The Best Free and Paid Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software for New Zealand Homes and Business

Antivirus software and online safety habits are essential for protecting your personal information and devices from malware and cyber threats. Our guide explores the basics of antivirus, malware, and online safety habits to help you stay safe and secure while browsing the internet.

The Best Free and Paid Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software NZ

Updated 13 July 2023

Summary:

While it is possible to use a computer or other electronic device without antivirus software, you do so at some risk. Antivirus software can detect and remove malware that may otherwise go undetected, and it provides real-time protection to prevent malware from infecting your device in the first place.
Many free and low-cost antivirus and anti-malware programs can keep you safe online. We outline the ones we consider the best, as well as free programs and free limited-time trials.
The best prices for antivirus software can be found in plans that cover multiple devices for a long period of time (more than one year) and subscriptions that bundle various services into one, for example, antivirus, device performance monitors, password managers and VPN.
While PCs and Android devices are more at risk, Apple devices are not exempt from online threats and should also have antivirus software installed
Apart from running anti-malware and antivirus software, we outline some good online safety habits you should take into account, like using a password manager, keeping your software up to date and only downloading content from trusted sources

To help you select the best antivirus software for you, our guide covers:

Know This First: What is an antivirus program?

An antivirus program is a software designed to protect computers or other electronic devices from malware. Malware can include viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, adware, ransomware and other malicious programs. Antivirus software scans your computer for malware and tries to remove any detected threats. It also provides real-time protection to prevent malware from infecting your computer in the first place.

Advertising disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links, which means MoneyHub may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. However, we only recommend anti-virus services we believe in and have tested, with NordVPN sister-company Surfshark arguably the best option for anyone in New Zealand looking for a reliable, secure, and affordable anti-virus with VPN features.

MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh shares his experience of anti-virus protection:

"Many scams are going around, and malware/viruses, dodgy ads, and tracking code are all increasingly involved in financial scams. We suggest people put passwords on their phones and tablets and consider an anti-virus product.

There are a lot of anti-virus products around, and many of them slow down your computer, have too many pop-ups and/or still expose you to ads and tracking. The internet has become full of junk, and few anti-virus products can filter out the bad stuff.

My preferred solution:

I'm a huge fan of Surfshark, a Nord company (and a service I renew year after year). Their anti-virus prices depend on the length of the subscription; the longer the subscription, the lower the price, except when they have special offers (as is the case at the moment).
MoneyHub has secured the following special prices when you sign up through our link. The best value is currently found on their 1-year contract, with a price of $78.98 ($6.58 per month); for two years, the price is $180.14 ($7.50 per month), and for one month, the price is $23.68. All prices include 15% GST.
Best of all, you can use the service on up to five devices; it's super-fast, making your browsing experience much cleaner, quicker and safer.
Given New Zealanders' time online, I believe that Surfshark is a valuable purchase to ensure faster and safer browsing".

Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder

Visit Surfshark

What Should I Consider When Choosing an Antivirus Program?

When buying antivirus software, consider the following factors:

Antivirus, Anti-Malware and Internet Safety Habits

Malware protection

Look for software with high malware detection rates and quick response times. This means that you're covered for as many viruses as possible, and the fixes will be fast.

Real-time protection

Choose software that offers real-time protection to prevent malware from infecting your computer in the first place - there's no point having anti-virus that runs off and on; your devices need 24/7 protection.

Features

Consider what features you need, such as a firewall, parental controls, or a VPN. You will often find that products that bundle more functionality into their offering provide better value.

User interface

Choose software with a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. Some antivirus programs have a reputation for being annoying - popping up on your screen, threatening to shut your computer down to "update" and slowing down programs. Now, things have advanced while some antivirus tools behave much better than others.

System impact

Look for software with a low system impact that won't slow down your computer. This is important - they need to run in the background, but you don't want to be limited in what you can do.

Price

Consider the cost of the software - the reality is that most software is discounted in the first year, and then jumps up in price when you renew.

If you commit to a longer period, you will often be offered a lower price. Many companies also offer the first year at a discount, so if you are enticed by the initial low price, be aware that from the second year onwards the price will rise significantly.

Pro Tip: You can avoid paying the higher renewal price by letting the subscription lapse and getting a discount offer for a renewal or changing software (which means installing a new program) but the money saving can be worth the hassle.

Do you have more than one device? If you plan to protect more than one device, choose an antivirus that provides the number of licenses you require. We outline the pricing options below.

