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Sometimes it is heartbreaking to know that some tech companies are building Windows antivirus software to deal with hackers and potential threats. These companies are constantly improving their security packages so that users’ online and offline lives are always safe.

If you are looking for comprehensive protection against the latest cyber threats, investing in the right software is best. Of course, this does not mean that you have to spend a fortune and spend large sums to buy the best Windows antivirus. Instead, this article will introduce some of the best, cheapest, and most expensive options available. But since some of the best antiviruses on the market cost are at less than $ 10 or $ 20 a year, we suggest that you always choose the safest option and go for a premium package.

1. Bitdefender Antivirus

• Operating system: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
• Can be used simultaneously: on ten devices
• Key features: Internet banking security, privacy tools, multi-layered ransomware system, IP change tools

Reasons to buy

• Powerful antivirus tool
• Lots of different capabilities
• Protect you when using online banking systems
• Abundant cost-effectiveness

Reasons for avoidance

Drill too much poppy when dealing with ransomware

Bitdefender is, in our opinion, the best Windows antivirus right now, beating out some of its most powerful competitors and making unreasonable demands on customers in terms of subscription costs; In fact, the basic subscription of this software is priced in such a way that no one can call it expensive.

Of course, if Bitdefender were not so powerful in its security against malware and viruses, this cheap pricing would not make much sense, but the opposite is true. This software very admirably protects you against various malware, although there are criticisms of its methods of dealing with some ransomware. But when using BitDefender, nothing can endanger the security of your Windows PC, and this antivirus has been able to get the highest score in the AV-Comparatives security test due to its ability to deal with advanced threats.

The number of features available in BitDefender Antivirus is truly admirable. Even the simplest and least contaminated subscription of this antivirus protects you wonderfully while browsing the web and against malicious links and phishing attacks.

In addition, you can expect Safepay for online banking, which is a secure browser and will protect you in every way. Next comes the ability to manage passwords and vulnerability scanners, which have been significantly improved in the 2021 version of BitDefender. If you need to keep your activities secret or visit websites that have banned IPs in Iran, you can go to the BitDefender IP change tool. Of course, there is a drawback, and this tool suffers from a daily traffic limit of 200 MB. But in the end, we have a value-added feature that sometimes makes things easier for you.

BitDefender has a very user-friendly environment. Its user interface is highly polished and straightforward, making it a great option for beginners in the world of antivirus and professionals who want to deal with different options. BitDefender company has also provided other products to customers. Take the Bitdefender Internet Security Suite, which offers all of the above features and a firewall, a spam filtering system, parental controls, and more privacy options such as anti-webcam and anti-microphone theft measures.

Finally, it’s time for the company’s flagship product, Bitdefender Total Security, which has PC maintenance tools and supports iOS and Android operating systems and Windows and Mac. No matter which version of BitDefender you go for, you can rest assured that it offers a wealth of efficient and valuable features for an affordable price.

2. Norton AntiVirus

• Operating system: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
• Can be used simultaneously: on five devices
• Key Features: Smart Firewall, PC Maintenance Capabilities, Backup Tool with Online Storage

Reasons to buy

Lots of different capabilities

Backup tool

Admirable ability to protect the user while browsing the web

Reasons for avoidance

• It affects the performance of the computer more than the competitors

Norton AntiVirus Plus is an antivirus application developed by a company called NortonLifeLock. Our main reason for including this software in the list of the best Windows antivirus in 2021 is that Norton offers you a host of different capabilities, all of which have been developed to the highest quality.

These include an efficient smart firewall that helps you monitor the system and measures to protect the user when browsing the web. Then there are the extra features you don’t usually find in antivirus applications: things like backup tools that give you 2GB of online storage and a set of tools for optimizing your computer. Tests performed by independent security companies show that the antivirus capabilities are untouched.

But the disappointing thing is that Norton spends a little more than it should and perhaps consumes system resources, according to the latest research. In addition, Norton has recently reached the bottom of the AV-Comparative rankings, which is disappointing and surprising; Because Norton has had a great performance in this category over the last few years.

