12 Best ‘Antivirus Software’ to Secure Your PC in 2023

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Software Posted by September 13, 2023 January 1, 2024

Antivirus software is a type of utility tool used by computer systems to scan, detect, and delete malware, viruses, Trojans, and many more harmful components that may put the system in a compromised situation. After the initial installation of the software, it will run in the system’s background to provide real-time protection from potential threats.

The market for antivirus software is huge, and the products seem all too similar for the untrained eyes. This is where the guide that you’re reading comes into real use. This guide will help the readers to select the best of the anti-virus software present in the market today.

12 Best Antivirus Software in 2023

The main features of anti-virus software that the user must keep an eye on before purchasing it are as follows,

Best Antivirus Software

  • Price and Payment Terms
  • Online Download Protection
  • Auto Spyware/Malware Scanning
  • Scan speed and Efficiency
  • Privacy Policy and User Data Permissions required
  • Real-Time Protection Information Updates

Any decent antivirus software will definitely offer multiple of these features. This is where the dilemma kicks in. There are many such anti-viruses providing all or more of these features, but only some of them are worth buying.

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This guide will now discuss in detail the top antivirus software that worth it.

1. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2023

Bitdefender Total Security is one of the best anti-viruses out there with multiple layers of protection against ransomware. The software applies the theory of behavioral threat detection to avert infections. The latest Ransomware Remediation feature protects data such as documents, pictures, videos, or music in a system from potential attacks.

FEATURES

Protection:

  • Complete Data Protection
  • Advanced Threat Defense
  • Multi-Layer Ransomware Protection
  • Anti-Phishing
  • Anti-fraud
  • Secure Browsing
  • Network Threat Prevention
  • Safe Files

Performance

  • Global Protective Network
  • Game, Movie, and Work Modes
  • Battery Mode
  • Autopilot™

Privacy:

  • Bitdefender VPN
  • Password Manager
  • File Shredder
  • Safe Online Banking
  • Anti-tracker

The only disadvantages of this anti-virus software are:

  1. It provides limited virus and malware detection methods.
  2. Slows down the computer system sometimes.
  3. It is relatively costly and the price goes up while unlocking its features.

BASIC PRICE

$9.95/ year (for 1 device)

or

₹745/ year (for 1 device)

2. Norton 360

Norton 360 is the most excellent anti-virus software that provides multiple layers of protection with very low requirements for running the software. It delivers high-quality protection at a low cost. This particular anti-virus is very user friendly and is known for its exceptional customer support.

FEATURES

Device Security

  • Anti-Spyware, Antivirus, Malware & Ransomware Protection
  • PC Cloud Backup
  • Firewall for PC and Mac
  • Password Manager
  • 100% Virus Protection Guarantee
  • Parental Control

Online Security

  • Secure VPN
  • SafeCam for PC

The main disadvantages of this software are:

  1. Weak Offline security.
  2. Non-functional message pop-ups.
  3. No Peer-to-Peer (P2P) network security.

BASIC PRICE

$9.33/year (for 1 device without online protection)

$28.03/year (for 1 device with online protection)

₹699/year (for 1 device without online protection)

₹2,099/year (for 1 device with online protection)

3. Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2023

Kaspersky Lab Anti-virus is probably the most experienced and developed software developed by veteran specialists and experts in security software since 1997, for private users and businesses. The company’s product portfolio has a vast range including versions for the family desktop to large enterprises.

FEATURES

  • Security

Defends the system against viruses, ransomware & much more

  • Performance

It protects the system without slowing down the processor speed.

  • Simplicity

Ease of access and very easy to set-up

  • PC, Mac & mobile

Secures all the compatible devices

  • Privacy

It stops webcam hijacks & hides browsing on PC & Mac and blocks phishing attacks.

  • Money

It launches an encrypted browser to protect online transactions on PC & Mac.

  • Safe Kids

Also includes ‘adult’ blocker, GPS tracker.

  • Passwords

Manages & stores passwords and syncs them for access on PC, Mac & mobile

  • File protection

Backs up all system data like photos, music & files on PC.

