Which Security Software Provides Optimal Protection for Your PC? We’ve Exhaustively Tested, Assessed, and Ranked Nearly 40 Applications to Aid You in Selecting the Best Security Suite for Safeguarding Your Devices and Personal Data.
It all commences innocently enough. You realize that your antivirus alone isn’t enough to ensure the safety of your data beyond your device, prompting you to incorporate a VPN app. A security-conscious friend advises against using “password” as a password, prompting the adoption of a password manager. And when your child accidentally encounters an inappropriate website instead of cartoons, the value of parental controls becomes evident. Before you know it, you’ve gathered a collection of 17 different apps in your pursuit of security and privacy, resulting in a sluggish computer and depleted finances. Avoid this dilemma! Instead of piecing together an assortment of security solutions, opt for a comprehensive security suite that consolidates all essential features into a single program. Your computer’s performance and your financial well-being will both benefit.
When it comes to security software, some companies offer suites with just the essential components, while others include a diverse range of security features. So, which security solution is the right choice for you? We’ve conducted thorough reviews of nearly 40 suites and assembled a list of the top options. This list spans from simple entry-level suites to comprehensive, cross-platform solutions for multiple devices. In this article, we present the best suites we’ve rigorously tested, highlighting their unique features and how they can address your specific needs.
This article provides a brief overview of the range of tests we employ to assess security suites and identify the most outstanding among them.
1.Norton 360 Deluxe – Best for Full-Featured VPN
Reasons for Our Selection
When you invest in a security suite, you’re implicitly committing to ensuring your safety. Norton 360 Deluxe takes this commitment a step further by explicitly guaranteeing your protection. By opting for auto-renewal, you can have peace of mind knowing that Norton’s support will swiftly address any malware breaches that manage to circumvent the application’s defenses. This level of protection is truly robust, as demonstrated by the consistently high ratings awarded by independent testing labs that we closely monitor. Norton 360 Deluxe not only excels in evaluations but also in our hands-on assessments.
This comprehensive suite encompasses a potent and intelligent firewall, an essential password manager, and a local spam filter. Moreover, it integrates a vigilant dark web monitoring system designed to promptly alert you if your sensitive information is compromised. Notably, the standalone parental control system has earned the distinction of being an Editors’ Choice. With your subscription, you gain the capability to protect up to five devices running on Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS. Additionally, the package includes five complete licenses for Norton’s VPN—a rare offering, considering that many other suites require extra payments to lift limitations on their provided VPN components. As an added bonus, you receive 50GB of online storage to facilitate your backup needs.
Who It’s For
Norton’s legacy in security software spans across several decades, amassing a significant following of dedicated supporters. Choosing Norton is a wise move for individuals in search of a reliable suite that thoroughly covers all aspects of security. However, its standout performance is especially evident for individuals who make the astute decision to enhance their online connections through a VPN.
Pros and Cons of Norton 360 Deluxe
2. Bitdefender Internet Security – Best for a Wealth of Bonus Features
Reasons for Our Selection
Bitdefender’s standalone antivirus software goes beyond the feature offerings of certain self-proclaimed comprehensive suites, and the Bitdefender Internet Security package takes this even further. The foundational antivirus technology consistently receives outstanding and near-perfect ratings from independent testing laboratories. Notably, its specialized protection against ransomware performed exceptionally well in our evaluations. Among its noteworthy attributes are a seamless firewall, a user-friendly spam filter, effective password management, secure file shredding, a robust parental control system, and more. All of these protective elements are encompassed within an AutoPilot mechanism that allows you to relax and enjoy your security, requiring minimal interaction.
Bitdefender also includes a VPN, albeit with some limitations. The ability to select specific servers is not available, and daily bandwidth usage is capped at 200MB. While this allocation suffices for testing the VPN’s protection, individuals seeking extensive VPN usage will need to consider an upgrade for prolonged usage, which comes with an additional cost.
Who It’s For
Perhaps you’re facing a dilemma, caught between two choices. On one hand, there’s a yearning for a security suite that includes all the essential security components. On the other hand, the last thing you want is those components constantly competing for your attention while you’re immersed in work, gaming, or simply enjoying a video. Does this scenario resonate with you? If your answer is yes, then Bitdefender Internet Security is the perfect solution for your needs. With its range of components expertly overseen by the AutoPilot feature, you can finally achieve the balance you’ve been seeking.
