Antivirus software in comparison

  Bitdefender Norton Avira Kaspersky ESET SecureAnywhere F-Secure

Version Plus Plus Pro Anti-Virus NOD 32 AntiVirus Anti-Virus

Anti-Malware ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Ransomware ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ -
Protection

Password Manager ✔ ✔ ✔* - - - -

Firewall - ✔ - - - - -

Secure Online ✔ - ✔ ✔ - - -
Banking

Webcam - - - - - - -
Protection

Mail Security ✔ - ✔ ✔ - - -

Encryption - - - - - - -

Child Security - - - - - - -

Android/iOS - - - - ✔ (only - -
Protection Android)

Cost (for 1 device $39.98 $14.99 $44.99 $29.99 $39.99 $29.99 $59.99
in first year)

Bitdefender
Bitdefender is a Romanian cybersecurity company which provides different antivirus packages for private users and
businesses. It provides cross-platform products such as Small Office Security ($99.98), Premium Security ($149.99)
or Total Security ($99.99) promising high quality in terms of security, features, and ease-of-use. Prices vary
depending on the number of devices you need to secure, but they are generally fairly high. The software is easy
to use and includes a dashboard that’s nicely laid out which makes using it on touch-based devices much easier.
The features that make Bitdefender stand out include:

 Real-time scanner delivers an always-on security shield and offers strong performance thanks to the
integrated cloud scanner without burdening system performance
  Automatic updates: programs are updated hourly and achieve a higher hit rate to detect different types of
malware
 Safepay offers special security for financial transactions
 Spam protection filters irrelevant messages in email inbox
 Weak point scanner shows weaknesses in a computer system

One of the main disadvantages of Bitdefender is that its spectrum of features depends on the package – the
higher the price, the more features are included. For example, the cheapest version of the antivirus software does
not include spam protection, firewall, mobile protection, or additional encryption technologies.

Advantages Disadvantages

✔ Numerous individual security solutions for private ✘ Support could be expanded

users and businesses

✔ Up-to-date malware protection ✘ Confusing product portfolio

✔ Operation optimized for mobile devices ✘ Costly

Norton by NortonLifeLock
Norton is an antivirus program series by US software developer NortonLifeLock (previously Symantec). The
company acquired Peter Norton Computing in 1990 and kept the Norton product name ever since. Norton Security
products are of a high-quality standard and provide customers with a wide range of security features for multiple
device types. The products aren’t free, but they offer great performance, user-friendly interfaces and direct support
at a low cost. The most important features of the Norton Security antivirus software are:

 Real-time protection against all types of malware attacks

 Intelligent firewall for Windows and Mac
 Exclusive Norton expert support and virus protection guarantee (money return guarantee in case of
irremovable virus attack)
 Password manager
 Cloud backup (10GB, 50GB, or 75GB depending on the edition)
 SafeCam function to block foreign access to webcam (not part of the Plus edition)
 Dark Web Monitoring monitors the darknet for personal user data and alarms the users if third-parties
attempt to steal sensitive data (not part of the Plus edition)

One of the disadvantages of the software is that peer-to-peer (P2P) network worm protection is missing. Protection
for instant messaging attachments is only available for Apple mail and Apple messages. In addition, the Plus version
does not contain security features such as SafeCam or Secure VPN.

Advantages Disadvantages

✔ Money-back virus protection guarantee ✘ Weak offline security and missing features to secure
privacy in Plus version

✔ Firewall and SafeCam function across many editions ✘ Partially unusable, disruptive messages

✔ Very user-friendly ✘ No P2P worm protection

Avira
Avira is a well-known German software company that offers various antivirus software products for private users and
companies. It provides both free and fee-based products for PC, Mac, Android, and iOS. Avira Pro, Avira Internet
Security, and Avira Prime are good options for private users. Avira also offers packages for businesses such as
the Avira Antivirus for Endpoint and Avira Antivirus for small business editions. All packages provide good protection
and excellent support at a fair price. The company’s Free Security Suite has been ranked among the best free
antivirus programs for years. It includes the most important essential protection features.

The key features Avira packages offer include:

 Automatic software and driver updates (not in Pro version)

 Real-time protection and repair function
 Security for online transactions and credit card payments
 Intelligent ad blocker
 Smart home security
 Anonymous surfing (Avira Prime)

The dashboard can be a little confusing due to multiple menu options and will be more appropriate for
experienced users. Support is available in multiple languages and includes FAQs, tutorials, handbooks, forums,
and a “Virus Lab” which provides an overview of the latest malware threats.

