Pc Anti-virus Internet Security Reviews Side by Side Comparison
The Best Antivirus of 2022: A information-driven comparison
We compiled a data-backed list of the all-time antivirus providers comparing features including overall protection, system functioning, false positives, price, and more to observe the all-time antivirus.
UPDATED: Jan 04, 2022
Installing the best antivirus program for Windows and Mac is near essential these days. Only with dozens of antivirus tools available, choosing the right ane can experience like guesswork. To make the conclusion process easier for you, nosotros've developed a information-backed approach to make up one's mind which providers you tin rely on to provide the all-time possible protection against malware, phishing, potentially unwanted programs, and more.
16 best antivirus for 2022
Based on our research nosotros think these are the all-time antivirus:
- Norton Cyberspace Security – Best antivirus for individual PC and Mac users. Delivers well-regarded net security that tin include ID theft protection with LifeLock.
- TotalAV – Best antivirus for web browsing protection. Actively scans for suspicious websites and monitors for criminal employ of your individual information.
- Intego Antivirus – Best spider web protection for Mac users.The visitor is a rarity, focusing its services and builds primarily on OSX and iOS devices.
- McAfee Total Protection – Offers well-respected protection for individuals or families.
- VIPRE Antivirus – Consistently scores above more well-known brands in independent testing lab analyses.
- Bitdefender Net Security – Maintains consistently reliable performance and includes a webcam protection tool.
- Kaspersky Lab Internet Security – All-time selection of features. Includes a secure, encrypted browser for online shopping.
- Panda Antivirus – Amid the only providers with an "unlimited devices" option for extensive device protection.
- ESET Internet Security – Provides a highly-awarded internet security tool for every major operating organisation.
- Avira Antivirus – Blocks phishing attacks on social media and e-mail.
- Avast – Analyzes app beliefs for potential malicious action
- AVG Internet Security – Actively used past over 200 million people worldwide.
- Trend Micro – Well-respected make with a meaning focus on business endpoint protection.
- Sophos – Multi-device coverage with free option
- Webroot – Incredibly feature-rich for the offered price.
- Comodo Internet Security – No frills antivirus scanning and real-time protection
The antivirus marketplace is fairly dense. You could spend hours trying to find a reputable antivirus tool that fits your needs. This page should assist get you lot on the right path.
Our listing of trusted antivirus tools is based on hours of inquiry into the almost of import criteria for AV tools. We evaluated over 45 free and subscription-based AV tools against the following benchmarks:
- Protection. This is an assay of how well the AV tool finer scans and removes malware or viruses
- Simulated positives. Some AV tools tin misfire and incorrectly place and even block condom programs as viruses.
- Arrangement impact.A calculated measure of the "drag" on your organisation's resource (including retention and RAM). A good antivirus won't noticeably boring your organisation down.
- Transparency. We believe AV tools demand to exist transparent in their billing practices from the moment yous sign up. We look at whether pricing is clearly identified in product pages, whether auto-renewal is turned on or off automatically at checkout, and how easy (or difficult) it is to abolish your subscription on-demand.
You'll observe that many antivirus tools may fit your needs. Almost accept a very similar set of tools and functions and may include just i or ii distinguishing features. The biggest aspect that we've found that separates diverse AV tools is the cost, effectiveness of their malware scanning and removal engine, and their level of transparency.
sixteen best antivirus tools for 2022 (Windows and Mac)
Our data-backed analysis of the 45+ antivirus tools filters down to these top 10 as the most trustworthy and reliable programs offered at the best prices.
1. Norton Internet Security
Our enquiry into disquisitional areas important in verifying the quality of antivirus tools leads us to requite Norton Net Security the following scores:
- Protection score: 99.75
- Performance score: 92.5
- Faux positives score: 86.9
- Transparency score: lxxx
Norton past Symantec is one of the near well-known antivirus and net security tools on the market. Users volition find a much wider pick of options when browsing for protection from Norton Internet Security, which offers more comprehensive security tools, simpler antivirus software, and specialized privacy and security protection apps.
Those looking for an extensive security solution from Norton tin can opt for one of the Norton 360 plans. These carry Norton'due south award-winning real-fourth dimension antivirus scanning and removal tool, deject backup, webcam protection, parental command, credit monitoring, and access to the LifeLock Identity Alert™ System. Even the base-level Norton 360 Select option includes near of these features, equally well as ID Verification Monitoring and information breach notifications.
Pros:
- One of the most comprehensive security packages on the marketplace
- Multiple package options for all blazon of computer users
- Protection for every major operating system (Windows, macOS, Android and iOS)
- Major identity protection features, including access to LifeLock
Cons:
- Turning off motorcar-renewal tin can be a hassle
- May try to block some legitimate programs
BEST ANTIVIRUS: Norton is our #1 selection antivirus for Windows, Mac, Android and iPhone users. It's easy to set-upwards, fast, offers corking protection and lots of extra features. Includes a 60 day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk gratuitous.
