Best Antivirus Software 2022
Should you have anti-virus software?
Anti-virus software is one of the most important programs to have on a computer if you want to keep it and your data safe. It’s your first line of defense against all kinds of malicious infections, some of which could cause serious damage to your computer and data. But choosing the right security program is often tiresome due to the number of such software available. To make the decision easier, we have prepared a list of some of the best anti-virus programs to use in 2022.
Best Antivirus Software of 2022:
WiperSoft
WiperSoft is developed by Wiper Software and is an anti-virus program. It’s a relatively new software compared to the big vendors but it’s still a powerful malware detection/removal tool.
- Features
WiperSoft is an anti-virus program so it detects and removes a variety of malicious infections. It will guard your computer against trojans, viruses, keyloggers, and other malware. But WiperSoft’s strength lies in its focus on infections like adware, browser hijackers, spyware, and potentially unwanted programs. These infections are generally not considered to be particularly serious because they do not directly harm the computer. However, in addition to being incredibly annoying to deal with, such infections can indirectly expose you to malware. But since they’re not very dangerous, many bigger anti-virus vendors tend to overlook them. On the other hand, WiperSoft has an extensive database of less serious threats. In many cases, WiperSoft deals with these issues better than other vendors.
- Design and performance
When choosing an anti-virus program, it’s important to consider the design. WiperSoft has a modern design, and most importantly, a user-friendly interface. The program is easy to navigate with everything in clear sections. It also works without interrupting your regular computer use. Whether it’s scanning, removing a threat, or simply monitoring your computer, you should not notice.
- Price
While WiperSoft does have a free version with a free scan feature, it’s primarily a paid program. If you want to use it fully, you will need to purchase a subscription. WiperSoft has one plan but subscription lengths vary. A 6-months subscription for 5 devices is $36 ($6/month). A 1-year license for 5 devices is $50 ($4.17/month). The best deal is the 2-year subscription plan for up to 5 devices for $72 ($3/month). The subscription plans are all subject to the 30-day money-back guarantee. Keep in mind that subscriptions renew automatically. If you no longer wish to use the program, you will need to manually cancel auto-renewal.
ESET
Developed by a Slovak company by the same name, ESET is one of the oldest and best anti-virus programs in the business. Having been in the industry for several decades, ESET has perfected its security software.
- Features
ESET is primarily an anti-virus program but it does have plenty of other features. But detecting and removing malware is where ESET excels. Its extensive malware database allows it to deal with a huge range of threats, including adware, spyware, potentially unwanted programs, viruses, trojans, keyloggers, rootkits, malware, etc. It also provides protection against ransomware and phishing, which is essential nowadays. If you’re willing to pay more money, ESET also has a password manager, sensitive data encryption, privacy and banking protection, as well as network and smart devices protection.
- Design and performance
ESET has a very sleek and modern interface. It’s quite easy to navigate because everything’s sectioned clearly, so even less tech-savvy users should have no problems using it. And like most anti-virus programs nowadays, ESET is barely noticeable even when it’s actively scanning the computer. It works silently in the background so you should barely notice it.
- Price
ESET offers a limited free version but you do need to buy a subscription to use the program’s main features. ESET has three plans with the more expensive plans including more features. The most basic plan is Essential Protection ESET NOD32 Antivirus for $39.99/year. The plan is available for both Windows and macOS users. It includes malware detection/removal features, as well as protection against phishing. For $49.99/year, you can get the Advanced Protection ESET Internet Security plan. The subscription covers Windows, macOS, and Android users, and in addition to protecting against malware, it also has privacy/banking/network/smart devices protection. ESET’s most expensive plan is Ultimate Protection ESET Smart Security Premium for $59.99/year. In addition to the already mentioned features, it also has a password manager, sensitive data encryption, and protection against new threats. Keep in mind that subscriptions renew automatically. If you no longer wish to use the program, you will need to manually cancel auto-renewal.
