Norton has long had the reputation of a strong antivirus software provider, and it keeps packing in the security industry, even into its most basic packages. All its antivirus tiers are dedicated to keeping your digital and physical identity protected, while secure online cloud storage and password management complement the already robust offering.

Among its great extras is Norton Secure VPN, which is available with all of Norton’s higher-tiered programs. As for the other aspects of its antivirus service, Norton works on all devices and does a solid job of stopping malware, making it an excellent Mac antivirus and Android antivirus.

Norton 360 subscriptions are equipped with dark web monitoring that keeps an eye out for your email addresses, passwords, and other information that may be compromised. If it finds any, you’ll get an immediate alert.

Combining a Norton 360 subscription with LifeLock identity theft protection brings another layer of digital safety. Additional tools include parental controls and privacy monitoring. If you auto-renew, you’re covered by the company’s 100% Virus Protection Promise, a guarantee that it will keep your system clean and its support team will work to clear it up if it ever does become infected.

• You can sign up for Norton antivirus solutions here

Plans and pricing

Norton AntiVirus Plus starts at $29.99 for the first year, after which it jumps to $59.99 for every subsequent year. This covers only one device, but you do get access to 2GB of cloud backup and Norton’s password manager.

With Norton 360, you get its Secure VPN and dark web monitoring. This package protects a maximum of three devices and starts at $39.99 for the first year for one device, after which it increases to $94.99, depending on the package.

Norton 360 Deluxe protects up to five different devices for $49.99 during the initial year and then rises to $119.99 per year. The package builds on the offering of its Standard program by protecting against unauthorized access to your webcam, alongside parental controls and 50GB of cloud backup.

Signing up to Norton 360 Select Plus with LifeLock for $99.99 in the first year, and then at $189.99 a year, provides the ultimate security for your devices and identity. LifeLock is a full identity theft protection service that also helps restore your identity in case of any wrongdoings. It also increases your cloud backup access to 250GB and covers up to 10 devices.

Not sure which subscription to get? No worries, you don’t have to make up your mind just yet. Norton’s antivirus solutions are available to try for free for 7 days. There’s also a 60-day money-back guarantee.

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Norton AntiVirus Plus

Setup

Installing Norton AntiVirus Plus is very straightforward, even for users who aren’t very tech-savvy. The platform takes up just 805 MB of storage. It also won’t affect your device’s performance a lot. Notably, in AV-Comparatives’ September 2024 Performance Test, Norton was rated as ‘very fast’ in all of the observed categories, scoring an outstanding 90 points in AV-C performance and receiving the ‘Advanced +’ award.

Antivirus

Immediately after opening, you’re greeted by a sleek window from where you can instantly run the Smart Scan. The left-hand side lists the major categories: Home, Security, Performance, Search, and Settings.

On the right, there’s a control panel from where you can run highly flexible scans - Smart, Quick, Full, Targeted, or Startup. This is also where you manage your Cloud Backup and update the software and malware data.

Heading over to the Security tab, you’ll see all the options from above, as well as get access to Advanced Security features, Security History, Quarantine, Browser Extensions, and Password Manager.

The Advanced Security options provide an overview of your security status in terms of the physical device (Antivirus, Exploit Prevention, Ransomware Protection, and Sandbox), network (Smart Firewall, Intrusion Prevention, Wi-Fi Security, and Automatic Program Control), and online activities (Safe Web and Download Intelligence).

As for the Performance tab, it features the platform’s Software Updater, File Cleanup, Startup Manager, and the useful Optimize Disk option.

Finally, the Settings tab brings together all of the above options and other settings.

Protection

Norton’s results at a recent AV-Comparatives' Malware Protection Test is a comprehensive benchmark were impressive, earning a 99.96% overall protection score. The only place it seemed to struggle was false positives, earning it the ‘Standard’ award.

Moreover, the latest AV-Test’s Windows 11 Home User gave it outstanding marks across the board for malware detection. With the overall industry standard of 100% detection, Norton clearly made sure to keep up.

Browsing protection

Norton AntiVirus Plus deploys multiple layers of protection to help you stay safe online. These include the Norton Safe Search powered by Ask in the form of a browser extension, and the Norton Home Page. The former shows you a website’s safety rating before you visit, while the latter starts each browsing session on a secure page.

That said, when we tried downloading the browser extension for Chrome using the links provided on the website and inside the desktop app, we kept landing on a page that said it didn’t even exist. We didn’t get any results when manually searching the web store either. There were no such issues with the Firefox or Microsoft Edge Safe Web apps.

Smart Firewall

An intelligent firewall lets you know if untrusted programs are trying to make an internet connection and asks if they should be allowed. It also gives plenty of information to help you decide. You can allow or block the connection in a couple of clicks, or choose to have the firewall remember your decision.

If you’re a tech pro Norton AntiVirus Smart Firewall lets you get your hands dirty with under-the-hood low-level technical details - all the way down to the rules governing each protocol and traffic type.

Backup

Norton AntiVirus Plus offers 2GB of online backup space, while you can also create a local backup on an external or local drive. That said, it doesn’t really offer much in the way of features like encryption, archiving, or versioning.

It’s easy to use, backing up your documents, pictures, music, contacts, internet favorites, and more, by default. If this totals less than 2GB, you can back up your data to the cloud. If it's more, you can exclude individual files and folders, or choose a local drive as the destination.

Backups can be launched on demand, or scheduled to run automatically every day.

Performance

Norton’s Optimize Disk can run automatically on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, or you can just fire it up once.

The Software Updater keeps your installed apps up to date for increased security. Running the tool identifies the applications in need of updating, and offers the option to update or ignore them.

As a junk file finder and removal tool, Norton’s File Cleanup is pretty straightforward, informing you about the type, amount, and size of the files it deems unnecessary, deleting them with a single click. It cleans up browser history, cache, and temporary files.

Finally, the Startup Manager displays the apps set up to launch alongside Windows, informing you of their resource usage and how commonly they’re found across Norton’s customer community. It lets you delay the app’s start or disable it entirely.

Final verdict

There’s a lot to like about Norton AntiVirus Plus. It has a powerful platform and boasts more features than even some of the high-end suites. Overall, it’s a quality antivirus app and security package that’s well worth its price, at least for the first year.

Norton 360 Standard

Norton 360 Standard, the baseline plan of the Norton 360 range, is essentially Norton AntiVirus Plus with webcam protection, dark web monitoring, and unlimited use of its Norton Secure VPN on a single device.

Prices start at $39.99 for a one-device, one-year license, rising to $94.99 on renewal. The first-year price is a good deal, especially if you’ll use the VPN, as most VPN providers would certainly charge more.

VPN

The VPN can automatically run when connecting to compromised or unsecured networks or P2P, while split tunneling allows you to decide which apps use the VPN and which don’t. There’s also a kill switch that blocks all internet access if the VPN drops.

Extras include automatic reconnecting after device restart, VPN access to local devices on private networks, and the use of Norton VPN even if another VPN is active. Ad and tracker blocking help preserve your web privacy, providing you with records of blocked stuff in the last month.

Norton Secure VPN’s performance is good, connecting in a couple of seconds and achieving solid speeds upon testing, albeit expectedly slowing down the internet connection. Altogether, it’s an okay service that doesn’t really compete with the best of the specialist VPN providers.

Webcam protection

Norton’s SafeCam feature alerts you to any untrusted apps trying to access your camera and gives you the option to allow or block them. By default, it allows known good apps to access it.

If it asks permission for something, you can choose to ‘always allow’ or ‘always block.’ You can also turn off the ‘automatically allow good apps’ option to be prompted for everything, or even shut down the SafeCam entirely.

Mobile apps

Norton 360 Mobile Security for Android packs a punch with all the key tools from the desktop edition and a pile of mobile-friendly extras. They include automatic and on-demand scanning that catches malware before it can launch, while Safe Web keeps you away from hazardous links.

Testing shows Norton’s engine is very accurate, with AV-Test’s Android security reports rating it a maximum 6/6 (‘outstanding’) protection in all six tests over the majority of the past year (November 2023 - November 2024).

The app includes Norton’s Secure VPN, SMS spam and phishing filtering, and the ability to detect if you’re connecting to an unsecure or suspicious network. It also shows key app details from within Google Play before download, like privacy risks, intrusive ads, excessive battery and data use, and more.

Norton Mobile Security for iOS is simpler, featuring excellent web protection, SMS filtering, and a Wi-Fi security layer to alert you to dangerous networks.

Dark Web Monitoring

Meanwhile, Norton's Dark Web Monitoring, one of the features of its LifeLock Identity Theft Protection service, is available in certain countries alongside the 360 suite.

There's no manual searching required. Just set it up and LifeLock will monitor dark web sites where stolen data is regularly traded, and raise an alert if your email address shows up.