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two. TotalAV
Our research into critical areas important in verifying the quality of antivirus tools leads us to give TotalAV the following scores:
- Protection score: 91.vi
- Operation score: 83.3
- False positives score: 100
- Transparency score: 90
We've witnessed an almost nighttime and day transformation of TotalAV'southward product over the past few years. While other services may best it in areas similar Performance (the impact on the user's system resources), few can claim to have worked harder at responding to customer demands for improvements. Over the years, TotalAV'due south customers have pushed for the company to overhaul the app's functionality and design, too a new arroyo to billing transparency. TotalAV listened and responded in the style you'd hope a company would.
This antivirus application offers a loftier-grade existent-fourth dimension scanning tool and a good for you list of "antis":anti-phishing, anti-ransomware, anti-adware, and anti-spyware. The service also bundles in a Safe Browser VPN, arrangement optimization tools to aid improve the speed and functionality of your computer, a countersign manager, and a dark spider web monitoring service.
Pros:
- Heavily improved billing transparency
- Well-regarded antivirus protection
- Night web monitoring
- Apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
Cons:
- Automobile-renew tin only be turned off afterward purchase
- No cheaper option for single device coverage
Best BUDGET ANTIVIRUS: Bully protection at a depression cost. Works well on all systems and is difficult to beat out for the coin.
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three. Intego Antivirus
Our research into critical areas important in verifying the quality of antivirus tools leads united states of america to give Intego Antivirus the post-obit scores:
- Protection score: 91
- Performance score: 91
- Imitation positives score: 100
- Transparency score: 75
Intego owners have a little something to boast most here. Of the many antivirus apps on the marketplace, Intego is 1 of the (very) few that puts makes Mac computers its master focus. That approach pays off with an AV app that's amongst the nigh effective in the market for Mac users, and in general.
The visitor provides several packages that include its well-rated VirusBarrier X9 software, and its NetBarrier X9 software. VirusBarrier X9 is a full-coverage antivirus tool that includes real-time scanning alongside other threat protection tools. Meanwhile, NetBarrier X9 is constructed effectually preventing unauthorized access to Mac devices.
Pros:
- Mac-focused AV provider
- Multiple packages for multi-device coverage
- High ratings from independent testing labs
- Tin also protect Windows computers
Cons:
- Poor transparency regarding machine-renewal
INTEGO: Best for Mac users Offers diverse packages and threat protection tools.
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iv. McAfee Full Protection
Our inquiry into critical areas important in verifying the quality of antivirus tools leads us to give McAfee Full Protection the following scores:
- Protection score: 91.73
- Performance score: 92.5
- Faux positives score: 97
- Transparency score: 95
McAfee is unequivocally 1 of the best net security apps on the marketplace. It's security software consistently scores well in contained testing lab results and on consumer review websites. With both single device and family options that can protect upward to 10 devices at once, McAfee should exist on everyone'southward shortlist for internet security.
Depending on the exact package you get from McAfee, y'all'll find real-time virus scanning, added firewall protection, protection against phishing sites and other suspicious links, and encrypted storage for protection against threats like ransomware. All Total Protection software packages besides include McAfee Shredder, which will fully delete files from your arrangement. If you go all-out with Total Protection, McAfee also adds in identity theft protection.
Pros:
- Consistently-awarded antivirus protection
- Offers an easy-to-employ family unit plan
- Provides identity theft protection under Full Security
- Apps available for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS
Cons:
- Auto-renew can only be turned off after purchase
MCAFEE: Award winning antivirus. One of the most popular brands and for good reason. A elementary to utilise antivirus that gets the chore done.
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5. VIPRE Antivirus
Our research into critical areas important in verifying the quality of antivirus tools leads united states of america to give VIPRE Antivirus the following scores:
- Protection score: 99.83
- Performance score: 94
- False positives score: 100
- Transparency score: 100
VIPRE'due south biggest problem is that you may never take heard of information technology before. Merely based on its splendid scores and complete pricing and billing transparency, information technology should exist one of the options yous consider as you search for a trustworthy security tool. VIPRE has an avant-garde and well-regarded virus engine for subscribers. Merely it also maintains a number of other security tools that will continue your computer and your identity protected every bit you browse the web.
Bachelor on both Windows and Mac computers, the VIPRE Abode Protection software includes its top-rated real-time antivirus engine alongside other must-have security features. At a minimum, yous'll also go ransomware protection and added deject-based security against malware and spyware.
In its more advanced security packages, VIPRE also offers application patching (automatically updates your apps to the latest version), email spam filtering, anti-tracking, sensitive document auditing, a dark web scanner (warns you if your private information appears on the dark web), and much more.
Pros:
- Transparent and consumer-friendly billing practices
- Offers apps for Mac and Windows computers
- Monitors the dark web for stolen information
- Protects against all forms of viruses and malware
Cons:
- No free trial for the Ultimate Security Bundle
VIPRE: Reliable operation. Bottom-known contender that scores high marks on transparency and false-positive detection. Offers more just anti-virus protection.