Do Free Antivirus Programs Offer Sufficient Protection?

There are a number of free antivirus and anti-malware programs available which we list throughout this guide. They can offer basic protection against common threats, but they may not provide the same level of comprehensive protection as paid versions. Additionally, free programs may come with limitations such as fewer features, fewer updates, or a lack of customer support. For these reasons it's important to assess your individual security needs and evaluate the effectiveness of different programs to determine the best protection for your devices.

Popular free options: If you use Windows as your operating system, Microsoft Defender comes automatically installed and might provide all the protection you need. The comparison website Wirecutter (owned by the New York Times) published a guide on this topic and argues that the protection offered by this software was sufficient for most users (in combination with a free antivirus like Malwarebytes to plug in any gaps). It also considers that most Apple users don’t need an antivirus, as fewer programs are aimed at attacking Apple products. Of course, this all depends on your habits; for example, if you often download content from questionable sources or have sensitive company information stored in your computer, you should definitely consider installing a comprehensive antivirus that can analyse threats in real-time.

There are several free antivirus programs available that can provide effective malware protection, including:

Microsoft Defender (Previously called Windows Defender) is built into Windows 10, this program provides basic antivirus and malware protection. Because it’s built into Windows, it’s light to run and has minimal clashes against Windows software.
Malwarebytes offers a few free solutions, their Free Virus Scanner Tool provides basic malware detection and removal and they also have tools aimed specifically at detecting Trojans, Rootkit and Spyware.
Avast Free Antivirus: Avast is a well-known free antivirus program that offers robust malware protection and several features, such as a password manager and network scanner.
Avira Free Antivirus: Avira provides strong malware protection, including protection against ransomware and phishing attacks.

Know This: It's important to note that while free antivirus programs can provide effective malware protection, they may not include all the features of paid antivirus programs. Some free antivirus programs may also include ads, collect your data or try to upsell you to a paid version. Nonetheless, using a free antivirus program is still better than not having any antivirus protection at all.

MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh shares his experience of anti-virus protection:

I'm a huge fan of Surfshark, a Nord company (and a service I renew year after year). Their anti-virus prices depend on the length of the subscription; the longer the subscription, the lower the price, except when they have special offers (as is the case at the moment).
MoneyHub has secured the following special prices when you sign up through our link. The best value is currently found on their 1-year contract, with a price of $78.98 ($6.58 per month); for two years, the price is $180.14 ($7.50 per month), and for one month, the price is $23.68. All prices include 15% GST.
Best of all, you can use the service on up to five devices; it's super-fast, making your browsing experience much cleaner, quicker and safer.
Given New Zealanders' time online, I believe that Surfshark is a valuable purchase to ensure faster and safer browsing".

Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder

Visit Surfshark

The Best Free and Paid Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software NZ Options

What are the Best Antivirus and Anti-Malware Programs Available in New Zealand?

We list below some of the most popular antivirus programs, providing an overview of the product, whether they are available for Windows, Android, and Apple and if there are free versions available. All prices quoted below are for 1 year plans and include GST.

We found that you can get better value by selecting plans that cover multiple devices and bundle various products into one, for example VPN, password management, system performance monitors and antivirus.

Surfshark
Surfshark has recently entered the antivirus market and offers these capabilities as an add-on to their very well-regarded VPN service. The antivirus cannot be purchased individually; it is only available as part of the Surfshark One suite, which includes the following:

Antivirus: Protect your device from viruses, malware, and zero-day threats (vulnerabilities of software that hackers can exploit). Scan files manually, in real-time or by scheduling them in advance. Surfshark’s antivirus solution is easy to set up and is very light to run, so it won’t interfere with your usual tasks. It has been certified by AV-Test, with a score of 15/18.
VPN: Privacy tool to protect your identity, prevent tracking (from hackers or regular websites), access to country-specific content on streaming services and with a user-friendly interface.
Alert: You can get notified if your personal information is leaked. This tool automatically monitors user IDs, email addresses and credit cards and notifies you if your information has been compromised.
Search: This tool lets you search the web and provides country-specific search results; it not littered with ads and does not track or store your data.

Please note The VPN can be used on unlimited devices, while the antivirus can only be used on five devices.

