10 Best Antivirus Software for Small Businesses to Secure Data

Image: iStock/Torsten Asmus

Security is crucial when running a small business. You need to secure it from cyber threats by using antivirus, password managers, or multi-factor authentication software. Even a single compromised laptop can cut a small team off from its documents. It can also put the records of customers at risk and delay sales for many days. Most business owners still use free or regular tools, and this leaves gaps in their security. The most suitable antivirus software for small businesses offers central control and protection against ransomware. It also offers coverage for mobile devices and laptops.

However, choosing software is not an easy thing to do. The prices vary depending on the device or user; first-year prices may rise at renewal. Some offers are suitable for companies with five employees or less, while others fit growing organizations. There are multiple options that offer high security and great scalability.

In this guide, we are offering recommendations for the top ten antivirus software options for small businesses after researching the market. Each one is efficient and capable of meeting your security needs. Let’s get into the details of each and shortlist what’s suitable for you.

Antivirus Software for Small Businesses: Quick Comparison

The following are the most common antivirus solutions for small business buyers. They can choose according to their budget and requirements.

Want a wider view first? Browse our cybersecurity guides.

What to Look for in Antivirus Software?

Not every product suits a small team. Consumer software and products usually do not have dashboards, while business software applications seem overwhelming and expensive. Good small business antivirus protection operates in a sweet spot between complexity and affordability. You can utilize this checklist to help you compare the tools. However, keep in mind that Norton 360 is not licensed for commercial use.

• Conventional dashboard: Track all the devices and policies on one screen.
• Ransomware and malware defense: Look for detection methods based on behavior rather than the identification of viruses.
• Web protection: Blocking harmful links can protect you from most cyberattacks.
• Device coverage: Your tool must work with Windows, macOS, and phones.
• Transparency of prices: The price might be different after the first year.

Why Do Small Businesses Need Antivirus Protection?

Small teams usually think that they don’t need security. This thought is only valid until something breaks. An infected laptop may leak sensitive customer data, credit card info, and shared files. However, dealing with the consequences will prevent you from serving your clients effectively.

Effective small business antivirus software will be able to prevent malware from spreading on your network. Strong antivirus solutions are also capable of minimizing ransomware impact. According to PCrisk, quoting Verizon’s 2023 report, the number of breaches involving ransomware has reached 48% of the total number of breaches.

Our Top 10 Picks

#1. Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security

Best for: Growing teams searching for reliable protection and a cloud console

Bitdefender is good for medium to large companies. Its GravityZone service offers antivirus solutions for small businesses. The software is scalable and comes with high-end security, attack forensics, and risk management. Bitdefender is compatible with multiple devices, including Windows and Mac. Moreover, the software offers excellent customer support and even online training.

It works perfectly for businesses with around 30 endpoints. Higher levels include additional features like endpoint protection, patch management, as well as device control. However, you’ll need to buy the security service separately, as it does not come with the VPN bundle.

Pros:

• Independent lab approval backs its protection claims
• Higher packages add more controls as your team grows
• One can easily manage multiple devices via one console

Cons:

• There is no public list price, so you need a quote
• Extra modules might increase the annual prices

Official site: bitdefender.com/business

#2. ESET PROTECT Entry

Best for: Teams having a minimum of five devices looking for a budget-friendly option

ESET PROTECT offers strong endpoint security with a layered approach to stop malware and ransomware. It uses extended detection and response (XDR) tools to provide security threat insights.  Entry gets extra features like a cloud console, device control, and web filtering. It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. The best thing is that you can have a free 30-day trial.

This antivirus software for small businesses has a centralized management console. Entry is less costly than most competitors on a per-device basis, and volume discounts drop the overall price further. However, ESET needs to be purchased in units of at least five devices.

Pros:

• It costs less per device than most rivals here
• It works on Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Reliable and low system impact

Cons:

• You must buy at least five devices
• Add-ons such as multi-factor authentication cost extra

Official site: eset.com/us/business

#3. Microsoft Defender for Business

Best for: Teams already using Microsoft 365

Microsoft Defender is a good security software for small businesses if the company is already using Microsoft. It integrates with Microsoft 365 and protects devices and applications. It usually comes with Microsoft 365 Premium, but you can also buy it independently. The software works best for companies with 300 employees or more.

It covers Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. The endpoint detection and response features make it one of the best AV software options. Pricing is per user, not per device. It is beneficial for employees using several devices. However, the implementation process can be challenging for companies with no IT support. It is worth noting that the value decreases if Microsoft 365 is not used.

Pros:

• It costs about $3 per user per month, or comes with Business Premium
• Pricing is per user, so extra devices add no cost
• Endpoint detection and response to stop threats

Cons:

• Setup takes effort without IT help
• It delivers the most value inside Microsoft 365

Official site: microsoft.com/security

#4. Norton Small Business

Best for: Very small teams under 10 employees

Norton is the best antivirus for small businesses with up to ten employees. The installation is quite easy, and the software is compatible with Windows OS, Mac OS, Android, and iOS. The antivirus application provides simple protection against malware for small office laptops and mobile phones.

However, there is no dashboard or remote management. But it won’t matter for a company with 5 or fewer employees. Nevertheless, it should be noted that it will certainly matter for bigger companies. The standard version includes a password manager and 250 GB of cloud storage space. The Premium version features VPN technology, 500 GB of space, and business support.

