12 Best Antivirus Software for Businesses in the UK (2025)

Choosing the best antivirus software for businesses can feel overwhelming. With countless options available, each promising total protection, it's difficult to determine which solution truly fits your company's specific needs, size, and budget. A startup of five people has vastly different security requirements from a growing enterprise with 100 employees, remote workers, and multiple servers. This guide is designed to cut through the marketing noise and provide a clear, practical roadmap to selecting the right protection.

We have analysed the leading business antivirus platforms, focusing on the features that matter most to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Instead of just listing features, we provide an in-depth look at each product's real-world performance, management interface, and suitability for various business environments. To maintain a secure and compliant environment, it's vital to regularly review your cybersecurity posture using comprehensive IT audit and compliance checklists, especially when dealing with sensitive business data.

This article offers a straightforward comparison to help you make an informed decision quickly. For each entry, you will find:

• A concise summary of what makes the software stand out.
• Key features relevant to business security.
• Clear pros and cons based on user experience and technical analysis.
• Practical use cases to help you see where it fits best.
• Pricing details and direct links to learn more.

Our goal is to equip you with the essential information needed to confidently select a security partner that not only defends against threats but also supports your business's growth and operational efficiency. Let's find the ideal solution for your organisation.

1. Microsoft Defender for Business

Website: microsoft.com

Microsoft Defender for Business stands out as a top-tier security solution, particularly for small and medium-sized organisations already invested in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. It moves beyond traditional antivirus, offering an enterprise-grade endpoint security suite specifically packaged and priced for SMBs. This makes it a formidable contender for the title of best antivirus software for businesses that need a cohesive, integrated defence.

Its core strength lies in its seamless integration with Microsoft 365 Business Premium, although it's also available as a standalone product. The wizard-based setup simplifies onboarding, and the management console is unified and clear, reducing the complexity often associated with advanced security tools. This platform combines next-generation antivirus with Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), automated investigation, and threat and vulnerability management.

Key Features & Considerations

• AI-Driven Protection: Utilises behavioural analysis and machine learning to proactively identify and block sophisticated threats like ransomware before they cause damage.
• Automated Remediation: When a threat is detected, the system can automatically investigate and resolve it, significantly reducing the workload for your IT team.
• Strong Integration: Works natively with Windows and other Microsoft services, providing a single-pane-of-glass management experience within the Microsoft 365 Defender portal.
• Cost-Effectiveness: The pricing is highly competitive for businesses with up to 300 users, offering features typically found in more expensive, enterprise-level packages.

Beyond traditional endpoint protection, for a comprehensive understanding of Microsoft's broader security offerings, consider exploring solutions like Microsoft Defender for Cloud to protect cloud workloads. However, be aware that server protection is an add-on, which may be a crucial consideration for businesses with hybrid environments. To explore how this fits into a wider strategy, you can find more on this business IT solution.

2. Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security

Website: bitdefender.co.uk

Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security is renowned for its consistent top marks in independent lab tests, making it a trusted choice for small and medium-sized businesses that prioritise proven protection. It offers a comprehensive, multi-layered security strategy that goes far beyond basic virus scanning, delivered via a straightforward cloud-based management console. This focus on powerful, yet manageable, security makes it a leading candidate for the best antivirus software for businesses seeking robust, award-winning defence.

The platform is designed for rapid deployment, allowing businesses to secure their endpoints quickly without extensive IT overhead. Its core offering combines machine learning, behavioural analysis, and anti-exploit technologies to effectively counter advanced threats like zero-day attacks and sophisticated ransomware. The ability to add modules for patch management, encryption, and email security provides a flexible, scalable pathway for growing businesses to enhance their security posture as their needs evolve.

Key Features & Considerations

• Multi-Layered Protection: Employs a deep stack of security technologies, including machine learning and process monitoring, to provide a high detection rate against both known and unknown threats.
• Ransomware Mitigation: Features advanced anti-ransomware capabilities that can detect and block attacks, and in some cases, roll back malicious changes to restore original files.
• Centralised Cloud Console: Allows for easy management of all protected devices from a single web-based interface, simplifying policy enforcement and monitoring across the organisation.
• Modular Add-ons: Offers optional security layers like patch management, full-disk encryption, and email security, allowing businesses to customise their protection level.