The main disadvantages of this anti-virus are:

  1. The cost is comparatively very high and it demands renewal every year with more or less the same basic high cost.
  2. The features are very much interrelated with the system’s applications and hence require syncing for extensive protection.

BASIC PRICE

$28.69/ year (for 1 device)

₹2,149/ year (for 1 device)

4. Intego

Intego is one of the anti-virus softwares designed for the Mac OS only. This particular software is exclusively available for only apple devices and does not offer cross platform service. Intego is exceptionally compatible with Mac devices and keeps them out of harm’s way by detecting and preventing viruses from infiltrating the system. This anti-virus mainly enhances the in-built security features of the apple devices.

FEATURES

  • Antivirus protection features against Mac Malwares.
  • Easy and simple set-up configuration.
  • Auto-Scan
  • Real-Time Protection against malwares.
  • Firewall Network Protection.
  • Anti-Phishing Protection.
  • Protection against unknown apps & devices.
  • Block inappropriate contents.
  • Monitor your kid’s Internet time.
  • Enhances System Performance.
  • Unnecessary and duplicate files removal.
  • Quick Access to important files and folders.
  • Organization feature of dock and files.

The disadvantages of this particular anti-virus are:

  1. Product configurations are difficult in-application.
  2. VPN and identity theft monitoring is not available.
  3. Plans are limited to maximum 5 devices.
  4. Windows protection is very limited and not viable.

BASIC PRICE

$19.99/ year (for 1 Mac device only)

₹1,497.12/ year (for 1 Mac device only)

5. Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security

Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security is the type of anti-virus that provides the most basic and essential services like web protection and virus and malware protection at minimal cost.

This anti-virus has a very good virus database that keeps on getting regular update patches. This makes it suitable to stop new types of virus attacks and ransomware attacks without causing any tension to the user.

FEATURES

  • Protects against ransomware.
  • Safeguards against email scams.
  • Secures online banking transactions and shopping.
  • Has a Child Lock feature.
  • Secures social media data.
  • Protects mails from scams and phishing attacks.
  • Pauses notifications during gaming sessions.
  • Virus removal service at a moment’s notice.

Disadvantages contain:

  1. Tech support is not that good and could be better.
  2. Detailed report from users’ logs is not readily available.

BASIC PRICE

$12.02/year (for 1 device)

₹900/year (for 1 device)

6. ESET NOD32 Antivirus

This particular anti-virus software developed by the Slovakian software company ESET a very simple yet effective protection solution. Much of the security solutions have been developed for Microsoft Windows OS specifically. ESET provides maximum protection against computer viruses and other malwares. For extended security solutions, Premium versions are available. This anti-virus software is best suited for business companies.

FEATURES

  • Antivirus & Antispyware
  • Ransomware Shield
  • Anti-Phishing
  • Small System Footprint
  • Banking & Payment Protection (Advanced feature)
  • Webcam Protection (Advanced feature)
  • Personal Firewall (Advanced feature)
  • Parental Control (Advanced feature)

Disadvantages of this software include:

  1. Limited functionality of the features.
  2. The pop-up feature is very disturbing for some users.
  3. A firewall is not available in this software.

BASIC PRICE

$16.54/ year (for 1 device)

₹1,239/ year (for 1 device)

7. BullGuard Premium Protection

The BullGuard Premium Protection anti-virus software is a really powerful tool for multiple devices. The anti-virus provides an intelligent triple layer protection, that constantly on scans for virus and malware intrusions while keeping private data safe.

This anti-virus provides special protection from cyber-theft attacks and its self learning algorithm is as always super efficient in detecting new threats and eliminating them quickly.

FEATURES

  • Anti-virus Protection 24/7
  • Anti-Phishing
  • Anti-Malware
  • Advanced Machine Learning
  • Behavioral Engine
  • Vulnerability Scanner
  • Game Booster
  • Secure Browser
  • Firewall
  • Parental Control
  • Cloud Integrated Backup System
  • Comprehensive Identity Protection
  • Home Network Scanner

There are a few disadvantages of this anti-virus.

  1. There was potential for additional features.
  2. The anti-virus is slow to run.
  3. Immediate Malware protection is weak.
  4. Parental control is under developed.