Final verdict

Norton 360 Standard is all about its Secure VPN. If you’ll use it, it’s a very good buy. But if you don’t need it, then there isn’t much here to justify choosing the suite. Either pick a higher Norton 360 plan with full identity theft protection or consider other solutions.

Norton 360 Deluxe

Upgrading to Norton 360 Deluxe is mostly about the numbers. You can forget the measly single-device license - it covers up to five PCs, Macs, phones, or tablets. You can install and use the VPN on all those devices, too. Moreover, your online backup space leaps to a generous 50GB.

Then there’s Norton’s Parental Control system that goes beyond the usual. It adds detailed content filtering, mobile GPS tracking, and in-depth monitoring, allowing you to see anything from your kids’ search queries to the websites they visit and videos they watch.

If there's a slightest chance that you’ll benefit from covering more than a single device and staying on top of your family’s internet activities, then Norton 360 Deluxe looks like the best general-purpose option in the range.

Norton 360 with LifeLock

Upgrading to Norton 360 with LifeLock Select Plus gets US users full-featured identity theft protection and other welcome benefits.

The baseline Norton 360 with LifeLock Select Plus plan covers 10 devices, 250GB cloud backup, and identity theft basics - credit monitoring, SSN and credit alerts, stolen wallet protection, up to a million dollars compensation for lost funds and expenses, and identity theft restoration specialists.

Additional features in Norton 360 with LifeLock Advantage plan include the ‘buy now pay later’ alerts, identity lock, and bank and credit card activity locks. It also increases the compensation for ID theft expenses and losses.

Finally, the top-of-the-range Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus supports unlimited devices, 500GB of backup, increases the compensation even more, and adds credit reports from three bureaus, and 401(k) and investment activity alerts.

We've also highlighted the best antivirus

Microsoft Defender Antivirus doesn’t get much respect when it comes to security, but it’s been around defending our Windows devices for a long time. Originally released as Windows Defender in 2016 and later rebranded to Microsoft Defender, it’s been part of every Windows release since Vista, and now is a regular built-in free security tool.

There isn’t a need to download anything and most tools, especially malware protections, are already enabled. There is some setup necessary for optimizing particular tools to be at their highest strength, but even if you don’t touch anything, you’ll be protected from threats, including ransomware.

Indeed, some of Microsoft Defender’s features include on-demand and real-time malware protection, automatic detection and blocking of known URLs and files, a simple firewall to keep hackers and snoops from sneaking onto your device and swiping files or important information saved there, which can also be customized to strengthen its protections or to only watch certain files.

Then, there are some unexpectedly sophisticated low-level exploit protection options, adding another tier of difficulty for malware to attack your system. These include the webcam monitor to ensure you’re the only one that can access it and no apps can use your webcam without your explicit permission.

The platform’s basic parental controls are more intelligent than before as well, with features such as content filtering for the Microsoft Edge browser, the ability to control how much time your kids spend on their devices, as well as the capability to monitor all your family’s devices from one spot. Time controls are a blanket shield that locks down your child’s PC account so they can’t get on the computer at all rather than shutting down the internet but still allowing them to play locally saved games.

As for the web protections, they only work on Microsoft Edge and not on other popular browsers (say, Firefox, Chrome, or Opera). When these web protections are enabled in Edge, it sends information to Defender about online files and possible threats for it to look at before allowing them to download.

Notably, Microsoft Defender has only recently started to earn high enough scores to be mentioned as a legitimate antivirus solution and be part of the same list as Bitdefender or Avast. It still lags behind and doesn’t score as high in malware detection and blocking tests, but it doesn’t mean it lacks some good protection tools. It’s also found itself a nice spot on our list of the best free antivirus apps.

Since Microsoft Defender is included as part of the Windows operating system, it doesn’t create any lag on your computer either. It doesn’t take up additional space and only uses the resources Microsoft has allocated to it.

Considering it comes pre-installed and ready to go, running with your Windows operating system, it’s great for those who don’t want to bother with downloads. On top of that, it gives you tools to filter content and set time limits for your kids without paying extra for them, as other free tools out there might require.

On the other hand, Defender lets more threats through than our top picks, so adding Bitdefender or Avast will plug up those holes. Additionally, its web protections only work with Edge whereas, say Bitdefender’s extensions work with Chrome, Firefox, and other browsers.

Ultimately, it’s not the best for stopping malware threats, especially in browsers other than Edge, but it does come with useful advanced options like webcam protection and very basic parental controls.

• Want to try Microsoft Defender? Check out the website here

Interface

One of the major benefits of Microsoft Defender Antivirus is that it comes built-in with Windows - no installation required, no hassles, and very little chance that it’ll conflict with anything else: it simply works quietly and seamlessly with your system. It’s simple and unobtrusive.

In fact, most users will never even see its interface, other than the occasional alerts. Sensible default settings protect you out-of-the-box, automatic scanning upon download and its execution keep you safe from most threats, while idle and scheduled scans aim to detect everything else.

Like with many other security apps, the main dashboard displays your security status, while the sidebar provides access to various functions: antivirus, account protection (how you log in), firewall and network protection, malicious URL and app blocking, parental controls, and more.

However, this isn’t always intuitive. For instance, while many antivirus apps have a Scan button on the dashboard, the Defender’s are two clicks away and located at the bottom of the Scan Options panel.

That said, these initial hassles don’t cause too much trouble and it doesn’t take long to figure out where everything is. Overall, Microsoft Defender Antivirus isn’t difficult to use.

Antivirus

Microsoft Defender has a full range of scanning options, and more - a quick scan, a full system scan, a custom scan to check the specific files and folders you pick, and even a boot scan that runs before Windows fully loads to remove the most stubborn threats.

Quick scans take around a minute on our test PC, whereas a full scan expectedly takes longer, but its completion times may vary significantly, anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes to scan roughly about 100GB of files and folders.

AV-Comparatives’ September 2024 Performance Test has placed Microsoft Defender at 13th place among 17 competitors, with an impact score of 18.9, which is a solid performance for a free security tool that already comes pre-installed with your system, especially considering the fact that it did better than Bitdefender, F-Secure, and Total Defense in this matter.

In particular, it did great in areas such as file copying, installing and launching apps, downloading files, and browsing websites, while only performing slowly in terms of archiving/unarchiving. As such, AV-Comparatives gave it two stars and an ‘Advanced’ performance award.

In the meantime, AV-Test’s January-February 2025 analysis reveals that Microsoft Defender performs well within the industry average (if not better) when it comes to performance as it slows the device down 22% when launching popular websites on a standard PC (the industry average is 23%),

Where the launch of standard software applications on a standard PC is concerned, the recorded impact is 11% (with the industry average also being 11%), and Microsoft Defender delivers the same results for installing frequently-used applications on a standard PC, doing a bit better in case of high-end PC performance.

As it happens, AV-Test’s Windows analyses have highlighted speed issues in the past, but now they’re mostly gone, and Defender nowadays typically scores a best-possible 6/6 for speed in most AV-Test reports.

Protection

In terms of that which really matters where any antivirus is concerned - protection - Microsoft Defender has had mixed results from independent labs in the past. However, it seems to have improved in recent years and now outperforms many commercial competitors.

Specifically, AV-Comparatives’ Real-World Protection Test July-October 2024 ranked it equal fifth (alongside Total Defense) out of 17, with a protection rating of 98.3%. Although that’s not leading-edge - Avira, F-Secure, McAfee, and Norton all blocked 99.8% of threats - we can’t really complain about an antivirus that ‘only’ does as well as Total Defense, and better than Trend Micro, Panda, and Quick Heal, especially for free.

AV-Test’s Window Consumer reports awarded Defender a maximum of 6/6 points for protection, performance, and usability in its January - February 2025 Product Review and Certification Report. The platform had no false flags for legitimate websites in either month, whereas in January it only had one false detection of legitimate software as malware during a system scan - a great score considering that the industry average is three false flags here.

At the same time, SE-Labs’ 2024 Q4 Home Anti-Malware Protection report tells a similar story, in which Microsoft Defender ranks seventh out of nine in its Total Accuracy rating of 98%. Here, it performed better than Webroot Antivirus, albeit not as well as Avast Free Antivirus, Kaspersky Premium, McAfee Total Protection, Norton LifeLock Norton360, Sophos Home Premium (all boasting 100%), and Panda Dome (at 99%).

Other features

Microsoft Defender doesn’t just provide antivirus, as there are a few other useful features to explore.

At the top of the list has to be the firewall. It does a fair job of protecting you from incoming network attacks, but it’s less interested in controlling outbound access. In other words, if an app manages to run as an administrator, it will also be able to customize the firewall by adding its own rules.

