Antivirus Software: What to Look For
The factors that contribute to whether any particular antivirus for PC product will stand out in our antivirus reviews are: performance, features, and help and support.
Performance
Performance is the most important product-selection criterion. To protect your computer and its data, antivirus software must do more than simply block malware that’s already been flagged as dangerous, and is therefore listed as malicious in databases maintained by the software provider. It must also identify as potentially damaging fresh threats too new to yet be in the database, as well as neutralizing threats that manage to sneak by the filters and begin to behave maliciously.
Performance is the most important product-selection criterion. To protect your computer and its data, antivirus software must do more than simply block malware that’s already been flagged as dangerous, and is therefore listed as malicious in databases maintained by the software provider. It must also identify as potentially damaging fresh threats too new to yet be in the database, as well as neutralizing threats that manage to sneak by the filters and begin to behave maliciously.
To measure such performance, we draw on data from AV-Test, which exposes every program we’ve rated to tens of millions of actual and potential threats. In tests that employ hundreds of workstations networked to dozens of servers, AV-Test assesses how well various security software products protect and repair damage.
Features
With performance as the foundation of antimalware product evaluation, it is appropriate to also consider the features you need and the features that would be nice to have. Our review shows whether any particular product also protects you from phishing, flags threats in email and instant messages, and recognizes when you insert a thumb drive so it can scan for threats.
Help & Support
After you identify the best antivirus software for you in terms of performance and features, you should consider the support offered with the product. All the products on our review offer support through email and phone calls, though it isn’t available 24/7 in all cases.
Features
With performance as the foundation of antimalware product evaluation, it is appropriate to also consider the features you need and the features that would be nice to have. Our review shows whether any particular product also protects you from phishing, flags threats in email and instant messages, and recognizes when you insert a thumb drive so it can scan for threats.
Help & Support
After you identify the best antivirus software for you in terms of performance and features, you should consider the support offered with the product. All the products on our review offer support through email and phone calls, though it isn’t available 24/7 in all cases.
While the antivirus protection included with Windows on your PC offers a measure of protection, it’s less than that provided by the best performers. Given the many online threats that can infect your computer and steal your identity, we recommend buying and installing the best antivirus software to ensure optimal protection.
1. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2014
Pros
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus includes 24/7 technical support.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus includes 24/7 technical support.
Cons
There are no significant drawbacks.
There are no significant drawbacks.
The Verdict
: 9.8/10
Bitdefender combines superb protection, ample features, and comprehensive support at a price that’s lower than other high-ranked programs.
(Website)
2. Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2014
Pros
According to AV-Test, Kaspersky detects new threats at a 100-percent success rate.
According to AV-Test, Kaspersky detects new threats at a 100-percent success rate.
Cons
The price appears high, but it includes a three-user license.
The price appears high, but it includes a three-user license.
The Verdict: 9.6/10
The bright day when you install Kaspersky Anti-Virus will be a dark day for hackers.
(Website)
3. Norton AntiVirus 2014
Pros
Norton AntiVirus keeps you safe on social networks.
Norton AntiVirus keeps you safe on social networks.
Cons
If you want even better anti-phishing protection, you’ll need to upgrade from Norton AntiVirus to Norton Internet Security.
If you want even better anti-phishing protection, you’ll need to upgrade from Norton AntiVirus to Norton Internet Security.
The Verdict
: 9.57/10
Norton AntiVirus is efficient and unobtrusive. The interface cleverly shields the most complicated components unless you select the advanced view.
(Website)
4. F-Secure Anti-Virus 2014
Pros
F-Secure has an innovative interface and impressive resource use.
F-Secure has an innovative interface and impressive resource use.
Cons
It does not have anti-phishing capability.
It does not have anti-phishing capability.
The Verdict
: 8.77/10
F-Secure Anti-Virus is among the best performing antivirus software programs.
5. AVG Anti-Virus 2014
Pros
Only a handful of antivirus software products perform so well.
Only a handful of antivirus software products perform so well.
Cons
Excellent support is available by live chat or email, but if you simply must use the telephone, it is not an option.
Excellent support is available by live chat or email, but if you simply must use the telephone, it is not an option.
The Verdict
: 8.75/10
AVG Anti-Virus maintains its valuable brand by continuous improvements in product performance.
(Website)
6. BullGuard Antivirus 2014
Pros
BullGuard Antivirus is effective at detecting and removing malware.
BullGuard Antivirus is effective at detecting and removing malware.
Cons
This product scores well in independent tests although there are a very few that do slightly better.
This product scores well in independent tests although there are a very few that do slightly better.
The Verdict
: 8.73/10
BullGuard is among the very best antivirus software products.
(Website)
7. G Data AntiVirus 2014
Pros
G Data AntiVirus uses two separate scanning engines.
G Data AntiVirus uses two separate scanning engines.
Cons
The software is missing a few extra features such as a gamer mode, battery saving mode or link scanner.
The software is missing a few extra features such as a gamer mode, battery saving mode or link scanner.
The Verdict
: 8.55/10
G Data is affordable antivirus software with a high level of security.
(Website)
8. Panda Antivirus Pro 2014
Pros
AV-Test certifies Panda Antivirus as quite effective at protecting from malware.
AV-Test certifies Panda Antivirus as quite effective at protecting from malware.
Cons
Technical support is limited to email.
Technical support is limited to email.
The Verdict
: 8.07/10
Panda Antivirus Pro effectively protects from malware.
(Website)
9. Avast! Pro Antivirus 8
Pros
Avast! Pro Antivirus offers reputation-based link scanning, a virtual desktop and automatic sandbox browsing.
Avast! Pro Antivirus offers reputation-based link scanning, a virtual desktop and automatic sandbox browsing.
Cons
This particular Avast product does not include antiphishing.
This particular Avast product does not include antiphishing.
The Verdict
: 7.82/10
Avast has made a name for itself with free antivirus software, and the Pro version is even better.
(Website)
10. McAfee AntiVirus Plus 2014
Pros
McAfee is tested by independent test labs: AV-Test, Virus Bulletin 100, ICSA Labs and West Coast Labs.
McAfee is tested by independent test labs: AV-Test, Virus Bulletin 100, ICSA Labs and West Coast Labs.
Cons
McAfee does not let you make a bootable rescue CD.
McAfee does not let you make a bootable rescue CD.
The Verdict
: 7.8/10
Unconvincing performance results from AV-Test make McAfee difficult to recommend.
(Website)
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