2024 Best Antivirus
Secure your devices from viruses and malware
Protect your email from phishing attempts
Block hackers from accessing your data
Safeguard your files against ransomware
1
Avast
Best of the Best
Does not slow down your PC while scanning
Compatible with all modern platforms
Offers a powerful security plug-in for browsers
Built-in wifi network inspector
“Do Not Disturb” mode will block all annoying pop-ups
Password manager is included
9.7
2,483 reviews
Does not slow down your PC while scanning
Compatible with all modern platforms
Offers a powerful security plug-in for browsers
Built-in wifi network inspector
“Do Not Disturb” mode will block all annoying pop-ups
Password manager is included
2
Avira
Top scores against malware and ransomware
Fast and frequent updates
Cloud protection capabilities
Email attachments and USB files protection
Can repair damaged files
Low-cost packages for multiple devices
9.5
15,399 reviews
Top scores against malware and ransomware
Fast and frequent updates
Cloud protection capabilities
Email attachments and USB files protection
Can repair damaged files
Low-cost packages for multiple devices
3
Kaspersky
Fast full-system scan without impacting performance
File backup and encryption options
Easy-to-manage dashboard
Full protection against all known malware
Checks the reliability of any website
Comes with password manager, rich parental controls
9.4
1,229 reviews
Fast full-system scan without impacting performance
File backup and encryption options
Easy-to-manage dashboard
Full protection against all known malware
Checks the reliability of any website
Comes with password manager, rich parental controls
4
Panda
Accurate malware detection
100% virus detection rate on Windows
All versions include free VPN
Lots of extra tools and features
Cloud-based scanning means no bulky updates
Supports over 23 languages, including Arabic
9.2
12,841 reviews
Accurate malware detection
100% virus detection rate on Windows
All versions include free VPN
Lots of extra tools and features
Cloud-based scanning means no bulky updates
Supports over 23 languages, including Arabic
5
Vipre
Doesn’t use a lot of PC resources
Sophisticated anti-phishing tools
Especially good against malware
Social Watch tool checks for dangerous links on social media
Customizable firewall for the network-savvy
Easy to install and set up
9.1
154 reviews
Doesn’t use a lot of PC resources
Sophisticated anti-phishing tools
Especially good against malware
Social Watch tool checks for dangerous links on social media
Customizable firewall for the network-savvy
Easy to install and set up
6
AVG
24/7 real-time scanning
Fast and lightweight dashboard
Excellent anti-ransomware tools
Built-in VPN service
Loads of additional features, like a file shredder
Very user-friendly interface
8.8
4107 reviews
24/7 real-time scanning
Fast and lightweight dashboard
Excellent anti-ransomware tools
Built-in VPN service
Loads of additional features, like a file shredder
Very user-friendly interface
7
Sophos Home
Relatively inexpensive compared to other antiviruses
Generous device count caps at 10 devices
Remote management for up to 3 devices
Straightforward interface with only 2 buttons
Robust parental control options
Supports almost every OS, except Linux
8.5
348 reviews
Relatively inexpensive compared to other antiviruses
Generous device count caps at 10 devices
Remote management for up to 3 devices
Straightforward interface with only 2 buttons
Robust parental control options
Supports almost every OS, except Linux
8
Intego Mac Security
Specializes in protecting Macs
Also detects Windows and Linux malware
Strong anti-phishing feature
Scans mobile phones plugged into your computer
Additional firewall offers extra protection
Outstanding technical support
8.0
311 reviews
Specializes in protecting Macs
Also detects Windows and Linux malware
Strong anti-phishing feature
Scans mobile phones plugged into your computer
Additional firewall offers extra protection
Outstanding technical support
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Get The Best Antivirus Software For You
Your PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Android phone are not safe online. Malware, Trojans, ransomware, and phishing are all ways hackers can destroy, sabotage and even hijack your devices. Thankfully, there’s a solution – antivirus software. Antivirus protects your devices from all of the threats mentioned above, but also from spyware, adware, spam and much more.But there are so many different antiviruses, it’s difficult to know which one is the one you need. AskMjareb is here to help, as always. We selected the best antivirus software, tested them, and came up with the very best of the best.
Compare Best Antivirus Features
| | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real-time antivirus | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-Adware | Yes | No | Yes |
| Anti-Spyware | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-Trojan | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-Phishing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Email Protection | Yes | Yes | No |
| VPN Service | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Safe Browser | Yes | Yes | No |
| Parental Controls | No | Yes | Yes |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 Days | 14 Days | 30 Days |
Mjareb’s Advice
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Trojans… And Phishing… And Malware – Oh My!
Don’t let the name “antivirus” fool you – they protect you from so much more. Viruses are not the only nasty things lurking online just waiting to infect your PC, Mac and smartphone. Today, Trojans, malware and phishing are more common threats.
Malware piggybacks on seemingly innocent-looking software and apps you download to your device. It then roots itself deep in your system, where it remains dormant until it “wakes up” and starts wreaking havoc on your device – and by then it’s a nightmare to get rid of. Trojans are a “good” example of malware: named after the famous Ancient Greek story, this vicious app hides it’s true intent, tricking you to download it before spreading its malicious code all across your PC and even entire home network.
