Over 35 years ago, PCMag started testing antivirus software. They looked at names like Norton, Panda, and Trend Micro back then. These names are still around today.
Every year, they test the latest antivirus software in real situations. They give top scores to the best ones. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus got a rare five-star rating and is an Editors’ Choice winner. Norton AntiVirus Plus also got 4.5 stars and is another Editors’ Choice.
These awards mean a lot because they come from thorough testing and years of knowledge. It’s not just about the scores. It’s about real-world protection and safety.
Key Takeaways of Best Antivirus Software
- PCMag has been testing and reviewing top antivirus software for over 35 years.
- Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and Norton AntiVirus Plus are their Editors’ Choice winners, with top scores.
- These antivirus programs are evaluated based on hands-on testing, third-party lab results, and industry expertise.
- Choosing the best antivirus software is crucial for comprehensive malware protection and computer security.
- Premium antivirus solutions offer advanced features like ransomware defense, safe banking, and VPN functionality.
Bitdefender Total Security – The All-in-One Security Suite
Bitdefender Total Security is a top choice for keeping your devices and online activities safe. It has a strong set of features to protect against many threats.
Advanced Real-Time Protection
Bitdefender’s real-time protection technology catches threats before they can harm you. It stops malware files from downloading, removes web trackers, and warns you about risky websites.
Multi-Layer Ransomware Defense
Ransomware attacks are common, but Bitdefender Total Security can handle them. It uses advanced methods to detect and stop ransomware, keeping your files safe.
Safe Online Banking and Shopping
Online banking and shopping are key parts of our lives now. Bitdefender Total Security has a Safepay feature for secure financial transactions. It keeps your personal and financial info safe.
Bitdefender Total Security is a complete security solution. It protects your devices, data, and online activities with real-time protection, ransomware defense, and secure online banking and shopping. You can trust that your digital life is secure.
Norton 360 – The Trusted Name in Antivirus
Norton is a well-known name in antivirus protection. It’s known for trust and quality. Norton 360 is their top security suite, designed to protect your digital life.
Comprehensive Malware Detection
Norton 360 uses advanced methods to find and stop malware. It combines machine learning, behavior analysis, and cloud-based threat intelligence. This means it can handle a wide range of threats, from old viruses to new ones like cryptojacking and ransomware.
Identity Theft Protection with LifeLock
Norton 360 also offers LifeLock identity protection. This service watches the dark web and other places for your personal info. If it finds something, you’ll be notified. Plus, you get up to $1 million in coverage for legal help.
Secure VPN and Password Manager
Norton 360 also includes a secure VPN and a strong password manager. The VPN keeps your internet traffic safe and hides your location. The password manager helps you make and keep strong passwords for everything.
Norton 360 is a top choice for antivirus and internet security. It offers great malware detection, identity theft protection, and more. It’s perfect for keeping your devices and digital life safe.
Malwarebytes Premium – Speedy and Thorough Scans
Malwarebytes Premium is a top choice for keeping your device safe. It has many features, like super-fast scans. These scans are much quicker than the average, taking only 2-4 minutes for a full system check.
This tool uses advanced methods to catch new threats. It’s been tested and scored a high 9.8 out of 10 in lab tests. This puts it on par with big names like Avast and Norton.
It doesn’t just scan fast; it also protects against many threats. The Browser Guard feature blocks harmful websites, which the free version can do 75% of the time.
Malwarebytes Premium works on 2 to 20 devices, making it great for both home and business use. It’s affordable and has a strong record in fighting malware. This makes it a smart pick for those looking for malware protection and fast scans.
McAfee AntiVirus – Perfect Lab Test Scores
McAfee AntiVirus is a top choice for antivirus protection. It has perfect scores in lab tests across Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and North America. What makes it so effective?
Outstanding Malware Removal
McAfee AntiVirus is great at finding and removing malware. Labs praise its skill in tackling even the toughest threats. This keeps your devices safe and secure.
Virus Protection Pledge
McAfee’s Virus Protection Pledge gives you peace of mind. If a virus gets past your defenses, McAfee will help remove it or offer a full refund. No questions asked.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Personal Data Scan | Scans your device for sensitive information and helps protect it from being compromised. |
Web Protection | Blocks access to malicious websites and phishing attempts, keeping you safe online. |
Online Account Scan | Monitors your online accounts for potential breaches and alerts you to any suspicious activity. |
Secure VPN | Encrypts your internet connection, safeguarding your privacy and protecting your data. |
Identity Monitoring and Alerts | Tracks the dark web for any signs of your personal information and notifies you promptly. |
McAfee AntiVirus shines with its top lab scores, wide range of security features, and strong virus protection pledge. It’s a top pick for protecting your digital life.
Best Antivirus Software – The Top Contenders
Choosing the right antivirus software is crucial in today’s digital world. Experts at PCMag have tested many antivirus programs to help you decide. They recommend Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and Norton AntiVirus Plus for their high scores in tests and real-world performance.
