You run the risk of being exposed to malware, viruses, spyware, ransomware, and trojans while using the internet. This malicious software can enable hackers to take control of your device, steal your data, snoop it on you for identity theft purposes or steal your bank details.
Downloading and installing good antivirus software can help protect you against attackers but it's hard to know where to start in such a crowded market. We suggest you start with our recommendations below, whether you are on a budget or looking for a more premium solution.
What's the Best Antivirus Software to Use?
There are malicious exploits nowadays for just about every platform. As a result, whether you are a casual internet user with a smartphone or a power user with a MacBook does not matter it is vital to protect your devices with a reliable antivirus that provides real-time protection against incoming threats and malicious downloads of files.
Ignoring notifications that warn you that your antivirus is obsolete — or has expired — is a really bad idea as you could end up with an infection that enables hackers to steal your personally identifying information, log into your emails or social networking accounts, or steal your bank or card data.
While with a lot of free antivirus, we advise caution, the reality is that you don't always have to pay through the roof to get adequate protection. Below we have included what we consider to be the best five market options. These provide good security at a cost that will not break the bank and some are even safe!
- Norton 360- Norton was found to be able to identify and avoid 100 percent of the threats tested on all three platforms in testing.
- F-Secure- Excellent security, usability, and performance.
- AVG AntiVirus- A powerful antivirus that works well across all platforms to capture exploits
- Avast- A well-performing antivirus, common as well as powerful
- Malwarebytes- Extremely powerful, and does not impact system performance negatively
Top Antivirus Software for 2023- Detailed Analysis:
1. Norton 360:
FREE OPTION- Yes
PRICING- From $19.99
PLATFORMS- Windows, MacOS X, Android, iOS
PROTECTION- Real-time Protection
Norton is a superb antivirus that customers can either purchase for $19.99 as a stand-alone program or as part of a more robust security package called Norton 360. The antivirus is highly successful and has been found to detect and uninstall 100 percent of the threats it has been tested with in recent studies. This includes zero-day malware attacks including exploits from both the web and email. It also stopped 100 percent of the widespread malware discovered in the last 4 weeks, making it highly successful.
In respect to performance, Norton scores maximum points in AVTests.org as it does not impact loading times on the website, download speeds, or system performance significantly. From spyware to malware, ransomware, viruses, and trojans, the antivirus will fix anything. It also shields users from phishing emails and websites.
Norton antivirus also blocks malicious domains and provides online protection. Also, even users on the basic plan get 2 GB of secure storage, and a smart firewall that monitors incoming and outgoing traffic. This is an outstanding function that can detect whether a trojan is attempting to interact with a CnC server. Whether you are getting the simple plan or one of the more comprehensive suites, it is an excellent service.
FEATURES:
- Don't let your PC slow down
- Does not drain your cellular battery
- Comes with lots of additional features
- The full safety package available on the market
- Catch 100 percent of the exploits
2. F-Secure:
FREE OPTION- No
PRICING- From $39.99
PLATFORMS- Windows, MacOS X, Android, iOS, Linux
PROTECTION- Real-time Protection
This popular antivirus, though at a premium price, is known to provide excellent protection, performance, and usability. F-Secure Antivirus performs excellently in tests; blocking 100 percent of malware reliably. F-Secure received the 2018 AV-TEST best protection award.
Perhaps the software is not as rich in features as some other antivirus programs on the market. However, it is worth noting that many of these extra functions from an anti-virus point of view are not necessarily strictly necessary (although sometimes they are useful extras).
Perhaps the software is not as rich in features as some other antivirus programs on the market. However, it is worth noting that many of these extra functions from an anti-virus point of view are not necessarily strictly necessary (although sometimes they are useful extras).
F-Secure has reorganized its plans, reducing its monthly expense to annual billing and rebranding its home packages with the F-Secure SAFE branding. You'll be able to install the software for 1 year on 3 different devices starting at $69.99. If you want to care for 5, 7, or more devices, you will need to invest more than that.
Despite being unable to pay every month, F-Secure SAFE can be considered a superb deal.
FEATURES:
- Real-time monitoring
- Download Protection
- Defense against phishing
- Browser Extension
- Banking mode disconnects all untrusted internet connections and blocks them from reconnecting during a transaction
- MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS Support
- Firewall
- Great live-chat support
Although some antivirus programs can slow down your machine bit-this antivirus software isn't hungry for power to process. It is also extremely easy to use, keeping functional layout down to the bare minimum. For non-techy users, this makes it a good choice.
The default quick scan feature is set, and it is incredible fast-completing a scan in just a few minutes. Delving into the settings allows users to search the entire device. However, if you are used to scanning removable drives, or performing custom scans, this program can disappoint you.
