One thing I always hate to do is to find the best Antivirus program that will protect my computer. The two best paid versions that I have always heard about are Kaspersky and NOD32. For free software, I always look towards Avast or AVG. Of course, that is what I knew before but it looks like there may be some new people climbing the ladder.
Virus.gr tested quite a few different software companies to see how they would stack up against each other. How did the 147,000+ virus test pan out? Here are the results (the ones in bold are the ones I expected to do good):
1. Kaspersky version 6.0.0.303 – 99.62%
2. Active Virus Shield by AOL version 6.0.0.299 – 99.62%
3. F-Secure 2006 version 6.12.90 – 96.86%
4. BitDefender Professional version 9 – 96.63%
5. CyberScrub version 1.0 – 95.98%
6. eScan version 8.0.671.1 – 95.82%
7. BitDefender freeware version 8.0.202 – 95.57%
8. BullGuard version 6.1 – 95.57%
9. AntiVir Premium version 7.01.01.02 – 95.45%
10. Nod32 version 2.51.30 – 95.14%
11. AntiVir Classic version 7.01.01.02 – 94.26%
12. ViruScape 2006 version 1.02.0935.0137 – 93.87%
13. McAfee version 10.0.27 – 93.03%
14. McAfee Enterprise version 8.0.0 – 91.76%
15. F-Prot version 6.0.4.3 beta - 87.88%
16. Avast Professional version 4.7.871 – 87.46%
17. Avast freeware version 4.7.871 – 87.46%
18. Dr. Web version 4.33.2 – 86.03%
19. Norman version 5.90.23 – 85.65%
20. F-Prot version 3.16f - 85.14%
21. ArcaVir 2006 – 83.44%
22. Norton Professional 2006 - 83.18%
23. AVG Professional version 7.1.405 – 82.82%
24. AVG freeware version 7.1.405 – 82.82%
25. Panda 2007 version 2.00.01 – 82.23%
26. Virus Chaser version 5.0a – 81.47%
27. PC-Cillin 2006 version 14.10.1051 – 80.90%
28. VBA32 version 3.11.0 – 79.12%
29. ViRobot Expert version 4.0 – 76.22%
30. UNA version 1.83 – 75.44%
There’s the list and as you can see there are several towards the top that really shocked me. The one I am most happy about is the Active Virus Shield by AOL because it is offered to the public for free. Sure it branded as AOL but underneath it is all Kaspersky and this goes to show it.
I expected NOD32, Avast, and AVG to perform a little better than they did but NOD32 and AVG definitely fought back at the heuristic testing. Heuristic testing is extremely important because that is what gives an Antivirus the ability to catch a virus even it is not in the database. Here are the top 10 from that list:
1. Nod32 2.51.30 - 41503
2. Vba32 3.11.0 - 32911
3. VirIT 6.1.9 - 16469
4. AVG 7.1.405 Professional - 13624
5. AVG 7.1.405 freeware – 13624
6. Rising AV 18.41.30 – 12214
7. McAfee 10.0.27 – 10708
8. Ikarus 5.19 – 7191
9. F-Prot 6.0.4.3 beta – 6247
10. Ukrainian National Antivirus 1.83 – 5506
One thing is for sure and that is Norton needs some work for as much as it costs. So many people rely on Symantec’s software because that is what comes installed on most computers but it obviously won’t provide the protection that is needed.
I fix computers for people all of the time and when I find that their Antivirus subscriptions have expired I normally install Avast. After seeing these tests it definitely makes me ponder using Active Virus Shield by AOL because of the high ranking. Avast does have the Web Shield which stops malicious attacks through your Web browser and I really like that feature. I wonder what is more important, the overall ability to find a virus or being able to block Web attacks?
| Update: |
For more great antivirus and firewall information, please read our most recent article. It highlights many of the free antivirus, firewall, and anti-spyware solutions that are currently available to you.
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| Update 2: |
We have done a follow-up article on this one with more up-to-date rankings for the antivirus software listed here. In that article you’ll also find hyperlinks to each of the antivirus solutions listed.
