The 5 Best Malware Removal & Protection Software (2023)

Summary

Norton has the best device, privacy, and identity protection. It has all the security features you need and a great price too.

• Malware protection: 100%. Norton averaged 6 out of 6 in the last 10 protection tests. It is excellent at detecting and removing malware.
• Speed impact: 100%. Norton averaged 6 out of 6 in the last 10 performance tests. It does not slow down your PC.
• Features: 100%. Norton offers anti-malware, anti-phishing, firewall, unlimited VPN, password manager, parental controls, and more.
• Price: 95%. Norton offers better value for money than all competitors, except for Kaspersky, which is slightly cheaper.

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Summary

Bitdefender offers excellent protection and bonus features. However, it’s pricey if you want the VPN and password manager.

• Malware protection: 95%. Bitdefender averaged 5.95 out of 6 in the last 10 protection tests. It is excellent at removing malware.
• Speed impact: 100%. Bitdefender averaged 6 out of 6 in the last 10 performance tests. It does not slow down your PC.
• Features: 95%. It offers anti-malware, anti-phishing, firewall, parental controls, and more. But the VPN and password manager cost extra.
• Price: 75%. If you only want the antivirus, Bitdefender offers great value. But if you want all features, Norton offers a better deal.

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Summary

McAfee offers excellent device, privacy, and identity protection. However, some features are only available in the USA.

• Malware protection: 100%. McAfee averaged 6 out of 6 in the last 10 protection tests. It is excellent at detecting and removing malware.
• Speed impact: 85%. McAfee averaged 5.85 out of 6 in the last 10 performance tests. So it has a minimal impact on your PC’s speed.
• Features: 100%. McAfee offers anti-malware, anti-phishing, firewall, unlimited VPN, password manager, parental controls, and more.
• Price: 95%. McAfee offers better value for money than most competitors, except Kaspersky, which is slightly cheaper.

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Summary

Panda offers excellent protection and has flexible pricing. However, it’s expensive if you want the unlimited VPN.

• Malware protection: 99%. Panda averaged 99.9% in the malware protection tests. It is excellent at detecting and removing malware.
• Speed impact: 99%. Panda averaged 99% in the performance tests. So it has almost no impact on your PC’s speed.
• Features: 100%. Panda offers anti-malware, anti-phishing, firewall, unlimited VPN, password manager, parental controls, and more.
• Price: 75%. Panda offers the most flexible pricing of all brands. But, if you want all the security features, Norton is more affordable.

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Summary

Kaspersky has excellent protection at a low price. But the war in Ukraine raises concerns about its ties to the Russian government.

• Malware protection: 100%. Kaspersky averaged 6 out of 6 in the last 10 protection tests. It is excellent at removing malware.
• Speed impact: 100%. Kasperksy averaged 6 out of 6 in the last 10 performance tests. So it does not slow down your PC.
• Features: 100%. Kaspersky has anti-malware, anti-phishing, firewall, unlimited VPN, password manager, parental controls, and more.
• Price: 100%. Kaspersky Plus is the most affordable way to protect a Windows PC with all essential features, including an unlimited VPN.

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Antivirus software buying guide

Below we cover a range of topics:

• What is anti-malware software?
• How does anti-malware software work?
• What’s the difference between anti-malware and anti-virus software?
• How do we test anti-malware software?
• How to choose the best malware removal software?
• What cyber threats can anti-malware protect you from?
• What cyber threats can anti-malware not protect you from?
• What malware protection software have we tested?

Clicks the links to be taken to the one of your choice:

What is anti-malware software?

Anti-malware software, also known as antivirus software, is an essential component of contemporary security suites. Its primary role is to safeguard your digital environments from malicious software (malware), such as viruses, worms, ransomware, spyware, and more. It acts as the first line of defense in protecting your computer and its data.

Despite the terminology, modern security software now encompasses a range of protective measures, and anti-malware tools are a critical part of this broader protective spectrum. In an era where cyber threats are becoming increasingly advanced and sophisticated, having robust anti-malware software is an essential component of any security strategy.

