10 Best Internet Security Software [2022]: Full Online Protection

Short on time? Here’s the best internet security software in 2022:

To find the most effective internet security protection, I tested 67 antivirus products. It wasn’t an easy task. Although antivirus programs are often limited to protecting against viruses, they do not protect against all forms of malware. This is why many internet security software includes an antivirus engine along with other cybersecurity protections such as:

• Anti-phishing — to block dangerous websites from stealing data.
• Anti Spyware — Protect your private data from being leaked on the internet
• Antiransomware – Stop ransomware locking down your device.
• Firewall – for monitoring and blocking suspicious and unwanted network traffic.
• Password manager – for creating strong passwords and keeping them safe.
• VPN (virtual Private Network) — Allows you to browse the internet anonymously.
• Parental Control — To restrict your children’s access unsuitable content.

All cybersecurity packages are different in terms of the quality and usefulness of the extra features they offer, as well as the overall value that they provide.

After several weeks of testing and comparing, I was finally able to narrow my list down to the top 10. These security packages offer the highest level of security, the most features, and the greatest overall value.

Quick summary of the best internet security software of 2022:

• 1.🥇 Norton 360 Deluxe — #1 internet security suite for all devices & operating systems.
• 2.🥈 Bitdefender Premium Security — Most comprehensive cybersecurity package. 
• 3.🥉 TotalAV Total Security — Most beginner-friendly internet security package.
• 4. McAfee Total Protection — Excellent antivirus with good internet security tools.
• 5. Avira Prime — Lightweight scanner with good web protections.
• 6. Panda Dome Complete — Intuitive User Interface with Lots of Additional Security Protections
• 7. Kaspersky Total Security — Best for Online Shoppers
• 8. Malwarebytes Premium — Simple Security with a Good Antivirus Engine
• 9. Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 — Best Internet Security Software for Mac
• 10. BullGuard Premium Protection — Good Internet Security for Gamers

🥇1. Norton 360 Deluxe — Best Internet Security Suite in 2022

Norton 360 Deluxe is one of the most powerful antivirus engines available. It combines known malware databases with machine learning and artificial intelligence, scoring 100% in all my tests.

Norton is my top choice for total protection on all operating system platforms. Norton not only has a great malware scanner but also offers a variety of internet security features that are easy to use, including:

• Firewall — Blocks dangerous incoming or outgoing internet traffic.
• Password manager — Creates and stores complex passwords.
• PC SafeCam — ensures that no one can view your webcam.
• Dark Web Monitoring — Notifies you when your private data is discovered on the dark internet.
• Cloud backup – Stores up to 50GB of data
• VPN (unlimited Data) — Provides secure connections in more than 30 countries.

Norton’s dark-web monitoring is my favorite feature. It scans credit reports and dark web forums for potential data leaks. Norton employs human agents to locate information that other antiviruses can’t.

Norton 360 Deluxe Norton’s most value package is only D1,163,770/year. It covers 5 devices across all operating systems and includes 50GB cloud storage. It is also rated the #1 antivirus that offers parental controls.

Norton 360 is a comprehensive internet security suite that’s ideal for families and individuals with multiple devices to protect. It doesn’t require you to be an expert in order to benefit from its extra features. You can rest assured that your system is fully protected against all online threats.

Bottom line:

Norton 360 Deluxe is an excellent internet security suite that offers great protection for a very affordable price. Norton’s antivirus engine, which scored 100% in my tests, is among the best on the market. It also comes with a great set of online security tools. 360 Deluxe provides coverage for up 5 licenses. This makes it a great choice for families and individuals who want to protect multiple devices. All Norton packages come with a generous 60-day guarantee.

🥈2. Bitdefender Premium Security — Best for Tech-Savvy Users

Bitdefender premium Security offers the most complete internet security package. This includes parental controls, parental controls and file shredders.

