Nowadays, malware and files have become so widespread that if you access the Internet without a reliable protector, you can easily become a victim of cybercriminals. The Windows operating system, unfortunately, is the most vulnerable to attacks and needs constant protection. It is at such moments that users wonder which antivirus is best for Windows. In this article, we will take a closer look at this.
The independent Av-Test laboratory, which has been testing for many years, compiles lists of the most reliable antiviruses at regular intervals, based on the version of the operating system. The general ratings of antiviruses for Windows 10 and Windows 7 are often almost identical, only the position in the table changes in terms of the interaction between antivirus and software.
Let’s take a closer look at the top of the best antiviruses of the last year according to the version of the site av-test.org.
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AhnLab V3
For the first time, the championship in the race of the best antiviruses (having received the maximum score in the detection and removal of viruses, speed and convenience) is won by a Korean product. The work of this antivirus is based on cloud technologies and provides maximum security for a laptop (PC) and information from emerging Internet threats, network attacks.
The South Korean company AhnLab today also provides the best protection at the corporate level.
Antivirus V3 Internet Security is designed exclusively for Windows and provides enterprises with complete Endpoint protection. Uses a small fraction of resources to provide optimal security without affecting system performance.
Main advantages:
- Comprehensive firewall – blocks potentially dangerous network attacks and prevents network access;
- detects multiple attacks – has an additional layer of protection – TrueFind, which detects even hidden rootkits and quarantines them;
- deep data cleaning helps to avoid the spread of classified information, thanks to its own rewriting algorithm;
- optimization of settings frees up disk space from temporary files and registry entries;
- ease of use;
- qualified support around the world.
Considering all of the above characteristics, it becomes clear why the antivirus has such a high rating. But there is one huge “but”, it is provided free of charge only during the first 30 days, then you will need to pay a rather large amount for use.
Avast Free Antivirus
Back in 2017, Avast took the lead from the previously popular Panda antivirus. Unlike other companies, Avast provides a completely free version for the test, thereby showing that the antivirus guarantees security regardless of whether you paid or not.
But even the simplified version shows high test results, close to those of the rating leaders.
Antivirus does not significantly affect the speed of the system. We are pleased with constant updates, various useful functions are being added, which are often found in paid versions.
Even novice users will not have any difficulties in their work: the interface is simple and straightforward. There is a “spare” (emergency) disk for loading. This free package is a great addition to the browser add-ons and extensions checker.
During installation in manual mode, you can select the components of the protection. The opportunity is given to independently select the necessary functions.
To use it, just download the installation file from the official website and install.
AVG Antivirus Free
AVG Antivirus has been on the list of the best for years. A feature of the program is deep integration into the system. At each opening, the antivirus automatically scans the program files, thereby avoiding infection. Another handy feature is Scheduled Scan. This allows you to constantly check your computer’s files. More recently, the developers have completely updated the interface, making it even more convenient and visually more beautiful.
A special feature of AVG Antivirus is the AVG Zen control panel, which allows you to control all your devices with antivirus installed. AVG Antivirus practically does not use system resources, while providing excellent protection indicators.
Peculiarities:
- full scan when the computer is turned on;
- the ability to set scanning at a specific time;
- the free version is more stable than the paid version;
- Link Scanner is a new feature that allows the user to crawl a website without even visiting it;
- intuitive interface
- high speed of work.
More than 5 million users worldwide use AVG Anti-Virus Free.
Above are the antiviruses that are available in paid versions. Let’s take a look at the completely free antiviruses that show the highest results:
Avira Free Security Suite
Free Avira Free Antivirus has been on the market for a long time and is in good demand among users. Users mark the antivirus as one of the most reliable and fastest. True, it has significantly fewer features compared to Avira Antivirus Pro. Now, in addition to the antivirus itself, the kit includes several additional utilities:
- Phantom VPN – provides a secure VPN connection (500 MB free per month);
- browser add-ons that filter search results, passwords, etc .;
- (SafeSearch Plus, Password Manager);
- Avira Free System Speedup – cleans and optimizes your computer;
- Software Updater – updates programs.
Kaspersky Free
Paid antivirus from Kaspersky Lab was recognized as one of the best in all international tests. The free version uses the same mechanisms of work, the same cloud technologies, but with more simplified functionality.
Distinctive features:
- full scan at computer startup;
- mail antivirus – scans all mail messages and allows viewing only scanned files;
- automatically intercepts and blocks malicious scripts when opening websites;
- IM Anti-Virus – ensures stable operation with programs that operate using the protocols of IM clients;
- VPN client – guarantees anonymity, provides protection when working in public networks;
- protection from the cloud, taking into account information received from users around the world
Along with the development of the software and technical base, the number of cybercriminals creating malicious files for their own purposes is increasing every year. You need to worry about your personal web security, because leaks of information, personal files and damage to the operating system are commonplace these days.
Based on the information above, we can firmly conclude that it is not necessary to choose an antivirus by price or rating. Free options often have the same platform, but offer less functionality.
Undoubtedly, the installed antiviruses play an important role in ensuring the life of the computer. But do not forget about the built-in Windows antivirus (in versions 10, 8 and 8.1), which has shown very good protection indicators in recent years.
From year to year, the same familiar Avast, AVG, Avira, Kaspersky remain in the Av-Test rating. What antivirus do you prefer? In your opinion, is it enough to install a free antivirus or is it better to purchase a paid protection platform?