A good antivirus program should protect you from all kinds of malware including worms and Trojan horses. It should also detect and stop the spread of potentially unwanted programs which can change your browser settings or fill your screen with ads. Some premium antiviruses offer additional features, including dark web monitoring, ID theft alerts, and parental control.
If you’re using Windows Microsoft’s built-in protection against malware, referred to Windows Defender on older computers or Windows Security on more recent computers, does a good job in keeping your computer safe. However it’s not as efficient or efficient in malware detection as standalone antivirus brands that regularly score well in independent lab tests. Plus, it doesn’t include any additional security tools like password managers or software for other devices.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition is the top antivirus for Windows that is based on prevention of malware system impact, user-friendliness. It is simple to install and run, and scored high in the AV Test labs. It protects one PC at a reasonable price, but you can get broader protection for an additional few dollars with Bitdefender Total Security or Antivirus Plus.
A good paid antivirus suite typically bundles in plenty of additional features, including a VPN and performance optimization tools and apps for Mac, iOS and Android. If you want to stick to the basics and only get the most effective malware protection, Sophos Home Premium is an excellent choice. It offers a few additional features for an affordable cost.