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six. Bitdefender Internet Security
Our research into critical areas important in verifying the quality of antivirus tools leads us to give Bitdefender Cyberspace Security the following scores:
- Protection score: 99.3
- Performance score: 91.5
- False positives score: 100
- Transparency score: 100
Bitdefender is one of the fastest-growing internet security tools on our list, especially when it comes to name recognition and usage. It's currently trusted by over 500 one thousand thousand calculator users worldwide. The software is almost as highly utilized equally tools offered by McAfee.
Bitdefender has amid the largest number of security packages of any option on our listing. The bones coverage includes its high-functioning existent-time antivirus software. Its newest package option, Bitdefender Premium Security, offers multi-layer ransomware protection, a secure VPN, parental controls, a device optimizer, and minimal system bear on. There are too over a dozen privacy protection features, including anti-tracking, microphone and webcam protection, social network protection, safe online banking, and more.
What's more, Bitdefender'due south software comes included when y'all the company'due south smart domicile security hub device, the Bitdefender Box.
Pros:
- Newly-offered anti-tracking and microphone monitor
- Protects every major operating system, including Windows, macOS, iOS and Android
- Large number of software packages for different user needs
- Works with Bitdefender Box for added protection
Cons:
- No free trial for the Ultimate Security Bundle
BITDEFENDER: Set-and-forget. Multi-platform protection to suit most needs. Covers microphone, webcam, social media, internet banking, and more.
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7. Kaspersky Internet Security
Our enquiry into disquisitional areas of import in verifying the quality of antivirus tools leads united states to give Kaspersky Net Security the following scores:
- Protection score: 99.75
- Performance score: 90
- False positives score: 100
- Transparency score: 100
Kaspersky Lab is an extremely well-respected entity in the software security market. While the company has an extensive research arm, digging deep into the on-going state of war betwixt hackers and consumers, it also extends its reach into the consumer software security market. Kaspersky offers one-half a dozen software security tools for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android users, including its spread-out Kaspersky Security Cloud suite.
For those who want basic security, the Kaspersky Anti-Virus package delivers streamlined protection with its means-tested existent-fourth dimension antivirus engine. For more than extensive internet security, you may want to opt for its Cyberspace Security, Total Security, or Security Cloud packages, which protect confronting webcam hijacking, homo-in-the-middle attacks, phishing attempts.
Kaspersky's college-tier packages not just offer parental controls but were designed specifically for families and their multitude of devices. Go coverage for up to 20 devices when you opt for Kaspersky Security Deject.
Pros:
- Covers up to 20 devices with Cloud Security package
- Transparent billing and consumer-friendly pricing
- Provides apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
- Multiple security packages bachelor
- No credit card required for 30-day complimentary trial
Cons:
- No options available for coverage on fewer than iii devices
KASPERSKY: Industry benchmark. Veteran provider. Intuitive software with a great support squad that will become you lot set in no fourth dimension. 1 sign-up covers 20 devices.
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8. Panda Antivirus
Our research into critical areas important in verifying the quality of antivirus tools leads us to give Panda Antivirus the following scores:
- Protection score: 99.75
- Functioning score: xc
- False positives score: lx
- Transparency score: 80
Panda has a few unique features that brand may help make the case for those shopping around for antivirus protection. Aslope its high protection score, with well-nigh-perfect results from independent testing labs, Panda is one of a select few AV providers that has an "unlimited devices" option for buyers. Equally with all tools, the price is a flake higher for more device coverage, but if you're planning to protect more than 10 devices, most providers would require you to purchase another subscription.
The software focuses on machine learning to protect against malware, ransomware, and other threats. Yet, its approach tin be a bit heavy-handed, leading to an excessive amount of simulated positives. If y'all tin can put aside the fact that it'southward a bit ambitious in labelling perceived threats, you'll observe its ultra-loftier-tech approach means information technology offers far better protection than many competing tools.
Pros:
- Uses machine learning (artificial intelligence) to identify threats
- Offers a growing list of tools and packages
- Rare "unlimited devices" offer
Cons:
- Has a higher-than-average rate of false positives
PANDA: Unique features High protection score and unlimited devices option for buyers.
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9. ESET Internet Security
Our research into critical areas important in verifying the quality of antivirus tools leads us to give ESET Internet Security the following scores:
- Protection score: 99.five
- Performance score: 90.5
- Fake positives score: 99.7
- Transparency score: 90
ESET's suite of tools is among our preferred options thank you to the company's dedication to its craft. We've establish ESET offers notably reliable protection, with a near-perfect protection score averaged across several contained testing labs. The company likewise follows a highly ethical and transparent billing process that makes it clear what you're getting, when and how the service auto-renews, and how to turn off machine-renewal before the subscription period turns over.
As a security solution, ESET delivers a broad range of features and tools that cover the breadth of your security and antivirus/antimalware needs. At the Essential level, ESET offers high-grade protection against viruses, malware, and ransomware. The Premium-form application includes added firewall protection, secure password direction, encrypted online shopping and banking, anti-phishing, and physical tracking in case your calculator is lost or stolen.
