Best Antivirus Software Canada 2022 — Top Antivirus Softwares Compared
It’s no secret that computer viruses are on the rise. Every day, it seems like there’s a new virus attacking innocent users and wreaking havoc on their systems. If you’re not careful, you could lose all your data or even get your system infected to the point where it’s unusable.
Are you based in Canada and looking for a reliable antivirus software to protect your computer? There are a number of providers in the market, and deciding amongst them can be overwhelming. That’s why in this guide, we’ve reviewed the best antivirus software in Canada, analysing their features, price and security measures to bring you the best for 2022.
Best Antivirus Software in Canada for 2022
Canada is a massive country with a population of more than 38 million people. Therefore, it’s no surprise that we have millions of computer users in the Great White North, and with so many computer users, there is a huge need for antivirus software.
Fortunately, today you can find a lot of different antivirus software programs on the market, but not all of them are created equal. That’s why we’ve done the research and put together a list of the top antivirus solutions in Canada.
To compile our list, we looked at various factors, including price, features, and effectiveness. So whether you’re looking for the best free antivirus software or the most comprehensive protection, our list has you covered. Here’s what we have on offer:
- Norton — Best antivirus software in Canada for 2022
- TotalAV — Easy-to-use antivirus
- Avira — Best free antivirus software in Canada
- McAfee Antivirus Plus — Reliable antivirus solution for home users
- Surfshark One — All-in-one security service
- NordVPN— Powerful cloud-based antivirus and VPN
- ESET — Top Windows 10 antivirus
- Quick Heal — Antivirus for budget users
- Intego — Best antivirus for Mac
- ZoneAlarm — Free antivirus protection for multiple devices
Top Antivirus Software in Canada Reviewed
Are you trying to pick the best antivirus software in Canada that will offer cutting-edge protection and fit your pocket size? All of you who answered yes, look no further — we have everything you need. Below is a list of the ten best antivirus options available in Canada.
Whether you’re looking for a business antivirus plan or a simple solution for personal use, you’ll undoubtedly find something for your needs.
1. Norton — Best Antivirus Software for Canada 2022
Whether you’re a generation that welcomed the first PC or the younger antivirus user who just bought the newest mobile gadget, there’s a 99% chance you’ve heard of Norton, the top-rate cloud-based antivirus on the market. This antivirus solution has been on the market for over three decades and has protected over 50 million people from malware, spyware, phishing attacks, ransomware, and other malicious attackers. It’s also a globally-renowned tool and finds its place in the list of the best antivirus software India.
You’ll be safe from any real-time threat and enjoy the perks of firewall protection with Norton antivirus on your side. If you’re late to the party and already have malware on your device, the Norton Power Eraser tool will help you remove any virus for free. At the same time, you’ll also get access to the latest security software that will prevent any future infections.
All the plans apart from the basic Norton antivirus protection include VPN and SafeCam for PC, so you’ll be able to hide your location and stop potential spyware. Last but not least, one of the best Norton features include Cloud Backup, which will safely store all the essential data and keep it safe around the clock. So, sensitive files are safe even if your device is compromised – which is unlikely to happen with Norton installed in any case.
| Price | AntiVirus Plus: $59.99/year Norton 360 Standard: $84.99/year Norton 360 Deluxe: $104.99/year Norton 360 Deluxe: $124.99/year |
| Max devices supported | 1–10 |
| Operating systems | Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days free trial |
Pros:
- Safe data storage with Cloud Backup
- SafeCam for PC protects you from spyware
- Norton Power Eraser tool helps remove malware
- Free trial available
Cons:
- No free version
- Expensive for multiple device use
2. TotalAV — Easy-to-Use Antivirus
TotalAV is an award-winning antivirus solution used by more than 30 million users across the planet, including Canadians. In 2022 alone, TotalAV won the prize for the Top Product in its industry, 3* Malware Protection, Deceptor Fighter, and VB100, which all speak volumes about the quality of its offering. Along with Canada, TotalAV is one of the top-rated antivirus software in the UK.
You can use TotalAV on both Windows and Mac, as well as on mobile devices using iOS and Android operating systems. It comes in three different packages, each bringing additional benefits to the user. The basic one includes all the tools for keeping up to three computers or mobile devices safe, such as a malware scanner, ad blocker, WebShield, and many more.
