7 Top Picks
4 Reviewers
30 Hours of Research
30 Options Considered
Picking an anti-virus is not easy. There are dozens out there and it is hard to tell which one is the right one for you. Here at VSS Monitoring, we designed an easy-to-take quiz that should only take 1 minute to answer. Completing the quiz will help to determine the #1 antivirus for you based off of your needs.
3 Top Antivirus for Chromebook
1. [Best Antivirus for Chromebook Overall]
4.9/5
If you own a Chromebook, you should know that it is running on Chrome OS plus could have an android apps.
The android apps are susceptible to the same threats that your phone faces.
The online threats include ransomware, spyware, viruses, adware, and malicious apps.
Receive world-class security with Kaspersky which has been operating for over 24 years.
2. [Best For The Money] Bitdefender Internet Security
4.8/5
Bitdefender is one of the top software security companies in the world. It uses artificial intelligence to identify and block threats.
If your Chromebooks happens to be infected with a virus, this Chromebook antivirus will you remove it.
3. [Best For The Safe Web Browsing] Malwarebytes
4.7/5
My personal favorite Malwarebytes feature is real-time protection that will block malware before it has a chance of infecting your Chromebook. It is a cloud-based antivirus hence you will download a small client program in your device that is lightweight.
It's an antivirus with a built-in VPN to protect your identity online. It will give you a virtual IP address that you can use to browse making it hard to be tracked by hackers.
Why Do You Need an Antivirus?
Modern antiviruses are much more than just malware scanners. They come with a wide range of additional tools to protect your entire online experience. Top brands include security features like web protections to secure your browsing, firewalls to monitor incoming and outgoing traffic, virtual private networks (VPNs) to keep your online sessions private, parental controls to help you keep your kids safe online, and password managers to ensure your passwords are unbreakable.
In short, installing antivirus software from a reputable, trustworthy company is essential for protecting your data and devices from known and emerging malware that is designed to make your devices unusable, gain access to your sensitive data, or both.
Need the Best Antivirus for Chromebook?
You have come to the right place. The antiviruses that I have listed here use advanced technology to secure your devices from any online threats. Some of those not included here are antivirus tools which include VPN, or virtual private network, or antivirus suites for gamers. In addition, for the vast number of Windows users, check out the Windows 10 antivirus tools.
I ran several tests on their speed, security, functionality. They earned perfect scores on all of my tests. In this article, I will discuss their key features, price, pros, and cons so keep reading to learn more. I have also included a comprehensive buying guide to help with your decision making to find the top option for your Google Chromebook.
Here are Top 7 Antivirus Software for Chromebook at a Glance
The Best Antivirus for Chromebook Reviews
[Best Antivirus for Chromebook Overall]
4.9/5
Kaspersky Internet Security is the best antivirus software for Chromebooks because of its superior ability to identify and block threats, have perfect scores from independent labs, come with browser extensions in its pricing plans, and many great additional features.
Strong Malware Protection
If you own a Chromebook, you should know that it is running on Chrome OS and could have an android app/s from the Google Play Store. Downloading apps from the Google Play Store could introduce vulnerabilities to the device - especially free antivirus apps.
These individual apps make your device vulnerable to the same threats that your phone faces. The threats include ransomware, spyware, viruses, adware, and malicious apps.
Kaspersky Internet Security offers the best virus protection for Chromebooks overall. Whether you want to shop, or bank online, this software will give you peace of mind to remain virus free.
Other Great Features
This is a lightweight Chromebook AV that is packed with a lot of great features that includes;
- Offers data back up so you can retrieve in case it’s lost
- Fights against malicious browser extension
- Powerful malware scans to identify many malware infections
- A privacy cleaner to permanently delete your data and make it inaccessible by the third party·
- One of the most robust password managers to save all of your personal information
- This Antivirus for Chromebook also comes with a VPN to hide your identity online
- Has multiple scans such as quick scan, full scan, and vulnerability scan
- Apart from your Chromebooks, you can cover your mobile devices and PCs. In other words, you can protect many devices with 1 license Chromebook AV
- You will have the best webcam protection. Hackers will not be able to spy on you while working or relaxing at your home or office.