Bitdefender’s antimalware engine is extremely advanced. It uses a cloud-based scanner to detect malware and scored 100% in my tests. This was without slowing down my computer. Bitdefender’s lightweight scanning impressed me greatly — even Norton and other top-tier competitors cause some slowdowns during full system scans.

Bitdefender offers multi-layered protection against ransomware. Bitdefender recognizes and blocks ransomware and secures personal files. If it suspects suspicious behavior, it will also start backing them up securely.

Bitdefender’s vulnerability assessment tool is also a favorite of mine. It checks your computer for outdated or vulnerable software, and then recommends the best solution.

Also, the password manager, VPN, parental controls, and other features are excellent. The password manager was able to accurately fill in forms and logins, while the VPN allowed me encrypted access to many servers around the globe (it’s the best antivirus-bundled VPN on the market). I was able to restrict device usage, monitor content, set up location tracking, and filter out inappropriate apps.

Bitdefender is an intuitive and simple internet security package. It also offers tons of customization options. Bitdefender’s Premium Safety will provide you with superior protection and a wide range of high-performance internet security tools. It’s also cheaper than other products with similar features at D1,629370 per year, making it one the best deals on the market.

Bottom line:

Bitdefender Premium security is one the most powerful cybersecurity packages available. It includes a cloud-based antivirus scanner, parental controls, and a VPN. Bitdefender comes with a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee.

🥉3. TotalAV Total Security — Best Internet Security for Beginners

TotalAV Total Safety is the most sophisticated online protection suite from TotalAV, but it’s very simple to understand and use.

TotalAV’s antivirus engine detected all of the malware I tested. It also comes with many online security tools. They include a safe browser extension, a secure password vault and anti-phishing protection. There is also an ad blocker and a VPN (with unlimited bandwidth).

TotalAV’s VPN performs better than other standalone VPNs. My tests showed that I could stream content securely and download torrents from servers around the globe with virtually no slowdown. TotalAV is one rare antivirus-bundled VPN that works with streaming sites such as Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+.

TotalAV’s antiphishing browser extension is also a great choice. It blocked more phishing sites than Chrome and Firefox.

Although TotalAV does not have the same features as Bitdefender or Norton, such extras include file shredding, parental controls and encrypted storage. However, if you are looking for a simple security suite that you can use on up to 6 devices, TotalAV Total Security could be a good option. It costs only D1,140,000.720 per year.

Bottom line:

TotalAV Total Safety provides easy-to use antivirus protection. The included VPN has speeds comparable to some of the most renowned names in the VPN industry. TotalAV is truly plug and play. It will protect you in seconds and run silently in the background, without you even realizing. All TotalAV plans come with a 30-day money back guarantee.

4. McAfee Total Protection — Best for Wi-Fi Network Protection

McAfee All Protection provides a comprehensive internet security package that includes everything you need to create and maintain an online defense in 2022.

McAfee’s antivirus engine is a real-time anti-virus that detects all malware. It also offers some amazing extra features like:

• Home Network Security — Protects Wi-Fi networks against cyber attacks
• Safe Web – A browser extension that blocks potentially dangerous websites.
• VPN (unlimited Data) — Securely connects to 23 Countries
• File encryption – Secures sensitive files behind 256 bit AES encryption
• File shredder — Permanently deletes files

Home Network Security is my favorite feature. It gives you complete control over all devices connected to your Wi-Fi network. It strengthens your firewall against malware attacks. McAfee’s VPN is also a great choice. It had virtually no effect on my browsing speed even though I was connecting to servers in Asia from the USA. McAfee VPN, however, is not able to access streaming sites such as Netflix, unlike TotalAV.

McAfee also offers identity theft protection. This includes identity restoration insurance, SSN tracking, credit monitoring, and credit monitoring up to $1,000,000 It is available in 11 countries throughout North America, South America and Europe.

McAfee’s password manager is the one thing that I don’t like. Total Security does not include a full version of True Key. True Key is not great and you don’t get the full version. Take a look at our top five antiviruses that include a password manager if you are looking for internet security software.

