Protect your laptop and desktop computers from harm with the best antivirus software you can buy.
According to the Pew Research Center, 73 percent of households in the United States have a computer with a persistent broadband Internet connection. Unfortunately, this level of computer use and Internet access has attracted a large number of cybercriminals. These criminals use virus programs and other harmful software to steal personal information on computers, track the surfing habits of computer users and hijack computers for nefarious reasons.
To keep up with the millions of computers in use, the different ways that people access the Internet and the multiple versions of each operating system, hackers have created millions of viruses. As a result, the average computer user has a good chance of unintentionally downloading and installing a harmful virus program whenever he accesses the Internet. Opening an email, downloading a program or visiting the wrong website are just some of the ways that you can inadvertently install a virus program on your computer.
However, you can prevent unauthorized access to your computer by installing an antivirus program. This program, or set of programs, are specifically designed to prevent the installation of harmful software. In addition, most antivirus programs are also able to detect, isolate and remove a malicious program from a computer without affecting the operating system, installed programs or personal files. Before you purchase a new antivirus program, you should review its features to make sure that it’s the best solution for your situation. For example, many antivirus programs automatically scan your computer for viruses on a regular schedule, display your computer’s current system status and allow you to scan external hard drives. The following 10 antivirus programs have a variety of features to help protect your computer from a virus infection.
Best Antivirus Software – Comparison Table
| Image | Product | Features | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Norton Security | User-friendly interface Software is compatible with both Mac OS X and Windows | 4 out of 5 |
 | McAfee Total Protection 2021 | Covers three devices Cloud-based protection Comes with password manager and file encryption software Instant activation | 4.4 out of 5 |
 | Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus Software | Available for PC and Mac Cloud-based technology Low-resource scanning Real-time protection from viruses and malware | 4.5 out of 5 |
 | Trend Micro Antivirus | Protects against viruses Blocks dangerous websites Guards against Identity Theft | 3.3 out of 5 |
 | Bitdefender Total Security 2021 | Covers five devices Multi-layer malware protection Anti-tracking blockers PC optimizer | 4.6 out of 5 |
 | Norton 360 Deluxe 2021 | Covers five devices Real-time malware protection Dark web monitoring Comes with password manager and VPN | 4.4 out of 5 |
 | ESET NOD32 Antivirus | Protects against data theft Guards against phishing attempts to steal your sensitive financial information | 4 out of 5 |
 | Norton AntiVirus Plus 2021 | Available for multiple devices and operating systems Real-time threat protection Comes with secure cloud backups and password manager Intelligent firewall | 4.2 out of 5 |
 | AVG Ultimate 2021 | Covers five devices Available for Mac, PC, and mobile devices Integrated VPN Robust TuneUp feature | 4.3 out of 5 |
 | McAfee Antivirus Plus | Protect every device you own Guard against viruses and the latest threats Free support | 4.3 out of 5 |
Norton Security
McAfee Total Protection 2021
McAfee is another heavy-hitter in the world of antivirus protection. This product is a download code that activates one year of protection. McAfee uses a subscription-based model to ensure that you’re always getting up-to-date protection from all of the latest threats.
It’s cloud-based and doesn’t bog your device down like other software. You’re getting protection for three devices, so you can browse confidently at home or on the go. The subscription also comes with useful extras to take your online safety even further.
Key Features:
- Covers three devices
- Cloud-based protection
- Comes with password manager and file encryption software
- Instant activation
Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus Software
These days, you can never be too careful about your online activity. Malware continues to run rampant. Luckily, software like WebRoot is available to keep your device protected. It utilizes cloud-based technology to find online threats in real-time.
The cool thing about WebRoot is that it’s not a resource hog like other antivirus software. While it actively scans and protects in the background, it uses fewer resources to get the job done. As a result, you can get premium protection without sacrificing performance.
Key Features:
- Available for PC and Mac
- Cloud-based technology
- Low-resource scanning
- Real-time protection from viruses and malware
Trend Micro Antivirus
KEY FEATURES:
- Protects against viruses
- Blocks dangerous websites
- Guards against Identity Theft
Bitdefender Total Security 2021
This activation code for BitDefender provides two years of protection across five devices. BitDefender uses some impressive technology to keep you safe from a wide variety of threats. Not only does it block viruses and malware, but it can also keep you safe on social media, monitor your microphone, and prevent website tracking.
Added perks like the file shredder and password manager sweeten the deal. All in, BitDefender does a lot to keep your identity, banking information, and more safe from prying eyes.
Key Features:
- Covers five devices
- Multi-layer malware protection
- Anti-tracking blockers
- PC optimizer
- Enhanced performance capabilities
Norton 360 Deluxe 2021
Norton 360 Deluxe is a subscription-based antivirus service. This product is an activation code that offers a full year of prepaid protection. Norton has years of experience developing some top-notch security software. You can take advantage of that experience to stay safe in real-time.
The cloud-based system protects you from ransomware, viruses, and more. It also comes with a VPN for secure browsing and a password manager to keep all of your accounts secure. Dark web monitoring from LifeLock is included to notify you if your information ever makes its way to the darkest corners of the Internet.
Key Features:
- Covers five devices
- Real-time malware protection
- Dark web monitoring
- Comes with password manager and VPN
ESET NOD32 Antivirus
Norton AntiVirus Plus 2021
All of this happens in real-time as you browse. Protect your device from unwanted traffic with the intelligent firewall system. Then, use the regular scans to remove viruses and other potential security issues. Norton also comes with a slew of extras to take your online safety to a new level.
Key Features:
- Available for multiple devices and operating systems
- Real-time threat protection
- Comes with secure cloud backups and password manager
- Intelligent firewall
AVG Ultimate 2021
AVG Ultimate is your one-stop shop for all things security. Like most modern antivirus software, AVG Ultimate provides real-time protection as you browse. The technology is available to cover all of your devices, so you can stay safe no matter how you connect.
The service comes with an integrated VPN for those moments when you need extra anonymity and protection. The VPN routes the traffic through an encrypted tunnel that can’t d.
You can also take advantage of the TuneUp feature. It removes unused files and junk to free up resources and enhance your device’s performance.
Key Features:
- Covers five devices
- Available for Mac, PC, and mobile devices
- Integrated VPN
- Robust TuneUp feature
McAfee Antivirus Plus
KEY FEATURES:
- Protect every device you own
- Guard against viruses and the latest threats
- Free support