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| Update 3: |
Unfortunately AOL’s Active Virus Shield is no longer available.
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| Update 4: |
There are some new stats available as of December 6th, 2007: VB100 test and Retrospective test. The first test checks antivirus applications for known viruses, while the retrospective test sees how well the apps can do against “unknown” viruses.
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I would definitely recommend the free version of Avast because it is both light-weight and effective. If you don’t like that program you can also try out AVG, which is also good (and free) but Avast is a little better in my opinion.
I prefer avg freeversion the best. I’m very particular when it comes to performance impact from antivirus software and avg hasn’t given any noticeable impacts.
Thanks for the nioce post and infO!
I still like Norton Antivirus better.
AVG is the best. Kaspersky isn’t my style and the rest just plain suck compared to AVG.
I used to use Norton, but I found that it let some viruses through. Anyone else had this problem? Kaspersky combined with various spyware tools (adaware, spybot, etc) has kept me relatively clear since then.
AVG FTW! So much better than the others.
Just wanted to post a general comment here. I am still a bit worreid about which antivirus to choose. As I expected ZoneAlarm rated well, they have what I consider to be the best firewall, and that I have been using for quite some time now, without a single disappointment, although I wouldn’t recommend the free edition… Maybe the ZoneAlarm Firewall + Antispyware, but I just use it as a firewall. It’s anti-spyware feature didn’t really impress me, and the anti-virus, nothing at all….
We had been obsessed with Norton for a long time here, and it was quite uncommon when we got on topic and said I didn’t use any of Norton’s products. I am growing to hate their stuff. Sorry! I mean, recently I installed the 2007 version just to see how it works, and was entirely disappointed that it didn’t find a single thing ,even though Windows had failed too boot up properly due to virus (and had to initialise safe-mood and a lot of stuff). Moreover, what upsets me more is that Symantec has taken over a great program of HD partitioning (PartionMagic) and was disappointed to see that they no longer provided any updates, barely cared to change the date and brand information…
AVG was fine but had some false positives, together with Avast, but I am happy with Avast. I didn’t quite like NOD32 due to certain features such as the always-on feature of scanning files, it’s not much system-consuming but it is… but I was really impressed with it’s heuristic techniques, totally awesome.
One last thing (this is getting too much haha) I would never ever recommend using two anti-viruses simultaneously on the computer. A firewall and different brand anti-virus and different brand anti-spyware / adware is acceptable, but not two of the same… I have my reasons why ( got tired of writing everything up lol).
In my opinion, virus programs and software need to start looking at Malware and Adware seriously, in terms of how it finds and scan viruses. Many of them do pick up certain Malware files, but they don’t seem to be able to get rid of the full malware. You have to rely on external or different programs to do this. Why is Malware not being considered as a virus? I think it should definitely go under that definition.
mmm…um usin Kaspersky n i feel really good.seems very good..gud perfomance..i love it..it detect viruses soon.contact me at my website.[aqmalahsan.tk]
aqmalgsmart@gmail.com
Where to get the activation code of Kaspersky Antivirus
We don’t do anything illegal here, so you won’t be finding information on pirating Kaspersky from us.
you dumb ass.
I download and test a lot of programs. For preventative measures and malware, I use SpyBot and Spyware Blaster (both free).
I’ve found Zone Alarm Pro to be the best firewall because it lets me know when something is trying to connect, either incoming or outgoing.
I’ve tried about every anti-virus program out there. The two that I’ve found to be the best and use the least amount of resources are ESET32 and Avast Professional and I have both loaded. The thing I like about Avast is that it monitors everything and you know it’s working. I have set it off many times downloading something suspicious. I like an anti-virus program that taps me on the shoulder once in while.
To be safer, use Firefox as a browser. With it’s Safe Download extension, you can set your anti-virus program(s) to check everything downloaded through it. Internet Explorer just isn’t secure. (duh)
As far as Norton’s, McAfee, Kaspersky, & BitDefender, all bloatware. Kaspersky and BitDefender, although they may be good, can make your system slow down to a crawl. What good is a computer that crawls?