But when you use the app normally, you will not see a slowdown in system performance, and for the money you pay, you will have access to a long list of various features. If you are looking for all the features, NortonLifeLock also has some more premium and more expensive sets. Norton 360 Standard, for example, brings new features such as IP switching service, more backup space (10 GB), and Dark Web monitoring (to detect the latest threats and viruses). On the other hand, we see powerful applications for Android and iOS.

Finally, suppose you need to use this antivirus on multiple devices. In that case, you should go for Norton 360 Deluxe, which allows simultaneous use on up to 5 devices and increases the backup storage to 50 GB.

3. Kaspersky Antivirus

• Operating system: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
• Can be used simultaneously: on ten devices
• Key Features: Highly customizable virus scans, ransomware system, prevent unwanted cryptocurrency mining.

Reasons to buy

• Very powerful antivirus engine
• Customizable and fast virus scans
• Admirable anti-ransomware capabilities

Reasons for avoidance

• The capabilities are not so great

Kaspersky Antivirus is the simplest and best Windows antivirus from Kaspersky that covers ten different computers simultaneously. The antivirus did not come as much as some of the other products on this list with a host of different features. Still, Kaspersky instead focused on the most basic security features and was very successful in its work.

The main features are very powerful, and Kaspersky always shows one of the best possible performances in various laboratory tests. It is great news, and once you install the app, you will notice its optimal performance against ransomware and other malware. Even unknown threats are eliminated instantly, and you can then recover files that were affected by the attack.

In the last few years, we have not seen the unveiling of new features in Kaspersky, and the main drawback (as we said in the reasons for avoidance) is the lack of support for multiple features. Another problem is that some additional features are not as efficient. For example, Kaspersky’s various “Wizard” capabilities have many drawbacks, and the browser configuration only supports Internet Explorer. There is not even support for the Edge browser, let alone Chrome or Firefox, which are the most popular browsers globally. You will find an IP change tool within the application that suffers from extensive restrictions such as the inability to select the IP of the desired country and 200 MB of daily traffic.

The good news is that Kaspersky’s larger and more expensive bundles can be more interesting when it comes to extra features. For example, the Kaspersky Internet Security bundle has a smart firewall and a secure browser, and in addition to Windows and Mac, it also supports Android and iOS-based devices.

Kaspersky Total Security goes a step further and includes smart parental controls, a versatile password management system, and automatic backup on the system (or on Dropbox). Thanks to the constant discounts that come your way, Total Security usually does not appear to be much more expensive than Internet Security. It is well worth the purchase unless you need the extra features.

4. Trend Micro Antivirus

Operating system: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS

Can be used simultaneously: on ten devices

Main features: ransomware monitoring, Pay Guard online banking protection system, URL quality blocking system

Reasons to buy

• Powerful antivirus engine
• Admirable performance against ransomware
• User-friendly environment

Reasons for avoidance

• Limited capabilities and settings compared to competitors

Trend Micro Antivirus + Security protects you in a simple but effective way. It has a user-friendly environment that puts all the options in front of your eyes straightforwardly and simple language.

The app’s antivirus engine has received rave reviews in independent lab tests, and the results of recent evaluations have been impressive. The only problem constantly mentioned is that the application in question gives the user more false alarms than competitors. Of course, most users will not encounter such a problem when using it normally, and the ransomware system in Antivirus + Security is also the biggest strength.

According to AV-Comparatives, when it comes to blocking phishing sites, no software performs better than this software, and with Pay Guard, you can access a secure environment for things like online banking. Weak points? Antivirus + Security affects system performance more than competitors, and the options and features available are not as extensive as those found in competing applications. This antivirus targets novice users more than is built for professionals. But if you are looking for more features, you can go for Trend Micro premium bundles.

At a higher level than Antivirus + Security, the Trend Micro Internet Security bundle can be found, including some interesting additional features such as parental controls and protection tools on social networks. But for most users, the right decision would be to spend a little more and go for Trend Micro Maximum Security, which supports Macs and mobile devices in addition to Windows, and has a secure password management system and repository for storing sensitive files.

Finally, the Windows Premium Security Suite bundle covers up to 10 devices (instead of 5 devices in Maximum Security). It brings you a free IP change tool and comprehensive technical support service.

