1) BitDefender Antivirus:
- Pros: BitDefender Antivirus Pro 2011 has the most comprehensive feature set and is
completely flexible.
- Cons: The software is a little heavy on the resources used (comparatively), though you
won't notice a difference in most computers.
- The Verdict: BitDefender's base-line antivirus software is well-balanced, powerful, and
effective.
2) Kaspersky Antivirus:
- Pros: Kaspersky Anti-Virus has all the right features and tools, packed in an interface that is advanced but
straightforward.
- Cons: The price for a 3-user license is definitely worth it, but isn’t as competitive.
- The Verdict: This antivirus power-house is flexible enough for experts, simple enough for beginners, and
effective enough for everyone.
3) Webroot Antvirus:
Pros: The software combines antivirus protection from Sophos with the best antispyware program Spy Sweeper for an
effective one-two punch against malware.
Cons: Webroot is still missing a few nice features like a laptop mode and link scanner.
The Verdict: Webroot has one of the best antispyware/antivirus combo packages we’ve seen.
4) Norton Antivirus:
Pros: Norton 2011 improves on all the great features from last year and adds a few more. Norton AntiVirus continues
to provide proved protection while maintaining a light footprint.
Cons: The performance issues of a few years ago are gone, but Norton still doesn't always play nice with other
applications or uninstall completely.
The Verdict: Norton's most basic antivirus protection is superior to most of the competition, and includes some
features you simply won't find elsewhere.
5) ESET Nod32 Antivirus:
Pros: Proven security without the slowdown, ESET features heuristic detection and advanced diagnostic
tools.
Cons: ESET has all the essentials covered. The interface is good, but not great.
The Verdict: We can definitely give ESET a nod of approval for security and performance.
6) AVG Antivirus:
Pros: AVG Anti-Virus 2011 includes the LinkScanner and Social Networking Protection.
Cons: AVG’s scanning engine is effective, but not the fastest. The software also overprotects at times,
causing false positives.
The Verdict: AVG Anti-Virus continues to deliver new features and is one of the best antivirus software
available, just not the best.
7) G Data Antivirus:
Pros: G Data AntiVirus provides unparalleled security by using two separate scanning engines, heuristics
and self-learning fingerprinting.
Cons: Unfortunately, the software is missing a few extra features such as a gamer mode, battery saving
mode or link scanner.
The Verdict: G Data is affordable antivirus software with a high level of security.
8) Avira Antivirus:
Pros: Avira AntiVir Premium balances protection and performance, and includes protection from a number
of threats
Cons: The Advanced Heuristics Analysis and Detection (AHeAD) technology sometimes overprotects by
flagging non-malware as dangerous(false positives).
The Verdict: Known for their cost-effective antivirus software, Avira AntiVir is a good overall solution.
9) Vipre Antivirus:
Pros: Vipre has one of the most efficient scanning engines with a small scan footprint. The home site license is
perfect for households with multiple PC's.
Cons: The installation is thorough, but requires a restart.
The Verdict: The Vipre brand may still be pretty new, but the software is definitely worth looking into.
10) Trend Micro Titanium Antivirus:
Pros: Trend Micro Titanium Antivirus + features cloud security for real-time protection and updates.
Cons: The software has fallen behind a bit, and is still missing a handful of nice features and tools that you can find
elsewhere.
The Verdict: Trend Micro Titanium Antivirus + offers good protection, but the software still has a ways to go to catch up
with the competition.
