A good antivirus program is required for all Windows computers. The built-in Microsoft Defender antivirus may be sufficient to keep your PC safe from infection. However, it falls short of the additional functionality offered by the finest premium antivirus software.
Most premium or mid-range security suites include parental controls, VPNs, password managers, or identity theft protection – all for less than the cost of buying each item separately.
Although the malware-detection "engine" in each brand's Windows antivirus products is the same, the features justify the price differences. Have a look at some of the Security software that we offer.
1. Norton Security Software
Norton security software defends your computer against malware while also lowering system stress. Each package has a different number of added features, but Norton 360 Deluxe is the best of the group.
Personal data tracking on the dark web, parental settings, and up to 50GB of online storage are all included, as well as a cross-platform password manager.
2. Bitdefender Antivirus Software
Our top pick for entry-level antivirus software is Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. Its malware detection ratings are excellent, if not perfect. Its active scans don't have much of an influence on the background system, but the background load is quite high.
With an unlimited (but Windows-only) password manager, a secure browser with a virtual keyboard, a Wi-Fi network scanner, a file shredder, protection against encrypting ransomware, and Bitdefender's new web-privacy software, it also delivers the highest value.
3. Kaspersky Total Security
Kaspersky's Windows solutions meet the two most important criteria in our rankings, malware detection and system performance effect.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus is a free antivirus program that includes ransomware protection, a virtual keyboard, and a simple online account interface. It is defeated by Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, which has many more features.
4. McAfee Internet Security
Malware detection in McAfee has improved dramatically in recent years, but it is still far from flawless.
In any case, the entry-level version of McAfee AntiVirus Plus is a bargain: For a small fee, you can get an incredible package that protects up to ten (in practice, unlimited) Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android devices, as well as a file shredder and a two-way firewall.
Parental controls and one of the finest password organizers are essential when using McAfee Total Protection or its brother McAfee LiveSafe, which comes pre-installed on many new PCs.
5. ESET Smart Security
With low system resource utilization and speedy scans, ESET is one of Europe's most popular antivirus products. Its malware detection rate was originally mediocre, but in recent lab testing, it has greatly improved.
Although ESET Antivirus is easy to use, it lacks a few useful extra functions. ESET Internet Security includes webcam protection, parental controls, and a browser-hardening extension, as well as ESET security-software licenses for Mac, Android, and Linux devices.