The very first step to staying shielded on the internet is possessing the best antivirus software. There are many malicious cybercriminals out there who want to disclose your information or gain illegal access to your devices for their monetary benefit. However, an antivirus will be a great defense against them.
There are many online threats on the internet. For example, malware, Trojans, and ransomware are usually created to gain access to a person’s data or to cause huge damage to their computers so that they’ll have to pay a high price to reverse the aftermath. And the end goal of almost all the viruses and cybercriminals out there is still the same, and that is to steal money.
Thus, this is a list of the top 5 antivirus software programs to help you secure your data and protect your system.
1. Bitdefender Antivirus
It has been tested and checked that Bitdefender is at the top of the list as the best antivirus. Without even demanding so much cost for subscription (which many won’t call expensive), it does its work effectively and efficiently.
The Bitdefender features are splendid, and they even provide magnificent protection from phishing and malevolent links. It also gives some top-notch web protection.
Specifications
Operating systems: Windows, Mac, Android, IOS options
Maximum covered devices: 10
Prominent features: multilayered ransomware, VPN, privacy tools, safepay banking protection, etc.
Pros
- Various available features
- Superb core virus protection
- Safepay banking protection
- Excellent money value.
Cons
- Minute ransomware clean-up troubles
2. Norton Antivirus
The Norton antivirus is a treasured product from the Norton LifeLock security company. One of the main appeals of this antivirus is the huge load of features and the quality that comes with them, even with the beginner level package.
The antivirus comprises a very useful and smart firewall (which helps in policing the system) and very exhaustive web protection. It also offers a tool that gives 2GB of online storage (which is very user-friendly) and some PC maintenance services.
Specifications
Operating systems: Windows, Mac, Android, IOS options
Maximum number of devices covered: 5.
Prominent features: PC maintenance services, intelligent firewall, backup tool with online storage.
Pros
- Very outstanding browsing protection
- Varieties of features
- Useful bundled backup tool
Cons
- Eats up a lot of system resources
- More performance impact than other rivals
3. Kaspersky Antivirus
Kaspersky antivirus is beginner-level antivirus software for Windows PCs, offering protection for about 10 computers. Although this antivirus doesn’t have as many features as the others listed here, Kaspersky focuses mainly on the security essentials.
It has very strong core antivirus capabilities, and it works effectively against ransomware, even managing to destroy threats almost instantly and retrieving very few files that might have been lost from the attack. The Kaspersky antivirus has some major disadvantages, which are that it only supports one browser, i.e., Internet Explorer. It does not even support Edge or even Chrome, which is the most widely accepted browser, and it only has a limited bundled VPN of 200MB daily.
Specifications
Operating systems: Windows, Mac, Android, IOS options
Maximum covered devices: 10
Prominent features: Anti-ransomware, drive-by cryptomining infection prevention, and configurable virus scans.
Pros
- Swift and configurable virus scans
- Durable antivirus engine
- Remarkable anti-ransomware proficiencies
Cons
- Not many remarkable features
4. Trend Micro Antivirus
Trend Micro antivirus is a very user-friendly software (i.e., it uses basic English for its options instead of some difficult terminologies) that proposes simple and valuable fortification. One of the main points of this antivirus is its ability to impede phishing sites, and it offers a great environment for web browsing safety, especially in cases like online banking. This antivirus also doesn’t have as many features, mainly because it is an app that is designed for greenhorns rather than professionals.
Specifications
Operating systems: Windows, Mac, Android, IOS options
Maximum covered devices: 10
Prominent features: Pay Guard banking protection, ransomware monitoring, and first-class URL blocking.
Pros
- Notable anti-ransomware performance
- Solid antivirus engine
- A very user-friendly interface
Cons
- Inadequate configurability
- Not as many features as some others
5. Avast Antivirus
Avast premium security is famed for its free antivirus offering and it consists of a whole lot of features, which include a file shredder, a capable firewall, a useful Wi-Fi Inspector that watches out for weaknesses in your network, and many more.
The antivirus also supports tools related to privacy, which protect and find files that encompass classified personal details like a sensitive data shield. To guarantee that your applications are reinforced, up-to-date and secure, the antivirus is equipped with a software update feature.
Specifications
Operating systems: Windows, Mac, Android, IOS options
Maximum covered devices: 10
Prominent features: Real Site DNS hijack prevention, Wi-Fi Inspector, Ransomware Shield
Pros
- It has a proficient firewall
- Abundant features
- It is extremely configurable
Cons
- It doesn’t have the best web protection
- May make the PC sluggish
Conclusion
You can never be too careful when using your computer because it is easy to acquire a virus. For example, just clicking on a link in your web browser can easily download a virus to your system. Therefore, it is required that you install reliable antivirus software on your system.
