The most effective antivirus software can protect your devices from malware, ransomware and phishing. It also protects against spyware that monitors your browsing history as well as passwords, and can prevent data breaches from destroying your personal data. But there are hundreds of different programs available with many costing more than you’d prefer to spend.
We’ve tested over 300 of them to find the most effective antivirus protection for the money. We’ve looked for dependable and user-friendly software that keeps you protected without slowing down your PC or putting you off using it. And we’ve made sure the software updates its malware database on a regular basis.
Top-quality packages include a complete set of anti-malware tools, along with other features such a VPN, password manager and parental controls. Some offer a dark-web monitoring service that determines if your email address, credit card details or any other personal information have been stolen by malicious hackers.
Our top pick is Norton 360, which offers top-quality all-round protection, with outstanding malware detection rates, as well as impressive extra features including a password manager and a VPN to safeguard your privacy when surfing online. The service provides dark web monitoring in real-time, as well as cloud backups.
It’s one of the few security software packages available for Macs (most other programs only cover Windows PCs). In tests conducted by independent lab AV Comparatives, it performed well. It’s expensive at around PS2/month however, there’s a no-cost trial.