If you go for the more expensive plan, you’ll get a VPN to ensure safe internet browsing on up to five devices, while the most costly option can be used on a maximum of six gadgets and adds both the VPN and Password Vault into the picture.
Whichever plan you choose, you’ll easily find your way around TotalAV, thanks to its user-friendly interface suitable for first-timers. Also, some users claim that TotalAV can easily be named the best antivirus for Kindle Fire, so if these devices are your cup of tea, you know what to do.
| Price | Antivirus Pro: $119/year Internet Security: $145/year Total Security: $179/year |
| Max devices supported | 3–6 |
| Operating systems | Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android |
| Money-back guarantee | 60 days |
Pros:
- Smart firewall for PC
- Cloud backup safely stores important data
- 24/7 customer support
- Straightforward interface
Cons:
- The password manager feature needs improvements
- No free plan
3. Avira — Best Free Antivirus Software Canada
Avira is not only an antivirus program but the base on which many other antivirus software options have built their enterprise. Several other antivirus competitors have been using Avira’s outstanding anti-malware technology, which has made the company easily recognized in the world of well-guarded computers and mobile devices.
If you know what good antivirus software should do for you, you can probably guess that Avira can meet your expectations. The company has a record of blocking 900 million threats in 100 days, along with 23 million phishing attempts and 18 million malware monthly.
However, you’d probably never assume that such an antivirus magnum could also offer its full support for free. Yup, you read that right — Avira features a free plan you can use to create a virtual barrier for malware without being charged a dime.
Tech lovers from Canada can protect their Windows and Mac devices as well as their iOS and Android mobile phones and tablets with Avira antivirus. However, since a couple of features proved to work magic on Windows exclusively, Avira often gets rated as the best Windows antivirus scan on the Canadian market.
| Price | Free Plan — available 1 month:
12 months:
24 months:
|
| Max devices supported | 5–25 |
| Operating systems | Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android |
| Money-back guarantee | 60 days |
Pros:
- Unlimited VPN with a paid plan
- Free plan with good features
- Doesn’t slow down your device
- Ultra-fast and successful scans on Windows
Cons:
- Better suited for Windows than for Mac
- VPN limited with a free plan
4. McAfee Antivirus Plus — Reliable Solution for Home Use
Every home should have all its devices protected from viruses and malware. McAfee Antivirus Plus is a fantastic option for this purpose. Although you can get the basic or the premium McAfee antivirus plan, the Plus option offers the best value for money within a reasonable price range for Canadian users.
Any five devices you decide to protect will be safe against the existing and upcoming viruses, malware, ransomware, and spyware. McAfee also offers identity monitoring, and it regularly keeps up its protection score by analyzing your data, detecting, and removing any threats.
Additional features include a password manager and file shredder, while the in-house VPN service is part of any McAfee package. On top of that, if you decide to splash out for the premium package, you’ll get an extra parental control feature that’ll help you block content and apps you don’t want your child to see or use and enable you to track your child’s phone if necessary.
| Price | Free trial Basic: $84.99 for one device Plus: $104.99 for five devices Premium: $129.99 for ten devices |
| Max devices supported | 1–10 |
| Operating systems | Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
Pros:
- Free trial
- Decent basic package
- Extra options like file shredder
- Knowledgeable customer support
Cons:
- Quick scan may not work correctly
- It may slow down your devices
5. Surfshark One — All-in-One Security Service
Surfshark One simplifies your digital security by providing an all-inclusive platform that includes antivirus protection, VPN service, and many protection tools. The company’s goal is to offer one reliable program, so you don’t have to worry about mixing multiple providers of protective services. With Surfshark One, you can relax knowing that everything will be taken care of.
When we say everything will be sorted out, we mean that Surfshark will scan your device in real-time, check your downloads for malware, block harmful websites, prevent ads from popping up, and more. You’ll also be able to schedule regular scans or complete them manually whenever you feel like your device has been at risk for some reason.
