Antivirus reviews and tests
It is unlikely that your computer will be infected with a virus, but at the same time there is a risk of infection by other types malware and online threats. Ransomware Trojans encrypt important files and wait until a ransom is paid before unlocking access to them. Banking Trojans interfere with online transactions and try to steal cash. Infection with a botnet will make your computer a link in the chain of devices used to launch DDoS attacks. For these and many other reasons, you should protect your computer with an antivirus. No need to worry about the price. The best free antivirus programs are more effective than some commercial solutions. The Internet portal PCMag conducted a comprehensive review of more than a dozen demons paid antiviruses and recommends the best products to choose from.
Many of the antiviruses presented are free for non-commercial use only. If you want to protect computers in your organization, you will have to purchase a paid version. In this case, it is worth considering switching to a full-fledged comprehensive antivirus. After all, the security of your business depends on it. If you need to protect large enterprises, then SaaS solutions come to the rescue, allowing you to centrally monitor and manage the protection of all computers in the company.
Your antivirus should reliably remove malware that has taken root in the system, but its main task is to prevent new infections from ransomware, botnets, Trojan horses and other types of threats. All antiviruses presented in this rating offer real-time protection against malicious attacks. Many products offer strong web protection that blocks access to malicious sources and prevents you from entering sensitive data on fraudulent sites.
Laboratory testing
Researchers from independent laboratories spend a lot of time and effort testing antiviruses. Some organizations regularly publish reports with test results. PCMag tracks results from 5 major labs: AV-Comparatives, AV-Test Institute, Simon Edwards Labs formerly Dennis Technology Labs), Virus Bulletin and MRG-Effitas. Certification from ICSA Labs and West Coast Labs is also appreciated.
Typically, antivirus developers pay for the opportunity to participate in testing. In turn, the laboratories provide vendors with detailed reports that help improve products. Thus, the number of laboratories that test a particular product is an indicator of the significance of this decision. In any case, to test an antivirus, two conditions must be met: the laboratory must consider the product important enough, and the development company must be satisfied with the cost of participation. Laboratories are not required to test free products, but many vendors include full protection in free solutions, adding only advanced features to paid products.
PCMag tests
In addition to in-depth analysis of lab test results, PCMag conducts its own amateur testing of antivirus software to block malware. Every antivirus encounters a set of malware different types, after which the product's reaction to the threat is recorded. Typically, an antivirus removes most samples at once and detects several more instances of malware when it tries to launch. Based on the test results, the product can receive between 0 and 10 points for blocking, depending on how thoroughly it protects the system from the test samples.
The test collection has been in use for months, so the malware blocking test does not provide any indication of an antivirus's ability to detect the latest threats. A separate test attempts to download malware from online sources less than a day old, provided by the MRG-Effitas laboratory. The testing process notes whether the product blocked access to a network location, cleared the malware payload during download, or ignored the threat. Norton received highest score in this test, followed by Avira in the final table Free Antivirus.
Useful features
Each antivirus product in the collection scans files on access to prevent potential malware from running, and also scans the system on demand or on a set schedule. Blocking access to malicious links - great way avoid trouble. Many products extend protection to prevent you from visiting fraudulent or phishing sites that try to steal your credentials. Some solutions assign rankings to search results by flagging suspicious and dangerous links.
Behavioral detection is featured in some products in the collection. On the one hand, this component can detect malware, which are unknown threats. On the other hand, behavioral analysis can lead to false positives for reliable programs.
One in a simple way for maximum computer protection is to install security updates for Windows OS, browsers and other popular programs. In Windows 10, updates are mandatory and fully automated, but there are still a large number of gaps in old ones. Windows systems, popular applications and plugins. Vulnerability scanning in the form of missed updates is a feature often found in commercial antivirus products. However, some free antiviruses have similar functionality.
