Once it's on your computer or laptop, malware can steal your data, encrypt it so you can't access it, or even erase it completely. For this reason it's important that you always use antivirus software, and keep it up to date to protect your data and devices."
World Best Anti-Virus (November 2024)
Founded in 1987, McAfee is a battle-hardened veteran of the antivirus market, and most PC users will be familiar with the name as a free trial is bundled with many laptops. As you’d expect, it offers high levels of protection, detecting 99.8% of threats in tests by independent testing lab AV-Comparatives (second only to Norton).
- Up to 27$ cashback, plus a welcome bonus for new users.
- Award-winning antivirus
- Scam Protection
- Privacy protection includes a VPN
- Financial, credit, and identity monitoring and alerts
- $1 million in identity theft coverage and restoration
- Password Manager
- Parental Controls
- U.S.-based Restoration Team
- Coverage for up to 5 devices.
1,003,894 Customers Reviews
Norton LifeLock takes the Gold Award for the Malware Protection Test. It also received four Advanced+ Awards in this year’s tests. It has a well-designed overall user experience, with detailed malware information accessible from alerts. Access control options are excellent.
- Smart Firewall
- Cloud Backup
- Dark web monitoring
- Password Manager
- Secure VPN
- SafeCam
- LifeLock Identity Alert™ System
- U.S.-based Restoration Team
- Million Dollar Protection™ Package
- Coverage for up to 5 devices.
1.818.023 Customers Reviews
ESET receives Gold Awards for the Advanced Threat Protection Test and the False Alarm Test, and the Bronze Award for the Performance Test. It reached Advanced+ level in three tests this year, and Advanced in a further two. Reviewers were impressed with the clear and simple layout of the GUI, and ease of use.
- Remarkably light performance penalty
- High ranking among independent AV review sites
- Strong performance against live malwares
- Expansive suite of performance optimization
990.146 Customers Reviews
Trend Micro received one Advanced+ and one Advanced Award in this year’s tests. The user interface presents a simple overview, but allows easy access to advanced options. Its persistent malware and status alerts stand out, and the online manual is clear and easy to read.
- Perfect score in the antiphishing test
- Perfect score against malware-hosting pages
- Layered ransomware protection
- Multifaceted browser extension
- Many bonus features
141.209 Customers Reviews
What is an antivirus product? Do I need one?
An antivirus product is a program designed to detect and remove viruses and other kinds of malicious software from your computer or laptop.
Malicious software - known as malware - is code that can harm your computers and laptops, and the data on them. Your devices can become infected by inadvertently downloading malware that's in an attachment linked to a dubious email, or hidden on a USB drive, or even by simply visiting a dodgy website.
Once it's on your computer or laptop, malware can steal your data, encrypt it so you can't access it, or even erase it completely. For this reason it's important that you always use antivirus software, and keep it up to date to protect your data and devices.
How do antivirus products work?
Antivirus products work by detecting, quarantining and/or deleting malicious code, to prevent malware from causing damage to your device. Modern antivirus products update themselves automatically, to provide protection against the latest viruses and other types of malware.
How do I use my antivirus product?
- When you first install (or switch on) your antivirus product, run a full scan to make sure your computer is free of all known malware.
- Make sure your antivirus software is set to automatically scan all new files, such as those downloaded from the internet or stored on a USB stick, external hard drive, SD card, or other type of removable media.
- Make sure your antivirus software is set to receive updates automatically.
Kaspersky receives a Top-Rated Product Award for 2024, having taken the highest Advanced+ award for 5 out of 7 tests, and Advanced for the other two tests. It additionally takes Bronze Awards for the False Alarm Test and Advanced Threat Protection Test. External drives are automatically scanned on connection, and malware in network shares is detected as soon as they are opened.