Now more than ever, it's important to consider the tools and technologies we use to protect ourselves and our personal information from cyber threats. One of the most critical of these tools is antivirus software, which is designed to detect, prevent and remove malware, viruses, and other types of malicious software from our computers. With the increasing sophistication of cybercrime, it's important to have the best antivirus software on your computer to protect your personal and financial information. The stakes are high, and the consequences of falling victim to a cyber attack can be severe, from the loss of personal data and financial loss to the disruption of your entire life. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which antivirus software is the best for your needs in 2023, making it essential to be informed about the features and capabilities of the different options available. We have reviewed some of the top antivirus software options and what makes them stand out, helping you make an informed decision about the best antivirus software for your needs in the coming year.
The Best Antivirus Software of 2023
- TotalAV: Best overall antivirus in 2023
- Surfshark: Best for techies
- Intego: Best for MacOS
- Bitdefender: Best for small businesses
- Microsoft Defender: Low detection rates
- Kaspersky: No longer recommended
TotalAV Antivirus Pro 2023: Best Overall
TotalAV Antivirus Pro is a comprehensive antivirus software designed to protect your device against various types of malware and cyber threats. It offers a range of features including real-time protection, malware scanning, and browser security. It’s the best choice for home users looking for a complete, intuitive antivirus with some of the best cybersecurity protections out there, all for a low-cost yearly subscription.
One of the key strengths of TotalAV Antivirus Pro is its real-time protection feature. This feature continuously monitors your device and will instantly detect and block any malicious software or threats that it finds. This helps to prevent malware and other threats from compromising your device and stealing your personal data.
Another important feature of TotalAV Antivirus Pro is its malware scanning capabilities. The software can scan your device for malware and remove any that it finds, helping to keep your device and data safe from malware attacks.
TotalAV Antivirus Pro also includes browser security features, which can protect you from phishing attempts, rogue web pages, and other web-based threats. This feature will alert you if you visit a website that is known to be malicious and will block it.
TotalAV features:
- Real-Time Antivirus Protection
- Eliminate Viruses, Trojans & Malware
- Zero Day Cloud Scanning
- PUA Protection
- Phishing Scam Protection
- Ransomware Protection
- System Tune-Up Tools
- Disk Cleaner
- Browser Manager & Cleaner
- iOS & Android Protection
Price:
From $19.00/year, 3 devices (80% off now)
Surfshark Antivirus: Best for techies
Surfshark is a relatively new entrant to the antivirus market, but it has quickly established itself as a solid choice for users looking for comprehensive protection. This antivirus software offers a wide range of features, including real-time protection against malware and viruses, a firewall to block unauthorized access to your computer, and protection against online threats such as phishing scams and identity theft.
One of the standout features of Surfshark is its ability to protect up to 5 devices with a single subscription. This makes it a great option for families or small businesses with multiple devices in need of protection.
Surfshark features:
- Antivirus scans
- Real-time protection
- Free Unlimited VPN Included
- Easy to set up & use
- Personal data leak notification
- Prevents target ads & tracking
- Lightweight, no bloatware
Price:
- Yearly plan starts at $3.49/month (76% off now)
Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9: Best features for Mac
Intego is an antivirus software specifically designed for Mac computers. It offers comprehensive protection against malware, viruses, and other online threats. It includes features such as real-time scanning, automatic updates, and a firewall. Intego is considered one of the best antivirus options for Macs because it is specifically tailored to the Mac operating system, which means it can identify and remove malware that is unique to Macs. Additionally, it offers a variety of customization options and is easy to use, making it a popular choice among Mac users.
Intego features:
- 24/7 real-time protection
- Scheduled scans
- On-demand malware scans, including full scans for maximum coverage
- Scans for viruses on iOS devices
- Automatically scans external drives when they are mounted
Price:
- 12-month plan of costs $29.99 or $2.49 per month (65% off now).
Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security Premium: Best for Small Businesses
Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security Premium is a comprehensive security solution designed for small businesses. It offers a range of features including advanced threat protection, network security, and endpoint protection.
One of the key strengths of the solution is its ability to detect and protect against the latest cyber threats. It uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to analyze data and identify patterns that indicate malicious activity. This allows the software to quickly detect and respond to new threats, keeping your business safe from cyber attacks.
In addition to its threat protection capabilities, Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security Premium also provides network security features to protect your business from unauthorized access and data breaches. This includes features like firewall and intrusion prevention, which can help to keep your network secure.
Bitdefender features:
- Human Risk Analytics
- Ransomware Prevention & Mitigation
- Attack Forensics and Visualization
- Risk Management and Analytics
- Network Attack Defense
Price:
- Starting from $5.70/device/month (30% off now)
Microsoft Defender: Low detection rates
Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a built-in antivirus program developed by Microsoft for Windows operating systems. It is designed to protect computers from viruses, malware, and other cyber threats. The software includes features such as real-time protection, automatic updates, and a quarantine system for potentially dangerous files.
However, some experts have criticized Microsoft Defender Antivirus for its lack of advanced features compared to third-party antivirus solutions. Additionally, some studies have found that the software has lower detection rates and slower scan times than other popular antivirus programs.
Due to these limitations, some experts suggest using third-party antivirus solutions in addition to, or instead of, Microsoft Defender Antivirus for better protection against cyber threats. It is also worth noting that Microsoft Defender Antivirus is not a replacement for a full security solution, and it's recommended to use a multi-layered approach for better protection.
Kaspersky: No longer recommended
Kaspersky Antivirus is a software program developed by the Russian cybersecurity company Kaspersky Lab. It is designed to protect computers from viruses, malware, and other cyber threats. The software includes features such as real-time protection, automatic updates, and a quarantine system for potentially dangerous files.
However, in recent years, Kaspersky Antivirus has faced significant controversy and has been criticized for its alleged ties to the Russian government. The US government has banned the use of the software on government computers, citing concerns over its potential use for espionage. Additionally, the company has faced accusations of inadequate transparency and poor security practices.
Due to these controversies, many experts no longer recommend Kaspersky Antivirus and suggest using alternative cybersecurity solutions.
Best Antivirus in Summary
We recommend Surfshark Antivirus (76% off now), because it is the best antivirus overall and Intego (65% off now) if you are a Mac user. For businesses, Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security Premium (30% off now) is the best choice.
We hope you have found the right antivirus solutions and we have managed to answer some of your questions about different antivirus solutions. However, if you still need help choosing the best antivirus, leave a comment.