Pros and Cons of Bitdefender Internet Security
3. Avast One Platinum – Best for Families
Reasons for Our Selection
In contrast to the conventional geometric patterns, the interface of Avast One Platinum is adorned with vibrant bursts of color, playful doodles, and cheerful characters. If your preference leans towards receiving superior ratings from reputable labs, you’ll find ample reason for satisfaction here. Avast consistently achieves top scores from various testing labs, maintaining a nearly flawless track record across most evaluations. It also ranks among the highest performers in our practical assessments. Notably, its comprehensive scan operates at an impressive speed, outpacing many competitors. In situations where malware disrupts the Windows system itself, Avast’s boot-time scan effectively resolves the issue. Additionally, it adeptly thwarts ransomware attacks by blocking unauthorized file modifications.
While antivirus protection secures your data locally, a VPN ensures its safety during transmission. Avast’s VPN might not boast the most extensive features, but it provides unlimited usage. Alongside its unique security attributes, Avast has the capability to safeguard sensitive documents from unauthorized access, even within other accounts on the same computer. It also prevents untrusted programs from accessing the webcam and verifies if any of your passwords have been compromised in a data breach. Furthermore, the suite includes performance-enhancing features that are unrestricted compared to the limitations in Avast’s free edition.
Beyond its robust device-level protection, the Platinum subscription extends coverage to identity theft for you and up to five family members. It proactively alerts you about potential data breaches and other risks, offering access to dedicated resolution experts. Avast commits up to $2 million to rectify any resulting damages. Moreover, you gain access to 24/7 tech support akin to concierge services, catering to all your technical inquiries and concerns.
Who It’s For
Avast is a globally renowned brand, recognized by households worldwide, with millions relying on its free antivirus solution. If you’re someone who values Avast and aims to enhance your security measures while also including comprehensive identity theft protection for your entire family, this suite offers the perfect solution.
Pros and Cons of Avast One Platinum
4. McAfee+ – Best for Multi-Device Households
Reasons for Our Selection
You’ve taken the proactive step of securing your PC, Mac, and mobile devices. Yet, what about the devices your partner uses or the myriad electronic gadgets that captivate your children? Safeguarding all these devices might seem like a substantial investment, unless you explore the option of McAfee+. This comprehensive suite offers a remarkable advantage: the protection of every device in your household, regardless of whether it operates on Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS. It even extends its protective umbrella to Chromebooks and laptops with ARM architecture. This all-encompassing security coverage includes the use of McAfee’s VPN, with no limitations on bandwidth or server selections. Furthermore, the suite incorporates an array of valuable security enhancements. Notably, its antivirus component excels in our hands-on protection evaluations.
McAfee+ is structured into three tiers: Premium, Advanced, and Ultimate. Across all three levels, you benefit from fundamental Dark Web monitoring for your personal information. The Advanced and Ultimate tiers, akin to Norton’s LifeLock, offer comprehensive identity theft monitoring and remediation. While it may not cover as many facets of your identity as some other services, it addresses the crucial ones. Additionally, similar to LifeLock, it comes with a guarantee. In the unfortunate event of identity theft, McAfee pledges to allocate up to a million dollars to facilitate your complete recovery process.
Who It’s For
If your current living situation revolves around a rent-controlled apartment in Manhattan, with just your cat, Mac, and iPhone, this suite might not necessarily cater to your requirements. However, if your household is teeming with digitally connected individuals, it could emerge as an invaluable solution. Whether you possess more than 10 devices or even exceed 20, there’s no need to worry—this suite has you covered for all of them!
Pros and Cons of McAfee+
5. Trend Micro Maximum Security – Best for Cross-Platform Users
Reasons for Our Selection
When it comes to securing your devices, your priority undoubtedly lies in achieving maximum protection. Look no further than Trend Micro Maximum Security, a solution that offers comprehensive coverage for devices running Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. While the antivirus testing labs we closely monitor may not consistently award the highest scores to the Trend Micro antivirus engine, it has displayed strong performance in our hands-on tests, effectively safeguarding against malware-hosting websites and phishing scams.
For Windows users, Trend Micro provides an extensive array of features, including multi-layered ransomware defense, transaction protection for online activities, a PC Health Checkup system, a scanner to detect privacy gaps on social media, advanced encryption for sensitive documents, and a file shredder to securely delete original files after encryption. While certain aspects such as parental control, basic password management, and Outlook-exclusive spam filtering might not be as exceptional, the suite’s overall collection of security features is noteworthy.