More About Kaspersky
Kaspersky, also known as Kaspersky Lab, was founded in Russia as a cybersecurity company, but it has now expanded to become a multi-national corporation due to its success of its antivirus. Its name comes from its founding members - Eugene Kaspersky, Natalya Kaspersky, and Alexey De-Monderik, and it was founded in 1997. It has grown quite a bit - in 2020 it employed over 4,000 full time employees to help deploy one of the most effective security options at various levels - from custom endpoint security options to email protection software, they have it all.
Kaspersky has various out of the box solutions available, including solutions for Home Products (ideal for your Chromebook, but still effective for other products), Small Businesses, Medium Sized Businesses (100-999 employees) , and Enterprise Solutions - ideal for businesses with 1000 or more employees. Their software is used by individuals and even government organizations.
Kaspersky Pros
Kaspersky Cons
[Best for The Money]
4.8/5
This is another personal favorite antivirus for Chromebook. Like other Chromebook AV apps, it offers a plethora of features to secure your Chromebook.
Best Antivirus Software Company Worldwide
Bitdefender is one of the top software companies in the world. Bitdefender uses artificial intelligence to identify and block threats - from the internet and from Google Play Store.
If your Chromebooks happens to be infected with a virus, this antivirus for Chromebook will remove for you. The Android app Bitdefender Mobile Security & Antivirus works well on Chromebooks.
Its various protection features include;
- Very Powerful Virus Scanner
- Browser protection
- Anti-phishing protection
- Virus Protection
- Back and data protection
- Protection against exe files and malicious code
- Network Protection
More about Bitdefender
Bitdefender was originally Softwin, founded in 1990, with its antivirus product known as AVX, which stands for Antivirus Expert. However, Softwin created a subsidiary and called it Bitdefender in 2001. Bitdefender is hearquarted in Romania and was founded by its current CEO, Florin Talpes. Today, it has over 1,5000 employees and has a number of applications such as Bitdefender Total Security, Bitdefender VPN, Bitdefender Agent, and more such as Bitdefender Antivirus Free version.
Bitdefender Pros
Bitdefender Cons
[Best for The Safe Web Browsing]
3. Malwarebytes
4.7/5
The need for cybersecurity is extremely crucial if you use your Chromebook for work or just casual web browsing. Malwarebytes is one of the best Chromebook antiviruses that will give you the peace of mind that you need most.
It is packed with a lot of useful features to find and remove malware such as adware, browser hijackers, ransomware, virus, etc.
Malwarebytes Features
More about Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes is an internet security company founded in the US, with offices in multiple states and countries. It was first launched in 20016, making it more than 15 years old. Today, it has over 800 employees and is an effective malware solution for many devices. It has a free version, but also has Malwarebytes Business, Malwarebytes Personal, a VPN, and various free antivirus programs such as:
- Ad blocker
- Adware Cleaner
- Antivirus
- Spyware Scanner
- Virus Scanner
- Trojan Scanner
- Rootkit Scanner
Malwarebytes Pros
Malwarebytes Cons
4.6/5
Avira Antivirus Security is always a decent choice and one of the better known antivirus software companies.They're pretty effective at limiting vulnerability to attacks and even data breaches, just like any other computer out there.
It is easy to install, lightweight, worth your money, and blocks all viruses.
Its Plans are Well-Priced
Avira Antivirus Security Pros
Avira Antivirus Security Cons
5. Eset
4.5/5
I spent several hours testing Eset mobile security and can recommend it to any Chromebook user since it is easy to install, and its detection rate of the virus is high. This antivirus software internet also uses machine learning to identify and block viruses.
Covers all Your Devices
Computer Scan
Eset Pros
Eset Cons
6. Norton
4.5/5
Norton is also one of the top-performing Antivirus for Chromebooks we have in the market right now. It is very affordable and will let you know when your device and other devices have vulnerabilities.
Chromebook Security
Wi-Fi Security
Norton Pros
Norton Cons
7. TotalAV
4.4/5
You may want to try out TotalAV Antivirus if you are looking for the best Chromebook AV software that has real-time antivirus protection.
