12 best antivirus programs

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Only fearless people can afford to use a computer or smartphone without an antivirus. On the Internet, every second or third page, if it does not download malware, then transfers to phishing sites. And antivirus will help save your computer and protect confidential information.

But there are plenty of antiviruses too. We have compiled a rating of the 12 best software products that will definitely protect your computer from external threats.

What a good antivirus can do

The main task of antivirus software is, of course, to protect your computer from malware. But the functionality of comprehensive Internet security solutions is not limited to this.

Web screen and web page analysis

Most viruses get onto a computer from the Internet – after downloading a malicious file or simply when opening an infected page. The web shield prevents the download of such software from entering, acting as an 'additional layer' of the firewall built into the operating system.

Payment protection

Payment protection tools prevent the interception of bank card data that users enter when shopping online. It also prevents phishing and prevents unnecessary spending with hidden accounts.

Parental control

The Parental Control tool filters and blocks content that may be unsafe for a child – shocking images, pornography, other materials. In addition, it can limit the time that the kid spends at the computer.

Password vault

The Password Vault tool is designed to store authorization data on sites in a special secure container. It helps not to remember multiple logins and passwords – just set one master code.

Keeping confidentiality

Privacy tools encrypt files in special storage and delete cookies from the browser. They also protect against phishing and block unauthorized access to personal information.

Rating of the best antiviruses

Nomination	a place	Name of product	rating
Best Free Antivirus Programs	1	Avast Free Antivirus	4.9
	2	360 Total Security	4.8
	3	Panda Free Antivirus	4.7
The best paid antivirus programs for Windows	1	Avira Antivirus Pro	4.9
	2	Bitdefender Internet Security	4.9
	3	Kaspersky Lab Internet Security	4.8
	4	Norton Security	4.7
	5	Trend Micro Internet Security	4.6
The best antivirus programs for Android	1	Antiy AVL	4.9
	2	Bitdefender Mobile Security & Antivirus	4.8
	3	Cheetah CM Security	4.7
	4	Kaspersky Antivirus & Security	4.7

Best Free Antivirus Programs

Avast Free Antivirus

Rating: 4.9

Why first place: Maximum functionality even in the free version.

Description: The top-rated free antivirus Avast is comparable in popularity only to the 'Defender' built into Windows 10. Lightweight and well-developed, it does not load the computer and shows notifications no more than once every 3-4 days. At the same time, Avast works – two engines are protected from viruses at once: offline, which checks the signatures of malware with the database, and online, which sends unknown files to the cloud for verification. There is also heuristic analysis that protects against zero-day threats.

Scanning engines check hard drives, passwords used, network connectivity, and program behavior. Antivirus analyzes active files and therefore prevents malware from entering your computer from downloads, from flash drives or from keygens. And the automatically activated game mode turns off all notifications, including system and third-party programs, for uninterrupted gameplay.

Advantages

• Takes up to 50 MB of RAM during operation;

• Three protection engines, including preventive heuristic analysis;

• Game mode with notifications turned off.

disadvantages

• Full web screen only in the paid version;

• The license must be renewed every year, after two or three months of 'pause' it cannot be extended;

• Requires a permanent and reliable internet connection during installation.

360 Total Security

Rating: 4.8

Why second place: Three scan engines, low computer load, but embedded ads.

Description: 360 Total Security is the 'Swiss knife' among antiviruses. It uses the largest number of engines in the rating – four. These are offline Avira and Bitdefender, AI-based 360 QVMII and cloud scanner. The engines protect against known threats by comparing virus signatures and against unknown ones by analyzing program behavior.

It also protects against ransomware, keyloggers, and system modifications. Suspicious apps run in the sandbox. Antivirus downloads critical updates Windows to protect against system vulnerabilities, checks the security of the wireless network and prevents the interception of payment information when shopping on the Internet.

Also, 360 Total Security has a built-in file shredder, operating system cleaning and optimization tools, driver update mode and a scheduler.

Advantages

• Four antivirus engines that can be turned on and off;

• Additional functions;

• Downloading critical operating system updates.

disadvantages

• Advertising;

• Lots of notifications and pop-ups;

• Out of the box, the antivirus engines Avira and Bitdefender are disabled.

Panda Free Antivirus

Rating: 4.7

Why third place: Free VPN and minimal system load, but limited functionality.

Description: Panda Free Antivirus is the only antivirus in the rating that offers a free VPN connection. True, the volume of transmitted traffic is limited to 150 megabytes per day, but this is enough for most purchases on the Internet or access to blocked sites.

The antivirus engine uses a cloud signature comparison technique. This minimizes the load on the computer. Panda protects against 'new' viruses because the cloud signatures are updated hourly. The antivirus pays special attention to protecting against viruses that get from USB drives, so it is recommended to install it on public computers.

