The ranking of the top antivirus programs were determined from information from independent research of the best antivirus and computer security software. Information was gathered from such sites as www.av-comparatives.org , www.virusbtn.com , www.av-test.org and combined with consumer feedback.

Top 10 Antivirus Software

Norton

  • IMPROVED! Norton Protection System uses multiple layers of security that work together to proactively block attacks and detect and remove threats traditional virus scanning alone can't stop.
  • NEW! Analyzes downloads, files and applications and tells you if they can be trusted before you install and use them.
  • IMPROVED! Vulnerability Protection guards security holes in your operating system, applications, browsers and browser plug-ins.
  • IMPROVED! Detects and gets rid of even the hardest to find Internet Explorer and Firefox cookies.
  • IMPROVED! Norton Bootable Recovery Tool repairs, restores and boots severely infected, unbootable PCs.
  • Automatically scans emails and IMs for threats.
  • Finds and eliminates bots to prevent hackers from taking over your PC.
  • Intrusion prevention technologies prevent fast-spreading Internet worms from getting on to your PC.
10% Off Norton Top Products
$39.99

McAfee

McAfee® VirusScan® Plus takes the worry and hassle out of essential PC protection for everyone — experts to novices, shielding PCs from viruses, spyware, and includes a firewall to protect you against hacker attacks. It also features award-winning, easy-to-use McAfee SiteAdvisor® - an online safety guide that warns you about risky web sites before you visit.

McAfee® VirusScan® Plus is now available with revolutionary Active Protection technology, providing immediate protection against malicious threats to your PC. A new threat can be analyzed and blocked in milliseconds, rather than waiting hours for traditional techniques. Active Protection is the best technology to keep you safe from emerging online threats.

With unmatched performance, McAfee® VirusScan® Plus runs silently in the background without slowing down your PC, boasting faster start-up, shut-down and scan times.
McAfee, Inc McAfee, Inc
McAfee, Inc
$39.99

Kaspersky

McAfee® VirusScan® Plus takes the worry and hassle out of essential PC protection for everyone — experts to novices, shielding PCs from viruses, spyware, and includes a firewall to protect you against hacker attacks. It also features award-winning, easy-to-use McAfee SiteAdvisor® - an online safety guide that warns you about risky web sites before you visit.

McAfee® VirusScan® Plus is now available with revolutionary Active Protection technology, providing immediate protection against malicious threats to your PC. A new threat can be analyzed and blocked in milliseconds, rather than waiting hours for traditional techniques. Active Protection is the best technology to keep you safe from emerging online threats.

With unmatched performance, McAfee® VirusScan® Plus runs silently in the background without slowing down your PC, boasting faster start-up, shut-down and scan times.
$59.95

ESET

  • Keeps you safe from viruses, spyware, trojans, password stealers and other malware threats
  • Stops most new threats proactively, well before other vendors have issued a signature, maximizing your defense against new and unknown threats
  • Scans and cleans Internet traffic and email, even when it's SSL-encrypted, so your email is always safe
  • Stops threats from entering through removable devices so you can share files with confidence
  • Integrated SysInspector and SysRescue simplify system diagnosis and recovery
  • Self defense prevents malware from degrading your level of protection
  • Tiny signature updates happen discretely as needed and won't bog down your system
  • Free technical support via the Web, email or phone
NOD32 v3.0 - Save 25% - Download Now
$39.99

F-Secure

F-Secure® Internet Security™ 2010 offers better security online without slowing down your computer. The completely redesigned new version offers significantly improved performance while providing enhanced protection against viruses, spam, other malware, and cyber criminals.

Browsing Protection blocks access to harmful websites while renewed Parental Control keeps children safe from inappropriate web content. The redesigned user interface sets a new standard in safe PC use.

F-Secure Internet Security 2010: $20 Off
$39.99

Avira

Optimum security

  • Integrated, cross-platform virus and malware protection
  • Reliable, extremely powerful AntiVir technology with leading multi-awardwinning detection performance
  • Fast reaction to new dangers through in-house malware research centers

Low costs
  • Extremely low administration costs through automated workflows and central management
  • Intuitive operation without long, expensive training times
  • All licenses incl. free updates, upgrades and 14 day installation support

$30.55

Avast

Avast topped the latest AV Comparatives analysis of antivirus programs with a mix of speed and accuracy. Avast had the fastest scan time of the 16 tested programs. In addition to speed, Avast was the only program out of the 16 tested to get a top five finish for both malware detection and low numbers of false positives.
avast! Windows Home Server Edition $39.95

BitDefender

BitDefender Antivirus 2010 provides advanced proactive protection against viruses, spyware, phishing attacks and identity theft, without slowing down your PC.

Protects against viruses and other malware using industry-leading technologyNEW

Prevents personal information from leaking via e-mail, Web or instant messagingNEW

Instant Messaging Encryption keeps your conversations private on Yahoo! and MSN Messenger

Reduces the system load and avoids requesting user interaction during game play

BitDefender Total Security 2009 $29.99

AVG

Two solid layers of protection. The streamlined, combined antivirus and antispyware engine protects you against known viruses, spyware, worms, trojans, and rootkits, online and off. And LinkScanner® takes care of the latest web-based threats. Poisoned web pages can’t snarl you with drive-by downloads, and search results are safety-rated for your protection.

  • Antivirus
  • Anti-Spyware   
  • LinkScanner
$34.99

Norman

  • A complete protection for your computer
  • Protects you against virus, spyware, trojans and malware continuously 
  • Low memory usage and CPU load for improved performance 
  • Helps safeguard your personal information 
  • A complete protection package for antivirus, antispyware, personal firewall, parental control and antipharming 
  • Installation for up to 3 PCs in one household
Buy Norman Antivirus & Antispyware and get Norman $49.95