Who was not included in the rating
This rating contains information only about free antivirus solutions that have received at least a “Good” rating based on PCMag reviews. Among those products that were not included in this rating is Windows Defender, which was awarded 2.5 stars. Microsoft participates in tests from all monitored antivirus laboratories, but only as a basic protection. If a product cannot exceed the basic level of protection, it is not worth considering.
Avast Free Antivirus 2017 combines highly effective antivirus protection with an extensive collection of additional tools.
AVG AntiVirus Free (2017) has received an updated interface and new security technologies. Tests from independent labs and PCMag's own tests show that protection is stronger than ever.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition includes the same antivirus protection as the paid Bitdefender antivirus, but lacks the additional functionality of the commercial version.
Kaspersky's free antivirus offers full-featured basic antivirus protection that scores excellent in lab tests.
ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus+ combines powerful antivirus protection from Kaspersky with a high-quality firewall. The product is an excellent choice for users who do not wish to install a complex solution.
Sophos Home allows you to provide the capabilities of a powerful corporate antivirus to ordinary home users absolutely free. The product performed well in independent lab tests and most of PCMag's own tests.
Avira Free Antivirus (2017)
Avira Antivirus gets excellent scores from independent labs, but in PCMag's amateur tests it was very slow to scan the test system. Additionally, web protection only works in Chrome and Firefox.
Adaware Antivirus Free 12 has a new name and a new appearance. However, its testing results are not the best, and competing free antiviruses offer more features.
Comodo Antivirus 10 received a new look and achieved a perfect detection rate in the malware blocking test. However, the product performed worse in other PCMag tests and in independent lab tests.
Panda Free Antivirus has an attractive user interface and an unusual USB vaccination feature. However, the product did not show the most best results in independent lab tests and PCMag's own tests.
Qihoo 360 Total Security comes with a powerful set of additional tools, but its core antivirus protection can't compete with the best free antiviruses.
Don't forget, your computer needs protection, so it is very important to choose high-quality antivirus software for it.
Even the simplest virus can cause serious harm to user data and the system as a whole.
Today the market software has hundreds of thousands of different antiviruses, so it is difficult for the user not to get confused and choose a truly high-quality product.
The developers position the program as a powerful analogue to most antiviruses, which, among other things, can protect the operating system from pop-up advertising banners and prevent the hidden operation of some extensions.
Malwarebytes is not a full-fledged antivirus, but a huge number of users from all over the world have noted its high-quality work and real ability to protect their computer.
Therefore, it can be used in addition to the main computer defender.
The program is available for free download as a demo version here.
The total cost of the software is $26 (an annual subscription with the ability to regularly receive database updates).
No. 9. System Care Ultimate
A large number of users keep saying that most popular antivirus systems slow down the computer very much.
If the technical characteristics of your device do not allow you to work with complex types of system defenders, the System Care program can replace a full-fledged antivirus.
According to 2017 data, after a complete update of the program, the number of users increased by 2 million people.
Probably, such a sharp jump in the popularity of the program occurred due to the fact that the developers were able to achieve stable and efficient work program, while the installation file itself takes up little space.
The free trial version of the program is available to users for thirty calendar days; it can be downloaded from the official website Iobit.com.
During this time, the user can fully evaluate the operation of the program and decide whether to purchase full version.
In the process of creating the antivirus, the developers tried to adapt it as much as possible for Windows 7.
The program provides:
- Real-time protection;
- Three types of system scans: quick, full and custom scans;
- Work in the background without loading the system.
No. 8. AVAST Free
This antivirus is familiar to everyone.
AVAST, over the many years of its presence on the market, has gained the status of a reliable and easy-to-use defender that is able to quickly detect and neutralize any type of threat.
The latest version of the antivirus was developed specifically for Windows 10/8.
Some software components of the program were completely redesigned, which allowed the updated version to become “lighter” and cope with the assigned tasks faster.
The AVAST interface is made of tiles and resembles the metro interface, which is presented in the new version of the Windows OS.
In addition to the updated interface, users will be able to receive updates much faster than in previous versions of the product.
You can download this antivirus.
