In today’s digital world, the use of antivirus software is essential to protect yourself from various online threats. While most people are familiar with the concept of computer viruses, there are many other types of malicious software, including ransomware, rootkits, bots, phishing schemes, keyloggers, spyware, adware, and identity theft, among others.
The best antivirus software not only protects against viruses but also safeguards your online activity from these other dangerous threats.
Although Microsoft Defender comes pre-installed on Windows machines and is considered a decent level of protection by many, relying solely on it is not sufficient.
Third-party testers have uncovered vulnerabilities and damage that can occur when using only one program. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to add additional layers of security to your device.
There are many antivirus solutions available in the market, and choosing the right one can be challenging. However, after thorough research and testing, we recommend the following top antivirus software solutions.
Best antivirus software to use in 2023
- Bitdefender Total Security
Bitdefender Total Security is a highly effective antivirus software that prevents malware threats from infecting your device. It not only stops threats from downloading but also removes them immediately, leaving no remnants to harm your computer. The software also identifies and blocks ransomware and unsafe websites through its safe browsing technology.
- McAfee+ Premium
McAfee is a highly recommended antivirus protection software for mobile devices offered by many smartphone manufacturers. Its real time threat recognition feature effectively stops threats before they fully download. The software is user friendly, and the default settings provide adequate protection. Additionally, McAfee provides a password manager, secure firewall, and unlimited access to its VPN service, which hides your online identity and browsing activity.
- Avast Free Antivirus
Avast is a widely downloaded antivirus software that provides exceptional protection against various types of threats, including ransomware and zero day threats. The program quickly identifies these threats during the download process and stores them in a quarantine folder, where they are removed after a few days.
- Malwarebytes Free Antivirus
When asked for device recommendations with existing malware, I often suggest using Malwarebytes Free as it is a powerful malware removal tool that can eliminate even the most cunning threats. Unlike most antivirus software that cannot handle existing infections, Malwarebytes Free can bypass malware that blocks antivirus files from downloading or accessing the website.
- Norton 360 with LifeLock Select
Norton 360 offers comprehensive security and privacy protection, addressing both identity theft and ransomware threats. The package includes the top rated LifeLock identity theft protection service. Norton 360’s antivirus technology stops malware in real time, and its firewall prevents threats from accessing your computer through network connections. The software also provides webcam monitoring and parental controls.
