Review of Best Antivirus Software for 2024 ( Paid )

1. Norton 360

Norton 360 has a robust anti-malware engine, an extensive range of internet security tools, a user-friendly online dashboard, and good customer support, all offered at a better price compared to most competitors.

Norton’s anti-malware engine uses machine learning, advanced heuristics, and a malware directory for identifying various types of malware, spanning from basic viruses and trojans to advanced threats like spyware, ransomware, and cryptojackers. It also includes the following:

• Firewall.
• Web protection.
• Anti-phishing protection.
• VPN (virtual private network).
• Password manager.
• Parental controls.
• Device optimization.
• Cloud backup.
• Webcam protection (Windows only).
• Identity theft protection (select countries only).

Norton 360 includes a wider range of security features than most of its competitors. Even its basic plan includes a very good anti-malware engine, firewall, anti-phishing protection, password manager, 2 GB of cloud storage, and a 100% Virus Protection Promise,  which Norton ensures a refund if a virus isn’t removed.

Norton 360 Standard, Norton 360 Deluxe, and Norton 360 with LifeLock include the most comprehensive combinations of antivirus software and identity protection services available today.

The Norton 360 Deluxe plan adds parental controls, including the School Time feature for limiting internet usage during school hours, a VPN with unlimited data, dark web monitoring, webcam protection, a privacy monitor, and up to 50 GB of cloud storage. US users can also get access to up to 250 GB of cloud storage and comprehensive identity theft protections through Norton LifeLock plans.

All of Norton’s packages have similar pricing to competitors like Bitdefender and McAfee, but Norton provides a generous 60-day money-back guarantee on all its plans.

Norton offers nine distinct antivirus packages for Windows, best suited for individuals seeking consolidated solutions without the hassle of mixing different applications and services, and who can afford Norton’s prices. Comprehensive integration can become expensive quickly with additional features.

Norton’s malware scanning engine uses significant system resources during full scans, and none of its packages include file shredding or encryption. Nevertheless, if you are seeking an all-encompassing solution for digital security and privacy, Norton remains a top choice.

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None of its competitors provides a complete approach to security. While Kaspersky provides excellent malware protection and an array of additional features, it falls short in providing identity protection options, unlike Norton. Though McAfee does provide identity protection, its product tends to let more malware through than Norton’s all-encompassing security approach, which is still unrivalled by its rivals.

If you are looking to integrate some top-notch identity theft protection with leading antivirus security, then one of the three Norton 360 plans featuring LifeLock is ideal for you.

 Plans and Pricing

Norton offers different types of plans for users worldwide, with three additional LifeLock plans specifically for users in the US. Norton’s basic AntiVirus Plus plan is more affordable, however,  it lacks some features present in Norton 360, which provides a more comprehensive security suite.

Norton’s 360 with LifeLock plans include all features of Norton 360 along with advanced identity theft tools such as credit monitoring, social security and driver license monitoring, and identity restoration assistance. The Norton LifeLock family offers nine Windows antivirus products that can safeguard everything from individual PCs to entire households’ worth of computers and mobile devices, along with the users’ identities. Norton offers free trials, and all plans come with a generous 60-day money-back guarantee along with Norton’s Virus Protection Promise, ensuring a refund if the software fails to maintain system cleanliness. Cancelling a Norton subscription and getting a refund is hassle-free.

The entry-level Norton AntiVirus Plus is designed to protect a single PC or Mac and is compatible with Windows 7 through 10.

Note: The features and names of Norton’s plans may vary depending on your location.

Norton Antivirus Plus— Basic Norton Plan

Norton’s AntiVirus Plus plan provides excellent real-time and on-demand malware protection along with several additional features, such as:

• Smart firewall
• Norton password manager
• 2 GB cloud storage

However, this streamlined package does not have many of the extra features found in Norton’s 360 plans, such as VPN, dark web monitoring, parental controls, and webcam protection.

Unlike the Norton 360 plans, which support up to 10 devices, including PCs, Macs, iPhones, and Android smartphones, AntiVirus Plus can only be installed on one device. Nonetheless, at just INR 2,500 per year, Norton AntiVirus Plus offers great value.

Norton 360 Standard— Basic Plan

Norton’s basic 360 plan offers an impressive range of features for a single device (or three devices for users in the US) at just INR 3,330 per year. Here’s what Norton 360 Standard includes:

• Real-time malware scanning
• Smart firewall
• VPN
• Password manager
• 2 GB cloud storage
• Webcam protection (Windows only)
• Dark web monitoring (available in select countries)

The biggest limitation of Norton’s basic plan is its coverage for only one device (or three in the US). Nonetheless, Norton 360 Standard is a perfect choice for users with fewer devices to protect.

Norton 360 Deluxe— Best-Value Plan

Priced at INR 4,160/ year, Norton 360 Deluxe is Norton’s top-value option, offering all the features of Norton 360 Standard and many more, such as:

• Protection for up to 5 devices.
• Parental controls.
• Dark web monitoring is available in select countries (US, UK, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand).
• Privacy monitor.
• 50 GB of cloud storage.

The only drawback of Norton’s subscription model lies in its lack of flexibility. Unlike competitors such as Bitdefender, which allows users to add extra devices for a small fee, Norton’s 360 Deluxe plan has a maximum limit of 5 devices. If you need coverage for additional devices beyond this limit, you’ll have to upgrade to Norton’s next-tier subscription. Nevertheless, the comprehensive range of security features included in Norton 360 Deluxe will likely satisfy most users.

Norton 360 for Gamers — Superb Gaming Antivirus

Norton GO automatically detects gaming activity on your device and optimizes processing power by reallocating running processes. With Norton ranking as the top antivirus for gamers in 2024, its game booster is one of the finest available.

Overall, Norton GO emerges as a really good choice for gamers, extending coverage to 3 devices across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

• Antivirus Protection

Every Norton LifeLock product protects against malicious email attachments, phishing attempts, spam, and malware. Users have the option to customize the program’s defences, while Norton’s Silent Mode can block updates, pop-ups, and other disruptions when users are engaged in watching movies or playing games.

The program’s main screen features a quick-scan button, with full or custom scans accessible within three clicks. Users can also scan any item by right-clicking it in Windows Explorer. However, unlike many antivirus programs, Norton does not automatically scan USB drives when they’re plugged into your PC.

If your computer becomes heavily stuffed with malware to the point where Norton is unable to clean it, Norton’s Bootable Recovery Tool can help. By downloading the software onto a DVD or flash drive, you can reboot the computer into a secure Linux environment for a thorough cleaning of the system.

• Antivirus Performance

Along with Kaspersky, Norton’s malware engine is one of the best at protecting Windows computers.

• Security and Privacy Features

Every Norton product, starting with Norton AntiVirus Plus, includes a two-way firewall, an unlimited password manager, and a file-backup program.

They also come with Norton’s Safe Web browser extensions, which work with Internet Explorer, Edge, Chrome, and Firefox. Safe Web’s Isolation Mode renders the content of recognized hazardous sites into a read-only format. When accessing a banking site, Norton runs the browser session within a virtual machine.

Norton’s Secure VPN comes with Norton 360 Standard and above packages. Unlike other antivirus companies, Norton doesn’t offer a free limited-data version followed by paid updates; you get unlimited VPN data from the start. With Norton’s Secure VPN, you can hide your location as well. 

Norton’s parental controls, included with Norton 360 Deluxe and higher, are excellent for blocking age-inappropriate content, scheduling screen time, and tracking children’s locations.

LifeLock identity-protection services are included in Norton’s top three plans. LifeLock is highly comprehensive in identity theft protection, but its high pricing, even when bundled with Norton antivirus software, might not be justifiable for many users. 

However, none of Norton’s antivirus packages includes a file shredder, file encryption tool, a fully hardened browser, or a file roll-back in case of ransomware infection. Bitdefender and Kaspersky, on the other hand, offer all of these functionalities.

Anti-malware Engine

Norton’s malware scanner is one of the best top-tier options available. It uses an extensive malware database, heuristic analysis, and machine learning to identify various threats, ensuring a high level of virus protection. It also provides diverse virus scanning choices and real-time protection to protect Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices against malware.

Firewall

Norton includes a Smart Firewall that surpasses the capabilities of built-in firewalls found in Windows and macOS. It provides protection against ARP and DNS spoofing, detects SSL man-in-the-middle attacks, monitors port access, and many more customization options for advanced users—offering much more than competitors such as McAfee.

Safe Web & Safe Search

Norton’s Safe Web browser extension offers protection against phishing websites, along with community reviews for suspicious web pages, and an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) to enhance the security of online transactions. This extension is compatible with Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge browsers.

One standout aspect of Safe Web features is the level of information it provides for a blocked website. When Norton detects a dangerous webpage, you can get a full breakdown of why Norton flagged it by clicking on the “View Full Report” button. Furthermore, users can also see reviews from other Norton users who tried to visit the blocked page. 

Norton’s Safe Search provides users with color-coded evaluations of search results, indicating green for safe, orange for potentially unsafe, and red for dangerous. While it offers some level of security, it’s not that great.

• Secure VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) is an excellent option for individuals seeking to protect their online information and data from hackers, snoopers, and identity thieves while browsing online. It also shields your data from being accessed by internet service providers (ISPs) or other third parties, particularly when utilizing public Wi-Fi networks. Norton Secure VPN comes with all Norton 360 plans, ensuring comprehensive protection for users.

• Password Manager

Norton Password Manager is a trusted and widely used tool for managing passwords. It aids users in creating strong passwords and securely storing them within an encrypted vault. The vault can be accessed solely by a master password, which serves as the sole gateway to all other stored passwords. This feature ensures the security of your data, even in scenarios of potential breaches or unauthorized attempts to access your accounts.

• Parental Controls

Through Norton, parents can manage their children’s online activities effectively. They can establish content filters, monitor their kids’ online engagements, and set time limits on the device.

• 100% Virus Protection Promise

Norton specialists provide a virus removal service, ensuring that if they are unable to eliminate the virus from your device, you’ll be entitled to a refund.

• Performance and System Impact

Norton’s malware-detection engine operates with minimal background system resource usage, but it does consume more resources during active scans. It’s advisable to schedule scans for off-peak hours to minimize impact.

• Norton 360 Interface

The classic  Norton interface features the familiar screen icon adorned with green, yellow, or red indicators, whereas the new Launch interface presents a serene image of a mountain climber on the left, accompanied by a column on the right with essential security tasks such as Device Security, Dark Web Monitoring, Secure VPN, Cloud Backup, and Password Manager.

In Settings, you can adjust or control any aspect of the program. Below the surface, dozens of individual settings can be turned on and off. 

•  Installation and Support

The Norton installation process starts with a 3.5MB beachhead installer. After accepting the product license agreement, the full 226MB installation program gets downloaded and then runs

The Norton desktop interface has a direct link to the company’s support website and offers full 24/7 technical assistance by phone, online chat, or email across all programs. Norton’s support site provides many self-serve options, including instructional videos.

The company’s Ultimate Help Desk service provides access to technicians, along with four tune-up sessions annually and service reports covering all computer-related concerns, not just those related to Norton products.

Subscriptions to the Ultimate Help Desk service include an annual fee of $150 for a single PC or Mac, or a monthly fee of $20 for up to three systems. Additionally, a one-time service is available for $70, providing similar guidance and assistance for those facing technical challenges and willing to invest in expert support.

Norton 360 boasts a comprehensive array of features, even in its basic package, surpassing many other top internet security suites. As with any robust software, there is a learning curve for navigating Norton. While the program incorporates some intuitive design elements, there are also areas where usability could be improved.

Here’s a simplified guide for installing Norton 360 in just three straightforward steps:

Step 1: Choose and sign up for a Norton 360 plan that aligns with your needs.

Step 2: Download the application from the “My Norton” portal and follow the prompts of the installer wizard for seamless setup.

Step 3: Access the Norton app and initiate your first full system scan while exploring its additional features.

Users can select between two distinct user interfaces: My Norton and Classic. The default interface, My Norton, offers a satisfactory user experience, albeit with an oddly prominent feature—a large portion of the window dedicated to an anonymous mountain climber, which might puzzle some users.

1. McAfee

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In 2024, McAfee stands as a prominent antivirus program in the cybersecurity sector. It offers a comprehensive package that combines user-friendly features with high levels of security. McAfee also includes a VPN, a password manager, and identity protection, ensuring full-fledged security for its customers.

While the initial cost of McAfee Antivirus may be higher compared to other top viruses on the market, it includes a password manager called True Key password manager and a reliable VPN. Furthermore, McAfee’s top-tier plans are budget-friendly and offer a plethora of exclusive features, catering to a wide range of user needs.

McAfee’s antivirus programs emphasize safeguarding multiple machines across various platforms. They provide good malware detection, although not flawless, and have introduced additional features like unlimited VPN private network (VPN) and identity theft protection, which enhance the user experience along a newly streamlined interface.

However, McAfee’s scans consume a lot of system resources and lack certain security functionalities present in other brands, such as dedicated webcam protection and a hardened browser tailored for online shopping and banking.

It is to be noted that McAfee’s VPN and identity theft protection, plus its money-back guarantee, are available only if you let your McAfee subscription automatically renew. In other words, you won’t receive full value for your payment unless you make a prior commitment to pay for it again.

Overall, McAfee is user-friendly and highly reliable.

• Anti-malware

McAfee distinguishes itself with its effective malware detection, combining traditional methods and behavioural analysis. In rigorous testing involving a diverse range of malware types—viruses, trojans, ransomware, and more—McAfee can successfully detect 100% of the threats. This performance is on par with top competitors like Norton and Bitdefender.

