It didn’t take computers long to penetrate every sphere of our lives. As we have gotten used to relying on computers for everything, storing our data for easy retrieval, and accessing databases with a few clicks, the need for protection has commensurately increased. We need to invest in good anti-malware, ransomware, and antivirus systems to protect our computers from untoward data breaches and hacks.
To stay protected from the various online threats, like malware, ransomware, and Trojan horse attacks, you need to invest in a credible antivirus either for your Mac or Android system . In addition to protecting your online devices, a good protection system also provides the most effective defense against cybercriminals.
After thoroughly reviewing the features of many antiviruses, here is a list of the best antiviruses for 2022.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the list:
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
With almost two decades under its belt, Bitdefender is one of the best antivirus providers out there. Its free version has over 500-million users, but the premium version is also well worth its cost. Combining the Bitdefender Antivirus with a password manager and a VPN can achieve complete cybersecurity. In addition to firewall protection, it provides cybersecurity for both individual and business needs, a feature it shares with highly specialized Fortinet Singapore, which provides cyber and network security to SMBs.
Specs, features & pricing plans
Bitdefender has been rated one of the best antivirus software by third-party lab tests. Unless actively turned off, the antivirus will automatically update to renew versions, fix bugs and errors, and provide seamless protection for internet browsing and banking. In addition, a virtual keyboard ensures that your keystrokes are safe under the secure browser.
Bitdefender’s file shredder is another excellent feature that ensures your sensitive documents stay away from prying eyes. Bitdefender also makes sure that your files are ransomware-protected.
For a kid-friendly browsing experience, the Bitdefender Internet Security 2022 offers anti-webcam hacking combined with parental controls and a firewall.
Overall, Bitdefender has three subscription packages available: Antivirus Plus, Internet Security, and Total Security.
Using Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, you can have protection for three Windows devices for the price of $23.99 per year. Moreover, you can use it to protect against malware, adware, and ransomware.
For the Internet Security Plan, additional Parental control tools and privacy protection features are added for the price of $32.00/year on three Windows devices.
Bitdefender Total Security supports five devices for $36.00/year with an added firewall for webcams and microphones for cross-platform protection.
The good news is that Bitdefender accepts credit cards and PayPal, as well as cash at 7-Eleven and ACE. A free 30-day trial helps you decide whether you would like to buy the premium options or not.
Norton 360
Independent antivirus tests have consistently ranked Norton high for nearly three decades since it first launched. With a comprehensive set of cybersecurity tools, the Norton antivirus doesn’t have a free trial version and is one of the more expensive options on this list.
Specs, Features & Pricing
Norton’s antivirus software uses a unique scanning engine that uses heuristic analysis and machine learning to detect and remove the latest and most advanced types of malware. As a result, it consistently outperforms built-in antivirus systems, like Windows Defender, in threat detection and prevention. One of the best things about Norton 360, especially for Windows, is that it’s user-friendly and has enough features to make advanced users who need a little extra protection.
Norton 360 has the following features:
- Firewall security
- An online password manager
- Security for webcams
- Unlimited data VPN
- Monitoring of the dark web
- A cloud storage service
- Protection against ransomware
McAfee Total Protection
McAfee’s security products are variants of its flagship, Total Protection, with the major difference being in the number of devices supported with each. As the name implies, McAfee Total Protection Single Device is an entry-level antivirus product that covers protection for only one device.
There’s a silver lining here, though, as McAfee occupies and utilizes little PC resources. A quality spam filter, a secure file vault, an intelligent firewall, a TunnelBear-powered VPN, and PC optimizing options are included among the list of features.
Features, Specs & Plans
McAfee Antivirus supports Microsoft Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. McAfee on iOS apps, however, has limited capabilities. Nevertheless, you can use it on any device with a single license yearly license for $29.99. In comparison, a two-year subscription will cost you less at $24.99/year.
As with Bitdefender, McAfee offers both freely available and premium features. Some of the core features include a VPN, a password manager, a file shredder, and an encryption program.
For the same $29.99/year price, this antivirus also has a 2-year plan suited for couples, protecting up to five devices. However, McAfee’s Family plan, offering protection for up to ten devices, costs $49.99/year.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus
The Kaspersky Anti-Virus program covers up to 10 computers with entry-level protection. While Kaspersky isn’t as loaded on features as some of the other products on this list, it’s focused on covering the essential bases in security.
In the most recent reports, all major independent testing labs have ranked Kaspersky near or at the top of their tests. We found that Kaspersky Anti-Virus performed exceptionally well against ransomware, instantly finishing off even the unknown threats and recovering infected files. Furthermore, Kaspersky comes with some handy self-protection features.
Specs, features, and price plans
Pricing plans differ significantly with features. The lowest pricing plan begins at $29.99 a year for three Windows computers. Aside from primary virus and malware protection, Kaspersky includes phishing filtering, anti-ransomware, and network protection.
In the Internet Security Suite, Kaspersky offers apps for the Mac and Android platforms and a few added features. They include a two-way firewall, a webcam blocker, and a payment protection system known as Safe Money; it loads every check-out page through Kaspersky’s encrypted browser, providing you with a virtual keyboard to make payment processing safer.
Finally, Total Security (starting at $44.99/year) includes iOS support and an option to upgrade from five to 10 simultaneous connections. With this plan, you also get a password manager, parental controls, and file encryption.
Final Verdict
Choosing the right type of antivirus software may not be a straightforward decision. It would be best to choose based on your preferences and needs given the detailed features above.