Maybe the only real drawback with F-Secure is it's so sensitive it tends to flag up some false positives. But that is better than an antivirus that is losing out on real exploits.
On the other side, we will have to stick to recommending F-Secure only on its SAFE plan-which is much better value for money and has a much greater set of features than the standalone antivirus package.
Overall, it's a good antivirus that gets the job done. Perfectly suited for non-tech users who want something protective of 100 percent of viruses.
3. AVG Antivirus:
FREE OPTION- Yes
PRICING- From $3.25-$6.67
PLATFORMS- Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS
PROTECTION- Real-time Protection
AVG is a Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android antivirus application. It is an effective solution that can protect computers from all known threats, including malware, spyware, viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and others. For free users, they get a basic antivirus that delivers real-time security updates, and real-time scanning that catches malicious downloads before they reach your PC. That's a hefty amount of free defense.
Users can upgrade to the AVG Internet Security plan for those who want more, which adds ransomware folder security, webcam security, enhanced firewall, secure browsing features, and for $39.99, Android protection. That is a reasonable price given that AVG was found to score 6/6 by AVTest.org for protection and usability. AVG will have some impact on slower machines and those with a very slow internet connection, performance-wise. Despite this, it is usually a fast antivirus which is exceptionally good given that it can be used for free.
FEATURES:
- Free plan for those who just want antivirus/malware security
- Paid plans are ransomware protection features fulfilled
- Firewall enhanced
- Secure browsing to get you avoid visiting malicious domains
- Enable crossover with all common platforms
4. Avast:
FREE OPTION- Yes
PRICING- From $4.00-$10.00
PLATFORMS- Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS
PROTECTION- Real-time Protection
Avast is another antivirus that gets the independent auditor AVTest.org with a clean bill of health. It is available for Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS. The security program was able to identify and uninstall 100 percent of the threats and vulnerabilities that have been checked during recent studies. This includes viruses, worms, malware, and ransomware (using total sample of 20780 exploits).
It is extremely effective in terms of usability, with no false positives detected in any way during tests. The basic antivirus which is great can be used for free. Those who want protection for ransomware, safe browsing, advanced firewall, and webcam protection need to fork out $69.99 for one device, or $89.99 for ten devices.
While being an excellent antivirus, this is a fairly high bill and would probably only be worthwhile if you are a power user with a lot of devices. Avast scored 5.5 out of 6 in terms of performance-meaning it shouldn't pose too much of a problem unless you have a slow PC.
FEATURES:
- Shield from all perceived threats
- Good value for money if you have a lot of appliances
- Secure browsing
- Advanced firewall
- Webcam protection
5. Malwarebytes:
FREE OPTION- Yes
PRICING- From $39.99-$59.99
PLATFORMS- Windows
PROTECTION- Virus Scan in the free version and Real-time Protection in the paid version
Malwarebytes is an excellent antivirus program that we decided to include since it is available on Windows machines free of charge. Free users get full access to the antivirus, which searches against an up-to-date documented malware database for viruses. That scanning is extremely efficient and, like other top-of-the-range antivirus programs, Malwarebytes has no adverse effect on system performance.
You can set up the antivirus to search for viruses as much as you like, with the minimum suggested search being once a week. The good thing about Malwarebytes is that it's proven to stay up-to-date and consistently protect against malicious infections despite being free.
Admittedly, Malwarebyte's free version is limited; only allowing users to do a virus scan feature. Someone that needs security in real time-with active monitoring of emails, websites, and downloads-will need to switch to the premium plan, which will set them back $39.99 a year. The same is true if you need Mac, iOS, or Android device virus protection as they do not have access to the free antivirus either.
You also increase your protection by paying for the software by giving you access to the following FEATURES:
- Antivirus
- Web monitoring
- Automatic updates
- Ransomware protection
- Phishing protection
- Download protection
- Disk Cleanup
- Secure browsing
Overall, this free antivirus is incredibly useful, and while not for everyone, we realize that Windows machines are still owned and run by the vast majority of people worldwide. For this reason, Malwarebytes is considered a steal for someone who has run the gauntlet by connecting to the internet without any security whatsoever.
Thanks to their intuitive dashboard and easy-to-understand controls, Malwarebytes can also be considered an excellent choice for beginners. However, if you want to pay for an antivirus, it may be best to stick to one of the higher choices in this list, as they do tend to find more malware in their dragnets than Malwarebytes.
Can I get free antivirus protection?
The good news is that someone who can't afford a premium antivirus may now use a free antivirus to protect themselves. Two of our favorite paid antivirus applications listed above also have free plans, and you can see exactly what the three best free antivirus options are below!
- Avast-An excellent antivirus with a free plan that will help you prevent ransomware, trojans, viruses, and other malware.