The full system scan conducted by McAfee takes approximately an hour, similar to Bitdefender but slightly slower than Norton and Avira. McAfee’s quick scan completes in less than 2 minutes for users who need a quick scan. Custom scans’ duration varies based on the selected parameters.

However, a drawback exists, as users may experience system lag during scans when watching videos or playing games. On a positive note, McAfee offers scan scheduling, enabling users to run full scans during periods of inactivity. Some competitors, such as TotalAV, do not exhibit this slowdown issue, though.

• Anti-phishing 

McAfee’s WebAdvisor is a notable feature for enhancing online safety. This tool is compatible with various browsers and blocks phishing sites and other online threats. 

WebAdvisor also includes a Secure Search feature, which denotes the safety levels of websites in search results. This feature proved particularly helpful in flagging unsafe sites without generating false alarms for safe ones. Moreover, it demonstrates impressive accuracy in rating social media links, effectively identifying phishing links within compromised accounts such as Instagram.

Installing WebAdvisor for Firefox and Edge is not a straightforward process. While the installation process could be more user-friendly, overall, it’s one of the best tools for web security.

• Firewall 

McAfee’s firewall is both robust and user-friendly, providing tailored security solutions that are easily accessible even for those less tech-savvy. It can effectively flag network intrusions, exploit attacks, and suspicious program behavior. Its capabilities rival those of Norton’s Smart Firewall and outperform the native firewalls found in Windows and macOS.

Users can control program access to the web, manage network ports, adjust network trust settings, and even whitelist specific applications. For users who prefer a more hands-off approach, the firewall can automatically block suspicious activities with minimal intervention required.

• Password Manager

McAfee’s True Key simplifies password management with its straightforward approach. It includes essential features such as unlimited password storage, secure notes, and a password generator. Its auto-fill feature is very convenient, enabling one-click filling of details or automatic filling upon visiting saved sites. However, there are limitations to it. It does not have advanced 2FA options, secure password sharing, or breach monitoring features that are  found in standalone password managers like 1Password and Dashlane.

It’s worth noting that True Key offers straightforward master password recovery via email. Though this method is convenient, it may not be as secure as the recovery mechanisms used by top-tier password managers.

• VPN

McAfee’s Safe Connect VPN, powered by TunnelBear, delivers a straightforward, user-friendly experience coupled with solid speeds. Bundled within McAfee’s LiveSafe package (except for macOS users), it utilizes robust 256-bit AES encryption and features a kill switch for added security measures.

The VPN has a network comprising over 1,900 servers across 45 countries. Though extensive, it falls short of the vast server networks provided by competitors such as ExpressVPN. A standout feature is its stringent no-logs policy, subject to independent annual audits.

McAfee’s VPN does not have advanced features such as split-tunneling and obfuscated servers. These missing features are however vital for users seeking to bypass strict firewalls or wanting to separate local and VPN traffic. 

• Antivirus Protection

All five McAfee antivirus products conduct scans for known malware and utilize cloud computing and machine learning to identify brand-new threats and other potentially harmful items. Updates for the McAfee malware scanner are sent out several times daily to the company’s extensive customer base of 500 million consumer and business users.

To maintain McAfee’s database current, the malware scanner installed on your device sends new potential threats to McAfee servers. According to McAfee, the scanner only collects data related to encountered threats and ignores your browsing history, passwords, and other personal information. While some antivirus brands offer the option to opt out of this data collection, McAfee does not have the option of opting out.

McAfee’s Ransom Guard feature actively monitors for suspicious file modifications and quickly makes copies of targeted files if it detects a potential ransomware attack. Advanced malware detection can enhance the speed of threat detection and distribution of defensive measures to McAfee subscribers.

• Antivirus Performance

McAfee’s malware detection rates generally lag slightly behind those of competitors such as Bitdefender, Kaspersky, and Norton, although recent improvements have been made

• Security and Privacy Features

McAfee’s range of products excels in providing fundamental protection measures, yet falls short in comparison to competitors due to a lack of certain features. The Identity tab within the McAfee software interface serves as a hub for the program’s privacy functionalities, including the file shredder, password manager, and Tracker Remover as well as a data shredder offering three levels of erasure, for the disposal of sensitive or undesirable files.

• Parental Controls

McAfee’s Safe Family provides decent parental control features, albeit requiring a separate purchase or a premium family plan. It is available for Windows, Android, and iOS (excluding Macs), and enables content filtering, and screen time restrictions. It can even track your child’s device within a 10-meter range. I

Nevertheless, Safe Family does not have some features found in other parental control software, like YouTube monitoring and text message tracking. Additionally, some features do not work on iOS devices, limiting its versatility for Apple users.

Additional Features

Additional tools include a vulnerability scanner, which is essential with increasing cyber threats in 2024; it notifies users of outdated applications. Real-time Scam Protection employs AI to identify malicious links in text messages, promptly blocking them. The Secure File Shredder deletes files permanently, rendering recovery impossible.

• Mobile App

McAfee’s mobile app, available for both iOS and Android platforms, is straightforward and user-friendly. On Android devices, it can detect all malware in just 10 minutes, showcasing remarkable speed and accuracy. While iOS does not support antivirus scanning, McAfee’s app offers solid anti-phishing protection. Key features include a Wi-Fi scanner, Secure VPN, and identity theft alerts. Although it offers fewer features compared to Norton, it remains a good and cost-effective choice, especially when bundled with McAfee’s Premium plan.

• Customer Support

McAfee excels in customer support with round-the-clock phone and live chat support. The live chat service connects with knowledgeable agents, mirroring the efficiency of their phone support. While the support forum remains active, the online knowledge base could use an update. Nevertheless, given the quality of live support, this isn’t a major drawback.

• Plans and Pricing

The prices given below are specific to the USA. However, most brands offer different prices and currencies in other regions. Therefore, it’s advisable to visit the brand’s website to see the price in your country.

McAfee LiveSafe often comes pre-installed on numerous laptops. In terms of features, it includes the same as McAfee Premium.

Total Protection Basic 

At $29.99/ year, this plan provides comprehensive protection for a single device, It includes essential features like antivirus scanning, firewall, and identity monitoring. It represents a good deal, particularly when compared to Norton’s similar plan but parental controls are not included in this package.

Total Protection Essential 

Available for $39.99 per year, this plan offers comprehensive protection for up to 5 devices, including the same set of features found in Total Protection Basic.

Total Protection Premium

Priced at $49.99 per year, the Premium plan extends protection to unlimited devices and adds Personal Data Cleanup tools. It presents excellent value for those who want to safeguard multiple devices and even includes parental controls suitable for families.

Total Protection Advanced

Starting at $89.99 per year, this plan includes all the features of the preceding plans, along with robust identity protection tools, which include $1 million in identity theft coverage. Though it’s pricier, it stands as a good choice for individuals prioritizing identity safety.

Total Protection Ultimate

Priced at $199.99 per year, the Ultimate plan delivers all-inclusive identity and credit monitoring, coupled with ransomware protection. While it comes at a higher cost, it provides the most comprehensive set of features.

Refund Policy

You have the flexibility to request a refund within 30 days of purchase, within 60 days of automatic renewal, or at any time if McAfee is unable to remove malware. 

Overall, McAfee offers a range of plans tailored to suit diverse needs and budgets, spanning from basic protection to all-out identity and financial safety. The top recommendation for most users is Total Protection Premium because of its value and comprehensive feature set.

How to install McAfee

Installing McAfee Antivirus is a quick and seamless process. Here’s a breakdown of the basic steps to enjoying the full security package:

1. Go to the website and select the McAfee antivirus plan. Each subscription includes a 100% money-back guarantee if the antivirus fails to remove a virus.
2. Download the McAfee app. Click  Downloads & Devices on the dashboard and download the app compatible with your operating system.
3. Finish the installation. Run the installer and click Install.
4. Begin using the antivirus. After the installation is complete, click on the Get Started button. It is recommended to activate real-time protection, the firewall, and VPN for full security.

Verdict

McAfee offers one of the most comprehensive online security suites, offering a range of useful features to ensure your devices stay safe. Regardless of the subscription plan you opt for, McAfee Antivirus is an excellent antivirus.

Although it’s pricier, McAfee Antivirus offers exceptional value by including a secure VPN, password manager, identity protection tools, and various financial insurances. 

However, navigating through McAfee’s subscription plans might seem like a daunting task due to their varied options. But even the basic plan provides a solid feature package, meaning you can’t go wrong with this provider.

2. Bitdefender

Bitdefender has all of the cybersecurity protections most users need to stay 100% safe. It is user-friendly across all devices and operating systems, and it’s cheaper than most competing brands. It also has some of the best web protection on the market, detecting more dangerous sites than the built-in protections of Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

Bitdefender has more security features than almost all other brands, such as:

• Advanced ransomware protection.
• System optimization.
• Secure web browser for safe online payments.
• Password manager.
• VPN (virtual private network).
• Parental controls.
• Webcam and microphone protection.
• Anti-theft protection for Windows and Android.

Bitdefender Full Review

Bitdefender offers top-notch internet security solutions at great value. Leveraging a cloud-based scanner infused with machine learning and traditional signature-based scanning, Bitdefender provides exceptional malware detection. It also provides robust web protection, a fast VPN, comprehensive system optimization tools, a secure browser, and some of the best parental controls, among other additional safeguards.

In addition to free versions for Windows and Mac, Bitdefender offers several premium plans. Antivirus Plus is a good entry-level antivirus suitable for safeguarding up to 3 Windows PCs. Internet Security enhances protection with added parental controls, making it an ideal mid-range choice for families. Total Security extends coverage to include up to 5 devices across the Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS platforms, offering remarkable value. Premium Security stands out as the ultimate package, incorporating all Bitdefender features along with unrestricted VPN access. 

• Bitdefender Security Features

On-Demand Virus Scanner

Bitdefender’s antivirus scanner is highly effective and efficient,  leveraging a vast malware database and machine learning to identify both known and potential new threats. Since a majority of the scanning process occurs in the cloud,  the engine uses fewer resources, such as CPU and disk space.

There are four distinct types of scans available:

1. Quick Scan: This is a lightweight scan designed to detect and eliminate malware present in running processes.
2. System Scan: It is a thorough examination of the entire system to detect malware and vulnerabilities.
3. Custom Scan: It involves scanning specific system locations where potential threats might be lurking.
4. Vulnerability Scan: This scan is for uncovering privacy risks within application settings as well as critical software updates.

Bitdefender also provides users with the option to choose from various scheduling options, including system startup, daily, weekly, and monthly. However, it’s worth noting that users can only schedule custom scans. In comparison, Norton and TotalAV both provide one-click scheduling for all scan types.

In summary, Bitdefender’s malware scanner stands out as one of the best in the market. Its speed, minimal impact on system performance, and impeccable malware detection rates make it a standout choice for users looking for a lightweight yet powerful antivirus solution.

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• Real-Time Protection

Bitdefender’s real-time protection feature, Bitdefender Shield, is highly effective and actively scans every file and email attachment as soon as you access them. By default, Bitdefender Shield includes scans for

• Potentially unwanted applications, which are software components that hide inside other applications, are often found in bundled freeware.

• Network shares, addressing issues within remote networks on your device.
• Boot sectors, targeting potential alterations to the boot sequence.
• Only new and modified files, focusing on identifying threats that may be hiding within new or changed files.
• Keyloggers are malicious software crafted to capture keystrokes. 

 For most users, these default settings offer sufficient protection. However, advanced users can customize real-time settings further, including the inclusion of applications, scripts, and archives. They also have the flexibility to exclude any of the aforementioned scanning options according to their preferences.

• Anti-Phishing/Web Protection

Bitdefender’s anti-phishing feature has flawless detection scores. It functions by scrutinizing websites against a regularly updated database of millions of known hazardous sites, quickly blocking access upon detecting a match. 

Moreover, Bitdefender includes a user-friendly notification interface, allowing users to easily view the websites it has blocked and the reasons behind them. This makes the process of adding false positives to Bitdefender’s exception list easier. Whitelisting sites can be done with a single click, whereas other antivirus solutions like Norton demand navigating through settings and advanced protocols to whitelist safe sites. However, it’s essential to exercise caution and whitelist only sites that are legitimate and free from malware.

Bitdefender’s web protection feature also prevents you from accessing risky web pages It also evaluates search results for dangerous sites, scans encrypted websites for threats, and scrutinizes sites for fraudulent content. Its comprehensive approach provides outstanding anti-phishing protection and various other online threats. Bitdefender also provides user-friendly options for whitelisting websites and customizing web protection settings.

• Firewall

Bitdefender provides a highly customizable firewall that effectively monitors both incoming and outgoing network traffic, stopping cybercriminals from breaching your Wi-Fi network and spreading malware.

The firewall comes with several useful features, including protection against port scans, a passive detection mode, and a stealth mode. These features work well and are particularly advantageous for advanced users.

Bitdefender’s firewall handles applications attempting to access your network in one of  three ways:

• Automatic: Bitdefender autonomously decides whether to permit or block the application.
• Allow: Bitdefender allows any detected applications to connect to the internet.
• Block: Bitdefender blocks every detected application from connecting to the internet.

By default, Bitdefender’s firewall is configured to “Automatic” mode, which is generally considered the best option. If the Firewall is set to “Allow” mode, it may expose you to the risk of malicious programs connecting to the internet, while “Block” mode is helpful when dealing with an active malware threat that you don’t want to spread online.

Furthermore, there’s a separate switch that places Bitdefender’s firewall in “Alert” mode. In this setting, Bitdefender issues a pop-up notification whenever it detects a new application trying to connect to the internet. 

Bitdefender’s Stealth Mode makes your computer invisible to other devices both within and outside your network. In short, it prevents wireless printers, phones, and IoT devices from communicating with your computer.

