Last Updated on September 4, 2024
Every other day, a new computer virus emerges. That means the risks of our PCs getting infected are forever on the rise. And with our lives moving more and more online, a small oversight like forgetting to install the right antivirus on your new laptop might be all it takes for hackers to access your sensitive information.
The good news is that the antivirus market teems with reliable programs that you can use to safeguard your computer from cyberattackers. However, due diligence is paramount while shopping for antivirus programs.
Note that many antiviruses are developed by shady entities out to make quick bucks by fleecing unsuspecting buyers. More interesting is that some of these programs are actually malware disguised as antiviruses. It only takes a simple download for your computer system to become compromised.
A good place to start is choosing products by reputable brands. Be sure to also check customer reviews for insights into the program’s efficacy.
Fortunately for you, we’ve gone ahead and put together the ten most powerful antivirus software to keep your PC hacker-proof in 2023.
10 Best Antivirus Software for PC
1. Avast
Pricing: Paid plans start from $49.99/year; a free version also available
Avast is an antivirus software with a reasonably long history, during which it has racked up thousands of positive reviews. The program boasts one of the largest threat-detection networks designed to block the most invasive viruses, ransomware, and other malware in real time.
Avast works incredibly fast. The software is remarkably lightweight too. It performs quick scans with a single click without slowing down your PC.
Most clients also find Avast quite user-friendly. The software’s dashboard is simple and clutterless, with all important functions located within sight.
There are Wi-Fi security alerts to clue you in on potential weaknesses with your internet connection or if intruders are trying to gain access to the network. The program also includes Avast SecureLine Virtual Private Network (VPN) for safe browsing as well as an Avast AntiTrack feature that lets you disguise your digital footprints to keep potential hackers and intrusive ads at bay.
Avast is also one of the few antivirus software that come with both premium plans and free versions. The paid plans start from $49.99 per year and come with all the nifty features any powerful antivirus program should contain.
2. Bitdefender
Pricing: Plans start from $23.99/year
Bitdefender is widely regarded as an affordable alternative to Avast. That’s because both programs share many features, yet Bidfender’s cheapest premium plan costs less than half that of Avast. Perhaps the one striking difference between the two antivirus software as far as pricing goes is that Bitdefender doesn’t have a free plan.
Like Avast, Bitdefender performs quick scans in the background without slowing down your PC speed.
The lack of workflow interruption means you can seamlessly browse or type while the program does its job. You’ll only know the program is running when it catches a threat, as it will promptly alert you of the potential invasions so you can take immediate measures.
Another great thing to love about Bitdefender is that it doesn’t wait until the threat is too close for comfort. Instead, the software performs continuous eagle-eyed scans to nip every potential problem in the bud.
Once installed on your computer, Bitdefender will keep scanning whenever your PC is on. The program doesn’t wait till you hit the browsing sites as it understands that threats could come from multiple directions, including shared Skype files and plugged-in USB cables.
3. Kaspersky
Pricing: Plans start from $27.99/year; a 30-day trial period available
Kaspersky is an antivirus software that guarantees full protection from all kinds of threats, from malware to viruses, ransomware, and even spy apps. The program’s extensive protection range makes it a perfect choice for different types of PC users.
Online shoppers and bankers can use Kaspersky to keep their sensitive information under lock and key. Gamers and social media users can equally rely on the software to detect infected files.
Kaspersky provides an additional layer of safety via its VPN and Password Manager. These tools ensure controlled access to your passwords, browsing history, and content. The additional Stalkerware Protection feature helps you mask your digital footprints while Data Leak Checker alerts you when your sensitive information has slipped into the hands of malicious third-party entities.
It’s also important to note that Kaspersky won’t slow down your PC. All scans happen quietly in the background without interrupting your browsing, typing, or chat sessions.
Kaspersky doesn’t have a free plan. But with premium packages starting from a paltry $27 per year, this is undoubtedly one of the most affordable antivirus programs available.
4. Malware Bytes
Pricing: Plans start from $38.24/year; a 14-day trial period available
The name of this software speaks volumes about its primary function. The program has proven quite effective at blocking various kinds of malware, including worms, rogues, trojans, dialers, exploits, bots, spyware, and rootkits.
However, it will interest you to know that Malware Bytes doesn’t only cushion your PC from malware attacks. The program is also effective at combating other forms of invasion, including ransomware, adware, and web attacks.
Malware Bytes uses powerful artificial intelligence (AI) to scan your browsing sessions and quickly flags potentially infected files. It also scans your internet connection to proof it against hackers. And the best part is that the scans happen in such a quick and discreet manner you’ll never worry about your sessions getting interrupted.
Although it’s popular with PC users, Malware Bytes works on all major devices and operating systems. You can install it on your macOS as well as iOS and Android devices.
Moreover, this software utilizes simple controls that allow you to customize your PC’s security.
5. Avira
Pricing: Paid plans start from $21.99/year
Avira is another top recommendation if you’re looking for an affordable yet reliable antivirus program. With paid plans starting from as low as $21.99 per year, you certainly won’t need a free version. That’s especially considering the range of features you’ll enjoy while subscribed to the program’s cheapest plans.
Avira provides comprehensive protection against malware, adware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. The software blocks threats while repairing damaged files in real time.
There are firewall and email security features that provide your device with an extra layer of protection from hackers. And that’s not all.
This program also includes a powerful VPN for private browsing. Running the VPN allows you to visit any website with credibility issues, including dark-web platforms. You can take online surveys, play video games, or test-drive products without worrying about compromising your online security.
