Alongside providing security against malware, many of the best antivirus packages available today also protect users from shady websites, phishing attacks, and snoopers. And many have multi-device plans.
The top-rated antivirus programs listed here provide excellent security. A lot of them have had excellent results in independent testing labs. They’re easy to use and consume a small amount of computer resources.
Some of the most comprehensive packages listed here include extra options like the use of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) as well as password managers and identity theft protection. Based on your specific needs these might be worth the additional cost over basic plans.
Another thing to take into consideration is how the program’s compatibility with your operating system, and how much of your computer’s resources it’ll consume while running in the background. Many antivirus programs will slow down your computer when they consume too much memory and CPU power. Some antivirus programs look at this now are run in the background, without using too many resources. They won’t cause your computer to crash or to hang.
The final thing to look for in an antivirus product is a continually updated malware database. New cyber-attacks are constantly created, so it’s crucial to find an antivirus provider that regularly updates its virus definitions and other malware detection tools.