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Picking the right antivirus is important, but figuring out which antivirus to use isn’t easy. There are so many options, each proclaiming to be the best.
But there are some ways to check and compare antivirus software before downloading. It’s easier than it seems!
1Use Data-Driven Comparison Sites
Checking specs is important (as we’ll discuss later), but you should also use real data to determine which antivirus software is best. Several websites will allow you to do just that, andAV-Testis my top recommendation.
AV-Test identifies various popular antivirus tools' performance across multiple areas, such as whether they slowed down app installations. It also shows whether the tool you’re looking at identified any false detections or warnings, with many more performance metrics to compare.
Using AV-Test, you can examine how your software performs on desktop and mobile devices—smartphones need protection, too!
You should read customers before buying any product or service, and it’s even more important when choosing antivirus software. Millions of others have probably tried the tool you’re considering, and you’ll find reviews online. One of the best ways toanalyze the safety of a website, product, or service is using Trustpilot and similar websites.
While you should read positive reviews, one way you can get the full picture is by looking at what people say in negative reviews. Not all of these are created equally; sometimes, what the customer says doesn’t reflect the full picture. You can then decide if the trade-offs are worthwhile.
In addition to Trustpilot, you can also use Reddit to see what others are saying about the tool.
3Compare Each Antivirus Tool’s Specs
Testing each antivirus tool is far too complex for most people, but comparing each product’s specs will help you decide if what you choose will meet your needs. Look forthe absolute essentials that your antivirus software needs, such as real-time protection and online support. It’s also worth identifying system requirements, languages supported, and similar deal-breakers.
Beyond the most important features, you should also consider unique tools that you might need to use. For example, you might want antivirus software with browser guards or anti-tracking tools.
Another way to compare antivirus tools before downloading is by reading and watching reviews. Look for honest reviews that give a balanced assessment, and beware of those that are solely positive (there are pros and cons to everything!).
Look for every aspect that’s important to you, whether that’s device availability, certain features, pricing, or something else. I would suggest looking at 5-10 reviews as a minimum to get a better idea of what would work best for you.
Comparing antivirus software doesn’t need to be daunting; you can assess whether a tool will meet your needs in several simple ways. Reading online customer reviews is a good starting point, and you should also compare each solution by looking at their specs. Data-driven sites can also give you an idea of what your computer performance will be like after installing your software.