Bitdefender’s overall firewall is highly effective. It successfully blocks network-based malware attacks, offers easy customization options, and provides more extensive protection than the default firewalls included with Windows and Mac systems.

• System Optimization

Bitdefender’s OneClick Optimizer is a simple and useful tool for decluttering your computer’s disk space. It conducts a thorough scan of your system to remove unnecessary files and enhance performance. While it may lack the extensive features of competitors like Avira, Bitdefender eliminates various types of junk files, such as 

• Temporary system files, 
• Windows junk files, 
• Recycle bin contents, 
• Broken registry items, 
• Browser history

Running Bitdefender’s one-click optimization enhances the speed of PCs. However,  this simple one-click method for freeing up space does have certain drawbacks and lacks some features offered by competitors. But overall, it remains highly convenient and effectively fulfils its purpose.

• Secure Web Browser (Safepay)

Bitdefender’s secure web browser, Safepay, serves as a safeguard against hackers stealing your personal information during online transactions. Here are the key benefits of using Safepay:

• It prevents hackers from gaining remote access to your desktop.
• Restricts the ability to capture screen snapshots.
• Utilizes Bitdefender’s password manager to safeguard your passwords.
• Incorporates a virtual keyboard emulation to prevent keystroke tracking.
• Activates built-in VPN protection with a daily limit of 200 MB.

However, there are a few minor drawbacks to Safepay. For example, pages tend to load slowly, and streaming HD video isn’t supported. Nonetheless, Safepay outperforms Kaspersky’s Safe Money browser in terms of speed. Particularly for individuals engaged in online business or shopping, Safepay is a valuable privacy enhancement tool.

In summary, Safepay serves as a valuable addition to Bitdefender’s already impressive web protection tools. If your priority is safeguarding your information during online transactions, Safepay is an ideal option.

• Password Manager

Bitdefender’s password manager offers commendable functionality.  Notably, Bitdefender lacks two-factor authentication (2FA) or password sharing features. Nevertheless, it does provide the fundamental functions expected from a password manager, including

• Strong encryption measures.
• Synchronization across multiple devices.
• Password generation capabilities.
• Unlimited storage for passwords.
• Secure storage for payment information.
• Automated saving and filling of passwords.
• Password vault auditing.

Bitdefender’s password manager comes with Bitdefender Premium Security at no extra cost. However, in lower-tier Bitdefender plans, users receive a 90-day free trial of the password manager, after which an annual fee applies.

The full-featured password manager add-on is quite affordable. Thus, if you seek a simple and secure method for password management, Bitdefender presents a viable option. Notably, there’s no desktop app available, but mobile apps for Android and iOS, as well as browser extensions for popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari, are provided.

The password manager lets users store various types of information, including passwords and additional data such as:

• Identities (personal information, addresses, and phone numbers).
• Credit card and bank account details.
• Email credentials.
• License keys and logins for software.
• Wi-Fi passwords.

The auto-fill and auto-save functions of Bitdefender worked seamlessly. By default,  details are auto-filled without requiring any clicks, although there is the flexibility to disable this and manually trigger the auto-fill. Additionally, the auto-save feature saves login credentials whenever new sites are accessed.

Bitdefender offers a robust password generator capable of generating passwords up to 32 characters long.

Bitdefender’s password vault auditing tool, named Security Report, provides users with a clear and easy-to-understand overview of their password security. It assesses passwords for weaknesses, age, reuse, and any instances of leaked passwords.

In summary, Bitdefender’s password manager is user-friendly and easy to configure. However, it falls short in comparison to standalone password managers like 1Password or Keeper, which provide a wide range of supplementary tools such as password sharing, auditing, dark web monitoring, 2FA, biometric logins, and much more for a similar price. Nevertheless, if users get Bitdefender’s password manager as part of the Premium Security plan, it serves as an easy-to-use option, particularly for those who don’t require the advanced features offered by standalone password manager applications.

• Bitdefender VPN

Bitdefender’s VPN is powered by Hotspot Shield, a well-known VPN provider on the market. However, it offers fewer server locations and does not provide the same level of functionality compared to Hotspot Shield. Nevertheless, Bitdefender’s VPN covers the basics, such as using robust 256-bit AES encryption, maintaining a strict no-logging policy, and including a kill switch feature.

 While most of Bitdefender’s plans include a free version of the VPN, its performance is not very good. The free VPN picks a random server based on your location, potentially leading to slower speeds, and it only provides 200 MB of browsing data per day, which is scarcely sufficient to watch just one YouTube video.

Nevertheless, users get unlimited browsing data upon upgrading to Bitdefender’s Premium Security or opting for a standalone VPN subscription; plus access to 4,000 servers worldwide. It is noteworthy that Bitdefender’s premium VPN has some of the best speeds, outpacing even some standalone competitors in the market.

Bitdefender is excellent for torrenting, as you can configure the VPN to automatically connect whenever you start a peer-to-peer sharing application. Bitdefender offers the WireGuard protocol, known for its high security and speed. The double-hop feature is also a valuable addition.

Though  Bitdefender’s premium VPN doesn’t have a lot of the features that standalone VPNs provide, it boasts fast connection speeds and good encrypted browsing for users who want to increase their internet security.

• Interface

Bitdefender’s desktop interface has undergone some minor updates and refinements, but it is easy to figure out. The current Dashboard now features a soothing blue, black, and white, and prominently displays the program’s primary categories on the left-hand side which include Protection, Privacy, Utilities, Notifications, and Settings. However, it’s worth noting that the interface cannot be maximized to full screen.

On the right side, there are practical boxes where you can initiate a scan, launch the VPN, or open the Safepay hardened browser. Additionally, there’s access to the vulnerability assessment feature, which scans for outdated drivers, missing security patches, and potentially risky security settings. You can also add another “quick action” of your choice or replace an existing one.

The Tasktray icon allows you to open the main program or update its malware definitions, but it doesn’t start a scan. When everything is functioning properly, hovering the mouse over it will display “You are safe.”

The Bitdefender Central online portal provides various functionalities, such as checking subscription status, accessing tech support, and using the Parental Advisor feature. Also, users can manage Password Manager and Theft Protection features through this platform; it supports two-factor authentication for added security. However, navigating the Central interface on a 1920 x 1080 screen may require scaling to 33%, leading to potential visibility issues and necessitating extra effort. Although there’s no direct link from the local Dashboard, users can access by clicking on their name in the upper right corner and selecting “Go to Central.”

Bitdefender’s Digital Identity Protection lets you take a step further in safeguarding without the inconvenience and expense associated with ID protection insurance. It checks your online personal data exposure, providing alerts for potential threats, data breaches, and identity theft. 

With more than six security suites on the platter, Bitdefender stands out for its comprehensive coverage of malware threats. Its Windows antivirus lineup maintains its top-tier reputation with exceptional defense capabilities, the best security features, and a selection of six different products. While its scanning engine may be slow and resource-intensive, it does not let any potentially harmful content through. In case of an infection, Bitdefender’s software thoroughly analyzes the attack and improve the computer’s defenses. However, it lacks file encryption functionality and occasionally shows a few annoying false positives. Regardless of which Bitdefender product one choses , it ensures the security of multiple computers in a household at an affordable price.

Plans and Pricing

It is worth noting that Bitdefender has a range of subscription plans which support 1-100 devices with Total Security and Premium Security and are compatible with the main OS (Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS). Also, the business-centred GravityZone Business Security Premium provides help for Linux platforms.

Nonetheless, while most packages have limited VPN services, only Premium Security has an unrestricted data VPN. Additionally to this is the fact that Bitdefender’s website also offers a premium VPN option during checkout, but is competitively charged compared to other stand-alone VPN services.

Another cost-effective strategy for users is the availability of free versions of Windows and Mac on the Bitdefender site, which have limited features when compared to paid versions. Furthermore, at affordable prices, all Bitdefender plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee without any risk involved.

Bitdefender Free Antivirus for Windows

Though Bitdefender offers a free antivirus plan for Windows only, it is very limited as compared to the premium version. It still features Bitdefender’s sophisticated anti-malware engine and online threat protection, but not much more than that.

The anti-malware engine and online protections work the same way they do in the paid versions of Bitdefender, except for Rescue Environment, which allows removing advanced malware like rootkits. To access all remaining security features, such as network threat prevention, Ransomware Remediation (restore files corrupted by ransomware), Safepay or VPN you’ll have to switch to one of Bitdefender’s premium plans.

Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac

Although Bitdefender offers a free version of the software for macOS, it is quite basic. It’s only an on-demand virus scanner that allows you to scan your Mac for viruses and malware.

Bitdefender’s free Mac version has the same advanced anti-malware engine as the paid-for version — this is why Bitdefender has been included in the list of best free Mac antiviruses in 2024. However, it doesn’t have real-time protection, so it is good only when you need to remove already existing malware but not against future infections.

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus includes real-time malware defense and web protection, and the following:

• Multi-layer ransomware protection.
• Secure browser for online finances.
• Password manager.
• Wi-Fi protection.
• VPN (200 MB of daily data).
• Anti-tracking protection.
• User profiles (including gaming mode).
• File shredder.
• 24/7 customer support.

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is a decent beginner package for antivirus purposes but without several vital security elements, such as a firewall. But this plan is exclusively available for Windows computers since Norton and TotalAV cover all operating systems in their respective plans.

With a yearly price tag of INR2,500, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is cheaper than most similar entry-level products offered by rivals and comes with a 30-day refund guarantee.

Bitdefender Internet Security

Bitdefender Internet Security includes all of the features included in Antivirus Plus and the following additional features:

• Firewall.
• Anti-spam filter.
• Webcam and microphone protection.
• Parental controls.

Bitdefender Internet Security for PC users is a great deal considering it costs only INR 3,540 per year. However, the limitation of Bitdefender Internet Security is its lack of multi-platform support; hence, people using Mac, Android, or iOS devices will have to go for its higher-tier plans.

Still, Bitdefender Internet Security is one of the best options for Windows users. This product covers up to three PCs and offers numerous features at an affordable price. 

Bitdefender Total Security

Bitdefender Total Security includes all of the features that are found  in Internet Security, plus:

• Coverage for Mac.
• Mobile apps for iOS and Android.
• System tune-up tools.
• Anti-theft protection.

Mobile users won’t find much innovation in Bitdefender Total Security unless they want access to the one-click system tune-up tool and other excellent mobile apps that can only be accessed by upgrading to Total Security.

While it lacks the unlimited data VPN features that some premium antiviruses like Norton have, total security still provides full protection to devices, and it has a cost-effective rate of INR 4,170 per year. Even if users were to buy a separate VPN subscription, the premium package from Bitdefender is still cheaper than most competitors.

Bitdefender Premium Security

Bitdefender Premium Security is an ideal choice for users seeking comprehensive protection across multiple devices running Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. This plan enhances security by incorporating a VPN without data or server limitations, a feature-rich password manager, and coverage for up to 5 devices.

While priced at INR 6,660 per year, Bitdefender Premium Security may appear relatively expensive compared to other Bitdefender plans. However, considering the inclusion of a high-quality VPN, the investment is justifiable. Also, Bitdefender offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee for all its packages, including Premium Security, allowing users to trial the service without any financial risk.

Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security Premium

Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security Premium is a comprehensive solution designed to safeguard systems running Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems, including support for both Windows and Linux-based servers.

While primarily tailored for business users, home Linux users may also find this package beneficial for securing their systems.

Starting at INR 1,460 per year, Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security Premium offers a compelling value proposition considering its extensive array of security features. Users have the flexibility to purchase between 5–100 licenses for GravityZone Business Security Premium, with the option to request a custom quote for larger coverage needs.

With a 30-day free trial available, users can test GravityZone Business Security Premium risk-free. Additionally, Bitdefender’s policy allows for refunds within 30 days of purchase, providing further assurance to potential customers.

Bitdefender Mobile App

Bitdefender’s Android app is really good; however, its iOS app is somewhat limited. However, that’s pretty standard for iOS antiviruses since iDevices are less vulnerable to malware. The iOS app has web protection, data breach monitoring, scam alert feature and a free VPN though I found it difficult to get the web protection working on my iOS device while everything else worked perfectly during testing

This feature scans your phone’s calendar and text messages automatically looking for malicious links and alerts you about any

Bitdefender Customer Support

Bitdefender’s customer centre is exceptional but not easily accessible. It offers:

• Live chat support
• Email support
• Phone support
• Knowledge database
• Community support

Getting in touch with Bitdefender’s customer support can be a bit challenging, similar to the experience with Kaspersky. Initially, there isn’t a dedicated Support tab or button within the desktop app. Instead, users must access their profile on the Bitdefender Central portal and navigate to the Support section in the main left-hand menu. This directs them to the Bitdefender Support Center, where they can find a knowledge base with user guides, video tutorials, and more.

If users still wish to speak with a human agent, they’ll need to scroll down to the bottom of the Support Center page and click on “Contact Bitdefender Support.” This initiates a series of online forms where users are asked several questions. Bitdefender attempts to address the issue by offering relevant articles from its knowledge base. However, users can also find a “Contact Support” button after completing the forms, which allows them to choose between live chat, phone, or email support options.

Verdict

Firstly, Bitdefender’s VPN service has room for improvement. While it excels in terms of features and speeds, users of lower-tier plans face significant data caps. With just 200 MB per day, streaming a full HD movie isn’t feasible. In comparison, Norton offers unlimited data on all plans that include its VPN.

Bitdefender’s device optimization tools are good but could be more extensive. Moreover, Bitdefender’s Mac and iOS versions could benefit from more features. Although this limitation is common among antivirus software, both platforms lack anti-theft tools, and the backup tools are somewhat limited on Mac. 