I read a lot of reviews and do a lot of testing. The above mentioned items keep my computer running fast and clean.
I agree with just about all of your recommendations, although when I’ve tried Kaspersky I didn’t have it affect the performance of my computer.
i use Kespersky 7.0 internet security.it is best antivirus software.its realy good.
Ive been using Bitdefender for a couple of years now with great results.
Never thought I’d be using a all-in-one.
i think norton 360 it the best antivirus yet.
norton 360 let 4 trojan droppers thru my comp, and disabled my firewall, avira antivir free deleted them all, norton is major failure
Many of us get caught by virus is when we surf from the web
And Awast web filtering is simply the best, block anything ( virus, spyware, trojan, suspicious port etc )
this is very simple , zone alarm is truly one of the best if not the, so how come it never got rated ? , corporate idiots backing the money behind the software again , if you really want to be protected log off or else zone alarm from zone labs the real no.1
Isn’t it true that avast and nod32 share the same database?
I would think that puts the combination of Avast’s web filter and Nod32’s heuristics as the best….combo per se. I’m not sure.
My dual-core can handle both running, and I’d have to say that’s thanks to Nod’s invisible system footprint. Avast does have and EXCELLENT web filter.
What is a personal firewall compared to a web filter?
Well I use this combination and it fits good with no crashings at all: Avast, ClamWin and Comodo anti-virus (all free), Comodo firewall plus Comodo BOCleaner. They worked together with no problems and they’re all free.
Well I use this combination and it fits good with no crashings at all: Avast, ClamWin and Comodo anti-virus (all free), Comodo firewall plus Comodo BOCleaner. They worked together with no problems and they’re all free.
You’re an idiot. AV programs don’t work well with other AV programs. You only need to install 1 AV program on you’re computer.
That’s a lot of antivirus protection there!
just changed from avast to Kaspersky..had about 90 viruses cleaned up..PC is a lot faster now!
but still i am not able to see the “Folder Options” at “Tools”.. any suggestions on how to restore it??
I’m currently using Norton Anti Virus, are there any other programs better than this?
avira antivir free is the best, i have a trial on mcafee, it just takes up cpu and does absolutely nothing for me so far
Norton really bogs down the computer, so I would recommend Avast! if you’re looking for something free and ESET NOD32 if you don’t mind spending a little money.
I’m now mainly using KIS6 and I really love it. Low on memory, but it provides good protection.
i’m using Avira AntiVir on my PC but i want to try something new.. i’m choosing between NOD32 or Avast!
what do you guys think of bullguard version 8
I have always used norton antivirus without any problem.
AVG , Avira now the best ,
according to this report ;
[virusinfo.info]
i’m using avast home edition and it’s doing great with me. but is it location (country/nation) have any conection? if it’s yes.. then i need a better input.
what is the best antivirus for indonesia, singapore, and china?
The only solution is to reformat your pc it happened to me during my thesis days.tsk tsk. ive been using mcafee enterpise 8.5i + zonealarm pro. no problems for me and also it’s not a memory hog.
Interesting… Yah, I’ve used AVG for a few years now and been happy w/it. No viruses that I know of
I used to use Norton / Symantec years ago, but it just seemed to get so large and cumbersome that it took up so many resources and slowed things down that I didn’t care for it anymore. And the yearly subscription… switched to AVG and been using it since 
Good review / writeup
I use only mozila firefox browser, and I don’t download from unkown sites. And hoever if something bad hapends I scan with superantispyware.
It’s not called an antivirus exactly but it will block anything suspious and it is really good at not giving false positives, it is recommended to use it with traditional antivirus but i use it by itself because i trust it, threatfire.com free.
I have mainly 3 seperate things that i run, for virus protection – Avast! For spyware – Webroot Spy Sweeper and to put it all together a Firewall – Comodo Firewall Pro. How you all think im doing with protection?
