The best security and anti-virus software for small business

When you're running a small business, time and resources are precious – but you should never cut corners or costs when it comes to cybersecurity. Whatever the size of your team, keeping your data, devices, and digital tools secure is essential.

In this guide, we’ve reviewed and compared the best anti-virus and security solutions designed for small businesses. We’ll explore top names like AVG, Avast, Norton, ESET, and Kaspersky. As well as comparing features, functionalities and prices, we’ll explain which organisations we feel could benefit from the software.

**Prices correct on 20/05/25 (limited-time offers may be available)

What is anti-virus software?

Businesses are facing a growing threat of online attacks, with government stats showing almost half of SMEs have been targeted .

Anti-virus software installed on your computers acts a first line of defence, protecting users, systems and data against online hackers, viruses and malicious content.

Business anti-virus software can protect you from a variety of digital threats, including:

• Phishing attacks
• Ransomware
• Malware
• Data breaches
• Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks

Anti-virus software can’t do everything, sadly. You’re still at risk if your staff click on links, share passwords publicly or log-in to insecure networks. However, it is an important tool in the fight.

Learn more about what security and anti-virus software can do – and why it’s critical for your business in our detailed guide.

What security features do you need?

Anti-virus software used to be a drag to use and a drain on systems. Thankfully, the packages here are all subscription-based services that are delivered through the cloud.

They’re not quite install-and-forget, but most will work behind the scenes to secure your systems.

Some of the key things you want from every anti-virus software package includes:

• Regular updates
• 24/7 support
• Cloud-based management
• Coverage across all your devices

These features come as standard on all packages here. Basic anti-virus software for a single device can cost between £20-£50 per month (depending on introductory deals, contract length and payment method chosen).

Spend more and you’ll get access to additional features like VPNs, centralised dashboards, encryption and cloud-based file back up. These software systems can give you more control, but they can be more complex to install and configure.

As with everything IT-related, it can be worth speaking to a specialist, especially if you’re dealing with lots of personally identifiable information, financial records, or sensitive data.

The best business anti-virus software

We’ve reviewed the UK’s most popular anti-virus software and solutions for small business, and here’s our independent reviews and recommendations:

 AVG Business Security

AVG Business Security combines simplicity with serious security. Their small business edition includes essential tools like file, email, and web protection. There’s also a secure VPN for good measure.

Updates are pushed out automatically (not a unique feature, but it’s nice to know).

Key benefits:

• Easy to use, install and manage.
• AVG’s no-fuss setup and low cost make it ideal for startups or small teams with limited IT resources.
• You can purchase multiple licenses and configure them all centrally.

Disadvantages

• Pay-per-user model could work out more expensive than other providers if you have a growing team.

Pricing:

• From £36.14/year per device.
• Look out for bundle discounts if you’re protecting multiple devices.

Find out more about AVG Business Security.

Kaspersky Small Office Security

Kaspersky is trusted by businesses worldwide and its all-on-one small business solution delivers a lot for the price. For one monthly payment you’ll receive anti-virus, web and email security, online payment protection, and backup tools.

The Kaspersky Small Office Security solution is all delivered within a GDPR-friendly framework.

Kaspersky Small Office Security offers great tools, like the ability to lock lost or stolen devices, automatically blocks your staff from clicking on known ransomware links (even if workers try to override it) and protects your account details when making purchases online.

Key benefits:

• The best all-round solution for total security and innovative features.
• Ideal for small teams that need secure collaboration and compliance tools.
• Includes file encryption and password management out of the box.
• One of the world’s most trusted security brands with big features available at a (relatively) small cost.

Disadvantages:

• It’s a comprehensive package that may replicate existing tools you’re already using (like a password manager, for example).

Pricing:

• From £205.00/year for 5 devices

Norton Small Business

Norton’s small business plan gives you real-time threat protection, secure VPN, cloud backup, and even dark web monitoring.

The Premium package could be worth the investment, if you’ll use the features. One example is Norton Small Business’s social media protection, a valuable add-on for those with large social following (or employees who share passwords like sweets).