In summary, Bitdefender has room for improvement in a few areas, but despite these minor drawbacks, it remains one of the top antivirus solutions available.

4. TotalAv

TotalAV is a streamlined yet feature-rich antivirus solution, ideal for both novice and experienced users alike. While its VPN could use a few more locations, the software excels at providing many other features.

TotalAV offers stellar ratings from independent research labs for malware detection, usability, and security, It also offers top-notch antivirus defense. Despite potentially higher renewal costs compared to competitors, it remains the top choice for countless users looking for a reliable antivirus solution with an impeccable track record.

TotalAV is a UK-based cybersecurity company that specializes in cybersecurity solutions catering to Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS users. With attractive introductory pricing, it’s an ideal choice for budget-conscious individuals and small businesses.

Renowned for its superior malware detection capabilities, TotalAV ensures the highest levels of security measures. Its packages also include performance optimization tools, ad-blocking features, and a VPN service.

Is TotalAV safe?

TotalAV is a reliable antivirus solution that ensures the safety and security of your devices and data against malware and third parties.

TotalAV has demonstrated impressive results in AV-Test assessments, achieving 100% in blocking both zero-day threats and prevalent malware without triggering false alarms. This reduces the risk of accidentally deleting important files, a concern that often happens when antivirus software flags the wrong files.

Moreover, we found that TotalAV is less heavy on device resources compared to many competitors. This means that  it minimizes the impact on battery life, 

• Security Features

TotalAV offers an impressive range of security features, spanning from real-time antivirus protection to automatic detection of data breaches. 

• Virus Scans

TotalAV offers four types of virus scan options designed to protect your devices against malware. These include:

• Quick Scan — Swiftly examines the most vulnerable areas of your devices within 5 to 10 minutes.
• System Scan — Conducts an in-depth scan of your entire device, particularly for devices with full storage capacity, despite taking longer to complete.
• Smart Scan — Search for viruses and malware and address issues such as junk and duplicate files, browser cookies, and performance issues.
• Custom Scan —Users can schedule scans, scan specific files and folders or exclude them, and select preferred scan types. For instance, users can schedule a thorough system scan during their absence from the devices.

• Real-Time Antivirus Protection

TotalAV’s real-time antivirus protection continuously monitors your devices, guarding against online cyber threats. While this feature can be toggled off to mitigate potential slowdowns, TotalAV operates efficiently in the background, causing minimal strain on devices’ performance.

Although certain free solutions, such as Microsoft Defender Antivirus, provide similar protection, they lack TotalAV’s comprehensive tools for combating zero-day threats which ensures protection against emerging threats that traditional antivirus programs might overlook.

• Phishing and Ransomware Protection

TotalAV blocks potential online threats such as phishing scams, malicious links, downloads, and attachments. By constantly updating its database of malicious sites, it aims to safeguard your privacy effectively.

TotalAV provides a crucial defense against ransomware attacks by blocking access to your files to prevent them from being encrypted and held for ransom. This ensures that your devices remain safe and protected from such malicious activities.

Moreover, TotalAV includes identity protection features that monitor personal information like social security numbers (SSN), credit cards, bank account details, and health insurance details.

TotalAV promptly alerts you of any unauthorized access attempts that could stem from ransomware or phishing attacks.  This gives you the necessary time to safeguard your finances and accounts before they can be exploited.

• WebShield Extension

TotalAV’s WebShield extension, compatible with Chrome, Edge, and Opera browsers, is a helpful tool designed to block intrusive ads and notifications. Powered by artificial intelligence and cloud-based technology, this feature offers

• Online Threat Protection: It actively blocks phishing, scams, and fraudulent websites that pose a risk of identity theft, malware downloads, and fraudulent activities.
• Suspicious Website Warnings: It alerts you whenever you attempt to access a site that shows suspicious behavior or has a history of data breaches.
• Data Breach Monitoring: By continuously monitoring, it notifies you if your details have appeared in breaches on the dark web.
• Third-Party Tracker Blocking: TotalAV’s WebShield prevents third-party trackers from collecting your browsing data and also blocks intrusive pop-ups.

• Total Adblock

Total Adblock blocks ads, pop-ups, and notifications while you browse the web. A standout feature is its capability to block push notifications on both iOS and Android platforms.

It’s extremely easy to add the extension to your browser, and it lets you support preferred websites by allowing them to display safe ads on your devices.

• Total Password

TotalAV’s Total Password feature serves as a password management tool, enhancing your online security.

It is available with the top-tier Total Security plan that enables users to generate and store unique passwords in a readily accessible password vault. It also includes a convenient auto-fill function, which is both swift and accurate.

With Total Password, users only need to remember their master password for the vault. The passwords created for it are highly secure and usually impervious to cracking. Moreover, the data breach monitor alerts users if any accounts have potentially been exposed.

This feature boasts user-friendliness, facilitating effortless password imports. Transitioning stored passwords takes just a minute, eliminating the need to reconstruct the password database from scratch when switching to Total Password.

• Safe Browsing VPN

TotalAV’s Safe Browsing VPN offers the advantage of online anonymity and the ability to unblock foreign streaming services,  with just a single click.

While its server network may not be extensive, with only 50+ servers spread across 35+ countries, it still delivers reliable performance and is among the best antiviruses with a VPN.

• System Tune-Up Tools, Disk Cleaner, and Browser Manager & Cleaner

TotalAV provides various tools designed to enhance your device’s performance while ensuring its cleanliness and security. Here’s what each tool has to offer:

• System Tune-Up Tools — Allows you to manage startup launch programs, adding or removing them as needed, and helps you uninstall unused applications.
• Disk Cleaner — Identifies and removes duplicate, unused, and unnecessary files.
• Browser Manager & Cleaner — Helps manage and clean web browser data, and remove adware.

Reducing the number of programs running on your system can result in faster boot speeds and speed up your computer.

• Data Breach Monitoring

Data breaches pose significant risks. Strong, unique passwords limit the damage, but TotalAV’s data breach monitoring feature extends beyond this measure.. 

It continuously scans the internet for your personal information and immediately notifies you if it appears in a data leak. This enables you to take action quickly to safeguard your online accounts.

• Compatibility and Ease of Use

TotalAV is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, with dedicated apps for each.  

Ease of Use and Setup

Setting up and using TotalAV is easy, with installation taking less than 5 minutes.  The main features of TotalAV, such as Malware Protection, Internet Security, and System Tune-Up, are accessible via their icons in the sidebar. For those looking to personalize their antivirus experience, all advanced options can be easily accessed through TotalAV’s settings menu.

TotalAV users have access to their online dashboard, which is easily accessed from the settings menu. This dashboard has video tutorials and FAQs for assistance, although it lacks remote device access, a feature offered by competitors such as Norton in their online dashboards. users can also purchase additional features from the TotalAV Online Marketplace.

In summary, TotalAV provides a simple user experience, with well-organized features, easily reachable settings, and a satisfactory online dashboard.

Plans and Pricing

Total AV divides its services into three main tiers to accommodate diverse budgets and requirements. Each plan provides the standard antivirus features to keep your devices against cyber threats, along with an array of extra security tools.

Features of each plan:

TotalAV Free Antivirus

TotalAV’s free version is a reliable, on-demand antivirus scanner equipped with anti-phishing protection. If you are just trying to remove malware from your computer, TotalAV’s free plan can suffice. However, it lacks real-time protection, meaning that you won’t be protected from any future malware infections. In contrast, Avira Free Internet Security offers real-time protection, system optimization tools, and robust mobile protection.

TotalAV Free Antivirus provides a good introduction to TotalAV’s software, and it effectively removes malware from your device. Upgrading the TotalAV plan becomes an easy process once you’ve downloaded the Free Antivirus version.

TotalAV Antivirus Pro

At just INR1,590 / year, this plan offers all of TotalAV’s essential features for up to 3 devices including:

• Malware scanner.
• Real-time protection.
• Anti-phishing protection.
• System tune-up.
• Ad blocker.
• Web protection.

Though Antivirus Pro is a good plan, it doesn’t offer as many features as Norton 360 Standard, despite covering the same number of devices.

However, the Antivirus Pro plan remains a good option if you require a solid antivirus package for up to 3 devices. Additionally, the iOS and Android plans that come with it offer valuable features.

TotalAV Internet Security

To access the VPN, you’ll need to subscribe to the Internet Security plan with TotalAV. The VPN comes with unlimited browsing data and provides all the features of TotalAV Antivirus Pro for up to 5 devices, priced at INR 3,250 per year. Though it’s more affordable than McAfee’s Total Protection plan for 5 users, it doesn’t provide as many features as McAfee does.

TotalAV Total Security

For INR 4,080 per year, the Total Security plan extends your total licenses up to 6. This plan also offers priority tech support and includes the password manager feature. It also grants full access to Total Browser, TotalAV’s secure browser.

However, TotalAV’s Total Security plan charges extra money for features that may not be deemed essential. By comparison, Bitdefender’s top-tier plan covers more devices and includes more useful additional features. If you want to get coverage for additional devices with TotalAV, you have the option to purchase them with the Internet Security plan.

4. Kaspersky

Kaspersky’s range of Windows antivirus products offers complete coverage with minimal impact on computer performance, although the least budget-friendly option lacks many extra features.

From the basic Kaspersky Anti-Virus to the premium Kaspersky Total Security, Kaspersky’s  Windows antivirus solutions shield users from online dangers through both local scanning and cloud-based machine learning.

At the highest level, Kaspersky Total Security offers a password manager, robust parental controls, a secure browser for online transactions, and cutting-edge stalkerware protection.

• Antivirus Protection

When a Kaspersky program detects a new and potentially dangerous item, it is uploaded to the Kaspersky Security Network lab for assessment. New malware definitions are distributed to the company’s 400 million users several times a day. If you don’t want your system to send data to Kaspersky, you can opt out while installing or adjusting the settings within the program.

All paid Kaspersky applications defend protection for Windows’ Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) against bootkit malware, as well as guard against fileless attacks. The program’s Application Control feature allows users to select which programs to allow.

Kaspersky’s Gaming mode suppresses security warnings and updates while users are engaged in gaming or watching movies, and can automatically start up when a full-screen app is launched.

• Security and privacy features

Each Kaspersky Windows antivirus product includes browser extensions for Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Microsoft Internet Explorer, to protect data typed into websites, warn of phishing attempts and block pop-up ads. Additionally, Mac users get an extension for Safari.

Kaspersky Internet Security and Kaspersky Total Security feature a two-way firewall that allows users to establish rules for different networking hardware. However, managing the audio component for webcam protection necessitates manual handling via Kaspersky’s Application Control feature. In contrast, Bitdefender’s webcam protection does this automatically.

Kaspersky offers the Safe Money hardened web browser in its Internet Security and Total Security,  which is ideal for secure online shopping and banking. It provides an on-screen keyboard, employs HTTPS website encryption whenever feasible, and blocks extensions. Bitdefender offers a similar feature to its Safepay browser.

Kaspersky Total Security includes an all-inclusive package that has an unlimited Password Manager. Total Security also provides Safe Kids parental controls, allowing parents to manage screen time, track mobile phones via GPS, monitor Facebook activities, and access in-depth reports on online activities.

While it lacks the full functionality of a true backup program, Kaspersky Total Security’s  Backup and Restore features can copy various types of files from your system, including documents, photos, videos, music, and more, and can back this data by using FTP.

Kaspersky Total Security’s Data Vault uses 56-bit AES encryption, rendering them accessible only with a password. As other antivirus brands are phasing out encryption software, Kaspersky remains one of the few still providing this feature.

The File Shredder feature within the program can delete sensitive or potentially embarrassing material. Users have the option of seven erasing techniques, some of which are utilized by the U.S. military. Other antivirus brands that incorporate file shredders don’t provide so many options.

Both Kaspersky Internet Security and Kaspersky Total Security include Clean and Optimize features to get rid of unnecessary applications, delete duplicate and temporary files, and clear browser histories.

• Performance and System Impact

Kaspersky software offers comprehensive scanning options such as full and quick scans, a customizable selective scan, external-drive scanning, and vulnerability scanning to detect system weaknesses.

• Interface 

Kaspersky’s interface has remained largely consistent since the 2020 edition. The home screen features eight boxes that provide access to various functions such as scans, updates, the hardened browser, the password manager, privacy settings, and parental controls.

The interface of Kaspersky can be somewhat confusing, with at least three ways to update Kaspersky’s malware definitions. Many pages may not entirely fit your screen and will require scrolling up and down. However, users have the flexibility to adjust scan severity levels to Low, Recommended, or High, and scans can be easily scheduled for specific times or intervals.

The Windows Taskbar icon for Kaspersky, located at the bottom right of your screen, can open the hardened browser. Through Kaspersky’s online My Kaspersky account, you can safeguard other devices, renew your subscription coverage, or stay updated with computer security news. Enabling two-factor authentication adds an extra level of security to your Kaspersky account setup.

• Installation and Support

Installing Kaspersky Total Security takes less than minutes. The beachhead installer will ask for your name, email address and preferred language and whether Kaspersky could send promotional email messages or collect information about your computer.

Total Security will then download the 215MB main installer and set up the full program. Now you’ll need to make a payment or enter a promotional code, before proceeding to create a Kaspersky Security Network online account.

The installer will run a quick scan of the system and make recommendations, such as picking which sensitive files to back up.

Kaspersky’s paid antivirus software provides round-the-clock technical assistance via phone, email, or online chat. Additionally, users can access a variety of self-help resources online, such as articles and decryption tools for several strains of ransomware.

