Choosing anti-malware and anti-virus program is not easy as 1-2-3 because each user or home network have its own requirement and needs. Some of these requirements are:
- The ability of the anti-malware and anti-virus program to detect not only virus, worms and trojans but should be able to detect spyware, adware, rootkit, rogue or fake programs, web-based threats and other types of malicious software.
- Provide frequent automatic protection or signature updates that will prevent new malware or its variant.
- Provide real-time protection using signature-based and behavior-based to defend against zero-day attacks.
- Provide free support thru live chat, forum, email or other method of providing free support.
- Awarded and rated by independent testing labs for advanced detections of malware.
Keeping all of the above in mind, here are the top 5 anti-virus and anti-malware programs available today:
Top 5 Anti-virus Solutions for Windows
- AntiVir Premium by Avira – AV-Comparatives awarded AntiVir Premium with Advanced Plus award. This is the highest rating ever provided by the independent testing labs. AntiVir Premium covers the above requirements and it cost only $19.95 for 1 PC and $49.95 for 3 PCs.
- BitDefender by BitDefender – One of the top performer antivirus programs that cover also the above requirements and it cost $29.95 for 3 PCs
- Kaspersky Anti-virus – Another anti-virus program that received Advanced Plus award is Kaspersky Anti-virus. The fast detection and frequent updates are the reason why this program is one of the favorite. Cost: $39.95 per PC.
- NOD32 by ESET – NOD32 do not only offer the above requirements but also positions itself to the top score each time independent antivirus testing organization will publish the result or rating of their test. Price: $39.99 per license.
- Norton by Symantec – The new version of Norton includes SONAR technology that will detect behavior-based threats. New edition of Norton is 60% faster than the earlier editions and it also scored with flying colors in several independent testing labs. Norton provides the above requirements and it cost $39.99 per computer.
Top 5 Anti-malware Solutions for Windows
- A-squared Anti-Malware by Emsisoft – The real-time protection of A-squared Anti-malware is fast in detecting malware and its installers. Price$39.95/1 PC and $59.95/3 PCs
- CounterSpy by Sunbelt Software – CounterSpy do not only offer good defense against malware but also provide good support. This product received Checkmark certification by West Coast Labs. $19.95/1 PC and $39.95/4 or more PCs
- Malwarebytes Anti-Malware by Malwarebytes – Malwarebytes Anti-malware has been proven good in removing malware infections. The price per PC is $24.95 and that is one-time fee!
- Spy Sweeper by Webroot – This product has received Checkmark certification by West Coast Labs and is known to provide good detection and removal. Price: $29.95 for 1 PC and $39.95 for 3 PCs.
- SUPERAntiSpyware Professional by SUPERAntispyware – This program does not only provide good protection against malware but also offer fast support. Cost: $29.95 per PC.
I hope the above top 5 will help you decide on which anti-virus and anti-malware software to install in your home PCs. Remember, you must not install more than one anti-virus in one computer and it is highly recommended to install anti-malware program because not all anti-virus can detect all types of malicious software.