Article
Best Antivirus for Chromebook in 2026 - Top ChromeOS Security
Protect your Chromebook from phishing, malicious extensions, and web-based threats. Our experts tested the best antivirus apps for ChromeOS security and performance.
Chromebooks have a reputation for being secure thanks to ChromeOS’s built-in protections like automatic updates and sandboxing, where every webpage and application runs in isolation. However, these protections don’t fully address modern web-based threats in 2026.
The Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) recorded over a million phishing attacks in Q1 of 2026, and Chromebook users aren’t immune to malicious browser extensions, data-harvesting websites, and phishing attacks. While less vulnerable to traditional malware than Windows PCs, Chromebooks still benefit from dedicated security tools.
Our team tested leading Chromebook antivirus solutions, analyzing detection rates on ChromeOS, measuring performance impact, and evaluating web protection features specifically designed for cloud-based computing.
Quick Comparison
| Antivirus | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. TotalAV for Chromebook | Best Overall | $19.00/year | ★4.8/5 |
| 2. Norton 360 for Chromebook | Best Comprehensive Protection | $29.99/year | ★4.7/5 |
| 3. Bitdefender Mobile Security | Best Value | $9.99/year | ★4.7/5 |
| 4. Kaspersky for Chromebook | Best Detection Technology | $14.99/year | ★4.6/5 |
| 5. Malwarebytes for Chromebook | Best for Simplicity | $11.99/year | ★4.5/5 |
| 6. Avira for Chromebook | Best Free Option | Free | ★4.4/5 |
| 7. Trend Micro for Chromebook | Best for Web Protection | $19.95/year | ★4.3/5 |
| 8. Surfshark One for Chromebook | Best All-in-One Suite | $15.99/month | ★4.3/5 |
| 9. Webroot for Chromebook | Best for Speed | $29.99/year | ★4.2/5 |
| 10. McAfee for Chromebook | Best for Families | $29.99/year | ★4.1/5 |
Our Top Picks in Detail
TotalAV for Chromebook
TotalAV is considered the best Chromebook antivirus as of January 2026, offering excellent malware detection and removal rates with useful security features at a budget-friendly price. The WebShield extension protects from phishing sites by marking them in search results, while you also get VPN, ad blocker, and real-time protection—covering up to 6 devices including your Chromebook.
Key Features
- ●Excellent malware detection
- ●WebShield phishing protection
- ●VPN included
- ●Ad blocker
- ●Real-time protection
- ●6 devices total coverage
Pros
- ✓Best Chromebook compatibility
- ✓Strong phishing protection
- ✓Includes VPN and ad blocker
- ✓Covers 6 devices total
- ✓30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- ✗High renewal price ($99/year)
- ✗Android app on ChromeOS
- ✗Limited Chromebook-specific features
Norton 360 for Chromebook
Norton 360 is the second best antivirus for Chromebook, easily downloadable through Google Play Store to protect ChromeOS from malicious third-party apps and trackers. With a perfect 6.0/6.0 protection score in AV-TEST's May 2026 Android evaluation and 100% malware detection rate, Norton provides comprehensive protection with unlimited VPN, dark web monitoring, and password manager.
Key Features
- ●100% malware detection (Android)
- ●Unlimited VPN
- ●Dark web monitoring
- ●Password manager
- ●Safe Search feature
- ●Wi-Fi security
Pros
- ✓Perfect malware detection
- ✓Unlimited VPN included
- ✓Most comprehensive features
- ✓60-day money-back guarantee
- ✓Excellent customer support
Cons
- ✗Higher price point
- ✗Not native ChromeOS support
- ✗Via Google Play Store only
Bitdefender Mobile Security
Bitdefender Mobile Security is an affordable Chromebook antivirus with perfect 100% threat detection (50/50 infected samples) in Chromebook tests. Scoring a perfect 6/6 in protection and usability in AV-TEST's May 2026 results, it offers anti-theft tools, data breach scanning, and web protection that alerts about malicious websites—with the most basic plan at just $9.99/year plus a free version.