Free version: N/A
Trial period: 30 days
Money back guarantee: 30 days
Desktop versions: Windows/Mac/Linux
Mobile versions: Android / iOS
Price: All prices are in NZD; Surfshark’s antivirus can only be purchased as an add-on to their VPN service. The price depends on the length of the subscription, the longer the subscription, the lower the price, except when they have special offers (as is the case at the moment). MoneyHub has secured the following special prices when you sign up through our link. The best value is currently found on their 1-year contract, with a price of $78.98 ($6.58 per month); for two years, the price is $180.14 ($7.50 per month), and for one month, the price is $23.68. All prices include 15% GST.

Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes is a cybersecurity company that provides a range of products and services designed to protect against malware, viruses, and other types of online threats. Their primary product can detect and remove various types of malware, such as viruses, spyware, and ransomware.

Malwarebytes offers several different plans depending on the needs of the user. Their home plans include Free Virus Scanner Tool, which provides basic malware detection and removal for free, and Malwarebytes Premium, which offers more advanced protection features, such as real-time protection, scheduled scanning, and automatic updates, for a subscription fee, they also offer a version with VPN included. The cost of Malwarebytes Premium varies depending on the number of devices and the length of the subscription.

In addition to their software products, Malwarebytes also offers a range of educational resources and support services, including threat analysis and malware removal assistance.

Free version: Free Virus Scanner Tool
Trial period: 30 days
Money back guarantee: 60 days
Desktop versions: Windows/Mac (starts at $60), the best value is found on their multidevice plans, especially worth considering is their Premium plan with VPN, which covers 5 devices
Mobile versions: Multi device plans are available (3 devices for $120, 5 for $140)

ESET NOD32 Antivirus

ESET NOD32 Antivirus - ESET NOD32 Antivirus is a highly-rated program that offers only paid subscriptions. There are different versions of this product: The “Essential protection” keeps you safe from viruses and spyware, phishing and ransomware and includes a gamer mode. The “Advanced Protection” in addition to those, provides a firewall, monitors your network against attacks, has enhanced banking security and offers features like webcam protection and anti-theft. Finally, the Ultimate protection plan has password management utilities and file encryption for removable devices.

Free version: No free version available, but they offer a trial period of 30 days.
Trial period: 30 days
Money back guarantee: No
Desktop versions: Windows (price range $70 - $104) , Mac (price range $70 to $96)
Mobile versions: Multi device plan (5 devices for $120)

Kaspersky

Kaspersky - Kaspersky Antivirus is another highly-regarded antivirus program that offers a free and paid version. The free version provides basic protection against malware, while the paid version offers additional features like real-time protection and email scanning, this table shows a full comparison of the paid plans.

There are various plans: Kaperksy Standard provides enhanced security for banking and online payments, firewall protection, anti-phishing, and tools to prevent your online activities to be tracked. Kapersky Plus offers all the features previously mentioned plus an unlimited VPN; the Kapersky Premium Plan also offers identity protection and 24/7 remote support.

Free version: Kapersky Free has basic features that help prevent your device from being infected with viruses, trojans or ransomware.
Trial period: 30 days
Money back guarantee: Yes, 30 days to request a refund
Desktop / Mobile version: Same price regardless of operating systems or type of device. There are two premium products: Kaperksy Standard (from $41 for the first year, $105 thereafter), Kapersky Plus (from $47 for the first year, $112 thereafter), Kapersky Premium (from $50 for the first year, $126 thereafter). They also offer multi-year and multi-device subscriptions with different prices.

AVG AntiVirus and Avast Antivirus

AVG AntiVirus and Avast Antivirus – These 2 antivirus are owned by the same company and offer basically the same functionality and very similar pricing structure, the main difference is the interface, so you can make your choice based on which one you think looks best or seems most easy to use.

The free version is one of the most comprehensive free offerings, it provides protection against viruses, spyware and malware, scans your emails for suspicious attachments and phishing threats, has a basic firewall and alerts you to hacking attempts. There are also two paid versions that have even more features:

the Avast Premium / AVG Security include an enhanced firewall, data shredder capabilities, alerts you to your webcam being used, blocks remote access to avoid hacking attacks, provides enhanced banking and payment security amongst many other features
AVG Ultimate / Avast Ultimate: as well as all the previous features, includes a secure VPN, has tools to optimise your device’s performance for example by getting rid of junk files, and provides enhanced capabilities to avoid you being tracked by various companies.

