Monday, 24 February 2025
25.8 C
Singapore
28.3 C
Thailand
19.8 C
Indonesia
25.6 C
Philippines

Top 5 antivirus software in 2021 compared: Free and paid

Discover the best antivirus to keep you safe and sound online

With many people working from home, having antivirus software installed on your computer has never been more critical. Hackers and malicious individuals are looking to steal your private information, and you could be susceptible to malware, spyware, ransomware, or worse. 

These days, your computer can get infected just by opening a picture. If you have any precious information that’s worth keeping, you’ll want to get protected.

But what software should you get? Don’t worry, because we’ve got you covered. Here’re the top 5 antivirus software solutions you can install today to keep your data safe and secure from prying eyes. 

Whether they’re free or paid, there’s bound to be one here that suits your needs and budget.

Top 5 antivirus software

Antivirus software plays an essential role in keeping your devices safe from any virus that can highly affect your data or devices. Below we will go over an array of useful antivirus software.

Norton Antivirus Plus

Top 5 antivirus software in 2021 compared - 1

For many people, whenever they hear the word “antivirus,” the first software that comes to mind is Norton. And the software isn’t famous without reason – its claim to fame lies in its reliable and consistent service that is getting better with time.ย 

What makes Norton such a popular choice for those new to antiviruses are its easy-to-use features. Here’s what you can expect when using Norton:

  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Optimized resource usage, allowing it to run on most PCs
  • Top-tier malware detection software

Norton does come with a price. Even though it is cheaper than other companies, it falls into the pricier range of premium plans. Norton is worth the price if you want an antivirus that doesn’t require too much learning to operate.

Avira Free Security for Windows

Top 5 antivirus software in 2021 compared - 2

If you don’t have the money to afford a paid antivirus solution, Avira is a great free alternative. Furthermore, it is one of the top 5 antivirus software on our list. As one of the most popular free antivirus software available in the market, Avira built quite a reputation over the years because of its features. Here are some of them:

  • Disk scanning
  • Anti-malware system
  • Web browser extension
  • Firewall
  • File shredder
  • Free VPN (with monthly limit of 500MB)

All these features come free, so you don’t need to spend a dime on antivirus software to get them. Of course, this isn’t all that Avira has to offer – their paid plans come with added benefits. 

If you’re short on cash, though, there’s no harm in installing Avira today. Also, you can always upgrade once you get the money.

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Top 5 antivirus software in 2021 compared - 3

An antivirus that you may or may not have heard of is Bitdefender. It’s been under the radar for quite some time but has recently gained deserved fame.ย 

This is thanks to its compelling virus detection capabilities paired with other helpful features. It has:

  • Built-in password manager
  • A mobile app that allows users to scan all linked devices from their smartphone
  • Works on most PC and mobile platforms

Arguably the best part about Bitdefender is its price. Depending on where you live, you can get Bitdefender for far less than many industry-famous names such as Norton and McAfee. 

Bitdefender uses more system resources than other options from this list. New users should keep that in mind when working on their computers.

Kaspersky Security Cloud (Free Version)

Top 5 antivirus software in 2021 compared - 4

Another free antivirus that deserves a spot on our top 5 antivirus software is Kaspersky. Kaspersky is well-known for their paid plans, but they also have a free version for users to work with.ย 

And since it’s Kaspersky, you can expect handy features such as a file shredder and password manager and even a limited VPN.

There’s just one catch: the free version features are not as plentiful as the paid version. 

You get a lot more if you sink money into purchasing a plan, so if you want the full Kaspersky experience, you’re going to want to upgrade.

Webroot Secure Anywhere Antivirus

Top 5 antivirus software in 2021 compared - 5

A concern many users have with antiviruses is that they can be resource-intensive, especially on lower-end units. Webroot aims to solve that problem with an optimized software solution.ย 

It’s got the bells and whistles you can expect from antivirus software, such as firewall monitoring and virus scanning. It comes at an incredibly lightweight 15 megabytes, so even the most overused hard drives can fit. 

Their software hasn’t been tested nearly as often as others. Regardless, the effectiveness of Webroot is an excellent addition to any device you own.

The best antivirus product for you

These top 5 antivirus software solutions offer something unique to the table. If your computer is not that beefy, go with Webroot. If you want something easy to use, Norton’s has you covered. Hopefully, these antiviruses will allow you to work from home with peace of mind.

Hot this week

DJIโ€™s RS 4 Mini stabiliser now features advanced subject tracking

DJIโ€™s RS 4 Mini stabiliser introduces subject tracking, improved battery life, and better handling, making it an excellent tool for content creators.

88% of top Asia Pacific companies still vulnerable to email fraud amid rising cyber threats

88% of top Asia Pacific companies lack strong email security, exposing customers to cyber threats as phishing attacks surge. Experts urge action.

The Vision Pro is now easier to share, and getting a new iPhone app

Appleโ€™s Vision 2.4 update makes sharing the Vision Pro easier, introduces a new iPhone app for content discovery, and adds the Spatial Gallery app.

Did xAI mislead the public about Grok 3โ€™s benchmarks?

xAI is under scrutiny for allegedly misleading AI benchmark results, with OpenAI employees questioning its claims about Grok 3โ€™s performance.

DJI launches Osmo Mobile 7 series with smarter stabilisation and tracking

DJI unveils the Osmo Mobile 7 Series, featuring smarter tracking, stabilisation, and hands-free controls for professional-quality smartphone videos.

Did xAI mislead the public about Grok 3โ€™s benchmarks?

xAI is under scrutiny for allegedly misleading AI benchmark results, with OpenAI employees questioning its claims about Grok 3โ€™s performance.

BT and Equinix expand partnership to enhance global interconnectivity

BT and Equinix expand their partnership to boost interconnectivity for multinational businesses, deploying BTโ€™s Global Fabric NaaS in 40+ Equinix data centres worldwide.

LG unveils new SKS branding for luxury kitchen suite at KBIS 2025

LG rebrands Signature Kitchen Suite to SKS at KBIS 2025, introducing new luxury appliances like a free-zone induction range and an advanced island system.

LG unveils advanced laundry solutions at KBIS 2025

LG unveils its latest heat pump washer and dryer lineup at KBIS 2025, featuring AI-driven efficiency, ventless design, and smart connectivity.

Related Articles