Today, most people use a Windows system. That attracts many hackers simply because it’s the most popular PC operating system. Over the last few years, the antivirus situation on Windows has improved. But the users’ valuable data is still under threat – that’s why many people look for the best Windows 10 antivirus software.
To be safe from the latest threats, you need to update the Windows antivirus package regularly. That’s because hackers constantly look for new ways to access data and control systems. There are plenty of threats out there – some of which you might know, others you might have never heard of – no matter how cautious you are online.
So the question is – which is the best antivirus software for Windows 10 right now? Here, we’ll look at the top 5 Windows 10 antivirus.
1. ESET NOD32 Antivirus (Innovative protection, but rather spare otherwise)
Specifications:Â Game mode available, 30 days free trial
ESET NOD32 Antivirus is light, economical, quick, and effective, but with few extra frills. ESET Antivirus has the smallest drag on system performance on any paid antivirus software. It exterminates malware with the best of them. It has also a unique per-device pricing structure.
ESET NOD32 scans a PC’s start-up sector, running memory and Registry for hidden viruses and blocks known harmful sites. If you want user-friendly options like a VPN, firewall, or password manager, it’s better to consider other options.
Reasons to Buy
• Provide good protection
• Extremely light system – performance impact
• A la carte pricing
Reasons to Avoid
• A few additional features
2. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus (Best Windows 10 antivirus, filled with features)
Specifications:Â Maximum ten devices covered, Safepay baking protection, Wi-Fi Security Advisor
When it comes to blocking malicious sites on the Windows system, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is one of the best software available.
Bitdefender comes with a range of other features, like Safepay, a password manager, a vulnerability scanner, and a Wi-Fi Security Advisor, which evaluates any wireless networks you use and rates them for security.
It is a well-featured package with some smart touches, and the best bit is that it’s value for money, especially considering everything you get.
Reasons to Buy
• Excellent antivirus engine
• Loads of features
• User-friendly
Reasons to Avoid
• Minor ransomware clean-up niggles
3. Norton Antivirus Plus (Top-quality antivirus that keeps you well informed)
Specifications:Â Intelligent firewall, PC maintenance features, Norton Insight
If you only want to protect a single Windows 10 PC, Norton Antivirus is an excellent choice. The core malware protection offered is one of the best. It also provides a novel touch for tech-savvy types in the form of the Norton Insight tool. That may help to pinpoint more obscure threats.
Moreover, Norton Antivirus Plus does excellent work blocking harmful websites, and you also get a firewall that keeps you well-informed on any possible threats to your PC.
Norton Antivirus Plus is an ideal option to protect a single PC and no other devices.
Reasons to Buy
• Excellent web protection
• Several beneficial tools beyond antivirus defenses
• Includes a backup option
Reasons to Avoid
• Uses more resources than rivals
4. Kaspersky Antivirus for Windows (Strong malware protection from an established provider)
Specifications:Â 5 max devices covered, highly configurable virus scans, system watcher module
Kaspersky is one of the veterans of the security software. Some of the tweaking applied in the 2021 version includes a new performance option that minimizes battery drain and slimming down the Windows 10 antivirus app’s system impact every further.
All the elements of Kaspersky Antivirus work well to keep your PC safe. However, the program’s extra features are not as good as other competitors. Kaspersky’s core protection is firmly solid, but don’t expect much over and above the antimalware protection.
Reasons to Buy
• Highly accurate antivirus engine
• User friendly
• Low impact on system performance
Reasons to Avoid
• Rather feeble extras
5. Trend Micro Antivirus + Security (Excellent beginner-friendly Windows Antivirus)
Specifications:Â Ransomware supervision and top-quality URL filtering
This entry-level Windows 10 antivirus is for a single PC. One of the strongest benefits of Trend Micro Antivirus is that it focuses on making things easy for novice PC users. Install this software and let it run in the background keeping your PC safe, with no need to tweak or configure anything.
Although it’s an excellent choice for beginners, tech-savvy users will probably avoid it due to the lack of configurability and options available.
Reasons to Buy
• Easy to use
• Folder shield anti-ransomware layer
• Great web surfing protection
Reasons to Avoid
• Not very configurable
• Don’t have that many features
Free or Paid Antivirus: Which is a Better Option for my Windows 10 system?
Free Windows 10 antivirus from a reputable provider is an ideal choice if you want to protect your PC from viruses, Trojans, and worms. But if you need extra features that aim to defend tighter security, better privacy protections, and tune-up your system, then the paid version is an excellent choice.
The premium version might also include a VPN, which allows for more anonymous web browsing. Also, there might be features to exterminate tracking cookies and other privacy protections.
If you need a range of malware protection, extra privacy controls, and additional tools to help your PC run more smoothly, look for the best antivirus software that can offer some or all of these and more.