Free version:

Avast : Windows, Android, Mac and iPhone/iPad
AVG: Windows, Android, Mac, and iPhone/iPad
Trial period: 30 days
Money back guarantee: Yes, 30 days to request a refund

Paid versions:

Avast Premium / AVG Security: for Windows ($55 the first year, $95 thereafter) , for Mac ($45 the first year, $85 thereafter) Multi device plan (10 devices for $70 the first year, $120 thereafter)
Avast Ultimate: same price regardless of platform: ($75 the first year, $135 thereafter), Multi device plan (10 devices for $90 the first year, $170 thereafter)
AVG Ultimate: only available as a Multi device plan (10 devices for $110 the first year, $160 thereafter)

Bitdefender

Bitdefender Antivirus - Bitdefender Antivirus is a highly-rated antivirus program that offers both a free and paid versions. The free version offers basic protection against malware, while the three paid versions offer increasingly enhanced security. Bitdefender Internet Security is their lowest-priced antivirus and can protect 3 devices but is only available for Windows, it has parental controls, protects against adware, spyware, adware and ransomware and offers a VPN but limited to 200MB of per day.

Bitdefender Total Security can cover up to 5 devices running Windows, MacOS, Android or iOS and offers all the previous features plus a device optimiser tool. Lastly, the Bitdefender Premium Security can protect 10 devices, has all the previous features plus unlimited VPN traffic, password manager and priority support.

Free version: There are free versions of Bitdefender to protect your PC and android devices
Trial period: 30 days
Money back guarantee: Yes, 30 days to request a refund
Desktop versions: Windows and Mac (prices start at $27)
Mobile versions: Adroid and Apple ($20 the first year), Multi device plans : 5 devices for $59 the first year, $130 thereafter, or 10 devices for $90 the first year, $220 thereafter

Norton

Norton AntiVirus - Norton AntiVirus is a well-known antivirus program that offers a range of features, including real-time protection, email scanning, and a firewall. There is a free trial version, but no permanent free version is available.

Free version: None, but they offer a 30 day trial
Trial period: 30 days
Money back guarantee: Yes, 14-60 days to request a refund depending on the plan
Desktop / Mobile version: Same price regardless of operating systems or type of device, the price depends on number of devices, length of the plan and the protection offered. There are many plans, the cheapest one is the Norton Plus which starts at $40 on the first year ($75 thereafter) and the most expensive is the Norton 360 Premium, which covers 5 devices and costs $125 for the first year ($205 thereafter).

MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh shares his experience of anti-virus protection:

I'm a huge fan of Surfshark, a Nord company (and a service I renew year after year). Their anti-virus prices depend on the length of the subscription; the longer the subscription, the lower the price, except when they have special offers (as is the case at the moment).
MoneyHub has secured the following special prices when you sign up through our link. The best value is currently found on their 1-year contract, with a price of $78.98 ($6.58 per month); for two years, the price is $180.14 ($7.50 per month), and for one month, the price is $23.68. All prices include 15% GST.
Best of all, you can use the service on up to five devices; it's super-fast, making your browsing experience much cleaner, quicker and safer.
Given New Zealanders' time online, I believe that Surfshark is a valuable purchase to ensure faster and safer browsing".

Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder

Visit Surfshark

The Best Free and Paid Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software New Zealand

Must-Know Internet Safety Habits

Safe computers start with good habits, and iIn addition to using antivirus and anti-malware software, here are some online safety habits to keep in mind:

Use strong and unique passwords

Use strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts to help prevent hackers from gaining access. Consider using a password manager to help you create and store secure passwords.

Enable two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication provides an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code in addition to your password. This makes it much more difficult for hackers to gain access to your accounts.

Keep software updated

Keep your operating system and software up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates. This can help protect against known security vulnerabilities.

Only download software from official sites

When downloading apps, use the Apple Store for apple devices, and for Android make sure they have been verified by the Play Store. For desktops, make sure you only download software from the official sites as there are many websites distributing adulterated software.

Be wary of suspicious emails

Be cautious of emails from unknown senders, and avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from suspicious emails; be wary of unsolicited emails asking for personal information.

Use a VPN

Use a VPN to encrypt your internet connection and protect your privacy and security while browsing the internet.

Practice safe browsing habits

Avoid visiting untrustworthy or suspicious websites, and use ad-blocking and anti-tracking software to help prevent malware infections from malicious ads.

Be careful about what you share online

Be mindful of the information you share online, and avoid sharing personal or sensitive information in public forums or social media.

Use secure payment methods

When making purchases online, use secure payment methods such as credit cards or digital wallets that offer fraud protection.