While the base product is powerful, the need to license add-ons separately can increase both cost and administrative complexity. Businesses seeking an all-in-one solution may find this model less straightforward. However, for organisations that prefer to layer their security over time, this flexibility is a significant advantage. Integrating such a solution is often a key part of leveraging managed IT services for small and medium-sized businesses to ensure optimal configuration and ongoing management.

3. ESET PROTECT Platform

Website: eset.com

The ESET PROTECT Platform is a highly versatile and scalable security solution, making it an excellent choice for businesses that require flexibility and comprehensive protection. Its modular approach allows organisations to build a security package tailored to their specific needs, from essential endpoint antivirus to advanced Endpoint Detection and Response (XDR). This makes it a strong candidate for the best antivirus software for businesses seeking a customisable defence strategy.

A key advantage is its unified management console, available both as a cloud-based service and an on-premises deployment, catering to different IT infrastructure preferences. ESET is renowned for its low system resource usage, ensuring that security processes do not hinder employee productivity. This lightweight footprint, combined with robust, multi-layered threat detection, provides a balanced and efficient security posture suitable for a wide range of business sizes and industries across the UK.

Key Features & Considerations

• Flexible Deployment: Offers both cloud and on-premises management from a single console, providing control and adaptability for any IT environment.
• Lightweight Agent: ESET’s endpoints have a minimal performance impact, which is ideal for businesses with a mix of older and newer hardware.
• Granular Policy Control: The platform allows for highly detailed policy customisation, giving IT administrators precise control over security settings across the network.
• Modular Bundles: Businesses can start with core endpoint protection and add layers like full disk encryption, cloud app security, and advanced threat defence as their needs evolve.

The platform's website structure encourages consultation, with a focus on 'contact sales' rather than displaying instant online pricing. While this provides a tailored experience, it can be a hurdle for very small teams seeking a quick purchase. Nevertheless, for businesses that value granular control and a broad, integrated security portfolio, ESET offers a powerful and custom-fit solution.

4. Sophos Intercept X

Website: sophos.com

Sophos Intercept X has earned its reputation as a leading endpoint protection solution, particularly valued for its multi-layered defence mechanism. It excels at moving beyond signature-based malware detection, focusing instead on the techniques attackers use to exploit vulnerabilities. This approach makes it a powerful choice for businesses seeking robust protection against both known and unknown threats, including advanced ransomware.

The platform is managed through the Sophos Central cloud console, a unified dashboard that simplifies deployment and policy management across all endpoints. Its CryptoGuard technology is a standout feature, capable of detecting and reverting malicious file encryption, effectively neutralising ransomware attacks and restoring affected files. This makes it one of the best antivirus software for businesses that prioritise data integrity and business continuity.

Key Features & Considerations

• Deep Learning Anti-Malware: Utilises an artificial intelligence model to detect both known and previously unseen malware without relying on signatures, offering superior predictive protection.
• Anti-Exploit and Ransomware Technology: Features CryptoGuard to roll back ransomware damage and advanced techniques to prevent the exploitation of software vulnerabilities.
• Scalable EDR and MDR: Offers clear upgrade paths from standard endpoint protection to Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and even a fully managed 24/7 Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service for organisations without a dedicated security team.
• Centralised Cloud Management: The Sophos Central console provides a single point of control for endpoints, servers, mobile devices, and more, simplifying administration.

While the core protection is exceptional, businesses should carefully review the licensing, as many advanced features like EDR are part of higher-tier packages. The platform's strong focus on identifying system weaknesses aligns well with proactive security strategies; you can learn more about how this works by understanding the principles of a vulnerability assessment. The breadth of add-on security products available within the Sophos ecosystem also allows for a highly integrated security posture as your business grows.

