Best antivirus for computer

Let’s tell you what they are the best antivirus for computerwhich you will be able to use on both Windows and macOS. We have already told you what the best free antivirus or the best online antivirusand now it’s time to go to the paid ones, which you can also use in many cases on your mobile.

We are going to start by explaining why you may be interested in using an antivirus on your computer in these times when even Windows has its own. Then, we will go on to tell you some of the things you should Be sure to choose the antivirusand we will end by giving you the nine main alternatives.

And as we always say at Xataka Basics, we encourage you to leave us your experiences with these antiviruses and recommendations in case we have left out one that you consider better. Thus, all users will be able to benefit from the knowledge of our xatakeros.

Why use an antivirus on your computer

Although current operating systems offer their own protection systems that serve to block most threats, cybercriminals are always one step ahead. It’s a constant grind, and by the time one threat is resolved, new ones are already being launched. Thus, new viruses, phishing and malware attacks, as well as zero-day exploits, appear every so often.

Third-party antiviruses carry them companies specialized in cybersecurityand therefore its only job is to detect new threats and launch updates for its antivirus with which to protect you. Their reaction time for new threats is lower than that of the operating systems themselves, and that is why they are useful if you want the best security.

This does not mean that the antivirus on your cell phone or computer is bad, but that it can be improved with the additional layer of security that these programs offer. The laboratories of antivirus companies are dedicated to monitoring the Internet in search of new threats, checking the data received from their users to detect them, and investigating them in their laboratories to obtain a solution as soon as possible.

A modern antivirus not only detects and removes malware, but also protects you against fraudulent URLs, blocks exploits in real time, protects your browsing, monitors your email, and offers you tools against identity theft or malicious encryption of your computer in a Ransomware attack.

Therefore, in summary, your operating system offers you basic protection for most threats, but if you want better protection you should use a specialized program.

Whether you consider it necessary or not It depends on each of usthe data we keep on our computer and how much it can hurt us to lose it in the event that a virus attacks us. But the tools are there if you consider them necessary.

Keys to choosing the best antivirus for your computer

Choosing the best antivirus is not always easysometimes it will seem like everyone is offering you almost the same thing. Therefore, we are going to tell you several keys that you should look at when evaluating which one to bet on.

• royal protection: The most important thing about an antivirus is its ability to detect threats and block them in real time. For this, it is advisable to look at the results of independent laboratories that are responsible for measuring these parameters.
• Impact on performance: Some antiviruses are lightweight, but others can consume more resources and slow down your computer, especially if it is a few years old. Seek information about this before making a final decision.
• Extra features: There are antiviruses that offer extras in their prices such as a VPN, password managers, cloud copy systems, parental controls or identity protections. Consider whether these additional tools convince you or if you prefer something with less and a more affordable price.
• Pricing and renewal policy: Look closely at the price sections. Sometimes you will see additional prices the first year, but then the renewal increases considerably. Others will have more recurring offers, and others may seem more expensive but it will always be the same price. Consider the total price of the renovations and not just the promotions.
• Compatibility and support: Make sure you are going to pay for an antivirus that has applications for your desktop operating system but also for your mobile if you need it. Also offer customer service in your country.
• Ease of use: There will be some antivirus that are easier to use and simpler, and others that are more complex but perhaps also more configurable. Evaluate what you need.
• Reputation and transparency: Search the Internet for cases in which a brand or antivirus has failed, in order to check their reputation and transparency, ensuring that they have not had scandals or controversies over their privacy.

The best antivirus for computer (paid)

And then, we are going to go with the list of the best paid antivirus that you can install on your computer. For each of them we are going to give you a description with its main characteristics, as well as a link to its official website so you can download it.

bitdefender

One of the best security software you can find, specializing in dangers such as phishing or ransomware. It also offers an isolated browser for sensitive tasks such as managing your bank, protects you from tracking by ads, and has a password manager. It is available for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.

