5 Best Antiviruses for Small & Large Businesses in 2024 by Kate Davidson

Kate Davidson

Updated on: December 14, 2023

I tested all of the top antiviruses on the market — I wanted to find the best solution for small businesses, medium-sized companies, and large enterprises.

During my tests, I was pretty disappointed with the majority of business suites I tried. Many providers were either too limited in their offerings or their antivirus solutions were far too complex to set up for most small-to-medium-sized companies.

But I did find a few antivirus programs that offer a great range of security features for a reasonable price. Whether you’re looking for a simple antivirus solution for your one-person startup or you want to upgrade your company’s enterprise network security system, you’ll find an option suitable for your business and your employees on this list.

Bitdefender stands out as the most versatile and comprehensive solution, with top-notch security features and competitively priced plans for businesses of any size, but all the other products I recommend are also decent options.

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🥇 1. Bitdefender — Best Overall Antivirus for Businesses of All Sizes in 2024

Bitdefender is my favorite antivirus for both small businesses and medium-to-large businesses in 2024 — it provides advanced security for computers, mobiles, and networks, is easy to use, and doesn’t negatively impact the performance of a device.

Its antivirus solution combines several methods for detecting malware: cloud-based technology, traditional signature-based malware scanning, and machine learning technology (machine learning is also used by Norton and Kaspersky).

The scanner is very effective and lightweight, using minimal amounts of CPU and disk space during scans. During my tests, Bitdefender’s scanner caught every single malware sample on my endpoints, including trojans, keyloggers, rootkits, and more.

Bitdefender provides a wide range of basic and advanced features suitable for small, medium, and large businesses. Some key features that Bitdefender offers include:

• Firewall.
• Network security.
• Web and exploit protection.
• Threat intelligence solution.
• Endpoint risk analytics, detection, and response.
• Application and device control.
• Sandbox analyzer.
• MITRE event tagging and anomaly defense.
• Root cause analysis.

I particularly like the sandbox analyzer, which allows IT administrators to perform extensive testing. If a threat is uncovered via sandboxing, the IT admins can make use of visualization graphs and comprehensive reports to get a full picture of the root cause and how the malware behaves. I also like the addition of MITRE techniques — MITRE is a knowledge base of adversary tactics and attack techniques based on real-life observations. As such, it can help detect unique cyber attacks.

It’s easy to assess any issues with your security configurations and modify them accordingly, because Bitdefender provides you with a prioritized list. I found the list really simple to understand and use, and it was great to get a clear picture of what needed fixing and how urgent or otherwise each fix was.

I also appreciate Bitdefender’s threat intelligence solution, which is managed through the IntelliZone cloud portal. It gives businesses insight into global threat data and malware sandboxing, helping them to understand potential cyber threats and their implications. It also improves malware detection and offers information on threat actors and malware types. I really like how the IntelliZone interface provides a clear overview of the threat landscape and can be easily integrated with other systems via APIs, too.

Bitdefender offers a number of plans, including Bitdefender Small Office Security, which is great for small businesses. Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security Premium is a fantastic option for medium and large businesses that require more advanced protections, including endpoint security. Finally, there’s Bitdefender’s highest-tier plan, GravityZone Business Security Enterprise, which is the only one that provides access to MITRE event tagging and manual sandbox investigation.

There are also plenty of add-ons available for the GravityZone plans, so you can tailor them with things like full disk encryption, email security solutions, or patch management to suit your business’s needs. I particularly like GravityZone Security for Mobile Devices — it uses on-device machine learning to protect physical and virtual endpoints on Android, iOS, and ChromeOS, and it can integrate with MDM (mobile device management) solutions.

All of Bitdefender’s plans are very reasonably priced, starting from $89.99 / year. However, pricing may vary for businesses looking for custom solutions. There are annual plans available for 1, 2, or 3 years, and businesses can select the number of devices and servers that require protection. All of Bitdefender’s business plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, and there’s also a 1-month free trial for those who want to test the software before they buy it.

Read our full Bitdefender Review

🥈 2. Norton — Best Antivirus for Small Businesses With Easy Setup

Norton offers an excellent small-business solution — Norton Small Business — that is highly effective and easy to set up. Getting started with Norton Small Business is incredibly simple, with lots of guidance during the entire installation. It’s also super simple to upgrade from a personal Norton account to Norton Small Business, which is handy if you’re already a Norton user.

Like Bitdefender, Norton’s malware scanner uses various techniques for detecting threats: a large malware directory, heuristic analysis, and machine learning. During testing, Norton caught 100% of my malware samples, including trojans, keyloggers, rootkits, spyware, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), and ransomware. What’s more, while I was setting up and testing out Norton Small Business, I didn’t notice any adverse impact on my devices’ performance — even with Norton’s real-time scanning technology switched on.