For more, read our blog post on what anti-malware software is.

How does anti-malware software work?

Anti-malware software operates through a variety of detection methods to identify and neutralize threats. They continuously monitor your system, scrutinize files and programs for potential hazards, and take necessary action if malicious software is found. Let’s delve into three core detection methods: Signature-based detection, Heuristic analysis, and Behavior-based detection.

Signature-based detection

Signature-based detection is one of the most traditional techniques used by anti-malware software. Every piece of malware has a unique string of code or a “signature.” Anti-malware software uses a database of known malware signatures to compare against files on your system. If it finds a match, the file is identified as malware.

However, this method can only detect threats that have been previously identified and cataloged in its database.

Heuristic analysis

To counter the limitations of signature-based detection, heuristic analysis steps in. It is a more proactive and predictive approach that doesn’t merely rely on known malware signatures. Instead, it analyzes the attributes and behavior of files and programs, identifying potential threats based on suspicious characteristics or activities.

While this approach can identify previously unknown threats (zero-day exploits), it can also lead to more false positives compared to signature-based detection.

Behavior-based detection

Behavior-based detection, also known as behavioral analysis, takes things a step further. Instead of solely examining files or programs, it monitors their behavior within the system. For instance, if a program tries to access sensitive files or modify system settings without authorization, it’s flagged as potential malware.

This method is particularly effective against complex and evolving threats, including polymorphic malware that changes its code to evade signature-based detection. However, like heuristic analysis, it may also result in false positives.

For more, read our blog post on how antivirus software works.

What’s the difference between anti-malware and anti-virus software?

The terms “anti-malware” and “anti-virus” are often used interchangeably in the context of digital security, leading to some confusion. Although they originated with different goals in mind – anti-virus software focused on viruses, while anti-malware was broader, encompassing various forms of malicious software – the distinction between them has largely blurred in today’s cybersecurity landscape.

Most modern security software, whether labeled as anti-virus or anti-malware, now offers comprehensive protection against a wide array of threats, including viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, adware, and more. Hence, in the contemporary sense, both anti-malware and anti-virus software aim to safeguard your digital assets against the entire spectrum of malicious software, making them essentially synonymous.

Additionally, contemporary security solutions offer more than just malware detection and removal. They now come equipped with multiple layers of protection and tools to enhance your digital safety. These features often include real-time scanning, firewall protection, phishing prevention, secure browsing tools, password managers, VPNs, and more. Consequently, modern “anti-malware” or “anti-virus” software serves as an all-inclusive security suite, committed to providing extensive protection for your digital world.

For more, read our blog post on what antivirus software is.

How do we test anti-malware software?

To assess the efficacy of anti-malware software, we adopt a comprehensive testing approach, focusing on six crucial elements. Each element has a different weightage, reflecting its significance in the overall performance of the software:

• Anti-malware protection (30%)
• Security and privacy features (30%)
• Speed impact (10%)
• False positives (10%)
• Price (10%)
• Ownership and reputation (10%)

This multi-faceted evaluation ensures that we measure the software’s holistic performance, from its core malware detection capabilities to its impact on system performance and cost-effectiveness.

Anti-malware protection (30%)

Anti-malware protection is the cornerstone of any antivirus software, hence why it holds a significant 30% weightage in our testing method. We employ both in-house testing and rely on AV-Test results to examine this element.

In-house testing

In our proprietary testing, we expose our test PCs to hundreds of malware samples via USB to evaluate the malware scanner’s effectiveness. We ascertain whether the software can identify and neutralize all these threats accurately. In a separate test, we mimic real-world scenarios by executing malware files and instigating ransomware attacks.

This process helps us measure if the software’s real-time protection can robustly defend against such assaults. The meticulous nature of these in-house tests ensures that we put every facet of the software’s anti-malware protection to the test.

AV-Test results

Apart from our internal evaluations, we also consider the independent assessments carried out by AV-Test, a renowned anti-malware test lab. We analyze their protection test results for Windows, Mac, and Android devices to get a comprehensive understanding of the software’s performance across different platforms.

