple devices, it often includes all your smart devices too.
Bottom line: The best antispyware software
We’ve chosen these products as the best antispyware software on the market today. Whether you’re looking for a bargain or want an entire antivirus suite, you have options that will take your security game to the next level. Hackers aren’t giving up, and you shouldn’t either. Your data is one of your most valuable commodities, so you can’t play around with internet safety and internet security.
Norton 360, Bitdefender, and McAfee are all top-tier antispyware programs that will help keep your device and online movements secure. If these don’t work for you, Avast and TotalAV are close runners-up and deserve to be included in this list, too. Depending on your preferences, we think you’ll be happy with any of these antispyware products.
5.0
Save up to 66% on your first year
Norton 360 Antivirus
-
Easy-to-install antivirus protection
-
Secure VPN and password manager included
-
Parental control features
-
Multi-tab navigation may be overwhelming at first
Author Details
Patti Croft is a freelance writer who specializes in all things technology. Her expertise includes antivirus software, online security strategies, and safety practices. She has a degree in Computer Information Systems and extensive experience working in the IT field.
In her spare time, Patti is an avid reader and researcher, and loves spending time with her pets. She currently shares an office with her cat, Beau.
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