It delivers excellent malware protection, a full complement of extra features and an easy-to-use interface. Our first choice for best antivirus software is Kaspersky Total Security. Don't forget to check out our list of the best free antivirus software halfway down this page. Here's our list of the best paid antivirus software. These are aimed at customers according to their needs and spending power, which we explore further at the end of this page. Norton LifeLock has eight plans mixing in various levels of protection against malware and identity theft. Kaspersky, for example, offers the free Kaspersky Security Cloud, the basic Kaspersky Anti-Virus, the midrange Kaspersky Internet Security and the premium Kaspersky Total Security. These suites also often include file shredding, file encryption, cloud-backup solutions and identity-theft protection.Įach brand's antivirus programs normally share a single malware-detection 'engine,' but features and functions get added as the subscription prices rise.

Likewise, you can pay for a get a stand-alone VPN provider or password manager, or you can get one or both bundled with a security suite. Or you can save a bit of money with a premium security suite that includes parental controls along with antivirus software. But it can't match the extra protections and features that come with the best paid antivirus software and even some of the other free programs.įor example, if you've got kids at home and you want to see what they're up to online, you can get one of the best parental control apps.

If all you want is to keep your PC free from malware, Microsoft Defender will do it well. That's especially true if that computer is always online.įortunately, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 and Windows 11 all come with the built-in Microsoft Defender Antivirus (aka Windows Defender), which just a few years ago was terrible but now is one of the best free antivirus programs available. Windows gets attacked much more often than any other software platform, and using a PC without antivirus software is asking for trouble. If you've got a Windows PC, you'll need one of the best antivirus programs, free or paid.

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