There are situations when antivirus software would not recognize and allow installing certain types of programs or applications. Or antivirus tends to block your favorite websites sometimes. So, the solution is to either delete the antivirus completely and become vulnerable for different kinds of threats or disable the software for a short time. If you
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In April of 2018, Avast has introduced a free Chromium-based Avast Secure Browser. Officially, the new product is a successor of Avast SafeZone Browser which the company removed from circulation not long before. The company says the new browser was designed with three things in mind: Improve surfing speeds Provide privacy to users Protect users
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ScanGuard is a good antivirus which provides robust protection to its users. The product also offers excellent performance tools to make your device work better. We believe there is hardly any reason not to use the software. However, if you find that reason and decide to uninstall ScanGuard, our guide will help you to go
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Scanguard is a relatively new antivirus suite. It entered the market in 2016 and gained the first fans quickly. Antivirus provides reliable protection and excellent customer support. It doesn’t put much burden on the system’s resources and is extremely easy to use. In this guide, we wanted to see the main components of Scanguard and
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When we were writing our VIPRE antivirus review, we were astonished of how simple VIPRE was in comparison to other antivirus software. There are not many packages, no bright extras or catchy names for additional tools. But do you need all of those to be protected? Wouldn’t it be better to have a clear yet
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Avira is a German IT security company with more than thirty years of history. It has plenty of services to offer, including VPN, software upgrader, and more. But the key focus is antivirus protection which is highly scored by the independent labs. And they keep on improving. The team has just introduced an upgraded version
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What is ransomware? Without exaggeration, ransomware is a disaster. To some extent, it is worse than any virus. You can heal your device if it gets infected by a Trojan, for example. But there is hardly anything you can do to rescue your folders affected by ransomware. It will encrypt them. You will know that
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Spyware is a type of malware that can root to your device without any notifications. This type of malware monitors your online activity and can cause some serious trouble. Spyware usually runs secretly on your device and monitors everything you do. The kind of stolen data depends on the purpose of the malefactor. Usually, it’s
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It goes without saying that it is vital to have an antivirus on your device. If you have one, that’s great – your computer or mobile gadget is already protected well enough. And still, you can go even further aiming to achieve the best internet security possible. A firewall, for example, will protect you from
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Since its very first day of existence, Kaspersky has been one of the best products to guarantee cybersecurity and provide antivirus protection to every single customer. After the US government accused Kaspersky of spying on Americans, the company relocated their data processing to Switzerland to stay away from any further suspicions. And they are doing
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The antivirus software should be installed on any device we use to surf the Internet or exchange data. While our online activity is growing, the need for protection has also increased. Our unbiased antivirus reviews will help you to find the best security software for any device. We’ve gathered top 10 antivirus selections available on the market today.
Why do we need antivirus software?
Before we move on to reviewing top antivirus solutions, let us once again talk about the ways viruses may penetrate into your system and emphasize that a reliable antivirus is a must.
It’s really hard to avoid possible threats today while using the Internet. If you don’t click on weird ads or don’t visit certain unsafe websites, it’s not enough. A computer virus may come not only from streaming movies or downloading files that contain malware.
There are different ways for viruses to damage your computer or any other device you use. You can get a virus by checking your email mistakenly clicking a banner or a pop-up window or even a “Read More” button while reading an article. Any of these simple actions may damage or, in some cases, completely destroy your computer. Those are just a few examples, and there are far more ways how viruses can get into your devices.
If you install an antivirus on your device, there is nothing to worry about. Today, there is a big choice of the best anti-malware software according to various reviews, so you can choose the one that fits you best based on your online activity.
What is antivirus software and how it works?
Once you installed the antivirus software, it detects and blocks any malware that comes from the Internet or warns you about the danger. For example, if you download something or visit an unsafe website, the antivirus will let you know whether these actions are safe or not.
Antivirus software usually monitors your online presence 24 hours a day. It uses a malware signature database and reports all possible threats, indexes them, and adds to its database.
There are many options to use the antivirus in your favor. When the threat is detected, you have three options to fix it. The first is to delete the threat, second is to quarantine it and the third option is to ignore the threat. Deleting the virus is not always possible, so the best option can be to quarantine it. Even though it’s not deleted, the virus is isolated and can’t damage your devices.
