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If you are looking for an antivirus download that goes beyond simply protecting your computer from malware, full Internet security suites may be a better choice.
They offer a full range of protection for your online devices. While basic virus protection is still the basic functionality, others that these packages can offer include ransomware protection, a VPN, and even a password manager. These are truly online security downloads that sing and dance for everyone who wants the best protection possible.
And it's not just desktop and laptop computers that can benefit from Internet security suites, as there are also versions for Android and iPhone smartphones. Because they cover multiple devices (usually five or more), you can protect all of the gadgets for you and your family on one simple plan – Windows and Mac included.
Some providers also offer a hot spare function to cancel any existing attack, and encryption software for additional protection is also commonly included. Many now come with additional privacy features and a firewall as standard.
Although Internet security suites and antivirus packages are generally aimed at domestic consumers, also note services specifically for businesses, such as cloud antivirus and endpoint protection to provide professional quality protection. Online cybersecurity courses are also available to help improve staff awareness.
Whatever Internet security suite you are looking for, and for any device, you will end up with more than just basic software with our selection of the best. Here are the ones we think are currently the best on the market.
1. Bitdefender Total Security
Enhanced protection on all fronts, as well as PC maintenance tools
Operating system: Windows and Mac, Android and iOS | Maximum number of devices covered: 10 | Outstanding features: Safepay online banking protection, high quality ransomware defenses, web protection module
Wide range of features
Excellent web browsing protection
30-day trial (no card details required)
Potential impact on performance
You get – deep breathing – antivirus plus impressive ransomware protection, firewall, Wi-Fi security advisor, secure browser (Safepay) for online banking, file shredder, scanner of vulnerability, password manager, email spam filter, parental controls, webcam and microphone defenses, and more (including a great web protection module to block malicious URLs) .
In addition to the security functions, Total Security provides various maintenance and optimization tools for PC. These are somewhat useful in themselves, for cleaning up unnecessary files and streamlining boot times – but more importantly, Bitdefender's flagship package also covers more than just Windows devices, providing applications for Mac, as well as Android and iOS mobiles.
Since it is only slightly more expensive than Bitdefender Internet Security – the enterprise-level security suite – it is well worth upgrading to Total Security if you have multiple devices on different platforms to protect.
The only ointment fly is that Bitdefender Total Security may require a little more toll on the performance front than the best in competition, although we did find that it was around average in terms of the slowdown caused on our PC. Your mileage may vary and you may not notice anything at all.
Another advantage of Total Security is that there is a 30-day trial without any payment details; just provide an email address. This means that you can try the security suite yourself for a full month and see if there is any impact on the performance of your own PC, before committing to purchase.
2. Kaspersky Total Security
An “intelligent” security suite with excellent value for money
Operating system: Windows and Mac, Android and iOS | Maximum number of devices covered: 10 | Outstanding features: Safe Money Safe Web Browser, Adaptive Smart Protection, Safe Kids Parental Control
Excellent antivirus engine
First-rate parental controls
By far the best value in the Kaspersky range
Some features are only quality
One of the problems with the entry-level Kaspersky Anti-Virus package is that it is rather fragile when it comes to additional functionality, sticking to the basics and not offering much. other. This is why it makes sense to opt for Kaspersky Total Security, mainly because it offers much more functionality and does not cost much more than Kaspersky Anti-Virus (in fact, with the discounts on plans at the time of writing it can be the same price – or even cheaper – to get total security, so you'd be silly not to, really).
Total Security gives you all the basics, including fast, accurate and highly configurable virus scans. On top of that, you get a smart firewall (it doesn't bother you with pop-up messages asking what to do), a secure web browser, protection against webcam hacking, a software update, a tool for file backup, as well as a solid password manager and Safe Kids module from Kaspersky.
The latter is a great parental control system with some smart social media monitoring tools. While not all of the features live up to this standard – some extras, such as troubleshooting assistants and the spam filter, are unstable – overall, you get a lot for your money here.
3. Norton 360 Deluxe
Offers an integrated VPN and protects the whole family
Operating system: Windows and Mac, Android and iOS | Maximum number of devices covered: 5 | Outstanding features: Parental control, VPN, online backup, dark web monitoring (United States)
Light on system resources
Fully integrated VPN
Superb parental controls
There is no trial version
When we evaluated all of the NortonLifeLock security suite options, we chose Norton 360 Deluxe is the best full choice for anyone looking to protect more than one device – which is probably the majority of people.
There are a multitude of features here, including excellent antivirus protection coupled with a very light touch when it comes to resource usage, combined with webcam protection and dark web surveillance (for U.S. users only, the ‘spirit), and a parental control system.
Parental controls are excellent, by the way, including in-depth monitoring systems to keep an eye on what your kids are doing online, and even GPS tracking of their mobile devices. Norton is even stronger than Kaspersky in this department, and that means something.