McAfee plans start at D1,163,770 per year. This is a great deal, and McAfee’s password manager can be purchased separately.

Bottom line:

McAfee All Protection is a great antivirus package. It is especially good at protecting Wi-Fi networks. This package also includes additional tools such as a VPN, file encryption and a file shredder. In some cases, it even provides identity theft protection. The Premiumplan, which covers 10 devices at a very affordable price, is one of the most cost-effective family antiviruses available. McAfee plans come with a 30-day money back guarantee.

5. Avira Prime — Fast Virus Scans & Secure Browsing

Avira Prime is one of the most powerful antivirus engines around. It runs completely in the cloud so it’s lightweight and fast.

Avira’s anti-malware engine detected all the malware samples that I had placed on my computer during my testing. The real-time protection feature stopped all the malware files that I tried to run.

Avira’s Safe Shopping browser extension is also excellent. It detected and blocked more phishing websites in my tests than any other. This extension blocks browser tracking and prevents companies from tracking you online. It also stops ads being served based on your browsing history. This extension also helps you find the best online deals.

Avira also comes with a great VPN — it’s fast, secure, and easy to use. It was very easy to surf the internet, stream videos, and download files without any speed loss. This is a great feature for a VPN bundled with Avira.

Avira could be better in parental controls. Although the Prime package does not include parental controls, Avira offers free parental controls called Family Protection Suite , that you can download separately. Its offering is limited in comparison to Bitdefender and Norton.

Avira prime, which costs D1,396,570 per year, is the best internet security suite available. It covers up to five devices on all operating systems. The mobile apps come with excellent anti-theft protection as well as a network scanner.

Bottom line:

Avira is a cloud-based lightweight antivirus engine that detects and blocks phishing attacks and displays the best deals. Avira Prime includes a VPN, password manager, game booster, system tune up, and many other features. All Avira products come with a 30-day money back guarantee.

6. Panda Dome Complete — Intuitive User Interface with Lots of Additional Security Protections

Panda Complete is a malware scanner that detects all types of malware. In my tests, Panda detected 95% of the malware samples. It missed spyware and adware files that Norton was able to detect.

Panda’s best feature is the Rescue Kit. This allows you to save your computer via USB stick in case it becomes infected with malware or viruses. This feature is extremely useful as it allows you to boot your computer to scan it and disinfect it in cases where it may otherwise be impossible.

Panda’s password manager, file encryption and shredder are also user-friendly. They lock and permanently delete sensitive files.

Panda’s additional features are not all that great. The web protection, for example, needs to be improved (only 50% of my tests detected it). This is a very low rate compared to McAfee and Bitdefender. The virtual keyboard, which is supposed protect against keyloggers should also be larger.

The parental controls are too simple for me. Norton is my recommendation if you are looking for strong parental controls.

Panda Dome has several plans. There are a variety of plans available, from the free Panda Dome plan that provides basic antivirus protection and limited VPN, to the Panda plan that offers unlimited VPN and costs only D1,559 530 per year. Panda Dome complete plan is the best value, at D1,000,810 per year. I don’t believe Panda’s VPN upgrade is worthwhile.

Bottom line:

Panda Dome Complete provides good malware protection. I was impressed by its intuitive interface, unique features and the Rescue Kit. Panda’s web protection is not great. The unlimited VPN is limited to the most expensive package and the parental controls are too simple. Panda is available for free with a 30-day guarantee.

7. Kaspersky Total Security — Best for Online Shoppers

Kaspersky All Security is a powerful antivirus scanner with a 100% detection rate. It also offers a wide range of additional security features, such as parental controls, password managers, webcam protection, and a secure browser to manage your online finances.

Kaspersky’s Safe Money function detected that I was making purchases. It opened a new browser and analyzed the site for security risks, blocked trackers and provided me with an onscreen keyboard to stop keylogging hackers.