Plans and Pricing

Kaspersky has three paid and one free package:

• Kaspersky Free.
• Kaspersky Standard.
• Kaspersky Plus.
• Kaspersky Premium

Kaspersky Free Plan

Kaspersky offers a free antivirus for Windows, accessible after setting up a My Kaspersky account. It includes:

• Malware scanner.
• Email & web protection.
• Ransomware protection.
• Keylogger protection.

The primary advantage of Kaspersky Free is that it gives access to Kaspersky’s top-notch anti-malware engine and user-friendly desktop interface. Nevertheless, advanced features such as VPN, parental control, password manager, and system cleanup tools are not available in this basic package. 

Kaspersky Standard Plan

Kaspersky’s entry-level plan, priced at INR 3,210 / year, offers coverage for 3, 5, or 10 devices with the basic features. These include:

• Malware scanner.
• Anti-phishing protection.
• Firewall.
• Data leak checker (1 email).
• System clean-up tools.
• And more…

Each of these features performs well, but Norton AntiVirus Plus offers similar features at a lower cost, making it a preferable option for safeguarding a single device.

Kaspersky Standard serves as a good entry point for basic protection across numerous devices. While it does not have extra features such as  Kaspersky’s password manager and VPN, it provides sufficient protection to ensure your computer is fully protected. 

Kaspersky Plus Plan

Kaspersky Plus priced at INR 4,410 / year, provides coverage for 3, 5, or 10 devices. It  includes all features available in Kaspersky Standard in addition to:

• Password manager.
• VPN (Virtual private network).
• File shredder.
• Secret vault.
• Data leak checker (up to 50 emails).

This plan includes an unlimited-data VPN, a feature typically reserved for higher-tier plans by competitors like Bitdefender and it is offered at a relatively affordable price. However, it’s disheartening that features like the file shredder are restricted to this plan, especially when considering that other competitors like McAfee include them in their entry-level plans.

Nevertheless, this is the best plan for most users. It includes all the necessary elements to protect  your computer against malware while also providing features to enhance online privacy, such as an unlimited-data VPN and a data leak checker.

Kaspersky Premium Plan

Kaspersky Premium priced at INR 6,240 / year, offers coverage for 3, 5, or 10 devices (up to 20 in some countries), and includes all features in Kaspersky Plus as well as:

• Identity protection wallet.
• Remote access detection.
• Parental controls (1 year only).
• Premium support.

The standout feature of this plan lies in the free parental access for one year.  Kaspersky offers top-notch parental controls that are renowned in the market in 2024 for their effectiveness.  However, it’s regrettable that Kaspersky limits this feature to just one year, after which users are asked to sign up for a separate subscription. Whereas, competitors like Norton offer unlimited parental controls within their higher-tier plans.

If you want to experiment with Kaspersky’s parental controls while also safeguarding your devices against the latest malware threats, this plan is a good choice for a household with children 

6. Avast

Avast provides all the necessary protections against all kinds of malware and cybersecurity threats, including ransomware, spyware, adware, trojans, viruses, worms, rootkits, and others. Its free plan is suitable for beginners due to its user-friendly interface.

The premium plans Avast covers a wide range of extras, including:

• VPN (virtual private network).
• System optimization tools.
• Webcam and microphone protection.
• Advanced anti-tracking protection

And many more.

Although Avast is a very good antivirus solution, there are areas where it could enhance its offerings. For example, its data breach monitoring is relatively limited compared to leading antivirus products like Norton, which can scan a lot of personally identifiable information. While top brands like Norton include password managers and parental controls, Avast lacks these features. Furthermore, its VPN is pretty mediocre with moderate speeds, it keeps connection logs, and its server coverage isn’t that great.

Overall, Avast remains one of the best antivirus software programs available. It delivers excellent malware protection, has a user-friendly interface, and offers numerous extra features. Moreover, all of its plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, so users can try it out risk-free.

Avast Full Review

Avast offers robust security measures, an array of extra features, and a very user-friendly interface. Along with strong web protection, Avast also provides a Rescue Disk, a secure browser, advanced anti-tracking protection, and a set of decent system optimization tools.

With options available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, Avast presents both free and premium plans. The free plans, including Avast Free Antivirus and Avast One Essentials, provide core security features to protect your devices. However, upgrading to Premium Security or Ultimate unlocks a host of additional features. Avast guarantees a 30-day money-back policy on all of its plans.

Avast Antivirus Security Features

Anti-Malware Engine

Avast’s malware scanner exhibits exceptional detection and removal capabilities. Avast achieves a flawless detection rate while detecting over 1,000 types of malware, encompassing viruses, worms, trojans, keyloggers, rootkits, ransomware, spyware, and more, comparable to other leading antivirus solutions such as Norton, Bitdefender, and McAfee.

Avast completes a full system scan in just under an hour, which aligns well with the scanning speeds of Bitdefender and McAfee. While slightly slower than Norton’s approximate 40-minute scan time, the variance is largely negligible. There were no significant performance drops during the scan, and the PC could be used as usual.

Avast provides a large scan of devices, such as:

• Smart Scan- This scans malware on devices.
• Full Virus Scan- This scans the entire system for malware.
• Targeted Scan- This scans specific folders or drives (including external drives).
• Boot-Time Scan- This scans files before an operating system is fully loaded.
• Explorer Scan- This scans specific files or folders directly from the desktop.
• Custom Scan. This creates customized scans to suit your needs.

Overall, Avast’s anti-malware engine is outstanding. Its speed is quite fast, with minimal performance impact, and it can detect and remove all types of malware threats.

Web Protection

A firewall is an important part of antivirus software, and Avast offers it to both free and paid users. A firewall safeguards your network from unauthorized intrusions. Avast allows users to manually block internet access to specific applications.

Avast’s anti-phishing protection stands out for its effectiveness. It identifies and blocks nearly all fake websites.  Its performance surpasses that of default protections found in browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, and it even outperforms other leading antiviruses such as Kaspersky and Panda.

Additionally, Avast’s Web Shield protects against web-based threats by preventing unsafe downloads, scanning encrypted websites, and thwarting web attacks orchestrated through botnets and malicious scripts.

Avast’s Firewall actively monitors all network interactions, safeguarding against unauthorized intrusions with minimal user intervention. During testing, it effectively thwarted untrustworthy connections and sample exploit attacks. When Avast’s firewall detects a new application attempting to connect to the internet, it responds in one of four ways based on your settings:

• Smart mode: Decides on allowing the application to connect to the internet based on its reputation score.
• Allow: Automatically permits the application to connect to the internet.
• Block: Blocks the application. 
• Ask: Issues a notification to the user to decide whether to allow the application to the internet connection.

Avast’s firewall settings provide the flexibility of choice. Nevertheless, for the majority of users, the default smart mode is likely the preferred option. While setting the firewall to Allow can pose risks, Block and Ask modes can quickly get annoying. In truth, adjusting these settings is generally advisable only when dealing with an ongoing malware issue. However, more advanced users may value the availability of these options.

Device Optimization Tools

Avast’s system optimization tools offer a user-friendly experience and they can free up a lot of space and  enhance your computer’s performance. These tools, available in Avast One or Avast Ultimate, include:

• Junk cleaner (Avast One or Avast Ultimate only).
• PC Speedup (Avast One or Avast Ultimate only).
• Driver updater (Avast One only).
• Software updater.
• Do Not Disturb mode (Avast Free and Premium only).

The junk cleaner locates and eliminates redundant files and folders from browsers, disks, and registries. 

Data Breach Monitoring

Avast offers basic identity theft protection by continuously monitoring the dark web and other online sources to ensure that no accounts associated with entered emails have been compromised in a data breach. In contrast, Norton provides more comprehensive protections by employing live human agents and tracking a broader range of personally identifiable information (PII), including.

• Credit card numbers.
• Addresses.
• Bank account numbers. 
• Phone numbers.
• Gamer tags.
• And lots more

Rescue Disk

Avast’s Rescue Disk feature is highly valuable as it enables the creation of a bootable antivirus program on a DVD or USB drive. This can scan a hard drive for viruses without the need to start up the computer. This serves as a secondary line of defense against malware that damages your system files, rendering the device inoperable for running Avast normally.

The whole process of generating a Rescue Disk is quick and hassle-free. Avast’s website provides a comprehensive guide with illustrated instructions showing how to utilize it to restore an infected PC.

Additional Features

In addition to the previously highlighted features, Avast offers several other noteworthy features:

• Bank Mode: Safeguards your passwords, credit card details, and other personal information during online banking or shopping. One has to download the free Avast Secure Browser.
• Email Shield: Scans incoming and outgoing emails for viruses and malicious links, although it might have conflicting issues with Microsoft Exchange on a server operating system.
• Tracker Prevention: Preserves your privacy by thwarting advanced tracking techniques, and constantly changing your browser’s fingerprint.
• Avast SecureLine VPN: Encrypts your internet traffic to protect you from potential hackers and ensures your online privacy.
• Data Shredder: Before deletion, overwrites sensitive files to prevent their recovery.
• Webcam Shield: Prevents unauthorised access to your webcam without your consent, safeguarding against spyware.

Plans and Pricing

Avast offers 5 home security plans while for businesses, it provides three plans. The product line includes two variations: the Premium Security and Ultimate plans in the original Avast line offer more advanced security features, whereas the newer Avast One product line seems to be inclined towards casual users and is currently available in specific countries such as the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, France, and Germany.

The Premium Security plan is the best value, including all of Avast’s core features. However, for unlimited-data VPN access, a junk cleaner to optimize device performance, and an advanced tracking blocker, upgrading to Ultimate or opting for Avast One is necessary.

Avast offers free antivirus solutions for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, which are all limited features compared to premium versions. Thankfully, Avast provides a 30-day money-back guarantee for all paid products. Premium Security even offers a 30-day free trial without requiring a credit card.

Overview of Avast’s plans;

Avast Free Antivirus

Avast Free Antivirus is one of the rare free antivirus programs on the market and includes the following features:

• Malware scanner.
• Basic firewall.
• Real-time protection.
• Network scanner.
• Data breach monitoring.
• Rescue Disk.
• Do Not Disturb Mode.
• Ransomware protection.

The free plan is highly impressive, offering an array of features compared to Bitdefender’s free version, notably the handy Rescue Disk feature. Nonetheless, unlike Avira’s free plan, it does not have a VPN.

Upgrading to one of Avast’s premium plans grants access to numerous additional security features and performance-boosting tools. These encompass anti-phishing protection, an advanced firewall, webcam protection, and many more.

Avast One Essential

Avast One Essential is an alternative, free antivirus plan from Avast. It is similar to Avast Free Antivirus, but it includes several new features:

• Privacy Advisor: Aids in adjusting account settings on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Reddit, etc., to enhance privacy protection.
• PC Speedup: Enhances device performance by freezing background applications.
• VPN: Offers a limited 5 GB/week data allowance and automatically connects to the nearest server ( users cannot choose their server ).

However, it does lack some features found in Avast Free Antivirus, namely Rescue Disk and Do Not Disturb Mode.

Avast Premium Security

Premium Security, priced at INR 2,500 / year is Avast’s best-value plan and includes all of the features in Avast Free Antivirus as well as:

• Anti-phishing protection.
• Advanced firewall.
• Webcam protection.
• Password protection.
• Remote Access Shield.
• Sandbox.
• Data Shredder

Avast One

Avast One represents the premium version of Avast One Essential. While its Individual plan is priced higher than Premium Security per device at INR 2,500/ year, its Family plan provides exceptional value, covering 30 devices for just INR 5,790/ year. It includes all the features of Avast One Essential along with:

• Sensitive Data Shield.
• Web Hijack Guard.
• Webcam protection.
• Tracking prevention.
• Driver updater.
• A VPN with unlimited data and access to 50+ server locations.
• Cleanup Premium.

It falls short in comparison to Premium Security, lacking numerous features, while those exclusive to its product line, like Driver Updater and Privacy Advisor, aren’t compelling. Though SecureLine VPN, AntiTrack, and Cleanup Premium are acceptable, they’re also included in Avast Ultimate. The primary reason for opting for  Avast One over Ultimate is if you’re seeking an antivirus plan that extends coverage to your entire household, as Ultimate is limited to 10 devices.

Avast Ultimate

Priced at INR 9,990 per year, Avast Ultimate is the most comprehensive plan, It encompasses all the features of Premium Security, plus three of Avast’s other privacy and performance-enhancing products:

• SecureLine VPN.
• AntiTrack.
• Cleanup Premium.

Ultimate over Avast One is recommended for those users who want these additional features. The main drawback of Avast Ultimat is that its VPN falls short in comparison to VPNs offered by other antivirus providers, such as Norton.

Avast Essential Business Security

Avast Essential Business Security provides more advanced features customized for businesses and enterprises, making it unsuitable for home users. The most basic version of this software includes the following features:

• Online management platform.
• Antivirus protection.
• Ransomware protection.
• Data protection.
• IT support.
• Identity Protection.

Avast Essential Business Security covers for Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems, with support extended to Windows-based servers. It’s important to note that the Identity Protection feature is not accessible for macOS.

In contrast to its home user plans, Avast’s plans for businesses and enterprises offer enhanced flexibility, providing users with the option to cover anywhere from 1 to 999 devices. For larger coverage needs, Avast offers custom quotes upon request.

All of Avast’s business plans come with a 30-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee for added peace of mind.

Avast Premium Business Security— Best-Value Enterprise-Grade Security

Avast Premium Business Security is the recommended package for most businesses and enterprises, incorporating all the features from Avast Essential Business Security along with the following:

• Unlimited VPN.
• USB Protection.

These additional features help to secure your employees’ devices by encrypting their internet traffic and monitoring USB ports to stop unauthorized usage of removable storage devices, thereby reducing the risk of malware infections.

