The internet is obviously a lovely place to be. We have taken our banks, our grocery stores, even our social circles to this new world on the clouds. But, bummer! There are no locks here.
Hacking, phishing, and malware attacks are very common on the internet. In fact, there is one malware attack taking place every 39 seconds. In such a scenario, it becomes extremely crucial to protect your data. This is where Antivirus products come in.
While free Antivirus products are the easiest way to get started, they are not very useful as your online activity increases and digital presence expands. Unlike free Antivirus products, however, premium products have advanced features, like Parental Controls, VPN, Ransom web protection, Password Management, and much more!
Listed below are 10 of the most efficient antivirus software for your PC. Note that the list includes both free and paid software, so that you can choose one that best suits your needs. If you do end up falling in love with a paid software though, do not go and buy it before checking its discounted rates on GrabOn.
1. Norton AntiVirus
Developed and distributed by Symantec Corporation, Norton AntiVirus was launched in 1991, and soon went on to become one of the most valuable security companies in the world. A high-accuracy and low-impact antivirus, Norton is an AV TEST certified Top Product, and scores 6/6 on all the three criteria: Protection, Performance, and Usability.
Unique Features: LifeLock identity alert system, Credit monitoring system, Million-dollar protection package, 100 GB Cloud storage, Advanced privacy security, Financial security, Global Civilian intelligence network
Products:
i. Norton Antivirus Plus
Pricing: $19.99 p.a.
No. of devices: 1
ii. Norton 360 Standard
Pricing: $39.99
No. of devices: 1
iii. Norton 360 Deluxe
Pricing: $49.99
No. of devices: 5
iv. Norton 360 Deluxe + LifeLock
Pricing: $99.99
No. of devices: 5
2. BitDefender
With an extensive range of features, BitDefender claims to be the Global Cybersecurity Leader, and rightly so. Bitdefender today protects over 500 million systems, across 150 countries. With a cutting-edge Malware Protection, and minimum impact on System Performance, it is one of the most trusted software for individuals, small business, and enterprises.
Unique Features: Ransomware Protection and Remediation, Privacy tools, Optional VPN, Safe pay.
Products:
i. Bitdefender Free Edition
Pricing: Free
No. of devices: 1
ii. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
Pricing: $29.99
No. of devices: 3
iii. Bitdefender Internet Security
Pricing: $34.99
No. of devices: 3
iv. Bitdefender Total Security
Pricing: $39.99
No. of devices: 5
v. Bitdefender Family Pack
Pricing: $54.99
No. of devices: 15
3. McAfee
Claiming to be the world’s largest dedicated Technology Security company, McAfee was founded in 1987. Not only is it one of the oldest anti-virus software out there, but it is also one of the most-used. McAfee has over 500 Million users to its credit, and deploys a Cloud-first approach to provide highly accurate security solutions to all its users.
Unique Features: Spam filter, File encryption, Password manager, Malicious URL blocking, Web performance boosters
Products:
i. McAfee Total Protection
Pricing: $34.99
No. of devices: 1
Although McAfee’s Total Protection Software is priced at $34.99 for a single device, you can save more with every additional device you add. For instance, the package for 5 devices costs $39.99. Similarly, for 10 devices, it is only about $44.99.
4. Kaspersky
Founded in 1997, Kaspersky protects small and large businesses, governments, and as many as 400 Million users! Kaspersky has top-of-the-line features to suit every user’s security needs.
Unique features: Automatic scans, Drive-by crypto mining infection prevention, Simplified security management, Remote management
Products:
i. Kaspersky Free
Pricing: Free
No. of devices: 1
ii. Kaspersky Anti-Virus
Pricing: $29.99
No. of devices: 3
iii. Kaspersky Internet Security
Pricing: $39.99
No. of devices: 3
iv. Kaspersky Total Security
Pricing: $49.99
No. of devices: 3
v. Kaspersky Security Cloud (Personal)
Pricing: $49.99
No. of devices: 5
vi. Kaspersky Security Cloud (Family)
Pricing: $149.99
No. of devices: 20
5. BullGuard
This award-winning Security Site, in 18 years of its launch, has already carved itself a place in the world of Cyber Security. With its innovative Cyber Security Solutions, BullGuard has been instrumental in creating a safe digital environment for consumers and small businesses. Not only is the software fast and efficient, but it is also easy-to-use, and ranks high on user-interface.