Advantages Disadvantages

✔ Provides a free edition with solid security features ✘ Unclear menu overview

✔ Version upgrades are possible at any time ✘ Some pay-for editions only cover up to five devices

✔ Regular software updates  

Kaspersky
With establishments in over 30 countries worldwide, a team of more than 4,000 highly qualified specialists and
expertise in security software since 1997, Russian software company Kaspersky Lab has a lot of experience in
producing high-quality software security solutions for private users and businesses. The company’s product portfolio
ranges from classic antivirus software for the family desktop to complex enterprise protection for
businesses with more than 1,000 employees. Some of its editions such as Security Cloud Personal and Internet
Security also incorporate cross-platform support, whilst others have been adapted to suit operating systems
including Windows, macOS, Android or iOS.

Among the most important features of Kaspersky products are:

 Browser encryption for secure online shopping and banking (Windows or macOS)

 Webcam and VPN security in case of insecure WLAN (not included in Anti Virus version)
 Phishing protection
 Password manager (not included in all editions)
 Special protection for servers and workstations (Business edition)

Knowing that it ranks among the most reliable and top-rated antivirus software makers of the last years, the cost of
Kaspersky products is slightly higher. Licenses (available separately or in packs of 3 and 5) need to be renewed
every 12 months or every 24 months.

Advantages Disadvantages

✔ Clearly laid out user interface ✘ Comparatively expensive

✔ Added protection for unsecure WLAN networks ✘ Computationally intensive

✔ Centuries of experience in fighting malware  

ESET
Founded in Bratislava in 1992, Slovakian software company ESET now secures people digitally in over 200
countries. Most of its security solutions, which include antivirus programs for private and business customers, have
been developed for Microsoft Windows. ESET also provides adequate protection solutions for Android, Linux and
macOS devices. The free ESET NOD32 Antivirus edition – the classic antivirus software by the company –
provides the most important protective measures against computer viruses and other malware. For extended
security options, customers should choose a premium package such as ESET Internet Security or Smart Security
Premium. Enterprise solutions by ESET are a good choice for businesses.

ESET Premium users gain access to the following features and functions:

 Hacker protection against cyber attacks

 Secure online shopping and secure payments online
 Extensive network security
 Password manager
 Encryption of private data
 Webcam protection and child protection
 Protection against harmful apps (Android)

Businesses can choose from specific solutions to secure their end devices (desktop and mobile) or servers
(Fileserver, SharePoint, Mailserver, etc.) as well as single products to encrypt and authenticate data.

Advantages Disadvantages

✔ Beginner-friendly user interface ✘ Antivirus edition with limited functions

✔ Gaming mode ✘ High pop-up frequency

  ✘ No own firewall in basic version

SecureAnywhere by Webroot
The US-based company Webroot – now a subsidiary of Carbonite Inc. – has been developing performance and
security tools for home users since 1997. Its SecureAnywhere product series includes simple antivirus software for
Windows and macOS, as well as complex security suites for extended protection on desktop and mobile devices.
The pricing structure makes the antivirus solutions suitable for use by businesses, but Webroot is missing a
dedicated Enterprise edition. The spectrum of features included in Webroot are:

 Real-time phishing protection blocks harmful websites

 Monitoring of firewall and network connections
 Ultra-fast malware scans
 Ransomware protection
 Protection for passwords and log-in data
 25GB online storage space (only included in most expensive package)

In our comparison of antivirus software, SecureAnywhere stands out for its slim program code. The security
solutions are swiftly installed and only utilize minimal system resources.
Advantages Disadvantages

✔ Antivirus software is minimalist and resource-friendly ✘ Antivirus edition is not usable for mobile devices
(requires Internet Security Plus or Complete)

✔ Very fast security and malware scans ✘ No security for mobile devices in AntiVirus version

  ✘ No firewall solution

F-Secure
Among the first companies to combine multiple virus scanning engines in a single antivirus software is the Finnish
company F-Secure. The company focuses on virus security and intrusion prevention, with a product portfolio that
spans simple antivirus programs and complex security suites for businesses. Its F-Secure Anti-Virus package
secures your computer against spyware, viruses and other malware, but it is only available for Windows. Users who
require support for other systems such as macOS, Android, or iOS, or those in need of broad security features will
need to choose the premium editions – F-Secure SAFE or F-Secure TOTAL, or the business solutions.