Avast Ultimate Business Security

Avast Ultimate Business Security offers the most robust security among all its business plans. It includes all the features present in Avast Premium Business Security, along with patch management. 

How to set up Avast Antivirus

Step 1: Select an Avast plan that aligns with your needs. So, opt for the one that fits your needs best.

Step 2: Download and install Avast by navigating to your account dashboard. Click on “Manage subscriptions” and then hit the “Download” button under your chosen plan. Follow the installation wizard once you have downloaded Avast.

Step 3: Open Avast by locating its shortcut on your desktop and double-clicking on it. You are now ready to conduct a system scan and leverage Avast’s array of features!

7. Panda

Panda Dome Antivirus is one of the top antivirus programs available, offering exceptional anti-malware protection with minimal impact on PC speed, a comprehensive array of security features, and flexible pricing options.

When you buy Panda Dome Antivirus, you receive a host of security tools such as anti-malware, anti-phishing, a firewall, a password manager, and an unlimited VPN, which will protect your online privacy.

In terms of performance, Panda Dome Antivirus demonstrates a remarkable malware detection rate of 99%,  by identifying and removing nearly all of the 1,200 malware samples tested. Also, its lightweight anti-malware engine does not slow down the system during operation.

Though  Panda Dome’s pricing may appear relatively higher compared to similar products like Norton’s, it has one advantage; its flexibility in pricing options allows users to customize their security plans as per their specific needs and budget constraints.

Panda Full Review

Several tests prove that Panda Antivirus is a robust antivirus solution. It boasts a sleek interface with many features, including some rare ones such as the rescue kit and USB protection.

Panda offers both free and paid options catering to multiple devices. Users can choose the number of devices to safeguard and the duration, ensuring affordability. Additionally, all packages come with a free VPN, though it has a daily limit of 150 MB.

Panda Dome Security Features

Anti- Malware

Several tests ran on Panda’s antivirus scanner successfully detected over 99% of the 1,200 malware samples that were examined. It provides three scanning options: Critical Areas, Full Scan, and Custom Scan, all of which are user-friendly,  with varying scan times. The initial full scan lasted for a lengthy 2.5 hours, a duration that falls short in comparison to competitors like Norton or Bitdefender, which usually finish in under an hour.

Quick scans, however, were faster, wrapping up in about 4 minutes, which is equal to the performance of leading antivirus solutions. Notably, the macOS scanner was very slow, taking a substantial 4.5 hours to complete. Despite this, its detection rate remained solid.

Panda also offers a cloud-based alternative, Panda Cloud Cleaner, designed for emergencies. While it proves fast and effective, its separation from the main scanner raises questions. Overall, Panda demonstrates solid antivirus capabilities, though it could be more efficient.

Rescue Kit (Windows only)

Panda’s Rescue Kit is a unique tool that allows users to save infected PCs that fail to start or operate sluggishly due to malware. Users create a “rescue USB drive” on a functioning computer, which they then plug into the computer that’s not working to utilize the Cloud Scanner for malware removal.

Most other antivirus solutions lack a feature like this (Kaspersky and ESET are the only competitors that do ), making Panda’s Rescue Kit a significant plus point, and it’s provided free of charge.

Anti- Phishing

Panda’s Safe Browsing feature includes all paid plans. It effectively blocks harmful URLs and offers the flexibility to customize rules for exceptions. Users can even monitor statistics on the number of URLs blocked or allowed, categorized into malware and phishing instances. This feature provides transparency and control . In sum, it serves as a solid anti-phishing tool.

Password Manager

Panda Dome Passwords is a modified version of Password Depot. It seamlessly integrates into browsers on Windows and macOS, offering features like auto-fill, password breach checks, and remote logout capabilities. The mobile experience mirrors the desktop version closely, with easy setup and effortless password syncing across devices. Although it currently supports Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, the absence of Safari and DuckDuckGo support is a minor drawback. Overall, Panda’s password manager is highly user-friendly and nearly flawless.

The extension neatly organizes features into five tabs, including Accounts, Identities, Generate Password, Secure Me, and Security Report. The ‘Secure Me’ feature is particularly impressive, offering remote logout and even clearing cookies and history.

The mobile experience on Android and iOS closely mirrors the desktop version, with an easy setup involving pin and biometric authentications. The passwords also sync across devices easily. However, a minor drawback is its limited browser support, currently available only for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, leaving out Safari and DuckDuckGo users. Overall, Panda’s password manager is highly user-friendly and nearly flawless.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

Panda’s VPN, powered by Hotspot Shield, is a notable inclusion and is one of the leading VPN providers. 

Except for the most expensive plan, Panda’s VPN caps data usage at 150 MB per day and lacks the option to select preferred servers. This lack of control over virtual location and server selection limits the user experience, users are automatically connected to the nearest server.

Moreover, the daily data limit of 150 MB severely restricts usage. In contrast, competing antivirus solutions like Norton offer unlimited VPN data along with many other features. 

Panda’s top-tier plan, Panda Dome Premium, offers unlimited browsing data and server selection. Essential features like a kill switch are conspicuously absent, which poses a significant privacy risk, as a VPN disconnection could potentially expose the user’s real IP address and online activities.

Other Security Features

PC Cleanup

Panda’s cleanup tools are handy. They provide functions to free up disk space, control startup programs, and defragment hard drives. It also alerts users about new programs that are set to at startup, a minor but beneficial feature. Although these tools are user-friendly, they’re not revolutionary, as similar functionalities can be found in other antivirus software or are inherent to Windows.

File Encryption and Shredder

Panda utilizes Password Depot for file encryption and shredding, enabling users to easily encrypt or permanently delete files. You just have to right-click on a file, choose the action you want and files get permanently deleted. While this feature safeguards your files, it’s worth noting that other antivirus solutions, such as Avira, offer similar functionalities.

USB Protection

This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses or anyone who frequently utilizes USB drives. Panda automatically conducts scans on every inserted thumb drive, offering a layer of defense against potential malware threats.

Data Shield

Panda’s Data Shield has a distinctive approach to protecting against ransomware. This feature lets users establish a secure partition for sensitive files. In a ransomware attack on your PC, these protected folders remain inaccessible to the malware. 

Anti- Theft

Panda’s anti-theft feature, included in their premium plans, enables remote tracking of devices. The setup process is simple but requires a few verification steps. While this feature is particularly beneficial for mobile devices, it’s equally essential for laptops.

Update Manager

The Update Manager is both practical and user-friendly. It efficiently scans for outdated software and categorizes them based on the severity of the updates required. This automated system simplifies the process of keeping your software up-to-date, without the need for tedious manual checks.

Dark Web Scanner

The Dark Web Scanner feature scans your email against known breaches and notifies you in the event of any compromised information. Although it is a basic feature, it proves to be quite effective, and notably, it is included in all plans, even the free one.

Parental Controls

The parental controls provided in Panda’s Windows offer only  content filtering without additional features such as time limits or social media monitoring. However, the mobile app makes up for these limitations by including features like GPS tracking and app blocking, leading to a mixed overall experience.

Virtual Keyboard

The Virtual Keyboard provides an additional layer of protection against keylogging. However, the small key size poses a challenge, potentially discouraging frequent use of this feature.

In summary, Panda offers some strong features, such as Data Shield and Update Manager, but it lacks in areas like Windows Parental Controls and the user-friendliness of the Virtual Keyboard. Overall, it is a well-rounded package with opportunities for improvement.

Mobile App

Panda Dome’s mobile app tests revealed differing experiences between iOS and Android platforms. The iOS app was basic, providing only essential features like a VPN, parental controls, device tracking, and a separate app for password management. Although well-designed, it lacked the depth found in competitors like Norton and TotalAV.

Conversely, the Android app has an extensive antivirus scanner and a host of features such as VPN, family tools, anti-theft functionalities, app lock, privacy auditing, and a call blocker. The addition of smartwatch connectivity added to its appeal, making the Android app a standout choice among antivirus mobile solutions.

Customer Support

Panda Dome’s customer support falls short of expectations. While options such as live chat, email, and phone support are available, their execution is not up to standard. Live chat is only available to premium customers, with extended wait times even for them. The third-party-operated phone support lacked expertise regarding Panda’s products. Email responses are slow and uninformative, often redirecting us to generic FAQ links.

Plans for Panda Dome

Panda Free Antivirus

Panda’s free antivirus package offers solid features, such as real-time virus detection and a rescue kit for emergencies. While it’s a strong option for basic protection, it falls short in providing advanced features like ransomware defense and parental controls.

Panda Dome Essential

Dome Essential provides real-time antivirus protection for Windows, Mac, and Android, along with Wi-Fi protection and a firewall. While it offers decent value for its price, competitors such as McAfee provide more features at similar prices.

Panda Dome Advanced

This plan includes ransomware protection and data shield features. For families, the addition of parental controls is an advantage, although it faces stiff competition from plans like Norton’s 360 Standard, which provides additional features.

Panda Dome Complete

This plan includes additional features such as a password manager and file encryption. It stands on par with Norton’s 360 Deluxe but includes unique features like file shredding and the Rescue Kit.

Panda Dome Premium

This top-tier package offers premium VPN and round-the-clock customer support. Despite its extensive range of features, it struggles to justify its steep price tag, particularly considering its underwhelming support and the availability of more affordable alternatives like Bitdefender Premium Security.

All subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Although Panda does provide initial discounts for the first year, its price is generally higher, especially for multiple devices.

Overall, Panda offers a variety of plans with different feature sets. Although its Android app and complimentary antivirus are commendable, its customer support and pricing render it less competitive when compared to rivals like Norton and Bitdefender.

Company Profile of Panda

About Panda

Panda Security, part of the WatchGuard family of IT security solutions, is a key player in endpoint security. It was established with a focus on antivirus software but has expanded to offer a range of cutting-edge cybersecurity services, including TruPrevent proactive tools and a Collective Intelligence model for real-time malware detection. This has led to the development of their Adaptive Defense security approach.

Panda Security has a presence in 180 countries with a workforce of 600 employees across 16 subsidiaries, and it serves 30 million users globally.

About WatchGuard

WatchGuard, a cybersecurity pioneer for 25 years, specializes in creating advanced yet user-friendly security solutions. Their product lineup includes network and endpoint security tools, secure Wi-Fi systems, multi-factor authentication services, and network intelligence offerings. It caters to small and midsize businesses and serves over 250,000 enterprises worldwide and protects more than 10 million endpoints.

WatchGuard is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. It operates globally with offices across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America.

8. Avira

Avira Antivirus offers a host of cybersecurity features designed to safeguard your device against malware, along with additional perks.  It includes a VPN, a password manager, and features for optimizing your device’s performance. It is a top-tier antivirus solution renowned for its exceptional free plan.   With a blend of real-time threat protection, device optimization, and privacy tools, Avira delivers a comprehensive security shield with multiple layers of defense. 

What is Avira Anti-virus?

Avira has a strong reputation in the cybersecurity field and is known for its free antivirus software, which is packed with features. ChatGPT

Avira Antivirus was established in Germany in 1986 with the primary aim of shielding users from various malware threats, spanning viruses, trojans, worms, ransomware, and other malicious software variants. Renowned within the cybersecurity realm, Avira is popular for its feature-rich free antivirus software.  Known for its user-friendly interface and consistently high ratings in testing, Avira is widely regarded as one of the premier antivirus solutions available today.

Avira Security Features

Antivirus Scanner

Avira has a robust cloud-based antivirus scanner, that compares files against an extensive malware directory and employs heuristic analysis to identify zero-day threats. This cloud-based scanner transfers the CPU-intensive task of file analysis to a cloud server, allowing Avira to use cutting-edge scanning tools without slowing down device performance. Due to its efficacy in combating all forms of malware, Avira’s scanning technology has been licensed to various antivirus vendors, including TotalAV and Systweak.

While testing, Avira detected 100% of malware files, an impressive feat encompassing ransomware, trojans, spyware, keylogging malware, rootkits, and many other threats. Alongside Norton, Bitdefender, and McAfee, Avira earned a perfect score in malware assessments. A full system scan completes in just over an hour and does not cause any slowdown on a device, a performance notably superior to McAfee, which demonstrated some performance lag during a full disk antivirus scan.

Besides a full system and quick scan, Avira includes the following scans:

• Smart Scan.
• Rootkit.
• Local drive.
• External device.
• My documents.
• Hard drive.

Avira’s Smart Scan is beneficial as it seeks out malware, network security issues, outdated software, privacy vulnerabilities, and performance issues. It is an all-in-one malware scanner, system optimizer, and network security monitor. 

Overall, Avira’s anti-malware scanner ranks among the finest available, speed, non-intrusive operation, and exceptional proficiency in identifying and thwarting various forms of malware. Furthermore, it provides several system scanning options, including specialized ones like the rootkit scan. There is also a Smart Scan feature that checks for system vulnerabilities and performance concerns, making optimal functionality across your device.

Web Protection

Avira’s Browser Safety extension blocked the majority of phishing sites, ads, and trackers but it demonstrated limited effectiveness against exploit attacks. Available on Google Chrome, Firefox, and Opera, the extension blocks against a dozen known phishing websites and the result is much better than Chrome or Firefox’s built-in protections. Browser Safety is also good blocking ads and online trackers,

Firewall

Avira’s firewall uses a distinctive algorithm to thwart network intrusions, and it alerts users through pop-up notifications upon detecting any attempted breaches. Its user-friendly setup and operation are facilitated by a clean interface that displays lists of all installed apps.

We found the firewall to be effective, even blocking threats missed by the Windows firewall. We would like to see more customization options, though, like the ability to toggle SSL protection. Another important note is that the firewall isn’t available with the free package, which instead relies on the Windows firewall.- rephrase

The firewall is highly effective, blocking the Windows firewall by intercepting threats that were otherwise overlooked. However, we believe there’s room for improvement in terms of customization options. For instance, users would benefit from the ability to toggle SSL protection. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the firewall is not included in the free package; instead, the free version relies on the Windows firewall.

