Avast Free Antivirus is a great option if you want an easy and comprehensive antivirus program that can protect all your devices as well as your online activities. Its malware detection rate is up there with the best in our tests, while other features like a password manager and file shredder, as well as tune-up tools are also available. The system may be slow when scanning large files or running programs due to the fact that it uses lots of memory.

The paid versions of Avast are a bit more expensive, but they do offer some nice extras including parental controls and a wonderful browser extension to keep your privacy under control. You’ll also get a good amount of cloud storage which is handy to backup your files and creating an emergency restore point. There are many security suites available, starting from the basic Antivirus Plus up to the top-of-the-line Total Security. There’s also a ransomware specific protection as well as the sandbox, which can be used find this to evaluate suspicious apps.

Kaspersky is different to other antivirus programs that are premium because its products are basically variations of the same software. The main difference is that the larger suites come with additional features, including a password manager and an in-built VPN. They also provide support for a wider range of devices, with the simplest subscription offering protection for one computer and up to five computers at the top of the spectrum.

Sophos AV-Home offers good value for money. The latest version performed well in our labs. It’s not as feature-rich as some of the competitors, but its stripped-down interface is suitable for beginner users. If you’re looking for a more robust experience it is possible to extend the home product to cover more than 10 devices.