Despite the hundreds of Antivirus software services on the market, only a handful of antiviruses can provide the comprehensive protection you need for your PC. Plus, you can’t depend on Windows built-in service, Microsoft Defender — while it allows for decent cybersecurity, it’s nowhere near as powerful as a premium option.
After rigorously testing more than 30 services, I’ve found the five best antivirus programs that are truly the best. These antiviruses provide real-time protection against the latest threats, perform well in malware detection tests, and keep your PC running smoothly. The top choice is Quick Heal Total Security, with powerful protection, low system impact, and a range of useful extra features.
1. Quick Heal Total Security
Heal Total Security claims to offer “robust protection for your PC” that protects against malware, financial theft, and spyware, in addition to including a parental control function. Here’s my assessment –
Security –
Quick Heal contains both automatic and customizable scanning modes. While the former will check your files and directories according to the default system settings, the latter lets you choose which areas of the system to scan for viruses.
Features –
Besides its rich selection of scanning options, Heal Total Security also includes some internet security features. These include an anti-keylogger tool, an automatic scan scheduler, and a parental control system.
Ease of use –
Total Security is downloaded from the Quick Heal website. Although I downloaded the installation utility in under a minute, the program initiated a lengthy download process before installing the program.
2. Norton Antivirus
Security –
After thorough testing, Norton emerges as the 2nd best choice for my PC because of its excellent security features at a very affordable price. Its layered protection defends against new and known malware in real-time, and the advanced firewall blocks unwanted network connections.
I’m particularly pleased that Norton’s antivirus software engine scored perfectly during testing, detecting and blocking 100% of real-time threats. It means it didn’t let a single item of malware onto the test Windows PC. I also tested Norton’s phishing, spyware, and adware detection — Norton blocked every malicious test item from downloading to my PC.
Features –
Norton has a range of high-quality features designed to improve performance and overall Security:
Low-impact scanning — Won’t draw unnecessary power from your CPU, so you can play video games, stream content, or work from your PC without interruptions.
Up to 75GB cloud storage — Protects your sensitive data from ransomware attacks.
Integrated firewall — Provides network-level protection, blocking unauthorized users and apps.
Parental control features — Available as a separate app, it lets you monitor your child’s online activity, plus content filters, website blocking, and more.
Unlimited VPN — Available as a separate app, it secures your online activity to browse and bypass content restrictions without limits.
Unlimited password manager — Secures your online accounts and passwords with a unique auto-change password feature.
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3. MC – Afee Antivirus
Security –
McAfee is also a good choice for your PC because of its impressive security features and excellent malware protection. I found that McAfee detects and blocks 100% of the latest threats and previously discovered malware during tests. It is the best possible result and ranks McAfee with other top-tier services like Norton.
Features –
McAfee takes a robust approach to Security with its extra features. Some of its features include:
Web protection tools — McAfee includes a premium firewall, phishing, adware protection, and WiFi scanning to protect you when you’re online.
Vulnerability scanner — Scans your Windows OS and installed apps to check for important updates and maintain Security.
File shredder and encryption — Permanently delete or securely encrypt files in case of device theft.
Secure VPN — Encrypts your online activity so no one can see what you’re doing or where you are, and it features unlimited data.
Identity Theft Protection (the US only) — Monitors the dark web and your credit report, alerting you to stolen information or unusual changes.
My Verdict/Conclusion –
McAfee is a robust and reliable antivirus software package. While it doesn’t have as many unique security features as other options on the market, McAfee provides excellent malware protection that secures your Windows devices and data.
4. Total AV
Security –
TotalAV stands out for your Windows PC with its range of tools designed to improve your computer’s performance. It gives you premium protection and a performance boost in a single service, saving you money.
Features –
These features include:
File cleaner — Scans your computer and removes unused and duplicate files.
App remover — Easily uninstall rarely-used apps that are taking up space.
Startup program manager — Improve PC boot time by managing which programs start when your PC does.
Junk file remover — Checks your web browser and clears unnecessary data.
VPN — Reliably accesses streaming sites and restricted content for anonymous web browsing.
Password manager — A browser extension that securely stores and auto-fills your account login credentials. Available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
You can try TotalAV risk-free for 30 days with the money-back guarantee. You can call TotalAV or email to request a refund.
My Verdict –
TotalAV’s extra tools make it a well-rounded antivirus package with excellent protection against the latest malware for your Windows PC. Given its poor customer support, TotalAV is better suited for more advanced users familiar with antivirus software.
5. Bitdefender Antivirus
Antivirus Security –
Bitdefender also offers cutting-edge features geared towards Windows 11 performance and protection. Some of Bitdefender’s lower-tier packages are exclusively for Windows so that you can get solid Security for a reasonable price.
Features –
I was impressed by Bitdefender’s range of features, which include:
- Optimization tools for improved system performance.
- Web filtering blocks harmful sites and links.
- Integrated firewall.
- VPN with a 200MB daily data limit.
- Webcam and microphone protection.
- Parental controls.
- Password manager.
- File shredder.
My issue with Bitdefender is the steep jump in price after the first year’s discount. While Bitdefender is a secure and feature-packed antivirus, other options like Norton are lower in price and better quality overall, especially for longer-term subscriptions.
You can test Bitdefender risk-free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee. You need to send an email ticket through the support site to get a refund, and it took a few days for Bitdefender to send an email response.
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My Verdict/Conclusion-
Bitdefender is a solid choice, with near-perfect malware detection and Windows-optimized features. I recommend it for users who want to control their antivirus appearance and operation precisely. Its steep subscription increase stops it from being the best long-term solution, but you should try it with its low first-year price.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading this article. I hope this article will help you to purchase your antivirus in 2022.