Norton Small Business feels less technical than some of the other anti-virus software on the market. We found it was easier to install and configure than some of the others which is a definite benefit.

Key benefits:

• All-in-one protection for busy teams.
• Premium solution includes social media protection, valuable for creative businesses or those managing multiple social channels.
• It’s a one-stop-shop — especially useful if you’re not techy but need reliable, ongoing protection.
• Their mobile app makes it easy to manage and monitor your security on the go.

Disadvantages:

• Premium has great add ons but more expensive than some packages.
• May be cheaper options if you have fewer than 5 employees.

Pricing:

• Basic from £69.99/year for 5 devices.
• Premium from £149.99/year for 5 devices.

Find out about Norton Small Business.

ESET Protect Entry

If you’re a bit more technically minded, ESET offers strong, lightweight security with plenty of options to configure.

The cloud-based console is powerful, offering full disk encryption, mail server security and more. It’s a competent package but set-up might be a step too far for beginners or those with limited technical knowledge.

ESET also offer the more user-friendly ESET Small Business Security for small businesses that want an easy to install and use option.

Key benefits:

• Lightweight, powerful, customisable.
• It’s fast, lean, and gives users more control than other packages.
• Great detection rates and very low system impact make it a favourite with IT professionals.
• Surprisingly affordable from a lesser-known brand name.

Disadvantages:

• It’s quite technical and you may need expert support to install.
• Alternatives may be better if you don’t need the advanced features.

Pricing:

• From £155.50/year for 5 users

Discover ESET Protect.

Avast Business Security

Avast’s small business suite includes anti-virus, email protection, VPN and a basic firewall. You can try Avast for free, and upgrade if you like it.

We love the way you can add users when you want, making it the best choice of security package to scale up as you grow. Whether you’re a sole trader or a small team, it’s flexible and affordable.

Avast is an award-winning security provider with options for home-office-based-companies (1-10 devices) and small businesses operating from multiple locations (11-100 devices).

Key benefits:

• Try for free for 30 days.
• The Avast cloud console is user-friendly and lets you manage multiple devices from one place.
• You can add advanced threat protection and patch management as your needs evolve.

Disadvantages:

• You’ll need to know about your systems and business before selecting the right package.
• You’re paying per-device not user. One user could have multiple devices (laptop, phone, desktop, tablet, etc.), so factor that into your plans (and pricing calculations).

Pricing:

• From £112.99/year for 10 devices

Learn more about Avast Business Security.

 Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security

Bitdefender is a heavyweight in threat prevention. The feature-heavy package offers excellent protection, but it has minimal impact on system performance.

This isn’t a solution for basic businesses or those who want simple implementation. If you’re confident with the technical aspects and want to ensure the highest levels of protection and transparency, Bitdefender is a great choice.

Bitdefender is ideal if you want robust control and detailed reporting from your anti-virus package.

Key benefits:

• Super strong protection for all devices, including servers.
• Ideal for small teams that need secure collaboration and compliance tools.
• Includes file encryption and password management out of the box.

Disadvantages

• Like other tech-heavy packages it can be a challenge for non-specialists to implement and configure.

Pricing:

• £202.99/year for up to 10 users.

Learn more about Bitdefender.

Microsoft Defender for Business

Already using Microsoft 365? Defender for Business is built in to that package. It’s a surprisingly powerful solution which provides solid protection. It uses AI (doesn’t everything now?) to provide protection across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android™ devices.

It doesn’t have some of the advanced features of others (we’re looking at you Kaspersky) but if you’re running a lightweight business then it could be a suitable solution.

Being from a brand like Microsoft, it’s tried, tested and trusted with no integration issues. Why not give it a try?

Key benefits:

• Easy to use like all modern Microsoft productivity software packages.
• Ideal for small teams that need secure collaboration and compliance tools.
• Includes file encryption and password management out of the box.

Pricing:

• Free with Microsoft 365 Business Premium.

Discover Microsoft Defender for Business.