Can you teach me how did you do that?
forget windows and use Linux!!
Get with the program…. Sorry Linux is out.
I suggest that you try the new antivirus that i’m using. BULLGUARD!! why dont you all try this.
There are a handful of European EE studnets that do some independent AV software studies on a quarterly basis and they publush their results on an independnet website [av-comparatives.org] They are pretty adamant not to use their findings for advertising and only allow to refer or link to their main page from other sites. Click on the comparatives link and then select the newest comparative test results.
In short, they throw the signatures of >25,000 virus, malware, spyware, etc. on each of the most famous AV softwares and check for detection numbers, speed & false positives. This is probably the truest test of all (I am always suspicious of AV test results in PC magazines… Hm? Which advertiser put the most bonus money into the pot)
Anyway, their test results are rather sobering. No AV gets even 90%. The best result is 81% the worst 3% of the >25,000 detected. Even the many favorites discussed here in this forum come out rather lame.
Read and be sobered…
U
Ryan my man. Could you enlighten me on the good and bad of kaspersky AV system and it’s comparison with Bit defender and NOD32
abe gandmare chup bath
if i buy nod antivirus is there a certain amount of time i have until it expire or what? i want a antivirus that last a long time until my cpu doesnt work and my new computer. its vista also but do it scan by itself or do you have to do it everytime?
Ryan:
“You sure can…providing that they let you install two. I know several people that do that but I think certain programs will not let you install the Antivirus software if you have another installed.”
I tried to install Avast Antivirus this morning and the following window popped up:
“The installation program has found another antivirus in your system. If you decide to install this program, there could be some conflicts with the following programs: Symantec Antivirus. Do you want to continue?”
Is Symantec Antivirus the same as Norton Antivirus? What will happen if I continue and disregard the message?
Thanks in advance.
Omar.-
I’ve been going with AVG lately and it works quite nicely. Good read though, I’ll look into some of these others.
Why is that trend micro not included??? it’s one of the best…
My vote is with KIS-7. The fact that it uses few system processes.
Kaspersky Internet Security 7 is the Best AV in my opinion. I tried a few other Av’s, but Kaspersky suits my need and have the following features :
>> 99% Threat detection.
>> Low consumption of system resources.
>> Registry change detection, process scanning, hourly updates, self-defense, scanning of malicious scripts in web pages, phishing alerts and a load of other features.
>> Costs about $23 per license ( 10 licenses )for a year.
>> Lots of useful alerts and warnings.
If you are changing your AV, you can try Kaspersky Internet Security 7.
NOD 32 – hte best !
u got theat right!!!!!!!!!
The best AV is Avira AntiVir. It has more detection than AVG and avast.Many people didn’t realize this. And Avira updates about 3-5 times per day.And the sound when it catches a virus is pretty good. When Kaspersky catches a virus , the sound scary me.
Do you know how to prove that Avira AntiVir is not FAKE? Im using this, and just want to know if im using the REAL one Avira AntiVir….thanks!
Kaspersky 7 is my choice hands down!!
I heard that the Security Shield 2008 is the best right now and uses Kaspersky like the Active Virus Shield by AOL version 6.0.0.299
Can anybody confirm that
Yes, Yes it is, Its worth of it. Low Cost, 1 year protection and the like!…
Linux is the best Anti-Virus. Hands down!
Well I use a full version of BitDefender Total Security 2009 and the 90-day trial pack of Windows Live OneCare. I find the duo to be an effective combination. I put in some infected pendrives and both the applications at once detected them. Yes both do have a slight problem of scanning a little slowly but what the heck! As long as they keep viruses at bay. The BitDefender 2009 firewall can get a bit bugging though! AVG sucks though.Not something I would recommend. I would advise all PC users to please buy atleast one full version of any antivirus, preferably BitDefender or Kaspersky and/or Windows Live OneCare. It will reduce your anxiety levels exponentially.And don’t forget to keep your AV updated!
It’s the war here in!
