Cyber criminals get savvier and more dangerous by the day, finding workarounds for security measures and making their way into secure networks

1. Kaspersky Total Security

The best antivirus protection overall.

SPECIFICATIONS

Anti-theft: Yes

Backup software: Yes

Firewall: Yes

Game mode: Yes

Hardened browser: Yes

Parental controls: Yes

Password manager: Yes

Ransomware rollback: Yes

Webcam protection: Yes

Virtual keyboard: Yes

VPN: Limited upsell

Wi-Fi scanner: Yes

REASONS TO BUY

+Excellent malware protection+New stalkerware protection+Password manager, parental controls

REASONS TO AVOID

-Limited VPN usage-Microphone protection hard to enable

Kaspersky's Windows products have excellent malware-detection scores and a light-to-moderate system-performance impact, the two most important criteria in our rankings. 

The entry-level program, Kaspersky Anti-Virus (starting at £12.49 UK/$29.99 US), has dedicated ransomware protection, a virtual keyboard and a convenient online account portal. But it's beaten by Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, which has even more features.

Kaspersky Internet Security (£17.49 UK/$39.99 US) is our top choice among midrange packages. It has a secure browser, anti-theft protection for laptops, webcam protection and a limited-use VPN client that kicks in when you connect to an open Wi-Fi network. It also includes software for macOS, Android and iOS.

The premium antivirus suite, Kaspersky Total Security (£19.99 UK/$44.99 US), adds backup software, parental controls, file encryption, a file shredder and an unlimited password manager. We think it's the best antivirus software you can buy today.

https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-antivirus,review-2588.html

BEST ANTIVIRUS: TOP 7

1. Kaspersky Total Security
2. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
3. Norton 360 Deluxe
4. McAfee Internet Security
5. Trend Micro Maximum Security
6. ESET Smart Security Premium
7. Sophos Home Premium