10 Best Antiviruses for PC Gamers [2022] (With Game Boosters)

Short on time? Here’s the best gaming antivirus in 2022:

I reviewed all the available antiviruses to determine their security and performance during gameplay. I also evaluated their pricing. I was looking for the best anti-malware protection that doesn’t slow down the computer during high-performance gaming and offers a great value for gamers of all kinds.

My budget gaming rig includes a 1TB Intel SSD, Ryzen3 3300X CPU and Nvidia GTX1660 Super GPU. I performed the tests. These days I am mostly playing Apex Legends, and Destiny 2 Beyond Light. I therefore tested each product using different graphics settings for each game.

The majority of top-tier antivirus software includes a gaming mode in their web security packages. However, most gaming modes suspend notifications and virus scans so that your gaming experience doesn’t get interrupted by notifications or CPU-intensive scanning. It is quite useful. However, the best antiviruses also use additional tools to increase performance for PC gamers.

• Cloud-based scan – This runs scans from the cloud to free up your CPU for gaming. This prevents antivirus programs from taking over the CPU during scans.
• Game boosters — Relocates background processes to allow your CPU to focus on playing games. Your computer will run faster.
• Device cleaning – Clears away junk files, cached and background files to free up space. To improve system performance, it frees RAM and memory.

I only found a couple of antivirus programs that provide some combination of these performance-optimizing features. This list has everything you need, whether you are looking for a complete security package for your family or an ultra-lightweight cloud-based anti-virus package.

Quick summary of the best antiviruses for gaming in 2022:

• 1.🥇 Norton — Best gaming antivirus with a game booster that improves CPU performance.
• 2.🥈 Bitdefender — Lightweight malware scanner with an automatic gaming mode.
• 3.🥉 TotalAV — Fast antivirus with system clean-up tools and a really good VPN.
• 4. McAfee — Advanced antivirus protection with parental controls and a smart firewall.
• 5. Avira — Cloud-based malware scanner with a good free plan.

🥇1. Norton — Best Internet Security Suite for Gamers

Norton 360 For Gamers offers one of the most powerful anti-malware engines available, comprehensive web protections and some cool perks for gamers.

Norton GO is a game booster that optimizes performance and can only be used with Norton 360 For Gamers. Norton GO suspends background process, delays virus scans and optimizes performance during gaming I was able increase my graphics settings with no slowdown while playing Destiny and Apex Legends.

I also love Norton’s dark-web monitoring feature. It scans dark web forums and breach databases to ensure that your financial information, passwords and emails are safe.

Norton’s parental controls for gaming are the best available. They let you monitor and set limits, block certain apps and devices, and even block sensitive online content. Norton was a great tool to make sure my daughter wasn’t working after school, and that she only opened her games when dinner is over.

Overall Norton 360 For Gamers offers great security and performance. It’s also very affordable at D44.99/year. The Norton 360 Deluxe gaming option is also a great choice. It offers the same features of Norton 360 For Gamers, except that it can suppress notifications and monitor dark web for gamer tags. However, coverage is available for up to five devices for the same price.

Bottom line:

Norton 360 For Gamersis the best internet protection suite for PC gamers–its antivirus engine detected all my malware, and its game booster feature significantly improved my system performance while gaming. Norton is a full-featured program that offers family protection, dark web monitoring and many other useful features. All Norton plans include a 60-day guarantee of your money back.

🥈2. Bitdefender — Lightweight Scanner With an Automatic Gaming Mode

Bitdefender isn’t a game booster. However, its cloud-based malware engine as well as useful system tuning tools make it an excellent choice.

This scanner is one of the best anti-malware scanners available. It returned 100% malware detection rates during my testing. Bitdefender uses a combination signature-based scanning, advanced algorithms, and machine learning to detect almost all threats. Because all scanning takes place in the cloud, Bitdefender won’t slow down your system, even when you run full system scans.

Bitdefender has an automatic gaming mode. This detects when your device goes into full screen mode, and then suspends all notifications and scans. I wish Bitdefender had a game booster like Norton.

Bitdefender’s device optimization tools are also very useful. They can detect and remove junk files and make a slow device run much faster. Bitdefender’s microphone protections and webcam protections are great for streamers and anyone using voice chat. Bitdefender was able to block several popular eavesdropping malware file during my testing.

Plans starting at D23.99/year, all Bitdefender’s plans are affordable, but parents may want to look into Bitdefender Internet Security (D32.99/year) or Bitdefender Total Security(D35.99/year), which both include Bitdefender’s excellent parental controls. Bitdefender Premium security is a great option for users who want an excellent antivirus-bundled VPN. It costs D69.99 per year.

