Choosing the right antivirus software can add important online security for your computer and network devices. Without antivirus software, your vital passwords and personal information could be up for grabs by hackers and malware -- a big reason why identity theft is an increasingly common problem. Deciding on which antivirus protection to use can be overwhelming, especially considering the sheer number of free and paid options. What makes each of the leading antivirus software packages stand out? We'll attempt to answer that question here by reviewing each of the top-rated anti-virus software options.
This antivirus software package contains everything buyers should expect from a basic software suite, and it's available at one of the market's best prices. Its affordability makes it a great choice.
Avast Premier gets two big upgrades from its free suite. The first is an automatic updating tool that works in the background of your other applications, and the second is a secure deletion tool that lets you get rid of files for good.
This Avast package doesn't have the secure deletion tool offered in Avast Premier, but it does have a spam filter, firewall and numerous other perks.
This is a decent software suite to use alongside another security software package. However, it may identify your other antivirus software as malware, so be sure to check your settings.
Total AV offers VPN and a password management system to protect your online accounts. Those are nice perks, but TotalAV isn't as effective as other antivirus software packages in preventing malware attacks.
Microsoft has a long history in the antivirus industry. This software suite gets the Windows 10 Creators Update to make sure it's always in sync with the latest Windows operating system.
Want an antivirus software suite with a high degree of customization? This antivirus program requires programs to be placed on a whitelist in order for your computer to run them. It's very secure, but it can also be inconvenient.
Malwarebytes is widely recognized as a leading antivirus software package. It's free and can be used alongside of any paid program. However, it's best use isn't in preventing Malware, but in detecting what is infecting your machine.