During the second half of 2017, 14 percent of internet users reported cases of virus and malware infections. Another 6 percent experienced online hacking, while 5 percent suffered from ransomware attacks. Without the best antivirus software, cyber threats can lead to the theft of personal information, data, and cash from credit cards and bank accounts.

Understanding potential threats and being cautious cannot guarantee you total security in modern cyberspace. Malicious ads on websites, phishing emails, and operating system bugs are examples of vulnerabilities beyond your control. It’s vital to have the best antivirus solution for protection against different types of cyber threats.

Anyone who uses the internet regularly or transfers data across devices needs an antivirus suite. Some programs focus on specific areas of security while others provide bundled solutions. Read on for answers to common questions about AV programs, and take a look at our reviews of the best antivirus software.

FAQ About Antivirus Software

Information about a commodity makes the shopping process quicker and stress-free. Below are some questions you might want answers to before buying an antivirus program.

1. What is Antivirus Software?

An antivirus (AV software) is a computer program that prevents, detects, and removes viruses or malware from a computer system. It is sometimes called an anti-malware program.

2. What Does an Antivirus Software Do?

By detecting and removing viruses, the antivirus seals the vulnerabilities of a computer system that could lead to cyber-attacks. It averts the possibility of information theft and other threats that affect the performance and integrity of computers.

3. How Does an Antivirus Work?

An antivirus checks different programs for malicious behavior portrayed by malware like viruses and worms. If it detects some suspicious activity, it alerts the user or stops or removes the untrustworthy application.

4. What is an Antivirus Suite?

A security suite is a bundle of utility software that provides security to a computer system. The suite may contain an antivirus and a firewall, among other components, managed under one control panel.

5. Who Needs an Antivirus Program?

Every computer user needs an antivirus program. You need a solution that matches your needs since different users have varying levels of exposure to threats.

6. Where Can You Buy the Best Antivirus Software?

Most developers sell their security solutions on their websites through online payment. Otherwise, they recommend their authorized vendors.

How We Reviewed

There exist a huge number of antivirus software programs, with each developer claiming to have the best product. For this reason, most people run into confusion when they try to find the best antivirus software online. We decided to do a review to separate the credible solutions from raw deals.

We used several parameters to determine which antivirus program suited which group of users since people have varying needs. We also wanted to define which solutions gave the users the best value for their money. Our team analyzed the programs based on their features, price, support, pros and cons, and availability.

To avoid biased information, we did not rely on what the manufacturers and vendors had to say about their products. We decided to try various antivirus programs for a real end-user experience. We also reached out to many computer users to get their opinion on the solutions they were using.

The process was time consuming and required a lot of effort, but it paid back. Armed with the information from impartial sources, we managed to develop a list of the ten best antivirus programs.

Overall Price Range of Antivirus Products

The pricing for antivirus solutions is quite interesting. If you are looking to protect one to ten devices, you can get an ideal solution for $3 to $10. Large organizations with hundreds of users can spend thousands of dollars on security solutions per year.

Please note that paying a large amount doesn’t always mean that the solution is expensive. If you were to install an antivirus program that costs $30 per device annually, you would have to spend $90 on three computers. What if you found an alternative that covers three machines at a sum of $40 per year?

The latter would be a super deal! Price aside, the features of the solution you choose determine the usefulness of the product. You must analyze your potential threats and get the best antivirus software to deal with your situation.

The best antivirus programs offer multi-layered security. The cost can soar due to extra features like anonymous surfing, ad blocking, parental web control, and performance optimization. Additional provisions are excellent, but there’s no need to pay for features that you don’t want.

What We Reviewed

  • Sophos Home Premium
  • Symantec Norton AntiVirus Basic
  • Avira
  • Bitdefender Internet Security 2019
  • PCProtect Antivirus Pro 2018
  • Norton Security Deluxe
  • Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security
  • McAfee Total Protection
  • Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus
  • Avast Premier Antivirus

[amazon link=”B07CYFFH4H” title=”Bitdefender Internet Security 2019″ /]

[amazon fields=”B07CYFFH4H” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”][amazon fields=”B07CYFFH4H” value=”button”]

Features

Bit Defender security products seldom miss any list of best antivirus software. Bit Defender Internet Security is accurate and reliable in virus removal. It secures your online shopping and banking transactions and blocks malicious sites.

This antivirus software uses a secure password manager to auto-fill your saved credit card details in online forms. It also has a superior anti-phishing feature which alerts you when there are suspicious links in your search results. Bit Defender Internet Security also provides ransomware protection and parental control. Bit Defender Internet Security is one of the best antivirus software for thorough protection.

Price

The subscription is available on Amazon.

PROS

  • Provides ransomware protection
  • Provides parental control
  • Superior anti-phishing feature

CONS

  • Can overload low-performance computer systems

[amazon link=”B07MNWZP7J” title=”Sophos Home Premium” /]

[amazon fields=”B07MNWZP7J” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”][amazon fields=”B07MNWZP7J” value=”button”]

Features

Once you install Sophos Home Premium, it performs a thorough scan of your system and wipes out malware. It also eradicates unwanted programs which could be threatening your security or slowing down your computer.

