Antivirus protection has, for a considerable time, been a part of our online lives. It’s a shame actually that two decades have gone by, we are still sorely dependent on good antivirus protection software on keeping us safe online.
After all, cybercrimes still manage to be a blatant threat, and hackers have strictly vowed to plague the internet with all sorts of troubles. In such cases, leaving laptops, phones, or any other devices, unguarded or going online unprotected is no less than a significant risk making the best antivirus protection is a necessity.
After all, you might be aware of how viruses, malware, and other threat actors are sneakily present anywhere. At times they even seem legitimate! So with cybercrime growing at a significantly heinous rate, it has now become crucial to ensure that every gadget remains secure and protected.
In such dire circumstances, even staying protected is a hard task to ensure. With the online marketplace overflowing with antivirus and antimalware software, fishing out the best among them is tedious.
Now you might have heard of some big names such as Norton and Bitdefender, but with them too, a sliver of doubt stands still on how legitimate they are. We, therefore, decided to take matters to a serious note and looked through some of the top names of cybersecurity. With that, we have compiled this article while naming some of the best antivirus software we came across.
We have sorted all these antivirus software while putting the following things into consideration:
- Performance and features they offer
- Background check on how legitimate they are
- With what consistency they are getting updates.
So if you’re in search of all-around protection from cybercrimes, here are some of the best antivirus software programs for you.
The best antivirus Software To Use In 2021
After intensive research and trials, here are some of the best antivirus software guaranteeing security, privacy, and online protection:
1. Bitdefender Free
Offering a free version and an $80 paid version, Bitdefender is by far known to be one of the best antivirus software available. This low maintenance antivirus protection program comes with a host of protective features such as anti-fraud protection, phishing protection along with an anti-rootkit.
Blocking of fraudulent sites occurs through a thorough HTTPS scan while there is active filtering of potential identity theft sites. Additionally, it also performs cloud-based detection and deep scans in cases of malware detection or potential threats.
Additionally, it also features an antivirus shield for blocking malicious URLs. With that, there is also behavior-based threat detection present to protect against potential threats. Concerning all the antiviral features along with malware blocking and removal, Bitdefender is indeed a considerably good antivirus software.
2. Norton 360 Deluxe
The once-heavy-system performance program is not back with lighter tendencies and superb levels of malware and virus protection. With Norton hosting several programs, Norton 360 Deluxe particularly sports considerably great features.
Not only does the software come with an unlimited VPN service, but there is also a password manager, almost 50GB of online storage, and personal data monitoring over the dark web. Additionally, there is also a parental control setup for all concerned parents.
However, on par with all its glory, Norton still has many grey areas to color up. Concerning other best antivirus software, Norton lacks in having file encryption, a secure web browser, and a file shredder.
Despite this, to sum up, it is a great antivirus protection program. It comes with two retail offerings, Norton 360 Premium and Norton 360 Platinum, which give added online storage and allows antivirus and VPN coverage for 10 and 20 devices, respectively.
Although Norton seems somewhat pricey with carrying a price tag of $39.99/year, considering the features it offers, it seems somewhat legit.
3. Kaspersky
While looking for one of the best mid-range antivirus programs, Kaspersky’s internet security is the best option available. Promising excellent malware protection with moderate impact over system performance, Kaspersky offers versatile protection.
The basic programs of Kaspersky Antivirus come with a virtual keyboard, dedicated ransomware protection, and an online account portal. Additionally, it also provides anti-theft protection for laptops, parental controls, webcam protection, and VPN client that provides limited security.
The company, however, also offers a premium version of the software called Kaspersky Total Security. This premium version comes with file encryption, backup software, an unlimited password manager, and a file shredder. Therefore, in light of the security it offers at $39.99, Kaspersky is genuinely an unexceptional antivirus program.
4. BullGuard
With gaining the best malware protection award, BullGuard offers superior protection against malware and virus. Apart from malware and antivirus protection, the software also hosts various other features, including a home network scanner, parental control, and PC optimization.
It further carries options for custom scans and additionally features a quarantine zone for users to sort files they want to release or delete. Moreover, it has a fully compatible backup feature that works well with Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, and other cloud backup platforms.
However, despite all the premium levels of protection it offers, the program falls short of providing ransomware protection. Despite that, with a regular and premium version available, BullGuard is one of the best software for virus and malware protection.
5. ESET NOD32 Antivirus
ESET NOD32 Antivirus is a program serving the core principalities of using protection software. Offering real-time protection against viruses, malware, and ransomware, it severely lacks in most of the flashy features its rivals have to offer.
