[Last updated: June 6, 2016]
With an ever-changing malicious internet, antivirus software is a necessity for most PC owners. Authority.org’s research team has went through dozens of options to find the best. Our top spot this year goes to Webroot SecureAnywhere for their overall value.
Best Overall: Webroot SecureAnywhere
Overview: A powerful antivirus option that doesn’t require too many of your computing resources. Unconventional malware detection and blocking to help keep your devices safe from hostility.
Summary: Webroot SecureAnywhere gives you the level of protection you’d expect from a well-known name in the space (e.g. Norton’s), but it’s not as well-known. The added bonus of discretion keeps this software under the radar of malicious attacks. While it doesn’t have some of the basic features that users sometimes desire like a spam filter or parental controls, you will have access to powerful and intuitive tools. Some of these include excellent malware scans, fantastic phishing protection, and malicious URL blocks. The details on the performance are nothing short of impressive. It’s a software that is made for people who are serious about their protection. Parents may want something better for their kids, but SecureAnywhere is perfect for most computing needs.
Read our full Webroot SecureAnywhere review here.
Number 2: Kaspersky Anti-Virus
Overview: Stunning malware detection and great scores from independent testing labs make Kaspersky Antivirus a favorite amongst Windows users for a slightly higher price than competitors.
Summary: Kaspersky Anti-Virus is one of the best pieces of software on the market. The intelligent design is able to find existing malware and destroy them easily as well as determine new forms of malware. A 98.2% success rate means that malicious files won’t be a problem for you. The benefits don’t stop there. This anti-virus won’t take a bite out of your computer speed unlike other commercial software products. That said, scans take a noticeable amount longer to perform on this product when compared to other top software on the market. The independent lab tests have taken Karsperky through the ringer and it passed with flying colors. If you want well known protection that lives up to the name, it may be for you.
Read our full Kaspersky Anti-Virus review here.
Number 3: McAfee AntiVirus Plus
Overview: One of the best options for households with more than three connected items to protect. A higher price, but the software can be installed on an unlimited number of devices which isn’t a common feature.
Summary: McAfee AntiVirus Plus tested well on most accounts at the independent labs. The features seem to go on and on with excellent malicious URL blocking, some of the best phishing protection, secure deletion, and much more. The ability to protect all of your devices for one annual price is handy for households with a lot of internet browsers or people with a ton of equipment. Some users have expressed problems with Mac and iOS, so it may not be an ideal solution for Apple fans. There isn’t a password manager to speak of, but with so many other options for this, it’s not a huge issue. Windows users with multiple internet ready items who are on a budget will want to pay special attention to this software more than others.
Read our full McAfee AntiVirus Plus review here.
Number 4: BitDefender AntiVirus Plus
Overview: One of the best malware stoppers on the market. Excellent in independent lab tests and a decent value make this one of the top choices on our 2016 list.
Summary: Finding differences in antivirus software comes down to their ability to handle security issues that can harm your devices and their impact on computing resources or speed. BitDefender has passed all of the independent lab tests with flying colors much like the other softwares in the top 3. Where they fall (just a tiny bit) short, is the minor impact the software has on resources. BitDefender does offer some features that most don’t including some identity theft safety features and a rescue mode that stops your computer and helps you identify and remove malicious items that it can’t on it’s own. If computer speed is more important to you than these unique features, it’s probably a pass. If you like the added security options, then BitDefender is an excellent secure choice.
Read our full BitDefender AntiVirus Plus review here.
Number 5: Norton Security Deluxe
Overview: The most well-known name in antivirus as well as features most others don’t provide. Norton is a trusted, reliable name that delivers great protection for everyday internet users.
Summary: Norton Security Deluxe is fantastic for Malware. If you find yourself constantly at the whim of a malicious internet, there may not be a better option. This software received a perfect score in malware tests conducted by independent labs. It also aced a couple more tests to uphold the name it carries. The features are all there as well. Anti-phishing, password management, and antispyware. If something bad does get through, the support team will remove it for free (most other softwares charge a fee). It’s not the perfect software and it’s size alone makes it susceptible to specific issues. If you just want a big step above the basic antivirus software that is easy to manage for up to three devices, Norton Security Deluxe is a great option.