This antivirus software has comprehensive and intuitive protection modules. It offers protection against ransomware and stops any related processes in progress. It also alerts you when an external user attempts to use resources like the mic or webcam for you to deny or grant access. Sophos Home protects your bank information, offers parental control, and blocks malicious websites. The antivirus is suitable for Mac and PC.

Price

This product is available on Amazon.

PROS

  • Protects all information and block malicious sites
  • Provides protection against ransomware
  • Doesn’t slow computer down
  • Able to use on Mac and PC

CONS

  • Can’t perform local network scan

[amazon link=”B01LYYGA8Z” title=”Symantec Norton AntiVirus Basic” /]

[amazon fields=”B01LYYGA8Z” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”][amazon fields=”B01LYYGA8Z” value=”button”]

Features

One of the best antivirus software for curtailing malware activity is Symantec Norton AntiVirus Basic. It defends you against viruses, ransomware, spyware, and conceals personal data and bank details while online. The antivirus software blocks malicious websites and prevents suspicious downloads.

You can set custom scan times or select specific areas that you would like the antivirus to peruse. It has a user-friendly interface and offers tweaks for the more advanced user. We liked the Norton Identity Safe, which is a password manager. However, we noted that it doesn’t work on Chrome or crashes after some time.

Price

The annual subscription is available on Amazon.

PROS

  • Defends against viruses, ransomware, and spyware
  • User-friendly interface
  • Can set custom scan times

CONS

  • Doesn’t work with Chrome or crashes when used with Chrome

[amazon link=”B00QQU6QHE” title=”Avira” /]

[amazon fields=”B00QQU6QHE” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”][amazon fields=”B00QQU6QHE” value=”button”]

Features

Besides detection and removal of malware, Avira Antivirus scans your local network. It also checks your router for unauthorized devices and monitors your system for threats that could access your profile. It offers a password manager and browser plugins that secure your connection while browsing. It blocks annoying ads and pop-ups. Avira Prime allows for anonymous browsing, website unlocking, encryption for sensitive files, and much more.

Avira solutions are easy to use and pocket-friendly. On the flip side, product choice can be confusing. Some ‘pro features’ as per the documentation are exclusive to the Prime version.

Price

Avira comes in three versions: Pro, Internet Security Suite, and Prime and can be purchased through Amazon.

PROS

  • Scans local network
  • Checks router for unauthorized devices
  • Monitors system for threats
  • Blocks ads and pop-ups

CONS

  • Can be confusing choosing a product

[amazon link=”B075WXKF32″ title=”PC Protect Antivirus Pro 2018″ /]

[amazon fields=”B075WXKF32″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large”][amazon fields=”B075WXKF32″ value=”button”]

Features

PC Protect works in real-time which makes it impossible to download files before checking. It quarantines suspicious files and programs immediately to ensure maximum protection from malware.

The basic scan checks the browser, cache, cookies, and startup, while the full system scan checks the entire hard disk. The product comes with a comprehensive tutorial for installation and manipulation.

Price

PC Protect is available on Amazon.

PROS

  • User-friendly interface

CONS

  • Firewall is too basic

[amazon link=”B015724OVG” title=”Norton Security Deluxe” /]

[amazon fields=”B015724OVG” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”][amazon fields=”B015724OVG” value=”button”]

Features

Symantec’s Norton Security Deluxe impresses with advanced security products that guarantee protection against viruses. It protects your confidential and financial information and utilizes its cloud resources to identify threats more quickly. The antivirus comes with a smart firewall for home networks. An intuitive web portal allows you to manage all the covered devices from one point. The developer promises a refund if you don’t get protection during the subscription period.

Price

Symantec’s Norton Security Deluxe is available on Amazon.

PROS

  • Web portal allows management of all devices from one point
  • Protects confidential and financial information
  • Utilizes cloud resources, identifying threats quickly

CONS

  • Doesn’t provide social network security

[amazon link=”B01N5IBBIN” title=”Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security” /]

[amazon fields=”B01N5IBBIN” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”][amazon fields=”B01N5IBBIN” value=”button”]

Features

Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security protects against the usual threats of malware and ransomware. Besides that, it scans your inbox and blocks spam and suspicious emails. The program enhances your privacy on social media, and it allows control of online child safety.

Trend Micro also checks for system errors and fixes them. Additionally, it has a password protection and management tool. The antivirus software has a great design and is easy to install. On the other hand, it can slow down your computer.

Price

A 5-user package is available on Amazon..

PROS

  • Enhances privacy on social media
  • Allow online child safety control
  • Has password protection and management tool

CONS

  • Can slow down computer

[amazon link=”B07BFRYH2K” title=”McAfee Total Protection” /]

[amazon fields=”B07BFRYH2K” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”][amazon fields=”B07BFRYH2K” value=”button”]

Features

McAfee Total Protection pledges to offer protection against viruses, which it usually delivers on. The product accomplishes this using its virus scanner and web and email protection feature. It uses a cloud-based threat analysis solution to avert ransomware threats without overloading your system.

