The best antivirus software options

Bitdefender has established a reliable reputation. That rep continues with Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. It's solidly dependable for most users. 

In terms of its most basic features, it has a strong antivirus component, real-time behavioural monitoring for any pesky suspicious files, and ransomware protection. A quick scan will take just a matter of seconds. 

There's also malicious website blocking, offering a high level of phishing protection, while vulnerability scan runs checks for various background issues. 

You also get online banking protection, a password manager tool, and Ransomware Remediation, which looks out for ransomware-like behaviour then defensively backs up files. In theory, nothing should get through.

For inexperienced users, there's Bitdefender's Autopilot, which recommends ways in which you can optimise your protection, depending on how you use your system. For anyone looking for privacy focused tools, there's also a VPN facility, though this aspect is a bit limited.

Overall, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is the kind of software you can leave running in the background and it simply just works. It also doubles up well as a form of security suite, rather than simply virus protection tool. That makes it an ideal candidate for the majority of users.  

These days we all have a variety of devices in the home. And with McAfee Total Protection, you have a license for up to 10 devices. It's a significant bonus for an antivirus software that has a few small weaknesses. 

Its more expensive than most, but the digital download version of McAfee Total Protection is heavily discounted. Its scan takes an average length of time compared to its competitors, and does a solid job of detecting most threats. Similarly, the built-in firewall detects most threats automatically, while a vulnerability scan reminds you to install critical updates. 

Reviewers have found McAfee's URL blocking to be on the weaker side. But McAfee offers an unique pledge: If your PC gets a virus, a McAfee expert will remotely access your machine to remove it. If they fail, you get a full refund.

Elsewhere, there are iOS and Android apps to further reassure you. The iOS app is fairly rudimentary, merely offering backup, encryption, and device tracking, rather than any antivirus tools. However, the Android app is suitably beefy with antivirus, URL blocking, clean up tools, and a remote lock.

In all cases, McAfee AntiVirus Plus hardly slows down the system it's installed on, amply reminding you of why it's worth the investment.

With 30 years in the field, Norton AntiVirus software is a one of the standard bearers. Indeed, Norton 360 offers enhanced, feature-packed security for your devices and a VPN for online privacy.

As well as the antivirus software itself, it has multiple browser extensions. As part of its ability to protect you from dangerous search results, there's Norton Safe Search, along with Norton Toolbar, which assigns each site a safety rating, and the Norton Identity Safe password management tool. The options continue throughout the software, which might be confusing for novices. 

Fortunately, a choice of a full system scan, quick scan, or custom scan is exactly the kind of options you want to see. There's the addition of the Norton Power Eraser too for when you're extra paranoid about potential malware sources.

Norton has spruced up its engine in recent years, keeping things lightweight for even the most basic spec of PC — so you don't have to wait hours for results. 

It also does a fantastic job of providing phishing protection, keeping on top of every new development thanks to a regular updated blacklist. Throw in spam protection and the aforementioned Identity Safe password manager, and Norton 360 Standard hardly misses a beat.  

Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus takes it super easy on your PC. It occupies just 15MB of disk space and takes hardly any time to install.

The system scan is fast, taking less than a minute. In fact, speed is Webroot's selling point. And while it comes at a higher price, it covers five devices.

The user interface can look complicated to newbies, with various panels, switches, and icons. It can be intimidating if you're inexperienced.

It's actually lighter on features compared to the competition but it still boasts some useful extras. URL filtering is just one of those extras, detecting if you've inadvertently landed on a suspicious website. There's a form of firewall too that looks out for suspicious online processes. 

Impressively, there's also room for a sandbox feature. This lets you run dubious programs in an isolated environment to see if they are actually suspicious or not. It's impressively detailed for such a lightweight piece of software, even if the vast majority of users have no need for it.

The sole issue arises from the lack of independent test results for Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus, but it's a relatively small issue in something that, anecdotally, has consistently garnered good reports.

Avast Premium Security packs in a lot for the price, and yet the free version offers plenty on its own. Still, if you're keen to pay for an antivirus rather than rely on a freebie, this is a great option. And it covers a total of 10 devices.

Fine tuning is immediately demonstrated during the installation process. There are plenty of modular options to choose from, ranging from browser extensions to opting to install a password manager. 

Once installed, there's a single Smart Scan button that basically does everything possible. That includes a virus scan, vulnerability checker, network security analysis, and a look at any potentially weak passwords.

Browser protection comes via extensions that block suspicious URLs, as well as highlight dangerous links within search engine results. There's also Avast's SafeZone, a secure and separate browser that Avast loves to suggest any time you're about to log into your online banking.

Avast also keeps an eye on your network, spotting any security issues, such as weak encryption or vulnerable devices. 

In terms of sheer power, it's tough to fault Avast Premium Secuirty, though the free version will likely suit casual users.

Built upon Sophos's business side of security products, Sophos Home Premium isn't the most user friendly, but if you know what you're doing it's very good.

Everything is managed remotely via a web browser. Simply log into the Sophos dashboard, and you can see how every device is doing. The main page offers information on the number of threats and websites blocked on that device, and allows you to implement parental controls. 

A full scan of any system takes about 40-45 minutes, substantially speedier than most, with that time reduced as you do it more frequently. It spots everything from suspicious files to viruses and ransomware.

It uses a behaviour based system to detect ransomware, which isn't always perfect. But it's good at spotting unusual activity by any file. It also protects your browser, plugins, and other apps, without much input from you. 

Additionally, there's keylogger protection, a safe browser option for online banking. Unlike other virus protection software, Sophos extends to include webcam protection (which is Windows only). 

Sophos Home Premium can be unwieldy at times and a little intimidating. And if you want to change a simple setting, you need to dive into the remote management portal in your browser. Still, if you're the family's IT expert, this is an ideal way of tackling common issues