If you want to safely trudge the online and keep your PC and yourself protected, investing in the best antivirus software still remains the best and the strongest wall of defense against cybercriminals who want to steal and use your personal information for their financial gain.
Throughout the years, cybercriminals and viruses have evolved into different forms and methods but generally, they have one end goal and that is to rob you out of your money.
This is why it is important to know why virus protection software is an essential tool to have on your PC. And fortunately, years and years of development have birthed strong antivirus applications.
Bitdefender Antivirus
Among the stiff competition, Bitdefender Antivirus, founded in is one the best antivirus software you can subscribe to.
For entry-level, the company has Bitdefense Plus, the basic plan ideal for home users and needs no further technical skills. It provides the necessary defense against threats. Aside from protection from viruses, Bitdefender Plus also offers ransomware prevention, monitoring online purchases and web-based transactions, and password management.
Bitdefender also has a free version that provides real-time detection, advanced threat defense, web attack prevention, and anti-fraud/anti-phishing protection. The company also has a virtual private network with an additional subscription fee.
Bitdefender Plus’ interface is easy to use and is available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. For one year, for one device will cost you $39.99 and has a 30-day free trial.
Norton 360 with LifeLock
Norton 360 with LifeLock is the best antivirus if you have a Windows PC since it was specifically built to protect Windows machines. LifeLock has identity theft protection which is already a leverage against its other competitors.
This product has several versions so users can pick the one based on their needs. But even the basic plant offers PC maintenance utilities and 2GB of cloud backup.
The Norton 360 Standard is on another level with its dark web monitoring, VPN, and 100GB worth of cloud backup.
The cloud storage also increased based on the package level. Norton 360 with LifeLock Select, the mid-range plan, costs $149.99 a year and offers licenses for 5 devices and 100GB of cloud storage. This plan includes parental control, school time learning controls, VPN for all devices, and webcam protection.
Webroot SecureAnywhere for Mac
Webroot is a Colorado-based company but has offices all around the world, including Japan, Europe, Australia, and California. It was founded in 1997 and launched its first antivirus protection in 2006.
Webroot SecureAnywhere for Mac is the best antivirus for Mac computers. There is still a misconception that Mac computers are not frequent targets of cyberattacks and that most malware is directed at Windows PCs. However, Mac computers are still devices that can be connected online and are still possible targets of malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks
This antivirus software barely has a trace on the Mac operating system but it offers fast security scans and is the best at phishing detection.
Upon installation, Webroot will ask for your email address and will email you alerts of new and possible threats. It has a standard interface like all other antivirus software, making it easy to use even if you are using both Windows and Mac. However, Webroot for Mac doesn’t include a firewall.
Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus is priced at $39.99 and covers one device.
McAfee Antivirus Plus
For multiple devices in a single household, McAfee Antivirus Plus is the best antivirus software. It also works on four or more different operating system PCs. Though McAfee works best on Windows and Android, is still good protection for all devices. In this way, families don’t need to purchase different and multiple antivirus subscriptions.
McAfee’s basic package covers up to 10 devices and supports and secure web browsing. The MTP 10 Device plan is for 10 devices for one year and includes home network full protection, password manager, encrypted storage, and identity theft protection.
The one-year basic subscription for the first year is $24.99 and then $79.99 the following years. The MTP 10 Family plan is $34.99 the first year and then $119.99 the following years.