In the antivirus, you can create a bootable cleaning flash drive that removes viruses from blocked computers – for example, those that have picked up ransomware banners. Like Avast, Panda Free Antivirus supports a game mode with notifications turned off, including system notifications.

Advantages

• Free VPN;

• Constant updates of cloud signatures;

• Minimal computer load.

disadvantages

• Advanced protection modes are available only in paid versions;

• The volume of traffic transmitted via VPN is limited to 150 megabytes per day;

• Reduced protection level when disconnected from the Internet.

The best paid antivirus programs for Windows

Avira Antivirus Pro

Rating: 4.9

Why First Place: Protection using 'collective intelligence' and artificial intelligence.

Description: Avira antivirus uses three technologies to protect your computer from malware – comparison with a daily updated signature database, 'collective intelligence' to analyze the behavior of programs and artificial intelligence to heuristically check files on the hard drive.

Avira is the only antivirus in the ranking that effectively fights against ransomware using a heuristic analysis tool. It also scans external devices connected to the computer for infection, protects confidential and personal data, blocks DNS spoofing and the launch of banking Trojans for safe purchases.

Avira's Web Shield analyzes the activity of the network ports directly, blocking malware even before it is loaded into the computer's cache. Therefore, it also prevents the computer from being included in botnets or illegal banking transaction nodes.

Advantages

• Antivirus uses artificial intelligence and collective intelligence to protect itself;

• Scans directly for network ports, not downloaded data;

• Effectively fights against encryption programs.

disadvantages

• Only part of the antivirus functions work without an Internet connection;

• Support in English only;

• High cost.

Bitdefender Internet Security

Rating: 4.9

Why Runner Up: Multi-layered ransomware protection, remote control, and VPN – albeit with limited traffic.

Description: In Bitdefender Internet Security, the emphasis is not on protection against classic viruses, but on preventing theft of confidential, personal and banking information. However, it also copes with the destruction of malware, including ransomware. The antivirus protects against worms, trojans, zero-day vulnerabilities, rootkits and spyware including keyloggers.

Additionally, it protects against phishing by checking the compliance of certificates and DNS of opened sites; from theft of banking data; from spying via webcam and even from fraudulent activities. Autopilot technology monitors computer behavior and some user settings to prevent potential security threats. Photon mode tweaks the antivirus to minimize the load on the operating system.

Bitdefender is also the only paid antivirus in the rating with a limited VPN: 200 MB per day.

Advantages

• Maximum protection thanks to offline and online technologies;

• Many proprietary technologies: Autopilot, Photon, remote control;

• Multilevel protection against theft of banking data.

disadvantages

• Limited VPN;

• Price;

• Difficulty in customization (if you still want to customize, and not use it out of the box).

Kaspersky Lab Internet Security

Rating: 4.8

Why third place: Many protective functions, but high load on the system.

Description: What is the rating of antiviruses, and without Kaspersky Internet Security? This comprehensive internet security solution protects your computer in two ways – by checking file signatures offline and by sending suspicious programs to the cloud. But its main advantage is a sandbox, an isolated environment for running applications.

Built-in web screen protects against fake sites and phishing. It is complemented by a browser extension that checks links before they are opened.

Two-level purchase protection prevents the theft of bank card data and other payment information both on phishing sites and on pages with spoofed DNS and SSL certificates. If necessary, you can launch the browser in maximum protection mode.

The antivirus has a built-in parental control mode that filters downloaded content and, if necessary, blocks the use of the computer if the child spends a lot of time on it.

Advantages

• Powerful anti-virus engines;

• Mac protection;

• Parental control.

disadvantages

• High load on the system;

• Few additional features;

• Sometimes there are false positives.

Norton Security

Rating: 4.7

Why the fourth place: The most expensive, but with a unique support function from specialists.

Description: Norton Security is the only antivirus in the rating, the developers of which give a 100% guarantee to remove malware from your computer. It is expressed in remote technical support. If the antivirus fails to remove, Norton will take care of it. If they turn out to be powerless, the money for the subscription will be refunded.

The antivirus protects against malware penetrating your computer from the Internet and offline, increases the safety of purchases, and supports parental control. The backup function makes backups of important information to external media and to a branded protected 'cloud' with a volume of 25 GB.

Included with the antivirus comes Norton WiFi Privacy, a program that encrypts data when connected to open wireless networks. This protects against sniffing – the interception of personal information, logins, passwords and bank card numbers on public Wi-Fi.

Advantages

• 100% virus protection guarantee;

• Regular updates of the signature database;

• Norton WiFi Privacy included.

disadvantages

• One of the most expensive antiviruses;

• Difficulty in installation and removal;

• High load on the system.

Trend Micro Internet Security

Rating: 4.6

Why fifth place: Basic level of protection, but the lowest price.

Description: Trend Micro Internet Security is the only antivirus in the ranking with a subscription price of less than RUB 1,000 per year. For this money, the user gets basic protection against Internet vulnerabilities and offline threats.