What is the difference between Free and Paid Antivirus Software?
So, you agreed that antivirus software is something you really need to avoid any damages of your devices, and probably you wonder which one you need to install. What is the difference between free and paid antivirus software?
As in any free product, free antivirus has some cons in comparison with a paid version. But, it depends on what you need. For example, if you need the Internet for social media or streaming, a free version can be a great option for you. But, if you work with different software or constantly download videos or other files, paid antivirus can offer you a higher level of protection.
Probably, free versions are great when you need to try and have a look at specific antivirus software. However, free software can’t offer you all the necessary features and the same level of protection if compared to a paid version.
You can’t get the full service with a free version of antivirus. Paid antivirus software covers both online and offline activities. It will also provide you with strong encryption and consequently better protection from such malware like worms, trojans, and ransomware. If your device is already infected, paid antivirus software is the best option, as most of the paid antivirus software offers virus removal, and various cleanup tools, as well as detection of possible threats.
What is the best antivirus software?
When choosing antivirus software pay attention to the following:
How well it performs in detecting various types of threats
Whether it affects the computer’s performance significantly
Whether it has a simple interface
However, these are not the only things you should consider. We recommend picking those security suites which include useful extras. For example, parental controls, an enhanced firewall, password manager, VPN and other. It will never hurt to have an additional layer of security. Also, it is better to stick to antivirus which can protect several devices in one subscription.
What features paid Antivirus software offers?
There are a few key features that you should look out for when choosing antivirus software and it will vary depending on your needs. We would like to highlight some features that paid antivirus software usually includes according to various antivirus software reviews.
A built-in firewall: It will give you additional protection when you browse the Internet.
Email spam blocking: Offers you protection from spam, spyware, or phishing.
Parental control: It is meant to protect your kids from online predators and to inform you about their activities online.
Webcam protection: Blocks attempts to get access to your webcam.
Gaming mode: It will make sure your online gaming activity is secure and you don’t get annoying pop-ups while playing.
Safe browser: Checks every single website you visit and alarms you on potential threats.
Password manager: Allows safe storage of your passwords.
Safe storage (cloud-based): Will back up your files and keep them safe.
Cleanup/tune-up tools: This feature will get rid of large and unnecessary files and folders and thus, will help you keep your machine clean.
File shredder: Removes all unwanted files without any possibility for them to be recovered.
VPN: It will help you stay private when browsing the Internet; a perfect solution for those who use public WiFi networks.
A few more tips to help you with your choice
If you have compared several security suits but still have no clue which one is right for you, do the following.
Try them for free. Majority of antivirus providers offer a one-month free trial which is more than enough to get an idea on whether the product suits you or not.
Don’t waste your money paying for tools and features you don’t need. If you only want the software which does a good protection job and nothing else, choose the one that is cheaper.
Don’t go for preinstalled products. You Windows might come with a free one-month trial of a known antivirus. Once the trial interim is over, you will get reminders to upgrade the product. Don’t rush and do some investigation instead. You will probably end up with a better solution.
Check whether the antivirus is also capable of taking care of malware. The best security suites are capable of both detecting threats and healing infected devices.
Don’t get cheated with antivirus for your iOS. Some iOS apps declare they can protect your device from viruses but the reality is this is what your OS does itself. They are rather security suits that offer some useful features, so it’s only reasonable to get such an app if you need those extras.
General Overview
If you are looking for the best antivirus for PC, McAfee can be a great choice. It offers great value, good price, and all necessary protection for your computer. This antivirus offers built-in PC optimization tools, email spam blocking, parental controls, protection from hackers and thief firewall, as well as the social media link protection.
This Antivirus was created in 1987 and based in Santa Clara, California. McAfee offers different Antivirus Packages such as McAfee Antivirus Plus, McAfee Total Protection, McAfee Internet Security. They are often pre-built in the operating system by such companies like Acer, Dell, and Lenovo.
Key Characteristic
Offers a full-featured protection and 100% guaranteed virus removal
Pricing is fair and there is a 30-day money back guarantee
Easy to use, install process is quick and simple
Some Negative Issues
Price is slightly above the average on the market
Uses more system resources than other antivirus packages
Who needs to choose McAfee?