BASIC PRICE

$99.99/year (for 10 devices)

₹7,488.60/year (for 10 devices)

8. Norton AntiVirus Plus

The Norton Antivirus Plus is very similar to the Norton 360 antivirus software. The only difference that can be seen is the availability of Secure VPN, Safecam, and Dark Web Monitoring features in the 360 version.

Comparatively the pricing of the Norton AntiVirus Plus is lower than the 360 version.

FEATURES

  • Anti-Spyware, Antivirus, Malware & Ransomware Protection
  • PC Cloud Backup
  • Firewall for PC and Mac
  • Password Manager
  • 100% Virus Protection Guarantee

Disadvantages are as follows:

  1. Weak Offline security.
  2. Non-functional message pop-ups.
  3. No Peer-to-Peer (P2P) network security.

BASIC PRICE

$18.01/ year (for 1 device only)

₹1,349/ year (for 1 device only)

9. F-Secure SAFE

F-Secure, the software itself is one of a kind with its multiple virus scanning engines that ensures round the clock protection from all types of viruses and malware. This antivirus primarily focuses on system security from viruses and intrusion prevention. The F-Secure Anti-Virus package mainly works on virus defense mechanisms and is exclusively available for Windows OS.

FEATURES

  • Antivirus Protection
  • Ransomware Protection
  • Browsing Protection
  • Banking Protection
  • Parental Control
  • Personal VPN
  • WiFi Protection
  • Tracking Protection
  • Virtual Location
  • Password Manager
  • Online Identity Monitoring
  • Breach Alerts
  • Free Customer support
  • 30 days Money back guarantee

Disadvantages are:

  1. Antivirus is only suitable for Windows systems and does not support other platforms.
  2. No firewall protection available.
  3. Support needs improvement.

BASIC PRICE

$70.92/ year (for 3 devices)

₹5,316.70/ year (for 3 devices)

10. G Data Antivirus

One of the most efficient and fast antivirus available on the market, G Data Antivirus works silently in the background and provides protection to the system.

FEATURES

  • Virus Scanner
  • Email Scanning
  • G Data Bankguard
  • USB Guard
  • Behavior Monitoring
  • Exploit Protection
  • Anti-Ransomware
  • Auto Update Manager

The main cons of this antivirus are:

  1. Performance issues are reported by users.
  2. Scanning is sometimes inaccurate.
  3. Free trial is not available.
  4. Bad pricing.

BASIC PRICE

$29.95/ year (for 1 device only)

₹2,245.28/ year (for 1 device only)

11. McAfee Total Protection

McAfee is one of the best developers of computer security software. It provides excellent internet security and is a great antivirus for multiple devices due to its pricing. It has great virus detection and prevention mechanism that makes it very suitable for home and office use.

FEATURES

  • Solid Antivirus Protection
  • Performance Optimization
  • Home Network Security Options
  • Online Support
  • Password Manager
  • Safe Web Browsing
  • Temporary File Shredder
  • Encrypted Storage
  • Multi-device Compatibility

The disadvantages of this software are minimal.

  1. Renews the license automatically, hence deducting money from account without user permission.
  2. Pop-ups are very frequent.
  3. Battery intensive application.

BASIC PRICE

$17.33/ year (for 1 device only)

₹1,299/ year (for 1 device only)

12. Avira Antivirus Pro

Avira is a German software company offering antivirus software products for home use and business. The Avira antivirus has been rated top among free antivirus programs. It includes all the essential protection features that anti-viruses should provide.

FEATURES

  • Antivirus Scanner
  • Email Protection
  • Self Learning Protection Algorithm
  • Device Scanner
  • Shield that identifies hidden unwanted applications inside legit software
  • Ads Blocker
  • Web Protection
  • Free Customer Support
  • Browser Tracking Blocker
  • Firewall Manager

Disadvantages of this anti-virus software are:

  1. The overall menu is much unorganized.
  2. Maximum devices can provide protection covers up to only 5 devices.

BASIC PRICE

$26.41/ year (for 1 device only)

₹1,980/ year (for 1 device only)

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Conclusion

This guide has mentioned only the best anti-viruses that are available in the market. Users are requested to try out the free trial version of these anti-viruses to decide whether to purchase them or not.