We always hear about the importance of having antivirus software installed on our computers and devices. There are lots of software 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 the software to pick one. Especially considering that you do have to pay a considerable sum in order to purchase software, it only makes sense to purchase the Best Antivirus Software for the money that you are spending.
If you are about to purchase software and if you are in search of the best free software out there, then today, we bring you a detailed list of the best antivirus software available currently.
Table of Contents
- What is Antivirus Software?
- How Antivirus Software Works?
- Techniques Used by Software to Detect & Remove Malware –
- The Best Antivirus Software (Windows, macOS, iPhone, iPad & Android)
- How to Choose the Best Software?
- The Best Antivirus Software for Windows
- 1. Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security
- 2. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
- 3. Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus
- The Best Antivirus Software for macOS
- 1. ESET Cyber Security
- 2. Norton Security
- 3. Intego Mac Internet Security X9
- The Best Antivirus Software for iPhone & iPad
- 1. Avira Mobile Security
- 2. McAfee Security
- 3. Lookout Mobile Security
- The Best Antivirus Software for Android
- 1. Avast Mobile Security
- 2. AVL Antivirus for Android
- 3. Sophos Free Antivirus & Security
What is Antivirus Software?
Antivirus software is a computer program, just like any other software that is installed and run on your computer. The purpose of the software is to prevent any virus-infected software program from being installed on the computer. The software 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 software is, many of them are confused about how the software works. Below we have detailed how antivirus software works in detecting and preventing malware attacks.
Well, basically speaking, the software has access to a database consisting of signatures of malware known as “virus definitions.” Once the software is installed on a system, every executable file that runs on the system goes through the software before actually starting its execution.
The software 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. The user is warned about the threat, or the file may even be automatically removed depending on the seriousness of the threat found.
The Best Antivirus software providers regularly update the virus definitions database, and that is the reason a software regularly download updates for the virus definitions, almost on a daily basis.
Techniques Used by Software to Detect & Remove Malware –
Well, in the above section, we have mentioned that the Best Antivirus Software checks all the executable files 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 the Best antivirus software use in order to find malware presence on a computer.
Sandbox Malware Detection:
In this method, the Best antivirus software creates a virtual environment within the operating system to run the programs installed on the computer. The software then monitors the way the program behaves when executed, and if any malware-like execution is found, then the program is flagged as malware.
Behavioral Detection:
Behavioral 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. It 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 Best antivirus software 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.
The Best Antivirus Software (Windows, macOS, iPhone, iPad & Android)
How to Choose the Best Software?
Below are some of the points which will help you in buying the best antivirus software in 2020.
- Pick a Software that Offers Complete Protection:
With lots of software products out there, most of the software companies are competing to provide maximum features to the users. So, while picking software, 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 the Best antivirus software in 2020 will provide features to detect and remove worms, trojans, spyware, ransomware, adware, etc. Also, good software 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 Software:
Many people, while buying the Best antivirus software, just blindly goes and buys the most expensive software out there. However, you should be aware that choosing the priciest software does not mean that you get the most of the best protection. Do understand that there are many software out there that 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 the software is worth your money is by checking out reviews from existing or previous customers. You can easily find user reviews of the Best antivirus software on the internet and based on the reviews published on the internet. You can know about the pros and cons of software and then decide whether your choice of software is worth buying or not.
The Best Antivirus Software for Windows
If you are looking for software for the Windows operating system, then below, we have listed the best antivirus software for windows 10 8, 7, and others in 2020.
1. Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security
The Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security software is one of the best antivirus software 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 viruses, 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 software is considered the best antivirus software 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 the best antivirus software for windows 10 operating systems.
3. Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus
The Webroot SecureAnywhere the Best Antivirus software is another popular software for Windows in 2020. The main highlight of this software is that the virus definitions are stored in the cloud, which means the software does not require frequent updates once installed, and also the system resources consumed are quite less.
The Webroot SecureAnywhere software starts at around $30 for one year and can be used in 3 different devices.
The Best Antivirus Software for macOS
In search of the best antivirus software for mac? Well, then check out our list of the best antivirus software for mac below.
1. ESET Cyber Security
The ESET software is one of the oldest software available in the market, and the latest ESET Cyber Security software is one of the best antivirus software 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, the Best 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 software for mac in 2020.
The software has not only an excellent user interface but also the fastest malware scan and even the highest detection rate for a Mac device. The Intego Mac Internet Security X9 software can easily pick on any kind of malware threats that can attack your Mac system.
The 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
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 unauthorized 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 quickly locate your device in case it gets lost.
2. McAfee Security
McAfee is another popular software that also antivirus solutions for all major operating systems out there, including IOS. The McAfee Security, the Best antivirus software, offers you 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.
The Best Antivirus Software for Android
If you need an antivirus solution for Android, then do check out the below list of the top 3 the best antivirus software 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, the best antivirus software for android that not only consumes less storage space but also takes up fewer system resources as well.
Even though it is simply the Best 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.
Final Words:
We have tried to include all the necessary information related to 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 questions related to the Best Antivirus Software article, or if you would like to share your experience with the Best Antivirus Software, then do feel free to leave a comment below.