Best Antivirus for Home Use [2023] Comparison / Awards

Table of Contents

Every computer requires robust and reliable antivirus software for its computer and other devices. With the increase of cyber threats and attacks, one faces the risk of losing their sensitive data and personal information to cybercriminals.

Buyer’s Guide

Types of Antivirus Software

As an internet user, it is crucial to invest in antivirus software that’ll fight against all attacking viruses. Not only do antiviruses detect malicious software, but they also eliminate them. Antiviruses are classified into different types based on how they detect the virus, how they respond after detecting the virus, and the operating systems. Below are the different classifications of antiviruses:

1. Free Anti-Malware

An anti-malware is software that protects your computer and other devices from all sorts of malware such as viruses, Trojans, spyware, worms, spyware, etc.

Cybercriminals make use of this malware to attack and destroy businesses and compromise customer’s identities.

An anti-malware program is an excellent tool for safeguarding your computer and sensitive information of your business’ and clients’ from cyberhackers.

2. Antivirus

Antivirus software is necessary due to the constantly-emerging cyberattacks. Operating without an antivirus installed poses your computer to danger of getting attacked by malicious programs.

Antivirus software safeguards your computer against viruses and cybercriminals. It searches for threats in your device’s data (files, web pages, applications, and software), monitors your program’s behavior, and flags them for suspicious behavior.

Antiviruses perform these essential tasks:

Remove malicious software;
Schedule automatic scans;
Notifies you of the safety of your computer and other connected devices.

3. Spam Filters

If you don’t have anti-spam software or spam filters installed, one wrong click could instantly endanger your device and entire network.

As much as our inboxes contain genuine email communication from trusted service providers and senders, they are unfortunately also infiltrated by impersonators. In the worst-case scenario, scams, and cyberhackers.

Spam filters block spam from entering into a system. With a spam filter, you can maintain a list of people whose email you wish to receive, and these emails won’t ever be mistaken for spam.

4. File Shredders

Most of us only worry about spyware and viruses but hardly think about hard drive data destruction.

File shredder software is for individuals who wish to permanently dispose of personal and personal files in the computer memory, leaving no trace.

In file shredding, the software will rewrite the data and files computer, rendering it impossible to retrieve the file.

5. Anti-phishing Toolbars

An anti-phishing toolbar safeguards from phishing sites and provides you with detailed reports about the site you are browsing on the internet. These toolbars are mostly available as plugins or browser add-ons. Additionally, they filter out deceptive emails from the inbox, display risk ratings on suspected phishing and fraudulent websites, and report and block risky websites.

Antivirus Software Features to Look For

1. IM Protection

Instant messaging is, no doubt, a preferred method of communication, especially by work-at-home professionals. However, instant messaging comes with more significant security risks since it can trap users into giving out sensitive and personal information, such as ID numbers, passwords, etc. Antivirus software needs to feature IM protection that can scan and destroy malicious attacks.

2. Firewall

A large majority of antivirus software has a firewall feature. A firewall is a network security device that scans and analyses incoming and outgoing traffic and mitigates attacks. They act as a barrier between trusted and secured internal networks and untrusted external networks. No hacker can fish for any sensitive information from your system in the presence of a firewall.

3. Privacy Filter

Sophisticated spyware can silently operate in the background and steal sensitive data such as social security numbers, banking details, passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal information. Antivirus with a privacy filter will prevent cyberhackers from accessing your sensitive data, ensuring that you securely shop and safely carry out your online banking.

4. File Backup

Work-at-home savvies who rely on computers to run their operation need an antivirus with file backup and data recovery to prevent the loss of their files, such as financial records. An accident or malicious cause may prevent you from accessing your files.

5. Child Filter

A child filter is a monitoring tool that comes in handy for parents who can’t see what their children are doing on the internet. A child filter blocks content that is offensive and inappropriate for your family/children.