Microsoft Defender also has capable ransomware protection, although it isn’t exactly sophisticated. Controlled Folders simply blocks everything it doesn’t recognize, including legitimate programs that refuse to run until manually added to the Exceptions list. Admittedly, it does its core job, which is keeping you safe from a threat that the antivirus engine has missed.

Moreover, Windows’ OneDrive integration helps a bit as well. The standard 5GB of free online storage space isn’t that much, but it’s free and it’s 5GB more than you’ll get with most security apps, helping you protect your most important data from attacks.

Additionally, Defender’s reputation-based SmartScreen protection allows it to block access to malicious websites, files, and apps. That said, its URL filtering is less accurate and only works with Microsoft Edge. SmartScreen’s file and download checks work system-wide though, and they’re a handy extra layer of protection.

Digging deeper, Windows reveals a bunch of extremely low-level exploit defense and device security features, largely focused on how the operating system handles memory. They’re important, but they’re best left alone, even by expert users, as playing around with CFG, DEP, ASLR, and Memory Integrity settings can, in some situations, break your PC to the point it won’t even boot.

Device performance and health is something that many paid antivirus platforms have, and Windows has its own version bundled in the Windows Security app, allowing you to monitor and maintain the device’s storage, battery life, apps and software, and Windows Time service for any issues.

Here, you can also do a ‘Fresh start’ (reset your PC) with a clean and up-to-date installation of Windows to potentially improve your device’s startup and shutdown speeds, memory usage, Store apps, performance, browsing experience, and battery life - if all else fails, that is.

Finally, there’s the Family Options page, a collection of parental control features. Its positives include quite a few options, including the ability to filter websites by content, control when your kids can use their devices and which apps they can buy, as well as getting regular reports on their activities.

On the other hand, these system settings are mostly very basic and the Windows browser options are Edge-only, so bypassing them is as easy as downloading Google Chrome or any other browser, like Firefox or Opera, and accessing them from there.

As an alternative, you can install a free Microsoft Family Safety app on Android and iOS to help control screen time, as well as web and app use across the platforms. It only covers the very basics, but it’s nonetheless a welcome addition to the package, and if you’re looking for parental controls, then it’s certainly worth checking out.

Final verdict

All things considered, Microsoft Defender isn’t really as feature-packed as the top antivirus competition, but it’s more accurate than some big-name commercial products and is much less likely to cause issues with your other applications. If simplicity (or price) is at the top of your priority list, then it’s a reasonable choice.

We've also highlighted the best antivirus or, you can take a look at the best free antivirus apps before you fully commit! 

• Our Microsoft discount codes can help you save on your next purchase.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus doesn’t get much respect when it comes to security, but it’s been around defending our Windows devices for a long time. Originally released as Windows Defender in 2016 and later rebranded to Microsoft Defender, it’s been part of every Windows release since Vista, and now is a regular built-in free security tool.

There isn’t a need to download anything and most tools, especially malware protections, are already enabled. There is some setup necessary for optimizing particular tools to be at their highest strength, but even if you don’t touch anything, you’ll be protected from threats, including ransomware.

Indeed, some of Microsoft Defender’s features include on-demand and real-time malware protection, automatic detection and blocking of known URLs and files, a simple firewall to keep hackers and snoops from sneaking onto your device and swiping files or important information saved there, which can also be customized to strengthen its protections or to only watch certain files.

Then, there are some unexpectedly sophisticated low-level exploit protection options, adding another tier of difficulty for malware to attack your system. These include the webcam monitor to ensure you’re the only one that can access it and no apps can use your webcam without your explicit permission.

The platform’s basic parental controls are more intelligent than before as well, with features such as content filtering for the Microsoft Edge browser, the ability to control how much time your kids spend on their devices, as well as the capability to monitor all your family’s devices from one spot. Time controls are a blanket shield that locks down your child’s PC account so they can’t get on the computer at all rather than shutting down the internet but still allowing them to play locally saved games.

As for the web protections, they only work on Microsoft Edge and not on other popular browsers (say, Firefox, Chrome, or Opera). When these web protections are enabled in Edge, it sends information to Defender about online files and possible threats for it to look at before allowing them to download.

Notably, Microsoft Defender has only recently started to earn high enough scores to be mentioned as a legitimate antivirus solution and be part of the same list as Bitdefender or Avast. It still lags behind and doesn’t score as high in malware detection and blocking tests, but it doesn’t mean it lacks some good protection tools. It’s also found itself a nice spot on our list of the best free antivirus apps.

Since Microsoft Defender is included as part of the Windows operating system, it doesn’t create any lag on your computer either. It doesn’t take up additional space and only uses the resources Microsoft has allocated to it.

Considering it comes pre-installed and ready to go, running with your Windows operating system, it’s great for those who don’t want to bother with downloads. On top of that, it gives you tools to filter content and set time limits for your kids without paying extra for them, as other free tools out there might require.

On the other hand, Defender lets more threats through than our top picks, so adding Bitdefender or Avast will plug up those holes. Additionally, its web protections only work with Edge whereas, say Bitdefender’s extensions work with Chrome, Firefox, and other browsers.

Ultimately, it’s not the best for stopping malware threats, especially in browsers other than Edge, but it does come with useful advanced options like webcam protection and very basic parental controls.

• Want to try Microsoft Defender? Check out the website here

Interface

One of the major benefits of Microsoft Defender Antivirus is that it comes built-in with Windows - no installation required, no hassles, and very little chance that it’ll conflict with anything else: it simply works quietly and seamlessly with your system. It’s simple and unobtrusive.

In fact, most users will never even see its interface, other than the occasional alerts. Sensible default settings protect you out-of-the-box, automatic scanning upon download and its execution keep you safe from most threats, while idle and scheduled scans aim to detect everything else.

Like with many other security apps, the main dashboard displays your security status, while the sidebar provides access to various functions: antivirus, account protection (how you log in), firewall and network protection, malicious URL and app blocking, parental controls, and more.

However, this isn’t always intuitive. For instance, while many antivirus apps have a Scan button on the dashboard, the Defender’s are two clicks away and located at the bottom of the Scan Options panel.

That said, these initial hassles don’t cause too much trouble and it doesn’t take long to figure out where everything is. Overall, Microsoft Defender Antivirus isn’t difficult to use.

Antivirus

Microsoft Defender has a full range of scanning options, and more - a quick scan, a full system scan, a custom scan to check the specific files and folders you pick, and even a boot scan that runs before Windows fully loads to remove the most stubborn threats.

Quick scans take around a minute on our test PC, whereas a full scan expectedly takes longer, but its completion times may vary significantly, anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes to scan roughly about 100GB of files and folders.

AV-Comparatives’ September 2024 Performance Test has placed Microsoft Defender at 13th place among 17 competitors, with an impact score of 18.9, which is a solid performance for a free security tool that already comes pre-installed with your system, especially considering the fact that it did better than Bitdefender, F-Secure, and Total Defense in this matter.

In particular, it did great in areas such as file copying, installing and launching apps, downloading files, and browsing websites, while only performing slowly in terms of archiving/unarchiving. As such, AV-Comparatives gave it two stars and an ‘Advanced’ performance award.

In the meantime, AV-Test’s January-February 2025 analysis reveals that Microsoft Defender performs well within the industry average (if not better) when it comes to performance as it slows the device down 22% when launching popular websites on a standard PC (the industry average is 23%),

Where the launch of standard software applications on a standard PC is concerned, the recorded impact is 11% (with the industry average also being 11%), and Microsoft Defender delivers the same results for installing frequently-used applications on a standard PC, doing a bit better in case of high-end PC performance.

As it happens, AV-Test’s Windows analyses have highlighted speed issues in the past, but now they’re mostly gone, and Defender nowadays typically scores a best-possible 6/6 for speed in most AV-Test reports.

Protection

In terms of that which really matters where any antivirus is concerned - protection - Microsoft Defender has had mixed results from independent labs in the past. However, it seems to have improved in recent years and now outperforms many commercial competitors.

Specifically, AV-Comparatives’ Real-World Protection Test July-October 2024 ranked it equal fifth (alongside Total Defense) out of 17, with a protection rating of 98.3%. Although that’s not leading-edge - Avira, F-Secure, McAfee, and Norton all blocked 99.8% of threats - we can’t really complain about an antivirus that ‘only’ does as well as Total Defense, and better than Trend Micro, Panda, and Quick Heal, especially for free.

AV-Test’s Window Consumer reports awarded Defender a maximum of 6/6 points for protection, performance, and usability in its January - February 2025 Product Review and Certification Report. The platform had no false flags for legitimate websites in either month, whereas in January it only had one false detection of legitimate software as malware during a system scan - a great score considering that the industry average is three false flags here.

