The most effective antivirus software will protect your devices from ransomware, malware, and phishing. It can also stop data breaches and spyware from destroying your personal data. There are a myriad of programs available, and a majority are more expensive than you’d expect to pay.

We’ve tested over 300 of them to discover the most effective virus protection for your budget. We looked for software that is simple to use and durable, yet secures you without slowing your computer down or forcing you to quit using it. We’ve also ensured that the software regularly updates its malware database.

Top packages include a full range of anti-malware software, along with additional features like a VPN password manager, password manager, and parental controls. Some of them offer a dark web monitoring service that checks whether your email address, credit card information or other personal data has been stolen by malicious hackers.

Norton 360 is our winner. It provides top-quality all-round security with excellent malware detection rates and amazing additional features like a password manager. The service provides dark web monitoring in real-time as well as cloud backups.

It’s also one of the few packages that’s available for Mac computers (most other programs only support Windows PCs) and it offers a good performance in tests by independent lab AV-Comparatives. It’s a bit expensive at PS2/month for an annual subscription, but there is a free trial version available.

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