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Out of the box, your brand-new computer contains a pristine operating system along with any preinstalled software you may have ordered. It also typically comes with things you didn’t order, including a free trial of a well-known antivirus. That’s a good thing; you don’t want your PC corrupted by viruses, Trojans, or ransomware the moment you connect it to the internet. But will you stay protected when that trial runs out? Now’s the time to ensure your antivirus defenses won’t take a break. Even if your computer isn’t new, a quick check on your protection couldn’t hurt. But with so many choices—we’ve reviewed more than 40 of them!—it can be tough to pick an antivirus app. To help you pick, we’ve gathered the top 10 tested antivirus tools here, along with tips for selecting the right antivirus for you, which you can find after the listings below. Already have antivirus? Give yourself a gold star…right after you check to make sure it’s still working.
Key Takeaways:
- Compare 10 famous antivirus brands for the best antivirus programs.
- Consider antivirus performance, features, and pricing when making your decision.
- Read antivirus reviews to get a better understanding of each brand’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Choose a popular antivirus brand with a proven track record for reliable protection.
- Select the antivirus software that aligns best with your specific needs and budget.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is an antivirus utility that offers a multitude of features. It provides ransomware protection, a hardened browser for secure financial transactions, VPN protection, ad tracker blocking, automatic detection of missing security patches, and much more. It consistently receives perfect or near-perfect scores in independent testing and performs well in hands-on tests.
Some minor drawbacks include a slow first full scan after installation and the need for a separate subscription for unlimited VPN access. However, these shortcomings are outweighed by the numerous benefits and advanced security measures offered by Bitdefender Antivirus Plus.
With its comprehensive set of features, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is a top choice for users in need of robust antivirus protection. Whether you need protection against ransomware, secure browsing capabilities, or VPN services, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus has you covered.
Antivirus Features
Below are some of the key features that make Bitdefender Antivirus Plus stand out:
- Ransomware protection
- Hardened browser for secure online transactions
- VPN protection for privacy and anonymity
- Ad tracker blocker to prevent annoying ads
- Automatic detection of missing security patches
Antivirus Performance
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus consistently receives top scores in independent testing, demonstrating its exceptional performance in detecting and removing various types of malware.
Antivirus Pricing
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus offers flexible pricing options, ensuring that users can choose a plan that suits their needs and budget. The pricing structure is designed to provide affordable and comprehensive protection to individuals and businesses alike.
Table: Bitdefender Antivirus Plus Pricing
| Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Year – 1 PC | $39.99 |
| 1 Year – 3 PCs | $59.99 |
| 2 Years – 3 PCs | $79.99 |
Source: First source
Norton AntiVirus Plus
Norton AntiVirus Plus is a well-known antivirus brand that has been protecting systems for decades. It consistently receives excellent scores from independent labs and performs well in hands-on tests, including defending against real-world ransomware samples.
In addition to antivirus protection, Norton AntiVirus Plus includes a firewall, exploit detection, backup system, spam filter, software updater, and more. It now offers multi-device protection for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices.
Norton AntiVirus Plus is a reliable choice for those who want protection from a trusted brand.
G Data Antivirus
G Data Antivirus is a reliable and well-established antivirus program with a long history in the industry. It consistently receives high ratings from independent testing labs, making it a top choice for users seeking robust malware protection.
This antivirus software offers excellent performance in detecting and removing various types of malware, including banking Trojans, keyloggers, ransomware, and exploits. With G Data Antivirus, users can trust that their devices are safeguarded against the latest threats.
One of the standout features of G Data Antivirus is its comprehensive set of security features. In addition to core virus protection, it includes bonus features such as spam filtering, BankGuard protection for secure online banking, active defense against keyloggers, and control over startup programs.
The BankGuard feature is particularly noteworthy as it provides an additional layer of protection for users conducting financial transactions online. This feature helps prevent sensitive information from being intercepted by cybercriminals, ensuring a safe and secure banking experience.
| Antivirus Features | Rating |
|---|---|
| Malware Protection | ✅✅✅✅✅ |
| Spam Filtering | ✅✅✅ |
| BankGuard Protection | ✅✅✅✅ |
| Keylogger Defense | ✅✅✅✅ |
| Startup Program Control | ✅✅✅✅ |
G Data Antivirus’s mature toolset and solid security features make it an attractive choice for users looking for a well-established antivirus solution. Whether you’re a home user or a business professional, G Data Antivirus provides the necessary protection to keep your devices safe from malware and other cyber threats.
Malwarebytes Premium
Malwarebytes Premium is a trusted antivirus software known for its exceptional performance and robust malware protection. With its powerful features, it ensures a secure and smooth experience for users.
One of the standout features of Malwarebytes Premium is its lightning-fast scans. It quickly detects and removes threats, allowing you to safeguard your computer efficiently.
Not only does Malwarebytes Premium offer on-demand scanning capabilities, but it also provides real-time protection against ransomware, exploit attacks, and malicious websites. This ensures proactive defense against emerging threats, giving you peace of mind while browsing the internet.
The effectiveness of Malwarebytes Premium has been proven in extensive hands-on tests. It consistently delivers outstanding results, effectively neutralizing malware and keeping your system secure.