Apart from offering top-notch protection, Surfshark One is also considered the best antivirus that increases speed by many users in Canada. This antivirus solution is so light, even with the additional services, that you’ll never notice it working. It won’t slow down your PC or mobile device and won’t hog your CPU or RAM either.
| Price | 1 month: $15.79 per month 12 months: $4.89 per month 24 months + 2 free: $2.79 per month |
| Max devices supported | Unlimited |
| Operating systems | Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
Pros:
- Scheduled and manual scans
- Unlimited devices
- Full protection through several services
- Reasonably priced plans
Cons:
- Antivirus only available as a part of the package
- No password manager
6. NordVPN — Powerful cloud-based antivirus and VPN
Nord is a strong option Canadians can choose for protecting their devices on every possible level. The key feature of this provider is that you’ll get the antivirus software through the provider’s VPN service, which will make you virtually untraceable online and protect all the data stored on your devices.
The antivirus will include an innovative NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature. Its goal will be to prevent your browser tracking, notify you about malicious websites, and prevent you from downloading suspicious files that could potentially carry malware. NordVPN is available to users worldwide, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it’s the best antivirus software Singapore too.
This project aims to create all-encompassing protection on the web, and Canadians who sign up for it can rest assured that their devices won’t be compromised.
| Price | Monthly plan from $11.99 1-year plan from $4.99 per month 2-year plan from $3.99 per month |
| Max devices supported | 6 |
| Operating systems | Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
Pros:
- Additional CyberSec protection
- Astonishing VPN service
- Reliable customer support
- Great price for paid plans
Cons:
- Only available in beta version
- Limited information about antivirus features
7. ESET — Best Antivirus Software for Windows 10 in Canada
Windows users will get no better protection for their PCs and laptops than ESET. This provider is one of the best antivirus software for Windows 10 and Windows software in general, and offers a home plan, a separate business plan, and even an enterprise antivirus solution, so you can get the right level of protection for your needs. Furthermore, ESET is a cloud-based service, meaning that it won’t overload your computer with unnecessary stuff.
You can protect a maximum of ten devices, and the price of the plan will change according to the number of devices and the type of protection you pick. The basic protection includes ESET NOD32 Antivirus, which will cost you $39.99 for one device, while the protection for your Android device will be even cheaper.
Apart from these two deals, you’ll find many other ESET plans, including the business solution, which is a bit more expensive. Regardless of your plan, you’ll be protected from phishing and ransomware, malware and viruses, and other potential device attackers. Unfortunately, ESET isn’t suitable for iOS devices, so we rated it as the Best antivirus for Windows in 2022.
| Price | Free trial Home plan starting from $39.99 for one device Business plan starting from $239 for five devices |
| Max devices supported | 1–10 |
| Operating systems | Windows, Mac, and Android |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
Pros:
- Numerous paid plans
- You can choose 1–10 devices
- Includes all the top-rated protective features
- Free trial available
Cons:
- No VPN
- Doesn’t work on iOS
8. Quick Heal — Top Antivirus for Budget Users
Canadian users who don’t want to spend a lot of money on the protection of their gadgets but still get a decent service should find Quick Heal more than satisfying. This antivirus solution can guard your Windows, Mac, or Android device, but it turned out to be the best Microsoft antivirus software.
In case you’re unsure how you feel about Quick Heal, you can start slowly and use its free online scan to check the infection status of your device. Then, you can download the solution for free and test it for one month, as the trial version will allow you to remove any malware or virus that gets into your system.
Note that the free trial is better than having a free version, as it’ll give you an insight into all Quick Heal features, such as malware, virus, and ransomware protection, anti-malware scan and clean-up, vulnerability scan, Anti-Keylogger, laptop tracking, and others. If you like what you see, you can get this protective scheme for a relatively small price, which is excellent if you want to stay safe but on a budget.
| Price | Free trial Starting from $41 per year for one user |
| Max devices supported | 1–3 |
| Operating systems | Windows, Mac, and Android |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
Pros:
- Cheap yearly plan
- Several layers of protection
- Smart Scan Engine
- Laptop tracking feature
Cons:
- Doesn’t support iOS devices
- Limited number of devices
9. Intego — Best Antivirus for Mac
While many antivirus competitors pay more attention to Windows devices, Intego has focused on protecting Mac devices since 1997, and the company has managed to do it well to the present day. Like all the other antivirus software solutions, Intego offers numerous plans for Canadians containing various features.
You can get Mac Internet Security X9 for $49.99 or spend $84.99 and get Intego’s best-selling package, Mac Premium Bundle X9, for ultimate protection. Moreover, there’s a business product, too, if you’re a company owner who uses Mac products daily. But, the best news is that you can try all these solutions for 30 days without spending any real money.