Pros:
- Transparent billing policy
- Numerous boosted tools for internet protection
- Apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
- 30-day coin-back guarantee
Cons:
- Auto-renew can only be turned off afterward buy
- Essential Protection offers minimal features beyond virus scanning and removal
ESET: High-course reliable protection. A 1-end-shop solution with a wide range of features to encompass about needs.
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10. Avira Antivirus
Our research into critical areas important in verifying the quality of antivirus tools leads united states of america to give Avira Antivirus the post-obit scores:
- Protection score: 99.75
- Performance score: 90
- Imitation positives score: 95
- Transparency score: 75
Germany-based Avira performs well among independent lab tests. Its protection, functioning, and usability (false positives) scores are all to a higher place the 90% range, making it one of the peak products to explore. Particularly of interest to consumers may be the monthly billing pick. While almost other internet security tools only permit for i-3 year protection plans, Avira lets you sign up for a month-to-month option, making it easier to abolish your subscription and avert 2d-year renewal cost shocks.
There are just three package options available for Avira subscribers, including a free tool. All offers its expertly-crafted real-fourth dimension antivirus engine, privacy tools that eliminate online tracking, a free (limited) VPN, and performance optimization features, and a password director. If you lot upgrade to its paid packages, Avira throws in a software updater, a more advanced password managing director, and in the Prime package, unlimited VPN among other desirable features.
Pros:
- Offers month-to-calendar month billing option
- Free version includes a limited VPN
- Includes a password manager
- VIP client back up with Avira Prime number
- Protection for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
Cons:
- The bank check-out process does not let shut-off of automatic renewal or offering instructions for shut-off
AVIRA: Flexible monthly billing plans. A great performer with a depression level of commitment. Easily switch between packages as your needs change.
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11. Avast Antivirus
Our research into critical areas important in verifying the quality of antivirus tools leads us to give Avast Antivirus the following scores:
- Protection score: 100
- Performance score: 100
- Imitation positives score: 100
- Transparency score: 75
Avast is well-known for its gratuitous antivirus selection, just it too has a well-regarded subscription-based AV tool with an exceptional number of features. Its contained testing lab scores are equally high every bit could be, with AV-Examination giving information technology a perfect score on all three testing categories. Given this company also owns a few other privacy-related properties (such as AVG and the VPN service HideMyAss) it'due south not besides much of a surprise that they understand what it takes to make a winning product in this market.
The company's real-fourth dimension antivirus scanner is backed past a deject-based machine learning algorithm that dynamically assesses and determines when threats occur. And because information technology's a learning algorithm, it's as well capable of pinpointing zero-day viruses. Surprisingly, these excellent features are available at the gratuitous level. With Premium or Ultimate, the service adds some extensive security extras, such as anti-tracking and anti-ransomware tools.
This service scores well, but it adds far too many hoops and layers for subscription cancellation, leading to a lower score on that end.
Pros:
- Low cost
- Monthly subscription option for Ultimate plan
- Machine learning software
- Robust free version available
Cons:
- Intentionally-difficult cancellation process
AVAST: LOW-COST PROVIDER With Avast'south free and paid option, they offer an Antivirus solution for whatsoever blazon of user.
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12. AVG Cyberspace Security
Our research into critical areas important in verifying the quality of antivirus tools leads us to give AVG Internet Security the post-obit scores:
- Protection score: 100
- Performance score: 91.6
- Simulated positives score: 100
- Transparency score: 75
Although AVG is now a wholly-endemic subsidiary of Avast (another AV product company), null has inverse about what it offers. Its long and respected history in the antivirus and software security market spans nearly xxx years. During that time, the company made a name for itself by offering one of the best-functioning free antivirus tools. That costless tool is still a major feature of its catalog, but it too delivers more extensive subscription-based security packages.
All of AVG'south software packages deliver speedy existent-time antivirus protection every bit well as a digital blockade confronting phishing attempts. The company's Internet Security parcel also provides features for safe browsing and online banking, enhanced firewall, webcam protection, and secure file encryption (helps stop the touch of ransomware). With the Ultimate package, AVG tosses in an anti-theft feature to help runway stolen devices, app and device locking, and its Secure VPN.
Pros:
- Experienced AV protection
- Trusted, lightweight free tool
- Extended security protections, including blocks confronting webcam hacks
- Protection for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Cons:
- Pricier than many competitors with a similar product
- Simply allows subscription counterfoil; does non provide a plow-off role for car-renewal
AVG: Decades of experience. A leading company that pioneered many of the industry's threat protection technology. Packages offering a wide option of features to suit your needs.
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thirteen. Trend Micro Antivirus
Our enquiry into critical areas important in verifying the quality of antivirus tools leads us to give Trend Micro Antivirus the following scores:
- Protection score: 97
- Performance score: 88
- False positives score: 88
- Transparency score: 95
Trend Micro has an exceptionally big suite of tools for business users and home users, making it a great choice for both. In fact, information technology has amidst the largest number of package options of any provider on our list, including Home Network Security for smart homes devices, ID Security that sweeps the web for leaked information, and mobile device security for both iOS and Android.
