I still remember the day when I brought my first laptop, what an exciting feeling it was! There are a number of reasons that people buy computers or laptops. But whatever may be the use, it too needs security as it contains valuable data. So here are some hand-picked antivirus software that you can buy and install on your Windows 10 computer to protect data and keep it away from malware and virus attacks.

Windows Defender –
Until a few years ago, the app had earned a bad reputation for holding on to the system resources and was not at par as compared to the other software, although a lot has changed now. Window’s native security app offers one of the best protections in the industry. It scored a 100 % detection rate and for “widespread and prevalent malware discovered in the last four weeks.” The best part about it is that it integrates easily with the system.

AV-TEST: 6/6 for protection and usability, and 5.5/6 for performance.

Kaspersky Internet Security –
Once a popular name in cybersecurity, has risen for good reasons again. Kaspersky offers various packages based on requirements. These are supposedly the best names in the market. The entry-level package costing $75 covers desktop PCs. Internet Security at $79 adds mobile support for a minimal extra cost.

AV-TEST rating: 6/6 across all three of its testing categories.

Bitdefender Internet Security – The software is available in three variations, (1) Total Security for $40 that covers mobile devices; (2) Internet Security for $35, this package includes firewall and webcam protection, and The Antivirus Plus for $30 is the entry-level paid suite. Although with this pack you can purchase your phone’s security suite for Android or iOS separately.

One of the significant features in Bitdefender is its multi-layer ransomware protection, with an added security layer of network threat prevention, and parental controls.

AV-TEST rating: 6/6 for protection, performance, and usability

F-Secure SAFE

If internet geeks are to be believed, F-Secure SAFE performs better than both Bitdefender Internet Security and Kaspersky Internet Security, where both the software has equivalent features and rating.

The antivirus on a standard computer only saw a 10 percent drop in performance when launching popular websites. Which means it is not heavy on your machine and performs better. So if you own an old computer this probably is the best option.

Cost-wise it may not seem pocket-friendly, here is important to know that you can buy only one version of F-Secure SAFE. Speaking about subscription, the entry-level plan is $69.99 per year that covers three devices. Also, the highest plan costs $109.99 for seven devices.

AV-TEST rating: 6/6 for protection, performance, and usability

McAfee Internet Security –
Another reliable name and one of the biggest companies, McAfee is a popular name when it comes to your data security. Talking about features, it offers a complete package loaded with real-time antimalware tools, URL blocking, phishing protection, and vulnerability scans.

Apart from features, the package is offered in various versions – Personal, Home or enterprise, wherein Personal suite is for one device and home, can range from more than one up to 10 devices.

You also get a 14-day free trial of all premium features before you buy it.

AV-TEST rating: 6/6 for protection, performance, and usability

Norton Security (Antivirus) –
It’s no surprise that Norton is among the top antivirus products in the market today. It may not have a good history but it has changed now. The erstwhile resource hungry software is no more the same now. Thanks to its improved algorithms and features like malware scans, real-time website ratings, malicious URL blocking, and phishing protection.

The cost is somewhere between 40 to 100 USD per year, and also depends upon how many devices does it protect.

AV-TEST rating: 6/6 for protection, performance, and usability

Malwarebytes Premium –
Haven’t heard of much but a quick internet search brought me to this amazing product. It seems that the free version of the software is quite popular among Windows users.

Didn’t you notice the word ‘premium’ where I mentioned the name? Well, that’s the USP. The premium version has 24×7 real-time protection, whereas the entry-level has manual scans. The basic premium version of the antivirus software costs you about $40 yearly.

Not only does the premium version have protection round-the-clock but, it also protects the user from ransomware, harmful web pages, malware, cybercriminals and more. What’s more, you can try before you buy, I mean you can use the full version free for the first 14 days and can buy after that.

AV-TEST rating: 6/6 for protection, performance, and usability

ESET NOD32 –
A lightweight app with consistency nearing the top of performance charts. NOD 32 is a trustworthy program. Its main focus is on system files and if added with Malwarebytes – on web-based issues – is a wonderful couple. Speaking of cost, it comes in three types ranging from 40-60 USD.

AV-TEST rating: 6/6 for protection, performance, and usability

Although there are many more antivirus software available on the internet, these are some of the many highly-rated security software that a windows 10 user can install.

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