These impartial results provide an additional layer of credibility and depth to our assessments, complementing our in-house findings.

Security and privacy features (30%)

In our evaluations, security and privacy features constitute 30% of the total weightage, underscoring their importance in a comprehensive security suite. We test each feature meticulously to determine its effectiveness in safeguarding your digital life.

Web protection (anti-phishing)

Web protection, or anti-phishing, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding you from phishing attacks and malicious websites. We test this feature by directing the software towards a series of known malicious websites and phishing attempts, examining whether it can accurately detect and block these threats in real-time.

Firewall

A robust firewall regulates your device’s incoming and outgoing network traffic, thwarting unauthorized access. We subject the firewall to various penetration tests and simulated cyber-attacks to assess its capability to prevent intrusions.

Password manager

A password manager securely stores your passwords, alleviating the risk of using weak or reused passwords. We assess the feature’s security levels, ease of use, and added functionalities like autofill and password generation.

Virtual private network (VPN)

A VPN encrypts your online activities, ensuring anonymity and privacy. We evaluate the VPN for speed, server locations, and its effectiveness at masking your IP address. We also check if it maintains a strict no-logs policy.

Parental controls

Parental controls allow you to manage and monitor your child’s internet use. We test these controls for ease of setup, depth of customization, and the effectiveness of their content filtering capabilities.

Identity theft protection

Identity theft protection monitors your personal information online, alerting you to potential identity fraud. We assess the range of information monitored and the responsiveness of the alert system.

Secure cloud storage (cloud backup)

Cloud backup provides an extra layer of protection for your data by securely storing it in the cloud. We test this feature for storage capacity, security, and the simplicity of the backup and recovery process.

Anti-ransomware

Anti-ransomware tools protect your files from ransomware attacks. We simulate ransomware attacks to test the tool’s ability to prevent unauthorized file encryption.

Dark web monitoring

Dark web monitoring alerts you if your personal information appears on the dark web. We evaluate this feature based on the breadth of information it monitors and the speed and clarity of its alerts.

Bonus features

An antivirus program can come with various entry-level functions, such as spam filters and secure browsers, and premium options like online storage with enhanced security. We consider the following bonus features worthy of your consideration:

• Ad Blocker
• Anti-theft
• Email protection
• File encryption
• File shredder
• Gaming mode
• Microphone protection
• PC maintenance features
• Secure browser (hardened browser to protect your online banking)
• Spam filter
• Startup optimizer
• Tune up tools
• Virtual keyboard
• Webcam protection

Speed impact (10%)

Performance impact is a vital aspect of anti-malware software evaluation, making up 10% of our test’s weightage. A great security suite should offer robust protection without compromising your device’s performance. To guide our analysis, we refer to AV-Test’s performance tests, which assess how much the software slows down a computer during typical activities such as launching websites, downloading apps, and copying data.

False positives (10%)

False positives — when a program incorrectly flags a safe file or action as harmful — can be both annoying and disruptive. They make up 10% of our testing criterion. We utilize AV-Test’s usability tests to guide our analysis. These tests assess the frequency with which an anti-malware program triggers false warnings or blocks while visiting websites, downloading and installing software, and using legitimate software.

Price (10%)

Pricing strategy is also crucial in our assessments, representing 10% of our testing framework. We focus on the value for money, taking into account the number and quality of features offered at a particular price point. It’s important to note that there are often significant differences between first and second-year prices due to initial discounts, so we factor in these variations during our analysis.

Ownership and reputation (10%)

Ownership and reputation constitute a significant 10% of our test’s weightage. A company’s ethical track record and user perception heavily impact our evaluation. For instance, the Avast scandal, where they sold user data via a subsidiary called Jumpshot, is an example of why reputation matters.

In such cases, regardless of the software’s effectiveness, the company’s conduct raised serious privacy concerns, which influenced its overall assessment. Consequently, we consider not only the software’s technical aspects but also the ethical standing of the company behind it.

For more, read our blog post on how we test antivirus software.