Check last new at cynernet: Free Antivirus, Antispyware and Firewall downloads.
But I would’nt want to invite you to continue the war…
I’m using Kaspersky 7.0 and I absolutely love it. I’ve used many antivirus programs and this is the best I’ve come across.
i am using bitdefrnder v2008, kaspersky v7 and eset nod32 v3.0.672 in my three computer. and i thing those three are king of kings.before using those i was use several of anti virus .those all let me down.
If you want to go with a free program, then AVG, AVAST and ANTIVIR are the best. Otherwise go with Kaspersky or Bit Defender.
PERFECT!
Try Combine Free Antivirus,
like AVG and AVIRA in 1 pc, but lil make ur pc slower…
Or try AVAST and AVIRA…
Think it’s a perfect combination for free antivirus for 1 pc / laptop with windows version…
I use avast and AVG for my perfect combination!
Does Avast and Avira did not slowdown your comp??
i am from Russia.i am using Kaspersky on my office computers about 3 years and i really loved it. recently we’ve got a virus
which deleted all docs and media files. it is so strange for me. this virus was deleted only by bootable kaspersky disk. more interesting thing was in 1 month… exactly the same problem. we’ve lost all. this is first time i feel myself very stupid. what is the BEST antivirus???? 
try norton antivirus
after all this i installed Dr.Web. it works very well and after Kaspersky it found 2 virus (worms).then i uninstalled Dr.Web and downloaded Nod32 (trial version).what do you think happened? 8 threats!!!! my choice is Nod32. i am practic
NOD32, or ESET NOD32 Antivirus v3 in it’s current version is my choice. The originlal findings can be validated against many other leading, independant reviews so it’s NOD32 here for sure.
Cheers
Use NOD32 myself.
i won a virus which deleted all my media files and office files with Dr.Web CureIt (you need to exit your antivirus untill CureIt finishes it’s work). it is free for downloading from official site. i made conclusion, only combination of antiviruses is the best way to defend your comp.
can any of this antivirus delete “virut” trojan?
I use norton 360 and i belive that’s best antivirus available right now. Thanks
Ha, after having Norton for two years, I got the Trojan and again after two weeks. Each time I had to pay Norton an extra $99.99 to remove it.
ANY RECENT NEWS ON KASPERSKY 2009 ?????
DOES IT SLOW THE C/P????? D.
Great for 2009 version and excellent for the 2010 version
No replys Hello anyone home today
guess the site is closed for the holiday
i wanted to know which AV is better, KIS 2009 or norton 360.Can anyone help???
i think norton 360 is better
i mean, THE BEST!
avira!avira!avira!
Nobody mentions Mcafee. Just purchaces a $49.99 version two days ago, and have been fighting with the install since. Problems with Norton as well. Going for the free stuff next- aggravated to the extreme!
NOD32 is the best
From my experience, the three best AV are definitely: NOD32 and Kaspersky (later maybe Microsoft – new version “Morro” could be expected at the end of the year 09) then all other products as Bitdefender, Norton, Dr.Web… and finally not very reliable programs as free AVG. But do not forget: install some antispyware protection too, becouse all the antivirus are only partially be able to protect against the spyware. My choice would be SPY SWEEPER and as second choice improved AD-AWARE (in addition Malwarebytes and Spyware doctor). If you wish to have free antivirus with free Antispyware, then I suggest AVIRA (AVAST Home) with free AD-Aware Anniversary edition…
From my experience,Kaspersky is the best.Changing from Norton to Kaspersky,detected 1200 threaths !!! Unbeliaveble.
Anyway,there are ocasions when you must use another anti-virus.For example,Kaspersky 2009 was unable to remove (although detecting)the Heur.Trojan.win32.generic.
I have disabled Kaspersky,downloaded Avast and it was removed at first atempt.
Sorry for my english,maybe it is also in need of an anti-virus.
Regards
Why not try ThreatFire it has a free version.