The visitor's 2d-year prices tendency on the college side due to forcing specific device coverage amounts. Equally a nod to that fact, Trend Micro offers exceptionally favorable first-yr pricing discounts that give yous ample time to effort out the software before deciding if it's worth the full price.
Pros:
- Impressive showtime-year discounts
- Carries a large number of package options and features
- Extended warning system for leaked data
Cons:
- On the pricier end after the first twelvemonth
TREND MICRO: Large SUITE OF TOOLS Significant focus on business endpoint protection.
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fourteen. Sophos
Our research into disquisitional areas important in verifying the quality of antivirus tools leads us to give Sophos the following scores:
- Protection score: 70
- Performance score: 80
- False positives score: 83
- Transparency score: 50
Sophos is the very definition of a "mixed bag". While it has some positives, many of these are outweighed by very notable and hard-to-ignore negatives. For example, Sophos offer a wide range of features with its free version (which is gratuitous forever, past the way). Many of the premium features, like Identity Protection, Advanced Malware Scan and Clean, Cyberbanking Protection, Ransomware Protection and others are included on a 30-twenty-four hours trial ground. That's far more than almost of its competitors.
Withal, Sophos is not widely accepted or adopted for home users. So much so that information technology consistently gets ignored past major independent testing labs, similar AV-Test, which hasn't bothered testing the tool in nearly a decade. Our ain tests indicate that Sophos does piece of work to identify and remove malware from systems, but it doesn't give users much information about scan results.
What's more, Sophos does everything information technology tin can to prevent y'all from canceling your account. Like most other antivirus tools, Sophos is subscription-based with a yearly plan. But it doesn't give you this data on the sign-upwardly page, offers no information on how to abolish the subscription before auto-renewal, and in fact, gives no information on auto-renewal at all when you get to pay. And if y'all do want to abolish, Sophos makes you lot jump through a lot of hoops to go in that location, with no way to manually turn auto-renewal on or off independently equally a customer.
You lot might find value in Sophos equally a tool, especially if you utilize the free version. But if you plan to pay, make sure you lot dig deep into the noesis base to figure out how to cancel if you don't like the service.
Pros:
- Heavily-featured free option
- Upwards to ten devices with introductory paid version
- Unique security features bachelor with premium subscription
Cons:
- Hides machine-renewal information
- Regressive client retentivity policies
SOPHOS: UNIQUE SECURITY FEATURES Broad range of features available with its free version.
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15. Webroot
Our research into critical areas important in verifying the quality of antivirus tools leads the states to give Webroot the following scores:
- Protection score: 73
- Performance score: 73
- False positives score: 73
- Transparency score: lxx
While it's more of a "C" student in its scoring, we don't want to count out Webroot thanks to a few unique selling points. Most obviously, Webroot provides its tool at bargain pricing. First-twelvemonth discounts are bachelor, but even its second-twelvemonth prices are roughly half of what competitors like Trend Micro offer for a like product.
A big draw for potential Webroot users is its system impact. Its antivirus scanner is designed to search but critical organization areas where malware tends to hide out, leading to faster scan times and less resource-heavy scans. This is a fleck of a double-edged sword approach, yet, as information technology's the primary reason Webroot's contained testing lab results tend to be middling.
Nevertheless, those who demand the comfort of reasonable protection and who don't appoint in excessively risky web surfing will find Webroot is cheap and effective for what it does.
Pros:
- Low prices for the first yr and across
- Fast scan times and express bear on to system resources while scanning
- Takes up minimal hard bulldoze space, making information technology a good option for Windows netbook users
Cons:
- Mediocre independent testing lab results
- Inconvenient motorcar-renewal information location
- Difficult cancellation process
WEBROOT: LOW-SYSTEM Bear on Deal pricing and low system impact make this provider a expert selection for netbook users
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16. Comodo Internet Security
Our research into disquisitional areas of import in verifying the quality of antivirus tools leads usa to give Comodo Cyberspace Security the following scores:
- Protection score: 100
- Performance score: 91.6
- False positives score: 91.6
- Transparency score: eighty
Comodo is non what outset comes to people's minds when they think of consumer internet security, but it's not i nosotros could leave out. The company specializes in a large range of cyberspace security concerns, more than notably for websites. But its habitation-based security product is not only rated well but is as well i of the least expensive products on the market. Granted, the lower price comes with significantly fewer features, but if you're on a tighter budget this is a trustworthy pick to consider.
There are several antivirus options available through Comodo. Its free version carries the total version of its existent-time antivirus protection tool. A wider range of cyberspace security protection is available through its Complete and Pro packages, which add together an additional firewall, automatic sandboxing of unknown viruses, secure shopping, Wi-Fi hotspot protection, online file storage and backup, and unlimited alive admission to experts for troubleshooting and virus removal.
