Whether for work or for play, chances are you spend a good deal of time on the computer. But as you probably know, the Internet can be a wild place.
If you spend any time at all online, you’ll want your sessions to be protected from all the viruses, hackers, thieves, and scammers that lurk in the shadows.
The Best Antivirus Software
One of the best ways to ensure your online safety is by installing an antivirus software.
We’ve compiled a list of the 12 best antivirus software that will keep your computer and personal information secure so you can keep browsing, shopping, gaming, and doing more of what you love.
1. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2020
If you’re looking for a lightweight antivirus software, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2020 offers a great solution that’s easy to install and use.
Even if you’re not a tech junkie, you can still get the security you need, since Bitdefender’s interface is pretty user-friendly and the tool is easy to configure and personalize.
The company promises that the Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2020 reacts instantly to threats without compromising your site’s performance.
Operating System: Windows
Benefits:
- Easy to install and use
- Multi-layered antivirus protection
- Safe shopping and banking thanks to a dedicated browser designed to prevent fraud
- 200MB daily traffic included, so you’ll stay protected when using public Wi-Fi
Price: $39.99/year, protects 1 device
2. Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2020
Kaspersky Anti-Virus was designed to defend your PC against the latest viruses, ransomware, and more.
The software scans your PC for threats and will help it recover after an infection. However, its protection does require quite a bit of bandwidth, which could slow your system down.
Operating System: Windows
Benefits:
- Blocks spyware, ransomware, viruses, and more
- Simplifies security management
- Reliable and accurate protection
- Easy to use
- Strong file recovery
Price: $29.99/year, protects 1 device
3. Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security
Trend Micro’s Antivirus+ offers the essential protection you need to block web threats, avoid fraud, stop viruses, and browse safely.
The software is armed to protect you from even the newest types of attacks, including ransomware. You’ll also be safe from email scams and stay aware with the Advanced AI Learning feature.
Though it’s a bit slower than other software, you’ll be able to test it out first with a free 30-day trial before making the decision to buy or not.
Operating System: Windows
Benefits:
- Easy to use
- Offers strong protection against viruses and and ransomware
- Includes Advanced AI Learning
- Email scam protection
- Includes Pay Guard
Price: $29.95/year, protects 1 device
4. ESET NOD32 Antivirus
If you’re looking for simple, efficient protection, ESET NOD32 will do the trick.
Using Cloud based scanning, ESET NOD32 will keep you safe with real-time malware protection against old and new threats, while blocking ransomware to keep your data safe from hijacking.
You’ll need to upgrade if you’re looking for more advanced features, such as protection for your smart home devices or password storage, but you’ll have a free 30-day trial period to decide which plan you need and want to purchase (if any).
ESET NOD32 is currently only available for Windows, but ESET features other products for your Mac as well.
Operating System: Windows
Benefits:
- Protects against old and new threats
- Keeps your data safe from hijacking
- UEFI scanner
- Cloud based scanning
- URL filtering to block suspicious sites
Price: $49.99/year, protects 1 device
5. BullGuard Premium Protection
If you want to protect the whole family or multiple devices, BullGuard Premium Protection might be your best option, since it allows you to cover up to 10 devices for just $99.95 per year.
The Home Network Scanner runs discreetly and automatically in the background, and their anti-malware will keep you safe from unknown threats and attacks.
You can also benefit from their Game Booster, which optimizes CPU performance while blocking pop-ups, so you can stay focused on your gaming.
Operating System: Windows, Android
Benefits:
- Game Booster
- Identity protection
- Home network scanner
- Vulnerability scanner
Price: $99.95/year, protects 10 devices
Best Antivirus for Mac
6. Norton AntiVirus Plus
Norton AntiVirus Plus has ranked exceptionally well for its online backup features, spam filter, password manager, and other impressive features.
Norton is known for being a leading name in protection, and this product is no different. The malware was designed to block attacks without consuming all of your computer’s resources.
Operating System: Windows, Mac
Benefits:
- Real-time threat protection
- Password manager
- 2 GB Cloud backup
- Smart firewall
- Intuitive dashboard
Price: $19.99/year, protects 1 device
7. F-Secure SAFE
F-Secure’s SAFE antivirus software offers an easy-to-use package that will keep you and your family safe online. Protect 3, 5, or 7 devices from viruses, ransomware, and software.
You’ll also be able to set parental controls, including time limits for your child’s devices, app controls, content blocking, and location tracking, so you can rest assured that your child is safe and responsible while surfing the web.
You can try a free 30-day trial on 3 devices before deciding whether you want to sign up for a year of protection.
Operating System: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
Benefits:
- Browsing and banking protection
- Ransomware protection
- Parental controls
- User-friendly
Price: $59.90/year, protects 3 devices
8. G Data Antivirus
G Data Antivirus works hard in the background to protect you without compromising your speed or efficiency.
You can shop and bank online with the peace of mind that you’re covered, thanks to the 2 scan engines that work together to ensure maximum security.
G Data also has a 24-hour English hotline, so you can always get customer service, no matter the hour.
Operating System: Windows, Mac, Android
Benefits:
- Automatically updates every hour
- Automatically inspects USB flash drives
- Scans emails and protects against exploitation
- Detects conspicuous behavior
Price: $29.95/year, protects 1 device
9. McAfee Total Protection 2019
McAfee Total Protection 2019 is another great economical option that you might consider if you’re looking to protect multiple devices.
McAfee blocks auto-play videos to minimize your bandwidth usage, while also monitoring the Dark Web so you can stay protected against identity theft.
Use their password manager to safely store and manage all your online login information in one place.
Operating System: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
Benefits:
- Protects against viruses, malware, ransomware, spyware, and more
- Password manager
- Identity theft protection
- Blocks auto-play videos
- Can protect up to 10 devices
- Easy to use
Price: $44.99/year, protects 10 devices
10. AVG Ultimate
The AVG Ultimate package will have you covered from pretty much every angle imaginable.
Stay protected against viruses and malware while benefitting from cool features, like an app lock, smart photo cleaner, and battery profiles.
AVG Ultimate even includes webcam protection and a built-in firewall.
Operating System: Windows, Mac, Android
Benefits:
- Antivirus, ransomware, hacker, and theft protection
- Payment protection
- Webcam and email protection
- Automatic maintenance
- Browser and disk cleaner
Price: $119.99/year, protects unlimited devices
11. Sophos Home Premium
Sophos Home Premium is relatively easy and straightforward to use, while still offering extra features such as parental web controls and webcam protection.
Check your alerts log to check any and all threats that the software has blocked. You can easily add or remove devices from your management area with just a few clicks.
Operating System: Windows, Mac, Android
Benefits:
- Parental web controls
- Remote, Cloud-based management
- Straightforward installation
- Privacy protection
- Mobile app
Price: $60/year, covers up to 10 devices
12. Avira Antivirus Pro 2019
Though it boasts fewer features than others on this list, Avira Antivirus Pro will still keep you covered with solid protection and a few extra goodies, like identity protection and file repair.
Shop, bank, and email safely, since the software is also compatible with all mail clients. You no longer have to worry about suspicious email attachments, spam, or phishing links.
Operating System: Windows, Mac
Benefits:
- Anti-ransomware
- Identity protection
- Repairs damaged files
- Consumes minimal resources
- Intuitive interface
- Email protection
Price: $36/year for one device
The Best Antivirus Protection for You
If you want to surf the web with greater confidence and security, consider one of these 12 software programs that can keep you safeguarded against viruses and other dangers.
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