The midrange Bitdefender Internet Security adds parental controls, webcam protection and a two-way firewall, while Bitdefender Total Security tops off the lineup with an anti-theft feature for laptops, a system optimizer and licenses for Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac and Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android.Ī fourth product, Bitdefender Premium Security, is basically Total Security with unlimited VPN usage, a cross-platform password manager and priority tech support.
It also offers the most value, 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 - features often found only with pricier antivirus packages. Its active scans don't add much to the background system impact, but that background load is a bit heavy. It has very good, if not perfect, malware-detection scores. Yet every other digital-protection service you could possibly ask for is included with at least some of its bundles.īitdefender Antivirus Plus is our top choice among entry-level antivirus products. Unlike some of the other best antivirus software makers, Norton doesn't offer a file shredder, file encryption or secure web browser with any of its products. Their subscription prices run well into the triple digits, but still cost less than if you were to buy the identity protection, password manager, cloud-backup storage and antivirus software separately. If you want full-on identity protection, Norton offers three bundles with varying degrees of LifeLock service and even more online storage. Two other offerings, Norton 360 Premium and Norton 360 Platinum, give you more online storage and expand the antivirus and VPN coverage to 10 and 20 devices, respectively. It includes a password manager that works on all major platforms, unlimited VPN service, dark-web personal-data monitoring, parental controls and up to 50GB of online storage space. The number of extra features each program has varies, but the sweet spot in the lineup is Norton 360 Deluxe.
The best antivirus software you can buy todayĪll of Norton's antivirus products offer excellent malware protection, and the once-heavy system-performance load is much lighter. Our free rankings immediately follow our paid rankings below.
See our section on how to choose the best antivirus software below, or our stand-alone antivirus buying guide. You can still download and use Kaspersky software if you choose.Īny of these three would serve you well, but the ideal choice depends on your circumstances. But given the war in Ukraine, we've stopped doing business with Russian companies.
Kaspersky Total Security also offers top-notch malware protection, a full complement of extra features and an easy-to-use interface. Right behind that is the entry-level Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, the best bargain in antivirus software. While the free version includes all of the powerful anti-malware heuristics and algorithms, a registered license unlocks several important features, specifically: real-time protection, scheduled scanning, and scheduled updating.Īfter you purchase Malwarebytes 4 Premium, it may be used for 24 months.Our top choice is Norton 360 Deluxe, which offers excellent malware protection and a ton of extra features, including unlimited VPN service and LifeLock identity protection. There is even a current threats center that allows you to keep up to date with the latest malware threats! The Realtime Protection Module uses advanced heuristic scanning technology to actively monitor your system, keeping it safe and secure. Malwarebytes Premium monitors every single running process and stops malicious activity before it even starts.
Malwarebytes Premium has removed over 5 billion pieces of malware since it's first release! The next step in malware detection and removal, Malwarebytes Premium includes a number of proprietary technologies that are designed to quickly detect, destroy, and prevent infection. Malwarebytes Premium has had over 100 million downloads! In a nutshell, Malwarebytes Premium is an easy-to-use, simple, straightforward, and mercilessly effective anti-malware application that can make short work of the hordes of viruses, worms, trojans, rootkits, dialers, spyware, and of course, malware. Malwarebytes Premium has been a Top 10 Download on CNET for years running!
In fact, there's a pretty good chance that you or someone you know has the über-useful free version installed right now (feel free to download it via the trial link to the right).
If you care about PC security, you're probably aware of Malwarebytes Premium.