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We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The newsroom or editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content.Keep Your Data Protected With the Best Antivirus Software
The first Windows-based PC virus was known as the Brain. Its introduction motivated IBM technicians to create the first antivirus for everyday computer users, and since then viruses have become much more advanced and sophisticated. For these reasons, you must keep your computer and phones well protected using antivirus software. Antivirus software detects any type of harmful programs on your computer or phone. Following the detection, the program neutralizes the virus and protects your computer against threats, such as ransomware, spyware, and trojans. With so many options on the market, finding good antivirus protection isn't easy. To help you out, we’ve curated a list of the finest antivirus software in 2022!How to Find Quality Antivirus Software: A Buyer’s Guide
Since the antivirus software you choose will be responsible for protecting your data, you must ensure the product you go for is up to the task. To help you find a reliable antivirus for your PC and phone, here is our guide to buying this essential software.
The Benefits of Using Antivirus Software
Having antivirus software on your devices has its many benefits, including but not limited to:
Data protection
Antivirus software protects your personal data on devices. This data can be in the form of photos, videos, passwords, bank account information, personal information, and browsing histories. By protecting it, antivirus software ensures all of this priceless data does not get into the wrong hands and potentially get exploited.
Enhanced speed
When viruses get into a device, they can slow it down. However, this can easily be fixed using an antivirus since this software can identify the culprit viruses and neutralize them.
Antivirus Terms Explained
VPN
Most antivirus software comes with a VPN. A VPN helps protect your online activities, such as your browsing history and online purchases. This way, your identity is kept hidden when using the internet.
Web protection
Web protection is another feature many antivirus software comes with. It allows the antivirus software to identify and notify you of any suspicious activity. This way, you can avoid visiting harmful websites which could have jeopardized your computer or phone security.
What to Look for When Buying Antivirus Software
Compatibility
The first thing to check when buying an antivirus is compatibility. While the last thing you want is to end up with an antivirus that doesn't work on your computer or phone, thankfully most product descriptions will state if the antivirus software is compatible.
Maximum devices
Since antivirus programs usually have a maximum number of devices they can be used with, you should make sure the edition you chose provides sufficient shareability. The number of devices an antivirus can support is also usually stated in the product description.
How We Choose the Top Antivirus Software
Easy installation
We wanted you to have the best user experience possible, so we ensured all the antivirus software on our list was easy to install. This will save you time and effort during installation while minimizing the chances of any problems popping up during installation. You can get a good idea of how easy antivirus software is to install by checking out customer reviews.
Low-performance impact
We also ensured the antivirus software we chose for our list would have minimal impact on your device’s performance. This way, the program wouldn't slow down your computer or phone.
Compare the Highest-Rated Antivirus Softwares Of 2022
Norton Antivirus Software – Editor’s Choice
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For the first spot on our list, we have this antivirus software by Norton, which can be used with up to ten devices. This option also lasts for one whole year, and since it comes with auto-renewal it’s pretty convenient. Furthermore, it works with IOS, Android, PCs and Macs—so you don’t have to worry about compatibility.
This software for computer virus removal is optimized to minimize its effect on your device’s performance. Also featuring VPN and 75 GB cloud backup, you can browse anonymously and rest assured that your data won’t be leaked.
Pros
- Monitors the dark web for information leaks
- Comes with a backup of 75 GB
- Features a secure VPN
Cons
- It is a bit pricey
McAfee Antivirus Software – Features Parental Control
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Coming to you from McAfee, aside from antivirus software you also get to choose between a download code and key card variation. Adding to its versatility, you also get to pick between plans of three devices, five devices, ten devices and unlimited devices to best suit your data protection needs. Also featuring parental control it comes with a secure VPN to keep your browsing data away from prying eyes.
This antivirus software also boasts a password manager to store and generate secure passwords for your different accounts across the internet. Furthermore, this program will alert you if the website you are visiting is a potential threat or not.
Pros
- Comes with parental control
- Features a secure VPN
- Easy to auto-fill
Cons
- Does not support Windows Enterprise
Webroot Antivirus Software – Best Performance
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Coming to you from Webroot, you can choose to personalize your antivirus software with three devices, five devices or a ten device plan. Allowing you to pick between one-year and two-year protection options, you can also opt for the subscription option. Adding to its functionality, it’s also compatible with Android, IOS, Mac, Chromebook and PC!
This also means it will install much more quickly on your device. Saving you tons of time and computer resources, it also comes with a password manager to help store your passwords and make logging in much easier.
Pros
- Very quick and easy to install
- Compatible with most devices
- Minimal impact on device performance
- Comes with a password manager for convenience
Cons
- VPN features are absent
Bitdefender Antivirus Software – Optimized Speed
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Bitdefender brings you an antivirus software that features a two-year subscription. You can sync this product with up to five devices, and since it’s designed for optimized speed you can rest assured your computer or phone won’t slow down. Also featuring a cross-platform protection to provide security across all your devices, this antivirus software boasts a dedicated browser for protecting your online bank transactions from prying eyes.
Adding to its convenience, you get 200MB of secure Bitdefender VPN and are allowed to opt for auto-renewal of your subscription for extra convenience.
Another great thing about this pick is its eco-friendly packaging!
Pros
- Features 200MB of VPN
- Comes in eco-friendly packaging
- Comes with a secure browser for banking
Cons
- Could do with digital key delivery
AVG Antivirus Software – Features Secure VPN
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This antivirus software by AVG allows you to choose from one, five and ten device plans. Allowing you to achieve long-term data protection for your devices, it also comes with a secure VPN for browsing the internet without worrying about your browsing data being seen.
You also get a Cleaner with this antivirus program for clearing away unnecessary files and resource-hogging programs from your device. Aside from boasting a powerful encryption technology, it also boasts tracker blockers so websites cannot track your activities easily.
The interface of this antivirus software is also very well designed, making it much easier to use and a great option for beginners.
Pros
- Boasts a secure VPN
- Compatible with Mac and PC
- Comes with a cleaner software
- Uses powerful encryption technology
Cons
- Could do with a one-year plan option