AVAST is one of the best free antiviruses in the world, so it rightfully takes its place in this ranking.
No. 7. AVG
This antivirus, due to its simplicity and at the same time high efficiency, is actively gaining new users who respond positively to the program.
Among the features are the following:
- Using one of the best algorithms in the world to detect and destroy viruses;
- Cross-platform. Ability to work with mobile devices, and from a PC;
- The program can work stably even on machines with fairly low technical characteristics;
- Convenient user interface.
The paid version of the program, in addition to all the products included in the free version, includes a defender for email, which filters spam and emails with malicious links.
Thus, AVG is one of the effective antiviruses in 2017.
No. 6. Bitfender Soft
This software is a powerful computer protection system and includes a firewall, additional program, which is specially designed exclusively to protect the personal data of users and the antivirus itself.
According to the majority of software testers, this antivirus is perfect for those who care not only about the stable operation of their systems, but also carefully monitor their personal user data.
Bitfender is the best paid antivirus, according to user reviews from all over the world. An annual subscription to this antivirus software costs $26.
You can download Bitfender on the official website.
No. 5. Avira
Avira is a completely free antivirus software that managed to gain new users in the new year.
Program features:
- Cross-platform. This characteristic allows the antivirus to attract more and more users, as well as synchronize data on several user devices online;
- IN new version malware search algorithms have been improved;
- High performance.
No. 4. Kaspersky Anti-Virus
This antivirus does not need any additional introduction. It is well known to users all over the world.
For more than ten years, the antivirus from Kaspersky Lab has been extremely popular and occupies top positions in most thematic ratings from around the world.
This antivirus is the most popular defender throughout the CIS. Over many years of work, the laboratory has not limited itself to creating just one antivirus.
The company's products are quite diverse:
- Threat scanner for smartphones (supports all popular OS);
- Powerful antivirus;
- Firewall;
- Email Protector;
- Lightweight free version antivirus for PC.
You can evaluate the advantages of this antivirus by downloading its trial version for 30 days from the link
The first task of an Internet user is to secure his device, be it desktop computer, laptop or gadget. An antivirus will help us with this. IN Russian Federation are most popular free antiviruses, but as practice shows, they do not provide the same level of protection as paid software.
Several factors are taken into account. I will try to help you choose a product. Below is the top 5 best antiviruses in Russia.
Choosing an antivirus
As you already know, there are many different antiviruses on the Russian market, both paid and free. It will be quite difficult for a person who does not understand computers and software to choose the right product from a huge list.
Key points to help you choose an antivirus:
1. The level of protection that the product you are interested in can provide you with. 
For this purpose, there are specialized forums where users share opinions, and information can also be found on the antivirus website. The main attention should be paid to the frequency of antivirus updates. Find out if additional tools, except for searching for malware.
2. The amount of resource consumption of your operating system.
You should definitely read the antivirus requirements for the device, since your device (laptop, tablet, smartphone - they usually have a small amount of power), which will lead to freezing and unstable operation of the antivirus, ultimately you will have to abandon this product.
3. Price issue. As already mentioned, there is paid and free software. For people who are not particularly versed in computer devices, in most cases the paid version is suitable, 
you don’t have to manually check and configure the antivirus every time. Installed it - and for a whole year, no worries, no hassle. But even with the free version you won’t have any problems if you are as vigilant as possible when working on the Internet!
Top 5 antiviruses
1. . Takes a well-deserved first place. Ideal for Microsoft operating systems Windows 7,8,8.1,10 series. You can have peace of mind using social networks, surfing, downloading various files. This antivirus is equipped with a two-way firewall that protects your computer from external media with virus programs.
With BitDefender antivirus, you can easily restore your system in case of an error. Annual subscription costs from $30.
2. . The second most popular antivirus software in Russia. This is one of the most powerful antiviruses at the moment, protecting against all possible threats emanating from the Internet and removable media. The antivirus is recognized as an antispyware, protecting against bots and spies.