Key Features
- ●100% threat detection
- ●Web protection
- ●Anti-theft tools
- ●Data breach scanning
- ●VPN (200MB/day)
- ●Free version available
Pros
- ✓Perfect detection rate
- ✓Most affordable paid option
- ✓Free version available
- ✓Under 5-minute scan
- ✓30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- ✗VPN data limit (200MB/day)
- ✗Single device coverage
- ✗VPN requires separate subscription
Kaspersky for Chromebook
Kaspersky for Chromebook offers advanced cloud-based adaptive security with strong malware detection and real-time protection. While some users may have concerns about the company's Russian origins, it provides comprehensive protection with anti-phishing, VPN, and app lock—available through Google Play Store for ChromeOS devices.
Key Features
- ●Advanced malware detection
- ●Real-time protection
- ●Anti-phishing
- ●VPN included
- ●App lock
- ●Cloud-based security
Pros
- ✓Advanced threat intelligence
- ✓Good free version
- ✓Cross-platform coverage
- ✓Cloud-based adaptive security
- ✓Strong phishing protection
Cons
- ✗Political concerns for some
- ✗Privacy policy considerations
- ✗Higher price for features
Malwarebytes for Chromebook
Malwarebytes has one of the most user-friendly antivirus tools for Chromebook, making it easy to initiate scans in just a few clicks with support for scheduled malware scans. While v5 isn't supported on Chromebooks (you use the older v3 app), it still provides Scam Guard, Browser Guard, and real-time protection that directly tackle Chromebook risks—ideal for users wanting simplicity.
Key Features
- ●Simple malware scanning
- ●Scam Guard
- ●Browser Guard
- ●Real-time protection
- ●Scheduled scans
- ●Privacy-focused
Pros
- ✓Extremely user-friendly
- ✓Initiate scan in few clicks
- ✓Scheduled malware scans
- ✓Privacy-focused design
- ✓Lightweight app
Cons
- ✗Uses older v3 app
- ✗v5 not supported on Chromebook
- ✗Limited features vs others
Avira for Chromebook
Avira detected 100% of threats (50/50 samples) when tested on Chromebook and ran with almost no impact on performance, even during full system scans. You can use the limited free version or subscribe to the paid version at $59.99/year for unlimited VPN data and additional features—making it the best free antivirus option for Chromebook users.
Key Features
- ●100% threat detection
- ●Real-time scanning
- ●No performance impact
- ●Cloud-based detection
- ●Web protection
- ●Free version available
Pros
- ✓Completely free option
- ✓Perfect threat detection
- ✓Zero performance impact
- ✓Good for basic protection
- ✓Paid upgrade available
Cons
- ✗Limited VPN in free version
- ✗Ads in free version
- ✗Fewer features than paid
Trend Micro for Chromebook
Trend Micro for Chromebook uses AI-powered malware detection with particularly strong web protection through Web Guard that blocks malicious sites. Pay Guard secures banking apps while Wi-Fi checker and app privacy scanner protect your Chromebook—ideal for users prioritizing safe browsing and online banking security at $19.95/year.
Key Features
- ●AI-powered detection
- ●Web Guard protection
- ●Pay Guard for banking
- ●Wi-Fi checker
- ●App privacy scanner
- ●Lost device locator
Pros
- ✓Strong web protection
- ✓Banking security
- ✓AI malware detection
- ✓Wi-Fi security
- ✓30-day free trial
Cons
- ✗Single device only
- ✗Higher price point
- ✗Limited VPN features
Surfshark One for Chromebook
Surfshark One offers a comprehensive security suite with antivirus, ad blocker, unlimited VPN, cookie pop-up blocker, and private search engine—all surprisingly lightweight on Chromebook. Covering unlimited devices at $15.99/month, it's ideal for users wanting all-in-one protection, though it's primarily known for VPN rather than antivirus.