- Malwarebytes-Offers a free plan that you can use to scan your devices for exploits whenever you want. However, it has no real-time defense on the free plan.
- Sophos Home Free-A great free antivirus that comes with parental control features.
Why Antivirus is important?
Every time you turn on your computer or mobile device, you are opening yourself up to the possibility of infections. An antivirus is the only way to ensure that your computer has a way to identify and deal with such vulnerabilities if and when they are encountered.
Browsing the web can cause you to run into dodgy websites that contain hidden malware downloads. Betting on what kind of page you visit, the risks are heightened. Websites with plenty of pop-ups, for instance - pirated video streaming sites - can cause infection because of malvertising and drive-by exploits.
Even the straightforward act of opening a social media message could cause you to click a malevolent link. And opening emails are even more risky thanks to the various thousands of phishing attacks that occur daily.
Adverts on social media are another possible attack vector. Those ads are not always checked by those networks, and could potentially lead you to a dodgy website that infects you or steals your data.
The risk of infection is much greater when you deliberately download applications, software, videos, or other content. Also, extensions and applications included in the Google Play Store have been found to contain adware and malware. Yet some of the most popular marketplaces, such as eBay and Amazon, have had issues with adware at one time or another.
Among users who routinely access peer-to-peer material from BitTorrent servers, the risks are rather serious because it is easy to come across files that have been filled with hazardous vulnerabilities, such as Trojans, on purpose. And, for anyone with jailbroken or rooted devices, the risks are also heightened-especially if they download and install apps from unknown sources or third-party app repositories.
Even an air-driven computer with no active internet connection may potentially become infected if a USB dongle or external hard drive is installed that has a virus on it.
What antivirus software does?
The antivirus searches your computer, mobile device, or tablet for an exhaustive list of vulnerabilities previously found. This exploit list is constantly updated to add newly discovered exploits to the catalog.
The very strongest antivirus systems are credited with the ability to effectively identify newly found vulnerabilities in the last four weeks. This is what causes some antivirus apps to get better scores during independent audits performed by AVTest. Even the very best antivirus programs use algorithms to detect new exploits that closely resemble old ones.
All antivirus scans are capable of detecting and removing exploits such as viruses, malware, worms, rootkits, trojans, spyware, adware, and ransomware. These cans can be set up to occur at predetermined times every day or week. Alternatively, you can run a scan on request.
However, not all free antiviruses perform active real-time scanning; which is considered to be a very important feature due to the use of the Internet. This is because to be completely protected against exploits, it is much better to have an antivirus that engages in prevention rather than just detection and removal.
Should I pay for antivirus software?
This is ultimately a question that can only be answered by you, and will largely depend on what you want and need from your antivirus program. The free antivirus security offered by Windows called Microsoft Defender, is extremely good at spotting threats. Many people find this security to be good enough, particularly if you also help it with a secondary free application, such as Malwarebytes or Avast.
The same is true of the users of Apple. MacOS ships with a native security system called XProtect, and this protection is also very strong. It is probably worth doubling down with another stand-alone product, however.
When you want advanced protection such as real-time scanning, browsing protection, webcam security, ransomware protection, online payment protection, parental controls, and other advanced features-you will almost always have to pay for a premium subscription.
In addition, during the most recent round of tests carried out by the respected antivirus auditing company AVTest, the very best antivirus products (which were able to defend against 100 percent of exposure during the tests) were almost always paid premium services.
You do get what you're paying for. And, if you want an antivirus that can capture all the vulnerabilities in real-time without affecting the efficiency and usability of your machine-then it's probably going to be a smart idea to opt for a robust security solution for all your computers.
What kind of features do I need?
The most important thing is for your antivirus to run scans that can find and delete any vulnerabilities that have found their way to your computers. The key features that you should ensure are as follows:
- Allows you to schedule scans to run automatically.
- Lets you search for the vulnerabilities when you want to.
- Check directories, files, and folders for known malicious patterns that suggest the existence of malicious software.
- Quarantines and eventually removes the threats it detects.
- Real-time scans of incoming threats (usually premium antivirus plans only).
In addition to these basic specifications, premium antivirus software has a range of other valuable security features:
- Secure browsing protection
- Smart firewall
- Parental controls
- Password manager
- Email protection with anti-phishing
- Ransomware protection
- Online payment and fraud prevention services
- VPN
Such other apps can typically be obtained either as part of a premium security package or as stand-alone services. Both of these programs are worth paying for and can be very useful as part of an integrated security package. And, if you want to make use of these extra features, it's worth paying for a premium antivirus plan.
However, when it comes to VPNs, we prefer to suggest sticking to a standalone zero-log VPN service, as this will provide much higher levels of privacy and protection.
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