Intego uses advanced features to block Zero Day attacks, discover harmful viruses and malware on your device, protect children by blocking certain content, and several other tools. The company has also developed a plan for Windows and now offers protection for both operating systems if you’re a user who can’t decide between the two computer-powering giants.
| Price | Free trial Plans starting from $49.99 per user |
| Max devices supported | 1–5 for home use, 1–11+ for business packages |
| Operating systems | Mac, iOS, and Windows |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
Pros:
- Well-built firewall
- Special Mac cleaning tools
- Secure open WiFi networks
- Compatible with iOS gadgets
Cons:
- Has a Windows product, but it isn’t nearly as good as the Mac version
- Expensive for more devices
10. ZoneAlarm — Free Antivirus Protection for Multiple Devices
Even if you don’t have extra money to spend on antivirus software, ZoneAlarm will come to the rescue. This solution offers a free plan you can download and get the best lifetime antivirus protection without ever getting a paid plan. Nevertheless, Mac users won’t benefit from this solution since ZoneAlarm only offers protection to Windows fans in Canada.
You can have all the Trojan horses, viruses, worms, spyware, bots, and other nasty threats detected and thrown out of your system with ZoneAlarm, and also browse the internet safely since this software protects you from hackers as well. Still, if you feel like you need real-time threat monitoring, you’ll have to sign up and get the paid plan since the free version doesn’t include this service.
ZoneAlarm can also protect your mobile device, and here you can get coverage whether you use the Android or iOS operating system. According to current ZoneAlarm users, this solution is the best antivirus for Google Pixel phones, as it’s perfectly integrated into the Chrome browser.
| Price | Free plan Starting from $39.95 for one device |
| Max devices supported | 1–50 |
| Operating systems | Windows, Android, and iOS |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
Pros:
- Award-winning ransomware feature
- Advanced mobile security
- Free plan
- Can be used on up to 50 devices
Cons:
- Not available for Mac
- No real-time monitoring for users of the free version
Best Canada Antivirus Compared
If you can’t remember all the details from our best antivirus software reviews, here’s a table that includes all the options from the list below and their main characteristics:
| Price | Max devices | Operating systems | Money back guarantee/Free Trial | |
| Norton | Norton AntiVirus Plus: $59.99/year Norton 360 Standard: $84.99/year Norton 360 Deluxe: $104.99/year Norton 360 Deluxe: $124.99/year | 1–10 | Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android | 30 days free trial |
| TotalAV | Antivirus Pro: $119/year Internet Security: $145/year Total Security: $179/year | 3–6 | Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android | 60 days |
| Avira | Free Plan — available Paid plans from $11 per month for five devices | 5–25 | Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android | 60 days |
| McAfee | Free trial Basic: $84.99 for one device Plus: $104.99 for five devices Premium: $129.99 for ten devices | 1–10 | Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android | 30 days |
| Surfshark One | 1 month: $15.79 per month 12 months: $4.89 per month 24 months + 2 free: $2.79 per month | Unlimited | Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android | 30 days |
| Nord | Monthly plan from $11.99 1-year plan from $4.99 per month 2-year plan from $3.99 per month | 6 | Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android | 30 days |
| ESET | Free trial Home plan starting from $39.99 for one device Business plan starting from $239 for five devices | 1–10 | Windows, Mac, and Android | 30 days |
| Quick Heal | Free trial Starting from $41 per year for one user | 1–3 | Windows, Mac, and Android | 30 days |
| Intego | Free trial Plans starting from $49.99 per user | 1–5 for home use, 1–11+ for business packages | Windows, Mac, and iOS | 30 days |
| ZoneAlarm | Free plan Starting from $39.95 for one device | 1–50 | Windows, iOS, and Android | 30 days |
What Is Antivirus Software?
Antivirus software is a program designed to protect your computer from malware, viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other malicious threats that can damage your system or steal your personal information.
Antivirus programs scan your computer for any signs of infection and then quarantine or remove the infected files. Some antivirus programs also include features such as real-time protection, which can block malware before it has a chance to infect your system.
How Does Antivirus Software Work?
Antivirus software is designed to protect your computer from malicious software, also known as malware. Malware is a broad term that can refer to any type of harmful code, including viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, and more. In basic terms, antivirus software scans your computer for signs of malware and then removes or quarantines the infected files.