5. Trend Micro Worry-Free Services Suites

Website: trendmicro.com

Trend Micro’s Worry-Free Services Suites are designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses that need robust, set-it-and-forget-it security. It earns its place as one of the best antivirus software for businesses by combining powerful endpoint protection with integrated email security, managed from a single cloud-based console. This approach is ideal for organisations with limited IT resources, offering comprehensive defence without a steep learning curve.

The platform excels at providing an all-in-one solution that covers the two most common threat vectors: endpoints and email. Its focus on automation, from deployment to updates, means less manual intervention is needed to maintain a strong security posture. With XDR (Extended Detection and Response) capabilities included, it offers deeper threat visibility than traditional antivirus, connecting events across your digital environment to uncover complex attacks.

Key Features & Considerations

• Combined Endpoint & Email Security: Unifies protection across devices and email systems, leveraging Trend Micro’s vast global threat intelligence network to block malware, phishing, and ransomware.
• Simplified Cloud Management: The single, intuitive web console allows for easy policy deployment, monitoring, and reporting, which is perfect for teams without dedicated security staff.
• Next-Gen Antivirus: Employs advanced techniques like machine learning and behavioural analysis to detect and stop zero-day threats and sophisticated attacks that signature-based methods might miss.
• Automated & Lightweight: Designed for easy deployment with automatic updates, ensuring protection is always current with minimal impact on system performance.

One practical consideration is that detailed pricing for the UK market is often provided through partners rather than being listed directly on the website. While the entry-level suites are very comprehensive, accessing the most advanced features, like full XDR capabilities, may require upgrading to a higher-tier package. This makes it crucial to evaluate which suite aligns best with your specific security needs and budget.

6. Avast Business

Website: avast.com

Avast Business offers a compelling security solution for micro-businesses and smaller organisations that prioritise speed, simplicity, and affordability. It provides robust, multi-layered protection without the complexity found in enterprise-grade platforms, making it an excellent choice for teams with limited IT resources. The platform is designed for rapid deployment and straightforward management via its cloud-based Business Hub.

This makes it a strong candidate for the best antivirus software for businesses that need reliable, set-and-forget protection. Its tiered bundles allow companies to select the exact level of security they need, from essential endpoint defence to more comprehensive packages that include patch management and privacy tools, ensuring scalability as the business grows.

Key Features & Considerations

• Cloud-Based Management: The Avast Business Hub provides a centralised, browser-based console to manage security policies, monitor threats, and schedule tasks across all devices from anywhere.
• Layered Endpoint Defence: Combines a next-generation antivirus engine with a robust firewall, behaviour shield, and machine learning to detect and block malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
• Scalable Security Tiers: Offers three clear packages (Essential, Premium, Ultimate) with features like Patch Management and VPN added in higher tiers, allowing you to pay only for what you need.
• Ease of Use: Known for its intuitive interface and simple deployment process, Avast allows even non-technical staff to get endpoints protected within minutes.

While Avast provides excellent core protection and is exceptionally user-friendly, businesses should note that pricing on its global site is often displayed in USD. It's advisable to confirm the UK-specific pricing during the purchase process. Its integrations are less extensive than those offered by enterprise-focused rivals, which may be a consideration for businesses with complex IT ecosystems. However, its generous 30-day free trials make it easy to evaluate its suitability without commitment.

7. Malwarebytes ThreatDown

Website: threatdown.com

Malwarebytes has long been a trusted name in cybersecurity, and its business-focused rebrand to ThreatDown offers a streamlined, effective security solution for SMBs. It focuses on usability and rapid threat remediation, making it an excellent choice for businesses that need powerful protection without a steep learning curve. This makes it a strong candidate for the best antivirus software for businesses looking for simplicity and effectiveness.

The platform is managed via a clean, cloud-based console that simplifies policy creation and endpoint deployment. ThreatDown’s strength lies in its clear product tiering, allowing organisations to select the precise level of protection they need, from core next-generation antivirus to comprehensive Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services. This approach avoids overwhelming smaller IT teams with unnecessary complexity while still providing a clear upgrade path.