In contrast to the common trend where Windows receives more features in cross-platform suites, Trend Micro ensures that macOS receives significant attention as well. The macOS edition excels in lab scores and performs malware scans upon access, demand, and scheduling, including scans of removable drives. Additional attributes encompass ransomware protection, detection of web-based threats, prevention of unauthorized camera and microphone usage, parental control, and the same social network scanning available on Windows. Android users are also treated to a feature-rich security suite, while iOS devices benefit from more protection compared to most other offerings.
Who It’s For
While Trend Micro Maximum Security provides a wealth of features on the Windows platform, there are some minor drawbacks to take note of. However, on macOS, Android, and iOS, this suite truly excels and outperforms its competition. It becomes an exceptional choice if your security requirements span across multiple platforms, and its appeal is even more pronounced if Windows isn’t your primary operating system.
Pros and Cons of Trend Micro Maximum Security
6. ESET Internet Security – Best for Techies
Reasons for Our Selection
The futuristic blue-eyed cyborg that welcomes you in ESET Internet Security’s main window perfectly encapsulates its tech-oriented nature. This suite distinguishes itself with features such as Device Control, providing you with meticulous control over the types of devices that can connect to your PC. For instance, you have the ability to block USB drives in general while allowing usage only for devices you’ve personally approved. ESET Internet Security is equipped with a comprehensive array of security tools, catering to both average users and those with substantial technical expertise.
One of its standout features is the Network Inspector, which enables you to monitor all connected devices on your network. You can even receive notifications about new device connections, and it scans for security issues such as unauthorized open ports. While a similar feature was previously offered by Avast, ESET’s Network Inspector remains remarkable. Other features of ESET include a firewall, spam filter, laptop anti-theft capabilities, webcam security, banking protection, and a somewhat limited parental control system.
However, ESET’s performance in core antivirus protection does exhibit some variability. Test scores from two labs range from average to excellent, but it performed poorly in our hands-on malware protection test. Nevertheless, it excelled in safeguarding against malicious and fraudulent websites. ESET’s Android edition boasts an extensive range of security attributes, earning high marks from various testing labs. For Mac protection, ESET offers antivirus, firewall, parental control, and simplified device control. Although the labs no longer extensively assess it, it did not perform well in one of our hands-on tests.
Who It’s For
ESET Internet Security offers an array of features that require a notably high level of technical proficiency. If you happen to possess such expertise, this suite is custom-designed for you. You’ll be able to efficiently utilize tools like the Network Inspector to thoroughly monitor your devices, utilize SysInspector to capture system status snapshots, and precisely configure a detailed set of device control rules. If you belong to the unique group of individuals with these technical skills, this suite is an exceptional match for your requirements. However, if you don’t fall within this category, it might be advisable to explore alternative options that better align with your proficiency level.
Pros and Cons of ESET Internet Security
7. F-Secure Total – Best for Multiple Licenses
Reasons for Our Selection
While F-Secure’s introductory suite may come across as modest in terms of features, F-Secure Total shifts the balance towards the opposite end of the spectrum. This advanced suite introduces several additions, including a cross-platform VPN, a password manager, and a monitoring tool that alerts you if your personal information surfaces in a breach. Notably, the pricing for F-Secure Total is structured competitively, making it particularly appealing for those seeking 10 or more licenses.
The integrated password manager effectively handles essential tasks, although it does not automatically fill web forms with personal information. It also lacks certain advanced features such as secure sharing, password inheritance, and multi-factor authentication.
The straightforward VPN seamlessly integrates into F-Secure Total and offers user-friendly operation. It incorporates practical functionalities such as a Kill Switch and split tunneling. However, its server network is relatively limited compared to the offerings of top-tier VPNs.
Who It’s For
Having built a legacy spanning decades, F-Secure has cultivated a dedicated fanbase over the years. If you find yourself among this loyal following, you’ll likely find that F-Secure Total embodies the most comprehensive suite the brand has ever presented. Particularly appealing for those needing to secure a significant number of devices, this suite provides exceptional value for its price point.
Pros and Cons of F-Secure Total
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, the need for vigilant protection against a multitude of threats has become paramount. The top 7 security suites for 2023, namely Norton 360 Deluxe, Bitdefender Internet Security, Avast One Platinum, McAfee+, Trend Micro Maximum Security, ESET Internet Security, and F-Secure Total, address a diverse spectrum of security requirements. Whether your focus is on user-friendly features, advanced technical capabilities, or comprehensive coverage for numerous devices, these suites provide effective solutions to safeguard your digital presence.