You should buy this antivirus if you need a ‘static’ online protection. McAfee is good for both personal use and business solutions of any size. You can install it on multiple devices as it’s licenses contain protection for multiple devices. However, it’s pricing depend on how many devices you use, for example, the basic plan offers only one device. McAfee is available for Mac, Windows, and Android and there is a 24/7 customer support.
Norton
General Overview
Norton is one of the best antivirus software on the market. It is ranked as top consumer-security software both in terms of performance and overall protection. Norton stands out from its competitors by providing full protection for up to 10 devices. It includes top-notch features offering malware protection and automatic photo backup. It offers 3 packages and covers Windows, Mac, iOS and Android operating systems. Simple in use and installing, Norton antivirus also has 24/7 customer support. This antivirus is available for iOS and Android, so if you want to find the best mobile antivirus, virus removal app, and best security app solution, Norton is a good match.
Key Characteristics
One of the best virus protection software on the market
Firewall, identity, and financial protection
Very good for parental protection
Some negative issues
Average detection rates and protection compared to other top rated antivirus software
Who needs to choose Norton?
This antivirus offers affordable price and a full set of features for complete protection. The antivirus software comparison shows that Norton is quite basic and maybe lacks some advanced features. It is most suitable for beginners, as it is very easy to use and its installing is as simple as ABC. There are also some great family safety features, so Norton is a perfect match for those who want to set up the parental control.
BullGuard
General Overview
This antivirus also offers a wide range of protection. BullGuard is a trojan remover and offers complete antivirus protection, email and spam blocking, parental controls, firewall protection, identity and financial protection, and so on. This antivirus is available for three computers offering 25 GB online backup storage. BullGuard offers 24/7 customer support, but it’s available only during working hours. Pricing is flexible and there are 3 different plans included in a free trial.
Key Characteristics
Complete set of virus protection
Three different plans to choose
Price is average, offers 60-day free trial for the annual plan, and 15-day for other plans
Customer support is available in multiple languages
Some negative issues
Customer support available only during working hours
Performance is slow
Lacks advanced features
Who needs to choose BullGuard?
Beginners who don’t want to go in-depth with computer protection. BullGuard is very simple to use and install. Also, it’s great for those who want to test first and then buy. Thanks to its free trial option, you can check how this antivirus actually works.
Kaspersky
General Review
This is probably the most well-known antivirus software. Kaspersky Lab Antivirus offers a 100% guaranteed effective protection and removes all types of viruses. The basic plan doesn’t offer too many features compared to its competitors; however, you can get more advanced versions of Kaspersky Internet and Total Security. This is definitely one of the best virus protection software on the market.
Key Characteristics
Complete virus protection, including parental control and online banking protection
Very easy to use and installing is simple
Very reliable
There is a 30-day free trial
Best antivirus for Windows 10
Some negative issues
Lacks advanced features
Available only for Windows
Installation can be up to 20 minutes
Who needs to choose Kaspersky?
This is one of the best antivirus software and good for those who don’t use Mac. There is a free trial, so Kaspersky is great for those who want a free month, so they can test it first. So, if you need a good Windows antivirus, Kaspersky is a great choice, but if you need the best mobile antivirus software, choose something else.
Trend Micro
Since 1988, when this antivirus was founded, Trend Micro has become one of the best malware removal software on the market. Trend Micro offers an intuitive trendy interface design and excellent security package. It was founded in California but the headquarter is currently based in Japan. Trend Micro offers PC optimization tools for up to 3 PCs and 5 GB for online backup. There are three products to choose from Trend Micro: Antivirus+, Trend Micro Internet Security, and Trend Micro Maximum Security.
Key Characteristics
Best virus protection features
Great interface design
Easy for using and installing
Good Price and 30-day money back guarantee
Available for iOS and Android
Some negative issues
Uses more system resources than other top-rated antivirus software
File detection rates are below the market average
Who needs to choose Trend Micro?
This is a good option for those who want to get more ‘fresh’ product with the updated and intuitive interface design that is simple in use. But, as it lacks some file detection rates features, it’s more suitable for basic use. In case you need antivirus for work, you’d better choose something stronger.