Pros:
- Complimentary option bachelor for elementary AV protection
- Extremely depression cost compared to competing AV tools
- Wide protection against major cyberspace security threats
Cons:
- Mentions recurring payments, but does not offer easily visible information on turning off motorcar-renewal or subscription cancellation
COMODO: Upkeep-priced minimum protection. Fewer features than others on this listing. Good coverage for most situations.
Antivirus FAQs
Yous've got questions, we've got answers. Here are some of the most commonly-asked questions about antivirus software.
Which is the best antivirus?
In that location are dozens of AV tools on the market and multiple ways to rank them based on quality. We believe the best bachelor include:
- Norton Internet Security
- TotalAV
- McAfee Total Protection
- VIPRE Antivirus
- Bitdefender Cyberspace Security
- Kaspersky Lab Net Security
- Avira Antivirus
- ESET Cyberspace Security
- AVG Internet Security
- Comodo Internet Security
Is antivirus necessary?
Absolutely.
There were over 400,000 new malware variants in 2019. Phishing websites, emails, and links are too growing rapidly. Phishing sites have fifty-fifty replaced malware sites, according to Google'south Transparency Study. Information technology'southward non always easy to determine when you're dealing with a phishing attempt, but AV software tin warn y'all and cake phishing attempts.
What does antivirus software do?
At a base level, your antivirus software will regularly browse your computer's files and folders for malware. Most AV tools likewise include a existent-fourth dimension antivirus engine that blocks active attempts to install malware onto your computer. Virtually AV providers too include multiple additional tools for internet security, including additional firewalls, secure file encryption, data backup, password managers, and VPNs.
Can I only use Windows Defender?
Windows Defender is a great tool, simply information technology underperforms all of the superlative options on our list, including the free tools. But Windows Defender is limited and won't protect you against more all-encompassing threats such as phishing and ransomware.
I have a Mac computer. Practice Macs get viruses?
Aye, Mac computers are just as vulnerable to getting viruses and malware every bit Windows users. It'south all about volume.
Less than 10% of cyberspace users are operating on a Mac device. Hackers tend to focus on the bigger target, which is Windows. However, Mac viruses still exist and are a threat. Additionally, phishing websites and emails tin affect anyone, regardless of the operating arrangement.
How much does antivirus cost?
Y'all'll find there are free AV tools and paid AV tools. Almost AV tools that you pay for are offered on an almanac subscription ground. Paid tools can cost anywhere from effectually $20 per year to over $100 per year. What you pay typically increases based on how many computers you're roofing, and how many features the package offers.
Does the subscription cost stay the same?
Many antivirus providers offer steep showtime-year discounts. Afterwards that, prices tend to increase. We highly recommend looking for information regarding renewal pricing, and if you lot don't like the renewal toll, plough off auto-renewal. As part of our review and rating organization, nosotros've included a transparency score that reflects whether an AV provider offers information prior to the concluding checkout on renewal pricing, motorcar-renewal policies, and data on how to plow off auto-renewal.
How to find a trustworthy antivirus program
It's hard to objectively pick the best antivirus. To assist eliminate subjectivity, we used multiple data points from independent testing labs too as our rating rubric for antivirus billing transparency.
In that location are currently dozens of antivirus tools available on the market. Big-name options such as Norton, McAfee, and Bitdefender typically become the almost headlines and the most attention. Simply are the top-branded tools on the marketplace truly the best?
Unfortunately, parsing through the many dissimilar lab tests, consumer reviews, and other data tin exist time-consuming. Fifty-fifty more so, comparing each bachelor service against the other ones is not a simple job.
Nosotros've taken on a big flake of the difficult piece of work for you! Using currently bachelor data from recent independent testing labs, pricing data, and consumer review site scores, we've adult simple tools that will assist you rapidly and easily compare over bachelor 50 antivirus tools.
Our tools offer a completely unbiased approach to finding the all-time antivirus software for the price. This way, you know yous're not getting sold a product that could be ineffective at finding and removing malware from your organisation.
Consumer-friendly table of antivirus software
If you're looking for a quick and like shooting fish in a barrel reference guide, utilise this table to expect upwards the software you may be interested in purchasing, or to compare different software based on certain, important criteria, such as toll.
Aggregated antivirus scores and information
Use the following tool to compare antivirus tools based on protection (how effectively they place malware), performance (how efficiently they run on your figurer), and false positives (how often they incorrectly place safe programs as viruses). You lot can too filter for price, and by how many device installations you'll become for the lowest toll possible.
How to employ this tool
There are multiple ways yous tin use this tool.
First, you can filter past aggregated protection, performance, or false positive scores. Merely click the box for that name.
Each tool is organized based on how many contained labs have a recent test for that software.
All software available in the data is colored by the aggregated scores they received (0-100, with 100 existence a perfect score). Each indicate in the chart is sized by how many device installs yous get for the minimum purchase price.
Use the filters on the right side look up specific tools by proper name, or to filter based on the minimum number of devices with ane-yr purchase, annual subscription price (if any), the number of independent labs testing each plan, and past the boilerplate score for that category.