BitDefender
Developed by a Romanian company with the same name, Bitdefender is an anti-virus program. It’s been protecting users from all kinds of malware threats for years now. It has evolved beyond simple malware detection/removal to a powerful security suite with some amazing features.
- Features
It’s one of the cheaper options available, particularly if all you need is for it to guard your device against malware. Because of its significant malware database, Bitdefender can deal with a wide range of infections, including less serious threats (e.g. adware, browser hijackers, spyware). It will also detect/remove trojans, viruses, keyloggers, malware, rootkits, ransomware, etc. For an additional price, Bitdefender also offers features like protection against phishing, the Privacy Firewall, an optimization program, and more.
- Design and performance
Bitdefender has a pretty typical design often seen in anti-virus programs. However, it’s a very clean program that’s easy to use and navigate. Launching scans, changing settings, setting up the VPN and other features, etc., is simple, so there should be no issues even for less-tech savvy users. It’s also a very quiet program. Whether it’s actively scanning for threats or simply monitoring for incoming malware, you should barely notice it running in the background.
- Price
Depending on which features you need, you can choose one of Bitdefender’s plans. The cheapest plan is Bitdefender Antivirus Plus for $19.98 the first year, then $39.99/year. You can use it on up to three Windows devices. The plan offers malware detection and removal, as well as multi-layer ransomware protection. If you need something a bit more advanced, there’s the Bitdefender Internet Security plan for $29.99 the first year, then $59.99/year on up to three Windows devices. It includes all anti-virus features, the Privacy Firewall, and parental controls. If you’re both a Windows and a macOS user, you will need to buy the Bitdefender Total Security subscription. For $38.89 the first year, then $89.99/year, it offers protection for up to five Windows/macOS devices, all of the already-mentioned features, and a device optimization tool. If you need an unlimited VPN, priority support, in addition to all of the other features, you may be interested in the Premium Security plan for $59.99/the first year, then $139.99/year. It works on up to ten devices. Keep in mind that subscriptions renew automatically. If you no longer wish to use the program, you will need to manually cancel auto-renewal.
Norton
Developed by American company NortonLifeLock Inc (formerly known as Symantec Corporation), Norton anti-virus is a powerful software that protects devices from malicious threats. It also has plenty of other useful features.
- Features
Norton is primarily an anti-virus program but it does offer many useful features. It will protect your computer from typical infections like spyware, trojans, viruses, keyloggers, malware, and ransomware. It will detect already-present threats, as well as stop incoming malware. Even the cheapest plan comes with extra features like cloud storage and a password manager. If you can afford to pay more, you can get Norton’s more advanced features like a VPN or credit monitoring.
- Design and performance
Norton’s design is also pretty standard. However, it’s a proven design because the program is super easy to use. The user-friendly interface makes the program easy to navigate, even for users not very familiar with such software. And like most anti-virus programs, Norton also operates without disrupting your regular computer usage. It barely consumes any resources, so you should not notice it even when a scan is being carried out.
- Price
Norton has many subscription plans to choose from. There are also many great discounts available. The cheapest plan is the Norton Antivirus Plus. With the current discounts, the subscription for one device costs $14.99 for the first year, then $59.99/year. It includes all the anti-virus features, 2GB of storage, as well as a password manager. If you need something more advanced, there’s the Norton 360 Deluxe subscription. It covers up to 5 devices and includes all anti-virus features, 50GB of cloud storage, a VPN, parental controls, a password manager, and more. The subscription for the first year is $34.99, then $104.99/year.
The Norton 360 with LifeLock Select is one of the more advanced plans. It provides protection for up to 5 devices, all already mentioned features, 100GB of cloud storage, dark web monitoring, LifeLock Identity Alert System, credit monitoring, SSN & Credit alerts, and more. The plan is $99.48/the first year, then $149.99/year. The most expensive Norton plan is Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus. It covers an unlimited number of devices, offers 500GB of cloud storage, all of the above-mentioned features, and more. The subscription plan is $299.88 for the first year, then $349.99/year. Keep in mind that subscriptions renew automatically. If you no longer wish to use the program, you will need to manually cancel auto-renewal.