ESET
General Review
This is one of the oldest but still the best antivirus for pc on the market. ESET offers a full range of protection with a high level of performance. Apart from static virus protection, it offers some great business solutions like server security, remote management, and so on. It also includes parental controls. ESET is available for Windows, Mac, and Android.
Key Characteristics
Complete protection including ransomware protection, antivirus, and antispyware protection
Scanning is cloud-powered
Multilingual customer support
Operates at full power thanks to a light system footprint
30-day free trial
Some negative issues
Price can be higher than average
Who needs to choose ESET?
This is great antivirus software for business solutions like server protection, etc. Great performance, multilingual customer support also proves that ESET is perfect for businesses. It also offers some advanced features.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2018
General Review
This virus removal software includes all necessary features for a great performance and high level of protection. According to various reviews, it offers a wider range of features compared to other top antivirus solutions. Bitdefender works only on Windows but offers some separate products for iOS and Android.
Key Characteristics
Really high level of protection
Good performance – doesn’t slow down your computer
Advanced features available
Free version available
Some negative issues
Works only on Windows
Full scans are not fast
Who needs to choose Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2017?
This is great antivirus software for both home and business use. It’s great for business as you can add some advanced features and good for simple home use, especially because it includes a free version.
AVG Antivirus
General Review
This is a good option for those who want to get basic antivirus software. AVG provides a full set of the protection features, protection from malware attacks, and detection of the prevalent malware, etc. This antivirus is available for Windows, Mac, and Android. It is available at the average price on the market. In comparison to other antivirus software, AVG lacks some advanced features, and its upgraded version cost is higher.
Key Characteristics
Works on Windows, Mac, and has a separate Android antivirus app
Offers free trial month if you choose the annual plan
User-friendly interface
Easy to use, simple installing process
Some negative issues
Not available on iOS
Very basic
Who needs to choose AVG Antivirus?
Actually, this antivirus can be a good solution both for personal use or business. But, as AVG offers a limited set of features, this antivirus is too basic if you need stronger protection.
Avast
General Review
This virus removal software is one of the best antivirus software on the market. In 2016, Avast has expanded its database and bought previously mentioned AVG antivirus. As one of the best anti-malware software, Avast offers great, feature-rich free version offering its users continuous support and regular updates.
Key Characteristics
One of the best malware removal software
The best internet security features
Home network scanner available
Game mode included
Customer support included
Average price
Free version available
Some negative issues
No parental controls
Slow scanning process
You need to install the Chrome browser
Who needs to choose Avast?
Good for personal and business solution. Great for those who want to pick a free antivirus. However, if you want to set up parental controls, better choose another antivirus.
Bottom Line
This selection of top 10 antiviruses was created based on various factors like pricing, level of malware detection, Internet security, customer support, and so on. This antivirus comparison of the top antivirus programs gives you general information related to antivirus ratings and the difference between these products.
The antivirus reviews will help you to choose the best antivirus software. If you need the antivirus software for business, its better to choose antivirus with advanced features like server protection, email spam blocking etc. Brands that we’ve included in our top 10 antivirus software are a good match for both personal and business needs.
Many Mac users still believe they don’t need any protection from malware. It really was so some ten years ago, but Macs aren’t immune to viruses anymore. Hackers have created various malware targeted at MacOS-based computers. Ransomware, adware, and trojans are all real threats, which means Mac users should get a reliable antivirus solution to
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Nowadays, malware protection is something you need to care about since the day you purchase your device. Without antivirus software, your PC or cellphone can be crushed by hackers in just a few clicks. The worst thing is that it can come from where you don’t even expect it. Plus, malware is very diverse. The
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Android is one of the most targeted mobile operating systems. It is open-source, so developers like working with it and prefer to use it for new smartphones and tablets. And, no doubt, it is great – Android is easy to customize and adapt to any device. But it is really hard to eliminate all vulnerabilities
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Macs seem to be less vulnerable to hackers’ attacks. The reason is quite simple: Macs are used by a smaller number of users than Windows and thus, this OS is less attractive for hackers. However, it doesn’t mean that Macs are totally secure and you may rest in peace if you are a Mac addict.