Key Features & Considerations

• Straightforward Management: The cloud console is praised for its intuitive interface, making it easy to deploy agents, configure policies, and respond to alerts with minimal training.
• Ransomware Rollback: A key feature in its EDR tiers, Brute Force Protection and Ransomware Rollback can reverse damage from an attack, restoring affected files and reducing downtime.
• Tiered Security Options: Businesses can start with core protection and add advanced EDR, MDR, server, and mobile security as their needs evolve, ensuring scalable security.
• UK Focus: Malwarebytes has been expanding its UK channel presence, often providing threat landscape reporting and support relevant to regional businesses.

While the product is highly accessible, it's worth noting that some advanced features are reserved for the higher-priced tiers. Pricing is often quoted in USD on the main site, but UK businesses can easily get localised quotes through a growing network of local partners.

8. Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business

Website: kaspersky.co.uk

Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business is a long-standing and powerful solution that offers deeply layered protection for organisations of all sizes. It stands out due to its comprehensive feature set and flexible management options, allowing businesses to choose between a cloud-based console or an on-premises deployment. This makes it a strong choice for businesses that require robust control and a wide array of security tools managed from a single, centralised point.

The platform provides more than just next-generation antivirus; it integrates advanced threat prevention with extensive system controls. Its core offering is built on a foundation of proven threat intelligence, behavioural detection, and machine learning to effectively counter both common malware and sophisticated, fileless attacks. This combination of flexibility and deep security features solidifies its position as a candidate for the best antivirus software for businesses seeking granular control.

Key Features & Considerations

• Flexible Management: Admins can choose between the Kaspersky Security Centre Cloud Console for ease of use or an on-premises deployment for complete data control.
• Adaptive Anomaly Control: The system learns typical user and application behaviour, creating rules to block unusual activities that may indicate a security breach.
• Integrated System Hardening: Includes vulnerability assessment, patch management, and encryption management to reduce the overall attack surface of your endpoints.
• Broad Platform Support: Provides robust protection not just for Windows and macOS, but also for Linux, iOS, and Android devices, as well as Windows Server.

One of its primary advantages is the sheer breadth of features included even in its base tiers, offering exceptional value. However, some government-affiliated or public sector organisations may face procurement restrictions or internal policies regarding the use of Kaspersky products. Pricing is typically handled through a network of partners, so you will need to request a quote for your specific business requirements.

9. Norton Small Business

Website: uk.norton.com

Norton Small Business carves out a niche by offering straightforward, bundled security packages specifically for micro-businesses and very small teams. It moves away from the complex, enterprise-grade solutions to provide an all-in-one, easy-to-manage platform that combines core antivirus with practical tools like a VPN and cloud backup. This makes it an ideal choice for the best antivirus software for businesses that lack dedicated IT staff and prioritise simplicity and quick deployment.

The platform’s key strength is its accessibility. With clear pricing tiers based on the number of devices (5, 10, or 20), business owners can quickly select a plan without navigating complex feature matrices. The management dashboard is designed for ease of use, allowing for simple policy deployment and device monitoring. This approach lowers the barrier to entry for robust cyber protection, bundling essential services into a single, predictable subscription.

Key Features & Considerations

• All-in-One Bundles: Plans integrate real-time threat protection with a Secure VPN for encrypting Wi-Fi connections and cloud backup options to protect critical business data.
• Simplified Management: The central dashboard and dedicated business tech support are designed for non-technical users, making setup and ongoing management hassle-free.
• Financial and Social Media Monitoring: Unique additions for a business antivirus, these features provide alerts on potential fraudulent activity related to company finances or social media accounts.
• Generous Guarantee: Norton offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on its annual plans, providing ample time for businesses to evaluate its effectiveness without financial risk.

While Norton excels in simplicity for smaller organisations, it lacks the advanced Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) or Extended Detection and Response (XDR) capabilities found in more enterprise-focused solutions. Its device and user caps make it unsuitable for scaling businesses, but for sole traders and micro-businesses seeking reliable, set-and-forget protection, it remains a very strong and approachable contender.

10. Amazon Business (UK)

Website: amazon.co.uk/business

While not a software developer, Amazon Business earns its place on this list as a powerful procurement platform for organisations looking to centralise their IT purchasing. It serves as a one-stop marketplace where businesses can compare and acquire boxed or digital antivirus licenses from numerous leading brands. This makes it an excellent option for finding the best antivirus software for businesses that value vendor diversity and streamlined purchasing.

