We always hear about the importance of having antivirus software installed on our computers and devices. There are lots of antivirus softwares available out there, and most of them come with support for all major operating systems including Windows, macOS, Android, IOS, etc. & today we are here going to show you all the Best Antivirus Software. So just check them out.
With so many antivirus options out there, it is quite difficult for someone who is not that very much technically aware of antivirus softwares to pick one. Especially considering that you do have to pay a considerable sum in order to purchase antivirus softwares, it only makes sense to purchase the Best Antivirus Software for the money that you are spending.
If you are about to purchase antivirus softwares and if you are in search for the best antivirus software out there, then today we bring you a detailed list of the best antivirus softwares available currently.
Table of Contents
- What is Antivirus Software?
- How Antivirus Software Works?
- Techniques Used by Antivirus Software to Detect & Remove Malware –
- Best Antivirus Software (Windows, macOS, iPhone, iPad & Android)
- How to Choose the Best Antivirus Software?
- Best Antivirus Software for Windows
- 1. Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security
- 2. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
- 3. Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus
- Best Antivirus Software for macOS
- 1. ESET Cyber Security
- 2. Norton Security
- 3. Intego Mac Internet Security X9
- Best Antivirus Software for iPhone & iPad
- 1. Avira Mobile Security
- 2. McAfee Security
- 3. Lookout Mobile Security
- Best Antivirus Software for Android
- 1. Avast Mobile Security
- 2. AVL Antivirus for Android
- 3. Sophos Free Antivirus & Security
What is Antivirus Software?
Antivirus softwares is a computer program just like any other software that is installed and run on your computer. The purpose of antivirus softwares is to prevent any virus infected software program from being installed on the computer. The antivirus softwares also periodically scans the computer for any hidden virus files and programs and then removes them from the computer.
How Antivirus Software Works?
Even though most people know what antivirus softwares is, many of them are confused on how antivirus softwares work. Below we have detailed on how antivirus softwares work in detecting and preventing malware attacks.
Well, basically speaking, antivirus softwares has access to a database consisting of signatures of malware known as “virus definitions”. Once an antivirus softwares are installed on a system, every executable file that runs on the system goes through the antivirus softwares before actually starting its execution.
The antivirus softwares scans the data within the executable file with the virus definition database to check whether the executable file has any sort of traces of any malware signatures and if it does, then the user is warned about the threat or the file may even be automatically removed depending on the seriousness of the threat found.
The virus definitions database is regularly updated by antivirus softwares providers, and that is the reason an antivirus softwares regularly download updates for the virus definitions, almost on a daily basis.
Techniques Used by Antivirus Software to Detect & Remove Malware –
Well, in the above section, we have mentioned that antivirus softwares check all the executable file running on a system to check for malware signatures. The method of checking executable files for malware signature is called Signature-based Malware Detection.
Below we have listed some other methods that antivirus softwares use in order to find malware presence on a computer.
Sandbox Malware Detection:
In this method, the antivirus softwares creates a virtual environment within the operating system to run the programs installed on the computer. The antivirus softwares then monitors the way the program behaves when executed, and if any malware-like execution is found, then the program is flagged as malware.
Behavioural Detection:
Behavioural detection also works very similarly like the sandbox malware detection technique. However, instead of creating a virtual execution environment, the software monitors the program under normal execution for any signs of malware and then flags the program if such an activity is found.
Data-Mining Detection:
Data-mining based malware detection is the latest type of malware detection. It makes use of data-mining techniques in order to find any signs of malware in a computer program.
Heuristic Detection:
In the heuristic detection method, the antivirus softwares scans different variations of existing virus definitions to find computer programs that may have an altered or different variation of an already existing computer malware.
Best Antivirus Software (Windows, macOS, iPhone, iPad & Android)
How to Choose the Best Antivirus Software?
Below are some of the points which will help you in buying the best antivirus softwares in 2018.
- Pick a Software that Offers Complete Protection:
With lots of antivirus softwares products out there, most of the antivirus softwares companies are competing to provide maximum features to the users. So, while picking an antivirus softwares, make sure to choose the one that offers the most features for the price you are paying. Malware protection is not just about virus detection anymore. Good antivirus softwares in 2018 will offer features to detect and remove worms, trojans, spyware, ransomware, adware etc. Also, good antivirus softwares will offer internet protection as well by blocking attacks in the form of email attachments and malicious websites. - Don’t Blindly Pick the Most Expensive Antivirus Software:
Many people while buying antivirus softwares just blindly goes and buys the most expensive antivirus softwares out there. However, you should be aware that choosing the priciest antivirus softwares does not mean that you get the most or the best protection. Do understand that there are many antivirus softwares out there which offer best-in-class protection from malware attacks and are available completely free to be downloaded and installed on any compatible system. - Check out Reviews from Existing Customers:
The best way to know if antivirus softwares is worth your money is by checking out reviews from existing or previous customers. You can easily find user reviews of antivirus softwares on the internet and based on the reviews published on the internet, and you can know about the pros and cons of antivirus softwares and then decide whether your choice of antivirus softwares is worth buying or not.