To raise users’ general knowledge about Internet security and the various methods that hackers use to steal data, Faradres has released a series of videos entitled Teaching Hacking and Hacking Tips.

5. Avira Antivirus

• Operating system: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
• Can be used simultaneously: on 25 devices
• Key features: ransomware system, software updates, web browsing protection

Reasons to buy

• Excellent pricing
• Admirable web protection and anti-phishing system
• Lots of settings for extensive software personalization

Reasons for avoidance

• Some independent laboratory tests have yielded alarming results

Avira is best known for making the Avira Free Windows Antivirus available for free. Still, the company’s premium and paid packages should not be overlooked, especially the expensive Antivirus Pro package. Amazingly available to customers.

Antivirus Pro is Avira’s most economical Windows antivirus. It has everything you expect from a modern security application: real-time system scan for malware, ransomware security features, and a software update system that keeps all your applications safe and secure, from privacy tools like “file shredder” to privacy to the highest level possible.

In 2021, we saw a smarter and happier user interface within Antivirus Pro, and Avira also unveiled several new features, such as a free IP change tool (with a traffic limit of 1 GB per month). The main disadvantage is that the Windows antivirus engine mentioned in various laboratory tests has achieved average scores, but you can still expect acceptable levels of security.

By purchasing Internet Security or Prime subscriptions, you can expect more features such as a password management system and a more advanced version of software updates (which provide automatic updates for applications). An unlimited version of the IP change tool and support for mobile operating systems is also available on the Prime subscription.

6. Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus

• Operating system: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
• Can be used simultaneously: on ten devices
• Key features: Anti-theft protection, real-time phishing system, firewall monitoring

Reasons to buy

• Extensive and efficient capabilities
• Smooth and friendly user interface
• Ultra-fast virus scans

Reasons for avoidance

• Dissemination of limited data by independent laboratories

You will not find any antivirus tool on the market that claims to be “lightweight,” but Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus lives up to that promise. Installing the application takes only a few seconds and takes up very little space inside the system. In addition, the amount of RAM used by this Windows antivirus is very small. Most of the tasks are within the cloud memory of the manufacturer.

However, we have not seen any shortage of features available, which makes Webroot even more admirable. System scans for viruses are very quick. On the other hand, we see intelligent firewall monitoring systems, accurate and real-time anti-phishing systems,s and protection of the user against identity theft. The world’s largest security labs do not rate SecureAnywhere Antivirus, but SE Labs has named Webroot one of the top players in its latest antivirus application report; However, it still has to offer the same performance as the top competitors.

Among Webroot products, you can also find Windows Internet Security Plus antivirus, which, in addition to Microsoft and Mac operating systems, also comes with mobile devices, supports LastPass Manager password, and is compatible with up to five devices instead of three.

At the highest level, we get SecureAnywhere Complete, which benefits from an automatic backup tool (with 25 GB of cloud storage) and has additional capabilities to protect your privacy in the online world. If you want to use the app as a family, we suggest the Family Pack version, which brings ten different hardware under its umbrella and has 100 GB of cloud storage space. SecureAnywhere AntiVirus brings everything users to need, but the best Windows antivirus is Webroot, Internet Security Plus, which comes with a full money-back guarantee of up to 70 days after purchasing the app.

7. Avast Antivirus

• Operating system: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
• Can be used simultaneously: on ten devices
• Key features: ransomware, DNS theft prevention, WiFi monitoring system

Reasons to buy

• Lots of different capabilities
• Various settings
• Efficient firewall

Reasons for avoidance

• It may slow down the computer more than competitors
• Web browsing protection is not one of the best systems available

Avast’s Premium Security app brings a host of additional features to the company’s popular free antivirus. These include a highly efficient firewall, a file shredder, and a WiFi check-in system that keeps an eye on your network to identify all possible vulnerabilities.

Inside this application, you will also find tools related to privacy. For example, the Sensitive Data Shield feature helps you find and care for files that contain personal and sensitive details. We also have a software update feature that ensures that your applications are up-to-date (and therefore secure).

In terms of customization and settings manipulation capabilities, Premium Security is a very smart antivirus, and you have several options in the installation process. On the downside, Avast affects system performance more than its competitors, and the scan time for malware is usually longer than others. The measures taken to counter phishing attacks are not very effective against competitors. Still, the antivirus capabilities are strong enough, and Avast has won the admiration of independent laboratories.