There is anti virus software call (ca) I am strongly reommanded do not even think to put it in your computer even if is FREE. i get one, intall it and my pc get scrowed, i formated my pc 5 times in a month, there is no one you can talk to about it, thier technical support they do not know anything when you chat with them, and most of the time they let you hanging untill you close it, went to compusa to retuned, they do not accept it, so they just thier to take your money and waste your time and scrow your computer
There is HYPE and there are facts. Often PC magazines are HYPE be ause the get paid by vendors to test/review software. Factual test reviews of AV software done on a quarterly basis by an Austrian Non-Profit consumer agency can be see at [av-comparatives.org.] In may 2009 they threw a total of 22,685 windows viruses, trojans, backdoors, worms, and other malware at popular AV programs. The winner was Avira Antivir with a total detection rate of 69% (Highest Category Windows Viruses: 86%; Lowest Worms: 36%). If you think this is way too low, check the total results from other popular and above extolled AV programs: Avast Professional: 42% (Hi Backdoors: 54%; Lo Worms 20%); AVG Antivirus: 45% (Hi Other Malware: 58%; Lo Worms: 19%); Kapersky AV: 50% (Hi Windows Viruses: 84%; Lo Worms: 22%); McAfee Virusscan+: 25% (Hi Windows Viruses: 65%; Lo Worms: 16%); Norton AV: 35% (Hi Other Malware: 45%; Lo Worms: 18%) … Fow what its worth!
So true buddy, Pc magazines are only advertisements in disguise
To be true we all battle to find something that works and it’s something we enjoy doing, finding something that’s suitable.
I love this kind of comment on a topic like this. You’ve said something along the lines of what I would say.
I wonder why Avira aren’t on here?
Mark
The PC Longevity Guide Author
YES Avira Antivir IS THE BEST!!!
Kaspersky is the best.
maybe pc magazines are sellouts but at least you can open their website , but what’s up with this link????? it doesn’t work !!!!!!, so where do you get your stats from???
I’m not affiliated with any marketing or pc magazine, and I as everyone here understand that magazines get paid to say pretty much anything, but at the same time they wont put their reputation on the line for an antivirus that doesnt work…. so just keep an open mind!!! and inform yourself from just ONE magazine, or ONE source of information, to not have to blame a magazine for downloading the wrong one!!!!
Make a decision knowing how the world works!
Norton and McAfee invest a lot of money in marketing but, they do not invest in development (or their technicians are very bad) this list shows us how other antivirus less popular are better in detection.
jrl.scienceontheweb.net
I think avast antivirus is the best. but now im trying on AVG antivirus to compare
Cmon ppl. If you choose anyone of the top Av progs you’ll be fine. Choosing an AV is liike choosing your woman or your car. Everyone has their own taste.
what i will say is that i had a fully updated AVG which was unable to find certain infections that a 2month old McAfee found and got rid of. I’ve since tried Kapersky2010 and the NOD32 and they both work well. McAfee and NOD, I found a little resource hungry while KIS seems minimal. I wont use freeware again cos they just dont offer the same packages as the paidfor progs.
hi guys fuck off
Why don’t you fuck off!
i think Avast the best
JUST OPEN YOUR MIND! IF JUST FREE I REPEAT FREE ANTI VIRUS GIVEN TO YOU IS THE BEST, THINK HOW ABOUT THE THE PURCHASE ONES……YES IT AVIRA…
Avira sucks. It can’t update.
Shield Deluxe 2010 is quite good…
I am using the lastest update of zone alarm suite. However yesterday, I got this virus call Privacy Center. Zone alarm did not do their job good enough. I hope this help you guys.
Privacy Center is potentially unwanted program being promoted as a “Simple one-click solution to protect your PC” which was also used by Privacy Components. Just like other rogue program, Privacy Center will sneak into computers by means of trojan and fake security center
websites. This program can be installed on computers when users click or executes any prompts from the website. When successfully got itself on the system, it will pop-up misleading alerts and warnings of possible computer infections and advise users to register the program so that Privacy Center can remove the infections.