At the same time, SE-Labs’ 2024 Q4 Home Anti-Malware Protection report tells a similar story, in which Microsoft Defender ranks seventh out of nine in its Total Accuracy rating of 98%. Here, it performed better than Webroot Antivirus, albeit not as well as Avast Free Antivirus, Kaspersky Premium, McAfee Total Protection, Norton LifeLock Norton360, Sophos Home Premium (all boasting 100%), and Panda Dome (at 99%).

Other features

Microsoft Defender doesn’t just provide antivirus, as there are a few other useful features to explore.

At the top of the list has to be the firewall. It does a fair job of protecting you from incoming network attacks, but it’s less interested in controlling outbound access. In other words, if an app manages to run as an administrator, it will also be able to customize the firewall by adding its own rules.

Microsoft Defender also has capable ransomware protection, although it isn’t exactly sophisticated. Controlled Folders simply blocks everything it doesn’t recognize, including legitimate programs that refuse to run until manually added to the Exceptions list. Admittedly, it does its core job, which is keeping you safe from a threat that the antivirus engine has missed.

Moreover, Windows’ OneDrive integration helps a bit as well. The standard 5GB of free online storage space isn’t that much, but it’s free and it’s 5GB more than you’ll get with most security apps, helping you protect your most important data from attacks.

Additionally, Defender’s reputation-based SmartScreen protection allows it to block access to malicious websites, files, and apps. That said, its URL filtering is less accurate and only works with Microsoft Edge. SmartScreen’s file and download checks work system-wide though, and they’re a handy extra layer of protection.

Digging deeper, Windows reveals a bunch of extremely low-level exploit defense and device security features, largely focused on how the operating system handles memory. They’re important, but they’re best left alone, even by expert users, as playing around with CFG, DEP, ASLR, and Memory Integrity settings can, in some situations, break your PC to the point it won’t even boot.

Device performance and health is something that many paid antivirus platforms have, and Windows has its own version bundled in the Windows Security app, allowing you to monitor and maintain the device’s storage, battery life, apps and software, and Windows Time service for any issues.

Here, you can also do a ‘Fresh start’ (reset your PC) with a clean and up-to-date installation of Windows to potentially improve your device’s startup and shutdown speeds, memory usage, Store apps, performance, browsing experience, and battery life - if all else fails, that is.

Finally, there’s the Family Options page, a collection of parental control features. Its positives include quite a few options, including the ability to filter websites by content, control when your kids can use their devices and which apps they can buy, as well as getting regular reports on their activities.

On the other hand, these system settings are mostly very basic and the Windows browser options are Edge-only, so bypassing them is as easy as downloading Google Chrome or any other browser, like Firefox or Opera, and accessing them from there.

As an alternative, you can install a free Microsoft Family Safety app on Android and iOS to help control screen time, as well as web and app use across the platforms. It only covers the very basics, but it’s nonetheless a welcome addition to the package, and if you’re looking for parental controls, then it’s certainly worth checking out.

Final verdict

All things considered, Microsoft Defender isn’t really as feature-packed as the top antivirus competition, but it’s more accurate than some big-name commercial products and is much less likely to cause issues with your other applications. If simplicity (or price) is at the top of your priority list, then it’s a reasonable choice.

We've also highlighted the best antivirus or, you can take a look at the best free antivirus apps before you fully commit! 

• Our Microsoft discount codes can help you save on your next purchase.

Our series on identity theft protection apps will evaluate the features, pricing options, competition, and also the overall value of using each app. However, these are not full hands-on reviews since evaluating identity theft protection apps is almost impossible. It would require several months of testing, purposefully hacking accounts to see if the protection app works, handing over personally identifiable information, performing multiple credit checks, and risking exposure of the reviewer’s personally identifiable information.

In the digital age, identity theft often goes unnoticed amidst our carefree use of social media, internet platforms, and credit card-based services. However, once you fall victim to this crime, it can quickly transform into a harrowing ordeal. Victims find themselves grappling with the frustration and confusion of having their bank accounts or credit cards fraudulently used, leaving them with the daunting task of repairing their credit.

Zander Identity Theft Protection prioritizes loss prevention and notifications due to Zander's primary role as an insurance provider. This is a key differentiator from other identity theft products like Norton LifeLock or Complete ID. The backing of an insurance company provides added peace of mind in the unfortunate event of identity theft, a significant benefit not typically found in most other identity theft products.

Zander Identity Theft Protection's emphasis on cost-effectiveness comes at the expense of distinctive features and thorough identity protection measures. The website provides minimal information about the program, giving the impression that identity protection is merely a tactic to draw attention to Zander Insurance's other prominent offerings like disability, vehicle, and health insurance. While Zander Identity Theft Protection may offer basic protection at a low cost, it lacks the extensive features, user-friendly interface, and robust identity theft safeguards found in competing products. Without these essential elements, it's challenging to recommend Zander Identity Theft Protection for anything beyond fundamental protection.

Zander Identity Theft Protection: Plans and pricing

The main selling point here is the price. For just $6.75 per month, this app provides essential features like fraud alerts, bank compromise notifications, and social security theft protection. Opting for an annual plan at $75—equivalent to $6.25 per month—offers additional savings. You also get access to phone-based customer support for resolving any issues.

While the features aren't groundbreaking, the app does offer coverage for Home Title Fraud and Dark Web monitoring. It includes protection for up to $1,000,000 in Stolen Funds & Expenses. The lost wallet service stands out by quickly deactivating credit cards and replacing items lost from your wallet or handbag.

This combination of affordability and comprehensive basic coverage makes it a practical choice for those looking to protect their identity without breaking the bank.

The family plan offered is a supplementary option that comes with a monthly fee of $12.90 (which translates to an annual cost of $145). This plan is designed to cater to families, providing coverage for two adults and an unlimited number of children.

A key advantage of the family plan is the enhanced coverage for Stolen Funds & Expenses, which is increased to a substantial $2,000,000. However, it's important to note that each participant in the plan has a coverage cap of $1 million.

By opting for the family plan, individuals can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that their family's financial well-being is protected in the event of unauthorized transactions or fraudulent activities. The coverage offered can help mitigate the impact of financial losses resulting from stolen funds or unexpected expenses, providing families with a safety net in challenging situations.

For families who value comprehensive financial protection and want to safeguard their finances against potential threats, the family plan is a valuable consideration. It offers an expanded level of coverage at an affordable monthly or annual cost, ensuring that all family members are covered under a single plan.

The Elite Plan is a premium-tier option that offers similar minor savings when paid annually. It is accessible at $11.99 per month for an individual or $21.99 per month for a family. This plan encompasses all the features of the lower-tier plan, along with notable additions. These include UltraVPN, which supports up to 20 devices and normally costs $2.99 per month when paid annually, UltraAV Antivirus, Experian Credit Lock, monitoring for new accounts, and account takeover monitoring. This combination of features makes it an attractive package for individuals seeking both a VPN and an antivirus solution.

Zander Identity Theft Protection: Interface

Zander Identity Theft Protection's straightforward, white interface is a testament to its dedication to the basics. The app presents alerts related to your identity protection, such as suspicious activity on your bank account or credit card. While it excels in terms of interface and design, falling short when compared to our top choice, Norton LifeLock, which offers a more refined appearance.

Unlike Norton LifeLock, Zander Identity Theft Protection lacks engaging wizards that provide detailed explanations of various aspects of identity protection. It also falls short in providing frequent status updates, leaving users uncertain about their progress in safeguarding their identity. This lack of guidance can be particularly frustrating for those unfamiliar with identity theft protection measures.

Furthermore, Zander Identity Theft Protection's limited features may not cater to users seeking comprehensive identity protection. It lacks certain essential tools, such as credit monitoring, which is a crucial component of identity theft protection. Without credit monitoring, users are unable to track changes in their credit reports and may miss out on potential indicators of identity theft.

While Zander Identity Theft Protection offers a simple and easy-to-use interface, its lack of robust features and user guidance may leave users wanting more. For a more comprehensive identity theft protection solution, it may be advisable to consider alternatives such as Norton LifeLock or other providers that offer a wider range of features and a more engaging user experience.

The Zander Identity Theft software for iOS smartphones has faced criticism from users who have expressed their dissatisfaction through negative reviews. The app, which aims to protect users from identity theft, has received an overall score of 2.4 out of 5 stars, with a significant number of 1-star reviews.

One of the main issues highlighted by users is the app's account creation process, which is described as challenging and confusing. The process reportedly involves multiple steps, including providing personal information and setting up passwords, which can be frustrating for users.

Furthermore, users have expressed concerns about the requirement for online logins to view phone alerts. This means that in order to access important security notifications and alerts related to potential identity theft attempts, users must log in to their account on the Zander Identity Theft app. This additional step can be inconvenient and time-consuming, especially in situations where users need to respond quickly to potential threats.