Bottom line:

Bitdefender offers lightweight antivirus protection that won’t slow down a gaming PC. Its powerful real-time malware detection kept me safe without affecting any of my framerates. Bitdefender plans come with a 30-day money back guarantee and are feature-rich.

🥉3. TotalAV — Fast Scanner & Best System Tune-Up Tools for Gamers

TotalAV Antivirus For Gamers offers all TotalAV’s protections and a variety of useful features for PC and Mac gamers. TotalAV’s lightweight scanner sends the computation to the cloud, ensuring a 99.5% detection rate without slowing down your computer during scans.

TotalAV offers a great suite of system tools, which includes junk file removal, startup booster and browser file cleanup. There is also an application uninstaller. TotalAV was able, in my testing, to locate and remove more junk files that any other system tune up tool.

It does not have a game booster, like Norton or Avira. However, it was able to run AAA games such as Elden Ring at the highest graphics settings and with no slowdown, thanks to TotalAV’s cloud-based scanners.

This is also my favorite antivirus in 2022 with a VPN, providing encrypted browsing across dozens of servers around world, a kill switch to secure torrenting and high connection speeds.

Gamers now have the opportunity to purchase TotalAV for a very low price with the Antivirus For Gamers bundle. This bundle offers all of TotalAV’s features for up to 3 Windows or iOS devices, and costs only D19.00 per year.

Bottom line:

TotalAV, a lightweight antivirus, has near-perfect malware detection rates and a great system tune up suite. It helped me optimize my startup and get rid of junk files. TotalAV’s speedy VPN is also something I love. It’s comparable to standalone VPN apps. TotalAV offers a 30-day guarantee on all plans.

4. McAfee — Best Parental Controls for Gamers

McAfee Total Protection offers a complete internet security suite that includes an advanced antivirus scanner, firewall and parental controls. The anti-malware engine caught 100% of the malware files that I put on my gaming computer. It performed very well in my standard series.

I also like McAfee’s parental controls. They allow you to set time limits for your test computer’s internet access and block certain apps.

McAfee’s secure firewall is also great for gamers – it was able detect a variety of network attacks during testing and could also set rules to allow friends and games to connect online.

McAfee, unlike Norton has no built-in gaming mode. However, you can schedule scans to prevent gaming interruptions.

Plans starting at D39.99/year, McAfee’s Total Protection plans are a great value. There are many plans, including options for families and individuals. You can choose to cover 5 or unlimited devices. Both plans include identity monitoring, web protection, secure VPN and firewall. McAfee’s parental controls are available on the more expensive plans.

Bottom line:

McAfee Total Protection offers 100% malware detection rates, as well as excellent additional features such parental controls and smart firewall. McAfee’s intuitive interface makes it easy to schedule scans. Parents will also appreciate the ability monitor, block and schedule internet access and app usage. McAfee’s plans are very affordable and come with a 30-day guarantee.

5. Avira — Cloud-Based With a Good Free Plan

Avira, a cloud-based and secure antivirus program, has a game booster.

Avira’s antivirus software detected all malware files on my computer during my tests. Because it is hosted in the cloud it didn’t slow down my system at all when scanning.

I like Avira’s game booster. It improved my CPU performance by closing all background apps and optimizing my network settings. However, I think Norton has the better gaming booster. I was able to adjust my graphical settings without any framerate drops.

Avira’s Free Plan, Avira Free Security doesn’t have gamer-specific features but it is still one of the most popular free antivirus plans. Other features include:

• Shopping extension and safe browsing.
• System tune-up tools.
• VPN (500MB monthly limit).
• Password manager.

Avira’s safe browsing extension was a great experience. It blocked YouTube ads, removed web trackers and recommended deals for products that I was looking for, including gaming accessories.

Despite this, I recommend that gamers still check out Avira Prim,. It adds a great game booster and a VPN with unlimited data and multi-device coverage. You can also monitor your password and account breaches online for $59.99 per year.

Bottom line:

Avira’s cloud-based malware scanner is great news for gamers. It uses very little CPU power and still provides 100% malware protection to your devices. It also includes a great game booster, which increases CPU performance. Although the Avira free plan does not include gaming features it still offers excellent ad blocking web extensions and system tune-up tools. Avira Prime is the best choice for users looking for unlimited data, multi-device coverage and game booster. It also includes a 60-day guarantee.

6. Kaspersky — Most Extra Features for Gaming

Kaspersky is everything I would expect from a premium antivirus suite for gamers – it has an excellent anti-malware scanner and an automatic mode. It also offers a range of internet security protections.

Kaspersky’s malware scanner detected every malware file I tested, even advanced ransomware.

I like Kaspersky’s gaming mode. It turns on automatically in full screen mode, suspending scan notifications, and suspending all notifications. But, Kaspersky’s gaming mode isn’t as customizable and optimized for performance as Norton.