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Windows in the most targeted operating system mostly because it exists forever and is widely used. The popularity of this OS is the main reason why hackers focus on creating malware for it. It is much easier to attack devices running on Windows apparently because there are a lot of them. That’s why just avoiding
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Today, we conduct too many activities online. Following this, it’ s vital to protect your online presence. The best way to protect your PC or any device you work with is to install an antivirus software. There is a wide range of the antivirus programs in the market. You need to know which one is the best for your needs. Some antivirus software is great for iOS or Android. Other software is more relevant for Windows. In this article we will try to identify the best antivirus for Windows 10 to use in 2018.
Our team has investigated pros and cons for a bunch of solutions in order to find the best antivirus for Windows 10. Before moving to that list, we would like to highlight some issues that may occur if your PC is not protected.
Hackers can come from anywhere, and the most dangerous place for your online activity is a public Wi-Fi. For example, your device can connect to a random network, when you even don’t know about it. Consequently, hackers can gain access to your personal information.
If you ask yourself ‘do I need antivirus for Windows 10?’, the answer is definitely ‘Yes’. Even if you have already installed the best antivirus for Windows 7 or the best antivirus for Windows 8, more ‘updated’ viruses can crush your new Windows 10.
What is the best antivirus for Windows 10?
Some people think that that having Window Defender provides enough protection. However, we believe that you still need to have an updated antivirus. Various independent tests proved that Windows Defender provides with the basic protection. Hackers who want to hit as many PCs as possible know how to avoid Window Defender.
To get you fully protected we’ve tested some of the free antivirus for Windows 10 availabe nowadays. They list of top playes Is very similar to those that offer free antivirus for Windows 7. If you want a full set of protection, we recommendin choosing a paid version. It has more advanced features and a full set of protection tools. It also offers up-to-date protection that is updated for recent threats.
Here is the list of the best Antivirus Software for Windows 10.
BitDefender Antivirus Plus 2018
This antivirus software for Windows is one of the top players in the industry. BitDefender is the best antivirus for Windows 7, 8, 9 and for Windows 10. This antivirus is one of the most reliable and accurate engines in the market. With this antivirus for Windows 10, you will get a full set of protection. It blocks all possible access to malicious websites. Thanks to a secure browser, all your financial transactions will be safe. There is also a password manager that auto-completes credit card details. It alerts every time there is a danger coming from the web and blocks any access to such sites. This antivirus software requires more resources from your PC than the average antivirus software. Also, it may interfere with other software installed on your PC. But, anyway, this antivirus offers a great performance and excellent detection rate.
BitDefender iwill cost you $19.99 to $44.99, and you will definitely pay for a great quality. The basic Bitdefender antivirus plus will only protect one device, so if you need more you will have to opt for a more advanced Total Security 2018 package. As a result, it will be more costly for you to protect all your devices (up to five devices, including Mac, and Android and iOS). You will also get more features like parental control, firewall, antispam, and more.
ESET NOD32 Antivirus 2018 Edition
This antivirus is similar to BitDefender, and can also be called the best antivirus for Windows 10. ESET NOD32 is more focused on basic malware protection and lacks some extra features. This antivirus offers a full set of a basic malware protection, including exploit protection, anti-ransomware layer, blocking malicious websites, and preventing attacks thanks to PowerShell and malicious scripts. If you choose an annual 1 device plan the price is $29.99. And annual 3 device plan would cost $59.99.
Thanks to a Device Control module limits, this antivirus also drastically reduces any possible infection that comes from other devices, especially from external USB drives. It controls optical storage media, external hard drives, devices connected via Bluetooth and FireWire.
Despite these undoubted advantages, there are some limitations as well. ESET NOD32’s feature list is not that diverse. There is no password manager, no firewall, no vulnerability scanner, and no file shredder. You will have to opt for one of the more advanced packages ESER offers to get them.
Also, ESEN NOD32’s interface is not very intuitive and is difficult to use for beginners. But, on the other hand, its design simple design will save your device’s performance.
ScanGuard
ScanGuard is a powerful antivirus engine with a user-friendly interface and a number of additional features, designed to meet the needs of private users and small businesses. The software is compatible with all major operational systems, including Windows and iOS. You can use ScanGuard across multiple devices, protecting not only your desktop, but also a smartphone and a tablet. Working 24/7, the solution easily detects all possible viruses and removes them before they’ve managed to infect the whole system. Even if you’ve just downloaded a malware file, your antivirus will notice it and stop the spread of infection.