Another significant problem mentioned in user reviews is the difficulty of canceling the app's subscription. Users have reported encountering obstacles when attempting to cancel their subscription, such as complex cancellation procedures, lack of clear instructions, and unresponsive customer support. This can lead to frustration and difficulty in discontinuing the service.

The negative reviews received by the Zander Identity Theft software reflect the challenges users have faced with the app's account creation, online login requirements, and cancellation process. These issues undermine the app's intended purpose of providing identity theft protection and highlight the need for improvements to enhance the user experience.

Zander Identity Theft Protection: Features

The primary takeaway from Zander Identity Theft Protection is that its features are fairly ordinary. This suggests that while you may be paying a lower price, you are not receiving exceptional features. The app provides standard fraud warnings and safeguards similar to those found in other identity theft protection applications. Additionally, most of these applications offer a hotline number to speak with an agent, which is not a unique feature of Zander.

Concerning theft protection insurance, Zander Identity Theft Protection offers reimbursement for stolen funds and related expenses. The base-level plan provides coverage up to $1 million, while the higher-tier plan covers up to $2 million.

Zander Identity Theft Protection: Support

Zander Identity Theft Protection offers support services to help use its service. Included is 24/7/365 support that provides round-the-clock support from U.S.-based recovery specialists who can assist with various identity theft issues. Their customer support team can be reached by phone at 1(888) 210-32743.

Unfortunately, individuals seeking alternative support resources, such as a comprehensive support portal, informative videos, interactive chat support, or an engaging community forum, may be left wanting. Our evaluation did not uncover the presence of any of these options within the platform. A support portal serves as a centralized hub where users can find a wealth of documentation, tutorials, FAQs, and troubleshooting guides, enabling them to resolve issues independently. Helpful videos, on the other hand, provide visual demonstrations and step-by-step instructions, catering to various learning preferences. An interactive chat feature allows users to connect with support representatives in real-time, offering immediate assistance and resolving complex queries efficiently. Moreover, an interactive forum, where users can interact, share experiences, and seek advice from peers and experts, fosters a collaborative problem-solving environment. The absence of these features limits the platform's ability to cater to users who prefer alternative support channels, potentially hindering their experience and satisfaction.

Zander Identity Theft Protection: The competition

Of all the identity theft protection services we reviewed, Zander offered the most affordable option. However, its feature set was limited. While Zander's pricing might seem low, a Costco membership is required to access their lowest-priced package. If you have the Costco Exec plan, which costs $120 per year, Complete ID is more expensive at $8.99 per month.

At its core, Zander's coverage serves as a platform for monitoring fraud alerts and facilitating collaboration with customer service to resolve issues. While it may not directly compete with established identity theft protection companies such as Equifax, Experian, or Norton, Complete ID emerges as the closest rival solely due to comparable pricing.

Zander's higher tier offering includes a VPN and antivirus software, making it a more comprehensive choice for those seeking a bundled solution. The inclusion of a VPN from a reputable provider like UltraVPN is a significant advantage, as many ID theft protection services offering VPNs don't specify the provider or whether essential features like a kill switch are included.

Zander Identity Theft Protection: Final verdict

Zander's basic Identity Theft Protection plan, while affordable, may not provide the same level of comprehensive support and features as more specialized options like IDNotify, Complete ID, Norton LifeLock, or IdentityForce. Its generic nature might not be as appealing to those seeking a highly customized or advanced solution.

Choosing an identity theft protection service based solely on price leaves you at risk for insufficient protection. While the service offers basic alerts and protections, the website lacks detailed information about its features. A more comprehensive explanation of the alerts and customer service hotline would enhance transparency. Identity theft is a serious issue, and selecting a product based solely on low cost may not be the best course of action to provide adequate security for you and your family.

We've also listed the best antivirus software.

Our series on identity theft protection apps will evaluate the features, pricing options, competition, and also the overall value of using each app. However, these are not full hands-on reviews since evaluating identity theft protection apps is almost impossible. It would require several months of testing, purposefully hacking accounts to see if the protection app works, handing over personally identifiable information, performing multiple credit checks, and risking exposure of the reviewer’s personally identifiable information.

Within the vast digital landscape of the Internet, there exists a sinister underbelly that poses significant threats. Beyond the visible realm of social media platforms, where trolls relentlessly seek to humiliate and torment users, a more insidious danger lurks. Criminal organizations engage in the illicit trade of personal information, stealing sensitive data such as credit card numbers, home addresses, and birth dates. This stolen information is then sold to the highest bidder on the black market. The scope of this criminal activity is extensive, ranging from compromising retirement accounts (401K logins) to hijacking social media accounts. These hackers are actively seeking innovative methods to undermine individuals' financial interests, leaving no stone unturned in their quest for personal gain.

According to experts, illegal activity on the Dark Web, as it is currently known, constitutes approximately 5% of global internet traffic. This staggering statistic highlights the scale of the issue. While some apps offer a degree of support, such as safeguarding your credit card information on e-commerce websites and alerting you to insecure connections, others focus on protecting your personal information by allowing you to check your credit report and assess the extent of your online exposure.

Rather than attempting to piecemeal protection together, finding a solution that addresses multiple protection needs is a wiser strategy. IdentityForce, one of the most comprehensive identity theft protection programs, stands out with its extensive range of functions, including a VPN, a cornerstone of online security.

Beyond safeguarding your credit card and social security number, IdentityForce goes a step further by shielding you from potential data leaks rather than merely analyzing them. To assist in evaluating the program's features and pricing options, potent tools are available, such as the accessibility of an identity theft protection specialist through phone or chat 24/7. The only notable downside is that the premium plans come at a significantly higher cost compared to more affordable, basic theft protection apps.

IdentityForce: Plans and pricing

IdentityForce offers a range of service plans designed to cater to various needs. Individuals who opt for annual payments can take advantage of special discounts, which is particularly beneficial considering the higher cost of the top-tier plan. Furthermore, the 30-day trial period allows potential customers to thoroughly evaluate the service before committing to a long-term subscription.

The UltraSecure Plan, the most affordable option, starts at just $19.90 per month. For those who prefer to commit to a yearly subscription, we offer a discounted rate of $16.66 per month, bringing the total cost to $199.90 per year. Even at this low price point, the UltraSecure Plan delivers a robust suite of services, including comprehensive identity theft monitoring across the dark web and social media platforms.

In addition to these essential features, the UltraSecure Plan also provides up to $1 million in identity theft insurance, offering peace of mind in the event of a breach. This coverage can help cover the costs associated with restoring your identity and credit, ensuring a smooth recovery process.

To enhance your financial security, consider upgrading to the UltraSecure & Credit package, a premium offering. The monthly fee is set at $34.90, with an annual payment option of $349.90, effectively reducing the monthly cost to just $29.16. This plan not only includes all the features of the standard tier but also provides additional benefits. These enhancements encompass comprehensive credit monitoring from three bureaus, detailed credit reports, up-to-date credit scores, a credit score tracker, and a credit score simulator, giving you a total view of your credit standing.

In addition to individual plans, there are two tiers of family plans with identical services but a $5 monthly surcharge. Each family plan includes coverage for two adults and up to 10 children for this modest price increase.

IdentityForce: Interface and mobile app

When it comes to theft prevention, choosing the right software is crucial. The website plays a significant role in this process as it offers insights into the features provided and conveys the company's professionalism. Unfortunately, some identity theft protection organizations have poorly designed and confusing websites, creating a negative first impression. In contrast, IdentityForce stands out with its clear and comprehensive website, presenting a full list of features in an easily navigable format.

IdentityForce's dashboard revolutionizes identity theft protection with its intuitive and user-friendly design. It presents all crucial information in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand format, making it a breeze for users to manage and safeguard their identities.

The dashboard features a row of clearly labeled icons, each representing a different aspect of identity protection. Users can quickly navigate to sections dedicated to credit checks, banking details, car loans, retirement plans, and more. The spacious sections provide ample room for personal data, ensuring that users have enough space to fill in all relevant information.

To further enhance usability, IdentityForce's dashboard enables users to effortlessly input their personal data. The fields are clearly labeled, and the dashboard provides helpful prompts to guide users through the process. Whether they need to provide their driver's license number, passport information, or other sensitive details, users can do so with confidence, knowing that IdentityForce's secure platform will safeguard their data.

The dashboard also includes a progress bar that tracks the user's completion of their identity protection profile. This visual indicator motivates users to fill in all the necessary information, ensuring that they receive comprehensive protection against identity theft.

Overall, IdentityForce's dashboard sets a new standard for identity theft protection. Its user-friendly interface, spacious sections, clear prompts, and progress bar make it easy for users to take control of their identities and protect themselves from potential threats.