It also comes with a vulnerability scanner for downloading the latest apps. With the My Home Network function, you can monitor your network and detect any unauthorized devices. We liked that McAfee Total Protection is relatively cheap. However, it has minimal room for custom tweaks.

Price

McAfee Total Protection is available on Amazon..

PROS

  • Doesn’t overload system
  • Cloud-based threat analysis
  • Includes vulnerability scanner

CONS

  • Minimal room for custom tweaks

[amazon link=”B00EZKNYXG” title=”Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus” /]

[amazon fields=”B00EZKNYXG” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”][amazon fields=”B00EZKNYXG” value=”button”]

Features

If you are looking for a lightweight and fast AV program, this may be the best antivirus software for you. The program file is about 2MB, and it runs on a tiny segment of your RAM. Even with its bare-bones nature, it still offers impressive features.

The antivirus software provides real-time phishing and program behavior monitoring alongside the prevention and removal of malware. It also protects your system from ransomware and has a firewall and network connection monitor. The company offers a 70-day money-back guarantee to dissatisfied clients. Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus doesn’t provide bulky signature updates, but being tiny is a plus.

Price

SecurityAnywhere is available on Amazon.

PROS

  • Protects system from ransomware
  • Has firewall and network connection monitor
  • Runs on tiny segment of your RAM

CONS

  • Doesn’t provide bulky signature updates

[amazon link=”B0769J5K62″ title=”Avast Premier Antivirus” /]

[amazon fields=”B0769J5K62″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large”][amazon fields=”B0769J5K62″ value=”button”]

Features

Avast Premier protects computer systems from viruses, spyware, and ransomware as expected. It uses a global civilian intelligence network for quick identification of threats. The program also safeguards your financial information when making transactions online. It blocks spam from reaching your email and protects your domain name system settings from hackers. Avast Premier also detects and stops intruders who attempt to invade your Wi-Fi connection.

The program enables you to lock all your accounts with a master password. Avast Premier also cleans your browser by removing unwanted extensions and toolbars. With your Avast account, you can manage your licenses or locate protected devices. In our opinion, the features of Avast premier are remarkable. However, the price is on the high-end for some users.

Price

You can buy Avast Premier on Amazon.

PROS

  • Detects and stops Wi-Fi intruders
  • Protects computer from viruses, spyware, and ransomware
  • Uses global civilian intelligence network

CONS

  • May be expensive for some users

Comparison Table

Item

Image

Rating

Price

[amazon link=”B07CYFFH4H” title=”

Bitdefender Internet Security 2019

” /]

[amazon fields=”B07CYFFH4H” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]

[amazon fields=”B07CYFFH4H” value=”button”]

[amazon link=”B07MNWZP7J” title=”Sophos Home Premium” /]

[amazon fields=”B07MNWZP7J” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]

[amazon fields=”B07MNWZP7J” value=”button”]

[amazon link=”B01LYYGA8Z” title=”Symantec Norton AntiVirus Basic” /]

[amazon fields=”B01LYYGA8Z” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]

[amazon fields=”B01LYYGA8Z” value=”button”]

[amazon link=”B00QQU6QHE” title=”Avira” /]

[amazon fields=”B00QQU6QHE” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]

[amazon fields=”B00QQU6QHE” value=”button”]

[amazon link=”B075WXKF32″ title=”PC Protect Antivirus Pro 2018″ /]

[amazon fields=”B075WXKF32″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]

[amazon fields=”B075WXKF32″ value=”button”]

[amazon link=”B015724OVG” title=”Norton Security Deluxe” /]

[amazon fields=”B015724OVG” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]

[amazon fields=”B015724OVG” value=”button”]

[amazon link=”B01N5IBBIN” title=”Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security” /]

[amazon fields=”B01N5IBBIN” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]

[amazon fields=”B01N5IBBIN” value=”button”]

[amazon link=”B07BFRYH2K” title=”McAfee Total Protection” /]

[amazon fields=”B07BFRYH2K” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]

[amazon fields=”B07BFRYH2K” value=”button”]

[amazon link=”B00EZKNYXG” title=”Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus” /]

[amazon fields=”B00EZKNYXG” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]

[amazon fields=”B00EZKNYXG” value=”button”]

[amazon link=”B0769J5K62″ title=”Avast Premier Antivirus” /]

[amazon fields=”B0769J5K62″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]

[amazon fields=”B0769J5K62″ value=”button”]

The Verdict

After comparing these solutions, we felt like Bit Defender Internet Security is the best antivirus. The security suite includes utilities which offer superior protection against malware. Its accuracy in detecting and thwarting threats is also unparalleled.

The antivirus secures your banking information and shreds sensitive files to prevent hackers from recovering them. It diagnosis your WiFi and fixes vulnerabilities on the go. Its price is relatively low for all these services.

We couldn’t conclude without expressing our love for Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus. The product is so light that its effect on the performance of a device is negligible. It competes fairly, and it’s a suitable match for users worried about storage and internal memory.