Real-time protection

Real-time protection against malware features is provided by all versions of Avira Antivirus. This feature continuously monitors and scans any files you access, copy, or interact with,  alerting you to their safety status. In the event of danger, Avira Antivirus prevents it from making changes to your device and notifies you accordingly.

The antivirus system is augmented with AI capabilities, monitoring app behavior rather than just relying on virus signatures. Upon detecting any issues, it prevents any changes  to your system.

Premium Avira Antivirus subscribers enjoy extra benefits accessible through the Security tab. These include:

• Web protection, which blocks phishing attempts, spam, and browser hijackers.
• Email protection scans your inbox for malware-laden attachments and scrutinizes suspicious links.
• Ransomware protection utilizes both behaviour-based and signature-based analysis to protect against all forms of ransomware.

Device Optimization Tools

Avira’s system optimization tools are excellent. They have user-friendly interfaces, capable of freeing up storage space on your system. Additionally, they include useful metrics allowing users to track their system’s performance over time. Avira’s main device optimization tools comprise:

• PC junk file cleaner.
• Duplicate file finder.
• Startup optimizer.
• Driver updater.
• Battery usage manager.
• Game booster.

VPN

Avira includes a virtual private network (VPN) as part of its free antivirus package, a feature which is not found with other providers. It allows users to secure their online security and browse anonymously. However, compared to dedicated VPN solutions, it may not offer the same level of performance.

 The VPN includes essential features such as a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy. However, it lacks an ad blocker. With 1,400 servers spread across 37 countries, the VPN surpasses  many add-on VPNs and some standalone products.

Password Manager

Avira’s password manager offers secure password storage, an intuitive interface, and some exceptional security features.

Avira offers a decent password manager that helps in generating and saving strong, unique passwords for various accounts. Users only need to remember a single master password to access their password vault. This tool synchronizes credentials across multiple devices and allows the users to set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security. It is compatible with all major browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera and can auto-fill forms comparable to top-tier password managers.

Besides, Avira has many other features such as:

File encryption- It ensures their protection through password authentication.

File shredding_ Complete deletion of files through shredding, so they can’t be recovered by hackers.

Network traffic manager- Management of network traffic, displaying connected applications and enabling the termination of specific connections when required.

Process manager- Monitoring of all running processes and stopping unnecessary ones through a process manager.

Disk defragmenter- Improves the organization and speed via disk defragmentation.

File recovery- Restores accidentally deleted files through file recovery.

Safe Shopping- It is a browser extension that suggests better deals during online shopping.

Network traffic manager. Shows which applications are connected to the internet and gives the option to stop certain connections if necessary.

Avira Plans and Pricing

Avira has 4 plans available:

• Free Security.
• Antivirus Pro.
• Internet Security.
• Prime.

The Prime is the best plan and the optimal choice, providing an extensive range of features and accommodating up to 5 devices at a very reasonable rate. Antivirus Pro and Internet Security plans cover a single device by default (although options for up to 5 devices are available at a higher cost). It’s worth noting that all Avira plans include a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Avira Free Security

The free plan of  Avira includes:

• Antivirus scanner.
• Real-time protection.
• Ransomware protection.
• Phantom VPN (with 500 MB of free data per month).
• Password manager (separate download).
• Device optimization (basic).
• Software and driver updater (basic).
• Safe Shopping and Browser Safety extensions.
• File shredder.

Avira’s free plan provides the same robust antivirus engine as the premium version including real-time anti-malware scanning that safeguards against all types of malware even ransomware; unlike some other free antivirus solutions where you have to pay for ransomware protection for their premium versions.

However, the VPN is very limited with only 500 MB of free data per month and access restricted to the nearest server location. There are numerous standalone VPN options available, such as ProtonVPN, which offers unlimited data even in its free plan.

While Avira Free Security ranks is one of the top free antivirus offerings, it lacks several features found in Avira’s paid plans, such as unlimited VPN data and password manager data protection tools. Also, Avira Free users do not have access to email or phone customer support.

Avira Antivirus Pro

Avira Antivirus Pro is priced at INR1,529.00/, and subscribers can access all the features available in the free plan, along with:

• Email protection.
• Web protection.
• Firewall.
• Email and phone customer support.
• More advanced ransomware protection.

In the Pro plan, ransomware protection uses behaviour-based analysis, while the free plan’s ransomware protection uses signature analysis only.

Avira Internet Security

Avira’s Internet Security plan has all the tools of Antivirus Pro, plus:

• Password Manager Pro.
• Software and driver updater (advanced).

Avira Internet Security priced at INR1,670 per year is not worth it, especially given its lack of compatibility with Mac. Opting for Avira’s free plan and acquiring a separate, cost-effective password manager seems like a more prudent choice. However,  Windows users seeking an all-in-one solution combining antivirus protection with a premium password manager and additional security features can give Avira Internet Security a try.

Avira Prime

Avira’s Prime package includes all of the previously mentioned features, plus:

• Phantom VPN Pro.
• Junk file cleanup.
• PC performance optimizer.
• VIP customer support.
• Gaming mode.
• Coverage across 5 devices.

Priced at INR 3,080 per year, this is a good value for money package. By default, it covers 5 devices, slightly cheaper than Norton 360 but Norton’s premium plans offer additional features such as live dark web monitoring, comprehensive parental controls, and identity theft protection.  Nevertheless, Avira allows you to extend coverage to up to 25 devices for an extra cost, making it a suitable option for larger families.

In summary, Avira Prime stands out as Avira’s most cost-effective plan, providing numerous excellent features at a highly competitive price point.

Avira Ease of Use and Setup

Avira is renowned for its user-friendly interface, and easy navigation. It is regarded as one of the top free antivirus solutions available, catering to a diverse user base. Moreover, the installation process is straightforward, and updates occur automatically, streamlining maintenance tasks.

How to Install Avira 

 Here’s a simplified guide to installing Avira in just three steps:

• Step 1: Purchase an Avira plan on the official Avira website or on the official Avira app on your phone’s app store. Choose your desired plan, make payment, and complete the purchase.

Step 2: Download your Avira application. For computer purchases, the download will  automatically  post-purchase. Then navigate to File Explorer, locate the downloaded file, and double-click to begin installation. For mobile devices, simply use your phone’s app store and download the Avira app.

Step 3: Follow the installation wizard. You’ll be guided through the installation process with few prompts. Simply answer any a few prompts, adjust initial settings as needed, and you’re all set to start using Avira.

Avira customer support

Avira offers solid customer support services, such as email and telephone support, along with an extensive online knowledge base. However, it isn’t a live chat option, including myself. For free Avira users, relying on the knowledge base is the only available support option. 

There is a toll-free number for customer support, available from 9 am to 11 pm Central European Time, serving over 30 countries including the US, Canada, various European, and Asian nations. For countries without access to the toll-free number, an alternative number is provided, but they will be charged their local phone rates.

Is Avira a good antivirus in 2024?

Avira is one of the most secure and dependable antivirus solutions available. It consistently achieves top rankings in malware detection, is lightweight, and is packed with features including a VPN, password manager, and other optimization tools.

Notably, Avira offers a well-developed free version that utilizes the same robust malware detection software found in its paid version. However, the VPN and password manager functionalities are somewhat limited in the free version.

Furthermore, even some paid plans come with limitations on features. To access the full suite of antivirus features, one must opt for the most expensive and premium plan, Avira Prime.

9. Sophos

Sophos Home offers an antivirus solution ideal for managing multiple computers. It has built-in monitoring, web filtering, and basic scanning at an affordable price. However, it lacks some of the premium features found in top antivirus software.

If you require antivirus software that allows you to watch and control  multiple devices at once, Sophos Home Premium is well worth its cost. Additionally, it has a free 30-day trial, so it’s worth exploring for yourself.

Sophos Home distinguishes itself as a very feature-light program, catering primarily to two key demographics: small businesses and families due to which its feature set is limited but robust. But it turns out to be a top choice for those who can take advantage of these options.

The standout feature of Sophos Home is its remote management capability. Each setting within the desktop application serves as a link to its management website, allowing users to manage multiple devices from a single location. This feature is particularly advantageous in places such as lab networks, where simultaneous monitoring of multiple computers is carried out.

Sophos Full Review

Sophos Home Premium offers effective antivirus protection for up to 10 Macs or PCs, with unlimited coverage for mobile devices. Its user-friendly interface and minimalistic design make it ideal for non-technical users. However, its advanced settings and remote management feature make it a decent option for tech-savvy individuals.

The majority of its features and settings are managed through an online dashboard which can be accessed via a web browser. There is a desktop app available, but its functionality is limited, essentially serving as a shortcut panel redirecting users to specific features within Sophos’s online dashboard. Both the desktop app and online dashboard are user-friendly even for beginners.

Sophos Security Features

Sophos Home Premium includes the following essential antivirus security features:

• Malware and ransomware protection.
• Artificial intelligence-based real-time protection.
• Webcam protection.
• Web protection.
• Parental web filtering.

The Sophos Home Premium package doesn’t include extra features such as a VPN, secure cloud storage, a password manager, or device optimization tools, which are offered by top competitors like Norton 360.

However, Sophos remains a solid choice for those seeking an affordable antivirus solution. It has near-perfect malware detection rates, all the basic features to ensure device security and some other useful extra features.

Malware Scanner

Sophos’s malware scanner is very easy to use. You can access it from the desktop app or the online dashboard. You can also set up a scheduled scan at a day and time that works best for you.

Sophos’s malware scanner is user-friendly and can be accessed through the desktop app or the online dashboard. Additionally, users can also set up scheduled scans for a specific day and time of their choice. 

Sophos’s malware scanner can detect 97% of a wide range of malware and cyber threats, including spyware, ransomware, viruses, trojans, and rootkit samples, though it cannot be compared with top brands like Bitdefender and Norton, both of which can detect 100% of malware.

Sophos’s real-time protection is also great.  It can detect and block malware, and it can even stop a few advanced ransomware programs that are generally really hard to block.

However, the malware scanner lacks certain functionalities found in other antivirus software, such as quick or custom scans available in McAfee or Avira. but compensates by offering protection against malicious USB devices and the option to scan or skip selected folders, files, and drives.

Remote Management

Sophos’s remote management feature is user-friendly, enabling users to manage the program’s security features across one or more devices from their PC or Mac through the Sophos online dashboard.

The remote management feature of Sophos Home Premium is a valuable tool suitable for both beginners and experienced users. It is user-friendly and it sets Sophos apart from many other antivirus solutions; even leading competitors like Avira do not offer this feature.

Web Protection

Sophos’s web protection feature is designed to safeguard your computer from various malicious websites. These threats include malware sites and fake phishing pages that pose as legitimate websites, aiming to steal your sensitive personal information, such as social media logins and banking credentials.

Whitelisting blocked sites with Sophos can be a cumbersome task. Users must navigate to the Protection tab in the online dashboard and enter the domain name of the desired site into the Website Exceptions tab. Although this process is simple, it can be time-consuming when whitelisting multiple sites.

In contrast, many competitors, such as Bitdefender, have a one-click ‘Proceed anyway’ option on their dangerous website alerts.

Sophos offers a setting designed to enhance online banking security, safeguarding users against potential hackers from spying on or stealing their online bank details. Additionally, the Download Reputation setting is noteworthy, as it provides users with a reputation score for their downloads, based on feedback provided by the users.

In Sophos Home Premium, you don’t have to install a separate browser extension to get access to the web protections like other antiviruses, like Norton, where you have to install a browser security extension to protect yourself online. Users can install and set up Sophos Home Premium once and not have to worry about setting up extra security features. It is to be kept in mind that Sophos only works on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, so if you prefer using a less popular browser, you’ll have to find it elsewhere.

Parental Controls/Content Filtering

Sophos Home Premium includes a basic parental content filtering system, enabling users to block websites within the General Interest, Social Networking & Computing, and Adult & Potentially Inappropriate categories. These categories can also be easily unblocked with a single click.

Now if you try to visit several sites within the blocked category areas on Google Chrome browser, you will receive a desktop notice and a web browser notification stating that the website was blocked by Sophos Home Premium. 

There is also a Website Exceptions field where users can whitelist specific sites from the blocked categories.

Sophos’s content filter is compatible with popular web browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari. On the lesser-known browser Vivaldi, all blocked sites could be accessed easily, posing a potential loophole for teenagers to bypass the controls.

In terms of functionality, Sophos’s parental controls are very limited; users can only block categories of sites and whitelist specific sites from these blocked categories. Unlike top antivirus brands like Norton and McAfee, there are no features for usage limitations or location tracking in Sophos.

However, for those who need only basic parental control features, Sophos’s offering may suffice, especially for younger children who need minimal online supervision.

Additional Features

Sophos Home Premium provides a limited array of security features in comparison to antivirus suites such as Norton 360 or Bitdefender. Nonetheless, it does offer a couple of valuable extras, including:

• Privacy protection: Users receive notifications when an app tries to access their webcam or microphone, which is exclusively available on Windows.
• Protection against keyloggers: Sophos encrypts keystrokes, preventing keylogging malware and hackers from tracking keystrokes and stealing important information. This feature can be accessed under Safe Online Banking.

Sophos Home Premium lacks the extensive range of additional features that are found in leading antivirus software, such as a VPN, PC optimization tools, or dark web monitoring. Nevertheless, if you are seeking a basic antivirus with a few additional features for safeguarding your webcam, microphone (specifically on Windows), and keystrokes, Sophos presents a viable option.

