For any PC, antivirus software is essential. You run the danger of losing your files, personal data, and even the money in your bank account without it. In order to assist you in selecting the top antivirus software for your PCs, we have evaluated over 40 tools.
Purchasing Guide: 2024's Top Antivirus Software
The children have returned to school and are expected to return with homework and possibly a cold. Getting along with the other kids is an excellent way to spread illness. When they return, you undoubtedly make sure they wash their hands, but do you also look over their electronics? Additionally, schools are great places for malware and computer viruses to spread. Installing antivirus software on every device in your family is essential.
Don't give up; parents already have too much on their plates with regard to their children and school. We've examined over 40 antivirus programmes so you can quickly find the one that best suits your requirements. The top 10 tested products are shown here, along with some tips for choosing the best antivirus for you.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, to start
advantages and disadvantages
- Advantages
+ Exceptional results in our web protection exams and independent lab tests
+ Strengthened defence against randomware
+ In-Progress Do Not Monitor
+ Protection for banks
+ Provides a Virtual Private Network
+ Numerous extra features focused on security
- Cons
Unlimited VPN access needs a different subscription
The Reason We Selected It
One option is to get an antivirus programme that fulfils all the functions of a typical antivirus programme, or one that goes above and beyond. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is that. In this instance, the Plus stands for a variety of features. The list is endless and includes features like automated detection of missing security patches, a straightforward password manager, a function that blocks ad trackers, VPN protection for your connections, protection against ransomware, and a hardened browser for your financial transactions. Despite the product's name indicating antivirus, its feature set surpasses that of many security suites.
Furthermore, it works well as an antivirus. It consistently receives perfect or almost perfect results from the independent testing labs, and it aced many of our practical exams. Its defence method against ransomware also demonstrated its effectiveness in testing. Furthermore, you, the user, have the least amount of inconvenience from all of this thanks to its Autopilot feature.
Yes, there are a couple small issues. For example, the password manager lacks some of the most sophisticated functions. Also, there is a small additional fee if you like to use the VPN indefinitely. However, all things considered, this is an excellent option for antiviral defence.
For whom is it intended?
Just launch Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and set it to Autopilot for the best antivirus protection possible with the least amount of user intervention. You can now relax and do just about anything you desire!
Antivirus Webroot SecureAnywhere
advantages and disadvantages
- Advantages
+ Almost flawless results in our testing for phishing and malware protection
+ Low usage of system resources
+ Low usage of system resources
+ Able to repair ransomware damage
+ Cutting-edge features
- Cons
- Limited lab test findings as a result of non-standard detection methods
- Varying outcomes when utilising manually altered ransomware in tests
- The firewall component is not operational right now.
The Reason We Selected It
Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus is, without a doubt, the tiniest antivirus that we have ever seen. It fit on one diskette back when they were common. Because Webroot's intelligence is in the cloud, its local footprint can be quite little. Similar to most antivirus programmes, it immediately removes recognised malware, but it gives new threats extra attention. In addition to sending information about any unknown programme to the cloud, it allows the programme to operate in a bubble and virtualizes system changes to prevent them from taking effect permanently. Although cloud analysis can take some time, Webroot removes the programme and reverses any system modifications if it finds the programme to be dangerous. As our testing have shown, this technique is even capable of undoing the ransomware's effects.
But most standardised tests don't match well with this delayed-action detection. Most of the time, the labs assume that an antiviral will decide whether to act immediately or not at all. There is a wide range of scores for Webroot in lab results, and its presence is inconsistent. Yet it consistently receives great ratings in our practical tests.
You can also remotely manage every antivirus installation with Webroot, which is useful if you are in charge of security for less tech-savvy friends or family members. You may verify that every device is in the green status by using the web console. Additionally, you can instruct the remote machine to do a scan, quarantine potentially harmful files, or even restart or shut down. This little tool has an extensive feature set.
For whom is it intended?
If you are the family or circle of friends' go-to security expert, it doesn't hurt to know that some of Webroot's advanced capabilities demand above-average experience. Regardless of your level of expertise, you will value its minuscule size and exceptionally quick scans.
McAfee Security Suite
advantages and disadvantages
- Advantages
+ Protection for every device you own—Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Android, and iOS
+ Exceptional results on our practical exams
+ A promise to protect against viruses
+ A promise to protect against viruses
+ The Protection Centre advocates for enhancing security
- Cons
Antivirus failed to detect one sample of modified ransomware.
- A number of enduring elements planned for elimination
- Windows' extremely slow full scan
- Without suite-level functions, the Protection Centre is not entirely operational.