Like BitDefender, it has a system recovery feature. It has a wide database that is updated every day. The cost of this product for 1 PC is 1,799 rubles.
3. . Very popular in Russia. Well suited for beginners, as the design and simplicity of the antivirus are amazing. Kaspersky not only blocks all incoming virus software, but also cures those that escape. With this antivirus you will forget about the word spam, the program simply prevents spam links and messages from reaching the user.
However, this antivirus is not intended for users with weak machines, because it requires a lot of resources. The price of an annual kit with a period of one year is 1800 rubles.
4. . According to the latest statistics, this antivirus is considered the most popular in Russia, due to the fact that it provides a free trial version.
The antivirus constantly monitors the firewall, while improving the performance of the device. Spam protection is at the highest level. The cost of the product is 1439 rubles and above.
5. . To test this antivirus, there is a free version, without some features. The main advantages of this antivirus are the fight against spyware and spam. It protects your device well from malicious viruses. Has to its credit distinctive property– it not only updates its databases, but also updates other programs on your computer.
The cost of the Premier version package is 1250 rubles. The price of an annual subscription to Internet Security and PRO versions fluctuates around 700-900 rubles.
- Finding malicious software is a top priority. In order for the program to cope with it better than other alternatives (even paid ones), we equipped it with 5 engines at once. Among them, the cloud 360 Cloud deserves special attention, removing unnecessary load from the system, Bitdefender, popular in the world, and the System Repair algorithm for restoring damaged data.
This interaction allows 360 Total Security to quickly find, contain and destroy any threat to your data. - Cleaning hard drives and registry from junk files. Special add-ons allow you to find programs that you have not used for a long time. Powerful free antivirus with one click, it starts checking disks and the registry, after which the system boots and runs much faster.
- Another reason to download powerful antivirus free updates. All subsequent versions will be available to our users under the same conditions as FREEWARE now. This means that, unlike licensed software, which requires annual investment, our
These were the top free products that can help protect your Windows PC, and, in principle, they will be sufficient if you follow basic security measures. However, there are situations when your computer is used by other, not particularly knowledgeable and understanding people. In this case, it is better to pay for a more powerful and safe product, because the risks simply increase significantly. Besides, it’s better to pay about 50-60 bucks a year to antivirus software developers than to give absolutely all your savings to hackers and intruders. It is for this reason that today I decided to make a top 5 of the best paid antivirus for Windows 2019. And I sincerely hope that further information contained in this article will be useful to you.
Rating of paid antiviruses for Windows
Each such rating is compiled taking into account a variety of factors. This includes subjective experience of personal use, and reviews of other users, and even the objective capabilities of each product under consideration. In this material, I will try to preserve all these dogmas, so that the output will be an excellent and objective article that will help you make a choice in favor of this or that software. This, in turn, will help protect your data in the future.
Kaspersky Total Security
A product that provides maximum protection not only for your main PC, but also for other devices such as smartphones and tablets. The program can provide secure operation on devices running Windows, Android and Mac. Tools for backup, parental control and secure online payments are also available here. We must not forget that the antivirus practically does not load your system. For this reason, it can be used even on the oldest equipment.
Key features of Kaspersky Total Security:
- Maximum level of protection for all your devices
- Parental Controls
- Data backup
- Confidentiality
- Secure browser for online payments
- Work without placing excessive load on the system
- Convenient password manager
- Etc.
This antivirus has many advantages, but let's now look at system requirements.
- HDD: 1150MB free space
- OS: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10
- Processor: frequency from 1GHz
- RAM: from 1GB for 32 bits, from 2GB for 64 bits
- Additional software: Microsoft .NET Framework 4 or higher, Internet browser
Not so angry, considering that in most cases these requirements will be feasible. For other devices, the system requirements are also not particularly demanding, so you can try antivirus software on both smartphones and Mac computers.
