The Best Antivirus for 2015? - Comments Page 1

I am curious as to why PC Matic's SuperShield wasn't tested. I would like to know how it stacks up against all these other programs.

I have been using AVG free for a long time with excellent results. I do run Malwarebytes and PrivaZer every couple of weeks or so and it seems to be all I need to keep my computer running virus free,for now anyway. I keep Speecy, Spybot,CCleaner and advanced System care 8 in my Utility Tool Box for back up and run them occasionally just for the peace of mind.
Wish there was a utility to prevent spam but I guess wee will have to wait awhile for that.
Keep up the good work.

I like to use several hoping that what one might miss will be caught by another. All are the free versions and I have never had a problem with them not playing well together .... until I tried Avast after reading your article last year.

I found Avast did not play well so I deleted it and went back to my (and yours over the years) favorites.

They are the free versions of: AVG, Malwarebytes, SuperAntiSpyware, Spybot Search & Destroy, and I leave MS Security Essentials on there too.

I update them daily, and run regular scans. They do seem to find different "problems". Thankfully mostly tracking cookies so far, but there have been a couple of nasties caught and dispensed with.

Thanks for all these excellent articles, Bob, I like to keep up to date with your advice and opinion.

I have used MalwareBytes Anti-malware Paid version for some years now. It was a one-time pay; it is not intrusive. It can be disabled in case it needs to be. It does not slow the computer down. It strikes me as the absolute best available. In fact, I'm seriously considering adding on their disk backup, even though I already have a backup system(which I never use), and the price is a real bargain.

I've been using AVG when you first recommended it with no problems so I haven't switched when you went to AVAST. Thanks for keeping us up to date!!

I've been using AVG when you first recommended it with no problems so I haven't switched when you went to AVAST. Thanks for keeping us up to date!!

It doesn't sound like you tested many apps. PC Tools Super Shield was rated at almost the top last year. What is missing?

EDITOR'S NOTE: I didn't test any of the programs. That was done by AV Comparatives, an independent testing lab. Companies have to ask to be part of their tests. If they choose not to participate, they won't be in the reports.

I had a bug get into the computer about 4 months ago. I tried a bunch of free and trial versions of antimalware programs, mostly from the list here of top performers, AVG, Avast, Hitman Pro, Online scans from all the major players, etc. After trying a dozen different A/V's and A/M's, the program that fixed the problem was Ad-Aware A/V. I was so impressed that I actually paid for a subscription to this product. As a renowned penny-pinching tightarse this is a rarety.

ESET's NOD32 is the ONLY way to go!

I did some checking through the reports and I don't see Avast even mentioned anywhere. Did I just miss it or did they not even consider it to be worth a mention? I switched to Avast on your recomendation. What are you going to do? Stick with it?

EDITOR'S NOTE: Avast is mentioned in the reports. I also mentioned at the end of my article that I'm sticking with it for now.

I am looking for a free AV that I can suspend/turn off momentarily with a click or two. I sometimes want to download a file that my Avast immediately quarantines without any input from me yet it is a legitimate un-pirated file that contains something that causes download interruption. Once it is downloaded in its entirety, I always have the option to Scan it with one of several programs. Any ideas? Thanks for all you do.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Most of them have a system tray icon you can click, which brings up a menu to temporarily disable the protection. Avira and Avast both have this option.

I recently switched from Norton Internet Security to Bitdefender free and Web of Trust. So far so good. I also use Malwarebytes Antimalware free once or twice a month. After uninstalling Norton I did a search of the hard drive and Norton left behind dozens of files. I deleted most of them.

On my main workhorse (Win7/HP i7 laptop) I have tried several AV programs: McAfee was overpowering and too demanding, Avast screwed up my "MS System Restore" program. I have been running Avira free off and on for several months and it has not given me any problems, or found any problems. I occasional run SuperAntiSpyWare and remove the cookie trackers. Windows 8.1 Pro seems to give me problems with every AV program I try, except Defender, so I am sticking with that on the Win 8.1 computers...Bob, As always, good content from your webpages. Thanks

I statred to use "Malware Bytes" Best program ever. I'm suprised that it is not even mentioned. I run it together with AVG ..

Which is the "Best Antivirus?" The answer is easy, "It Depends!" (grin) It depends on what is *your* criteria for what *you* want. For 100% security with no qualifiers, I can give you a 100% free solution - simply unplug your Internet connection. Done! No viruses, no hackers, perfect security. In fact, you don't need an AV program at all.
This is why Av Comparatives tests in (at least!) 6 different areas. My top criteria are performance and cost, I will accept less than stellar protection and a certain amount of annoyance if the AV doesn’t slow down my computer and is free. For most of the seniors I teach they want the least annoying program and the least effort. For them, admittedly a low-risk group, Microsoft’s solution works well.
So pick what you think is important, read the report, and then decide. But don’t fret over it; stuff happens, things change. In 6 months the answer may be different.

Avira Free has been a lifesaver for me for several years. You just can't beat the ability, nor the price. Consistent, year after year and has saved my computer from attacks numerous times with just the free version.

To bb: unplugging from the internet does not guarantee 100% security. As long as there are portable media devices being passed around from individuals who are on the internet, and you use or share them, you would be wise to keep your AV software installed.

"The others offer trial versions that stop working after a period of time until you pay for them. "

You didn't include Avast FREE, and it does exist. Just download the free trial. When it expires, it reverts to the Free version.

EDITOR'S NOTE: True, but Avast didn't get a "Top Rated" score in this report. That's why I didn't include it in that paragraph.

We pay for only 2 maintenance and protection applications: Sophos Anti-Virus, and Advanced System Care housekeeping/maintenance.

Though no a/v stops all from entering, after invasive trojan/identity hack we switched from inscrutable unhelpful Kaspersky to user-friendly Staples-installed Sophos A/V with American total support renewed annually each pc $100USD.

Like Microsoft support does, Sophos runs free Malwarebytes for additional problem; so unsurprising that reviewers here echo MB praises. I've donated to Spybot for longtime help. Pre-Sophos we had a problem which took either Spybot, AVG, or Ad-Aware to remove--I wish I could remember which finally got it.

Never again Norton Symantec, consuming McAfee or Avast, unfriendly Kaspersky, or inadequate MS (only protects Microsoft files!). If ASC Ultimate anti-virus became top-rated, I'd love to pay for just one all-in-one housekeeping + a/v, since for daily housekeeping/maintenance I would not be without the indispensable and comprehensive Advanced System Care.

ASC offers free but Pro inexpensive well worth it, with cheap loyalty renewal or website competitive with online promos. ASC says Registry Defrag need be run only every few weeks. Sophos a/v agrees disable ASC Security Scan so not conflict with Sophos. Sophos also disables conflicting MS Windows Defender. Thank you, Bob, for year-round timely expertise especially XP obsolescence.

I am sticky to AVG internet security and avg free cause has proven secure real time protection and web protection.. use no charge from system ...and ...
no need registration forced as avast does !