In addition to malware protection, Malwarebytes Premium also guards against fraudulent and malicious sites. It acts as a powerful shield, preventing you from inadvertently accessing dangerous websites that may compromise your security.
Malwarebytes Premium has also received commendable scores in independent lab tests. This further underscores its reliability and effectiveness as an antivirus software.
If you value fast scans and robust malware protection, Malwarebytes Premium is an excellent choice. It combines speed and efficiency to deliver top-notch security, ensuring that your computer remains safe from threats.
| Antivirus Performance | Malwarebytes Premium |
|---|---|
| Scanning Speed | High |
| Malware Detection | Excellent |
| Real-time Protection | Yes |
| Protection against Ransomware, Exploit Attacks, and Malicious Websites | Yes |
| Score in Independent Lab Tests | Good |
McAfee AntiVirus
When it comes to protecting your Windows PC, McAfee AntiVirus is a powerful choice. This popular antivirus software has received high ratings from independent labs, showcasing its impressive performance and reliability. With its advanced malware-fighting technology, McAfee AntiVirus offers robust protection against various threats, including ransomware attacks.
While McAfee AntiVirus lacks the cross-platform protection of McAfee AntiVirus Plus, it remains a trusted solution for individual Windows PCs. It is important to note that each new device requires a separate purchase of the software, as there are no volume discounts for multiple licenses. However, the dedicated focus on Windows ensures a tailored and optimized defense for your PC.
Key Features of McAfee AntiVirus
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Malware Protection | Effectively detects and eliminates malware, safeguarding your system from potential threats. |
| Ransomware Defense | Detects and prevents ransomware attacks, protecting your files and personal information. |
| Real-Time Scanning | Constantly monitors your system for any suspicious activity, ensuring proactive protection. |
| Web Protection | Blocks malicious websites and prevents you from inadvertently downloading harmful content. |
McAfee AntiVirus provides excellent malware-fighting technology, ensuring a secure computing environment for Windows users.
With its stellar performance and reputation, McAfee AntiVirus has become one of the popular antivirus brands that computer users trust. Whether you are a casual user or a business professional, McAfee AntiVirus offers comprehensive protection against evolving cyber threats, allowing you to browse, work, and connect with confidence.
AhnLab V3 Internet Security 9.0
AhnLab V3 Internet Security 9.0 is an antivirus software that is highly regarded for its reliable protection and exceptional performance. In recent tests, it achieved an impressive rating of 83.3% for protection, 100% for performance, and 100% for usability. This makes it a strong contender among popular antivirus brands, providing solid defense against malware and various threats.
This certified antivirus software is specifically designed for Windows 10 operating systems, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance. It offers comprehensive protection for home users, offering peace of mind when it comes to safeguarding personal data and sensitive information.
AhnLab V3 Internet Security 9.0 demonstrates its commitment to excellence by consistently delivering strong antivirus performance. With its high ratings in protection, performance, and usability, users can trust that their devices are well-guarded against malware, viruses, and other online threats.
To further enhance its effectiveness, AhnLab V3 Internet Security 9.0 utilizes advanced technologies and features that work seamlessly to safeguard users’ digital environments. These include real-time scanning, proactive detection, web protection, and email filtering.
| Feature | Rating |
|---|---|
| Protection | 83.3% |
| Performance | 100% |
| Usability | 100% |
AhnLab V3 Internet Security 9.0 offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and configure the antivirus settings according to individual preferences. With its excellent antivirus performance and popularity among users, AhnLab V3 Internet Security 9.0 stands out as a reliable choice for ensuring online security.
Avast Free Antivirus 23.9 & 23.11
Avast Free Antivirus is a popular antivirus program that offers excellent protection against malware. It has received a rating of 100% for protection, 100% for performance, and 100% for usability in recent tests. This antivirus software is suitable for Windows 10 operating systems and provides robust security for home users.
Avast Free Antivirus also offers additional features such as safe browsing and real-time malware detection. With its strong performance, comprehensive protection, and user-friendly interface, Avast Free Antivirus is a top choice among users seeking reliable antivirus software.
Avast Free Antivirus offers excellent protection against malware. It is highly rated for its performance, usability, and overall effectiveness. With its range of features and compatibility with Windows 10, it is a popular choice for home users seeking reliable antivirus software.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when conducting an antivirus comparison, it becomes evident that there is a wide array of top antivirus software available in the market. Two standout options are Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and Norton AntiVirus Plus, which offer comprehensive protection with strong performance and a range of additional features. If you prioritize solid malware protection and bonus security tools, G Data Antivirus and Malwarebytes Premium are excellent choices. For those seeking reliable defense for single Windows PCs, McAfee AntiVirus provides a trustworthy solution. Additionally, both AhnLab V3 Internet Security and Avast Free Antivirus receive high ratings and are popular choices among users.
When selecting the best antivirus program, it is crucial to consider your specific needs and budget. Conducting an antivirus review and comparing the features, performance, and pricing of different antivirus programs will enable you to identify the most suitable option for effectively securing your devices. Protecting your computer from viruses, Trojans, and ransomware is of utmost importance in today’s digital landscape, so choose the top antivirus software that meets your requirements and safeguards your valuable data.
Source: First source, Second source