Monitor your accounts

Regularly check your online accounts for suspicious activity, and report any suspicious or unauthorized activity to the relevant authorities or service providers.

Back up your data

Back up your important files to an external hard drive or cloud storage service to protect them in case of a security breach.

The Best Free and Paid Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software FAQs NZ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an antivirus program?

An antivirus program is a software designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software from your computer or other devices.

Why do I need an antivirus program?

An antivirus program helps protect your computer or other devices from viruses, malware, and other malicious software that could compromise your security, steal your data, or damage your system.

Can apple devices be infected with viruses or affected by malware?

While Apple devices have traditionally been considered less vulnerable to malware and viruses than other platforms, it's still important to have an antivirus program installed to protect your device from potential threats. This is especially true if you use your Apple device to browse the web, use email, or download apps from third-party sources. While the built-in security features of Apple devices, such as Gatekeeper and XProtect, help to protect against malware, they are not foolproof. Malware can still be introduced onto a device through various methods, such as phishing attacks, malicious websites, or fake apps.

Would running an antivirus program slow down my computer?

Running an antivirus program can slow down your computer to some extent, but the impact on performance is typically minimal with most modern antivirus programs.

During a scan, an antivirus program needs to scan through all the files on your computer, which can take up some CPU resources and may slow down other programs running at the same time. However, most antivirus programs are designed to minimize the impact on system performance by scanning files in the background and only use CPU resources when your device is idle or when you are not actively using it. If you notice significant performance issues while running an antivirus program, you can adjust the settings to reduce the impact on system resources. For example, you can schedule scans to run when you're not using the computer or adjust the level of real-time protection to minimize the impact on system resources.

Can I get a free antivirus program?

Yes, there are many free antivirus programs available. While they may not offer as many features as paid programs, they can still provide basic protection. We cover many free antivirus programs available here.

How do I choose the best antivirus program for me?

When choosing an antivirus program, consider factors such as its features, compatibility with your system, and reviews from other users. It's also a good idea to look for a program that offers regular updates and customer support.

Can I have more than one antivirus program installed on my computer?

Having more than one antivirus program installed on your computer is generally not recommended, as they may conflict with each other and cause performance issues.

Can antivirus programs detect all types of malware?

While antivirus programs are effective at detecting and preventing many types of malware, they may not be able to detect all types. It's important to practice safe browsing habits and use other security measures, such as a firewall, to protect your system.

How often should I run a virus scan?

It's a good idea to run a virus scan at least once a week, or more frequently if you suspect that your system may be compromised.

Can antivirus programs protect me from online threats?

Many antivirus programs offer anti-phishing, and web filtering features to protect against online threats.

Can antivirus programs protect me from ransomware attacks?

Many antivirus programs offer protection against ransomware attacks by detecting and blocking malicious files and preventing unauthorized changes to your system.

Do I need an antivirus program on my mobile device?

Yes, it's a good idea to have an antivirus program installed on your mobile device to protect against malware and other threats.

What should I do if my antivirus program detects a threat?

If your antivirus program detects a threat, it's important to follow its recommendations for removing or quarantining it. You may also need to take additional steps, such as resetting your browser settings or running a full system scan.

How can I keep my antivirus program up to date?

Many antivirus programs offer automatic updates, but it's important to check regularly to ensure that your program is up to date with the latest virus definitions and security patches.

Can I get a virus from email attachments?

Yes, email attachments are a common vector for viruses and other malware. It's important to be cautious when opening email attachments and to open only those from trusted sources.

Are there any risks associated with downloading free antivirus programs?

While there are many reputable free antivirus programs available, there are also some that may be malicious or ineffective. It's important to do your research and only download programs from trusted sources.

MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh shares his experience of anti-virus protection:

I'm a huge fan of Surfshark, a Nord company (and a service I renew year after year). Their anti-virus prices depend on the length of the subscription; the longer the subscription, the lower the price, except when they have special offers (as is the case at the moment).
MoneyHub has secured the following special prices when you sign up through our link. The best value is currently found on their 1-year contract, with a price of $78.98 ($6.58 per month); for two years, the price is $180.14 ($7.50 per month), and for one month, the price is $23.68. All prices include 15% GST.
Best of all, you can use the service on up to five devices; it's super-fast, making your browsing experience much cleaner, quicker and safer.
Given New Zealanders' time online, I believe that Surfshark is a valuable purchase to ensure faster and safer browsing".

Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder

Visit Surfshark

Related guides: