The most effective antivirus software will assist in keeping your Windows PCs safe from cyber threats and malware. While Microsoft Defender antivirus might be enough to keep your computer safe from infections but it's not as effective as the additional features that come with the paid-for antivirus program.

Each of the Windows antivirus applications that are listed here has its own malware detection engines, but the features are what justify the cost. A security company might offer the option of a free application that is a basic, paid version that comes with extra features, and then the top-end version with all the bells and bells. You can, however, buy Mac security software as well as Android antivirus applications too.

What Are The Top 3 Antivirus Software of 2023? 

1. Norton 360 Deluxe

The Norton antivirus suites provide excellent protection against malware, and the system load that was once heavy is now much less. The number of additional features that each product has differs and the best one for the Norton 360 Deluxe line can be found in Norton 360 Deluxe.

It also comes with a password management tool that works with all major platforms, unlimited VPN services, black-web personal data monitoring, parental control and up to 50GB of cloud storage. Two additional offerings, Norton 360 Premium and Norton 360 Platinum give you additional online storage as well as extend the security as well as VPN coverage to 20 and 10 devices, respectively.

If you're looking for full-on security for your identity, Norton offers three bundles that offer varying levels of LifeLock service and additional online storage. Their prices for subscriptions go into triple figures, however, they're still cheaper than if you purchase security for your identity, password management cloud-backed up storage, antivirus and identity protection software on its own.

Contrary to some of the top antivirus software manufacturers, Norton doesn't offer a file shredder, encryption of files and secure browser when you purchase all of their products. But every other service for digital protection that you could ask for is included in certain bundles.

2. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is our best choice of basic antivirus programs. It's got very good although not completely perfect malware detection scores. Active scans don't contribute much to the background system's impact however the load on the background is quite heavy.

It also provides the best worth for the money, with an unlimited (but only Windows-based) security password management tool, a secure web browser with a virtual keyboard an internet scanner that is Wi-Fi and a file shredder. protection against ransomware that encrypts files and Bitdefender's Web-Privacy software is typically only available in more expensive antivirus programs.

The mid-range Bitdefender Internet Security adds parental controls, webcam security as well as a dual-way firewall and Bitdefender Total Security tops off the range with an anti-theft option for laptops, a system optimization tool along with licenses available for Bitdefender's antivirus for Mac as well as Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android.

The fourth item, Bitdefender Premium Security, is basically Total Security with unlimited VPN use, a cross-platform password manager, and priority tech assistance.

The best price can be found with the Bitdefender Family Pack, which offers Total Security on up to 15 devices for (usually reduced) $120 per year.

3. Kaspersky Total Security

Kaspersky's Windows products come with excellent malware detection scores as well as a moderate-to-low system performance impact, which are the two most crucial criteria we use in our ranking.

The basic version, Kaspersky Anti-Virus (starting at PS12.49 UK/$29.99 US), comes with ransomware protection that is dedicated to a virtual keyboard as well as an account management portal online. However, it's not as good as Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, which offers more features.

Kaspersky Internet Security (PS17.49 UK/$39.99 US) is our top pick among mid-range packages. It comes with a safe browser, anti-theft security for laptops, protection for webcams and a restricted-use VPN client that is activated after connecting to a Wi-Fi network. It also comes with software for macOS, Android and iOS.

The top security suite for antivirus, Kaspersky Total Security (PS19.99 UK/$44.99 US), adds parental controls, backup software and encryption of files, as well as shredders for files along with an endless password manager. We believe it's the most effective antivirus software you can purchase today.