Phishing is another threat you need to consider when looking for antivirus software. Phishing is an attempt to trick or coerce you into giving away personal details like your credit card number and bank account information. It is often done by emails or fake websites that resemble familiar and trusted services like PayPal or Amazon. -
Ransomware Is The New Malware
- While malware is more concerned in just sabotaging your device, ransomware is much more sinister. Hackers will try and trick you into downloading a Trojan, just like with every other malware, but this Trojan isn’t about deleting your files – it’s about blocking access to your computer. This Trojan will open a “back door” into your device, allowing hackers to steal your data, and hide it behind a firewall or a password protected digital barrier. They are more than willing to give you your files back – for a price. They are essentially holding all your files and data for ransom – hence the name “ransomware.”
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Be Careful What You Click On
- For malware or viruses to gain access to your computer, you need to “invite them in.” Of course, you never do that on purpose, but hackers are getting very good at tricking people to trust them and install their malicious software. That is why you need to be very careful of what you click on when you’re online. You might get an email claiming you need to change your account password, or that there’s an amazing sale waiting for you – all you have to do is follow a link. The link can then download a malware straight into your device, or send you to a fake website that steals your account details when you attempt to log in. There are two ways to avoid such dangers: First, examine the link carefully – legit links are often short and have the name of the site/service right at the beginning. If you’re not sure, just go into your browser and type in the address of the site yourself, thus avoiding the link altogether. Don’t be tempted to click on links or files you don’t recognize, no matter what they promise you – especially in emails and social media. You have no way of knowing where they’ll lead you or what dangers you’re exposing your PC to.
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Make Regular Backups
- For all the reasons listed above – destructive malware, nasty Trojans, and determined hackers – you need to backup all your data often. The best way to protect yourself and your data is to make regular offline backups. Yes, you can also back everything up on one of the best cloud storage services available, but as ransomware becomes more of a threat, you should also keep a copy of everything you can’t afford to lose on a separate, external drive. That way, all your important data will be safe from any outside interference, infections or malicious interventions.
Common Antivirus Questions Answered
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How Does Antivirus Software Work?
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Antivirus software is designed to both prevent malicious software attacks and remove them from your PC, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. Malware includes Trojans, worms, spyware, ransomware and other attempts to get to your sensitive data.
To adequately protect you and your devices, antiviruses perform a set of functions that are designed to cover every vulnerability:
- Scan files and folders on your device for malware patterns in the code
- Provide real-time protection by automatically scanning every file you download
- Remove or warn of any malicious code found on your system
- Scan your emails for suspicious activity or messages
- Provide you with a “health-status” of your device
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Why Do I Need An Antivirus?
- ILuckily for us, computer viruses are no longer rampant like they use to be. But there are still terrible people out there who take joy at creating digital havoc or want to steal your private data and even identity. So, you do need antivirus software, but not just to stop viruses. You need an antivirus to protect your online activity. More and more of our lives are conducted online, and hackers are taking advantage of that fact. Those of you who use Microsoft Windows are especially vulnerable to attacks, but in recent years we see a spike of malware and Trojans that are aimed at Mac and Android devices as well. iOS is still relatively safe, but it won’t be long before hackers manage to outsmart Apple and breach the iPhone and iPad security. Around 60,000 new malware and Trojans are created daily, so the best antivirus needs to be able to deal with new threats on the fly and work on every platform. Avast Antivirus supports all platforms, even Linux, and both it and Avira update their database frequently to combat emerging hazards.
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Do I Need An Antivirus With Windows 10?
- Windows 10 has a built-in antivirus software called Windows Defender. For the most part, it does a decent job of protecting your Windows PC from the most common threats. But (and that’s a big “But”), there’s always a chance that something will slip through the cracks. To be absolutely sure your PC is entirely protected, an additional security layer is recommended. You should also consider that only the most updated version of Windows Defender (Creators Update or later) include protection against ransomware. Antivirus software often gets the latest protection features much sooner, and many now employ artificial intelligence for better threat detection. Plus, most of them come with a slew of extra features like parental control, password manager, email protection, and even VPN.
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Should I Use Free Antivirus Software?
- A paid antivirus always has more features and offer more comprehensive protection than a free antivirus. The free versions are just like Windows Defender – they are a decent first line of defense, but they don’t cover every front. The paid versions have the same features as the free ones, with additional features such as spam filters, customizable firewalls, file shredders, wifi monitoring and much, much more. When it comes to antivirus – you get what you pay for. If you only want the most basic of online protection and no more than that – use a free antivirus. If you want the peace of mind that comes from knowing you are completely protected online, you should opt for the premium version. In our online way of life, the added security is more than worth it.
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Do I Need Antivirus For My Phone?
- The short answer is yes and no. Let us explain. The more popular Android and iOS devices become, the more of a target they are for the bad guys. Luckily, Google and Apple do a fantastic job at monitoring the apps that go on their marketplaces, and any malicious ones are quickly removed. If you’re only installing apps from Google Play or App Store, you don’t really need to worry about viruses or malware. However, if you choose to download app APKs from other sources, you should rely on the additional protection a mobile antivirus provides. These antivirus apps do have other benefits, like letting you remotely lock or wipe a lost or stolen phone, back up your files and clean unnecessary data that slows down your device. But make sure to only use antivirus apps by companies you recognize (like the ones of this list) – there have been instances of Trojans masquerading as antivirus apps in the past.
- It’s time to take the final step and fully protect your PC, Mac, iOS and Android devices. Show those hackers they can’t just waltz into your computer and steal the data they want. Start fighting back by beefing up your cyber-security.
- Our AskMjareb experts answered the most burning antivirus questions and curated a list of the best antivirus software available on the market today. Avast, Kaspersky, Avira or AVG – they can all get the job done, but hopefully, we helped you decide which one is the antivirus for you.