Its core advantage is the ability to manage software procurement alongside other business supplies, leveraging familiar Amazon logistics and a robust B2B feature set. The platform offers business-only pricing, bulk purchase discounts, and multi-user accounts with configurable spending limits and approval workflows. This transforms the often-fragmented process of buying software licenses into a controlled, auditable, and efficient operation, simplifying budget management for IT managers.

Key Features & Considerations

• Wide Vendor Selection: Provides access to a vast catalogue of antivirus solutions, from consumer-grade to business-focused packages, allowing for easy price and feature comparison.
• Procurement & Invoicing: Streamlines purchasing with VAT-exclusive pricing displays, downloadable VAT invoices, and approval workflows to maintain control over IT expenditure.
• Centralised Management: Consolidates software license purchases with other business essentials, simplifying supplier management and providing spending analytics through a single account.
• Fast Fulfilment: Leverages Amazon's established logistics network for rapid delivery of physical software boxes or provides instant access to digital download codes.

When purchasing, it is crucial to buy directly from the vendor's official storefront on Amazon or from highly-rated, authorised resellers to ensure license authenticity and proper support. While the convenience is undeniable, remember that technical support and warranty claims will typically be handled by the software vendor, not Amazon, which is a key difference compared to buying direct.

11. CDW UK

Website: uk.cdw.com

For businesses that prefer a consultative approach to purchasing security software, CDW UK is a valuable partner rather than just another vendor. As a major technology solutions provider, it offers access to a vast portfolio of antivirus and endpoint protection products from leading names like CrowdStrike, Trend Micro, and Bitdefender. This makes it an ideal choice for organisations needing to procure, deploy, and manage multi-vendor security solutions under a single, expert-led account.

Instead of direct online sales, CDW UK operates on a quote-based model, providing tailored advice and procurement services. Their strength lies in handling complex licensing agreements, volume purchasing, and renewals, which can be a significant administrative burden for IT teams. For businesses seeking the best antivirus software for their specific needs, CDW's account management and solution design services can simplify the entire process.

Key Features & Considerations

• Broad Vendor Catalogue: Provides a one-stop shop to compare, quote, and purchase solutions from nearly every major cybersecurity vendor, ensuring you find the right fit.
• Licensing Expertise: Highly experienced in navigating complex enterprise and public-sector licensing, helping to optimise costs and ensure compliance.
• UK-Based Support: Offers dedicated UK-based account teams and support, providing localised expertise and assistance throughout the procurement lifecycle.
• Managed Services: Beyond simple supply, CDW can assist with solution design, deployment, and ongoing managed security services.

This model is particularly suited for medium to large businesses or public sector bodies that require formal procurement processes. However, smaller businesses seeking immediate, off-the-shelf software purchases might find the quote-based system less direct. Be mindful that lead times or minimum order quantities may apply to certain products.

12. Insight UK

Website: uk.insight.com

For businesses wanting to compare and procure security solutions from multiple vendors, Insight UK acts as a strategic partner rather than a single software provider. It is a major UK-based technology reseller with a comprehensive security portfolio featuring leading names like Sophos, Symantec (Broadcom), and VIPRE. This makes it an invaluable resource for organisations seeking guided selection, competitive quotes, and consolidated procurement for their entire IT stack.

Insight’s primary strength is its ability to simplify the complex process of choosing the best antivirus software for businesses. Instead of visiting multiple vendor sites, IT managers can use Insight to access trials, speak with UK-based specialists, and manage licensing renewals all in one place. This is particularly beneficial for public-sector organisations or businesses with strict procurement policies, as Insight has extensive experience with established frameworks.

Key Features & Considerations

• Multi-Vendor Portfolio: Provides a wide choice of endpoint security solutions, allowing you to find the perfect fit without being tied to a single ecosystem.
• Expert Guidance: Access to UK-based specialists who can help navigate the features and licensing of different products, ensuring you make an informed decision.
• Simplified Procurement: Streamlines the purchasing and renewal process, which is ideal for businesses managing multiple software licences.
• Trial & Demo Access: Facilitates trial access for various antivirus platforms, enabling hands-on evaluation before committing to a purchase.