There are also some really cool extras included here, like a fully integrated VPN (which could be a big money saver per se) and 50 GB of online backup storage (ditto).
Norton 360 Deluxe will cover up to five devices (and that means you can also use the VPN with these five bits of hardware), Windows or Mac PC, as well as mobile apps for Android and iOS. The price is very competitive compared to its competitors, so you should definitely consider this Norton package – especially for family use given the very thorough parental controls.
4. Trend Micro Maximum Security
Sterling malware and ransomware protection in a beginner-friendly package
Operating system: Windows and Mac, Android and iOS | Maximum number of devices covered: 10 | Outstanding features: Anti-ransomware Folder Shield, high quality URL filter, password manager
Multi-layer anti-ransomware
Simplified user-friendly interface
Impressive range of features
Experts May Want More Configuration Options
There's a lot to love about Trend Micro's flagship security suite – Trend Micro Maximum Security – the most important of which is its neat and user-friendly interface, supported by robust antivirus protection and multi-layer anti-ransomware defenses.
The package also gives you better than average URL filtering for safer web browsing, and this system is also intelligently configurable. That said, a slight weakness of Trend Micro's offering is that there isn't a huge amount of low-level scanning – like antivirus scanning options – so the most demanding users may miss it.
Maximum security also provides parental controls, social media protection and PC maintenance tools, although the latter is not a major asset. It also has data theft prevention countermeasures, a secure safe for storing sensitive files, and an impressive built-in password manager.
Less tech-savvy types will appreciate the ease of use here, which also applies to capable mobile applications. There is also a 30-day trial, so you can check it all out for yourself before you buy.
5. Avast Ultimate
A quality, versatile security solution
Operating system: Windows and Mac, Android and iOS | Maximum number of devices covered: 10 | Outstanding features: Ransomware Shield, Wi-Fi Inspector, SecureLine VPN
Well-equipped suite
Grouped VPN
Numerous configuration options
An impact on PC performance
Upselling other products is not welcome
Avast is best known for its excellent free antivirus product, but the company also provides an impressive comprehensive security solution in the form of Avast Ultimate. This is another offering that bundles a full VPN, giving you much more online protection than a typical antivirus suite, and making Avast Ultimate a profitable purchase for those who are also considering choosing a VPN.
Avast SecureLine VPN May Not Compete With best VPN providers there, but it offers a fairly solid service – and above all quite fast -. Avast Ultimate also offers a decent password manager, a secure browser and excellent network protection measures.
This suite offers many options for experts to play in terms of configuration and has sufficiently strong antivirus defenses, supported by a very commendable Ransomware shield for additional protection on this front.
There are some minor irritations here, including some of Avast's unwanted attempts to whip its other products into a paid suite, and we observed a small system slowdown in our review. But these drawbacks aside, if you need a VPN as well as an antivirus, Avast Ultimate is a great choice.
6. Webroot Internet Security Plus
Extremely streamlined and fast security suite
Operating system: Windows and Mac, Android and iOS | Maximum number of devices covered: 5 | Outstanding features: Password manager, identity protection, 70-day money back offer
Incredibly light application
Really fast scan times
Password manager powered by LastPass
Question marks on the antivirus engine
IOS app is limited
However, despite this minimal impact on your machine, Webroot Internet Security Plus comes with many features. There is online banking and identity theft protection, as well as webcam protection, an accurate anti-phishing system and a password manager (which is actually powered by LastPass – the one of the most trusted names in password management, so you can be assured of quality here).
Drawbacks? Well, you can get lightning-fast malware scans, but Webroot's antivirus engine hasn't been evaluated by the big independent test labs lately. It's not necessarily bad, but from what we've seen for ourselves – and what reviews are available – there's a mixed picture of the accuracy of its antivirus. Also keep in mind that the iOS app does not offer malware analysis (it consists of a secure browser, a backup and a password manager).
However, Internet Security Plus is a complete package, and a 70-day 100% money back guarantee shows Webroot's confidence in its suite.
7. ESET Smart Security Premium
Demanding users will really appreciate the configurability of ESET
Operating system: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android | Maximum number of devices covered: 5 | Outstanding features: Network protection, password manager, anti-theft function
Highly configurable
Very light on system resources
Some features are insufficient
The results of independent laboratory tests are not the best
That said, the quality of some features can vary: for example, the parental control system is quite simple, but the password manager is very well developed. ESET also offers many configuration options, which will appeal to experts, although computer novices may find it difficult to master in some respects.
ESET's basic antivirus protection seems solid, although with some mixed reviews from independent test labs.
Keep in mind that ESET Smart Security Premium is also not a great value proposition for longer term subscriptions, but it is good for a one year plan and a decent shout for a security suite solid complete (in addition, it covers Linux, too).