How to choose the best malware removal software?

Choosing the right malware removal software is a multifaceted decision that involves several key factors. To ensure you pick a tool that best meets your needs, you’ll need to take into account its malware protection capability, frequency of security updates, range of security features, performance impact, customer support quality, and price, both first and second year.

Reliable protection from malware

Foremost, the software must offer reliable protection against various malware forms, including viruses, trojans, ransomware, and more. The effectiveness of the malware scanner, both in real-time protection and manual scans, is crucial. Look for software that consistently scores highly on independent testing platforms like AV-Test.

Security updates

Regular security updates are critical to keep up with the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. The best software frequently updates its virus definitions and algorithms, ensuring that you’re safeguarded against the latest threats. Automatic updates feature can be beneficial, requiring less manual intervention.

Security features

Beyond basic malware removal, modern security suites offer a wide range of features, such as firewalls, password managers, VPNs, and more. Based on your requirements, evaluate which features are most essential to you. Remember, a comprehensive security suite can provide well-rounded protection against multiple threat vectors.

Performance impact

While robust protection is vital, it should not come at the cost of your device’s performance. The best malware removal software offers a delicate balance of protection and performance, ensuring your computer does not suffer significant slowdowns during scans or real-time protection.

Customer support

Even the best software can encounter issues, so having accessible, responsive customer support is crucial. Look for software that offers multiple support channels, such as live chat, email, or phone support. Also, consider the quality of the support offered, looking at factors like response times and the helpfulness of the responses.

First-year and second price

Lastly, the price is a significant factor to consider. Many providers offer attractive first-year discounts but have substantially higher renewal prices. Compare the first and second-year costs, and consider the value for money, ensuring you get the most comprehensive protection within your budget.

Operating system

If you have a specific operating system that you would like to protect, we probably have a dedicated antivirus comparison for it:

• The best antivirus of 2023 – For all OS.
• The best antivirus for Windows 11 – For Microsoft’s latest desktop OS.
• The best antivirus for macOS – For Apple’s desktop OS.
• The best antivirus for Android – For Google’s mobile OS.
• The best antivirus for iPhone – For Apple’s mobile OS.
• The best antivirus with a VPN – For both security and privacy.
• The best VPN providers – For a dedicated privacy solution.

Click the links to be taken to your comparison of choice.

What cyber threats can anti-malware protect you from?

Anti-malware software is a vital part of any cybersecurity strategy, designed to protect users from an array of cyber threats. While it may not offer complete invulnerability from every possible threat, it significantly mitigates the risk from many prevalent ones. Let’s delve into these common threats that anti-malware software can protect you from:

Malware

Malware, or malicious software, refers broadly to any program or file designed to harm a computer, network, or user. This includes viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, adware, and more. Anti-malware software can detect and remove these threats, and provide real-time protection against new attacks.

For more, read our blog post on malware or malware examples.

Adware

Adware is a form of malware that bombards you with unsolicited ads, often in your web browser. While not always harmful, it can be incredibly annoying, slow down your system, and sometimes serve as a gateway for other malware. Anti-malware software can block and remove adware.

For more, read our blog post on adware or adware examples.

Botnets

A botnet is a network of computers infected with malware and controlled by a cybercriminal, often used for distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, sending spam, or mining cryptocurrency. Anti-malware software can detect botnet infections and help you regain control of your system.

For more, read our blog post on botnets or botnet examples.

Keyloggers

Keyloggers are malicious programs that record your keystrokes, often used to steal sensitive information like usernames, passwords, and credit card numbers. Anti-malware software can detect and remove keyloggers, helping to keep your personal information secure.

For more, read our blog post on keyloggers or keylogger types.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your data and demands a ransom for its return. This can be particularly devastating, both for individuals and businesses. Anti-malware software can provide real-time protection against ransomware attacks and help to remove the ransomware if your system is infected.

For more, read our blog post on ransomware or ransomware examples.

Rootkits

Rootkits are sophisticated malware that hide their presence and activities on your system, often providing a backdoor for other malware. Anti-malware software uses special techniques to detect and remove these hidden threats.