Pros:

• Staff will likely know the name already
• You can install it without IT help
• The software covers Android and iOS devices

Cons:

• No central dashboard available
• Price will increase at annual package renewal

Official site: norton.com/small-business

#5. Avast Business Antivirus

Best for: Teams that want cloud management at a modest price

Avast antivirus can scale up to 999 licenses and monitor multiple devices with its remote Business Hub. You can control every device from one screen. Avast offers the best small business antivirus security by keeping track of the company network. You can also launch scans and check for updates on different devices with a single hub. Its standard version also comes with a VPN. Moreover, Avast supports Windows and iOS.

Avast comes with three tiers: essential, premium, and ultimate business security. We advise you to start with the basic plan and add features later as per requirements. Check each tier’s features before selecting one.

Pros:

• You manage devices from the Business Hub.
• Three tiers let you start small and upgrade.
• Prices are modest compared to competitors

Cons:

• Prices change by the contract period
• Each tier has different features, so check the plan

Official site: avast.com/business

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#6. CrowdStrike Falcon Go

Best for: Groups who place security as a top priority

Falcon Go stands as the self-service option available for smaller businesses. This is a cloud-based system, benefiting larger businesses with no installed systems needed. CrowdStrike is the best antivirus software for small businesses to detect suspicious activity before a threat spreads. The software uses artificial intelligence to identify and block threats rather than using virus signatures.

The downside, though, is the cost along with the system’s complexity. Falcon Go is on the more expensive side compared to the other options. A small business organization that does not have any trained professionals may not be able to benefit fully from this product.

Pros:

• It uses technology that larger companies trust
• Endpoint detection and AI-powered threat protection
• You can buy and deploy it without a sales call

Cons:

• It costs more than most picks here
• Small teams may never use every feature

Official site: crowdstrike.com

#7. Sophos Intercept X

Best for: Teams worried about ransomware

Sophos is responsible for managing protection via its Sophos Central cloud console. Intercept X concentrates on blocking ransomware and exploits in addition to known malware. Depending on your choice, you can enjoy tiers starting from simple endpoint protection to managed detection services. Besides, it uses AI-driven analysis to check how a file behaves, rather than checking virus signatures.

Billing happens on a per-user basis, which makes it ideal for employees who have multiple devices. It is a great option for teams that may require managed services at some point. There is a big disparity in pricing as per the tier selected, so ask for a quote first.

Pros:

• Sophos Central gives you one cloud console
• You can add expert managed help later
• It targets exploits and ransomware, not only known malware

Cons:

• Initial setup needs time and knowledge
• Pricing varies by tier, so you need a quote

Official site: sophos.com

#8. Malwarebytes Teams (ThreatDown)

Best for: Small teams without an IT person

If you need an efficient cleanup tool, Malwarebytes is one of the best antivirus software options for small businesses. Malwarebytes provides business coverage as part of its ThreatDown range. Its cloud console is user-friendly for small teams. The software secures files and blocks malware. The Teams Package is available from $69 a year for 3 devices, which is a budget-friendly solution for very small companies.

Even though it became available after the September 2023 approved list, be sure to compare detection rates. The advantage of this software is detection of viruses based on behavior. The system detects potential threats and shuts them down.

Pros:

• Small teams can run the console easily
• The Teams plan starts at $69 per year
• You can protect devices quickly

Cons:

• Offers endpoint protection; larger companies might need the full suite
• The entry price covers only three devices

Official site: malwarebytes.com/business

#9. VIPRE Endpoint Security

Best for: Small teams that want easy cloud management

VIPRE has user-friendly cloud administration. The firm also provides services such as email security and threat intelligence solutions, allowing for future enhancements. VIPRE charges per endpoint and requests payments on a quoted basis, which makes budgeting more complicated. It is best to protect servers and workstations from digital threats.

The tool automatically shuts down active ransomware and rolls back encrypted files. It also scans third-party applications and operating systems against threats. It is wise to test it on a few devices before continuing with any purchase.

Pros:

• Automatic scanning and protection from threats
• Easy cloud management
• A free trial lets you test it first

Cons:

• You need a quote to budget
• Inconsistent agent deployment

Official site: vipre.com

#10. G DATA Antivirus Business

Best for: Teams that prefer a European vendor

G DATA is a German security service. The company’s endpoint solutions for businesses are suitable for small to medium offices. For buyers in Europe, this is a unique chance to opt for a local product with verified performance. It offers dual-engine antivirus scanning and next-gen behavioral monitoring.

However, it offers little pricing data to the public. Get a quote, and then verify the features of the console, platform, and renewal rates.

Pros:

• Offers strict data-privacy compliance
• A German company suits buyers who want a European option

Cons:

• No publicly available pricing information
• Has an outdated UI and steeper configuration

Official site: gdatasoftware.com

Which Antivirus Software Fits Your Business?

For small businesses, there are different offerings available in the market for antivirus solutions. It is essential to ensure that the product in question fits the requirements of the enterprise. The following matches make for a good starting point:

• Businesses with less than 10 employees: Norton Small Business makes the setup effortless.
• Enterprises already using Microsoft 365: Defender for Business eliminates any chances of duplication.
• Organizations with various devices and growth opportunities: Options such as Bitdefender or ESET help to cover a range of platforms.
• For those on a budget: The cheapest options are Avast Business and ESET Entry.
• Enterprises aiming for robust online security: Products by CrowdStrike Falcon Go and Sophos bring more features to the table.

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Final Takeaway

Antivirus tools suitable for small businesses work best when they match the team size, devices, and budget. As for us, Bitdefender and ESET show the effectiveness of testing and growth opportunities. Microsoft Defender for Business is hard not to notice, especially when you are already using Microsoft 365. Norton is good for small teams that do not need a dashboard. Start off using free trials on some. Prices and functionalities can vary; therefore, make sure you check vendors’ pages before making a purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions