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1Microsoft Defender
Microsoft Defenderis included with a Microsoft 365 subscription and offers several antivirus features. You can connect all of your family’s devices and get threat detection notifications for all of your accounts. Once you’ve received those, you can then decide how to proceed.
The app helps you safeguard your device with security recommendations, and you can get identity insurance coverage up to $1 million. Moreover, you can access round-the-clock identity restoration support if an attack occurs.
Microsoft Defender also has a VPN, which you can activate by switching the Privacy protection toggle. The app can provide credit reports, detect harmful lengths, and identify whether your device has been jailbroken.
Before committing to an antivirus solution, check out theseessential features your antivirus software needs.
Download:Microsoft Defender foriOS|Windows|Mac|Android|Web(Free, in-app purchases available)
2Apple XProtect
If you own a Mac, you might not even need to buy an antivirus tool. XProtect is one of manyinternet security features built into your Mac, and the only requirement is that you have macOS 10.15 or later.
The XProtect software will look for malware in several scenarios, such as when you first launch an app and will block the tool from launching if it detects a virus.
XProtect also has defenses if it’s unable to find malware before you download apps and files. The solution can move malicious software to your Trash and will look intermittently for dangerous programs on your computer in the background. You also don’t need to worry about updating XProtect, as Apple will do that for you in the background.
Despite XProtect’s benefits, malware can sometimes breach its systems. You cancheck whether your Macis infected by a virus by looking for unexpected ads and pop-ups, plus various other methods. Since XProtect isn’t 100% foolproof,you should still pay for an antivirus app.
3Kaspersky
Kasperskyis one of the oldest and most popular antivirus tools, and for good reason. It has several helpful privacy-oriented features, such as the option to see how many trackers have attempted to follow you online in the past week. Kaspersky divides these into categories, such as web analytics and ad agencies.
If you’re worried about specific apps and programs having malicious software, you can drag and drop them into Kaspersky. After doing that, the app will perform a quick or full scan—depending on which you’d like to do. You’ll then see whether the software detected any potential threats.
In addition to protecting your computer, Kaspersky also has browser extensions for Safari and Google Chrome. The app will notify you whenever it finds potential threats on your device, and you’ll also see recommendations to improve your online security further.
If you’re a parent, you can alsoprotect your kids via the Kaspersky Safe Kids app. Free and paid versions are available.
How Much Does Kaspersky Cost?
Kaspersky has three plans: Standard, Plus, and Premium. All of them have antivirus access, but you’ll need a more expensive plan for advanced features like data leak checkers, performance optimization, and VPNs.
Here’s a breakdown of Kaspersky’s pricing:
Subscription
One-Year Subscription Cost
Two-Year Subscription Cost
Three-Year Subscription Cost
Kaspersky Standard (Up to three devices)
Kaspersky Plus (Up to five devices)
Kaspersky Premium (Up to 10 devices)
4Surfshark Antivirus
Surfshark is one of the best-known VPNs, and if you get a Surfshark One plan, you’ll also have access to an antivirus solution. After setting up Surfshark, the app will scan your device for potential threats and notify you if it detects something. Viruses will also get quarantined.
When using Surfshark’s antivirus tool, the app will scan your device whenever you ask it to. Within a few minutes, you’ll see a full overview of the results. Surfshark tells you how many files it has scanned, and you can choose whether you want a full or quick scan.
Besides the antivirus, Surfshark’s VPN has plenty of security features worth checking out. For example, you may activate a kill switch to drop your connection if the VPN ever disconnects. Meanwhile, the CleanWeb tool stops trackers from monitoring your online activity.
Surfshark also lets you create an alternative ID. By using this feature, you can hide your real email address and create an alternative persona for social media. You also get access to a Data Breach Monitoring tool with Surfshark, which will warn you if your important information has been compromised online. Another handy tool is the ransomware shield, which stops criminals from accessing your files and folders. You can also turn off your webcam if you’re worried about other apps monitoring you.
If you want Surfshark Antivirus for its VPN capabilities, you should also check out thesebest VPN services.
Download:Surfshark foriOS|Mac|Windows|Android|Linux|Apple TV(Free, in-app purchases available)
How Much Does Surfshark Antivirus Cost?
Surfsharkhas a comprehensive pricing structure, and you can pick from one-month, 12-month, and 24-month plans. You can also choose between Surfshark One and Surfshark One+. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of pricing for both:
Surfshark One
Surfshark One+
5Bitdefender
Bitdefenderis a comprehensive antivirus solution that lets you add protected files and determine which apps can access them. The app also features Time Machine Protection and its TrafficLight extension for Chrome and Safari shows you which websites are trustworthy and which are potentially risky.
When using Bitdefender, you can perform quick scans and system scans. If you want to scan specific files for malware, the app also has an option to do that. Moreover, you can add exemptions if you’d like. The app interface is clean and easy to navigate, and you can see all of your notifications in one place.
Bitdefender also has a VPN and anti-tracker extensions for Safari and Chrome.
Download:Bitdefender forWindows|macOS|iOS|Android(Free, in-app purchases available)
How Much Does Bitdefender Cost?
Bitdefender has one-year, two-year, and three-year plans available. You can choose whether you want to protect five or ten devices. Here’s a full breakdown of its pricing (you’ll have to add sales tax in some regions):
Five Devices
10 Devices
Three Years
If you like the look of Kapersky and Bitdefender, consider checking out ourfull Kapersky vs. Bitdefender comparison.
Despite Malwarebytes Premium’s popularity, you may also choose from a number of free and paid alternatives. While Mac users can take advantage of XProtect, it’s still worth having a second line of defense when criminals manage to breach the software. Several comprehensive solutions exist, and the solutions mentioned in this guide are an excellent starting point for enhanced cybersecurity.
