Internet security suite reviews

Of course, all cybersecurity packages differ greatly in the quality of protection offered, the usefulness of their extra features, and the overall value of each product.

But after several weeks of testing, comparing, and analyzing, I was able to narrow down my list to the top 10 — the ones with the best security, the best features, and the best overall value. Norton is my favorite choice for complete protection on all operating systems — in addition to having an excellent malware scanner, Norton also includes a wide range of easy-to-use internet security features.

Norton is a well-rounded internet security suite ideal for both individuals and families with several devices to protect. Norton Deluxe is a top-tier internet security suite, offering excellent protection at a great price. Learn More — Norton Deluxe. Bitdefender Premium Security is one of the most comprehensive internet security packages out there — with extra features like a password manager, webcam and microphone protection, parental controls, a file shredder, and a VPN. Bitdefender also offers multi-layered protection against ransomware.

In addition to recognizing and blocking ransomware, it prevents all unauthorized access to personal files and starts securely backing them up if it detects any suspicious behavior.

The password manager, VPN, and parental controls are also very good — during my tests, the password manager accurately auto-filled logins and forms, the VPN provided me with encrypted access to multiple servers around the world, and the parental controls allowed me to limit device usage, filter content, monitor apps, and even set up location tracking.

Bitdefender is one of the easiest and most intuitive internet security packages out there. Bitdefender Premium Security is one of the more advanced cybersecurity packages you can get. The cloud-based antivirus scanner is excellent, and the full-suite package includes a ton of top-quality internet security tools — like a password manager, parental controls, and a VPN.

Bitdefender is backed up by a risk-free day money-back guarantee. Learn More — Bitdefender Premium Security. During my tests, I was able to securely stream content and download torrents using servers from around the world with almost zero slowdown. TotalAV Total Security offers easy-to-use antivirus protection and comes with some pretty good internet security tools. The antivirus engine is fast, lightweight, and highly secure, and the included VPN is comparable in speed to some of the top names in the VPN industry.

McAfee Total Protection is a well-rounded internet security package — it has everything you need to build and maintain a strong online defense in And there are also some great extra features. McAfee Total Protection Cons. Norton Deluxe Technical Specifications:.

No-limit VPN. Firewall protection. Secure VPN. Online backup. Norton Deluxe Pros. Norton Deluxe Cons. Total AV Technical Specifications:. Real-time antivirus protection. Cloud scanning. Web protection. Total AV Pros. Total AV Cons. Avira Antivirus Pro.

Avira Antivirus Pro Technical Specifications:. Internet Security suite. Game booster mode. File shredding. Network traffic manager. File recovery. Avira Antivirus Pro Pros. Avira Antivirus Pro Cons. Features: Incredible malware protection ensures that you are safe from the latest threats Integrates easily across all major platforms to ensure everyone is secure Several plans make it easy to get the coverage you need to stay safe User-friendly interface makes antivirus management a breeze Robust protection that keeps you safe at all times If you want some of the best protection against malware, Malwarebytes is a solid buy that works hard to keep you safe from attacks.

Back in the day, Malwarebytes was pretty limited in its protection. Malwarebytes Technical Specifications:. Malicious URL blocking. Antivirus protection. Exploit protection. Malware protection. Ransomware protection. Malwarebytes Pros. Malwarebytes Cons. Spybot Search and Destroy. Features: Malicious URLs are blocked to ensure you have a safe browsing experience Real-time protection ensures new threats are addressed accordingly Ultra-inexpensive so that everyone can get protection on the cheap Easy user interface makes this great option for first-timers Malware focus keeps you safe from harmful activity Search and Destroy has been around for a while now, building a reputation as being one of the better malware detection and endpoint protection programs on the market.

So, how did it do during my time with it? Spybot Search and Destroy Technical Specifications:. Real-time protection. Spyware protection. Spybot Search and Destroy Pros. Spybot Search and Destroy Cons.

Bitdefender Total Security. Bitdefender Total Security Technical Specifications:. Wi-Fi scanning. Secure file deletion. Banking protection. Webcam protection. Bitdefender Total Security Pros. Bitdefender Total Security Cons. Firewall Choices A firewall is important for a couple of reasons. Squelch Some Spam When is the last time you received junk mail in your inbox? Phishing and Privacy Protection To those unfamiliar with a phishing scam, this is when a fake website tricks you into thinking it is legitimate.

What About Parental Control? Parental control is your best defense against the trash on the internet. Added Backup and Tune-Up Utilities Even if you think your computer is safe from an attack, disaster often strikes when we least expect it. Which Internet security and antivirus is the best? Do I need both antivirus and Internet security? Does McAfee slow down computer?

How often should you do a full scan on your computer? Which is better McAfee or Norton? Is Bitdefender Internet Security worth? Reasons to avoid - More performance impact than most. Kaspersky Total Security. A seriously impressive security suite with a light system footprint. Stand out features: Safe Money secure web browser, firewall, Safe Kids parental controls. Reasons to avoid - Some features are only so-so quality.

Trend Micro Maximum Security. Sterling malware and ransomware protection in a beginner-friendly package. Stand out features: Folder Shield anti-ransomware, high-quality URL filter, social networking protection. Reasons to avoid - Experts may want more configuration options. Avast Ultimate. Reasons to avoid - Some impact on PC performance - Upselling of other products is unwelcome.

Webroot Internet Security Plus. Stand out features: Password manager, identity protection, day money-back offer. Reasons to avoid - Question marks over antivirus engine - iOS app is limited.

Stand out features: Network protection, password manager, anti-theft feature. Stand out features: Configurable firewall, password manager, performance boosting tools. Reasons to avoid - Clunky interface - Only average malware protection. Bullguard Premium Protection. Specifications Operating system: Windows and Mac, Android. Stand out features: Secure Browser, Game Booster, identity protection. Reasons to avoid - Only ranked by one independent test lab - Some rivals have more features.

Avira Prime. Stand out features: System speed-up tools, VPN, anti-phishing layer. Reasons to avoid - Not as well-featured as other security suites. Darren Allan. Using a VPN, you can encrypt your network signal and bounce it off a server anywhere in the world. This stops advertisers from targeting you with specific ads, but also stops hackers from getting into your network.

You can also use a VPN to access region-locked content. One of the big hitters when it comes to the best internet security software, Bitdefender lives up to the company's sterling reputation by providing an excellent selection of software for you to choose from. When tested by the experts at AV Test and AV Comparatives, Bitdefender performed very well, blocking almost all of the viruses and malware tests programs that were set against it. There are a ton of pricing options available, letting you choose which program you want, how many devices to cover and for how long.

Norton is one of the biggest names in town when it comes to antivirus protection and internet security, so it should be no surprise to see it at the top end of our list.

Norton offers several tiers of internet security software for users to consider, with each successive tier adding on extra layers of protection.

For the average user, Norton Standard will more than suffice. Later tiers bring in additional layers of defense including identity theft protection and financial coverage should you become the victim of identity fraud, while the top package offers coverage for unlimited devices and k monitoring to keep your retirement investments safe.

The only real mark against it is that a lot of the parental controls are locked behind the more pricey option, Kaspersky Total Security, but even this is very reasonably priced. Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me. We love Avast because it makes us feel like pirates whenever we say it, but beyond that it also offers a compelling choice for those looking for free antivirus software. You get the standard antivirus and firewall protection along with a nifty tool that lets you run suspicious apps and programs in a walled-off sandbox to test it before letting it loose on your computer, but the features set is a little anemic beyond that.

VPN access is walled off behind Avast Ultimate, the most expensive option. Parental controls are nowhere to be found, locked away in Avast Omni, a home internet security solution that requires the installation of a specific device. McAfee Total Protection is the only internet security software that it offers and while there are a few pricing options depending on the number of devices you need to cover, the core software is the same. Those are good numbers, but they do lag behind other options on the market.

Considering none of the competition has this limitation, McAfee is a difficult sell. As such you get a very powerful antivirus program at the heart of this package. That means protection from malware, spyware, phishing schemes and more. Beyond that you also get multi-device coverage including support for iOS and Android. This even lets you remotely control your device so as to secure your data should you misplace your phone or have it stolen.

F-Secure SAFE is a light running system which means it's good for older machines too, since it can be fast to operate and won't put a strain on system processing resources. Trend Micro Antivirus Plus offers very powerful protection from its excellent antivirus software.