6. Antispam

This feature comes in handy when viruses sneak into your computer utilizing spam email and advertisement. An antivirus will block these unsolicited emails and ads.

7. Browser Toolbar

Accessing malicious websites can weaken your computer and expose it to spyware, hackers, ransomware, and other cyber threats. You run a risk of losing your data and files. An antivirus will limit and restrict access to unauthorized websites.

Antivirus Software Buying Tips

When purchasing antivirus software, most people have no clue what exactly to look out for. Below are a few tips to guide your purchase:

1. Make Sure it is Compatible With Your Device
When purchasing antivirus software, you need to consider the compatibility of the software with your computer. There are many versions of antivirus programs. Therefore, customers need to pay attention to the exact operating system. Failing to do that, you face the risk of wasting money on software that cannot work properly and protect your computer.

2. Jump on the Free Trial First
Consider investing in an antivirus program that offers a free trial, allowing you to know how the software works and covers your needs. Note that some free trials do not come with full features. Shop around for the one that will give you unrestricted access to what is available.

3. Read and Understand the Privacy Policy
Users need to be vigilant about whom they give their data to. Unfortunately, some manufactures of antivirus and computer security programs are sharers of sensitive and personal data. Read and understand companies’ privacy policies that you’re thinking of buying from, and do not hesitate to contact your provider to inquire about how your data is shared.

4. Check for Malware and Spyware Scans
In addition to protecting you against viruses, antivirus software tools lookout for spyware and malware scans that can compromise your system. A scanner for malware and spyware will guard you against hidden threats.

We have compiled a list of the best home antivirus software plus features and tips to consider when you are finally ready to invest in your chosen program.

Quick Comparison

	Trial	Moneyback	Price	Home Network Protection	Child Protection
BullGuard Antivirus	15 days	30 days	Starts at $19.49	✔	✔
McAfee Total Protection	N/A	30 days	Starts at $19.99	✔	✔
ESET NOD32 Antivirus	30 days	N/A	Starts at $39.99	✔	✔
Panda Antivirus	30 days	N/A	Free version/ starts at $3.41	✘	✔
Malwarebytes Premium	N/A	60 days	Starts at $2.84	✔	✘
Norton Antivirus Plus	N/A	N/A	Starts at $19.99	✘	✔
ZoneAlarm Antivirus	30 days	30 days	Starts at $25.95	✘	✔
Thor Premium Home	30 days	30 days	$74.96 billed annually	✔	✘
Kaspersky Antivirus	30 days	N/A	Starts at $29.99	✔	✔
Avast Omni Antivirus	60 days	30 days	Free/ starts at $49.99	✔	✔

1. BullGuard Antivirus: Editor’s Pick

Overview

Established over 18 years ago, BullGuard offers full-featured, robust, and reliable anti-malware products with the most basic protection. BullGuard antivirus is suitable for home use because it is easy to use and has a low impact on your system.

Additionally, this antivirus software is a good option for regular home users looking for above-average protection on all major platforms. And most importantly, Bullguard antivirus is very sensitive to things, so rest assured your child won’t access sites with harmful content.

Core Features

Compatible on multiple platforms.
Safer browsing.
Multi-layered protection.
Integrates artificial intelligence.
Vulnerability scanner.
Anti-ransomware.
Game booster.

Pros

Has above-average antivirus protection.
Has extra features that come in handy.
Minimal impact on the system’s performance.
Sleek design and an easy to use interface.
Speedy and lightweight.

Cons

The anti-malware could be improved.
Limited extra features.
Users with Android and Mac require a premium version.

Bullguard Pricing

BullGuard Antivirus – $19.49/year
BullGuard Internet Security – $29.99/year
BullGuard Premium Protection – $40.00/year

Awards

Top Product AV-Test Certified Windows 2020.

AV-Comparatives Malware Protection 2018.

AV-Comparatives Advanced+ Performance Test 2018.

Money-Back Guarantee	Trial Period
30 days.	15 days.