Antivirus software is crucial in today’s online world to protect against sophisticated attacks, especially with the continued rise of AI. Even the most tech-savvy and cautious people can expose themselves to malware, spyware, or ransomware, making antivirus protection essential. Most systems come with basic security software, but more robust antivirus software offers advanced firewall, sandbox environments, and multi-device protection.
When choosing antivirus software, it’s important to look for a balance between excellent protection, features, and minimal performance impact. Our picks for the best antivirus of 2023 include Norton 360 Deluxe, Avast One, AVG Internet Security, Trend Micro Maximum Security, McAfee Total Protection, Panda Dome Complete, and Windows Security.
Norton 360 Deluxe offers strong antivirus protection and a good number of extra features, including VPN access, a password manager, cloud backups, and Dark Web Monitoring. Avast One has a new design, excellent performance, and covers five devices. AVG Internet Security provides top-rated antivirus protection, clean interface, and additional online protections.
Trend Micro Maximum Security is recommended for beginners, offering highly rated protection, simplicity, and no guesswork interface. McAfee Total Protection puts an emphasis on identity and privacy, offering trademark malware protection, Identity Protection Service, VPN, and app update checker to address today’s concerns. Panda Dome Complete offers an easy-to-understand interface and a variety of features, making it perfect for power users. Windows Security, the best free antivirus, is built into Windows 10 and 11, easy to customize, and integrates with other security aspects of Windows.
If you’re looking to protect a Mac, Intego Mac Internet Security X9 is recommended by Macworld, offering a two-way firewall, high compatibility with macOS, and good malware detection.
In summary, antivirus software is crucial in protecting against online threats, and it’s important to choose the best one that meets your specific needs.