If you browse the internet regularly, it’s a good idea to start thinking about the best PC security software. You need to keep your personal data safe, after all.
Written by Ria du Plessis - Web Developer Updated on September 2, 2021 |
By now, you know that Antivirus software is a must-have. You need to protect your home computer from cybercriminals and hackers with the best internet security for PC. Finding the right solution is important. We’ve selected the best antivirus software to operate with their PC, so users can choose their software now from our list or they can read more about the topic.
Do you need an antivirus on your PC? The short answer is, yes. The days where you went without an antivirus on your PC are long gone. Antivirus software is becoming increasingly necessary these days. Remember, we live in a digital-first world.
If you don’t install a well-rated antivirus solution on your PC, you run the big risk of leaking your personal data to cybercriminals. Cybercriminals are becoming smarter with hidden code infiltrating your device.
As an internet user, you need to be looking at all-around protection software that can protect you against all the cyber threats out there. Remember, you don't have to spend big money on software when not necessary.
It's not always easy to choose the right antivirus software. You have to make sure that you do enough research before choosing antivirus for your PC. Here are the most important factors to consider while buying antivirus software.
When you choose antivirus software for your PC, you need to make sure that it is the right antivirus for you and has all the features it should have to protect your data. Your antivirus should have the ability to:
Root out existing malware
It needs to prevent ransomware, botnets, Trojans, and other types of nasty programs from getting into your PC
In addition to providing this basic protection to your PC, there are some additional features you want it to have;
Anti-Spyware scanning for government employees
Secure firewall for company-owned devices
Parental locks for devices used by children
Protecting multiple devices in one package
If you see antivirus software that you are interested in, make sure that it offers most of these features before buying it for your PC.
AVG AntiVirus Free offers easy-to-use software and the ability to customize it to run the way you want it to. It doesn't slow down a computer too much and offers a versatile file shredder.
Top Features:
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
AVG Specifications
| Operating Systems | Mac, Windows, Android, iOS |
| User Type | Home or Office |
| Pricing Plan | Free - $77.88/1-year |
| Subscription Options | 1 - year |
AVG offers adequate antivirus and malware protection, users get email scans, webcam blocking, and fake website detection.
Want to know more? Visit our AVG Review for more details about this software.
PC Protect is a fast, simple, and effective program that offers digital protection. This software is especially well suited for people who don’t have the time and skill to tweak settings or learn complicated computer knowledge. Instead, PC Protect builds its reputation on its simplicity.
Top Features:
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
PC Protect Specifications
| Operating Systems | Mac, iPhone, iPad, Windows PC, Android |
| User Type | Home or Office |
| Pricing Plan | From $24.95 to $149.95 |
| Subscription Options | 1- year or 1-month subscription |
PC Protect looks and works really well and is easy to use, which is a big plus point for users of all skill levels. Boosting and optimization tools are great and 24/7 chat and email support is available, too!
For more info, visit our PC Protect Review and find out why do we recommend this software.
McAfee is a good and well-known antivirus program. It is mostly known for being a mid-range, but effective protection solution. This antivirus software is packed with many features and extra add-ons.
Top Features:
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
McAfee Specifications
| Operating Systems | Mac, iPhone, Windows PC, Android |
| User Type | Home or Office |
| Pricing Plan | $34.99 - $119.99 |
| Subscription Options | 1-year or 2-years |
McAfee is a good antivirus program that offers the necessary protection solution to its users. It is a familiar name and is quite popular with its competitors. It's an effective protection solution that is not that expensive.
For more detailed review, rating and lab test results, visit our McAfee Review.
Norton is a great antivirus solution offering 100% protection from malware, spyware, phishing threats, digital surveillance, and identity theft. While it's known for its malware protection capabilities, it also manages cybersecurity with integrated features like a password manager, cloud backup, and a VPN. Norton is the antivirus solution that has some of the best parental controls on the market.
Top Features:
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Norton Specifications
| Operating Systems | Windows PCs, Macs, iPhones, iPads, and Android |
| User Type | Home or Office |
| Pricing Plan | $39.99 - $349.99 |
| Subscription Options | 1- year or 1-month subscription |
Norton consistently ranks among the top-performing antivirus programs on the market. There’s no doubt that it’s a powerful and popular antivirus solution that will work for anyone.
Read full results of our research on Norton in a comprehensive Norton Review.
Bitdefender is an advanced antivirus software system. It uses a big malware database that uses Machine learning to detect the malware on your computer more effectively than its competitors. Bitdefender’s engine is cloud-based, so your device will not be slowed down during scans.