For more, read our blog post on rootkits or rootkit examples.

Spyware

Spyware is malware designed to spy on you, collecting information without your consent, often for identity theft or fraud. Anti-malware software can detect and eliminate spyware, protecting your privacy and personal information.

For more, read our blog post on spyware or spyware examples.

Trojans

Trojans are malware that masquerades as legitimate software to trick you into installing them, providing a gateway for other malware or allowing cybercriminals to spy on you. Anti-malware software can identify and remove trojans from your system.

For more, read our blog post on trojans or trojan examples.

Viruses

Viruses are a type of malware that can copy themselves and spread to other files or computers, often causing damage or disruption. Anti-malware software provides robust protection against viruses, detecting and eliminating them from your system.

For more, read our blog post on viruses or virus examples.

Worms

Worms are a type of malware that can replicate themselves and spread across networks, often causing significant damage and network disruption. Anti-malware software can detect and remove worms, protecting your system and network from damage.

For more, read our blog post on worms or worm examples.

What cyber threats can anti-malware not protect you from?

While anti-malware software provides an indispensable line of defense against many online threats, it’s crucial to recognize that it’s not a catch-all solution. Certain types of cyber threats primarily exploit human vulnerabilities rather than software ones, and for these, your best defense is education and vigilance. Let’s examine some of the threats that anti-malware may struggle to protect you from:

Phishing

Phishing is a method used by cybercriminals to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, like usernames, passwords, or credit card details. Typically, phishing involves deceptive emails or websites that impersonate legitimate organizations.

Anti-malware software may offer some protection, like scanning emails for known phishing indicators, but it may not catch all phishing attempts, particularly those that are well-disguised.

For more, read our blog post on phishing or phishing examples.

Online Scams

Online scams are deceitful practices used to defraud internet users. These scams can take many forms, including auction fraud, romance scams, and advance-fee fraud.

Anti-malware software can’t protect you from scams because they don’t involve malicious code. Staying informed about the latest scam tactics and exercising caution online is the best way to avoid falling victim.

For more, read our blog post on online scams.

Social Engineering

Social engineering is a manipulation technique that exploits human error to gain private information or access to systems. Instead of targeting technical vulnerabilities, social engineers exploit human vulnerabilities, such as trust and fear.

Since this type of attack doesn’t involve malicious code, anti-malware software can’t protect against it. Again, education and awareness are crucial defenses.

For more, read our blog post on social engineering.

Zero-Day Exploits

Zero-day exploits refer to vulnerabilities in software that are unknown to those who should be interested in its mitigation (like the software vendor).

Since these exploits are unknown, there is no available patch, and anti-malware software may not be equipped to detect or defend against the threat until after the vulnerability is discovered and a patch or update is issued. Regular software updates and patches are your best defense against zero-day exploits.

For more, read our blog post on zero-day exploits.

What malware protection software have we tested?

We have tested 28 antivirus brands, ranging from entry-level free antivirus programs, to mid-range paid antivirus software and full-featured internet security suites.

As a rule of thumb, even the best free malware removal programs, like Avast One, cannot compete with the comprehensive malware protection offered by paid solutions, like Norton 360 Deluxe or Bitdefender Total Protection.

In the end, if you want a free malware removal tool, simply stick to Microsoft Defender. It will remove malware infections just as well as any free software you can download.

Below is the list of the 20 most important brands:

• Avast
• AVG
• Avira
• Bitdefender Antivirus
• ESET
• F-Secure
• Intego
• Kaspersky
• MacKeeper
• Malwarebytes
• McAfee Antivirus
• Microsoft Defender (Windows Defender)
• Norton Antivirus
• Panda
• PC Matic
• Sophos
• TotalAV
• Trend Micro
• VIPRE
• Webroot

The best antivirus programs are Norton 360 Deluxe, Norton 360 Advanced, and Bitdefender Total Security. By comparison, the other antivirus software cost too much, offer less capable protection from malware threats, or have no unlimited VPN access.