In addition to the malware scanner, Norton Small Business offers:

• Real-time protection against spam and social networking scams.
• Wi-Fi security for employees connecting to off-site Wi-Fi networks during meetings or working remotely.
• Download Insight that warns employees against downloading files from potentially risky websites.
• Identity Safe to securely save employee login credentials.

Norton also includes device management oversight via an online hub, which is easy to use and particularly helpful when onboarding and offboarding employees. All you have to do to cover a new device is send an email from the hub to the employee using that device — the email has simple instructions on adding the device to the Norton plan.

For larger companies, Symantec (Norton’s parent company) offers a good endpoint solution — it’s a more advanced product than Norton Small Business with a lot of great features, like advanced threat remediation and software-as-a-service and corporate assets protection.

Norton also has great customer support, which is available 24/7 to help resolve malware-related issues. Customer support can even freeze access to lost or stolen devices at any time.

Norton Small Business offers annual subscriptions for 5, 10, or 20 devices, starting at $99.99 / year*. Norton also offers businesses the option to add new features as they’re required, which is great because it means you don’t have to pay for any protection that you won’t use. All Norton annual subscription purchases include a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Norton Review

🥉 3. ThreatDown (Powered by Malwarebytes) — Innovative Tools for Dedicated Server Protection

ThreatDown (powered by Malwarebytes) takes a proactive approach to combating malware. It employs heuristic analysis to detect previously unknown malware strains and provides 4 cybersecurity bundles to protect servers and other endpoints.

It includes a range of effective security tools, such as advanced endpoint detection and response suites for large enterprises. Some other core features ThreatDown offers to businesses include:

• Real-time protection.
• Ransomware, zero-day exploits, and phishing protection.
• Threat remediation.
• Patch management.
• Windows ransomware rollback.

ThreatDown comes with innovative tools, including Flight Recorder, which lets you search event data over the last 7 days for all endpoints, meaning you can hunt down or analyze any security issues that might occur. Flight Recorder lets you search files, registry, networking, and processes (and these different types of events are color-coded to help you interpret the report easily).

ThreatDown doesn’t require a dedicated IT team to manage, as it’s exceptionally lightweight and user-friendly. Its intuitive cloud-hosted Nebula security platform enables teams of all skill levels to take care of their endpoint security. However, it is missing features that competitors like Bitdefender and Norton have, such as Wi-Fi protection.

All ThreatDown plans are reasonably priced. The most basic plan, ThreatDown Core, starts at $69.00 / year per endpoint. There are also more advanced protection plans — Advanced starts at $79.00 / year, while Elite starts at $99.00 / year and adds managed detection and response. The most comprehensive plan, Ultimate, costs $119.00 / year and brings malicious website filtering to the table. Every plan has optional add-ons for added mobile and server protections.

Read our full Malwarebytes Review

4. Intego — Best Antivirus for Mac-Based Businesses

Intego is my favorite business antivirus solution that is tailor-made for macOS. Its business offerings include VirusBarrier X9 (the antivirus protection suite) and NetBarrier X9 (the network security suite).

VirusBarrier X9 features include:

• Real-time and anti-phishing protection.
• Automatic external drive scans.
• Windows-based threat identification.

During testing, Intego detected and removed the malware samples I hid throughout my Mac, including ransomware, trojans, adware, rootkits, and others. The malware scanner is lightweight and very quick, especially with file caching technology that skips previously scanned files to save scan time. It also detects PC-based malware, so you don’t need to worry about your employees inadvertently spreading malware to colleagues and clients who use Windows.

I really like the automatic scanning of external drives — it’s helpful for client meetings where a third-party USB drive is connected to your company’s network and may be unknowingly storing malicious threats.

NetBarrier X9 features include a two-way firewall with suspicious-domain blocking and solid anti-spyware measures. It’s a great option if your company allows remote working, or you have employees who are required to travel and use public Wi-Fi networks. The smart firewall monitors both incoming and outgoing network connections, stopping bad actors from accessing a company laptop connected to unsecure networks. It also automatically switches to the most appropriate firewall setting, depending on the kind of Wi-Fi networks your employees are using.

Intego does not offer sandboxing tools and there isn’t a central hub to manage devices. If you’re looking for more remote management controls, it’s worth considering Bitdefender or Kaspersky. However, you can request to customize your Intego package to include additional features, like Intego’s Mac optimization tools.

You can buy VirusBarrier X9 and NetBarrier X9 as standalone products (you’ll need to request a custom quote depending on your needs) or as part of Intego’s Mac software bundles. Intego’s plans come with a 30-day refund policy.

