There are many websites that have reviewed the different antivirus software over hundreds of hours checking on malware, viruses, rootkits, Trojans, ransomware and phishing scams. It is not important to look for paid or free antivirus software but it has to be an all-rounder antivirus. What you need is something more than just a run-of-the-mill antivirus. Common sense is still the best antidote for common online threats like ransomware, phony tech support scam, identity theft, social engineering costs thousands of dollars.

Free utilities like Windows Defender for Windows 10 is a good option when you want to scan for viruses, but a complete package makes more sense.

The best to emerge from these tests is the Bitdefender Antivirus Plus overall for Windows computers and laptops because of how well it recognizes and stops these threats. It is easy to use, and it comes with extra security tools which other basic antivirus programs do not include. The best antivirus for Mac computers is Norton Security Standard.   

The best free antivirus is Avira Free Security Suite. This antivirus software displays a big warning in your browser if you are trying to visit a site that has malware on it. If a virus is trying to download onto your computer then Avira stops and moves the file to be quarantined.

This antivirus comes with many security tools which include a system vulnerability scanner, a VPN, and a personal firewall. Each extra tool is a separate module you need to set up individually. You also cannot access other tools without returning to the beginning of the program.

Avira Free Security Suite does a good job of blocking malware, virus downloads and malicious sites. Threats are caught and quarantined. The browsing feature is marked so that you know which site is safe. Avira is free and displays a lot of pop up ads. These ads may slow down the computer. For a gamer, Avira switches on its gaming mode and keeps the pop ups at bay. You have the system working for you and this means you end up taking less breaks while playing.

It is a no cost virus protection. It scans for software vulnerability and has parental controls. But the software has a number of ads which slow down the computer and it does not have a password manager.

Avira catches 98% of all the threats to the computer. The browser extension is automatically enabled in Firefox while in Chrome you have to enable it.

Avira displays a warning for a dangerous site containing malware stating exactly what it contains and asks for your permission if you would want to visit it. Sometimes the website has a link that gets downloaded with malware hidden in it. Some phishing sites fool you into giving personal information to steal your identity. Avira stops the threat and moves it to quarantine.

Microsoft does not allow browser extension and hence Avira has a tough time recognizing malware threats. None of the dangerous sites can be tagged and many of the files are sometimes already partly downloaded. If you use Edge then do not use Avira but use Webroot antivirus (paid antivirus) as it can detect threats coming through edge.

This program has extra security tools that are not found in basic antivirus software available in the market, including a VPN and a personal firewall. It has a system vulnerability scan which looks for weak spots in the system like outdated software, and helps you strengthen them so that hackers and other threats can’t sneak in.

Avira Free Security Suite is a strong antivirus and is compatible with Windows. Its gamer mode kicks in when you start the games or watch videos online.