How to Choose the Best Antivirus Software

The best antivirus software protects against all types of cyber-attacks useful content like ransomware, malware, phishing, spyware, and data snooping. It must also be compatible with your operating system, work on Windows, Mac and Android devices (and ideally Linux too) and have a low impact on performance. It should also have additional security features, for example a secure web browser, as well as shredders for your files.

It is also crucial to ensure that the program keeps its malware database updated since new threats are continually being created to eliminate older detection methods. The top antivirus programs use a number of different detection methods to improve their reliability, such as heuristics, behavior monitoring, sandboxing, and artificial intelligence.

These programs are usually free and provide a basic degree of security. However should you require more advanced features, such as SMS and Call blocking cloud storage management and device scanning, then you should pay for them. These programs will have a subscription-based pricing model and should be backed by good laboratory tests and user-generated reviews.

AVG Antivirus is a top-rated mobile antivirus software. It got 100% in the AV-Comparatives June 2023 test and comes with a smart scanner, Wi-Fi warnings for networks and junk file cleanup. It also blocks unwanted calls and texts and lets you locate your phone that is missing using the help of a GPS tracker and comes with the anti-theft feature which locks your phone after three failed password attempts. The paid version adds extra security features like an inbuilt VPN along with RAM optimization and automatic updates to the app.