Best Antivirus Software for Windows
If you are looking for antivirus softwares for the Windows operating system, then below we have listed the best antivirus software for Windows 7, 8, 10 and others in 2018.
1. Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security
The Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security software is one of the best antivirus softwares for Windows. The single-user license for one year costs just $28, and the price gets cheaper per user when you take a multi-user license.
The software does come with all necessary malware detection and prevention features for virus, ransomware, malware, trojan, etc. The software auto-checks all email attachment downloads for malware attacks and also does web filtering so that you do not accidentally access malicious websites on the internet.
2. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
The Bitdefender Antivirus Plus software is the latest edition of the malware protection program from Bitdefender. Bitdefender antivirus softwares is considered the best antivirus softwares in terms of malware detection and has an almost consistent 100% detection accuracy.
With a price tag of $25.99 per user per year, the Bitdefender is also quite an affordable antivirus softwares for the Windows operating system.
3. Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus
The Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus softwares is another popular antivirus softwares for Windows in 2018. The main highlight of this software is that the virus definitions are stored in the cloud, which means the antivirus softwares does not require frequent updates once installed and also the system resources consumed are quite less.
The Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus softwares start at around $30 for one year and can be used in 3 different devices.
Best Antivirus Software for macOS
In search of antivirus softwares for macOS? Well, then check out our list of the Best Antivirus Software for macOS below.
1. ESET Cyber Security
The ESET Antivirus softwares is one of the oldest antivirus softwares available in the market, and the latest ESET Cyber Security antivirus softwares is one of the best antivirus softwares for Mac.
The software is priced at $39.99 for a single user per system. The malware detection done by the software is quick and detects 99% of all types of malware attacks. The software also offers one of the best email scanning system and scans all attachment downloads quickly before letting you open them on your Mac machine.
2. Norton Security
Norton Security is another popular and aged name in the antivirus business. Norton antivirus for Mac computers also has been around for quite a long time now.
The Norton Security antivirus software is priced at $69.99 per user per Mac. This software comes with a default always-on protection for malware which can be changed by the user. The malware detection is done fast, and the interface of the software is also quite user-friendly as well.
3. Intego Mac Internet Security X9
Priced at $39.99 for a single-user single Mac license, the Intego Mac Internet Security X9 is another best antivirus softwares for Mac in 2018.
The software has not only a great user interface but also the fastest malware scan and also the highest detection rate for a Mac device. The Intego Mac Internet Security X9 antivirus software can easily pick on any kind of malware threats that can attack your Mac system.
Best Antivirus Software for iPhone & iPad
There are some really great antivirus applications available for IOS as well. Below are some of the Best Antivirus Software for IOS that you can download and install on your iPhone and iPad.
1. Avira Mobile Security
The Avira Mobile Security is hands down the best antivirus application for iPhone and iPad. This antivirus app for IOS does not only protect your device from malware attacks but also protects unauthorised access on your device by checking the identity of the user as well.
Once installed, you can remotely ring your iPhone or iPad from within the Avira antivirus website so that you can easily locate your device in case it gets lost.
2. McAfee Security
McAfee is another popular antivirus software that also antivirus solutions for all major operating systems out there including IOS. The McAfee Security antivirus software offers you with the ability to lock/hide media on your device, ability to wipe, backup or restore contacts on your phone and more.
The McAfee Security also comes with the ability to remotely set off an alarm on your iPhone or iPad to locate it in case it gets misplaced or lost.
3. Lookout Mobile Security
Another popular antivirus app for IOS is Lookout Mobile Security. Just like the other two antivirus apps for iPhone and iPad listed above, the Lookout Mobile Security app also offers the ability to remotely locate the device if lost, backup and restore content on the device, and also to remotely wipe the content on the device.
Best Antivirus Software for Android
If you need an antivirus solution for Android, then do check out the below list of the top 3 Best Antivirus Software or App for Android.
1. Avast Mobile Security
Avast is another antivirus giant that also offers antivirus protection for Android devices. Even though the app is free to use, there are advertisements within the application, and they can be removed by paying a small premium to unlock the full version of the app.
The Avast Mobile Security app comes with features such as call blocking, Anti-theft alarm, app lock, malware detection and much more.
2. AVL Antivirus for Android
The AVL Antivirus for Android is lightweight antivirus software for Android that not only consumes less storage space but also takes up fewer system resources as well.
Even though it is simple antivirus software, the application is capable of detecting any malware attacks on the device and also comes with other user-friendly features like the ability to block unwanted calls and auto-blocking feature for phishing websites.
3. Sophos Free Antivirus & Security
Sophos antivirus for Android is an award-winning Android app, and despite being a free Android app, it does not feature any advertisements, making it really popular among Android users.
Apart from malware scanning, the application also works as an authenticator which can help you securely connect to WiFi networks, log into websites using one-time passwords, and more.
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Final Words:
We have tried to include all necessary information related to antivirus software in the above article. Also, the list of the Best Antivirus Software for Windows, macOS, IOS, and Android listed above are based on popular user opinions, and we hope you found our picks interesting.
If you have any question related to this Best Antivirus Software article, or if you would like to share your experience with antivirus software, then do feel free to leave a comment below.
