What is the Best Antivirus Software for Windows?

Antivirus software comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and features: while some claim to provide total protection from all kinds of threats, others have more segmented functions provided as internet security or virus removal only. While there are a range of tools out there, they also come in primarily two categories: free and paid. Today we shall take a look at the best free and paid antivirus tools on the market. Let’s begin with a look at the five best paid antivirus software of 2016.

These paid antivirus tools are some of the best on the market, in terms of affordability, usefulness, security and malware removal features. Offering a far fuller feature set than their free counterpart, they are the best way to go if you’re looking for that extra protection.

1. BitDefender Antivirus Plus – download

One of the best and yet most economical offerings in the market right now, the BitDefender Antivirus Plus has a host of features at an attractive price of just $39.95(1 pc license). It’s the recipient of the prestigious Gold Award for fast system speed, and provides a one-click security interface making protection easy for the most inexperienced of computer users. It offers online protection as well, making your internet transactions more safe and convenient. The rescue mode, autopilot feature, fraud warning feature, anti-phishing module are also very useful.

2. Norton Security – download

At $49.99, this is a slightly pricier option but Norton has been one of the most trusted names in the industry and one of the pioneers in this field. The basic version can provide real-time protection from spyware, malware, identity threats and unlimited voice/online support, while the most expensive version adds other benefits including 25GB of secure cloud space, online backups, multi-device security protection, etc. The Norton 360 Multi-Device is a good package which comes with PC tune-up and maintenance utilities as well.

3. Kaspersky Total Security – download

Kaspersky Total Security provides protection from both viruses and malware, as well as internet threats. There are features like anti-theft protection, a safe interface for online transactions (safe money), and two-way firewall as well. The five device option for Total Security is on offer right now, for a very affordable $69.99, which is great for multiple device protection. The interface is relatively easy to use, there are options to pause intensive protection when gaming, and the software provides good protection while not slowing down your system too much.

4. Trend Micro Antivirus + – download

The Trend Micro is one of the best software and the most current too with protection for the latest Windows 10 devices. Offering premium protection at just $29.95, it ensures both online and offline protection for users. Standard features include website blocking for dangerous sites, fast protection speeds, multiple device protection, and more. There’s also a kid mode which can help secure your kids’ online activity. Trend also offers a 5GB secure cloud storage system for users to wirelessly store and retrieve important information. Scanners for social media sites like Facebook, password manager for online accounts, and phishing mail blockers are also added features of the Maximum Security version of Trend.

5. McAfee Antivirus Plus – download

The McAfee Antivirus Plus comes at a price of just $49.95 for one pc/year, but it has an easy to use interface with good antivirus detection rates. It can detect, block and quarantine viruses in real-time and automatically, keeping you safe with an updated virus database. There’s also privacy and wi-fi protection with a two-way firewall for added benefit. The internet security aspect of Kaspersky and BitDefender, or even Norton, are comparatively better however. The privacy and optimization tools on the McAfee may be valuable for more advanced customers, however. The McAfee Quick Clean, e.g. can help clean up your PC while the McAfee Shredder can help destroy sensitive information effectively.

For those unwilling to compromise on network security while being too cash-strapped to actually splurge on antivirus, can take a look at some of this year’s best free tools. They may be free and restrictive in terms of the features they offer, but they do a pretty great job at keeping your computer safe.

6. AVG Free Antivirus Software – download

AVG offers as complete a protection as you can get from any paid app, including online (internet) protection, protection from malware, viruses, security irregularities, etc. Not only that it offers identity protection features, email protection, and web protection. There are over 202,000,000 presently using this software: and it speaks well of how trusted this brand is. Since it comes with Spyware protection, you can be a little safer when browsing the web or downloading torrents. It is not yet Windows 10 ready, though, which might be a negative point for those who’ve migrated to Microsoft’s latest OS.

7. Panda Free Antivirus – download

Extremely light weight and convenient to use, the Panda Free Antivirus 2015 is a great choice for those looking at free security. Suitable for home users, it offers real time protection, anti-spyware software, anti-virus protection, URL and web filtering with behavioral analysis, and very modest technical requirements. The company claims this to be a “download, install and forget” solution: settings, upgrades are all self-regulated, freeing you from responsibilities. Additionally, there are daily updates and cloud-based protection for better functionality and smoothness. Cloud scanning from a collective database is partly to be thanked for the superb speeds.

8. 360 Total Security – download

Online shopping protection, antivirus, malware protection, regular virus scans with the ability to choose from full or custom length scans: the 360 Total Security lives up to its name and provides a complete security package which is exceptional for a free security suite. There’s a standalone virus database available for download on the website, as well as a full package including the virus database. There’s even a security sandbox feature more common with paid applications like Kaspersky. What is more, it’s compatible with Windows 10, which is incredible as well and speaks for the software’s commitment to remaining updated and relevant.

9. Avira Free Antivirus Software – download

Avira claims to have virus detection rates of about 99.99%, which is actually a really good percentage for any antivirus package – both free and paid. The online security feature which comes with the free suite, is an added bonus, and it can protect you with free antivirus, safe browsing modes, data protection, and more such useful features. Apart from both Web Protection and Firewall, there’s also Mail Protection that is available for better security. There’s a system scanner and real time protection included with this Avira suite, and in case you wish to upgrade, there’s an option within the software to allow you to conveniently do so.

10. BitDefender Free Antivirus- download

The BitDefender Antivirus comes with a free edition for all your antivirus needs, but the feature set is rather limited in comparison to the paid version. Still, considering that it doesn’t cost you any money, this kind of protection has the added advantage of being cloud based, therefore light on your system. Installation is easy no matter the level of technological knowledge, there’s no necessity to maintain the software or run constant scans, and there’s also a game-mode that provides better AV solutions in case you want to give less priority to the scans while you’re playing or watching movies. Other great features? Anti-rootkit, intrusion detection, HTTP scanning!