Best Antivirus Software for PC: Free & Paid

Today hackers and scammers are evolving at the speed of light that increases the chance of malware attack on your PC. Every PC requires the best antivirus software to protect against cyber threats and malware. We get Microsoft defender antivirus which is good but it does not provide as strong security (advanced features) as other paid antivirus present in the market provide. There is a plethora of antivirus software that caters to the security services of VPN, parental controls, password manager, identity-theft protection, malware protection, secure browsing, and monitored downloads. Some of them are good at alerting you if any of your activity might put your information or data at risk.

While choosing the best option according to your company's security needs, you would not prefer to take any risk. So, we are here to share some of the best options for antivirus software available in the market. We must ensure that we are using the safest antivirus software capable of securing our information from scammers and hackers.

What is antivirus software?

Antivirus is software built to help prevent, detect, and remove malware (malicious software) from a PC. Most antivirus runs in the background automatically once installed and provides real-time protection against malware and virus attack. Modern antivirus software is well equipped with technology to protect our PCs from malicious browser helper objects (BHOs), malicious LSPs, fraud tools, spyware, trojan horses, keyloggers, browser hijackers, rootkits, worms, adware, dialers, backdoors, ransomware.

Best antivirus software to protect your PC

To protect your system against malware or virus attacks, installation of antivirus software is compulsory. In this below list, we have shared a few well know & popular antivirus for PC.

Norton 360 With LifeLock

Norton LifeLock, earlier called Norton Security, provides industry-leading antivirus software for PCs. They have multiple products like Norton Secure VPN, Norton 360 for gamers, Antivirus Plus, Norton 360 with LifeLock Select, and more.

Specifications:

• Password manager

• Best Malware protection

• Identity theft protection

• Parental Control

• Webcam Protection

• Unlimited VPN

• Include firewall and back for PC protection

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Bitdefender provides an easy-to-use interface with a great level of malware protection at a very affordable price. Available for users who require basic or advanced level security. Their services include protection against phishing and fraud, monitoring online purchases, and ransomware prevention.

Specifications:

• Bitdefender VPN

• Safe Online Banking

• Wi-Fi Security Advisor 

• Social Network Protection

• Web Attack Prevention 

• Anti-Phishing 

• Anti-Fraud 

• Complete and Real-Time Data Protection IMPROVED

• Network Threat Prevention 

Surf Shark Antivirus

Available on multiple platforms like Android, Windows, and macOS. It works in real time and scans the files when we download or open them. Protects from zero-day threats and uses a CPS (Cloud Protect System) to identify unknown files. App customization facility is also available to schedule instant or full scans at a time or day. 

Specifications:

• Private DNS & leak protection

• Browse privately

• Encryption

• Change your IP

• Secure protocols

• Camouflage Mode

• Connect Unlimited devices

McAfee Antivirus Plus

McAfee is known for building strong and modern antivirus software quarter after quarter. At a time it provides protection and performance to 5 five devices and offers ransomware protection. Have a service of password manager and if you renew the subscription after a year you get a McAfee Identity Theft Protection service also.

Specifications:

• Antivirus scanner with real-time malware detection

• Firewall

• Home network analyzer

• Secure file shredder

• VPN

• Password manager

• Parental control for Windows, Android, and iOS

• Anti-spam

Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security

Trend Micro Antivirus has mainly focused on enterprise security. It is scoring well in detecting widespread viruses, malware, and zero-day attacks. It is not only famous for affordable pricing but provides many security tools, including the Pay Guard browser (which offers the safest levels of protection while purchasing and online banking), ransomware protections, and protection for children online. This software also includes an AI Learning feature that helps in detecting new ransomware strains and other threats and tries to stop them before they damage the computer network.

Specifications:

• Security and Policy Enforcement

• Security Risk Protection

• Web Reputation

• .OfficeScan Firewall

• Damage Cleanup Services

• Enhanced Anti-spyware Capabilities

• Plug-in Manager and Plug-in Programs

Malwarebytes

It is capable of protecting your PC from unwanted malware and virus attacks, It is one of the top antivirus software present in the market which is liked by many IT companies. It is heavily focused on finding and eliminating malicious software compared to other companies present in this industry.

Specifications:

• Cleans infected devices

• Shields vulnerable systems

• Warning tools

• Centralized threat reporting

• Prevention tools

• Stops ransomware attacks

• Unifies multiple Malwarebytes

• Centralized management

ESET NOD32 Antivirus

The European Union-based company offers the best antivirus software as well as related software for Windows, Macintosh as well as Android devices. ESET has categorized its services into 3 levels software encryption, home antivirus software, password manager, analysis, network protection, and cloud-based threat protection. ESET is well known for awareness, education, and fostering security research.

Specifications:

• Parental Control

• Webcam Protection

• Firewall

• Anti-Phishing

• Device Control

• Banking & Payment Protection improved

• Network Inspector improved

• Network Attack Protection

Conclusion

We have discussed Antivirus software that is best to use for the protection of PCs. Every software is rich in certain security services but choosing the right one for you is now less challenging as we mentioned their core values and features. Antivirus software is judged on the behalf of its effectiveness, lightness on system resources, budget-friendly, efficiency in privacy protection, and protection for other platforms.

As we know well that how harmful these viruses and malware are? They are capable of reformatting hard disks, slowing down the computer, data loss, being unable to perform any task on the PC or the internet, frequent computer crashes, and damaging or deleting files. To avoid these issues we must have the best antivirus software installed on our PCs.