However, it is not completely perfect, as it does not have such good scores when it comes to blocking malware or defending against malicious web addresses. It offers a VPN, but using it will require a slightly more expensive subscription. Your individual plan has a price of 49.99 euros per yearand can be used on five devices with the same account. Ten euros more for a VPN.

Kaspersky

Kaspersky is one of the best antivirus on the market, and in all the tests carried out it usually has a score close to or at the same level as Bitdefender. However, the fact that It is Russian software It makes many people untrustworthy. In the past they had problems that damaged their reputation, although they have been fighting it based on independent analysis.

This antivirus has three payment plans, ranging from 20 euros per year to 35, which are first-year offers. It all depends on the extras beyond antivirus and online payment protection, because the higher packages include VPN, data leak checking, identity protection or expert virus checking and removal.

Norton

A veteran in the world of antivirus, with versions for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. Maybe Yes impact on performance is a little greater than other alternatives, but in exchange you have a program with many useful tools and functions.

It has several payment plans, starting from 20 euros per year and then continuing with double that, to others that are somewhat more expensive. It all depends on whether you settle for protection for one or several devices, in addition to their functions. Protection against viruses, malware, ransomware and hacks and a password manager come as standard, then you also have cloud, VPN or Dark Web monitoring options.

ESET

ESET is another great classic of online protection. The European company has a lightweight, configurable and effective antivirus. It has three different plans, which range from 40 to 100 euros per year for one device, although these prices will increase by 5 euros for each additional device that you are going to protect.

It includes real-time antivirus protection, a separate browser for banking operations, a firewall, and protection for your WiFi. Additionally, in higher plans you have data and photo encryption, unlimited VPN, additional security for files or folders, active identity protection, and defense against ransomware.

AVG

This popular antivirus also has very good scores in independent tests, and has two paid versions of 60 and 80 euros for the first year, although later they go up 36% and 38% respectively. Even so, they have the advantage of being able to be used on up to 10 devices.

These two versions include protection against malware and ransomware, as well as WiFi protection, blocking fraudulent websites, protection against phishing, and performance improvements. The more expensive version also includes a private VPN and blocking tracking by advertisers.

Avast

One of the most popular free antivirus on the market, which also has paid versions for 40 or 50 euros per year for the first year, although later the prices double. These prices are for its versions for a single device or to be able to install it on several.

The antivirus has automatic AI protections, as well as email scam protection. It also protects your data, blocks viruses, spyware and other threats, has advanced protection against ransomware, alerts if vulnerabilities are found, or protection against fraudulent websites.

Avira

Avira is another great classic among advertising software, although lately it has received some worrying ratings by independent laboratories. Even so, it stands out for its protection against phishing and its versatility when configuring it.

The paid version of Avira is priced at 60 euros for the first year, and then 110. It is significantly more expensive than the competition, and in addition to its antivirus and password manager, it also has unlimited VPN, data breach alerts, VIP customer service and more.

McAfee

One of the great classics of the sector, which in fact comes pre-installed on many computers. It is aimed primarily at the business world, and its price is considerably higher than that of the competition. But you can use it on unlimited devices, and it has good protection, good features, and good ratings in third-party tests.

The cheapest premium version It costs 50 euros the first yearand double later. It has antivirus and scanners for data leaks or old accounts. Then you have other, much more expensive versions that include business options such as bank transaction transactions, identity theft protection, payment alerts, and even cover payment of up to $25,000 per ransomware.

Trend Micro Antivirus

And we finish with an antivirus For those looking for something simpleralthough without losing a good basic defense. It has three rates, a very simple one for a single computer for 10 euros the first year, another for three devices for 25 euros per year, and a third for 5 devices (this time including mobile phones) for 30 euros per year. In all three cases, the price doubles after the promotional year.

It has protections against ransomware, email fraud, machine learning, and payment protection, as well as antivirus. This is the simple version, then if you pay more you can have protection for children, privacy for social networks, or protection for mobile phones in a third, somewhat more expensive version.

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