If you’re looking for a simple, comprehensive antivirus program to safeguard your devices and online activities, there aren’t many better options than Avast Free Antivirus. Its malware detection rate was among the highest during our testing and it also comes with additional features like password management. A file shredder, and tune-up tools are also available. However, the system can consume memory and cause slowdown when scanning large files or running programs.

The paid versions of Avast are a bit more expensive, but they do provide some great extras, such as parental controls and a great browser extension to help keep your privacy under control. You’ll also get a good amount of cloud storage which is useful to backup your files and creating an emergency restore point. There are a variety of security suites available starting from the basic Antivirus Plus to the flagship Total Security. This includes dedicated ransomware protection and a user-friendly sandbox to test apps that are suspicious.

Kaspersky offers a different method to other premium antivirus software, as its products are in essence all versions of the same software. The main difference between the larger suites is that they offer additional features, such as a built-in VPN and a password manager. They also offer support for more devices. A basic subscription offers protection for one device and up to five on the top end.

Sophos AV-Home is a good value for money. The latest version was a data room software for the real estate success in our tests. It’s not as comprehensive as some of the competitors however, its simple interface is ideal for novice users. If you’re looking for more functionality, the firm’s home products can be expanded to 10 devices.