Functions and features provided by F-Secure include:

 Browser security including family manager (allows users to restrict surf time and block websites, etc.)
 Ransomware protection
 Banking security for secure online banking
 Private VPN, WLAN security and tracking protection (only F-Secure TOTAL & FREEDOME)
 Central F-Secure account for the administration of all devices

When using F-Secure products in companies, clients can choose to secure all their end devices or the entire
cloud. They can also install more complex threat security and install weak spot management.

Advantages Disadvantages

✔ Central account for the management of all secured ✘ Antivirus edition without additional features and only
devices suitable for Windows systems

✔ Manufacturer with good know-how in the area of ✘ No own firewall

virus protection

  ✘ Support could be improved

 1. Norton Internet Security – Best antivirus for individual PC and Mac
users. Delivers well-regarded internet security that can include ID theft
protection with LifeLock.
2. Bitdefender Internet Security – Maintains consistently reliable performance
and includes a webcam protection tool.
3. Panda Antivirus – Among the only providers with an “unlimited devices”
option for extensive device protection.
4. AVG Internet Security – Actively used by over 200 million people worldwide.
5. Sophos – Multi-device coverage with free option

Norton Internet Security

Our research into critical areas important in verifying the quality of antivirus tools
leads us to give Norton Internet Security the following scores:

 Protection score: 99.75
 Performance score: 92.5
 False positives score: 86.9
 Transparency score: 80

Norton by Symantec is one of the most well-known antivirus and internet security
tools on the market. Users will find a much wider selection of options when
browsing for protection from Norton Internet Security, which offers more
comprehensive security tools, simpler antivirus software, and specialized privacy
and security protection apps.

Those looking for an all-encompassing security solution from Norton can opt for one
of the Norton 360 plans. These carry Norton’s award-winning real-time antivirus
scanning and removal tool, cloud backup, webcam protection, parental control,
credit monitoring, and access to the LifeLock Identity Alert™ System. Even the
base-level Norton 360 Select option includes most of these features, as well as ID
Verification Monitoring and data breach notifications.

Pros:

 One of the most comprehensive security packages on the market

 Multiple package options for all type of computer users
 Protection for every major operating system (Windows, macOS, Android and
iOS)
 Major identity protection features, including access to LifeLock

Cons:
  Turning off auto-renewal can be a hassle
 May attempt to block some legitimate programs

BEST ANTIVIRUS:Norton is our #1 choice antivirus for Windows, Mac, Android

and iPhone users. It’s easy to set-up, fast, offers great protection and lots of extra
features. Includes a 60 day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk free.

 Bitdefender Internet Security

Our research into critical areas important in verifying the quality of antivirus tools
leads us to give Bitdefender Internet Security the following scores:

 Protection score: 99.3
 Performance score: 91.5
 False positives score: 100
 Transparency score: 100

Bitdefender is one of the fastest-growing internet security tools on our list,

especially when it comes to name recognition and usage. It’s currently trusted by
over 500 million computer users worldwide. The software is almost as highly utilized
as tools offered by McAfee.

Bitdefender has among the largest number of security packages of any option on
our list. The basic coverage includes its high-functioning real-time antivirus
software. Its newest package option, Bitdefender Premium Security, offers multi-
layer ransomware protection, a secure VPN, parental controls, a device optimizer,
and minimal system impact. There are also over a dozen privacy protection
features, including anti-tracking, microphone and webcam protection, social network
protection, safe online banking, and more.

What’s more, Bitdefender’s software comes included when you the company’s
smart home security hub device, the Bitdefender Box.

Pros:

 Newly-offered anti-tracking and microphone monitor

 Protects every major operating system, including Windows, macOS, iOS and
Android
 Large number of software packages for different user needs
 Works with Bitdefender Box for added protection

Cons:

 No free trial for the Ultimate Security Bundle

BITDEFENDER:Set-and-forget. Multi-platform protection to suit most needs.

