Antivirus Software Ratings Updated List [October 2020]

An antivirus is a critical software which every PC needs. It's a security software which not only protects against viruses but different types of malware as well. And can be a potential tool against zero-day malware too, especially, when every other security software fails. Therefore in this article, let's take a look at various antivirus software ratings taking into account various security products doing rounds in the IT security market so that PC users like you can choose the right antivirus program.

Comodo Antivirus – 5 out of 5 Stars: Our antivirus software ratings opens up with Comodo topping the list. It's one of those free antivirus software which is totally free and yet packs a forceful punch. It comes equipped with their proprietary Defense+ technology which considers all unknown files as potential threats. This is one of the biggest advantages of using Comodo antivirus because many antivirus software(s) assume unknown files to be safe, focusing only on those files which have proven to be a problem.

1. Containment – which corners unknown 'files' and executes them in a separate environment, and lets them into your PC only after they are proved to be harmless.
2. Host Intrusion Protection System (HIPS)– scans your PC(s) and checks for any malicious activity and prevents it from affecting your PC(s).
3. Viruscope – another technology unique to and developed by Comodo which, using a system of behavior recognizers, not only detects unauthorized actions but allows PC users to completely undo them. The ability to undo undesired actions is an efficient way of combating malware.
4. Cloud-based Protection – cloud-based protection to detect if a given file is malware infected or not. Provides quick verdict on different types of malware and is extremely useful in combating zero-day malware.

McAfee – 4 out of 5 Stars: Having been around for a long time, Mcafee comes second. Not just because it's an industry veteran but because it contains some impressive security features. Protection against different types of malware, easy to use interface, being extremely lightweight are some of its features.

Some Features:

1. Containment Technology
2. Cloud-based Protection
3. Sandboxing Capability
4. 24/7 Monitoring

Kaspersky – 4 out of 5 Stars: The fact that US Government has decided to officially ban Kaspersky from its governmental, finance and other such organizations, does not make it any less effective. It has been around for a long time and is here to stay. Moreover, they offer antivirus package for free.

Some Features:

1. Advanced malware detection techniques
2. Comprehensive scanning tools
3. 24/7 on-access protection from viruses and other malware
4. Sandboxing capabilities

Avast – 4 out of 5 Stars: The wide range of malware threats this security tool handles is what places it at number three position in our list. Avira is a fully functional antimalware tool and undoubtedly one of the best free antivirus programs out there. Above all, just like the others on the list, it's available for free.

Some Features:

1. Protects against many malware types and not just the traditional ones
2. Is Equipped with advanced heuristic tools
3. Works well with various Windows OS(es)
4. Sandboxing capabilities

Bitdefender – 3 out of 5 Stars: Simplicity is key when it comes to making software. And the developers of Bitdefender seem to know it better than anyone else. Their antivirus tool is incredibly easy to setup and configure and doesn't affect your computers. Highly recommended.

Some Features:

1. Easier to use than other antivirus programs
2. Does not affect system performance
3. Compatible with most Windows OS(es)
4. On-access protection from viruses and other malware

Comodo: Certainly one of the best in the IT security industry. Known for being innovative, Comodo antivirus package comes equipped with their proprietary Defense+ technology which considers all unknown files as potential threats. This is one of the biggest advantages of using Comodo because many antivirus software(s) assume unknown files to be safe, focusing only on those files which have proven to be a problem.

Some Features:

• Defense+ Technology which considers unknown Files as potential threats
• Auto Sand boxing, a virtual space for running unknown and malicious apps
• HIPS (Host Intrusion Prevention System) to stop zero-day threats
• 24/7 On-access protection from viruses and other malware

Avast: This antivirus tool makes it to the list chiefly because it has been around for quite some time. Since 1988 to be more precise. A tool which lasts the test of time is obviously going to be a tool which serves users well. Having said that, Avast is also popular for its "heuristics engine" which detects previously unknown viruses and other malware.

Some Features:

• Heuristics Engine for detecting previously unknown security threats
• The long history of substantial virus protection
• Smart scanning capabilities
• Sand boxing capabilities

Avira: The wide range of malware threats this security tool handles is what places it at number three position in our list. Avira is a fully functional antimalware tool and undoubtedly one of the best free antivirus programs out there. Above all, just like the others in the list, it's available for free.

Some Features:

• Protects against many malware types and not just the traditional ones
• Is Equipped with advanced heuristic tools
• Works well with various Windows OS(es)
• Implements Easy-to-Use Interface

AVG Antivirus: AVG, which stands for Antivirus Guard is another free antivirus package which is a subsidiary of Avast software, has attracted a lot of attention in the security market. The free antivirus software tool is compatible with the following operating systems: Windows, macOS, and Android.

Some Features:

• Defense+ Technology which considers unknown Files as potential threats
• Auto Sand boxing, a virtual space for running unknown and malicious apps
• Spyware Scanning for scanning or detecting spyware in files and folders
• 24/7 On-access protection from viruses and other malware

Bitdefender: Simplicity is key when it comes to making software. And the developers of Bitdefender seem to know it better than anyone else. Their antivirus tool is incredibly easy to setup and configure and doesn't affect your computers. Highly recommended.

Some Features:

• Easier to use than other antivirus programs
• Does not affect system performance
• Compatible with most Windows OS(es)
• On-access protection from viruses and other malware

Kaspersky: The fact that US Government has decided to officially ban Kaspersky from its governmental, finance and other such organizations, does not make it any less effective. It has been around for a long time and is here to stay. Moreover, they offer antivirus package for free.

Some Features:

• Advanced malware detection techniques
• Comprehensive scanning tools
• 24/7 on-access protection from viruses and other malware
• Sand boxing capabilities

Sophos: Yet another free antivirus software tool which can prove useful for users. Comes equipped with a multitude of features that make its free edition appear really attractive.

Some Features:

• HIPS (Host Intrusion Prevention System) to stop zero-day threats
• Comprehensive and sophisticated content filtering policy
• 24/7 on-access protection from viruses and other malware

Panda: Another free antivirus software tool which deserves a place on this list. This is a cloud-based antivirus tool which can be light on your network, meaning, it won't slow down your computers and at the same time protect them well.

Some Features:

• URL and web monitoring and filtering
• Automatic USB protection
• Light and easy on computer systems