How to Choose Antivirus Software – Factors to Consider

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Today, the market is filled with highly secure and feature-rich antivirus solutions, making users wonder how to choose antivirus software that best suits their needs.

While a few specific factors, such as the provider’s reputation or price point, might help to distinguish the services better, there are additional features you should take into consideration when picking the best antivirus for you.

To help you make an informed decision, I’ll walk you through all the features I assess when evaluating antivirus software and explain what makes a good antivirus product.

TotalAV – Overall Best Antivirus Software

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Bitdefender – Reliable Antivirus with Great Real-Time Protection

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Norton – Secure Spyware Blocking Antivirus Service

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Best Antivirus Software for Security

  1. TotalAV – Overall Best Antivirus Software
  2. Bitdefender – Reliable Antivirus with Great Real-Time Protection
  3. Norton – Secure Spyware Blocking Antivirus Service

How to Choose Antivirus Software That’s Right For You

The best antivirus software will scan your system for threats and protect you from being exposed to viruses online. Choosing the right antivirus software can be a challenge, though, given the sheer number of options available on the market.

Here are seven factors you shouldn’t miss when picking the best antivirus software for your device.

1. Detection Rates

This shows how many threats the antivirus found compared to the total threats that exist on the device. So, look for providers with a detection rate as close to 100% as possible. Modern antiviruses often boast rates ranging from 97% to 99% or even more.

Equally, pay attention to the rate of false positives that antiviruses flag – when the software identifies something as a virus when it’s not a threat. The lower the false positive rate, the more accurate and trustworthy the antivirus is.

Before you commit, you can check out independent testing reports from third-party platforms, like AV-Test and AV-Comparatives, to get a feel of your preferred option.

2. Real-Time Protection

Modern antivirus solutions should be able to scan your devices in real-time and prevent threats from accessing your system. Therefore, make sure the provider you pick can scan downloads in real time and remove threats immediately, ideally even responding to zero-day attacks.

Robust web protection is also important to stop you from being targeted by malicious websites. After all, unsolicited downloads and sketchy websites are the top sources of modern viruses.

3. Ease of Use

A good antivirus should offer an easy-to-use and intuitive dashboard that makes antivirus management quick and seamless, regardless of how tech-savvy you are.

To get a better feel for how antivirus software works, you can make use of the free trials.

Take note of the dashboard layout; is it intuitive? Can you easily find all the main features, run manual scans, or access device health reports? Also note whether the provider allows you to customize your dashboard too.

4. Price

Although protection against viruses is important, it should come at a reasonable cost. So, weigh your budget and take note of the long-term renewal costs. While the initial discount is tempting, make sure the renewal price is up to your liking, too.

5. Additional Features

Alongside their core functionality – scanning and removing viruses – many antivirus platforms offer additional features, including VPNs and password managers. These are also part of the cybersecurity toolkit and help to keep you safe from malicious actors.

So, look for features that are typically paid for in your package. A free VPN, password manager, or data breach detector adds additional value for your money.  If you’re getting additional protection for the same price, you should definitely consider it as a bonus.

6. The Provider’s Reputation

Antivirus software has access to all your system files, so it’s important to ensure you only purchase products from reputable providers. After all, you don’t want to fall prey to data breaches or to inadvertently purchase a fake antivirus.

Reputable providers like TotalAV, Norton, TrendMicro, ESET, and Avast have been in business for years and have made a name for themselves in the cybersecurity space. If you want to go with a less well-known provider, read their security and privacy statements and ensure they have proper governance.

7. Free Plan and Money-Back Guarantees

While not a critical factor, I still advise you to opt for platforms that offer free plans and money-back guarantees.

Free plans come in handy for testing products before you put money down, while money-back guarantees underline the provider’s confidence in their software while also giving you an out if the services don’t meet your expectations.

How to Buy Antivirus Online

  1. Purchase a Subscription Plan

    Choose a provider of your liking and purchase a plan that best meets your needs. I opted for TotalAV, entered my details, clicked “Checkout Securely,” and made the payment.
    Purchase a Subscription Plan
  2. Download and Install

    Once you’ve completed the purchase, you can download the antivirus software.
    Download and Install
  3. Open the Antivirus and Run a Scan

    Open the antivirus app and run a Smart Scan by clicking on “Malware Protection” and “Protection Status.” You’ll find the “Malware Protection” option on the left toolbar.
    Open the Antivirus and Run a Scan
  4. Remove Any Malware Found

    You can view any threats found by clicking on “Quarantine” and permanently remove threats from your device.
    Remove Any Malware Found

Can I Get Free Antivirus Software?

There are plenty of free antivirus solutions that can help you protect your devices without incurring any costs. For example, Microsoft provides a proprietary antivirus tool called Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which comes pre-installed with the operating system and offers real-time protection.

Here are some pros and cons of using free antivirus software.

Pros

  • 100% free – You get protection without spending a penny
  • Basic protection – Free solutions are good if you’re on a budget and want basic protection

Cons

  • Lack of advanced features – Free software is often basic and lacks advanced features
  • Lack of support – You’ll often have to rely on forums and community support
  • Security concerns – Free antiviruses don’t guarantee total security and some are even fake antivirus scams

A number of providers offer free antivirus products. Avast is among the best with a free-forever plan, while Malwarebytes has a free antivirus for Windows. TrendMicro, on the other hand, has a range of targeted tools, including software to fight ransomware, phishing and web threats, and already installed viruses.

What Mistakes Do People Make When Buying Antivirus Software?

Here are a few things to avoid when researching and comparing the best antivirus solution for you:

  • Ignoring renewal prices – Many buyers only look at the initial pricing when choosing an antivirus, but renewal prices are often higher, surprising unsuspecting users after a year or two.
  • Not reading reviews – It’s always a good idea to read reviews before you buy an antivirus, such as the ones you’ll find in our antivirus guides, which cover the pros and cons and the issues that users face.
  • System slowdowns – It’s important to have an antivirus, but they can have an impact on your system’s performance, so make sure your machine can handle the software and that your pick isn’t detrimental to normal use.
  • Regular updates – After purchasing an antivirus solution, it’s essential to update it regularly. New malware and security threats are emerging every day, so it’s important to get the latest updates from your antivirus provider.

Conclusion – How to Choose Good Antivirus Software?

Choosing a good antivirus software can make or break your online safety. Make sure to look beyond the price and pay attention to details like detection rates, false positives, and third-party test scores so you can compare products side by side.

Buying from established AV brands, like TotalAV, will generally be wise, and you may also want to consider whether additional features like VPNs and password managers add value for you.

FAQs

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Krishi Chowdhary
Tech Expert & Writer
Krishi Chowdhary
Tech Expert & Writer

Krishi Chowdhary has over five years of experience crafting buying guides and product reviews for a variety of leading technology websites. Since 2021, he has been a writer for Techopedia, focusing on topics such as cybersecurity, business software, and AI technology. Krishi has a Commerce degree and a wealth of experience in the technology industry. He is committed to continuously building on his knowledge and expertise, which form the foundation of his insightful tech product reviews and news coverage.