Covers microphone, webcam, social media, internet banking, and more

Panda Antivirus

Our research into critical areas important in verifying the quality of antivirus tools
leads us to give Panda Antivirus the following scores:

 Protection score: 99.75
 Performance score: 90
 False positives score: 60
 Transparency score: 80

Panda has a few unique features that make may help make the case for those
shopping around for antivirus protection. Alongside its high protection score, with
near-perfect results from independent testing labs, Panda is one of a select few AV
providers that has an “unlimited devices” option for buyers. As with all tools, the
price is a bit higher for more device coverage, but if you’re planning to protect more
than 10 devices, most providers would require you to purchase another
subscription.

The software focuses on machine learning to protect against malware, ransomware,

and other threats. Still, its approach can be a bit heavy-handed, leading to an
excessive amount of false positives. If you can put aside the fact that it’s a bit
aggressive in labelling perceived threats, you’ll find its ultra-high-tech approach
means it offers far better protection than many competing tools.

Pros:

 Uses machine learning (artificial intelligence) to identify threats

 Offers a growing list of tools and packages
 Rare “unlimited devices” offer

Cons:

 Has a higher-than-average rate of false positives

PANDA:Unique features High protection score and unlimited devices option for

buyers.

AVG Internet Security

Our research into critical areas important in verifying the quality of antivirus tools
leads us to give AVG Internet Security the following scores:

 Protection score: 100
 Performance score: 91.6
 False positives score: 100
  Transparency score: 75

Although AVG is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Avast (another AV product

company), nothing has changed about what it offers. Its long and respected history
in the antivirus and software security market spans nearly 30 years. During that
time, the company made a name for itself by offering one of the best-functioning
free antivirus tools. That free tool is still a major feature of its catalog, but it also
delivers more extensive subscription-based security packages.

All of AVG’s software packages deliver speedy real-time antivirus protection as well
as a digital blockade against phishing attempts. The company’s Internet Security
package also provides features for safe browsing and online banking, enhanced
firewall, webcam protection, and secure file encryption (helps stop the impact of
ransomware). With the Ultimate package, AVG tosses in an anti-theft feature to help
track stolen devices, app and device locking, and its Secure VPN.

Pros:

 Experienced AV protection
 Trusted, lightweight free tool
 Extended security protections, including blocks against webcam hacks
 Protection for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

Cons:

 Pricier than many competitors with a similar product

 Only allows subscription cancellation; does not  provide a turn-off function for
auto-renewal

AVG:Decades of experience.  A leading company that pioneered many of the

industry’s threat protection technology. Packages offer a wide choice of features to
suit your needs.
Sophos

Our research into critical areas important in verifying the quality of antivirus tools
leads us to give Sophos the following scores:

 Protection score: 70
 Performance score: 80
 False positives score: 83
 Transparency score: 50

Sophos is the very definition of a “mixed bag”. While it has some positives, many of
these are outweighed by very notable and hard-to-ignore negatives. For example,
Sophos offer a wide range of features with its free version (which is free forever, by
the way). Many of the premium features, like Identity Protection, Advanced Malware
Scan and Clean, Banking Protection, Ransomware Protection and others are
included on a 30-day trial basis. That’s far more than most of its competitors.

However, Sophos is not widely accepted or adopted for home users. So much so
that it consistently gets ignored by major independent testing labs, like AV-Test,
which hasn’t bothered testing the tool in nearly a decade. Our own tests indicate
that Sophos does work to identify and remove malware from systems, but it doesn’t
give users much information about scan results.

What’s more, Sophos does everything it can to prevent you from canceling your
account. Like most other antivirus tools, Sophos is subscription-based with a yearly
plan. But it doesn’t give you this information on the sign-up page, offers no
information on how to cancel the subscription before auto-renewal, and in fact,
gives no information on auto-renewal at all when you go to pay. And if you do want
to cancel, Sophos makes you jump through a lot of hoops to get there, with no way
to manually turn auto-renewal on or off independently as a customer.
You might find value in Sophos as a tool, especially if you use the free version. But
if you plan to pay, make sure you dig deep into the knowledge base to figure out
how to cancel if you don’t like the service.

Pros:

 Heavily-featured free option

 Up to 10 devices with introductory paid version
 Unique security features available with premium subscription

Cons:

 Hides auto-renewal information

 Regressive customer retention policies

SOPHOS:UNIQUE SECURITY FEATURES Wide range of features available with

its free version.