Read our full Norton Security review here.
Number 6: Avast Pro
Overview: Avast Pro helps you keep your computer up to date automatically. May not be the best choice to detect new forms of malware, but is loaded with useful features.
Summary: 5 independent labs tested Avast Pro on a range of different capabilities. The results were impressive with a 9.3 aggregate score for malware and high marks for phishing. The features are better than many other softwares on the market including a vulnerability scan to help you avoid problematic situations. The scans do seem to run very slow, and it may effect the resources on your computer more than other products. On the positive side, Avast Pro easily detects out of date apps and will update them automatically saving you the trouble and the potential vulnerability. If you like a hands-off software that will help you stay safe from potential threats, it’s worth some study.
Read our full Avast Pro review here.
Number 7: F Secure
Overview: A stripped down software that provides what you need. F Secure does an initial scan before you finish your install to get you started on the right foot.
Summary: There are multiple good points to F Secure. An attractive and easy to read interface will help you figure out issues quickly and solid malware blocking are the most significant things this software brings to the table. Having been tested by three separate labs, this selection held up well, but not as good as others. The basics are all there, including malware protection and spyware. However, the features you get from other software like help against phishing and malicious URL’s aren’t included. The price is comparable with all the other software, but may not be for those who want as much out of their software as they can get. This tool doesn’t slow your PC down, which is a huge benefit to some. If that’s you, it would be worth further study.
Read our full F Secure review here.
Number 8: Avira Antivirus Pro
Overview: Near perfect malware protection. Customer support is a bit lacking if you need to get a hold of them quickly. Avira does provide a decent knowledge base to help protect users further.
Summary: Avira is one of the best software for detecting malware on the market. While this is an incredibly valuable asset that gets it on our list, there an issue with their customer service. Live chat isn’t available. If your computer has an issue, you’ll be stuck trying to figure out how to contact them to get the issue resolved. To help offset this issue, there is an extensive knowledge base available in the support section of the site (that honestly should house their support line). All-in-all it packs the punch of the other software options toward the top of the list and if support isn’t a huge issue for you and malware protection is crucial, you should be set with Avira Antivirus Pro.
Read our full Avira Antivirus Pro review here.
Number 9: Emsisoft Anti-Malware 11.0
Overview: A great choice for malware and pointing out malicious URL’s. Perfect for searchers who are afraid of visiting the wrong sites. It does lack some functionality when compared to other options.
Summary: Emsisoft can help frightened internet users know that the sites they visit are safe. One of the highest scoring for malicious URL’s in independent lab testing, and a solid score on malware detection make this a great software for the casual browser and the less tech-savvy. You can tailor the scans to your liking and the scheduling tool is a bit more advanced than most other antivirus options. There are a few potential problems, though. Low scores on some of the features and a few buggy finds means that it may not be as ironclad as some of our other choices. If you want something that is simple and great for helping you stay on the safe path of the world wide web, this could be for you. Otherwise, you will want to keep searching.
Read our full Emsisoft Anti-Malware 11.0 review here.
Number 10: Panda Antivirus Pro
Overview: Panda Antivirus Pro is an impressive software in some areas, but it’s firewall leaves something to be desired. There are some great options that you don’t see in other programs at an incredible value.
Summary: Despite having the cutest name, Panda Antivirus Pro packs a punch when it comes to malware. The independent tests gave Panda a favorable score on many of the items that matter most. However, phishing and firewall features are lacking and that could make it a deal breaker for many internet users. There is telephone support, which is handy, but it is only available during weekdays. The price on this software is one of the most affordable options on the market and with the impressive malware protection added in, it may be worth overlooking the downsides. If you are on a budget, this could be your new antivirus software.
Read our full Panda Antivirus Pro review here.
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