Independent Lab Test Results
Independent labs like AV-Comparatives and AV-Test test antivirus software. They check how well best antivirus software and top antivirus programs work. Avast Premium Security and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus stand out, scoring high in malware detection and system performance.
Real-World Performance Evaluations
Lab tests are useful, but real-world tests by PCMag give a fuller picture. They check how well antivirus software works in everyday life. These tests show that the best antivirus software not only performs well in labs but also protects in real situations.
Antivirus Product | Independent Lab Test Scores | Real-World Performance | Pricing |
---|---|---|---|
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus | 5/5 stars (AV-Comparatives, AV-Test) | 4.5/5 stars (PCMag) | $39.99 – $59.99 per year |
Norton AntiVirus Plus | 4.5/5 stars (AV-Comparatives, AV-Test) | 4.5/5 stars (PCMag) | $39.99 – $49.99 per year |
Malwarebytes Premium | 4/5 stars (AV-Comparatives, AV-Test) | 4/5 stars (PCMag) | $44.99 – $99.99 per year |
McAfee AntiVirus | 4.5/5 stars (AV-Comparatives, AV-Test) | 4/5 stars (PCMag) | $49.99 – $89.99 per year |
These top antivirus programs are great at keeping users safe from cyber threats. They are the top picks for those looking for solid best antivirus software solutions.
Antivirus Software Comparison – Features and Pricing
Choosing the best antivirus software means looking at protection, features, and cost. Top names like Bitdefender, Norton, Malwarebytes, and McAfee offer more than just basic scans. They have tools against ransomware, identity theft, secure VPNs, password managers, and more. Prices vary, with discounts for new customers, but full-year costs can be high. It’s important to think about what you need and how much you can spend to pick the right antivirus.
Comprehensive Protection and Feature-Rich Suites
Norton 360 Deluxe gives great malware protection and includes backup software, a password manager, a VPN, and more in one package. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus also offers strong malware protection with a password manager, Wi-Fi scanner, and a secure browser. McAfee+ is a good choice for protecting many devices on a budget and comes with a password manager and protection for different platforms.
Balancing Cost and Performance
Trend Micro Maximum Security has excellent malware protection, a password manager, a secure browser for banking, dark web scans, and a VPN.
ESET Smart Security Premium provides top protection with little impact on your system, including file encryption, a password manager, and controls for parents.
Sophos Home Premium offers good malware protection at a lower cost, encrypts your keyboard data, and has controls for parents and webcam protection.
Antivirus Software | Key Features | Pricing |
---|---|---|
Norton 360 Deluxe | Malware protection, backup, password manager, VPN | $50 for 1st year, $120 per year thereafter (5 devices) |
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus | Malware protection, password manager, Wi-Fi scanner, hardened browser | Varies by plan and region |
McAfee+ | Malware protection, password manager, multi-platform protection | Varies by plan and region |
Trend Micro Maximum Security | Malware protection, password manager, secure browser, dark web monitoring, VPN | Varies by plan and region |
ESET Smart Security Premium | Malware protection, file encryption, password manager, parental controls | Varies by plan and region |
Sophos Home Premium | Malware protection, keyboard encryption, parental controls, webcam protection | Varies by plan and region |
The best antivirus for you depends on your security needs, how you use your devices, and your budget. By looking at the features and prices, you can find the right mix of protection, functionality, and value.
Choosing the Right Antivirus for Your Needs
Choosing the right antivirus software is crucial for protecting your digital devices. You need to know what security you need and balance protection with system performance. Think about the threats you face, the devices you want to protect, and how it affects your computer’s speed.
Identifying Your Security Requirements
First, think about the threats you’re up against. Are you mostly worried about viruses, spyware, and ransomware? Do you also need identity theft monitoring or a VPN for safe online browsing? List your top security needs to find the best antivirus for you.
Balancing Protection and Performance
Top antivirus programs offer strong security but can slow down older computers during full scans. You must balance security with performance. Consider your computer use and decide how much protection you’re okay with giving up for speed. If you use lots of resource-heavy apps, choose a lighter antivirus program.
The best antivirus for you balances choosing antivirus, security requirements, and protection vs performance. Think about your unique needs and find the right balance. This way, you get strong digital security without slowing down your devices.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best antivirus software is crucial for protecting my digital life. Top names like Bitdefender, Norton, Malwarebytes, and McAfee stand out. They offer strong malware detection and real-time threat blocking.
When picking an antivirus, I think about what I need and how it affects my system. With the right antivirus, I can safely browse the web and use my devices. Experts recommend Norton, Kaspersky, Bitdefender, Avast, and AVG for their solid protection.
These programs not only guard against many threats but also offer extra features. You get identity theft protection, secure VPNs, and password management. This makes my digital life more secure.
In the end, the best antivirus gives me peace of mind online. It keeps my data safe from malware and other risks. By picking the right antivirus, I protect my personal and financial info. This way, my digital life stays secure and free from worries.