Plans and Pricing

Sophos provides only one plan tailored for home users, known as Sophos Home Premium. It is priced at INR 3,750 per year, offers essential protection alongside a few useful features such as:

• Malware scanning and removal.
• Real-time protection.
• Web protection.
• Webcam protection (Windows only).
• Microphone protection (Windows only).
• Keylogger protection.
• Basic parental controls.
• Remote device management.
• Coverage for up to 10 computers.
• Unlimited mobile device coverage.

Sophos presents excellent value as it provides robust antivirus protection for up to 10 computers, irrespective of their location, whether at home, in the office, or abroad. Additionally, it also covers unlimited number of Android or iOS devices. However, for users seeking a comprehensive solution with  device cleanup tools, a password manager, a VPN, and secure cloud storage, Norton 360 is a better option.

Although Sophos no longer has a free plan, it provides a 30-day trial of its Home Premium package without the need of a credit card. Moreover, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to try Sophos Home Premium for a total of 60 days before paying anything.

In summary, Sophos Home Premium stands out as an excellent option for those seeking an affordable and effective antivirus software that defends against various malware and security threats. Additionally, it offers the option to remotely manage devices in different households, a feature not commonly found in many leading antivirus suites.

Sophos Ease of Use and Setup

Sophos is one of the most user-friendly antivirus programs. The software installation process typically takes around 10 minutes to set up.

Sophos automatically initiates a full system scan upon installation. However, it is recommended that users conduct a scan after installing an antivirus program to ensure any lurking malware that might try to block the antivirus engine from performing properly. it’s worth noting that while this automated scan enhances security, some users might prefer having the option to control when to start the full scan, rather than it starting automatically during installation.

Sophos’s full scan uses up around 15–20% of the computer’s CPU, thus having minimal effect on it. This is commendable  when compared to McAfee, which uses up more than 50% of the CPU power.

During scans, other parts of the app cannot be used until the scan is either finished or canceled, which can be a bit frustrating to users; whereas in another antivirus like Norton, other features can still be accessed.

The desktop applications and online dashboard provided by Sophos are both streamlined and easy to use. Although you can run malware scans through the Mac and Windows apps, clicking on any other buttons within the app will open the web browser, displaying the online dashboard.

The online dashboard features a simple labeling system, facilitating the seamless configuration of settings and execution of scans. It is categorized into sections dedicated to Antivirus Protection, Web Protection, Ransomware Protection, Privacy Protection, and Malicious Traffic Detection.

Overall, Sophos’s user-friendly design makes it exceptionally easy to use, and one does not encounter any difficulties in utilizing any of its features. Each feature is equipped with a simple on/off toggle button, ensuring all necessary protections are turned on. Sophos is a good option for both proficient and less tech-savvy users seeking an antivirus solution that is intuitive, uncomplicated, and easy to use.

Sophos Customer Support

Sophos includes the following customer support options:

• Email 
• Live chat 
• Knowledge base
• Community forum
• Twitter

Sophos’s knowledge base contains detailed and informative content, particularly the section on getting started with the program. The community forum is also helpful, with active users providing quick responses.

Sophos’s live chat is available on weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm Eastern Standard Time which provides knowledgeable responses quickly to questions. There is a chatbot, Sofia, available 24/7 to help with basic questions. On weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm Eastern Standard Time, Sophos offers prompt email support with detailed information. 

Overall, Sophos’s customer service department is very helpful. However, Sophos could improve its customer service by extending phone support (currently only available for enterprise customers) and ensuring that live chat is accessible around the clock. In comparison, competitors such as McAfee offer more comprehensive support avenues.

Final Thoughts

Sophos Home is tailored to specific antivirus needs. While it may be indispensable for some users and unnecessary for others. If you’re safeguarding a single computer and don’t require remote management features, there are numerous alternatives with more robust feature sets, offering options like secure file deletion or centralized password management.

However, for users seeking multi-device management capabilities, Sophos Home is one of the few consumer-grade antivirus programs that offer it. With a very low pricing compared to its counterparts, it offers robust features in this regard.

Nevertheless, its customer support falls short of expectations for a consumer product that will be used round-the-clock and not just during business hours. 

10. ESET Smart Security Premium

ESET is a secure antivirus suite known for its strong malware detection rates, although it doesn’t match up to the top internet security suites available in 2024. It provides support for Windows, Android, and macOS platforms. However, its feature compatibility is limited, accessible only on Windows and Android, making it a very basic option for Mac users; and there’s no iOS app available at all.

ESET’s virus scanner demonstrated superior performance compared to most others. It provides a range of additional features that are quite impressive. These include a firewall, anti-phishing tools, a network monitor, system cleanup, a VPN, advanced diagnostic tools, and a password manager. It also offers advanced dark web monitoring features, although setting these up can be somewhat cumbersome compared to Norton’s approach. However, the parental controls are just basic, which may disappoint some users. On a positive note, the set of advanced diagnostic tools is particularly appealing, offering valuable insights for tech-savvy users.

In summary, ESET is a solid option if you just want a robust malware scanner. However, for those seeking a comprehensive security suite, there are better choices available. Nonetheless, one big advantage of ESET is that it offers both a 30-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test it out risk-free.

ESET Full Review

ESET has a robust anti-malware scanner, excellent diagnostic tools, and a satisfactory array of additional features, all presented within an intuitive user interface.

Nonetheless, ESET falls short when compared to many competitor antivirus suites offered at a similar price. Its parental controls, system clean-up tools, and secure browser are not at par in comparison to top competitors like Norton or Bitdefender.

ESET offers multiple subscription plans to choose from. Additionally, it provides a free 30-day trial period and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

ESET Security Features

Malware Scanner

ESET provides a powerful malware scanner with diverse scanning choices, along with real-time protection, to safeguard Windows, Mac, and Android devices from malware. It provides several scan options and performs exceptionally well. These scan options encompass:

• System Scan. Scans every single file on your computer, including running processes, program files, system files, and cached files.
• Custom Scan. Scans individual files or folders.
• Removable Device Scan. Scans flash drives, external hard drives, phones, or other removable devices.

The System Scan detected almost all of my 1,000 test malware samples, which I’d hidden on my PC and removable devices. This is really impressive, and puts ESET right up there with our top-ranked antiviruses like Norton and Bitdefender. The Custom Scan also found nearly every malware sample in the folders I specified, and the Removable Device Scan discovered all malware threats hidden on my USB drive. 

ESET provides a potent malware scanner equipped with diverse scanning choices, along with real-time protection, to safeguard Windows, Mac, and Android devices from malware. During my testing, all scan options performed exceptionally well. These scan options encompass:

Browser Privacy & Security (Web Protection)

ESET provides two tools designed to protect users from web-based threats. The first operates within the application itself, alerting users to suspicious websites. While generally effective, it occasionally flagged safe websites. Moreover, it is a bit cumbersome  in the process of whitelisting false positives.

The second tool is presented as a secure browser extension named ESET Browser Privacy & Security. This extension scans websites before you can click on them, comparing them against an extensive list of known suspicious sites. If a flagged website is detected, it promptly alerts the user before any connection is made. Similar to features found in Norton and McAfee, it also adds a green tick next to verified safe sites on Google. 

In summary, ESET’s anti-phishing features are good but tend to be overly cautious. Although they excel at blocking access to hazardous websites, managing exceptions for false positives can be annoying at times.

Firewall

ESET’s firewall effectively safeguards computers by promptly blocking and alerting them to unauthorized network activities. The firewall includes several filtering options, although many may not be useful. These include:

• Automatic mode: Requires minimal user interaction and blocks inbound traffic while allowing most outbound traffic.
• Interactive mode: Allows users to choose whether to allow or block unrecognized connections.
• Policy-based mode: Blocks all connections by default, unless specifically permitted by user-created rules.
• Learning mode: Automatically generates and saves rules based on user activity.

Network Inspector (Windows only)

ESET’s Network Inspector proves to be a valuable tool, which identifies all devices currently linked to your home network and scans them for vulnerabilities. It assists in identifying open ports and weak router passwords.

The Network Inspector can scan the entire network within a couple of minutes. It presents all connected devices in a cool sonar-like view and details the ports on router running services. Additionally, it indicated whether any of these services were vulnerable. Furthermore, the network scanner provides notifications whenever a new device gets connected to one’s network, which is a useful tool for detecting unauthorized Wi-Fi usage.

Although ESET’s Network Inspector is a reliable tool for monitoring home networks and identifying vulnerabilities,  Bitdefender’s network monitor allows specialized profiles that enhance user protection on public Wi-Fi connections. Also, when connected to a public network, Bitdefender’s network monitor can prompt users to connect to its VPN for added security. Although ESET includes a VPN, its security features are relatively basic compared to Bitdefender’s. Overall, while ESET’s Network Inspector serves its purpose effectively by monitoring your home network and safeguarding against vulnerabilities, it lacks advanced features like automated profiles found in competing products, putting it slightly behind the competition.

Advanced Diagnostics Tools

The standout feature of ESET are its advanced diagnostics tools, providing diverse ways for monitoring and troubleshooting Windows PCs. While the macOS version offers some diagnostic tools, they are just basic ones.

The advanced diagnostics tools of  ESET include:

• Running Processes.
• Security Report.
• Log Files.
• Network Connections.
• ESET SysInspector.
• Network Inspector.
• Scheduler.
• Quarantine (view quarantined files).

The Running Processes feature  cross-references running programs on your PC with applications listed on ESET’s cloud database, fetching the following information about them:

• A reputation score indicates the potential risk of the process. 
• The number of ESET users who have the same process running on their computers
• The date when the running process was initially listed on ESET’s cloud network.

Advanced users will appreciate the insights for identifying potential risks in their systems. Nonetheless, Running Processes occasionally assigns unsafe ratings to safe, lesser-known apps which means that this tool cannot be entirely trusted, particularly by less tech-savvy users who may struggle to identify processes independently.

The Security Report feature merely lists the number of applications, web pages, and objects scanned by ESET on your PC, along with the infections found and removed. It is rather useless and seems to exist only as a means for ESET to show its product’s efficacy.

On the other hand, Log Files serve as a valuable and easily searchable database, showcasing every activity performed by ESET on your device. Unlike mere numerical summaries, it includes detailed accounts of all malware detections on your PC, including threat names, filtered websites, and additional information. Moreover, it enables you to e xport .XML files, of specific logs facilitating online tech support. .

The Scheduler tool simplifies the management of automatic tasks such as log maintenance, malware scans, startup tasks, and more.

ESET’s SysInspector tool meticulously outlines every file, driver, scheduled task, network connection, and registry entry within your system. It’s an incredible useful feature for troubleshooting computer issues, and it’s available absolutely free as a standalone tool.

The Network Connections feature displays all programs on your device with an active network connection. If your internet is sluggish, you can find out which application uses the most bandwidth and deactivate it.

Lastly, ESET SysRescue Live allows you to create a rescue disk, which allows you to scan for malware without having to start Windows. Although Windows already has a reliable boot-rescue function, I am impressed that ESET also provides this additional recovery option, especially for devices that have been heavily compromised. The best part is that it can be downloaded for free.

To sum it up, ESET’s advanced diagnostic tools are among the best in the market, and not many antivirus competitors offer such features. These tools make ESET an ideal choice for advanced users who want to gain a deeper understanding of how their computers work

System Cleaner (Windows only)

ESET’s System Cleaner is a simple tool compared to other antivirus programs that offer more comprehensive optimization features. While it does allow users to do things like reset Windows settings, go back to a previous system restore point, or change their wallpaper, it doesn’t have the extra optimization options that Norton 360, Avira, and TotalAV have. These other programs include features like scanning for unnecessary files, deleting temporary folders, finding duplicates, and uninstalling unused apps to improve device performance.

Because of its basic functions, System Cleaner may not be widely used. If you’re looking for powerful system cleanup tools, it would be better to check out the best PC cleanup and optimization software options in 2024. However, experienced users might appreciate ESET’s ability to quickly restore Windows settings and clean up the registry.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

ESET’s VPN service has both good and bad points. On the one hand, it has fast speeds and a wide range of servers, which is great. But on the other hand, it’s missing some important features even though it has some advanced ones.

Here are the features included with ESET’s VPN:

• 256-bit AES encryption ensures strong data protection.
• DNS leak protection stops your real IP address from being exposed.
• P2P file sharing lets you easily download torrents.
• Split-tunneling allows you to choose which apps use the VPN.
• The kill switch automatically cuts off your internet if the VPN fails, so your IP address stays hidden.
• Multiple connection protocols (WireGuard, IKEv2, UDP, TCP, Stealth, and WStunnel) give you different ways to connect.

Overall, while ESET’s VPN has some good things going for it, there are still improvements that need to be made to meet basic user expectations.

Anti-Theft Protections (Windows and Android only)

ESET offers anti-theft protection tools for both Windows and Android users, which can be helpful in locating and protecting lost or stolen devices. Here are some key features of ESET’s anti-theft tools:

• Messages: Send a message to a lost device.
• Remote screen capture/camera access: Observe the activities on a lost or stolen laptop/phone remotely from any internet-connected device.
• Phantom account (Windows): Create a decoy account that prevents unauthorized access to sensitive files.
• Auto-lock (Android): Configure the device to lock automatically upon SIM removal or after a set number of unsuccessful unlock attempts.
• Browsing history and IP address: Monitor the thief’s online activities and track the device’s location.
• Test functionality to ensure proper operation
• View an optimization score summarizing overall device health

ESET’s has anti-theft features for computers, something that is not commonly found in other antivirus software. 

Another useful feature is the ability to send messages directly to the computer through the ESET app on the phone. This bidirectional communication channel displays a custom message on my computer’s screen, providing instructions for its safe return.