The most effective antivirus software can protect your devices from ransomware, malware, and phishing. It can also stop data breaches and spyware from destroying your personal information. But there are hundreds of packages out there with many costing more than you want to pay.
We’ve tested more than 300 them in order to find the most effective antivirus security for your money. We’ve searched for reliable and easy-to-use software that will keep you safe without causing a slowdown to your computer or deterring you from using it. We’ve also ensured that the software updates its malware database on a regular basis.
The best packages provide an entire suite of anti-malware engines, plus extra features like a VPN, password managers and parental controls. Some provide a dark Web monitoring service that can determine if your email address, credit card information or other personal data has been accessed by a shady person.
Our top pick is Norton 360, which offers great all-round protection with excellent malware detection rates and impressive additional features, including an account manager for passwords and an VPN for protecting your privacy when browsing online. It also offers live monitoring of dark web activity and cloud backups.
It’s one of the very few security applications available for Macs (most other programs only cover Windows PCs). In tests conducted by an independent lab AV Comparatives it performed very well. It’s not cheap at PS2/month however there’s a 30-day free trial.