Antivirus software must be regularly updated with the newest malware signatures to be effective. Otherwise, it may not be able to detect the latest threats. Additionally, some antivirus programs also include features such as firewall protection and web filtering.
By understanding how antivirus software works, you’ll be able to pick the antivirus service and plan that will work best on your device and protect it from infection on every level.
Why Do You Need Antivirus Software?
Nowadays, almost everyone you know is using a computer, laptop, or a mobile device to surf the web, stream movies and TV shows, download files, chat with friends and family, send and receive emails as a part of your business correspondence, and complete a plethora of other tasks.
Although you can’t see any real threat with your naked eye while doing all this online, almost all of these activities can spread infected files from the internet and get them into your system. Once they are in, malware and other viruses can seriously damage your device and misuse information found on it.
While no antivirus program can provide 100% protection against all types of threats, using a reputable program is the best way to reduce your risk of infection. That said, we listed some reasons why installing an antivirus may be a good idea for Canadian users.
Real-Time Scanning
Real-time scanning enables antivirus software to automatically scan any new files that are downloaded or created on your computer and discover harmful ones. In addition, you can set most antivirus programs to run scheduled scans, while you can also do a manual scan whenever you want. This helps ensure that your computer is always protected against the latest threats.
Virus Removal
If your system is already infected with any kind of malware, a good antivirus will detect and remove it before it ruins anything for good. This will enable your system to operate on an optimal level and save you money for potential professional repairs in the future.
Ad and Website Blocking
The ads that pop up while you’re browsing the internet aren’t just annoying — they can be a hidden threat, too. The same goes for websites you stumble upon that don’t come from a recognized source. Yet, with a sound antivirus system, you won’t have to worry about any of those two menaces infecting your device, as your guarding will let you know to steer clear of them at all times.
Privacy and Identity Protection
Computer viruses are more advanced now than ever, and cases of spyware and ransomware are common these days. You can fall into this trap and be put in an uncomfortable position if someone hacks your private data or computer camera and takes advantage of your sensitive data and privacy. New antivirus software solutions fight these types of online attacks and protect you from being spied on and blackmailed.
Tracker Blocker
If you want to avoid tracking and browse the internet safely, you should use antivirus software that can prevent third-party trackers from collecting information about your online moves and actions. In this way, your browsing will leave no trace, and you won’t be seeing those annoying ads or get offers for expensive products just because you’ve looked them up several times.
What Is the Safest Antivirus Software in Canada?
According to our research, Norton has won the competition for the best antivirus in 2022. Norton is one of the solutions that can scan your devices for malware, remove viruses, block ads and contagious websites, prevent intrusive tracking, and do everything necessary to protect your device and your privacy online. In short, if safety is your biggest concern, Norton will guard it with its own virtual life.
Free Antivirus Software vs. Paid Antivirus Software
When it comes to antivirus software, there are two main options — free and paid versions. Both have their pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
Free antivirus software is a good choice for people who only use their computers for basic tasks like browsing the internet and checking email. On the other hand, free plans usually lack some very important features without which your computer won’t be fully protected from threats and attacks.
Paid antivirus software is a better choice for people who use their computers for more intensive activities like gaming and video editing. Paid antivirus software offers more features than free antivirus software, like real-time scanning, malware detection, and identity theft protection.
Still, paid antivirus software can be expensive, so it’s important to compare prices before buying. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your needs and budget.
How to Get Antivirus Software in Canada?
We find Norton to be the best antivirus software in Canada for 2022. We’ll show you how to get Norton’s antivirus in a few simple steps:
- Visit the official Norton website using your browser.
- Sign up for a Norton antivirus plan.
- Log into your Norton account and download the correct software for your device.
- Open the Norton app and click ‘Run Smart Scan’ to scan for malware.
- Enjoy your malware-free environment!
Conclusion: What Is the Best Antivirus Software in Canada?
Now that you have all the best free antivirus software and paid antivirus programs for Canadian users in one place, you can easily pick one and finally protect all your precious desktop and mobile devices.
Yet, to be quite frank, we think that Norton should be your choice regardless of your needs simply because it offers a combination of fantastic antivirus features with a password manager, VPN, and secure cloud storage. Give it a try today and you’ll see why this protective solution left such a long-lasting impression on us.
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