Avira also includes a tracker remover. This feature works alongside the VPN to hide your location and browsing history. It ultimately prevents you from getting bombarded with potentially infected files or intrusive ads.
6. McAfee
Pricing: Plans start from $89.99/year
Many antivirus software constantly pester you for permission before they can get to work. But McAfee is a welcome exception.
This program doesn’t require your permission to scan your PC. It diligently performs its work and then gently notifies you about any threats without getting in the way of your workflow.
Some of McAfee’s notable antivirus protection features include malware protection, ransomware protection, a firewall, and email security. There’s also a password manager and parental controls that help restrict access to your online accounts. Not to mention a VPN for browsing unsafe networks. And in case you need any clarification, the software maintains 24/7 customer support that’s ever-ready to address your queries.
McAfee comes with a structured payment system whereby it charges annual premiums based on the number of devices. There are plans when you need protection for a handful of computers and plans for unlimited devices. That makes it an excellent choice for individual PC users and IT teams alike.
Perhaps the only noteworthy drawback to McAfee is its rather costly subscription plans. But considering the slew of antivirus protection features the software comes with, I bet you’ll be a happy subscriber.
7. Totalav
Pricing: Plans start from $29/year
Here’s another tool that utilizes cutting-edge technology to provide your PC with a wide range of antivirus protection features.
For starters, TotalAV comes with a real-time protection scanner that constantly monitors your PC for potential threats. The software has proven reliable at blocking viruses, adware, spyware, trojans, and other types of malware. Scans are typically scheduled to run periodically in the background. However, you can run the software manually if you believe your PC might be under threat.
TotalAV also offers advanced cloud scanning. This feature provides extra protection from threats that many software may not detect immediately.
But TotalAV isn’t just quick to flag potential threats. The program utilizes powerful malware removal tools to clean up your device from all detected viruses and threats. This takes things to the next level as far as improving your workflow. Even better is that the antivirus tool constantly monitors data breach and lets you know if your sensitive information may have been compromised.
Device compatibility is another cool thing to love about TotalAV. You can download the software to Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android Fire HD devices.
8. Intego
Pricing: Plans start from $1.67/month; a 30-day free trial period available
Intego has been around for over two decades, during which it was primarily considered a program for Apple devices. However, the tool has since evolved to become compatible with other devices and operating systems. It’s now one of the go-to antivirus programs for computers.
Intego implements a dynamic, real-time antivirus monitoring feature to keep your PC safe at all times. The program was designed to intercept threats before they can seize control of your device and begin wreaking havoc. It guarantees round-the-clock protection from malware, adware, ransomware, spyware, and other threats.
But what truly sets Intego apart from most antivirus programs is its stealth protection capabilities. Although the program runs 24/7, it doesn’t interfere with your workflow or browsing sessions.
Another standout feature is the Intego Web Shield which protects you and your family from targeted cyberattacks like phishing and fake websites. That makes it especially the go-to antivirus program for protecting your children’s browsing sessions.
And needless to mention, Intego is also the most affordable antivirus software on this list. The program’s premium plans start at rock-bottom rates of $1.67 per month.
9. F-Secure
Pricing: Plans start from $49.99/year; a 30-day free trial period available
F-Secure antivirus software keeps your device safe from all kinds of viruses and malware you can think of – trojans, adware, spyware, ransomware, keyloggers, etc. The program’s bulletproof defense will cushion your PC from advanced threats, including those from harmful web pages and infected files.
F-Secure works around the clock to thwart virus attacks before they manifest themselves in your PC.
The software has an online banking protection feature that issues timely warnings when you’ve entered potentially harmful baking sites. It also comes with a parental control feature dubbed Family Rules, which sets screen time limit for your kids while also keeping them off malicious sites.
There’s a personal VPN that lets you encrypt your connection to hide your real IP address. This prevents your PC from getting tracked. You also get a Wi-Fi protection tool that prevents your network from getting hacked.
In addition to the VPN is a kill switch feature that keeps your data from slipping into malicious hands if you accidentally lose your VPN connection. There’s also tracking protection to stay ahead of tracking sites and protection statistics to see the number of blocked tracking attempts.
10. Panda
Pricing: Plans start from $17.49/year
The last antivirus software on this list also happens to be one of the most affordable. Panda may not come with a free plan. But it’s reassuring to know that premium bundles start from as low as $17.49 per year.
There’s a wide range of antivirus protection features you can unlock by subscribing to any of Panda’s paid plans. Expectedly, the costlier the bundle, the more advanced the protection capabilities.
Panda’s cheapest plan provides protection against viruses and malware. The plan also has a firewall that offers an extra layer of protection. The inclusion of a powerful VPN allows you to safely visit banned and potentially malicious sites. This gives you the peace of mind knowing that your browsing session is secure. There’s also Wi-Fi protection that constantly scans your internet to keep hackers at bay.
Panda works on multiple devices and operating systems. You can use the program to enjoy real-time antivirus protection on Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android devices.
Panda’s advanced features include a password generator that you can deploy to create unique and strong passwords for your online accounts. There’s also a CleanUp feature for removing files that could be slowing down your PC, as well as technical support 24/7.
Wrap Up
A lot goes into picking the best antivirus software for PC. Among the top considerations include speed, discretion, advanced protection, and affordability.
It’s great to know that the above-listed programs fulfill most of these parameters.