Both iOS and Android offer the app, but their user experiences differ significantly. The Android version of the app has received a moderate rating of 2.6 out of 5 stars, indicating dissatisfaction among many users. Numerous reports highlight unreliability, frequent crashes, and login issues as major pain points for Android users. These problems can be incredibly frustrating, as they can prevent users from accessing their accounts or using the app's features effectively.

In comparison, the iOS version of the app fares slightly better, with a rating of 3.0 out of 5 stars. While this rating suggests that the iOS app is more reliable than its Android counterpart, it still has its issues. Users have reported problems such as credit scores not updating, encountering "Server error messages," and experiencing account lockouts due to login difficulties. These issues, while less prevalent than on Android, can still be inconvenient and frustrating for iOS users.

IdentityForce: Features

IdentityForce, known for its identity protection services, surprisingly includes a VPN tool as part of its offerings. The VPN, accessible through the Mobile Defense Suite of the mobile app, boasts the ability to alert users to various threats such as rogue apps, spyware, and unsecured Wi-Fi connections. However, it is essential to note that this VPN is solely available for mobile devices and does not extend protection to PCs. Unfortunately, crucial details about the VPN remain unclear, including its location, "No logs" policy, and the presence of a built-in "Kill switch." Due to these uncertainties, we recommend considering a more established and comprehensive VPN for anything beyond casual use.

Another notable feature of IdentityForce is its ability to monitor "Payday loan" hacks, a security concern where someone fraudulently borrows money using your identity. This prompt notification allows you to immediately address the issue with your bank or credit card provider. Furthermore, IdentityForce also tracks sex offenders who may have utilized your personal information to circumvent local laws that require them to register their identity and location.

IdentityForce's premium plans provide a robust suite of features designed to offer comprehensive protection against identity theft and online threats. At the core of these plans is $1 million in theft protection, ensuring that members have access to financial assistance and resources in the event of identity theft. Additionally, the plans include lost wallet assistance, a valuable service that helps members quickly cancel and replace lost or stolen credit cards, driver's licenses, and other essential documents.

Furthermore, IdentityForce's premium plans feature Dark Web data analysis, continuously monitoring the dark web for any sign of compromised personal information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and social security numbers. If any sensitive data is found, members are promptly notified and provided with guidance on how to mitigate the risk and protect their accounts.

To enhance convenience and security, IdentityForce provides a mobile password manager as part of its premium plans. This tool allows members to securely store and manage their passwords across multiple devices, making it easier to use strong and unique passwords for all online accounts. The password manager also includes a password generator, which creates complex and random passwords to enhance account security.

IdentityForce's premium plans also include social media identity monitoring, which proactively scans social media platforms for unauthorized use of members' personal information. This feature helps detect potential identity theft attempts early on, allowing members to take prompt action to protect their online reputation and prevent further damage.

By combining these features within its premium plans, IdentityForce offers a comprehensive solution that addresses various aspects of identity protection. The $1 million theft protection, lost wallet assistance, Dark Web data analysis, mobile password manager, and social media identity monitoring work together to provide members with peace of mind, knowing that their personal information is being actively monitored and protected.

IdentityForce: The competition

Among IdentityForce's notable competitors is Norton Lifelock. These solutions offer similar monitoring tools for bank accounts and credit cards, including credit check surveillance, malware blocking, and phishing scam prevention.

Norton LifeLock and IdentityForce offer $1 million in identity theft protection insurance, ensuring coverage for out-of-pocket expenses and lost wages if your bank accounts or credit cards are compromised. LifeLock offers a lower starting price of $11.99 per month, or even less when paid annually with a discount.

IdentityForce: Final verdict

IdentityForce provides more than just standard malware blockers, identity theft insurance, and credit check monitoring. The $1 million insurance included in both premium plans stands out, and the VPN service on smartphones is an added bonus. However, the service has some drawbacks. The apps are buggy and unsatisfactory, the pricing is more costly than some competing products, and furthermore child protection incurs additional fees.

Potential users of IdentityForce should also factor in that the app consolidates all identity protection features into a unified dashboard, eliminating the need for users to install and maintain numerous apps for this comprehensive protection. In our view, this is of significant benefit, with a streamlined approach offering a definite advantage.

We've also highlighted the best identity theft protection services

Our series on identity theft protection apps will evaluate the features, pricing options, competition, and also the overall value of using each app. However, these are not full hands-on reviews since evaluating identity theft protection apps is almost impossible. It would require several months of testing, purposefully hacking accounts to see if the protection app works, handing over personally identifiable information, performing multiple credit checks, and risking exposure of the reviewer’s personally identifiable information.

Despite the passage of time, virtually all reviews and news articles about Experian IdentityWorks commence with the same disclaimer about the data breach. This assessment is no different, yet it's debatable if that's entirely just. IdentityWorks, a brand you might not recognize, is a subsidiary of Experian, a name you may be familiar with, albeit not for favorable reasons. In 2015, this consumer credit reporting agency disclosed one of the most prominent data breaches up to that point, leading to the leak of over 15 million customer records. While there have been subsequent data breaches, perhaps the irony of a credit reporting agency suffering a significant breach is what garnered global attention.

More than a decade has passed since the incident in question. Serious movie enthusiasts will recognize this reference, but it may also remind some of a scene from The World According to Garp, where Robin Williams plays a character in search of a home. Unexpectedly, a plane crash-lands in the living room, and Williams' character decides to buy the house. He reasons, "The chances of another plane hitting this house are astronomical." The same logic applies here. Experian has likely taken steps to improve its data security more than most companies, and one could argue that the chances of another major data breach are, at best, "astronomical."

Experian IdentityWorks: Plans and pricing

The Basic plan, a free tier of Experian, offers limited features. It includes a complimentary Experian credit report, FICO score, dark web surveillance report, and FICO score tracker. While cost-effective, this plan provides minimal protection.

The Premium plan offers a comprehensive range of features designed to protect adults from identity theft and fraud. Priced at $24.99 per month, this subscription service provides robust monitoring and alerts to safeguard sensitive personal information.

One of the key features of the Premium plan is 3 bureau credit monitoring. This service monitors your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—and notifies you of any changes or suspicious activity. This allows you to stay informed about your credit profile and quickly identify any potential issues, such as unauthorized inquiries or fraudulent accounts.

To enhance account security, the plan offers financial account takeover alerts. These alerts vigilantly monitor your financial accounts for any unauthorized transactions or changes. By doing so, this feature safeguards your bank accounts, credit cards, and investment accounts against potential compromises. If any suspicious activities are detected, you will receive immediate notifications, allowing you to take prompt action to secure your accounts effectively.

Within the Premium plan's robust offerings, change of address alerts stand out as a crucial feature. This service keeps a watchful eye on public records to detect any modifications to your address, such as alterations to your driver's license or voter registration. Identity thieves frequently exploit change of address requests to reroute your mail, allowing them to pilfer confidential documents. However, this alert system safeguards you by promptly notifying you of any unauthorized changes, empowering you to take proactive steps to shield your identity from harm.

In addition to its monitoring features, the Premium plan provides social network monitoring alerts. This service vigilantly scans social media platforms for any unauthorized use of your name, photos, or personal information. Given that social media accounts are frequent targets for identity thieves, this alert system keeps you informed of potential online fraud attempts.

Among the many benefits of the Premium plan, the most notable feature is the up to $1 million in identity theft insurance it provides. This coverage acts as a financial safety net in the unfortunate event you become a victim of identity theft. The insurance covers expenses associated with restoring your identity, including legal fees, lost wages, and credit repair. This coverage offers invaluable peace of mind, knowing that you have a support system in place to help you recover from the devastating impact of identity theft.

The Premium plan provides a comprehensive array of security features to safeguard adults from identity theft and fraudulent activities. This subscription service offers robust monitoring, timely alerts, and substantial insurance coverage, creating an invaluable layer of protection for your sensitive personal information.

For families with more than one adult, the top-tier Family plan is the best choice. With a monthly cost of $34.99, this plan covers two adults and up to ten children, offering all the features of the Premium plan except for one minor difference.

The assumption of identity theft prevention software that users could have "up to" 10 children is perplexing, particularly given that the average number of children per family in the US is only two, and even fewer in the UK. Despite this, IdentityWorks inexplicably offers pricing options that accommodate up to 10 children and one or two adults. This pricing structure stands in stark contrast to the reality of family sizes in most countries and raises questions about the rationale behind such an assumption.

Regrettably, annual discounts are unavailable at this time. Instead, a brief 7-day free trial is offered. However, it necessitates purchasing the plan and then canceling it within the trial period, effectively converting it into a money-back guarantee during the first week.

Experian IdentityWorks: Interface

Thank goodness we're working with a major corporation like IdentityWorks, which has the resources to create a user-friendly and feature-rich app. IdentityWorks' dashboard features a minimalist design with tabs at the top, making it easy for users to navigate and find the information they need. The dashboard also includes a wizard that shows users how many steps they've completed and how many accounts they've configured, much like how Norton LifeLock presents everything in a straightforward and accessible way.

In contrast to PrivacyGuard, IdentityWorks' interface is clean and understated, giving users the impression that they are working on something important rather than playing a game. PrivacyGuard's website and app have a bit too much color, which can be distracting and overwhelming for some users.

IdentityWorks' app also includes a number of features that make it easy for users to manage their identities and protect their privacy. For example, users can use the app to create strong passwords, monitor their credit reports, and receive alerts about potential identity theft. The app also includes a variety of tools that can help users recover their identities if they are ever stolen.

Overall, IdentityWorks is a great option for users who are looking for a comprehensive and easy-to-use identity management solution. The app's clean interface, user-friendly features, and robust security make it a top choice for anyone who wants to protect their identity and privacy online.

While the Identity Works website provides links to Android and iOS apps, many consumers are unaware of their existence. Unfortunately, the linked apps are for the Experian app, not a dedicated IdentityWorks app. This oversight is disappointing for consumers seeking a comprehensive identity management solution.

Experian IdentityWorks: Features

While Experian boasts a vast library of threat detection information on their website, app, and through hundreds of blog posts, IdentityWorks sometimes overlaps functionality offered by Norton LifeLock and similar products. You can monitor your credit, check your score, receive alerts about potential identity theft attempts, and even be notified of nearby registered sex offenders – all fairly common features. However, IdentityWorks does differentiate itself with a few unique offerings.

Verification of court records is a unique feature of IdentityWorks that sets it apart from other programs. You will be notified if there are any changes or updates to your court records (if they exist). Additionally, IdentityWorks offers a more accurate simulation of credit checks and FICO scores. The frequency of access to these credit checks differs between the Premium and Family versions. With Premium, you can check your daily FICO credit score. On the other hand, with Family, you receive a daily Experian credit report, which may be more frequent than some users need.

Experian IdentityWorks: The competition

In the realm of identity theft protection, Norton LifeLock stands as a prominent rival to Experian. Those familiar with the industry are well aware of LifeLock's leadership position, with Experian also being a recognizable name. While Experian primarily operates as a credit reporting organization, Norton emphasizes security. This distinction grants Norton an advantage in addressing various ways individuals' credit can be compromised, whether through their own actions or by malicious external entities. However, potential users face a choice regarding their primary concern – safeguarding their identity and reputation from theft or protecting their creditworthiness to facilitate significant purchases like homes or cars. Though both aspects are equally vital, users must carefully consider the product they select to align with their specific needs.

Experian IdentityWorks: Support

Experian doesn't provide a specific phone number or email address for direct contact regarding issues. Instead, clicking on "Contact us" directs users to a help center with various articles. For immediate assistance, Experian recommends obtaining an Experian credit report and calling the phone number provided on the report.

To enhance user satisfaction, we would suggest more streamlined and accessible communication channels for users to reach out to Experian.

Experian IdentityWorks: Final verdict

In today's digital age, safeguarding personal identity has become paramount. With the proliferation of online transactions, social media platforms, and interconnected devices, our personal information is more exposed than ever before. While credit protection is essential, it only addresses a limited aspect of the potential risks associated with identity theft.

Identity theft encompasses a wide range of fraudulent activities that can have devastating consequences for victims. Criminals can use stolen personal information to open credit accounts, apply for loans, file fraudulent tax returns, or even commit crimes in the victim's name. The impact of identity theft can extend far beyond financial loss, as it can damage credit scores, harm reputations, and lead to emotional distress.

Experian IdentityWorks is one of the leading identity theft protection services available. It offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to help individuals safeguard their personal information and mitigate the risks of identity theft. These features include credit monitoring, fraud alerts, identity theft insurance, and access to a dedicated fraud resolution team.

Experian IdentityWorks' teaching materials are particularly noteworthy. These materials provide valuable information on identity theft prevention and best practices for protecting personal information. The materials are presented in a clear and engaging format, making them accessible to individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use Experian IdentityWorks is a personal one. Those who are primarily concerned with their finances and credit may find Experian IdentityWorks to be a smart alternative to other identity theft protection services. However, customers who are concerned about Experian's past data breach may want to consider other options.

We've also highlighted the best identity theft protection

Our series on identity theft protection apps will evaluate the features, pricing options, competition, and also the overall value of using each app. However, these are not full hands-on reviews since evaluating identity theft protection apps is almost impossible. It would require several months of testing, purposefully hacking accounts to see if the protection app works, handing over personally identifiable information, performing multiple credit checks, and risking exposure of the reviewer’s personally identifiable information.

Undoubtedly, Norton is synonymous with online consumer security and safety. In 1982, Norton LifeLock's predecessor, Symantec, was established. The brand's prominence stems from its renowned antivirus software, which comes preinstalled on many PCs. Despite potential skepticism, the Norton LifeLock identity theft protection app provides reassurance. Trusting this software with personal information is facilitated by the brand's reputation and the company's established presence.

Norton LifeLock: Plans and pricing

LifeLock's Standard package includes monitoring of one credit bureau, protection against theft of your social security number, up to $25,000 in theft protection insurance, and coverage of up to $1 million for assistance from attorneys and experts. The annual subscription fee is $89.99 for the first year, equivalent to $7.50 per month, or $11.99 per month if paid monthly. However, after the first year, the annual price significantly increases to $124.99 per year, or approximately $10.42 per month.

We previously mentioned that pricing can be confusing, but LifeLock provides clear and organized pricing information. They display prices by the month, year, initial year, and subsequent years. This makes it easier for customers to understand the cost of their subscription.

The higher tier plan is the $30 Ultimate Plus plan. This plan provides users with comprehensive protection, including credit monitoring from all three credit agencies, $1 million in protection, 401K protection, and home title monitoring. Monthly payments for this plan are $34.99, while annual subscriptions offer a better deal. For the first year of service, the annual subscription costs $239.88, which works out to $19.99 per month, with subsequent years' annual subscriptions at $339.99.

Note that each of the above plans are for individuals. There is also a family plan available for two family members, but it does not list the number of included children. Costs also increase, as expected, for example the Ultimate Plus plan for two adults will cost $69.99/month for the first year paid monthly, or when paid annually it works out to $32.99/month for the first year, and then $56.67/month for the subsequent years. The Ultimate Plus plans also have the benefit of a VPN, Norton’s Secure VPN.

While there is no free trial, there is a 60-day money back guarantee on the annual plans.

Norton LifeLock: Interface

Norton's iconic yellow interface, likely protected by copyright, immediately evokes a sense of caution and warning, akin to entering a construction zone or encountering police tape. Despite its straightforward and appealing design, the consistent use of yellow serves as a constant reminder of the seriousness of identity protection.

The dashboard serves as a comprehensive hub, providing users with straightforward access to an array of features and settings. This user-friendly interface streamlines navigation, enabling users to swiftly locate and activate security measures for both their phones and credit cards. The privacy section is meticulously designed to safeguard sensitive information, offering users the ability to effortlessly enhance the security of their personal devices and financial transactions. Furthermore, a dedicated section empowers users to conveniently view their personal identifiable information, ensuring they retain control over their data. By presenting a clear and organized layout, the dashboard not only simplifies navigation but also reinforces the user's sense of privacy and control over their personal information.

When it comes to safeguarding your personal information and preventing identity theft, employing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be a highly effective measure. However, it's important to note that not all identity theft protection programs include a VPN as a standard feature. Some programs may offer it as an optional add-on for an additional monthly fee, while others may not provide it at all. For instance, LifeLock, which is renowned for its identity theft protection services, previously included Norton Secure VPN on the standard individual and family plans. However, this feature is now only offered on the combination Lifelock plan with the Norton 360 plan,as expected for an additional cost.

The significance of using a VPN in conjunction with identity theft protection cannot be overstated. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it virtually impossible for unauthorized individuals to intercept and steal your sensitive data. This added layer of protection is crucial in today's digital landscape, where cybercriminals are constantly devising new ways to exploit vulnerabilities and access personal information.

Without a VPN, your online activities can be easily tracked and monitored by malicious actors. They can potentially gain access to your browsing history, online banking information, social media accounts, and other valuable data. By utilizing a VPN, you can effectively conceal your IP address and encrypt your data, making it extremely difficult for cybercriminals to track your online activities and steal your identity.