Top Features:
Bitdefender isn’t just an anti-malware scanner. The complete package, Bitdefender Total Security, is one of the most comprehensive antivirus solutions available, with features like:
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Bitdefender Specifications
| Operating Systems | Windows, Mac, iOS & Android |
| User Type | Home or Office |
| Pricing Plan | $39.99 - $79.99 |
| Subscription Options | 1- year protection |
Bitdefender provides all of the antivirus protection features that most users need. It is also one of the most affordable internet security solutions on the market.
Visit our Bitdefender Review and find out why do we recommend this software provider.
Avast offers excellent antivirus protection. Not only that, but it offers a network security scanner, a password manager, and browser protection. It also offers an amazing collection of security features.
Top Features:
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Avast Specifications
| Operating Systems | Windows, Mac, iOS & Android |
| User Type | Home or Office |
| Pricing Plan | Free - $59.88 |
| Subscription Options | 1-month, 1-year, 2-years, 3-years |
Avast is one of the most popular antivirus programs. It has millions of users and a global presence.
Learn more about features, pricing and lab test results of this software provider in our detailed Avast Review.
It’s not always easy to find a good antivirus suitable and made for Mac, Intego added three basic Windows-only antivirus packages in September 2020, each available in single-year subscriptions with discounts for the first year:
Features:
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Trend Micro Specifications
| Operating Systems | Macs, Windows |
| User Type | Home and small business |
| Pricing Plan | Intergo Antivirus for PC Personal - $29.99 / 1 PC Family - $39.99 / 3 PC Extended - $79.99 / 5 PC |
| Subscription Options | 1-year / 2-years |
The range of features and customization options on Intego’s products set it apart from its rivals, and the best thing of all is that all of Intego’s plans have a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Want to know more? Check out our Intego Review
Kaspersky antivirus is an all-around well-rated antivirus solution for PC users. Throughout the years, it remains quite high as a choice for antivirus users.
Features:
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Kaspersky Specifications
| Operating Systems | Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS |
| User Type | Home |
| Pricing Plan | From $29.99 (1-year, 3-users), to $119.99 (3-years, 5-users) |
| Subscription Options | 1-year, 2-years, 3-years |
Kaspersky antivirus offers hands-on ransomware protection. Kaspersky remains a perfect choice for users.
Visit our Kaspersky Review for an honest overview of features, discounts, lab test results and pricing of this leading provider.
ESET is a powerful antivirus program, offering an anti-malware scanner, several additional security features, and an intuitive user interface. It also offers great extra features, like device encryption, advanced diagnostic tools, and anti-theft protection.
Top Features:
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
ESET Specifications
| Operating Systems | Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux |
| User Type | Home or Office |
| Pricing Plan | From $450 (1-user, 1-year) to $1569 (10-users, 2-years) |
| Subscription Options | 1-year or 2-year subscription |
Eset offers superior protection against all types of malware, using advanced technology to effectively remove threats from your computer without slowing it down.
Our research outcomes on ESET could be found in our detailed ESET Review.
Avira offers quite a wide range of features, including privacy tools and device optimization features like a game booster, advanced browser extensions, and a startup optimizer. It is a very lightweight antivirus solution. Included in your plan is a selection of easy-to-use tools for all major devices.
Top Features:
| Pros | Cons |
| Device Control can't prevent users from whitelisting unknown USB drives |
Avira Specifications
| Operating Systems | PC, Mac, Android, and iOS |
| User Type | Home or Office |
| Pricing Plan | Free - $49.99 |
| Subscription Options | 1- month, 1-year, 2-years, 3-years subscription |
Avira has all of the essential security tools that you expect to see from an antivirus. It is an effective antivirus program for everyone.
Need more info? Visit our Avira Review and find out how we tested this popular software provider.
Whether it’s a virus, worm, trojan, malware, ransomware, or anything in-between, you don't want your PC infected with it. There are various ways you can prevent your PC from being infected with one of these nasties. Yes, we talked about installing antivirus software, but in addition to that, there are a few other steps you can follow to keep your data safe.
Follow these tips, to keep your PC more secure:
Buying antivirus software can be confusing. It can be a stressful process when you don't have the knowledge and information you need to make a decision. You must take the time to research your options and consider the security factors that mean the most to you. Take a look at our recommendations and choose the best antivirus software for your PC!
1. Do PCs still need antivirus today? |
Yes, PCs definitely need antivirus protection. Any device you use to surf the web is vulnerable to cybercriminals. Your data can be leaked if you don't have a well-rated antivirus for your PC to protect your data. |
2. Can I use the same antivirus on two computers? |
If you have an antivirus package that allows more than one device, then you can. |
3. Can you use more than one antivirus protection on your PC? |
| No. It is not recommended to have more than one antivirus on your PC. Only one antivirus program should be installed on your device. If you have more than one antivirus on your PC, it may conflict between the different antivirus software, causing your computer to become unprotected. |
4. Can I use the built-in software as my only antivirus? |
You can, but be aware that you will not be fully protected from cybercriminals. |
