What Are the Top 10 Antivirus Software in 2021?

Today, any person who uses a PC requires an antivirus program installed on their operating system. However, with so many antivirus options to choose from, all assuring full-time protection, it is essential to choose the one that offers top-class security for every type of threat.

To keep your information safe and private, the best antivirus software works to fight identity theft, blackmail, and much more. You get the Defender with Microsoft Windows 10, but it doesn’t provide complete protection, unlike a dedicated antivirus program.

Here we’ll help you find the best antivirus software so you can enjoy stress-free internet access anywhere, anytime.

 

1. Bitdefender Total Security (The top quality antivirus software)

Bitdefender Total Security is one of the best antivirus software available, but it doesn’t come cheap. However, with that price, you get a 100% detection rate for both malware and viruses. In detecting both known and unseen threats, you get a digital signature-matching engine with heuristic monitoring.

You get protection against viruses, malware, phishing, spyware, and unsafe websites. You also get Privacy Protection, Parental Controls, and Password Management across devices.

PROS:  

• Real-time protection
• Fraud, Phishing, and spam defense
• Feature-rich
• Frequent updates
• Excellent core

CONS:

• An Expensive option
• Full VPN access costs extra

Bottom line: Bitdefender Total Security is an excellent security tool that keeps your PC secure with the most up-to-date and high-strength security.

 

2. Norton 360 with LifeLock (The best antivirus software for a feature-rich experience)

Norton LifeLock, with its 360 system, provides one of the best antivirus software solutions. It means both virus and malware protection with 100% assured. With Norton, you get an easy-to-use setup and a massive 100GB of cloud storage.

Other protections include malicious websites, adware, trackers, phishing scams, and cookies. Although it runs smoothly on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, it often runs slower on smartphones.

PROS: 

• Malware and virus protection
• Easy to use
• Powerful identity-theft suite
• Low resource usage

 

CONS:

• Costly after the first year
• Slower on smartphones

 

Bottom Line: It is economical for new users. It provides one of the best protections across the board regardless of the device.

 

3. Avira Antivirus Pro (Cheapest premium Windows antivirus software)

If you don’t want to splash tons of money on antivirus software each year, Avira Antivirus Pro is the perfect affordable option. The antivirus offers all crucial necessities, such as a built-in VPN, anti-scam protection, antivirus protection, and more.

Avira will block the URLs that are known to host malware with the included browser safety checks. With the Pro service, you will have your cloud storage files and torrents scanned as they get downloaded onto your PC.

PROS:

• Very affordable
• Offers anti-scan protection
• Not resource-intensive
• Supports all popular platforms

CONS:

• Limited features in comparison to others
• A few independent test results are poor

Bottom Line: With Avira Antivirus Pro, you get premium software without a massive price tag.

 

4. ESET NOD32 Antivirus (The best professional-level software for experienced users)

ESET is an excellent option if you can use complex menu options to tweak your antivirus as you want it. This antivirus features real-time malware protection, heuristic detection, URL filtering to block malicious websites, and much more.

Other functions include a password manager, software firewall, file shredder, and vulnerability scanner.

PROS:

• Get a free trial
• Highly configurable
• Excellent malware labs test scores
• Light on resource use
• File encryption against ransomware
• Cloud-based scanning

CONS:

• Lacks extra features
• Complicated for beginners

Bottom Line: ESET NOD32 is an ideal choice for professional users who want top-level protection, which they can configure as necessary.

 

5. Kaspersky Internet Security (Solid Security System for All Comers)

This antivirus software strikes a balance to offer you the best of basic entry and top-end levels. The basic antivirus program includes webcam monitoring and safe browsing tools that both tag and block malicious sites.

PROS:

• Excellent protection against ransomware
• Light on system load
• Fast scanning
• Ease to use

CONS:

• Lower protection rating than some
• Low impact on the system

Bottom Line: Kaspersky uses fewer resources provides safe browsing tools, and webcam monitoring, and automatically blocks malicious sites.

 

6. Webroot Secure Anywhere Antivirus (A lightweight antivirus solution)

Webroot Antivirus is speedy antivirus software that doesn’t rely heavily on your machine’s resources. You also get solid malware protection, fast virus scans, and a smart firewall monitoring system. There’s also a real-time anti-phishing feature, identity theft protection, and much more.

PROS:

• Extremely fast scans
• Streamlined app
• Light on system resource

CONS:

• Lacks testing data

The Bottom Line: Lightweight software that won’t use your system resources and offers excellent protection.

 

7. McAfee Total Protection (Great cross-platform support with a basic plan)

McAfee Antivirus offers Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS support starting from the basic plan. However, applications from Apple devices have fewer features.

The core package includes a VPN, a password manager, file encryption, a file shredder, and much more. The Total Protection Ultimate is a bit costlier but comes with unlimited devices.

PROS:

• Solid Firewall
• The basic package is feature-rich
• All plans support major platforms

CONS:

• Apple devices have fewer features
• Some independent test results are poor

Bottom Line: McAfee does a decent job most of the time; however, there are more than a few below-average results. But it is a good option for those with many devices.

 

8. Trend Micro Antivirus Security (The best easy to use antivirus software)

This antivirus is known for effective antivirus prevention, with expertise in spam and ransomware. It has supreme antivirus defenses while remaining user-friendly. It goes beyond real-time behavior monitoring with anti-ransomware.

PROS:

• Clean and clear menu
• Affordable pricing
• Strong protection

CONS:

• Resource intensive
• Fewer features options

Bottom Line: Simple yet effective protection that you can leave running without having to do anything yourself.

 

9. Avast Antivirus (Best feature-rich software suite)

Avast Premium security setup is an ideal option for anyone looking for a feature-rich solution. You get anti-phishing protection, a secure browser, a Wi-Fi network inspector, and a file shredder. You can tweak and personalize the software to suit your needs.

PROS:

• Very customizable
• Password manager

CONS:

• Can slow down your PC

 

Bottom Line: Get many features backed by an established antivirus protection engine.

 

10. F-Secure Antivirus Safe (Reliable protection in a slick package)

F-Secure Safe covers the necessary basic measures that you need from antivirus software. Moreover, there is parental control, ransomware protection, and support for a wide range of devices.

PROS:

• Easy to use
• Low system impact
• Effective against malware

CONS:

• Limited features
• Basic plans offer poor value
• No anti-phishing protection

Bottom Line: F-Secure Safe is a bit expensive product. But if you want a traditional antivirus, F-secure should be an ideal option.

CONCLUSION

With so many antivirus options available, it can be tricky to choose a suitable one for you. Consider the above list to narrow down your choice and find antivirus software that meets your specific internet usage requirements.