A few years ago, an antivirus was bought for a single computer. Today an average family has several laptops, a phone for each member, a tablet and sometimes an old desktop computer used by the grandparents. All of them connect to the internet and all of them need protection. In this article we explain how to count your devices and choose a license so that you don’t pay for unnecessary slots and don’t leave any devices unprotected.
What counts as a device
In antivirus licenses, a device is any computer, phone or tablet on which protection is installed. In most multi-device licenses, the devices can be of different types:
- Windows computers – desktops and laptops
- Mac computers
- Android phones and tablets
- iPhone and iPad
Note that some products are for Windows computers only. For example, ESET NOD32 Antivirus protects Windows only, so for a family with phones and Macs a suite that supports all operating systems is a better fit.
How to count your devices
- Write down all family members who use the internet.
- Next to each member, list their devices: computer, phone, tablet.
- Add shared devices, such as the home computer or the children’s tablet.
- Consider whether you plan to buy new devices in the coming year.
- Round the total up to the next available license size.
For example, a family of two adults and two children often has two laptops, four phones and one tablet – seven devices in total. Such a family will be well served by a 10-device license, which still leaves room for new devices.
Most common license sizes
- 1 device – for one computer or phone, when only one person needs protection.
- 3 devices – for a couple or one person with a computer, phone and tablet.
- 5 devices – for a small family with several computers and phones.
- 10 devices – for a family with children or a household with many devices.
- 20 or more devices – for a large family, several households together or a small office.
The number of devices and validity period differ for each product, so you will find the specific options on the product page.
Examples for different families
Couple without children
Two people usually have a phone and a laptop each – four devices in total. In that case a 5-device license is the best fit: all devices are protected, with one slot left for a tablet or a new phone.
Family with young children
Young children usually share a tablet, while parents have their own phones and computers. Here, the number of devices matters less than parental controls, so it's worth choosing a suite that already includes them and installing them on the child's tablet.
Family with teenagers
Teenagers have their own phones and often laptops for school. A family like this can easily have 7–9 devices, so a 10-device license is the most convenient. It is worth agreeing with the children on which parental control rules will apply so that protection doesn't cause conflicts.
What else is important for families to consider
Children's online safety
If there are children in the family, it's worth choosing a suite with parental controls. They let you filter inappropriate content and limit screen time. For example, a Kaspersky Premium license includes Kaspersky Safe Kids for one year, and Norton 360 Deluxe has parental controls.
One account for the whole family
Many manufacturers let you manage protection from a single account: see all devices, send installation links to family members and check that protection is working. This is especially convenient when one family member is responsible for security and the others do not want to deal with settings.
Additional features
Family suites often include a VPN, password manager and personal data leak monitoring. If you need these features, one license can replace several separate services and several separate payments.
Devices of grandparents and older family members
Older people are more often targeted by phone and online scammers. If you help manage their computer or phone, add these devices to your shared family license. Then you will be able to see from your own account whether their protection is turned on and up to date.
Popular family bundles
These products offer multi-device options and work on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS:
If your family needs not only protection but also office apps, consider Microsoft 365 Family – the subscription covers up to 6 people, and each gets 1 TB of OneDrive storage.
What to do if you run out of slots
If you got a new phone and there are no slots left on your license, you can disconnect a device you no longer use in your manufacturer account and give its slot to the new one. If the number of devices keeps growing, choose a larger option when renewing. You can also buy a separate license for new devices if you don't want to change the existing one.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use one license on both a computer and a phone?
Yes, if the license covers several devices and the product supports both operating systems. For example, you can use a Kaspersky Standard 3-device license on a Windows computer, a Mac and an Android phone at the same time.
Can family members see each other's data?
No. The antivirus license does not give access to other members' files. The account owner sees the protected devices and their security status, and parental control reports are shown only for the children's devices on which it is enabled.
How do I install protection for a family member?
With many suites, you can send an installation link by email or message from your account. The family member opens the link on their device and installs the program, and the device is linked to your license. That way you do not need to give the license key to everyone.
Can the license cover devices in another household?
The license covers the stated number of devices, so in most cases you can also include, for example, your grandparents' devices in another city. The exact terms of use are set by the manufacturer's license agreement.
Is it worth buying a 2-year license?
If a product offers a 2-year option, it's convenient because you won't need to renew the license every year. Compare the options on the product page before choosing.
Is it worth buying protection for an old computer?
If the computer connects to the internet and its operating system is still supported, it needs protection. If the Windows version is no longer supported by Microsoft, an antivirus will not cover all vulnerabilities – in that case, upgrade the operating system.
Conclusion
Choosing the right license for a family starts with a simple list: how many people, how many devices and which operating systems. Choose an option with a little room to spare, and if there are children, a suite with parental controls. That way all the devices in your home will be protected by one license and managed from one place. If you are unsure what size license you need, write to us – we will help you count your devices and choose the right option.