Comparison of our cheap virus killers from Kaspersky, Aavast, AVG, Bitdefender, F-Secure, McAfee, Norton and Panda

What are the most important areas of protection for antivirus software?

• Real-time protection against viruses/malware (incl. spyware) and infected files
• Ransomware protection (encryption/manipulation of files)
• Web and phishing protection against scam sites, scam links and dangerous downloads
• Email protection against malicious attachments/phishing (depending on the product)
• Network/firewall protection against unauthorized access and attacks from the network
• Identity and privacy protection (e.g. password protection/manager, dark web monitoring, VPN, webcam protection - depending on product and tariff)

Comparison of the most important protection areas of anti-virus software

How do the top antivirus programs differ in terms of functionality?

Kaspersky Standard

AV/Malware Real-time protection against viruses, spyware and other malware including scan engine and protection against infected files

Ransomware Protection against ransomware by detecting suspicious encryption and manipulation patterns

Web/phishing Protection against dangerous websites, phishing sites and fraudulent links when surfing the web

Firewall Network and firewall protection to control and secure connections

Banking protection mode for payments and online banking to reduce the risk of fraud

Privacy protection against tracking and control of app access to sensitive areas such as webcam and microphone

Kaspersky Plus

AV/Malware All protection functions from Standard with the same core engine for device and file protection

Ransomware Advanced protection of important folders and files against encryption and misuse

Web/phishing protection against phishing and online fraud including warnings for risky sites

VPN VPN function for more privacy in public networks and when surfing the web

Password Password manager for saving, creating and checking passwords

Additionalprivacy functions for privacy such as cleaning up traces and protecting sensitive data storage

Kaspersky Premium

AV/Malware Complete device protection as in Plus with maximum function level within the product line

Ransomware Strong protection against encryption and data manipulation including protection of critical areas

Web/phishing Comprehensive protection against scam sites, scam links and online traps

VPN VPN function as in Plus for privacy and protection in open WLANs

Password Password manager as in Plus

Identity Additional premium identity and support services depending on region and platform

Norton Internet Security

AV/Malware Real-time protection against viruses, spyware and malware with signatures and behavior analysis

Ransomware detection and blocking of typical ransomware patterns within malware protection

Web/phishing Anti-phishing and website warnings to block fraudulent sites

Firewall Two-way firewall to control incoming and outgoing network connections

Intrusion Protection against network attacks and exploitation of vulnerabilities via intrusion prevention

Password Identity Safe functions for saving logins and protected form filling

Parental controls depending on edition to control content and usage times

McAfee Internet Security

AV/Malware Real-time protection against viruses and spyware with scans and protection modules

Ransomware Ransomware defense as part of malware and behavioral protection depending on the version

Web/phishing Web protection with warnings about risky websites and scam sites, depending on the component

Firewall Personal firewall to block unauthorized access

Email anti-spam and protection against phishing emails depending on version

Parental controls depending on package and platform

McAfee Total Protection

AV/Malware Comprehensive device protection against viruses and malware

Ransomware Protection against ransomware and file manipulation

Web/phishing protection against scam sites, scam links and risky downloads

Firewall Firewall functions for network protection depending on the platform

VPN VPN function in many plans for privacy in public networks

Password Password manager for saving and generating secure passwords

Identity Identity and data protection functions depending on the plan, such as monitoring and clean-up tools

Parental family and child protection functions depending on the plan

AVG Internet Security

AV/Malware Real-time protection against viruses, spyware and other malware

Ransomware Protection against ransomware by blocking suspicious file access

Web/Phishing Protection against dangerous websites, phishing and fraudulent links

Firewall Advanced firewall to control connections

Webcam Webcam protection against unauthorized access

Aavast Premium Security

AV/Malware Real-time antivirus against viruses and malware

Ransomware Ransomware protection for important folders and files

Web/phishing Web protection against scam sites, phishing and malicious downloads

Firewall Firewall functions to control network traffic

Webcam Webcam protection against unauthorized access

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

AV/Malware Real-time protection against viruses and malware

Ransomware Ransomware defense against encryption and data misuse

Web/phishing anti-phishing and anti-fraud for safer surfing

Note Typically fewer additional modules such as VPN or suite extras compared to larger suites

F-Secure Internet Security

AV/malware Protection against viruses, spyware and malware with real-time scanning

Ransomware protection against ransomware as part of real-time and behavioral monitoring

Web/phishing browsing protection against scam sites and risky content

Banking Banking protection mode for payments and online banking depending on the platform

Email protection against infected email attachments depending on mail integration

Panda Dome Essential

AV/Malware Real-time antivirus for protection against viruses and malware

Ransomware Ransomware defense as part of malware detection and protection mechanisms

Web/phishing protection against phishing and fraudulent websites

Firewall Firewall functions under Windows for network security

VPN VPN with limited data volume depending on the package

Wi-Fi WLAN monitoring to display connected devices and detect suspicious connections

Who has the most security features? Top 3 antivirus programs

Norton Internet Security

Norton is often very strong in terms of overall effectiveness across many tests. This speaks for a stable protection performance in everyday life, because not only individual sub-areas are good, but detection, web protection and defense mechanisms typically work broadly and consistently.

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Bitdefender is particularly strong at detecting and blocking the latest malware and is often rated as very reliable. If you're focusing on maximum protection against new threats, it's typically one of the safest choices.

Kaspersky Premium

Kaspersky is often in the top group for protection. It combines strong malware defense with additional layers of protection against web fraud and typical attack vectors, often resulting in very high protection in practice.