Unique Features: Identity protection, Smart network scanner, CPU performance optimization, Anti-phishing, Anti-spyware
Products:
i. BullGuard Antivirus
Pricing: $29.95
No. of devices: 1
ii. BullGuard Internet Security
Pricing: $59.95
No. of devices: 3
iii. BullGuard Premium
Pricing: $99.95
No. of devices: 10
6. Avast Antivirus
With a longstanding reputation to back it up, and a seamless family of applications across multiple platforms, Avast is your go-to Antivirus Software. The program is super light, and therefore, provides maximum protection, without bogging down your computer. Avast’s Free offering is known to be the best free antivirus software out there. However, the paid version, Avast Pro, takes it up a notch with excellent features.
Unique Features: Wi-fi inspector, Browser cleanup, Smart analytics, Customer Support via messaging within the software
Products:
i. Avast Free Antivirus
Pricing: Free
No. of devices: 1
ii. Avast Premium Security
Pricing: $49.99
No. of devices: 1
To avail a better price for Avast Premium Security, you can sign up for a multi-year package.
7. F-Secure
Shielding consumers and enterprises for three decades now, F-Secure has bagged a position for its protection, no less than its performance. The program is light, and has a simple, easy-to-use interface, which can only come from a company with such a long history in the field. Most of the F-Secure Antivirus products come with a Mobile Device Finder, which helps you track a lost Android/iOS phone. In case the phone cannot be found, the program will enable you to remotely lock it, or delete all the data.
Unique Features: Browsing & Banking protection, Family Rules, Ransomware protection, Mobile device finder
Products:
i. F-Secure SAFE
Pricing: $34.99
No. of devices: 3
8. Trend Micro
This multinational Cyber Security company has played an instrumental role in making the world a safer place to exchange digital information. Its product, Trend Micro Antivirus + Security, specializes in Spam and Ransomware. You can avail the product for a 30-day Free Trial to fully clean up your system, and check the compatibility.
Unique Features: Ransomware protection, Advanced AI learning, Email scam safeguarding, Pay guard
Products:
i. Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security
Pricing: $29.95
No. of devices: 1
9. Webroot
With an aim to protect businesses and individuals in a connected world, Webroot delivers a range of excellent next-gen security services. Founded in 1997, Webroot is ideal for lightweight antivirus solutions. The program is super light, almost a teensy 2 MB, and thus runs super-fast without affecting your device’s performance. This factor makes Webroot an excellent choice even for those with older systems and slower internet connections.
Unique Features: Always-on security, Identity protection, Real-time anti-phishing, Firewall monitor
Products:
i. Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus
Pricing: $19.99
No. of devices: 1
10. ESET
ESET’s Antivirus, Antimalware, and Internet Security Solutions are dedicated to improving the overall cybersecurity by offering a fast, light, and powerful antivirus software. ESET NOD32 is renowned for its excellent heuristic detection, and real-time malware protection.
Unique Features: Ransomware shield, UEFI scanner, Exploit blocker, URL filtering, Cloud-powered scanning
Products:
i. ESET NOD32
Pricing: $39.99
No. of devices: 5
And, voila! These were the top 10 Antivirus Software to try in 2020. Need help in deciding which is right for you? Here are five ways to choose the best Antivirus Software for your PC.
About the Author:
Jagruti Jaiswal is a writer of content, destroyer of ellipses, and religious propagator of oxford commas. Her guilty pleasures include exclamations, emojis, and movies of Timothee Chalamet.
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