- The Mac version is devoid of numerous Windows-only functionality.
The Reason We Selected It
It is advisable to install antivirus software on your primary production machine. It's even better if you can extend that protection to every other device you own. Installing protection software on every Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS device in your home is possible with a single subscription to McAfee AntiVirus Plus. The entire network benefits when every one of your devices is secure from intrusion.
Even while McAfee occasionally makes mistakes, the independent laboratories consistently give it good marks. In our own practical tests, its results are astounding. With features like Ransom Guard, a rudimentary firewall, a check for outdated security patches, a method to thwart cryptojacking, and more, it offers more than just standard antivirus defence. It will take some digging to locate the My Network security scanner, but the effort will be worthwhile.
For whom is it intended?
What is the number of computer devices in your home? The antivirus programme you need is McAfee AntiVirus Plus if you can't even begin to count how many. Until your entire network is protected, you can use any protected device to invite any unprotected device for an installation.
ESET NOD32 Security Programme
advantages and disadvantages
- Advantages
+ A few outstanding results from separate labs
+ A few strong results on our practical exams
Added Exploits for HIPS component blockages
+ Detailed device management
- Cons
- Low performance in our practical malware-blocking exam
Most users find device control to be overly complicated.
- Testing shows that ransomware protection is ineffective.
The Reason We Selected It
You can tell you have high-tech protection when you see ESET's blue-eyed cyborg mascot calmly staring at the screen of ESET NOD32 Antivirus. It does exceptionally well on both our own testing and certain independent lab tests; we always prefer to see both. Additionally, ESET surpasses a lot of its rivals with very advanced capabilities like its UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) scan, which is a step up from the more typical boot sector scan. It even searches the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) database for intrusions.
Yes, in order to comprehend and utilise these advanced capabilities, you do want some technical experience. This also applies to the Host Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS), which tries to identify and stop attacks that attempt to take advantage of holes in well-known apps or the operating system. The Device Control system is an absolute delight for techies. You have complete control over any kind of external device or over a single device. To prevent students from bringing malware home with their schoolwork, you could, for instance, forbid the use of USB drives and only permit the use of devices that you have personally examined. You have the option to force read-only access, prohibit all use, or just show a warning at the device or type level.
For whom is it intended?
Certain antivirus programmes try their utmost to operate in the background without requiring the user to interact with technology. ESET NOD32 Antivirus is not that. For individuals who enjoy getting their hands dirty and actively participating in security protection, this device is fantastic. ESET provides the features you need if you possess the knowledge and abilities to use them.
G Data Security
- G DATA Antivirus software
- Try it for free
advantages and disadvantages
- Advantages
+ Exceptional performance in our practical malware protection exam
+ Guards against ransomware, keyloggers, banking Trojans, and exploits
+ Has a spam filter included
- Cons
- Varying results on separate laboratory exams
The Reason We Selected It
According to the G Data website, the company launched the first antivirus software in 1985. The history of G Data Antivirus is extensive and illustrious, regardless of whether it was the first. In their most recent tests, two of the four independent laboratories that we monitor recommend this venerable tool. It receives the highest rating from AV-Test, and it receives passing to perfect scores from AV-Comparatives. G Data achieved a very high score in our practical malware protection and malicious download defence tests.
Throughout its development, this antivirus programme has acquired a number of additional protection features. Its behavior-based ransomware prevention layers identified half of the samples we fed it, even with the conventional antivirus turned off. In testing, an exploit detection component outperformed most of its rivals. Spam filtering, BankGuard financial transaction security, proactive protection against keyloggers, and fine-grained control over launch programmes are additional bonus features.
For whom is it intended?
While some people favour the newest, flashiest antivirus software, others go for a more established programme that has had plenty of time to iron out any bugs. Unquestionably mature, G Data Antivirus comes with a number of security add-ons. It's ideal for people looking for an anti-aging antivirus programme.
Premium Malwarebytes
advantages and disadvantages
- Advantages
+ The highest grade attainable in our practical malware protection exam
+ Superior results in testing of harmful URL blocking and phishing
+ Quick full scan
+ Contains behavior-based detection, ransomware prevention, and exploit protection.
+ Additional results from independent laboratory testing
- Cons
A few unsatisfactory lab results
The Reason We Selected It
Malwarebytes Free, which is designed exclusively for cleanup, has long been the recommended option when your standard antivirus programme is unable to handle the issue, but it should only be used occasionally. On the other hand, Malwarebytes Premium has every feature you would want in a comprehensive antivirus, starting with scheduled, on-demand, and on-file access scanning. Its comprehensive scan is quick, and it employs multiple real-time protection strategies, such as exploit attack prevention, behavior-based detection, and ransomware activity detection.