8. McAfee Total Protection Multi-Device
Much cheaper than entry-level McAfee antivirus
Operating system: Windows and Mac, Android and iOS | Maximum number of devices covered: 5 | Outstanding features: Configurable firewall, password manager, performance improvement tools
Navigation and application performance improvements
High quality spam filter
Decent value
Clumsy interface
Only average protection against malware
As its name suggests, McAfee's core product, Total Protection Individual, covers only one device. And if you're thinking about buying it and have more than just a Windows PC, you'd better buy McAfee Total Protection Multi-Device. For not much more money, you get a sound security suite that protects up to five Windows or Mac computers and Android or iOS devices. American customers also get a useful extra supplement in the form of identity theft protection.
McAfee's interface is simple and streamlined, making it easier for beginners, although it's probably too sparse for more experienced users. The user interface also suffers from some annoying quirks.
Reports from independent test laboratories suggest that McAfee Total Protection offers sufficiently strong, if not advanced, anti-virus defenses. Overall, the McAfee suite represents reasonable value and a decent choice in the multi-device package, with a few nifty extras to improve web browsing and application performance.
9. Bullguard Premium Protection
Operating system: Windows and Mac, Android | Maximum number of devices covered: 15 | Outstanding features: Secure browser, Game Booster, identity protection
Some really smart extras
Full identity protection
Support for up to 15 devices
Average results of independent test laboratories
Slight concerns about security issues (now fixed)
Another Internet security suite to consider is that of BullGuard, which provides a triple layer of security supported by advanced machine learning to stop current and future malware threats.
Additionally, there is a built-in firewall, vulnerability scanner and home network scanner to ensure your Wi-Fi connection is safe and secure. Although Bullguard lacks some of the functionality that others provide, it only includes parental controls to protect children in the household from accessing malware websites.
There is also the option of protecting multiple devices, and it works out cheaper than many competing providers overall. In this case, this option would be suitable for those looking for a more basic Internet security suite without all of the additional tools provided by others that you might not use anyway.
10. Panda Dome Advanced
Need to cover a ton of devices? So look no further
Operating system: Windows and Mac, Android | Maximum number of devices covered: Unlimited | Outstanding features: Identity protection, anti-ransomware, backup USB key
Protection for an unlimited number of devices
Light and streamlined suite
Not a massive feature set
Inconsistent ratings of independent test laboratories
Panda Dome Advanced has quite a proposition for those who have a lot of pieces of equipment that they need to protect – it covers an unlimited number of devices (subject to “reasonable home use” as a warning).
For not much more money, you get the same basic protection as Panda Dome Essential (which is solid enough – although Panda's malware defenses are inconsistently evaluated by independent test labs). In addition to that, Panda Dome Advanced offers identity protection, parental controls and advanced threat protection (including anti-ransomware).
This is a decently well-equipped and light suite that is definitely worth a look, for example, large families who may have a lot of devices to protect.
- GET AN ADDITIONAL PROTECTIVE LAYER WITH THE BEST VPN
What is the difference between antivirus and Internet Security?
While antivirus software provides a basic level of protection for your system, comprehensive Internet security extends functionality such as file and software scanning, activity monitoring, and vulnerability scanning with functionality tailored to your needs. Internet usage.
Indeed, many Internet security products are marketed as “suites” because they contain several different programs accessible through a single interface.
These can include a firewall, spam checks, ad blockers, webcam protection, keylogger protection, parental controls and credit card protections. There may also be additional protection against web-specific types of malware such as spyware and adware.
However, running as many different types of programs could mean that Internet security suites use more resources from your system than conventional AVs.
Can I create my own free Internet security suite?
There are many advantages to buying a premium Internet security suite from a trusted supplier, but it's perfectly possible to create your own modular suite by choosing the most suitable free products.
While this may mean that you save money, it does mean that you have to do a lot of the work yourself. You'll need to identify the best components, whether it's virus protection, firewall, or backup software, and fix any issues yourself.
The more components you introduce, the more complexity and use of system resources will increase. You will also suffer from the pitfalls of using free services, such as frequent advertisements prompting you to upgrade.
Using a premium Internet security suite means that the provider integrates multiple services into a single package that can be managed from a single interface. In addition, they can cover several different types of devices and offer different levels of protection.
If you want to create your own suite, you can choose the best of the individual components in the following advice guides:
– spare disk
– encryption software
– privacy
– firewall
– cloud antivirus
– terminal protection
– online cyber security course
What should I look for in an Internet security suite?
All of the products on this list have effective capabilities, so the difference is in the additional capabilities. If there is a particular type of threat that concerns you, such as ransomware or phishing, check if specific protections are included.
Bank protections, firewalls and parental controls are also areas that you need to consider, especially if there are multiple users on your computer. And of course, you need to determine if you need protection on multiple devices, such as smartphones.
However, the number of additional features and devices can have an impact on costs.
Finally, think about usability and the impact on system performance. Do you want a high level of customization or do you want an easy-to-use interface and want a program that is capable of rapid analysis or that requires minimal system resources?
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