The main feature of the antivirus is the Folder Shield function, which blocks access to folders with confidential information for unauthorized applications. Trend Micro IS also offers enhanced privacy protection, especially for those posted on social media. He analyzes the information posted there and makes recommendations for removing or hiding some information.

The antivirus has built-in 'Parental Control' with a whitelist of applications and websites to protect children from shocking, pornographic or potentially dangerous information. The shield also prevents access to phishing and infected sites.

System optimization mode speeds up work Windows and closes vulnerabilities.

Advantages

• Subscription less than 1000 rubles per year;

• Advanced 'Parental Control';

• Analysis of private data posted on social networks.

disadvantages

• Basic protection of Internet payments;

• Check only by the signature comparison method;

• Microfreezes in games due to active file checking.

The best antivirus programs for Android

Antiy AVL

Rating: 4.9

Why first place: Lightweight, does not load the system, analyzes all kinds of executable files.

Description: Antiy AVL is topping the rating for two reasons. First, it is lightweight – even when installed, it takes up no more than 30 megabytes of internal memory. Second, it analyzes all kinds of executable files for the operating system Android, including APK application packages, SIS scripts, DEX hint sets, and others.

Antivirus uses its own AVL SDK engine with compact signature databases and efficient detection with low consumption of system resources, including battery power.

The anti-virus works in automatic and manual modes. The signature base is updated daily. Automatic mode analyzes downloaded and executable files for activity and access to system resources. In manual mode, all internal memory is checked, including the data and applications stored on it in the / data section without access to the providers' database and the need for root.

Advantages

• Takes up little space on the internal storage;

• Regular and large-scale updates of the anti-virus signature database;

• Automatic check in free version.

disadvantages

• Slow full checks;

• Defines superuser rights as a virus;

• There are false positives.

Bitdefender Mobile Security & Antivirus

Rating: 4.8

Why runner-up: Antivirus with anti-theft, web crawler and paid subscription.

Description: Antivirus Bitdefender Mobile Security & Antivirus is multifunctional and therefore could lead the rating, but the most interesting features are available only in the paid version. So, without a subscription, the Anti-theft mode will not work, which helps in finding the phone and detecting the thief.

But in free mode, the antivirus also works. It scans your phone or tablet automatically to detect downloadable or executable malware. And the manual analysis checks the entire internal storage.

The application also protects confidential user data by prohibiting unauthorized access to installed programs and placing especially personal photos and contacts in a special encrypted storage.

Web Security mode adds an optional scanner using cloud-based malware detection.

Advantages

• Secure storage for personal photos;

• Cloud, heuristic and signature engines;

• Anti-theft mode.

disadvantages

• High load on the system;

• Limited VPN traffic in the paid version.

• Few features in the free version;

Cheetah CM Security

Rating: 4.7

Why third place: Many features, but advertising in the free version.

Description: Antivirus CM Security was developed by the company that created the Clean Master 'cleaner'. It is designed exclusively for mobile devices and analyzes malware by means of signature matching. However, antivirus is more of an 'additional' rather than a core feature of CM Security. Actually, that's why he is in third place in the rating.

The 'Smart Diagnostics' mode in this antivirus fixes most of the problems that lead to the slowdown of the smartphone with one click. After pressing the button, CM Security checks the internal memory for viruses, cleans up temporary and unnecessary files, disables unused services and speeds up the phone.

The antivirus has a built-in client for a proprietary VPN service to encrypt traffic, bypass regional Internet restrictions and additional protection when shopping online. The volume of traffic is not limited, you do not need to register.

Advantages

• One click service;

• Built-in VPN with unlimited traffic;

• Built-in blacklist of calls and SMS.

disadvantages

• The free version shows annoying and annoying ads;

• Antivirus services load 'weak' and 'old' devices;

• The functionality of Anti-Theft is limited.

Kaspersky Antivirus & Security

Rating: 4.7

Why the fourth place: Powerful antivirus that is practically useless in the free version.

Description: Kaspersky Antivirus & Security closes the rating for a reason. Of course, this is a very powerful antivirus that is able to neutralize infected files even in the OS system partition Android. It constantly checks downloads and running applications, and scans the access rights of installed software to keep confidential information.

But all this works only in the paid version. Without a subscription, only the function of manually starting a scan, full or quick, is available. The paid version also has a powerful 'Anti-theft' mode that helps to remotely lock the device, find it or destroy data from the internal memory.

Additional features of the antivirus include a Kaspersky Secure Connection traffic encryptor, hiding personal contacts from prying eyes, a blacklist for calls and SMS messages, as well as an anti-phishing mode that blocks users from following suspicious links.

Advantages

• Continuous, deep scanning;

• Neutralization of all viruses and threats;

• 'Anti-theft' and personal data protection.

disadvantages

• High load on the system;

• High cost;

• Almost all functions work only in the paid version.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.