Whats included in this article:
Introduction
Paid antivirus software sells despite the presence of free antivirus solutions from trusted developers.
Why ?
Because these unpaid versions cannot protect you from everything that’s lurking on the web. And when you’re willing to pay for something, it should be one of the best antivirus products in the market. By keeping computer systems protected against viruses and other forms of malware, you are also adhering to the Cyber Essentials government recommended scheme.
Why Pay for Antivirus?
Despite the availability of the free antivirus, computer users choose premium software to get additional peace of mind over their data .
If you’re also handling sensitive data, it makes sense to invest in tighter security that the best-paid antivirus software can deliver.
Would you risk losing your clients’ trust after losing their data to save some pennies on your antivirus protection?
The best products typical include customer support. If you encounter problems with your software, you can expect to get customer service with resolving any related issues.
There are also plenty of other features that you can enjoy when you pay for third-party antivirus software. You can benefit from VPN access, password management, parental controls, and more.
One of the key differences with paid for antivirus is business editions exist which allow centralized management and reporting, for companies this can save time and effort and also allow you to respond to any infections in a more timely manner.
However, it would still be best to focus on the security provided by the software instead of its other features when making a buying decision.
What Antivirus Software You Can Use
Here follows a list of several of the best-paid antivirus software available today.
1.Panda Adaptive Defense
Panda Adaptive Defense is great antivirus software that can block the latest threats, including ransomware, spyware, malicious URLs, Trojans, and more. It combines two of Panda’s best solutions including:
- Panda Endpoint Protection Plus – has all the features of traditional protection, personal firewall, web and mail filtering, and device management.
- Panda Adaptive Defense – detect and automate response, monitor continuously, and provide real-time forensic analysis.
These advanced features strengthen and secure endpoint devices. With its impressive virus detection rate, it can identify viruses instantly and processes them with its block and quarantine methods. It also has a data control feature, which examines systems for sensitive information, such as bank account numbers and high-risk PII (personally identifiable information) to help you with your GDPR programme.
Given that the solution protects endpoints from malware, keeps them updated regularly with patches, and stops data from leaking, this tool helps customers comply with GDPR.
2.Webroot Antivirus
Webroot’s SecureAnywhere basic package provides protection from malware, phishing, ransomware, keyloggers, as well as spyware. Other features include a firewall, network protection monitor, and webcam security.
If you want to add the LastPass password manager, 25 GB worth of cloud storage, and a system optimiser, you can opt for Webroot’s SecureAnywhere top tier plan. Unfortunately, none of Webroot’s packages includes a virtual private network (VPN) but the company sells a separate VPN package called Webroot WiFi Security.
Webroot scours the internet and the company’s cloud-based BrightCloud Threat Intelligence Services to detect and delete malicious programmes to protect users from threats.
3.Sophos Intercept X Endpoint Protection
Sophos Intercept X exhibits powerful threat protection with its advanced tools, helping to ensure businesses of all sizes stay safe with its proactive features. It can secure all common desktop operating systems as well as mobile device platforms by detecting and intercepting malicious software that may not have a known signature and stopping it before it causes further damage to the data or device.
It also gives you a quick rundown of the installed applications, recent events, current system health, and policies. One of the best features of Sophos is its root cause analysis. This educates users on how they can keep their systems protected against hostile traffic.
4. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
This is one of the best protection against viruses for both Mac and Windows OS. Currently priced around £19.99, you can use this on up to three devices. Among its best features are web protection, privacy tools, VPN, and safety banking protection. It also has a vulnerability scanner, which will notify you if you missed patches and security updates.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is indeed a plus, in terms of its loaded features. It also has a spam filter for email protection, firewall, anti-webcam jacking, and parental controls.
However, all of these features come at a performance cost and most users report an impact on system performance.
5. Kaspersky Anti-virus
If you only have Windows devices and are looking for plain old antivirus protection, this software is for you. For only £12.49 per year, you can enjoy basic protection against malware. It blocks malicious URLs using web filters, performs scans to detect a threat and remove it, and uses a smart monitoring tool to continually search your devices for malware before it fully attacks your system and brings it down.
6. Avira Antivirus
If you’re looking to protect multiple Windows and Mac devices, Avira Pro can do the job as it covers an unlimited number of devices. It protects devices against ransomware, scans everything that you download online or from a USB, and shreds files that you want to keep confidential as needed. It even scored 100% from AV-Comparatives when it comes to removing threats to computer security.
If you want additional protection and features, you can upgrade to Avira Internet Security or Avira Prime. Doing so will give you access to a VPN, password manager, mobile app support, and cleaning tools.
7. Trend Micro Antivirus
Trend Micro Antivirus’s user-friendly interface is one of its winning features, even if it only protects a single Windows device. It has robust anti-ransomware protection called Folder Shield that ‘independent testing labs’ have rated high, for its real-time behaviour monitoring feature. While earlier versions may have had issues for hogging system resources, this aspect of one of the best-paid antivirus software in 2020 seemed to have improved.
8. F-Secure Antivirus SAFE
When it comes to complicated security tools, it is pretty easy to get intimidated, but this isn’t the case with F-Secure Antivirus SAFE. It is easy to use antivirus for PC, whether Mac, Windows, as well as mobile devices with iOS, and Android OS. It can also be used on three devices simultaneously, all of which will enjoy some of its best features, such as ransomware protection, Family Rules, Banking and web browsing protection.
F-Secure offers premium antivirus protection for around £49.99, without forgetting about other key features, such as family-centred safety tools and online shopping protection. It also protects IOS and Android mobile devices by giving you the option to remotely delete or lock devices when they get lost to ensure your privacy
9. ESET Antivirus
ESET has designed this antivirus protection for expert users. It is best for more technical users who want more control over the software they’re using. It also offers some of the best URL filters, especially for avid web users. It offers a free 30-day trial, but if you want to enjoy it further, you’d have to pay £39.90 annually.
With ESET NOD32, you can make the most out of features such as heuristic detection, real-time malware protection, URL filtering, exploit protection, and anti-ransomware protection. It is also packed with Powershell that prevents cyberattacks, a USB storage scanner, malware protection, and a UEFI scanner for boot process protection.
Final Thoughts
If you are still undecided which antivirus software you should pick and you’re torn among several choices, focus on what your requirements are. Match them with the features each product offers and also look at your budget . This should help you find, or at least narrow down the best antivirus protection for your organization.
Don’t let your company become one of the statistics when it comes to cyber attacks. Be proactive and invest in the best antivirus protection you can afford. The more sensitive the data in your you handle, the more protection you should get, something that only the paid options can provide.
