Best Antivirus Software Reviews 2021

Antivirus software can be had with several different features—some of which you will never need or use—so it is wise to first determine the level of protection you need and the number of devices you’re seeking protection for. For example, you’re going to pay more for a program that offers you parental controls and password managers than you will for an antivirus suite that offers you basic protection. Furthermore, most antivirus programs offer a one month free trial subscription to test the waters, but, in most cases, they do not provide you with comprehensive access to the program’s premium features.

You can always settle for cheap antivirus software protection—ones that will cost you less than a few pennies a day—but if you’d like to keep even the mildest threats at bay, this is a category you should overlook. Some antivirus suites offer protection for a single device while others offer protection for two or more devices. The more devices it covers, the higher the cost. But it works out to be significantly cost efficient in the long term. To give you a rough idea, prices for antivirus software range between $20 for essential protection to upwards of $50 for a full-fledge suite with literally all the options.

When it comes to antivirus software, there’s truly no one size fits all design, but the right one for you is one that offers the best protection for your needs.

That said, here are a few factors to consider when wading through the myriad of options:

• Level of Protection –Antivirus protection or a full suite to protect against malware, spyware, etc.
• System Requirements –This ensures the respective software is compatible with your device.
• Number of Licenses –This determines how many devices you can use the software on
• Support –One of the most important factors to consider; you want to be able to get the help you need in a timely manner
• Free Trial –Since most antivirus programs are subscription based, a free trial period is a great way to acquaint yourself with the program
• User Interface –The UI should be user-friendly
• Updates –Antivirus software that is regularly updated will be able to detect the latest threats, and this is especially important considering new forms of viruses are conceived at a staggering rate
• Extra Functionality –Most antivirus software offers several versions of the same suite, each with their own set of features
• Ease of Installation –Some software can be downloaded and installed, while others come with a CD included
• Real-time Protection, Manual or Both –This ensures your device is protected around the clock rather than having to manually run the software each time

Before you set out to buy the best antivirus program, it is crucial that you check the hardware configuration of your device to ensure the software will work with no hiccups. Ideally, you want a scanner that won’t hog your system resources yet runs smoothly and has a superior threat detection rate. Next, you should decide whether you need just antivirus protection that shields against many different types of threats or a comprehensive suite that offers parental controls, anti-spam programs, and firewalls, among other things.

It is highly unlikely that the antivirus program you choose will play nice with other similar products from different vendors. Therefore, before you begin the installation process, it might be a good idea to uninstall any existing antivirus programs, especially those that come stock with Windows OS such as Windows Defender and Microsoft Security Essentials.

Most high-end antivirus programs feature a no-fuss installation process that generally entails running the software after its downloaded or from the included CD. Once properly installed, the software should update itself automatically in the backdrop in order to keep its capabilities and database up to date. Although a majority of antivirus programs are the “set it and forget it” type, you may need to get “under the hood” to tweak it to your liking such as configuring parental controls and scan times. With free products, the FAQ section is as good as it gets when you’re looking for help and support. But paid programs generally offer help through various channels including toll-free calls and live chat.

If you have a lot of multiplatform devices, check out programs that offer unmatched protection across all platforms. And, just like buying baby diapers, good antivirus software will offer you great protection. Buying an antivirus solution from a highly-reputed brand will help you sleep better at night knowing that a guardian angel is looking over your devices.