Key Features
- ●Antivirus protection
- ●Ad blocker
- ●VPN unlimited
- ●Cookie pop-up blocker
- ●Private search engine
- ●Lightweight design
Pros
- ✓Comprehensive security suite
- ✓Unlimited devices
- ✓Unlimited VPN included
- ✓Lightweight performance
- ✓Ad and cookie blockers
Cons
- ✗Higher monthly price
- ✗More VPN than antivirus focus
- ✗Newer to antivirus market
Webroot for Chromebook
Webroot Security for Chromebook offers real-time anti-phishing technology and security scans that are among the fastest in the industry at just 20 seconds. It prevents risks from harmful browser extensions and malicious code at an affordable price with a 70-day satisfaction guarantee—perfect for users prioritizing speed and extension protection.
Key Features
- ●20-second scans
- ●Malicious extension blocking
- ●Malicious code prevention
- ●Real-time anti-phishing
- ●Cloud-based protection
- ●Minimal storage usage
Pros
- ✓Fastest scans (20 seconds)
- ✓Blocks harmful extensions
- ✓70-day money-back guarantee
- ✓Cloud-based lightweight
- ✓Covers 3 devices
Cons
- ✗Higher price for features
- ✗Less comprehensive testing
- ✗Fewer features than competitors
McAfee for Chromebook
McAfee for Chromebook stands out for covering unlimited devices at $29.99/year, making it perfect for families with multiple Chromebooks and other devices. While it runs via the Android app and may slow older Chromebooks during scans, it offers comprehensive protection with secure VPN, Wi-Fi security, and safe browsing features.
Key Features
- ●Anti-malware protection
- ●Secure VPN
- ●Wi-Fi security
- ●Safe browsing
- ●Unlimited devices
- ●Cross-platform support
Pros
- ✓Covers unlimited devices
- ✓Great for large families
- ✓Cross-platform protection
- ✓Secure VPN included
- ✓Good for multi-device homes
Cons
- ✗Can slow older Chromebooks
- ✗Interface complexity
- ✗Via Android app only
How We Test Chromebook Antivirus
Our Chromebook antivirus testing methodology focuses on web-based threats and ChromeOS-specific challenges:
Chromebook Threat Detection
We test against threats relevant to ChromeOS:
- Web-based threats: Phishing sites and malicious downloads
- Browser extensions: Malicious Chrome extensions and add-ons
- Android app malware: Threats through Google Play Store apps
- Network attacks: Public Wi-Fi and man-in-the-middle attacks
- Data harvesting: Website tracking and privacy invasions
ChromeOS Performance Impact
We measure how security apps affect Chromebook performance:
- Scan speed on Chromebook hardware
- Background monitoring resource usage
- Battery life impact during active protection
- Chrome browser performance
- Impact on low-spec Chromebooks
Web Protection Features
We evaluate features critical for Chromebooks:
- Phishing protection: Detection of fraudulent websites
- Safe browsing: Real-time URL checking
- Extension security: Malicious extension blocking
- VPN quality: Protection on public networks
- Privacy tools: Tracker and ad blocking
ChromeOS Compatibility
Testing focuses on ChromeOS integration:
- Installation through Google Play Store
- Android app compatibility on ChromeOS
- Chrome extension integration
- User interface on Chromebook displays
- Cross-device sync with Android phones
Understanding Chromebook Security
Do Chromebooks Need Antivirus?