All operating systems are vulnerable to virus infections
All computer users should consider installing at least a gratuitous, third-party antivirus tool. At present, most operating systems come with a free tool pre-installed, only you should also consider purchasing or downloading a separate application. Our data propose that the programs included in well-nigh operating systems are not nearly as effective.
The single all-time solution to stopping a malware infection is to employ an antivirus plan. These tools continuously scan your computer or mobile device and your web browser, looking for known viruses and anything that looks and acts like a virus. When a suspected virus is detected, the tool will automatically quarantine it, preventing it from infecting your device. You will then get a bulletin that gives you the option to either delete the file if it'due south a virus or release it if it was a false positive.
If you're installing an antivirus tool on a device that's already infected, y'all can also use the tool to scan the device and remove any pre-existing malware or other infections.
Windows antivirus
Although Mac users should likewise consider getting an antivirus tool, Windows users, in particular, have the greatest demand. Over 99 percentage of malware that exists were specifically designed to infect Windows computers.
This does not mean that Windows computers are inherently more than vulnerable than Mac computers. All the same, the prevalence of viruses impacting Windows computers ways that equally a Windows user, y'all are simply more likely to come across a virus at some signal while browsing the web or using your electronic mail.
Mac antivirus
One of the biggest threats for Mac users is complacency. Although nearly viruses that exist were designed for Windows computers, Mac computers are still susceptible to getting virus infections.
Notably, there are far fewer antivirus programs that be for Mac computers, mostly considering of the far lower number of Mac computers and fewer number of viruses impacting Mac computers. As a consequence, our inquiry only focuses on Windows computers. Still, you can notice a review of top Mac antivirus programs here.
Linux antivirus
At that place'southward an on-going debate in the Linux community near whether or not antivirus is necessary for this operating system. The argument is substantially the same as with Mac users. Because there are fewer Linux users, there are also far fewer viruses attacking Linux operating systems.
However, we've found that Linux computers can and do become viruses. You can find out more here in our study on Linux viruses.
Android and iOS antivirus
Viruses on mobile devices are far less common, but they do exist. Amongst the mobile device world, the situation is similar to Windows vs. Mac. If you have an Android device, you are extremely susceptible to getting a virus infection, specially from malicious app downloads.
According to mobile cybersecurity company Lookout, phishing is among the biggest threats facing mobile users. Importantly, many mobile users are not prepared to cease phishing attempts, which increasingly come in the form of spam text messages.
Many of the antivirus tools we cover in our data provide mobile tools. Still, there are also many tools available specifically for Android and iOS devices.
Our antivirus review method
Using contained antivirus lab tests, we've gathered information on over thirty AV tools currently available to consumers and concern. We then created a tool which compares each tool based on its average lab test results beyond the iii major categories tested:
- Protection: How effectively each tool identifies and stops malware
- False Positives: How often each tool incorrectly labels prophylactic programs every bit malware
- Performance: The overall impact each tool has on system resources (such as memory and CPU usage)
There were five testing labs' data used in our analysis:
- AV-Exam
- AV-Comparatives
- SE Labs
- Virus Bulletin
- MRG Effitas
Each lab maintains different rating standards and methods. For instance, AV-Test creates a score out of half-dozen for each category. Meanwhile, AV-Comparatives assigns a score out of 100 for Protection, but uses the raw number of False Positives instead of creating a score.
Additionally, not every lab tested all of the aforementioned AV tools, and some, similar MRG Effitas, did not test for all iii categories (MRG Effitas only offers Protection results).
To account for these differences, we took averages and made adjustments to equalize their ratings. We likewise created our charts to differentiate past how many lab tests each AV software appeared in.
Furthermore, nosotros added extra filters to aid consumers place which tools might exist the all-time value. For that, we included a minimum purchase price, the number of devices allowed for the purchase, and an average score based on other consumer review sites, where bachelor.
A Annotation on Avast and AVG
While Avast performed extremely well in our review, this service now comes with a warning. A Motherboard and PCMag investigation published in Jan 2020 found that Avast was not only secretly recording and collecting user spider web browsing information, simply was then selling that data for profit. According to the report, Avast was recording "Every search. Every click. Every purchase. On every site". The company was then selling that information to major companies, including Google and Microsoft.
The information was sent to and candy past Avast-owned company Jumpstart, which marketed and sold the information. Since the report published, Avast killed its Jumpstart subsidiary company, but the harm had already been done.
Notation that Avast also owns AVG, making this well-rated antivirus programme suspect as well.
Outside of these issues, both Avast and AVG are well-performing antivirus tools. All the same, consumers who take extra concerns may want to avoid these tools in favor of other equivalently-rated programs.
Results overview
At that place are a few interesting takeaways from the data that may involvement consumers.