Another option is Avast Ultimate, which brings you Premium Security with SecureLine VPN and has tools for cleaning computer files. IP Avast change tool is not the best thing found in the market today, but it shows acceptable performance. The Ultimate package will be very affordable if you need both this tool and a bundle of features. But it all depends on what you want to do with your private virtual networks.

8. Sophos Home

• Operating system: Windows and Mac
• Can be used simultaneously: on ten devices
• Key Features: Central management console, AI-based threat detection system, advanced ransomware protection

Reasons to buy

• Powerful antivirus engine
• Affordable pricing

Reasons for avoidance

• Lack of common options
• The user interface is not very pleasant

Sophos Home Premium Windows Antivirus covers up to 10 devices (based on Windows and Mac), a decent number. This application is for novice users, which is not necessarily bad. But in any case, professional users will find that the user interface is too simple, and the limited options of the application are a bit disappointing.

But simplicity does not mean efficiency. The application interface has a slightly rough structure. However, the web management console is very straightforward for those who want to manage devices belonging to low-tech family members.

Sophos brings great levels of care to its antivirus, and Home Premium easily makes its way into the list of the best Windows antivirus software. For the level of security, you can achieve on ten different devices, Sophos Home Premium puts a lot of reasonable costs on users.

9. ESET Antivirus

• Operating system: Windows only
• Can be used simultaneously: on five devices
• Key Features: Ransomware, UEFI Scanner, Exploit Blocker, Cloud-Based Scanning

Reasons to buy

• Highly customizable with multiple options
• Little use of system resources

Reasons for avoidance

• Few worrying results in some independent laboratory tests
• Unsuitable for beginners

Although ESET Antivirus and Nod32 subscriptions, in particular, do not have as many capabilities, we are on the side with highly customizable options. This app will not be easy for beginners to use, but professional users will love the available level of control.

In addition, very little use of system resources is a major strength. In ESET Antivirus, you will see innovative capabilities for detecting different files and a high-quality URL filtering system. But keep in mind that the security that ESET brings is a bit unstable. Of course, other laboratories have achieved more promising results.

ESET has also made premium packages available in the ESET form of ESET Internet Security and Smart Security Premium, and these packages offer a wide range of different capabilities. But some features are not powerful enough, and as a general rule, Nod32 Antivirus is the most balanced and optimal option for most users.

10. McAfee Antivirus

• Operating system: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
• Can be used simultaneously: on ten devices
• Main features: IP change tool, spam filter, smart firewall

Reasons to buy

• Lots of different capabilities
• IP change tool with unlimited usage
• Affordable pricing on more complete subscriptions

Reasons for avoidance

• The antivirus engine is not at the level of the best competitors
• you can only use the simplest software sharing on one device

McAfee has taken an interesting approach to its security bundles. The company’s products are essentially different versions of Total Protection. The main difference is the number of devices supported on more expensive products. The most economical option McAfee offers customers is the McAfee Total Protection Single Device, which, as its name implies, covers only one device.

The good news is that we are dealing with a very lightweight Windows antivirus on the Microsoft operating system, and the computer resources are consumed as little as possible. On the other hand, you will find many features in the application, and although not all of them are of the highest possible quality, they are efficient for the cost you pay. These include a smart firewall, and unlimited traffic IP change tool, a spam filtering system, a secure repository for sensitive files, and options for improving computer performance and speed.

The main reason for not using this application is the antivirus engine, which does not show the best performance, although some laboratory tests have considered it better than others. Then we come to the fact that it is possible to use the application on only one device by purchasing the simplest package.

Suppose you are looking to use this Windows antivirus on multiple hardware simultaneously. In that case, you should go for the Multi-Device package, which supports up to five devices, including smartphones, and has an anti-theft feature. Next comes the McAfee Total Protection Family, which supports up to 10 devices and has a complete parental control system. This app is a tempting option for parents who want to keep their children safe in the Internet world. Since the price of Multi-Device and Family subscriptions is not much higher than the cheapest McAfee product, it is better to go for more premium packages.