Top 10 best internet security software today

These days, users can pay to protect all their devices – whether it’s a PC, Mac, or smartphone. But with so many options on the market today, it can be hard to know where to start. Here’s a list of the best internet security suites available today.

Bitdefender Internet Security

Advantage

• Scored perfect scores in independent lab antivirus tests
• Effective ransomware protection
• VPN included
• Full featured parental controls
• Many additional features

Disadvantages

• Parental content filters aren't entirely effective
• VPN requires separate subscription to remove restrictions

Bitdefender's standalone antivirus packages have more features than some suites, and Bitdefender Internet Security has even more. Its core antivirus technology consistently scores perfect scores from independent testing labs, and its dedicated ransomware protection aces the tests. Other key features include a firewall, spam filter, password manager, file shredder, full-featured parental controls, and more. And all of this protection is wrapped up in an AutoPilot system that lets you sit back and enjoy with minimal interaction.

Bitdefender includes a VPN, but with limits. You can't choose from the available servers, and you're limited to 200MB of bandwidth per day. This limit is enough to try out the VPN protection, but if you're serious about using a VPN, you'll need to pay for an upgrade.

Maybe you're torn between two choices. On the one hand, you want a security suite that has all the important components. On the other hand, you don't want those components demanding your attention while you're working, gaming, or watching a relaxing video. If so, Bitdefender Internet Security, with its myriad components controlled by AutoPilot, is exactly what you need.

Norton 360 Deluxe

Advantage

• Award Winning Antivirus Software
• VPN with no bandwidth or server limits
• Memory is hosted online for backup
• Protection against dangerous and fraudulent websites
• Streamlined mobile app
• Data Sharing Opt-Out System
• Powerful firewall

Disadvantages

• Parental controls not available on macOS
• Strict Online Backup for Windows

When you buy a security suite, you want to make sure it will keep you safe. Norton 360 Deluxe takes that promise seriously. As long as you opt for automatic renewal, you’re assured that Norton support will take care of any malware the app protects against. And it’s strong protection—independent labs regularly give Norton top marks. It also aces a number of hands-on tests.

The suite includes a powerful, intelligent firewall, a basic password manager, and local spam filters, as well as dark web monitoring to alert you if your private data is exposed. A subscription protects up to five devices running Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS. Norton 360 Deluxe also includes five full licenses for Norton's VPN. That's a rarity; many other suites require you to pay extra to remove the limitations on the included VPN components. And the 50GB of online storage for backups is a nice bonus.

Norton security programs have been around for decades, and the brand has a cult following. It’s a good choice for anyone who wants a time-tested suite that covers all the bases, but it’s especially good for those who are smart about securing their connection with a VPN.

Bitdefender Total Security

Advantage

• Award Winning Antivirus Software
• Protect Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices
• Online management and remote control
• Lots of extra features, including VPN and system tweaks

Disadvantages

• Full VPN access requires separate subscription
• Parental content filters aren't entirely effective
• Support for iOS is limited

Bitdefender Total Security brings all the great, well-performing features of Bitdefender Internet Security to Windows and continues to provide protection for macOS, Android, and iOS devices. The Windows version also takes things a step further with system optimization and a dedicated anti-theft component.

You can manage your settings (or launch new ones) from the handy Bitdefender Central online dashboard. When you install protection on your Mac, you get Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac, the same limited VPN as on Windows. The password manager and parental controls are also supported on macOS.

Bitdefender Total Security protects Windows devices just like Bitdefender Internet Security, which should make everyone happy. But Windows is only part of the picture. Total Security adds award-winning protection for Macs, a comprehensive suite of tools for Android devices, and even a little security for iOS. If you need to secure and manage a multi-device household, this is the one for you.

Norton 360 With LifeLock

Norton security software can protect your devices and local data, but it can't protect your identity. That's why you need Norton 360 with LifeLock. This suite starts with everything you love in Norton 360 Deluxe and adds identity monitoring and identity theft remediation.

Once you set up LifeLock, Norton monitors the dark web for any signs that your identity has been compromised. It watches for SSN misuse, unwanted new accounts in your name, and unusual financial transactions. If your wallet is lost (or stolen), Norton can help clean up the mess. You get regular credit reports. And if the worst happens and your identity is stolen, Norton will pay up to a million dollars to fix the theft.

Avast One Platinum

Avast scored perfect scores in most labs. Avast One Platinum also ranked near the top in our hands-on tests, and its full scans are faster than most options out there. If malware is interfering with Windows itself, Avast’s boot-time scans will catch it and stop it by preventing unauthorized file changes.

Antivirus software protects local data, while VPN protects it in transit. Avast's VPN isn't the most feature-rich service, but you can use it without limits. Avast can protect sensitive documents, including other accounts on the same PC, prevent untrusted programs from using your webcam, and check to see if any passwords have been exposed in a breach. You also get a suite of performance-enhancing features freed from the limitations imposed in Avast's free version.

In addition to robust device-level protection, the Platinum subscription includes identity theft protection for you and five family members. It alerts you to data breaches and other threats, easy access to dedicated resolution experts, and a promise to cover up to $2 million in damages. You also get 24/7 concierge-level support for all your tech issues.

McAfee+

The McAfee+ suite lets you protect every device in your home, whether it runs Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS. It even supports Chromebooks and ARM-based laptops. That protection includes the use of McAfee's VPN with no bandwidth or server restrictions, as well as a host of additional security features. Plus, the antivirus component has passed real-world protection tests.

McAfee+ comes in three tiers: Premium, Advanced, and Ultimate. You get basic Dark Web personal information monitoring at all three tiers. The Advanced and Ultimate tiers include comprehensive identity theft monitoring and remediation, roughly on par with Norton’s LifeLock. McAfee+ doesn’t monitor as many different aspects of your identity, but it does hit the important ones. And, like LifeLock, McAfee+ comes with a guarantee. If your identity is stolen, McAfee will pay up to a million dollars to help you recover it completely.

Trend Micro Maximum Security

Trend Micro Maximum Security offers protection for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. It also scored highly in real-world tests for protection against malware and phishing sites.

On Windows, Trend Micro offers a range of features, including multi-layered ransomware protection, online transaction protection, a PC health checker, a scanner to detect social media privacy flaws, advanced encryption for sensitive documents, and a file shredder to securely delete originals after encryption.

Some of Trend Micro Maximum Security's features aren't exactly stellar. The parental controls are limited, the password management only handles the basics, and the spam filtering only works with Outlook. Still, the suite of security features is impressive.

Avira Prime

An Avira Prime subscription gets you all of Avira’s security tools, but that’s not all. You’ll know that whenever Avira releases a new security app. Many of these apps are available separately in both free and Pro versions – Avira Prime users will naturally get the Pro version. It also supports Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

You can use Avira Prime's VPN freely, with no limits on bandwidth or server selection. System Speedup Pro With HyperBoost aims to fine-tune performance, Software Updater Pro automatically finds and applies necessary security patches, and Password Manager Pro adds advanced security reporting not available in the free version.

ESET Home Security Essential

ESET Internet Security is more tech-savvy. For example, it offers a Device Control system that allows granular control over what types of devices can be connected to your PC. For example, you can block USB drives in general but allow USB drives that you have personally tested. The software comes with a large suite of security tools, some of which are suitable for all users and some of which require technical expertise.

An impressive network inspector lets you see all the devices connected to your network, with the option to receive notifications when new devices connect. It also checks for security issues on your device, such as ports that shouldn't be open. Avast used to boast a similar feature, but it no longer does. Other features from ESET include a firewall, spam filter, laptop anti-theft, webcam security, banking protection, and parental controls.

F-Secure Total

F-Secure Total adds a multi-platform VPN, a password manager, and a monitor to alert you if your personal information has been breached. Its pricing is quite competitive for those who want 10 or more licenses.

The built-in password manager handles all the basic tasks you'd expect, but it can't fill in personal data into web forms. It also lacks secure sharing, password inheritance, and multi-factor authentication.

A simple VPN is also built right into F-Secure Total and is very quick to use. It includes useful features like Kill Switch and Split Tunneling , but its server network is very sparse compared to the best VPNs .

See also:

• Top 20 Best Encryption Software for Windows
• 10 Best Android Emulators for Windows
• Top 10 Best Free Keylogger Software for Windows