Read our full Intego for Mac Review

5. Kaspersky — Best Antivirus for Small-to-Medium-Sized Businesses

Kaspersky has a great anti-malware scanner, combining a malware database and cloud-based machine learning to detect the most recent threats. Similar to Bitdefender, Kaspersky’s malware scanner caught a large number of the malware samples I hid throughout my PC, including rootkits, keyloggers, trojans, ransomware, and others.

Kaspersky has a range of antivirus products for small-to-medium-sized businesses. Some notable features include:

• Centralized access.
• Company-wide policies regarding website and application management.
• Firewall.
• Network protection.
• Encryption and patch management.

Kaspersky also offers enterprise solutions for large companies (over 1,000 employees), which include the following features:

• Sophisticated threat analysis and reporting.
• Cloud sandbox.
• Penetration testing and application security assessment.
• In-house security training for incident response, malware analysis, and threat detection.

The shadow IT discovery tool is of particular benefit for businesses with many remote workers. With it, admins can get a clear picture of the apps that employees are using and ensure that only trusted services are used on work devices. They can also set different profiles and access settings for individual users and teams.

Kaspersky’s key business plans are Small Office Security and Endpoint Security Cloud, which comes in 3 versions: Standard, Plus, and Pro. All plans support Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. In addition, the medium business products, Endpoint Security for Business Select and Endpoint Security for Business Advanced, support Linux systems. Kaspersky’s pricing starts at $135.00 / year. All plans include a 30-day trial and are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Kaspersky Review

Comparison of the Best Antiviruses for Businesses in 2024

How to Choose the Best Antivirus for Business in 2024

• Make sure it has strong malware protection. Look for antivirus programs with proven protection against advanced malware threats, including ransomware, spyware, rootkits, and cyber attacks. I also recommend finding business solutions that include endpoint protection (securing the points of entry of devices on a network or in the cloud), necessary for large enterprise businesses with multiple devices connected to their network.
• Pick an intuitive product. You need antivirus software that’s easy to use for both your IT department and the rest of your team. Some solutions are more complex, as they’re designed for larger businesses with advanced IT professionals, but there are many options available for both technical and non-technical users.
• Look for business-focused features. Consider antivirus programs with proficient administrator tools, which allow for sandboxing, have a strong firewall to protect business networks, and are able to identify and protect against unsecured Wi-Fi connections and networks — especially important with the increase in remote working.
• Check for multiple device coverage. It’s important that a business antivirus can protect multiple devices, including PCs, Macs, tablets, and smartphones. Bitdefender offers scalable plans with excellent solutions for mobile devices.
• Look for good overall value. You want to get good value for your money, and there are plenty of options with flexible and scalable plans on this list that offer a wide range of features for the price. All of my top choices also have risk-free money-back guarantees (Norton has a 60-day money-back guarantee).

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Personal vs. Business Antivirus Solutions

Do you need a dedicated business antivirus suite to protect your business from cyber threats? Or is a personal antivirus you already use to protect your home devices enough? To help you decide, I’ve compiled this list of key differences between personal and enterprise antivirus solutions:

1. Scalability: Personal antivirus solutions are typically designed to protect a single device or a few of them, whereas enterprise antivirus solutions can be deployed across multiple devices and networked systems.
2. Customization: Compared to personal antivirus solutions, enterprise antiviruses usually offer a greater number of customization options. The security settings can be altered by IT administrators to more effectively cater to the unique needs of the organization. Additionally, the security of all systems and devices can be supervised and controlled from a centralized console.
3. Management: Personal antivirus solutions are typically managed by the individual user, whereas enterprise antivirus solutions are centrally managed, which allows for greater control over security settings and better coordination of security protocols across the organization.
4. Pricing: Individual antivirus solutions are often free or available through an affordable subscription model, while enterprise antivirus solutions may be pricier owing to their extra features and customization options.
5. Technical support: This is typically better in business-grade antivirus than personal ones. While company IT departments can get dedicated help with deployment, setting up, and troubleshooting, individuals might have to rely on community forums or knowledge bases for support.

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Does My Small Business Really Need an Antivirus?

Every business, regardless of size, needs antivirus software. With cyber threats rapidly evolving, small businesses are increasingly becoming targets. Hackers take advantage of the fact that many small business owners believe they don’t have enough valuable information on their servers to be worthwhile targets — whereas in reality, small businesses often hold sensitive data like customer information, payment details, and more.

An antivirus acts as the first line of defense against the cybercriminals trying to steal this information, protecting your digital assets from malware, ransomware, and other forms of cyber attack.