First, it should be noted that almost every AV tool on the marketplace that was tested by the 5 testing labs performed similarly with regard to Protection. That ways that nearly whatever tool you purchase is likely going to place, quarantine, and clean malware from your organization with a loftier degree of success. Of the tools tested by the labs, simply four received sub-par scores:
- ViriT eXplorer PRO: 40.83/100
- Webroot Antivirus: 72.75/100
- Rising Security Cloud Client: 77.86/100
- Quick Heal Full Security: 79.40
All others received aggregated scores of 90/100 or better. This means consumers' best pick is to consider more than carefully the other areas of value: Performance, False Positives, Toll, and the number of devices immune per purchase.
Protection
The protection score is a measurement of how effectively the tool was able to identify and remove malware, including null-day viruses. Many tools score well on this front, with some of the best scores going to the following consumer-focused apps:
- AVG Cyberspace Security (100%)
- Avira Cyberspace Security (100%)
- Comodo Internet Security (100%)
- Faronics Anti-Virus (100%)
- Panda Gratis Antivirus (100%)
- Total AV (99.9%)
- VIPRE Advanced Security (99.83%)
- Avira Antivirus Pro (99.75%)
- Bullguard Net Security (99.75%)
- Kaspersky Internet Security (99.75%)
- Norton Internet Security (99.75%)
- NANO Antivirus (99.seven%)
- Arcabit AntiVirus (99.52%)
- Total Defense Premium (99.52%)
- ESET Internet Security (99.5%)
- Microsoft Windows Defender (99.iii%)
- Bitdefender Internet Security (99.3%)
- Cyren Command Anti-Malware (99.17%)
- K7 Full Security (99.15%)
That'due south a long listing of AV tools that scores 99% or above in their ability to detect and remove malware! But you'll note that not all of these fabricated our top x, and some that made our elevation 10 scored slightly less than 99%. That's considering the ability to observe and remove malware is simply 1 of import gene when deciding on which AV tool to go with.
Additionally, small variations in the protection scores are commonly acceptable. Well-nigh users will experience few, if any, differences when using tools that have protection rates inside a few percentage points of each other.
Performance
- eScan Internet Security Suite
- Ahnlab V3 Cyberspace Security
- Panda Gratuitous Antivirus
Ahnlab is not available to consumers, even so, and while Panda Gratis Antivirus scored well in performance, its simulated positives score was extremely subpar. That makes eScan Internet Security Suite the best in this category.
Faux Positives
Four testing labs used False Positives as a measure for testing. Non every tool showed upwardly in every lab test, still, and nosotros had to make some adjustments particularly for AV-Comparatives, which did non create an average score for that category simply instead offered only gave a raw number (eastward.g., the total number of simulated positives each tool sent back).
25 tools in this category scored a perfect 100, significant they did not send back any false positives. However, when you consider the Performance and Protection scores, the top tools in this category are:
- eScan Internet Security
- Vipre Advanced Security
eScan comes out on top in this category likewise, although Vipre performed noticeably meliorate in the Protection category, whereas eScan scored a perfect 100 Performance and Simulated Positives.
Price (free)
Quite plain, most consumers prefer a gratis tool versus a paid one. And indeed, many of the costless tools on the market are loftier-quality options worth considering.
The best gratis antivirus tools on the market place, based on score averages beyond all iii categories, include:
- Tencent PC Manager
- Avira Free Security Suite
Consumers may as well want to consider using Microsoft Windows Defender, which comes loaded with any new installation of Windows, or Panda Antivirus Gratis. Those ii tools score well in the Protection and Operation categories, but poorly in Imitation Positives.
Toll (paid)
As far as depression-cost options, notwithstanding, there are a few stand up-out AV tools that may offering great value and quality, while there are some notable exceptions that are far too pricey for what they deliver.
Among the paid tools, the best include:
- Comodo Internet Security: $19.69/twelvemonth
- NANO Antivirus: $12.03 for 500 days (may not be bachelor to US or Uk consumers)
- Arcabit Antivirus: $23.64/yr
- Avira Antivirus Pro: $35.99/year
- Thousand-Data Cyberspace Security: $39.95/year
- eScan Internet Security: $49.95/year
Beyond these, most services cost $50/twelvemonth or more than, and indeed, the services with the best test results are likewise ultimately amongst the most expensive. eScan is the only exception, making it ane of the all-time-paid options based on its positive test results.
A few tools are just not worth the toll, withal, every bit they are both expensive and poor performing. These include:
- Quick Heal Total Security: $74/year
- PC Pitstop: $50/yr
Other available tools may notwithstanding be worth the price when consumers take into consideration other features. Individual investigation of those features may exist prudent before making a final decision based on price.
Minimum devices per purchase
Most AV companies charge more money per month for more device installations. Nonetheless, each offers a certain number of device installations for the base toll. In most cases, you can install the software on multiple devices with one subscription. If you need to comprehend multiple devices while saving money, ii AV tools are standout options:
- McAfee Internet Security: 10 devices, $89.99/year
- Kaspersky Internet Security:20 devices, $149/twelvemonth
Those looking to comprehend multiple devices may be better served with one of these options, all of which have good test results also.
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Source: https://www.comparitech.com/antivirus/