Regardless of which Windows version you’ve got, a good antivirus is a must for you. The modern market offers quite an abundance of options. Every developer tries to offer some unique features along with core protection. Let’s take a quick look at some of the most promising solutions you can buy in 2020.
The Overall Best Choice
The best paid antivirus is undoubtedly Kaspersky Total Security. It’s a combination of malware protection, a user-friendly interface, and a bundle of extras. Every user gets the essentials for safe Internet browsing, including a secure browser and webcam protection.
Advantages of Kaspersky Total Security:
- Nearly perfect malware protection
- Two-step authentication for the online account
- Backup utility
- Password manager
- Parental control utility
The only drawback is the huge system impact observed during full scans. Additionally, it’s banned in the US since the developer is Russian. The included VPN is limited, and its upgraded version requires an extra payment. Yet, excellent malware detection and moderate impact on the system’s performance, combined with an affordable price, make it worth your while.
Similar Options You May Consider
Another decent option that takes a leading position in many other ratings is Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. It is one of the leaders in the US market with the most affordable options that deliver excellent results. Choosing Bitdefender makes lots of sense since everyone gets nearly perfect malware protection and lots of extras & features. The program is light and doesn’t impact performance much.
Bitdefender Features:
- Tools like a secure browser and password manager for online browsing
- File shredder (which Kaspersky doesn’t offer)
- Wi-Fi network scanner for extra safety
You may also consider Bitdefender Premium Security, which includes an unlimited VPN for added functionality.
The bronze medal goes to Norton 360 Deluxe. This antivirus offers great protection (including identity protection) and an unlimited VPN. The latter is perfect for those who like streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, etc. This software also provides excellent malware protection with some privacy bundles.
Norton 360 Deluxe Features:
- Password manager
- VPN
- Parental control
Spend $50 more to get LifeLock identity protection as well as extra storage space. However, the disadvantages include slow performance during scans and being skimp on security features compared to its competitors.
Antivirus Programs That Also Made the Top 5 List
4th Place: Trend Micro Maximum Security
While Trend Micro offers decent malware protection and fast scans, it doesn’t go further than 4th place due to its disadvantages. The software provides:
- File shredder
- System optimizer
- Password manager
- Secure browser
- Parental control
- File encryption
However, the program generates many false positives and has a heavy system impact during scans. Additionally, it lacks features like cloud storage space, a VPN, or backup software. If these are essential, it’s better to choose another antivirus.
5th Place: McAfee Internet Security
McAfee is an excellent option if you need to cover multiple devices, offering a bargain price to cover up to 10 devices. Other advantages include:
- Almost excellent malware protection (based on independent test labs)
- A top-tier password manager as part of the bundle
However, this software lacks parental control, a secure browser, and webcam protection, which many users may consider essential.
Final Thoughts
When selecting the best antivirus for your needs, it’s essential to consider your priorities. If your focus is on robust malware protection with an extensive set of features, Kaspersky and Bitdefender are strong contenders. On the other hand, if you prefer comprehensive identity protection or require coverage for multiple devices, Norton and McAfee stand out as reliable choices. Each program has its strengths, but your decision should align with your specific requirements, such as system performance, device compatibility, and extra utilities.
Before making a purchase, take advantage of free trials offered by many antivirus providers. Testing the software on your system ensures it meets your expectations without significant performance drops. Additionally, keep your software updated to ensure you’re protected against the latest threats. By investing in reliable antivirus software, you can secure your digital life and browse the internet with peace of mind.