It is true that there is a range of lab findings for Malwarebytes—some very good, others mediocre. According to the corporation, standardised examinations aren't the ideal fit for its sophisticated detection techniques. It performed exceptionally well in our own in-the-field tests, receiving an exceptional 10 out of 10 for malware protection and outstanding ratings for guarding against phoney and harmful websites.
For whom is it intended?
The fully functional Malwarebytes Premium would be appreciated by everybody who has used Malwarebytes Free to correct an error made by another antivirus programme. The quick scan time and great results from the product's practical tests make it appealing even if you've never required that kind of help.
Norton AntiVirus Plus
- Advantages
+ Outstanding results on both our hands-on assessments and independent lab tests
+ Data Protector thwarts attacks with ransomware
+ A fresh update for software
+ Improved My Norton Dashboard
+ Integrated online backup from the start
+ Has a tonne of extra security measures
- Cons
- Pricey
- No price for multiple licences
- An uncommonly low phishing test score
The Reason We Selected It
Name three antiviral companies right away. Norton, was it one of them? Most likely. Norton AntiVirus Plus is the apex of the company's decades-long progress in antivirus technology. Every testing lab we monitor reports on Norton's performance, and it consistently receives flawless ratings. In addition, Norton excels in our practical tests, which include one that uses twelve real-world ransomware samples.
This product is more than simply an antivirus programme. Its firewall keeps out external threats and internal disloyalty at bay without bothering the gullible user with a barrage of confused pop-up questions. Firewall security is improved by an additional module that recognises and prevents exploit attacks. Additional additional features include a basic password manager, a spam filter for those who still want one, a backup system that can archive your information locally or in the offered online storage, and more.
The one feature Norton does not offer is multi-device protection. This antivirus is only available as a single licence, with no volume discounts, and it is only compatible with Windows. Try the suite items from the company if you need more Norton.
For whom is it intended?
It's not necessary for everyone to secure a home full of electronics. A few of us are content with a lone, strong PC shielded by a lone, strong antivirus programme. Is that you? In that case, Norton AntiVirus Plus is ideal for you.
Premium Sophos Home Edition
- Advantages
+ Outstanding results on a few practical exams
+ Handy app for mobile administration
+ Guards against exploits, keyloggers, and ransomware
+ Remotely controls ten PCs or ten Macs
+ Affordable
- Cons
- Limited testing lab findings
- Limited webcam protection and parental control
- Average phishing test result
- Complex features demand unusual technical know-how
In summary:
Expanding upon basic antivirus, the cost-effective Sophos Home Premium offers protection forged in the company's enterprise-level products, along with a handy remote administration tool.
The Reason We Selected It
A well-known brand in business-level antivirus, Sophos offers remote management to maintain IT staff control over security. You, the customer, can access the same remote management with Sophos Home Premium. Whether your relatives and friends live across town or across the nation, you may install antivirus software for them and oversee all the installations without having to leave your hideout. The best part is that it's really affordable, costing only $10 for ten licences compared to many competitors' prices for only three.
With a A certification from SE Labs, this antivirus only has one current lab test score, but it's a good one. It achieved a 100% detection rate and received a score of 9.9 out of 10 in our practical malware protection test. Additionally, it received a perfect score for blocking websites that host malware. Its defence, however, doesn't end there. successful ransomware protection, defence against exploit attacks, a parental control content filter that is apparently less successful, protection for your financial transactions, the ability to avoid webcam hijacking, and more are all packed within its little local agent programme.
As mentioned, an easy-to-use web console allows you to oversee every installation. You may now use your remote control capabilities from any location thanks to Sophos' recent extension of this feature to apps for iOS and Android.
For whom is it intended?
For your friends or extended family, are you the go-to security expert? Are you sick and weary of having to travel across town to save your uncle who you love so much after he made an inappropriate click? You can take good care of your loved ones from anywhere with Sophos Home Premium.
Take a listen to the labs that test for viruses
Results provided by third-party antivirus testing labs are critically considered by us. Just being included in the results is like getting a vote of confidence for a company's goods. This indicates that the product was deemed noteworthy by the lab, and the corporation believed that the testing was worth the expense. Obviously, doing well on the exams is crucial as well.