Kaspersky comes with extra features such as:

• Online banking and shopping.
• Password manager.
• VPN (300 MB per day).
• Clean-up tools for PCs.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus costs $29.99 per year. users looking for protection for only Windows PCs should upgrade to Kaspersky Internet Security for $39.99/year or Kaspersky Total Security for $49.99/year. This adds parental controls and a password manager.

Bottom line:

Kaspersky antivirus is a complete suite that includes a gaming mode. Kaspersky’s gaming mode isn’t very feature-rich, but it does the job. Kaspersky offers a number of additional features such as online banking protection and password management, a VPN and system cleaning tools. All Kaspersky purchases come with a 30-day guarantee of money back.

7. Malwarebytes — Minimal Antivirus for Gamers on a Budget

Malwarebytes offers advanced anti-malware protection and web protections. However, it does not have parental controls or firewall. Malwarebytes is a good choice for those who want a decent antivirus program without taking up too much of their CPU.

Malwarebytes received a 95% detection rate in my tests (Norton and Bitdefender scored 100%). It also blocked many of the phishing and unsafe websites that I tried to open. Malwarebytes automatically detects when your system goes into full screen mode. This delays all scans while you are playing games or watching videos.

Malwarebytes premium ($44.99/year) is a great low-budget option. However, users who want fast VPN to secure their web browsing and privacy should also consider Malwarebytes premium + Privacy ($99.99/year).

Bottom line:

Malwarebytes is a low-impact antimalware program that detects malware quickly and blocks phishing sites. Malwarebytes comes with an automated gaming mode and can be upgraded to get a fast VPN. Malwarebytes offers a generous 60-day money back guarantee on all plans.

8. Panda — Good for Ease-of-Use

Panda is an intuitive antivirus that’s easy to use. It also features a gaming mode and excellent web security protections. The cloud-based virus scanner found all the malware I tested, even tricky rootkits. It didn’t slow down during intense Apex Legends.

When I entered fullscreen, Panda’s gaming mod activated. It suspended all notifications and scans to slow down my CPU. Norton offers a game booster that improves your PC’s performance while gaming.

Panda offers several plans and all are affordable.

Bottom line:

Panda offers cloud-based scanning that won’t slow down gaming and an automated gaming mode that begins when a game starts. Panda is an acceptable choice for those who don’t have the technical skills to manage antivirus. It also includes parental controls, a VPN and a password manager. Panda comes with a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee.

9. Webroot — Simple & Lightweight Antivirus

SecureAnywhereAntiVirus for PC Gamers can be used to save disk space.

Webroot’s antivirus engine impressed me. While other competitors can take up to a few hours to scan a complete system, Webroot took only minutes to scan all my files.

Webroot was extremely lightweight. It barely affected my RAM and CPU usage while I was playing Destiny 2. It has an advanced setting that will reduce the amount of resources used if you are gaming, watching videos or using other intensive programs. Norton is still my favorite for gaming performance.

Webroot SecureAnywhereAntivirus for PC Gamers is available at $29.99/year. It protects your webcam against malware hijacking, has strong network protection, and includes a system optimizer that cleans up background files to free up RAM.

Bottom line:

Webroot, a lightweight and simple antivirus, takes up very little disk space. However, it is designed to run in the background so that it doesn’t slow down your gaming sessions. Webroot comes with a generous guarantee of a refund if you are not satisfied within the first seven days.

10. Trend Micro — Decent Virus Protection With a Manual Mute Mode

Trend Micro offers good anti-malware protection and a wide range of internet security tools. This includes a Mute Mode, which suspends scannings and notifies.

Trend Micro detected most of the malware samples that I downloaded to my computer in my testing. However, its detection rates were not as high as those of premium antiviruses like Bitdefender and Norton. Trend Micro’s antiphishing protections outperform the best antiviruses. They detected exploit attacks and scam sites more accurately than Chrome or Firefox.

I like Trend Micro’s Mute Mode but it was frustrating that I had needed to navigate through several sub-menus in order to activate it. Most of the other competitors on this list detect when you are gaming and activate their gaming modes immediately.

Although Trend Micro isn’t my top choice for gamers I think its internet security suites offer a great value for individuals and families. Their prices start at $19.95/year.

Bottom line:

Trend Micro antivirus program is a great choice. It has helpful extra features like a Mute Mode which pauses scans and notifies, but must be activated manually. Trend Micro plans come with a 30-day money back guarantee.

What antivirus is needed for gaming?

Threat actors could target gamers in many ways. Phishing links can be sent to gamers via in-game messaging systems, email, or by hackers pretending they are game administrators. They aim to steal login credentials and payment information. Keyloggers and other malware could be hidden in mods or files you download from websites. Third parties might exploit security flaws or data breaches in legitimate games to their advantage.