While Chromebooks are more secure than Windows PCs, they still benefit from dedicated security tools in 2026. ChromeOS’s automatic updates and sandboxing protect against traditional malware, but don’t fully address:
- Phishing attacks: Over 1 million attacks in Q1 2026
- Malicious extensions: Chrome Web Store occasionally hosts dangerous extensions
- Android app threats: Malware in Google Play Store apps running on ChromeOS
- Data harvesting: Tracking cookies and privacy invasions
- Public Wi-Fi risks: Network-based attacks and eavesdropping
ChromeOS Built-In Security
ChromeOS includes several security features:
- Sandboxing: Each webpage and app runs isolated
- Verified Boot: Checks for system tampering at startup
- Automatic updates: Regular security patches
- Data encryption: Encrypted local storage
- Safe Browsing: Google’s phishing and malware warnings
However, third-party security adds:
- Advanced phishing detection: More aggressive blocking than Safe Browsing
- VPN for privacy: Encrypted connections on public Wi-Fi
- Extension monitoring: Blocks malicious Chrome extensions
- Real-time protection: Proactive threat detection
- Privacy tools: Ad blocking and tracker prevention
Chromebook-Specific Threats
Modern Chromebooks face unique challenges:
- Browser-based attacks: Most Chromebook activity happens in Chrome
- Extension vulnerabilities: Malicious extensions with excessive permissions
- Android app malware: Chromebooks run Android apps from Google Play
- Cloud data exposure: Files stored in Google Drive and cloud services
- Public Wi-Fi usage: Chromebooks often used in coffee shops and schools
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Chromebooks really secure without antivirus?
Chromebooks are more secure than Windows PCs due to sandboxing and automatic updates, but they’re not immune to threats. Over 1 million phishing attacks occurred in Q1 2026, and Chromebook users are targeted through malicious browser extensions, Android apps, and data-harvesting websites. Third-party security adds VPN protection, advanced phishing detection, and privacy tools that built-in ChromeOS security lacks.
Will antivirus slow down my Chromebook?
Modern Chromebook antivirus is designed for minimal performance impact. Top solutions like TotalAV, Bitdefender, and Avira detected 100% of threats with almost no effect on performance during testing. Cloud-based scanning means less local processing. Even budget Chromebooks with limited specs handle these security apps efficiently.
Can Chromebooks get viruses?
Traditional Windows viruses don’t affect Chromebooks due to ChromeOS’s Linux-based architecture and sandboxing. However, Chromebooks can be vulnerable to phishing attacks, malicious browser extensions, Android malware (through Google Play apps), and web-based threats. While the risk is lower than Windows, protection against these modern threats is still valuable.
Do I need a VPN on my Chromebook?
A VPN is highly recommended for Chromebook users, especially when using public Wi-Fi at coffee shops, libraries, schools, or airports. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, protecting sensitive data like passwords and banking information. Many antivirus apps include VPN—Norton offers unlimited data, while others like Bitdefender have daily limits (200MB/day).
What’s the best free Chromebook antivirus?
Avira is the best free Chromebook antivirus, detecting 100% of threats (50/50 samples) with zero performance impact in testing. Bitdefender also offers a strong free version with real-time protection and web protection. Both free versions lack unlimited VPN and premium features, but provide solid basic protection at no cost.
How do I install antivirus on a Chromebook?
Install Chromebook antivirus through the Google Play Store, which is built into modern ChromeOS devices. Search for your chosen antivirus (TotalAV, Norton, Bitdefender), download the Android app, and it will run on your Chromebook. Some antivirus also offers Chrome browser extensions for additional web protection.
Can antivirus protect against Chrome extension threats?
Yes, quality Chromebook antivirus monitors and blocks malicious Chrome extensions. Webroot specifically prevents risks from harmful browser extensions, while TotalAV’s WebShield marks dangerous sites in search results. However, you should still review extension permissions carefully before installing and only use extensions from trusted developers.
Are paid Chromebook antivirus apps worth it?
Paid Chromebook antivirus ($10-30/year) offers significant value over free versions. You get unlimited VPN for public Wi-Fi protection, advanced phishing detection, no ads, premium support, and multi-device coverage. For the price of one coffee per month, paid antivirus provides comprehensive cloud-based security and peace of mind.