With an absence of file shredder, vulnerability scanner, firewall, password manager, and other bundles, ESET NOD32 has still managed to crawl up its way to popularity in the market. Primarily as the program lacks in features, it has managed to cover up through top-notch security.
Sporting heuristic detection, exploit protection, protective modules for protection against PowerShell and Malicious scripts, and anti-ransomware protection the security it undoubtedly admirable.
Additionally, along with fundamentals, this software has managed to make a mark with having a Device Control module within it. This module works to cancel out infectious risks through USBs, external hard drives, Bluetooth, and FireWire devices along with optical storage media through strict monitoring.
Another addition to its protective features is the UEFI Scanner that aims to protect from threats way before PC and Windows have even started. Moreover, with NOD32, ESET offers triple the number of device protection along with webcam and botnet protection, antispam, protective firewall, and a variety of other features.
However, albeit it offers advanced security, ESET NOD32 is not reachable to everyone. With somewhat of a complex user interface and advanced features, this program is undoubtedly not aimed for beginners.
All in with high configuration and admirable security, ESET is a lightweight and secure software to use. It is available as basic ESET internet security and ESET NOD32 for $39.99/year. There is also a premium version available, offering password management and secure data for $59.99/ year.
6. Avira Free Antivirus
Available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, Avira is somewhat of an old name in the antivirus world. Providing efficient virus removal, this software is light, accessible, and easy to use by everyone in general.
It also hosts a considerable number of protective features, namely ransomware and phishing protection, along with a 500MB/ month VPN service. Also, the sweet speed-up promises by the software just adds up to the deal.
With a light and easy-to-use user interface, this antivirus is quite a famous name. However, within recent years, Avira seems to have lost all its former glory. This may primarily be to the fact that it now features badgering pop-ups and advertisements that are plain annoying even for a free product! On par with that, for free software, it surely manages to polish up security.
Choosing The Best Antivirus?- Things To Remember.
With cybercrimes becoming an evident part of our daily lives, the cybersecurity market is actively thriving with many companies popping up to be the best. In such chaos, there needs to be a fixed criterion in handpicking out what is the best amongst the rest!
While picking out the best antivirus, here are some of the things we kept into consideration:
1. How much security is it providing?
Viruses, malware, ransomware, and spyware are quite a family; therefore, while opting for antivirus software, it is better to opt for one that provides all of these protections. If not that, having to heave an antivirus along with antimalware can be a handful!
Also, it is better to choose antivirus software that offers VPN protection. As VPNs are the best-known cybersecurity tool, this adds up to the advantage and allows users to remain secure.
Apart from that, there are various other advantages of having VPN protection from bypassing ISP throttling, to encryption and going beyond geographical limitation. Undoubtedly you can subscribe to some of the best VPN services to avail such advantages, but having one integrated within your antivirus program seems suitable!
Additionally, it is better to see how many platforms it is available on. While getting paid software, you sure don’t want it confined only to your Mac. Come to think of it! Would you buy another subscription for your Android too? Definitely not! It is, therefore, better to choose software that is compatible with all available OS you have.
2. How much to pay, or do we need to pay?
Free things are sure catchy, and we all want to get our hands on them! And with free things available on the market, why muddle ourselves in subscriptions, right? Well, as catchy as they may seem, free things usually come with a hefty price.
Most antivirus programs, while being available for free, tend to send out pops and advertisements which are downright annoying. Also, in par to free software, the paid ones come with added features and advantages.
Apart from that, there is this obvious question of free software being legitimate. If you give it a thought, it surely seems unsettling why someone would invest in building a tool and giving out the skill without getting paid?
3. Does it have any added features?
Cybersecurity or any kind of security whatsoever is not something to make compromises on. Moreover, if you are paying for a tool, having some added benefits makes the experience worthwhile.
Apart from that, having an antivirus program as a standalone doesn’t come in par with security standards. Primarily as threat actors are continually on their road to evolution and demand extra protection.
This is even more concerning if you are using your device for things beyond playing games and watching cat videos. This means, having features like file shredder, file encryption, firewall, password managers, and other security details allows an added sense of privacy and security.
Parting words
Antivirus protection has, for a considerable time, been a part of our online lives. It’s a shame actually that two decades have gone by, we are still sorely dependent on good antivirus protection software on keeping us safe online.
After all, cybercrimes still manage to be a blatant threat, and hackers have strictly vowed to plague the internet with all sorts of troubles. In such cases, leaving laptops, phones, or any other devices, unguarded or going online unprotected is no less than a significant risk making the best antivirus protection is a necessity.
