Antivirus software is a type of software that is used to protect computers and smartphones from viruses. There are many different types of antivirus software available, and each one offers its own set of features. We will take a look at some of the most popular antivirus software programs that will be available in 2024. We will also discuss the benefits that these programs offer and how they can protect your PC and devices.
BITDEFENDER
Bitdefender is antivirus software that takes care of security concerns while being relatively low-cost. It outperforms some fierce competitors and, without requiring users to pay hefty fees, yet it remains one of the best antivirus programs.
What makes it so great, you ask? It’s simple. For one thing, the number of components included with Bitdefender is quite remarkable. Even if you choose the entry-level Bitdefender Antivirus Plus plan, you’ll get Safepay online banking protection, which is a secure browser that protects you from every angle. There’s also a password manager, a vulnerability scanner, and a respectable VPN with a daily limit of 200MB.
Bitdefender offers a well-designed, polished, and well-balanced user interface that’s appropriate for novice to expert users alike, with experts able to fine-tune it.
Bitdefender offers more comprehensive packages, as well, with Bitdefender Internet Security providing all of the above in addition to a tool to help speed up your PC and assist you to locate missing or stolen mobile devices.
Bitdefender Total Security is the top-of-the-line package, which includes a variety of PC maintenance tools, as well as Android and iOS devices, Windows and Mac computers. It’s a single solution to your entire family’s online security requirements.
KASPERSKY
Kaspersky’s antivirus capabilities are quite powerful, with Kaspersky consistently ranking at or near the top in all of the most recent reports from major independent test labs. That’s wonderful news, and Kaspersky Anti-Virus is working well against ransomware, eliminating unknown threats almost instantly and manage in recovering the few files that were damaged in the attack. Kaspersky also gets some help from its own self-protection measures.
The good news is that when it comes to add-ons, the bigger suites include more innovative features. Kaspersky Internet Security includes an intelligent firewall (which rarely bothers you with any queries), as well as a secure browser, and coverage for Macs, Android and iOS mobile devices.
Kaspersky Total Security is powerful antivirus software that also includes some advanced features, including smart parental controls, a full-fledged password manager, and automatic local (or Dropbox) backups. Those are nice additions, and considering how little (with discounts) Kaspersky Total Security differs from Internet Security in price, it’s probably worth getting unless you really don’t want those extra functionalities.
NORTON
The main draw is the sheer number of features available, even with the entry-level Antivirus Plus edition – not to mention their quality. There are several positive things to mention about this antivirus protection bundle. It includes a useful intelligent firewall that is a genuinely beneficial tool in maintaining your system secure, as well as some very thorough browser security measures to keep you safe on the internet.
There are also features that aren’t included with other antivirus solutions, such as a bundled cloud backup tool with 2GB of online storage (it’s also very easy to use, so backing up is a snap) and some handy PC maintenance applications. Norton 360 Standard has a few nice extras, including an integrated full VPN service, extra backup storage (10GB), and dark web monitoring (for some countries, such as the US and UK). There are also excellent mobile apps for Android and iOS.
However, if you want to protect more than one device, Norton 360 Premium is the way to go – it provides protection for up to five devices as well as extra backup space (50GB) and a more comprehensive set of parental controls. 360 Premium goes even higher, offering a total of 75GB of backup and ten devices.
TREND MICRO
The user-friendly interface of Trend Micro Antivirus Security spells out its various choices in plain English without resorting to technical jargon, making it simple to use.
Antivirus Security’s anti-ransomware protection was a particular strength. Another excellent feature is that this antivirus is currently the best at blocking phishing sites, and it also gives strong online surfing protection, with Pay Guard as a secure environment for online banking.
What are the disadvantages? System performance is more affected than some competitors, and there aren’t as many options or features as some of the competition – this app is designed for novices rather than experts. However, you do get a lot more functionality with Trend Micro’s higher-level security suites.
The next step up, Trend Micro Internet Security, adds some unique extras, including parental controls and social media protection tools. For most people, though, the extra money spent on Trend Micro Maximum Security will be well worth it since it protects both Mac and mobile devices as well as Windows (it also includes a password manager and encrypted file vault).
AVIRA
Avira’s entry-level antivirus comes with everything you’d expect in a contemporary security software, such as real-time malware scanning, separate defenses against ransomware, a software updater that works nicely to keep all of your programs secure, and various privacy tools including a file shredder for added confidentiality.
Smart, user-friendly interface: The various features – including the free (but restricted to 1GB monthly) VPN – are more fully integrated into the UI. Prime plan adds more features, including a comprehensive password manager and the Pro version of Software Updater (which delivers automatic updates for your applications), as well as Prime’s unlimited usage version of the VPN and app assistance.
However, for such a low price as Antivirus Plus presently offers, this is clearly the greatest value proposition – you’re barely spending more than with the free edition, making this an extremely enticing option.
MCAFEE
With its security range, McAfee takes a unique approach. All of the solutions are variations of its basic Total Protection plan, with the primary difference being that more devices may be protected at higher tiers. McAfee Total Protection Single Device is entry-level antivirus software. As the name implies, it protects just one device.
The good news is that the McAfee Security for PC software has a relatively small system footprint, so it won’t bog down your computer. There are also a lot of features available, particularly for a cheap product, and even if some aren’t of the highest quality, you still get a lot for your money. It also includes an intelligent firewall, a TunnelBear-powered VPN with limitless data, a decent spam filter, a secure file vault, and some PC performance improvements.
If you want antivirus software for more than one piece of hardware, the Multi-Device bundle is the way to go since it covers five devices (including mobile phones) and adds identity theft protection (at least for US users). Then there’s McAfee Total Protection Family, which bumps up to 10 devices while also adding a comprehensive system of parental controls.
The higher-tier packages might be appealing to parents wanting to keep their children safe online. Given McAfee’s typical pricing – which includes Multi-Device and Family subscriptions that are less than the entry-level product after discounts – it’s probably best to go with the higher-tier plans.
WEBROOT SECURE ANYWHERE
You also get fast virus scans that last no more than 20 seconds, as well as a smart ‘firewall’ monitoring system that is precise in real-time anti-phishing, identity theft protection, and more.
Webroot SecureAnywhere Internet Security Plus adds a password manager (courtesy of LastPass) and coverage of up to five devices from Windows and Mac PCs to mobile devices. Internet Security Complete includes an automated backup tool (with 25GB of secure cloud storage) and extra online privacy features. There’s also a Family Pack version of the main suite, which doubles device coverage to 10 devices and offers 100GB of cloud storage.
The antivirus software that comes with SecureAnywhere is good, but it’s recommended to secure your system with Internet Security Plus as a more complete solution. Webroot’s confidence-instilling long 70-day 100% money-back guarantee is another plus to consider.
The best antivirus software programs are constantly evolving to meet the needs of their users, and 2024 will be no exception. There are many different types of antivirus software available that each offers its own set of features and benefits. We’ve discussed some popular free and premium options for PC protection. If you want more information on how these programs can protect your computer or mobile device from viruses, we recommend visiting this site. Click here for more information on the Best Deals on Antivirus Software.