Kaspersky’s parental controls are also very useful. These include useful features such as setting up safe YouTube searches, monitoring your child’s activity on social media, and blocking inappropriate content.

Kaspersky’s password manager, VPN and firewall are both excellent — though the VPN can only be used for 300MB per day. Others top brands, such as Bitdefender and Norton, offer unlimited VPNs.

Kaspersky’s Total Securityplan is very affordable at D698,170 per year. It includes protection for up 10 devices.

Bottom line:

Kaspersky’s Toxic Security is a great tool for protecting online financial accounts. It also detects malware well and has some very useful features. The VPN can only access 300MB per day. Although Kaspersky provides good protection, the plans are quite expensive compared to other similar-featured products. Kaspersky offers a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee on all purchases.

8. Malwarebytes Premium — Simple Security with a Good Antivirus Engine

Malwarebytes premium is an internet security suite that’s easy to use for those who need web protection and malware detection.

Malwarebytes’s anti-malware engine uses artificial intelligence to detect malware in real time — all my malware samples were detected by Malwarebytes during my tests. It did flag more false positives than other antiviruses, which I found quite annoying.

Malwarebytes comes with a browser extension which prevents phishing attacks and blocks websites with malware (including cryptojackers) and removes ads. Although it claims this extension will speed up web browsing, I did not notice any difference in my browsing speed.

Malwarebytes premium does not have many of the same features as premium alternatives like McAfee and Norton. It’s an affordable and simple internet security suite that covers 1-5 devices on all operating systems. Malwarebytes Premium+ Privacy offers a great VPN service with more than 400 servers across 30+ countries. It costs $99.99 per year.

Bottom line:

Malwarebytes has an excellent anti-malware program. However, it is lacking many of the extra features I would like to see in an internet security package. Malwarebytes Privacy adds a great VPN and Malwarebytes Premium provides a strong web protection. Both plans come with a generous 60-day guarantee.

9. Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 — Best Internet Security Software for Mac

Intego’s premium bundle X9 protects Macs.

Intego’s outstanding real-time protection against malware helped it to be our top antivirus for Mac in 2022. It blocked all the Mac-specific malware samples that I tried, even those from Panda and other competitors.

Other features of Intego include:

• Firewall.
• Anti-phishing protection.
• Device optimization tool.
• Parental controls.
• Save your files.

Intego’s extra features are far superior to Apple’s built in Mac protections. Intego’s NetBarrier firewall was particularly impressive, as it automatically adjusts settings according to network traffic. The phishing detection feature is also a great feature. It blocked more suspicious websites in my tests than Chrome or Safari.

Intego Mac Internet SecurityX9 is available at $24.99 per year and includes a firewall, antiphishing and malware protection. If you need additional parental controls, file backup support, and support across multiple devices, Intego’s Premium bundle X9 ($39.99/year) might be a better option.

Bottom line:

Intego Mac premium Bundle HTML9 enhances macOS’s internet security tools — excellent malware scanner, anti-phishing protections and a smart firewall. The parental controls and file backup offer many customization options that macOS does not provide. All plans from Intego come with a 30-day guarantee of satisfaction.

10. BullGuard Premium Protection — Good Internet Security for Gamers

BullGuard premium Protection uses machine-learning to detect new online threats. I have had excellent results against my test malware.

Although BullGuard doesn’t have as many features as Bitdefender and Norton, it does include some useful tools. BullGuard is one of the most popular antiviruses for gamers, with the Game Booster being my favorite. It increased my gaming frame rate and load time, making it one of the top antiviruses in 2022.

BullGuard also includes parental controls, firewalls, anti-phishing protections, identity theft protections and cloud backup. Experian’s international network is used to provide credit/dark Web monitoring in North America and Europe.

BullGuard has a lot of great tools. However, the parental controls could use some work. Norton is an excellent choice if you are looking for internet security software that will keep your children safe online and encourage digital literacy.