An antivirus for gaming is more than just protecting you from malware. Norton’s gaming antiviruses can boost your device’s performance with features such as game boosters, system tune-up tools, and more. They also minimize their impact on gameplay by suspending notifications and scanning while you are playing or using cloud-based scanners. You should make sure that you choose the right antivirus as not all antiviruses offer all these features.

How to choose the best antivirus for gaming in 2022

• Malware detection. A good gaming antivirus should have close-to 100% malware detection rates. It should be able to detect malware that doesn’t exist in the malware database using machine learning and heuristic detection.
• Web security. Hackers often target gamers using fake links to trick them into giving out their account information or payment information. It is important to have an antivirus that offers good anti-phishing protection, as well as a secure browser.
• Lightweight. Although it is important to have antivirus, your gaming performance shouldn’t be affected by your antivirus. The antiviruses in this list are low on RAM and CPU usage. Many of them, like Bitdefender and TotalAV, also have cloud-based scanners that won’t slow down your system even when running full system scans.
• Features that are specific to gamers. Gaming antivirus software should have features that enhance gaming performance and minimize interruptions. Norton offers both a game booster that speeds up your CPU while gaming and optimizes processing power. It also has a gamer mode that suspends notifications and scans so you are not interrupted at critical moments.
• Easy to Use. They all have intuitive layouts, useful submenus, responsive tech support, and a user-friendly interface.
• A good value. An antivirus should offer a balance between price and quality. It should cover multiple devices with one subscription, as well as additional features such dark web monitoring, webcam protection, system tune up tools, password managers, VPNs and parental controls. You should also look for antiviruses with money-back warranties. These guarantees allow you to try the product risk free and receive a full refund if it doesn’t work out.

Top Brands that Didn’t Make the Cut:

• Sophos.Sophos is an excellent internet security suite that has high malware detection rates and doesn’t slow down scans. It’s also very user-friendly. Sophos does not have a gaming mode, or game booster. It is therefore not a good choice.
• Avast/AVG. Many sites get paid to recommend Avast or AVG. However, after learning about credible allegations that both companies stole and sold user data, we decided to stop supporting them on our site. Read more about our decision.
• Intego. Intego has the best antivirus for Macs in 2022 and even offers excellent system tune-up tools to Mac gamers. Intego’s Windows antivirus is not my favorite, but the vast majority are using Windows in 2022.

Which antivirus is best for gamers?

Norton 360 For Gamers is the best gaming antivirus. Norton can scan the dark internet for your gamertag in order to determine if any personal or account information has been stolen.

All of these antiviruses are great for gaming, and each one has its own strengths. Bitdefender, for example, uses cloud-based scanning to reduce the impact it has on your device’s performance. TotalAV is my favorite antivirus with a VPN. McAfee also offers excellent parental controls.

What will an antivirus do to my gaming?

Yes, most antiviruses can affect your gameplay. Pop-up notifications and high CPU load are a hallmark of virus scans. This can lead to noticeable lag or other performance issues.

Gaming antiviruses don’t have to affect your gameplay. Some antiviruses include:

• Gaming mode. While you are gaming, suspend virus scans and notifications.
• Game booster. Reallocates background tasks to free up CPU processing for gaming.
• Cloud-based scanner. It doesn’t require your CPU to run scans. This reduces system strain during routine scans.
• Optimization of your system. This will remove junk files and speed up your bootup. It also increases RAM and memory availability.

Avira and Norton antiviruses will increase the performance of your CPU with their game booster functions. Some products on my list also have cloud-based scanners and automatic gaming modes, so there’s no need to worry about your headshot being interrupted due to a security alert.

What if I want to turn off my antivirus but my games are still open?

Yes, you can. But hackers expect you to do it. Gamers are a big target for cyber attacks due to their habit of connecting to the internet with no protection.

There are many gaming-optimized anti-virus options available today. This means that you don’t have to turn your antivirus off even when playing intense games.

The products in this list all have great malware scanners and game modes that allow you to keep your gaming uninterrupted. Some antiviruses, such as Norton 360 For Gamers, even offer game boosters to improve your computer’s performance while gaming.

Is it possible to have different gaming modes within antivirus software?

Not really. Most of the top-tier antivirus software now have a “game mode”, which suspends notifications and scans when you’re in fullscreen mode. Some antivirus programs, such as Norton and Avira, will increase the performance of your computer and even increase your CPU processing speed.

Is there an antivirus program that allows you to play games?

I was unable to find a free antivirus that had a gaming mode. I recommend getting a paid antivirus with a gaming option or booster, such as Norton or Bitdefender.

Source : #safetydetectives
Editor by : BEST Antivirus KBS Team