Additionally, your role as a business owner extends beyond protecting your assets — it involves safeguarding the data of your employees and clients, too. Cyber attacks can result in extensive data breaches that put everyone at risk. A reliable antivirus program stands as a critical tool to uphold this responsibility, preserving the trust and confidence integral to your business relationships.

Lastly, it’s your legal obligation to comply with data privacy laws such as GDPR or the California Consumer Privacy Act. These laws require businesses to implement reasonable measures to ensure data protection, and non-adherence can lead to severe penalties.

Overall, prevention is indeed the best strategy when it comes to cybersecurity. Don’t let the size of your business determine your level of protection.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best antivirus for businesses?

Bitdefender is my #1 pick for businesses looking for an antivirus. Depending on the business suite your business chooses, the following features are available:

• Endpoint detection and response.
• Application and device management.
• Network security.
• Mobile device protection.
• Sandbox analyzer.
• Threat intelligence solution.
• MITRE event tagging.

Bitdefender GravityZone’s dedicated business solutions are highly versatile, including plans for small businesses as well as plans with more advanced tools for medium-to-large enterprises.

What is the best antivirus for businesses using Mac computers?

Intego is my preferred provider for businesses that primarily use Macs. All of Intego’s products are developed specifically for Mac users, so businesses using Mac computers can be assured that the anti-malware scanner is able to protect against the most up-to-date Mac-based threats.

Intego doesn’t offer as many advanced features as Bitdefender, like a sandbox or a central hub, but its reputation as a Mac-specific security suite is well-earned, and it will provide Mac-dominant companies with the best all-round protection.

If your company uses a mix of Mac and PC devices, Intego is still a good option as it also offers protection for Windows devices. It’s able to identify Windows-based threats as well as Mac-based ones, so your business will be protected against all vulnerabilities.

How do I choose the best antivirus for my business?

Here are some things you should consider when choosing the best antivirus for your business:

• What features your business requires. Consider whether your employees travel often, how many employees work remotely, and if confidential information is handled. Depending on factors like these, certain features like protection against unsecured Wi-Fi connections and file encryption should be prioritized. Bitdefender is a great option for businesses that require a lot of features like these and more.
• Who will be managing the antivirus program? Regardless of whether your company has an IT administrator, department, or a non-technical person managing the system, you will want to choose a solution that they can use efficiently. Norton Small Business is a great user-friendly antivirus option for businesses without a dedicated IT team.
• Number and type of devices requiring protection. Determine the number of devices that need protection — if you’re a growing company, you’ll want to find a company with scalable license options. If you want to protect PCs, Macs, tablets, and smartphones, be sure to choose an antivirus program that is compatible with all of your devices.
• Pricing and money-back guarantees. You should choose an antivirus solution that offers a good value and that suits your business’s budget. It is difficult to know if a solution works well with your business’s needs and workflow without actually testing it out. That’s why you should always pick a solution with a money-back guarantee.

Do you need an antivirus for your business?

Yes! While some devices have built-in security features, it is far from sufficient to protect your business and client data.

Many jurisdictions require businesses to comply with strict data protection laws, so it’s important to have high-level security solutions in place, including antivirus protection.

Hackers and cybercriminals are constantly looking for vulnerabilities to exploit with things like advanced ransomware attacks. By choosing an antivirus program specifically designed for business use, you are able to protect your business from the inconvenience and huge cost of cyber attacks by keeping up to date with the latest emerging threats.

Bitdefender is my top choice as it has plans for small businesses and plans for larger businesses that can be tailored to provide optimal protection for all types of companies.

Can I use a personal antivirus plan for my small business?

You can use a personal antivirus for your small business, but there are important considerations to think about before doing so. For example, personal antiviruses will have limitations in terms of scalability and are less likely to offer features that many businesses find essential (such as centralized management).

That said, with an antivirus like Norton, it’s very easy to take the step from personal protection to small business protection, and it means you can get an oversight of your employees’ devices in a way that you would never be able to with a personal plan.

How concerned should I be about cyber attacks on my small business?

Small-to-medium size businesses are common targets of cybercriminals. What’s more, the damage can be far-reaching: a successful cyber attack can severely impact a small business by causing financial losses, disrupting operations, affecting employee morale, eroding customer trust, and potentially leading to legal repercussions. Such consequences may hinder growth and, in severe cases, force the business to close.

So it’s really important to invest in a comprehensive cybersecurity package like Bitdefender Small Office Security. It offers flawless protection against all kinds of malware, webcam and microphone protection to secure your online meetings, and a secure browser for financial transactions. It’s super intuitive and easy to use too, making it a good option for small businesses that don’t have tech expertise on hand.

The Best Antiviruses for Businesses in 2024 — Final Score:

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