There are many antivirus programs available however only a small handful offer the speed, strength and extra features you need to protect your computer. The most effective antivirus software uses a multilayered method to detect and eliminate threats. This includes signature detection, behavior monitoring and artificial intelligence. This is crucially important for more sophisticated threats such as ransomware. These can be difficult to detect using a single technique.
Our top picks combine excellent malware detection rates and an array of additional features, such as a password manager, VPN, cloud backup and dark web monitoring. They also offer a variety of subscription options to fit your needs and budget.
Malwarebytes antivirus scanner is extremely quick and lightweight on system resources, while still providing an excellent defense against all kinds of malware. Other features include a powerful password manager, a robust VPN and storage-optimizing tools. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Android.
Bitdefender’s antivirus software earned top scores from independent labs AV Test and AV Comparatives in 2022. It’s simple to use and comes with a good selection of extras like banking protection to ensure secure online shopping, as well as parental controls to safeguard your children. It includes an app that tracks devices to locate remotely lock or wipe lost or stolen mobile devices.
Norton’s security suite remains largely unchanged from our last review. It’s still a solid option, with impressive malware detection. The extra features are worth the expensive price. Its ad-blocker, password manager, and antispam all work well and provide great value for money with a five-device plan.