The main drawback is that pricing is typically provided via a quote process rather than direct click-to-buy, which adds a step to the procurement cycle. Furthermore, the level of detail on the product catalogue pages can vary between vendors. However, for businesses that value expert consultation and a streamlined, multi-vendor approach to purchasing security software, Insight UK is an excellent and highly efficient resource.

Top 12 Business Antivirus Software Comparison

Final Thoughts

Navigating the landscape of cybersecurity solutions can feel overwhelming, but selecting the best antivirus software for businesses is a critical step in protecting your organisation's digital assets. Throughout this guide, we have explored a diverse range of powerful tools, from comprehensive endpoint detection and response (EDR) platforms like Sophos Intercept X and Malwarebytes ThreatDown to streamlined, highly effective solutions such as Microsoft Defender for Business and Bitdefender GravityZone. Each option presents a unique combination of features, management styles, and pricing structures, underscoring a crucial takeaway: there is no single "best" solution for every company.

The ideal choice hinges entirely on your specific operational needs, existing IT infrastructure, and the level of in-house technical expertise you possess. A growing start-up with a small, tech-savvy team might find the user-friendly interface and cloud-native management of Trend Micro Worry-Free Services to be a perfect fit. In contrast, a medium-sized enterprise in a highly regulated industry may require the granular control and advanced threat hunting capabilities offered by the ESET PROTECT Platform.

Key Takeaways for Making Your Decision

As you move forward, keep these core principles at the forefront of your evaluation process. The right decision isn't just about picking the software with the longest feature list; it's about finding a strategic partner in your cybersecurity defence.

• Assess Your True Needs: Before you even look at a demo, perform a thorough internal audit. How many endpoints do you need to protect? What types of devices are they (laptops, servers, mobile phones)? What is your tolerance for false positives, and how much time can your team dedicate to managing the system?
• Prioritise Usability and Management: A complex system that your team cannot effectively manage is a security risk in itself. Look for a solution with a centralised management console that is intuitive and provides clear, actionable alerts. A platform that automates routine tasks can free up valuable IT resources.
• Think Beyond Traditional Antivirus: Modern threats are sophisticated and multi-faceted. Relying solely on signature-based detection is no longer sufficient. Prioritise solutions that incorporate advanced technologies like behavioural analysis, machine learning, anti-exploit protection, and EDR capabilities.
• Consider Scalability: Your business is likely to grow, and your security solution should be able to grow with it. Evaluate how easily a platform can scale to accommodate more users, devices, and even new office locations. Check the pricing tiers to ensure the cost remains manageable as you expand.

Your Actionable Next Steps

Choosing the best antivirus software for businesses is a significant investment, but breaking the process down into manageable steps makes it much clearer.

1. Shortlist Your Top 3: Based on our detailed reviews, select the three solutions that most closely align with your business size, budget, and technical requirements.
2. Request a Demo or Trial: Never commit without seeing the software in action. A free trial or a guided demo is the best way to understand the user interface, test key features, and see how it performs within your actual environment.
3. Engage Your Team: Involve the key people who will be using or managing the software. Gather their feedback on usability and whether it meets their day-to-day needs.
4. Review Support Options: When a security incident occurs, you need reliable support. Investigate the provider's support channels (phone, email, chat), their operating hours, and their reputation for responsiveness.

Ultimately, the goal is to implement a robust, multi-layered security posture that protects your endpoints without hindering productivity. By carefully considering your unique circumstances and using the insights from this guide, you can confidently select a solution that acts as a powerful shield against the ever-evolving threat landscape, allowing you to focus on what matters most: growing your business.

Feeling overwhelmed by the options? HGC IT Solutions can help you navigate the complex world of cybersecurity by assessing your specific needs and implementing the perfect antivirus and endpoint protection for your business. Get in touch with our experts at HGC IT Solutions for a consultation today.