BullGuard’s biggest problem is the fact that it does not include features I consider essential for internet security like a password manager or a VPN. BullGuard’s VPN is available separately at checkout. BullGuard’s Game Booster, and identity theft protection tools are excellent, BullGuard Premium Security ($40.00 /year) is still a great value.

Bottom line:

BullGuard Premium Protection offers a great internet security suite and a game booster for PC gamers. BullGuard Premium Protection offers a variety of cybersecurity protections that help protect your computer from identity theft, phishing, and firewall attacks. All BullGuard plans come with a 30-day money back guarantee.

How to choose the best internet security suite for your needs in 2022

• Malware protection. An internet security system that protects against malware, trojans and spyware should be able to detect and prevent emerging threats immediately. When I tested them, all of my top choices were able to protect against malware.
• Internet security features. Although many extra features are included in Internet security suites, not all of them can be used. Each feature was thoroughly tested to determine if it delivered on its promises and added value. Every brand on my list has at least one or two extras. Top performers like Norton or Bitdefender have a lot.
• Easy to use. Easy download and open. Each feature should be easy to customize and troubleshoot. Brands that provide exceptional customer service and helpful instructions in-app received bonus points during my testing.
• Value. Value. McAfee’s Family plan provides 10 devices at a very low cost, while Norton and Malwarebytes provide generous 60-day money back guarantees. In my testing, I also considered how many additional features are available and how much standalone products cost.

Top Brands that Didn’t Make it to the Cut

• AVG/Avast. AVG/Avast were both accused of selling user data to businesses. We no longer recommend these antiviruses.
• Comodo. Comodo has advanced settings that are available for more experienced users. However, Comodo failed to detect malware files that were not detected by the other brands. Comodo also significantly slowed down my computer.
• ESET. ESET is an internet security suite that offers good protection against malware. ESET isn’t as effective at detecting ransomware and other internet-based malware as the other programs in this list. ESET is also quite expensive, especially if you have multiple devices.

What is the importance of internet security?

Internet security is essential due to the high value of data we keep online and the growing number of hackers targeting accounts that are not protected.

Hackers use increasingly sophisticated malware and social engineering techniques to gain access to financial information, logins online, and browsing data.

These hacks could be a problem if you don’t have adequate internet security. You could lose your financial information, have your social media accounts compromised and be a victim to identity theft or fraud.

What is the difference between “antivirus”, and “internet security?”

Antivirus software protects computers against malware such as trojans and viruses. Internet security software protects you against network-based malware such as ransomware and spyware.

Despite this, most internet security suites, like all of the ones on this list, offer both an anti-virus engine and protection against internet threats in one product.

Many anti-virus/internet security software packages include:

• Ransomware, spyware and Phishing Protection
• Secure browser extension
• Insurance against identity theft
• VPN
• Firewall
• Monitoring dark web
• Password manager
• Encrypted cloud storage
• … and much more

Norton 360 Deluxe is my favorite internet security suite in 2022. It offers 100% malware protection, fast VPN, 50GB cloud storage, and parental controls.

Is there a free program for internet security?

The majority of free internet security software is limited in functionality, has major product flaws or notifies you that your device cannot be used normally. It might also have an ulterior motive, such as stealing your data.

However, not all free security software can be considered bad. Although there are good antiviruses available for Windows, Android and iOS, none of them are as good or as well-respected as the ones on this list.

It is always better to spend a few bucks per month on a premium internet safety suite such as Norton 360 than it is to deal the limitations and hassles of a free antivirus.

Google Chrome’s internet security measures are they effective?

Chrome lacks a lot of online protections. This browser does not have a VPN, identity theft protection or encrypted password storage.

Google, Apple and Microsoft have made significant improvements to their Internet security protections. None of these are comparable to the major cybersecurity brands Bitdefender and Norton.

Antivirus software for 2022 is far more effective than any available in Google Chrome.