Besides, ScanGuard offers a variety of optimization and speed up tools that will improve your computer’s performance. It offers a password vault, a safe browsing tool, a cookie cleaner, and an Ad Block Pro. With this software, you won’t have to worry about your private data, as your browsing activity will become absolutely unhackable and untraceable for potential and existing criminal snoopers.
The software is offered in free and paid packages. You can try all the opportunities of ScanGuard with its chargeless 30 day period.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2018
This is one of the World’s famous antivirus software. Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2018 works only with Windows. Kaspersky is probably the best antivirus software for Windows 10, as well as the best antivirus for Windows 7, or any other versions.
The main focus of Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2018 is basic protection. It includes web filtering, blocking malware URLs, and detection of any possible viruses coming from search engines. This antivirus detects, removes and makes alerts about any possible viruses or threats. Kaspersky is among the top antivirus software that provides great basic protection for Windows users. Antivirus software experts mark Kaspersky as top-rated antivirus software for Windows 10 and probably the best antivirus software for Windows 7.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2018 is reliable, easy to use, has well-designed, and user-friendly interface. Also, Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2018 is a good choice for beginners. There are different on-screen instructions that can help you resolve any issue you have.
To sum up, Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2018 is a good option for those who use Windows and need a high level of basic malware protection. This is definitely one of the best antivirus for Windows 10. The price is also very affordable: only $29.99 for an annual plan enabling you to use up to 3 devices. You can save some extra dollars by signing up for a two year plan for $59.99.
TotalAV
Speaking of TotalAV, we can’t but mention that it provides total protection against all possible types of malware. The software easily tracks the newly downloaded files that can infect your system and gets rid of them in no time. The opportunity of scheduled scanning – it can be performed daily, weekly or whenever you prefer – guarantees the highest level of real-time protection.
TotalAV features a variety of additional options, such as system optimization, improvement of system errors, blocking of phishing URLs, anonymous browsing, and others. It lets users enjoy fast and safe internet from all devices, without the fear of losing their private data due to spyware. The advanced protection of TotalAv is available across multiple gadget, which means that you can use your laptop, desktop computer, smartphone, and tablet all at one. Stay protected wherever you are – at home, in the street or at work. The software is lightweight and fast, it won’t slow down the operation of your devices irrespective of the additional factors.
The developers of TotalAV offer a risk-free 30 day trial period for all the packages of their solution. The most expensive one costs $59.95/year at a discount price and it includes 24/7 super-fast customer support, a safe password database, and an antivirus e-Book.
If you select the cheapest package of the software, you won’t get all these additional features, but you’ll get what’s really important – real-time protection against all possible viruses.
Norton AntiVirus Basic 2018
Last but not least, Norton AntiVirus Basic 2018 is often considered to be the best antivirus software for Windows10. It protects its users from any suspicious sites, and offers a wide range of advanced options and updates. This antivirus software stands out for extremely strong malware protection. Thanks to in handy URL blocker, your device is kept away from any harmful websites or files that you may upload.
We would like to draw your attention to some limitations with Norton’s browser extension. In some cases, Chrome extension doesn’t work and crushes for no reason.
Norton AntiVirus Basic 2018 is still one of the best antivirus for Windows, and definitely one of the best antivirus software for Windows 7, or any other Windows version.
Norton’s price is way below that of competitors: $14.99 for the annual plan. But the quality is as high enough.
This list of the top-rated antivirus software is not complete. Depending on your needs, there are different antivirus software solutions. If you want to get the best free antivirus for Windows 7, you can also check Avast antivirus. You even can get a free Avast antivirus for Windows 10.
Bottom Line
Nowadays, we use the Internet in every aspect of our life. The demand for protection has drastically increased. The market offers a huge number of the antivirus software and, it’s really easy to get lost in this diversity. Not all antivirus software perfectly matches each device and OS. So, before making your choice, pay attention to features included. If you are going to install an antivirus for Windows 2018, first check whether it is compatible with Windows.
In our review, we tried to cover the best antivirus for windows 10. We also recommend considering those solutions if you’re looking for the best antivirus for Windows 7, or the best antivirus for Windows 8.
