Top Antivirus Performers
Kaspersky's first-rate but pricey program offers a smooth, easy-to-use design and excellent protection against malware.
Erik Larkin, PC World
Bottom Line:
Trend Micro's poor performance at detecting malicious software (overall and proactive) put it at the bottom of the barrel in our ranking.
PC World Rating:
71 (Good)
- Download price when reviewed: $40 ($40 renewal)
- Malware detection rate: 82%
- Proactive detection: 43%
- System slowdown: 9%
- Ease of use: Good
- False-positive detections: 0
- Last Rated: April 23, 2007
Bottom Line:
The least-expensive program we tested, AVG has average overall malware detection, the worst proactive protection, and a clunky interface.
PC World Rating:
77 (Good)
- Download price when reviewed: $30 ($15 renewal)
- Malware detection rate: 91%
- Proactive detection: 34%
- System slowdown: 2%
- Ease of use: Good
- False-positive detections: 1
- Vendor's Web Site:
- Last Rated: April 23, 2007
Bottom Line:
This program has decent overall malware detection, but poor proactive protection and an awkward interface. It also lacks U.S. phone support.
PC World Rating:
78 (Good)
- Download price when reviewed: $40 ($28 renewal)
- Malware detection rate: 92%
- Proactive detection: 37%
- System slowdown: 4%
- Ease of use: Good
- False-positive detections: 5
- Last Rated: April 23, 2007
Bottom Line:
This competitively priced option provides good proactive protection, average overall malware detection, and a poor disinfection rate.
PC World Rating:
79 (Good)
- Download price when reviewed: $30 ($30 renewal)
- Malware detection rate: 90%
- Proactive detection: 56%
- System slowdown: 4%
- Ease of use: Very Good
- False-positive detections: 3
- Last Rated: April 23, 2007
Bottom Line:
NOD32 has the best proactive protection by far, but its overall malware detection is second-tier, and it has an overly technical interface.
PC World Rating:
84 (Very Good)
- Download price when reviewed: $39 ($27 renewal)
- Malware detection rate: 90%
- Proactive detection: 79%
- System slowdown: 5%
- Ease of use: Very Good
- False-positive detections: 6
- Vendor's Web Site
- Last Rated: April 23, 2007
Bottom Line:
BitDefender has excellent malware detection and a good price, but it's hamstrung by a noticeable (though not show-stopping) system slowdown.
PC World Rating:
84 (Very Good)
- Download price when reviewed: $30 ($22 renewal)
- Malware detection rate: 96%
- Proactive detection: 61%
- System slowdown: 124%
- Ease of use: Superior
- False-positive detections: 14
- Last Rated: April 23, 2007
Bottom Line:
Symantec's solid program wins top marks for antivirus detection and cleanup, but its renewal and support costs are high.
PC World Rating:
84 (Very Good)
- Download price when reviewed: $40 ($39 renewal)
- Malware detection rate: 96%
- Proactive detection: 49%
- System slowdown: 10%
- Ease of use: Superior
- False-positive detections: 3
- Last Rated: April 23, 2007
Bottom Line:
This effective but expensive program has solid malware detection and the fastest outbreak-response time among currently tested competitors.
PC World Rating:
85 (Very Good)
- Download price when reviewed: $50 ($35 renewal)
- Malware detection rate: 96%
- Proactive detection: 51%
- System slowdown: 10%
- Ease of use: Superior
- False-positive detections: 6
- Last Rated: April 23, 2007
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