By the way, this antivirus has a trial period (free testing) of 1 month. Therefore, before purchasing, you can use this software to your heart's content, and then decide for yourself whether it is worth it. Price the same for the annual version (for two devices) is only 1990 rubles. Quite good, considering the current prices for software.
Norton Security Premium
The most maximum protection from the entire Norton line, which will help protect your devices from the majority of currently known viruses and hacker attacks. Like all antiviruses from this top, protection is provided in real time, which means that all your processes are constantly monitored for suspicious activity. At the same time, the program can perform other functions, such as automatic backup of photos and documents and protecting your privacy on the Internet.
Key features of Norton Security Premium:
- Defense 10 various devices in real time
- Functions for protecting personal and financial data on the Internet
- Automatic backup of photos and documents
- 25 GB of free space for backups in cloud storage
- Unified web interface for managing antivirus on all devices
- And so on
In principle, the program is almost in no way inferior to the previous one, they are all good. Perhaps it only consumes a little more resources, but these errors are not so significant for modern PCs.
System requirements for Windows
- HDD: 300MB free space
- Processor: for Windows XP - 300 MHz, for Windows 7/8/10 - 1 GHz
- RAM: for XP - 256MB, for 7/8 - 1GB, for Windows 10 - 2GB
Requirements vary depending on the operating system. In the case of newer operating systems (Windows 8 or 10), the hardware requirements are higher. This is due to some functions that are available on new versions of the OS.
Price for such splendor is only 3199 rubles per year. However, now (at the time of writing) 18% discount, that is, if you buy an annual subscription now, the price will be only 2599 rubles.
Avast Premier
Maximum protection from Avast. Avast Free took first place because it had features that even some paid products cannot boast of. Now imagine what set of capabilities they have paid product. Yes, that’s right, this antivirus is truly very powerful. Just look at the webcam protection feature (for all those who are concerned about surveillance from all kinds of services), which many other antiviruses do not have.
Key features of Avast Premier:
- Protecting your webcam from hacking
- Blocking ransomware (at the stage when they have not yet started working)
- Comprehensive PC, password and home network protection
- Intelligent system for protecting your data
- Automatic software update
- Complete data deletion function
- Powerful firewall
- And much more
This software is really worth your attention. Many of the features described are not available in other similar products. Avast Premier is one of the best paid antiviruses for Windows. However, it is worth remembering that you should not abuse any actions either (for example, disabling the antivirus, or giving some programs excessively high rights).
System requirements for Windows
- HDD: 1.5GB free space
- RAM: 256MB
- Processor: the minimum clock frequency is not indicated on the official resource, but you should aim for 500+ MHz.
As the developers assure us, system requirements are not so important (taking into account the above), so we can conclude that on most more or less modern PCs this antivirus will not “eat up” a lot of resources. Here we are greeted by delicious price, which is only 1250 rubles per year. True, for one PC, but still, there is at least a choice here (you can buy a license for more or fewer devices). By the way, you can try this version before purchasing. The trial period is standard - 30 days.
Bitdefender Total Security 2019
A high-tech, productive product that provides antivirus protection for devices running Windows, Mac, iOS and Android. Like all other participants in this top, this program has a number of quite powerful functions that help ensure complete protection of your computer or smartphone. Among all others, the developers highlight the safe function Wi-Fi connections, as well as protection against ransomware.
Key features of Bitdefender Total Security:
- Centralized software management for all devices
- High performance and low resource consumption
- Webcam protection
- Secure storage of personal data
- Password manager
- Cross-platform
- And so on
This antivirus has rather mediocre (within the scope of this article) capabilities. But it is worth understanding that among the majority popular antiviruses, Bitdefender Total Security takes a well-deserved place. High performance coupled with fairly broad capabilities make this application one of the best paid antiviruses for Windows.
System requirements for Windows
- Processor: any, frequency from 1.6 GHz
- HDD: 1.5GB free space
- RAM: 1GB or more
Price(again, at the time of writing) annual subscription is only 1489 rubles. Moreover, this is a license for 5 devices.
Buy Bitdefender Total Security
