Anti-viurs programs

The CCleaner revelations, while concerning, were self-disclosed, which is important to building user trust. We hope Avast's more privacy-friendly policies mean that there will be no further Jumpshot-style activities and it returns to glory as one of the best antivirus software.

In the meantime, we'd recommend using one of the many other solid choices in this realm listed above. Because the company has been in the news the past few years, let's talk about Kaspersky Lab -- specifically about the federal ban that blocks US government agencies from using Kaspersky Antivirus products.

Based in Moscow, Kaspersky Lab has for years produced some of the best antivirus software for business antivirus needs and home customers. But in the US government prohibited Kaspersky security cloud software on federal government computers because of alleged ties between Kaspersky and the Russian government. But as with China-based Huawei , the question remains: If the federal government doesn't think the products are safe enough for its own devices, should consumers avoid them as well?

In a statement sent to CNET, the company said, "Kaspersky Lab has no ties to any government, and the company has never, nor will ever, engage in cyber offensive activities. Kaspersky Lab maintains that no public evidence of any wrongdoing has been presented by the US government, and that the US government's actions against Kaspersky Lab were unconstitutional. In Kaspersky's favor, it continues to earn top scores and awards for virus and malware detection and endpoint protection from independent testing labs.

And it's reasonably priced. In the end, even though no one has ever publicly produced a "smoking gun" linking the company to Russian intrigue, we think any of the options listed above are a safer bet. And if you are a US government employee or work with the federal government, you'll want to steer clear of Kaspersky internet security products -- and perhaps use one of the antivirus software products mentioned here instead.

Picking the best antivirus software for Windows means finding one that keeps your PC safe, doesn't take up a lot of system resources, is easy to use and stays out of the way till you need it. Here's what to look for. Antivirus software runs virus scans for known viruses and malware, of course, and can offer real-time protection.

And it watches for shady websites and suspicious links to keep you out of trouble. It can also offer ransomware protection and monitor unexpected behavior that may be a sign of new and not-yet-identified viruses and malware.

You want antivirus software that can successfully identify these unknown online threats without flagging too many false positives. Light on system resources.

You don't want antivirus software that taxes your PC's resources. If after you install the program, websites open slowly, apps download or open sluggishly or file copies take longer than expected, you may want to try another service. The good news is, all our picks offer a free trial to let you try out the antivirus program, so if your system feels sluggish after installation, you may want to keep looking.

Cost and discounts. Don't just pay the sticker price for antivirus protection. Before you buy, check for discounts on a company's website.

Another way to save: The prices we list above are for 10 devices -- if the company offered that package -- but you can trim your cost with antivirus packages if you need to cover three or five devices. You may also find discounts on an app's Amazon page. To be effective, antivirus software needs to monitor what's going on with your PC, check in with company servers about unusual behavior and should provide sound banking protection. The companies say they anonymize this technical data as much as possible to protect your privacy.

But if you want to know more, the security companies on our list post privacy policies on their websites, so read their privacy statements to learn what the companies do with the information you share.

Protection for other platforms. Microsoft is by far the biggest target for viruses and malware. While the Mac does come under attack via side-loaded apps, it's rare, and if you download apps only from the Mac and iOS app stores and keep your guard up when clicking links and download files, you should be OK without an antivirus app on Apple devices.

CNET editors pick the products and services we write about. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Best free Windows antivirus Microsoft Defender. Jump to details. See at Microsoft. See at NortonLifeLock. See at Bitdefender. Best on-demand Windows malware removal Malwarebytes.

See at Malwarebytes. Solid subscription antivirus alternative McAfee Total Protection. See at McAfee. Another good subscription option Trend Micro Maximum Security.

See at Trend Micro. See at ESET. Alternative free Windows antivirus Sophos Home. See at Sophos. Our recommendations Looking for free antivirus protection, malware protection or virus detection, willing to pay for an antivirus program that offers broad internet security coverage across all your devices, including from ransomware and phishing, or need to remove a computer virus or malware from your PC right now?

Best free Windows antivirus. Microsoft Defender. Best antivirus subscription for Windows. Norton with LifeLock Select. Best free antivirus alternative for Windows. Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition. Best on-demand Windows malware removal. Solid subscription antivirus alternative. McAfee Total Protection. Another good subscription option.

Trend Micro Maximum Security. Worthwhile subscription alternative. Alternative free Windows antivirus. The free version operates on-demand, scanning for and releasing malware, but should always be used in tandem with more comprehensive antivirus software. Malwarebytes does an excellent job capturing, quarantining, and removing malware, wreaking havoc in your system. You can conduct a full or quick scan of the free version whenever required, and it will devise a report on your system.

Trend Micro was established in in the U. The company serves worldwide and has numerous partnerships in the tech enterprise. It also offers several security tools, including firewall booster, layered ransomware protections, and Pay Guard browser that delivers the safest levels of protection for online banking and investments.

This version is Windows-only, but Trend Micro delivers a Mac version. The highest tier plan sponsors mobile operating systems as well. The company was launched in and presented its first antivirus product in OpenText acquired the company in Webroot SecureAnywhere for Mac delivers exceptional phishing detection and fast scanning ability designed explicitly for Macs.

Submitting an email address when installing Webroot gives users lookouts for new threats. Webroot SecureAnywhere for Mac is a choice for antivirus protection best for Mac computers. There is always a belief that Mac computers are secure from cyberattacks. However, while the viruses are targeted at Windows computers, Macs are vulnerable to other malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and even Apple-targeted viruses. Bitdefender was launched in and is headquartered in Bucharest, in southern Romania.

The company has around 1, employees with offices all over the globe. Bitdefender Plus is the entry-level antivirus software offering, making it perfect for home users without technical skills and anyone who enjoys preliminary defense against threats.

The paid version contains multi-layer ransomware protection, Safepay for financial transactions, and vulnerability appraisals.

A virtual private network VPN is also proposed with an additional subscription fee. In addition, password management lets users create unique passwords for everything, handled via an easy-to-use dashboard. McAfee Antivirus Plus is the one antivirus forum that acknowledges the growing number of gadgets used in a single household, which could contain four or more diverse operating systems.

McAfee Antivirus Plus is our top pick for numerous devices because its subscriptions offer protection for each device in the home for a reasonable cost.