Although it may seem like surfing the net or watching a video is harmless, there are risks to your computer all over the internet. Malicious software, also known as malware, can track what you do online, and even steal your personal details. While the types of malware that hackers use are constantly changing, these include:

• Viruses that can alter the software of your computer in a dangerous way
• Adware can cause intrusive advertisements to appear on your screen
• Spyware that can be used to monitor your computing activities
• Ransomware locks down your computer, rendering it unusable, until you pay a fee or “ransom.”
• Worms can spread software code from one computer to another.

Hackers can also use other tactics. Another popular technique is “phishing”, where someone tries trick you into using a fake site (such as the one your bank uses) to steal your personal details.

Antivirus software, such as Bitdefenderand Norton which were both rated in our Best Antivirus Software Rankings of 2022, are able to protect you and your computer against these threats. But, strong passwords as well as other common-sense security measures can be a good substitute.

Antivirus software is able to scan files and information sent to and from your computer when you surf the Internet, send emails or do any other type of online activity. Antivirus software will warn you against clicking on any files or websites that may pose a threat for your internet security. Antivirus software will quarantine and remove any malware you accidentally download to your computer.

Additional features may be available in antivirus protection packages, such as McAfee. These include a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that disguises your online activities; a firewall to monitor network traffic; parental controls to protect kids; and a password management tool to encrypt passwords. See our full review of the Best Antivirus Software 2022.

Our top antivirus software of 2022

Here are the Top Antivirus Softwares of 2022 to protect your Windows Computer.

#1 Bitdefender
#2 Kaspersky
#3 Webroot
#4 Norton
#5 Trend Micro
#6 McAfee
#6 ESET
#8 Avast
#9 AVG Technologies
#10 Sophos

Detail on the Best Antivirus Software

We have compiled a list of the Top Antivirus Software of 2018 to help you narrow down your search. These programs work on Windows 10 and Windows 7 computers. When there is a slash between two prices, it means that the first price represents the first year. The second price represents the subsequent years.

Bitdefender

Bitdefender offers five different antivirus packages. Each one has a different price depending on how many devices are used (usually three to five or 10) and the length of the subscription (one to two years or three). Antivirus Plus starts at $19.99/$39.99, and you can get one device for a year. Bitdefender Premium Security costs $89.99/$149.99 to protect 10 devices. It also includes a password management system. Bitdefender offers limited VPN services and does not protect against identity theft. Find out more about Bitdefender.

Kaspersky.

Kaspersky’s antivirus software packages can be purchased with either three- or five-device coverage or 10- or 20-device protection. Subscriptions are available for one, two, three, or three years. All versions have 50% off introductory discounts. Only the Security Cloud antivirus package is higher-tier, and has a 40% discount. Annual prices start at $29.99 for three devices with the Windows-only anti-virus plan ($59.99 after renewal) and go up to $74.99 for 10 devices with Kaspersky Total Security ($149.99 after renewal). Kaspersky does not offer a complete VPN or identity theft protection in any of its packages. Learn more in our Kaspersky Review.

Webroot 

Webroot provides three antivirus software programs at a lower price than many other antivirus vendors. These packages start at $29.99/$39.99 for one year and a single device, with basic malware protection and some extras. These plans go up to $179.99/$239.97 if you want a more comprehensive set of protections. You will get a password manager and 25 GB of cloud storage to protect up to five devices over three years. You can read more in our Webroot Review.

Norton.

There are five Norton primary antivirus/identity steal protection packages. They vary in price. Norton 360 Standard costs $39.99 in the first year and $79.99 after that. Norton 360 Plus LifeLock Ultimate Plus comes in at $299.99/$349.99. Norton Antivirus Plus can be purchased for $19.99/$59.99.

Trendmicro:

Trendmicro offers a variety antivirus software. It is $29.95 for a one-year subscription to the Windows-only Antivirus+ Security. The Maximum Security package protects up to 10 devices, and it costs $154.95 for two-years. Trend Micro’s anti-virus programs offer minimal protection against identity theft. The Maximum Security package does NOT include a VPN. However, the Premium Security Suite does.

McAfee

McAfee Antivirus Software is available at a price of $29.99 for a single device ($79.99 on renewal) for McAfee Total Protection or $39.99 McAfee LiveSafe. This covers an unlimited amount of devices for a year ($119.99 on renewal).

ESET 

ESET provides three different antivirus software options in one-year, two-year or three-year contracts. The lowest price option for basic malware defense on one device is $39.99 per calendar year. Smart Security Premium package is the most expensive and costs $59.99 for one device. Subscriptions provide coverage for a specified number of devices instead of a set number (like five or 10, which is more common than with antivirus plans.

Avast 

Avast offers both free and paid antivirus software under the Avast-AVG brands. Avast also provides Omni, a subscription-based combined antivirus/hardware protection solution for smart home/WiFi networks. Prices range from $39.99- $69.99 for the first device, to protect 10, and then from $69.99- $119.99 per year.

AVGTechnologies 

AVG has two paid subscriptions for its antivirus software. AVG Internet Security can be used on Windows, macOS Android and iOS. Subscription prices range between $39.99 ($69.99 per computer after the initial year) and $49.99 ($89.99 per device after the second year). AVG’s Ultimate package includes AVG VPN and AVGPC TuneUp. It covers 10 devices and costs $79.99 ($119.99 each year). AVG also sells an additional VPN.

Sophos 

Sophos is selling a single antivirus program, Sophos Premium. This package can be purchased in one-year, two-year, or three-year subscriptions. Home Premium is $44.99 per annum for a one year plan. A two year plan costs $74.99; a three-year one costs $104.99. Sophos Home Free (free) protects upto three computers.