We keep tabs on four labs—SE Labs, AV-Test Institute, MRG-Effitas, and AV-Comparatives—that provide comprehensive results on a regular basis. Additionally, we take note of companies who have partnered with West Coast labs or ICSA labs for certification. We came up with a way to add up all of their scores to get a scale from zero to ten.
Security Against Malware, Spyware, and Adware Is Our Speciality
We also apply every product to our own hands-on test of malware protection, in part to gain a taste for how the product operates. The product's ability to gain points for malware protection is directly proportional to how well it stops malware installation.
Our malware protection test necessarily uses the same set of samples for months. To verify a product's handling of brand-new malware, we test each solution using 100 highly new malware-hosting URLs supplied by MRG-Effitas, noting what proportion of them it stopped. Products get equal credit for stopping all access to the dangerous URL and for wiping up the malware during download.
Some products obtain outstanding scores from the independent labs, however don't perform as well in our hands-on tests. In such circumstances, we defer to the labs, as they bring much greater resources to their testing. Want to know more? You can delve in for a full overview of how we test security software.
Multilayered Malware Protection Antivirus products distinguish themselves by going beyond the basics of on-demand scanning and real-time malware protection. Some rate URLs that you visit or that come up in search results, employing a red-yellow-green color-coding scheme. Some actively stop programmes on your system from interacting with known malware-hosting URLs or with fraudulent (phishing) pages.
Software has weaknesses, and sometimes those flaws damage your security. Prudent users maintain Windows and other programs patched, fixing those weaknesses as soon as feasible. The vulnerability scan offered by some antivirus software may check that all necessary fixes are present, and even apply those that are missing.
Spyware comes in various forms, from hidden applications that log your every keystroke to Trojans that pose as genuine programs while mining your personal data. Any antivirus should tackle spyware, along with all other types of infection, although some include specific components devoted to spyware protection.
You expect an antivirus to discover and delete malicious programs, and to leave good programs alone. What about unknowns, programs it can't recognise as good or bad? Behavior-based detection can, in principle, protect you against malware that's so new researchers have never met it. However, this isn't always an unmixed blessing. It's not commonplace for behavioral detection systems to highlight many harmless acts done by lawful programs.
Whitelisting is another approach to the problem of unknown programs. A whitelist-based security mechanism only permits known good programs to operate. Unknowns are banned. This mode doesn't suit all situations, yet it can be handy. Sandboxing lets unknown programs operate, but it protects them from full access to your system, so they can't do permanent harm. These many extra layers aim to increase your protection against viruses.
Firewalls, Ransomware Protection, and More
Firewalls and spam filtering aren't common antivirus features, but several of our top programmes offer them as bonus features. In fact, several of these antivirus packages are more feature-packed than certain versions offered as security suites.
Among the additional bonus features you'll find are safe browsers for financial transactions, secure deletion of sensitive files, deleting traces of computer and browsing history, credit monitoring, virtual keyboard to foil keyloggers, cross-platform protection, and more. You'll even find devices that strengthen their automatic malware protection with the knowledge of human security professionals. And of course, we've already addressed sandboxing, vulnerability scanning, and application whitelisting.
We're seeing more and more antivirus programmes incorporating modules expressly geared for ransomware prevention. Some work by prohibiting unauthorized changes to protected files. Others maintain watch for odd actions that imply malware. Some even seek to reverse the damage. Given the development of this scourge, any further protection is beneficial.
Beyond Antivirus: VPN
Your antivirus application works in the background to keep out any faint prospect of infestation by malware, but its skills don't extend beyond the confines of your machine. When you connect to the wild and wooly internet, you risk the prospect that your data could be hacked in transit. Sticking to HTTPS websites when feasible can assist, but for full protection of your data in transit you should use a Virtual Private Network, or VPN. This component is crucial enough that we're starting to see it as a bonus feature in certain antivirus products.
What's the Best Malware Protection?
Which antivirus should you choose? You have a wealth of possibilities. Kaspersky Anti-Virus and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus consistently take perfect or near-perfect results from the independent antivirus testing laboratories. A single subscription for McAfee AntiVirus Plus allows you install protection on all your Windows, Android, Mac OS, and iOS devices. And its distinctive behavior-based detection algorithm means Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus is the tiniest antivirus around. We've designated these four Editors' Choice for business antivirus, but they're not the only products worth consideration. Read the reviews of our top-rated items, and then make your own decision.
Editors' Note: We are aware of the allegations about Kaspersky Labs' questionable ties to the Russian government. Until we see some concrete confirmation of these allegations, we will accept them as unproven, and continue to promote Kaspersky's security products as long as their performance continues to deserve our endorsement.
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