TotalAV Pros
TotalAV Cons
About Google Chromebooks and Security
Google Chromebooks were first released by Google (founded in September 4, 1998, Menlo Park, CA by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, in 2011. While most people refer to the portable laptop device as a Chromebook, there are also desktop, stick PC, and tablet variations. All of these devices run on a special OS called Chrome OS. This Chrome Operating system is based on the famous Linux operating system.
Do Chromebooks need security?
Chromebooks do need security. While Chromebooks have security programmed into their Operating System, owners still want to use some anti-virus or other security software to better protect their data while using their Chromebook,. This is especially true for those who are using their Chromebooks for online banking, payment systems, remote work, and want to protect their passwords.
Chromebook Security vs Windows
Chromebook Security is safer and more secure than Windows machines. This is because Chrome OS is a new OS, which means there are less viruses created that can affect Chromebooks. Additionally, because there are less users on Chrome OS, hackers are less motivated to target Chrome OS devices, which have decent internet security built into the software. However, you'll still want to use an anti-virus to ensure your Chromebook security on the web and from vulnerabilities you can get from browsing the internet.
Chromebook Security vs Mac
Chromebook security is better than mac security by default. While Macs have more innate security than Window devices, Chromebooks are even more secure, with multiple security layers making them difficult to hack. However, it's still possible for Chromebooks to get viruses and malware.
Is There Really a Difference Between Antivirus Providers?
Absolutely. The cybersecurity market is crowded with hundreds of different apps and programs, but only a few of them provide comprehensive internet security protections.
The very best antivirus providers include additional features like anti-phishing protection, virtual private networks (VPNs), password managers, parental controls, and even anti-theft features to provide protection beyond simple anti-malware scanning.
Top Antivirus for Chromebook Buying Guide and FAQs
You have come to the right place if you are wondering if your Chromebook needs an antivirus or if it can be infected by malware, etc.
Do You Need Antivirus Software on a Chromebook?
Yes, you need antivirus protection on a Chromebook. While Chrome OS is less susceptible to malware than other operating systems, it's still important to have protection against viruses and other online threats. There are a number of great antivirus programs available for Chromebooks, so be sure to choose one that meets your needs.
Can You get Viruses on a Chromebook?
Just like I have mentioned before, Chromebooks run apps from Google and many of them have been found to have unwanted programs such as adware and even viruses. I don’t know how they make their way into the Play Store despite being checked admitted by Google.
When you install infected apps, malware will also get into your machine and this will ruin your Chromebook experience. Also, since the OS of Chromebooks is a browser, many extensions had adware that was found to be spying on users.
A good example is the GalComm registrar that had Chrome OS add-ons that were collecting user data and selling it to the third party. You need the best antivirus for Chromebook to protect yourself against these malicious people or viruses.
How do I Secure my Chromebook?
To secure your devices, choose an antivirus that comes with great features such as browser extension in its plans, VPN, password manager, real-time protection, ransomware, and adware protection, just to mention a few.
If it offers a free antivirus software trial, the better so you can get an idea of how it works.
Make sure that it has anti-malware defenses, has privacy features and it supports all operating systems such as android, IOS, and even Google apps.
The best antiviruses will keep your Chromebook safe from hackers that love gaining access to private information. They will also block annoying ads and pop-ups.
Can Chromebooks get Hacked?
Yes, Chrome OS can get hacked. Although it has closed most entry points for malware, hackers always invent new malicious codes and some of them can infect your machine. You will mostly notice this after the verified boot of your Chromebooks. Cybercriminals mostly exploit the Chrome OS.
They can hold ransom your browser or a crucial app on your Chromebook and leave it stuck until you pay a certain amount of cash. Do not fall a victim of these malicious people. You need an Antivirus for your device and you will be safe.
How secure is a Chromebook?
Chrome OS is more secure than other popular operating systems, but no OS is completely secure. Indeed, as with nearly everything else about Chrome OS, it's simple. After reinstalling Windows, you must manually reinstall the majority of the programs that were previously installed on your Windows machine.