Therefore, if you're serious about safeguarding your personal information and preventing identity theft, it's essential to choose an identity theft protection program that includes a VPN as a standard feature or offers it as an affordable add-on. Investing in a reliable VPN service can significantly enhance your online privacy and security, providing an extra layer of protection against identity thieves and other cyber threats.

Norton LifeLock: Features

LifeLock offers a suite of features designed to safeguard users' sensitive information. These features are comparable to those provided by similar programs such as IdentityForce and IDShield. However, LifeLock stands out by presenting these features within a meticulously crafted, user-friendly interface. The interface's design reflects a deep understanding of user needs and a commitment to delivering a seamless experience.

One key aspect of LifeLock's interface is its simplicity. The layout is clean and uncluttered, with each feature clearly labeled and easy to find. This simplicity makes it easy for users to navigate the program and access the tools they need quickly and efficiently.

Another strength of LifeLock's interface is its intuitiveness. The program's features are organized in a logical way that follows the natural flow of a user's thought process. This intuitiveness minimizes the need for users to refer to manuals or tutorials, making it easy for them to get started with LifeLock right away.

In addition to its simplicity and intuitiveness, LifeLock's interface is also most certainly visually appealing. The program features a modern, minimalist design that is both attractive and professional. This aesthetic appeal enhances the user experience, making it more enjoyable and satisfying to use LifeLock.

LifeLock's interface exemplifies the program's dedication to providing an exceptional user experience. By harmonizing simplicity, intuitiveness, and visual allure, LifeLock has crafted an interface that effortlessly allows users to safeguard their sensitive information, fostering peace of mind.

Furthermore, the interface of LifeLock is arguably easier to use, and also cleaner, which means you’ll often find more of the options available with less clicks.

Norton LifeLock: The competition

Similar to tech giants like Facebook and Google, Norton LifeLock stands out as a security firm with unparalleled immediate brand awareness, especially regarding consumer safety. Factors contributing to this recognition include its extensive advertising campaigns on network television and its long-standing presence in the industry. For those who have used computers during the early Windows and Mac eras, the Norton name likely holds familiarity and trust.

In the realm of identity theft protection apps, competitors must contend with the highly respected Norton brand, renowned for its cybersecurity offerings. While lesser-known options such as IdentityForce and IDShield provide similar features, they lack the widespread recognition of Norton. ADT, known for its physical home security solutions, also offers an identity theft protection app, but it falls short in terms of household recognition when compared to Norton.

LifeLock shares many similarities with IdentityForce and IDShield in terms of its features. The premium tier of LifeLock stands out with exclusive offerings such as 401K protection, crime tracking tools under your name, and monitoring across all three major credit agencies. Additionally, the Advantage plan and above provide exceptional features like TransUnion Credit Lock and PayDay Loan Lock services, making LifeLock a compelling choice for identity protection.

In the realm of identity theft protection, IDShield differentiates itself from its rival LifeLock by providing various exclusive features. Notably, IDShield's mobile application integrates social media monitoring, a crucial aspect in the current digital landscape where personal information is frequently shared publicly. This additional layer of protection empowers users to oversee their online presence and promptly respond to potential threats, ensuring enhanced security and peace of mind.

One of IDShield's strengths lies in its collaboration with criminal justice professionals. This valuable service offers users expert insights and guidance through the intricate legal system in the event of identity theft. Criminal justice professionals can provide valuable advice on effectively reporting the crime, acquiring official police reports, and assisting users in understanding the various steps involved in the legal process. This collaboration ensures that users receive comprehensive support throughout their journey to restore their identity and seek justice.

In contrast to LifeLock's premium plans, which lack monitoring and tracking features, IDShield offers these features as part of its more affordable plans. This strategic move by IDShield makes comprehensive protection accessible to a wider range of users, enabling them to enjoy robust security without exceeding their budget.

Standing out as a compelling option for individuals seeking comprehensive identity theft protection, IDShield offers competitive pricing and additional features. Its focus on social media monitoring, discussions with criminal justice professionals, and inclusive pricing plans empowers users to effectively safeguard their personal information. This sets IDShield apart from its competitors and provides users with the tools they need to protect their identity.

Norton LifeLock: Support

All LifeLock plans provide round-the-clock live support, with a toll-free number prominently displayed on their website, which we certainly appreciate. While there's no chat, email, or support portal, the top-tier plan offers higher priority support.

While there are blog articles and answers to frequently asked questions, the website lacks video content, whitepapers and webinars.

Norton LifeLock: Final verdict

Norton LifeLock operates in a competitive landscape, where it must contend with numerous other identity theft protection software providers. While many of these apps offer comparable features, brand awareness plays a crucial role in differentiating Norton LifeLock from its rivals.

One potential challenge for Norton LifeLock lies in the complexity of its paid plans. Customers are required to choose from various options, which can be overwhelming and make it difficult to determine the most suitable plan for their family size and personal security needs. This complexity could potentially deter some potential customers from selecting Norton LifeLock.

However, despite this potential drawback, Norton LifeLock's interface stands out for its clean design and ease of use. All the features are presented in a user-friendly manner, making it easy for customers to navigate and utilize the software effectively. This user-centric approach is a commendable aspect of Norton LifeLock's offering, as it enhances the customer experience and satisfaction.

Overall, while Norton LifeLock faces competition from other identity theft protection software, its brand awareness and well-designed user interface provide strong competitive advantages. Nevertheless, simplifying its paid plans could further improve the customer experience and make it easier for potential customers to choose the most appropriate plan for their needs.

We've also featured the best identity theft protection, best antivirus and best VPN

McAfee True Key is a simple password manager which is distinctly lacking in advanced features, but, somehow, still manages to have a lot of appeal.

Maybe it’s the platform support, with browser extensions and mobile apps to ensure it runs almost anywhere. True Key’s ease of use is a big plus. It doesn’t hurt that it’s produced by one of the biggest and most experienced security names in the business. Oh, and a free version means that, if you still like the sound of the app by the end of this review, you can try it out right away. If you only need the password manager essentials, could McAfee True Key be the perfect app for you?

McAfee True Key: Pricing

McAfee True Key has a free version which gives you access to all its features, but can only store 15 usernames and passwords.

You can’t buy True Key as a stand-alone password manager any more, but an unlimited version of the app (which stores as many passwords as you need) comes bundled with every McAfee security suite.

The cheapest option, McAfee True Protection Basic, gives you True Key, antivirus and unlimited VPN for one device, and is priced at a very low $29.99 in year one, though leaps to $89.99 on renewal.

McAfee True Protection Essential is essentially the same package but with antivirus and VPN for five devices. It’s only a little more expensive initially at $39.99 in year one, $119.99 on renewal.

McAfee’s renewal charges are very similar to the competition, but if you could use an antivirus and full VPN, the first year prices are seriously cheap. Sign up with Dashlane’s Premium Plan, for instance, and you’ll pay $59.88 for the password manager and a VPN alone.

McAfee True Key: Features

True Key is a basic password manager which allows users to create secure logins, store and share them across all their devices. And we do mean ‘all’: with Android and iOS apps for mobile devices, and browser extensions for Chrome, Edge and Firefox covering everything else, you can run it almost everywhere.

The True Key Wallet is a place where you can store personal details - names, addresses, phone numbers, date of birth and more. This is only useful as a form of secure storage, though. True Key can’t use this kind of information to fill forms, unlike Dashlane and other top password managers.

Our favorite True Key feature is its excellent multi-factor authentication support. There’s nothing more important to protect than your password manager account, so it’s great to see that True Key doesn’t solely rely on a master password. You can optionally ask True Key to protect its login with another factor - a trusted device, your Windows Hello PIN or biometric authentication - to help keep your valuable passwords safe from snoopers.

McAfee True Key: Performance

If you’re not keen on manually entering all your passwords into McAfee True Key, we’ve good news: the app can import stored passwords from Edge, Chrome, LastPass and Dashlane, while a generic CSV import might work with other apps. We tried importing 600+ Dashlane logins and True Key appeared to handle everything correctly, including multiple logins for the same site.

There’s not much in the way of advanced, or even fairly standard functionality. True Key doesn’t have secure password sharing, for instance. It can’t fill in forms with delivery addresses or credit card details, and there’s no ‘Password Health’-type feature to warn you about reused or weak passwords.

When it comes to the most basic ‘username and password’ tasks, though, True Key works reasonably well. Usernames and passwords are captured automatically as you enter them. When you’re creating an account, it can generate and enter a secure password in a couple of clicks. When we opened a login page, True Key displayed any matching profile (that could include multiple usernames if you’ve several accounts on the site), and clicking the profile logged us in successfully.

McAfee True Key: Ease of use

True Key installs easily, and after prompting us to choose a master password, we imported almost 700 logins in just a few seconds.

Creating new logins isn’t quite as simple as we’d like. When a site asks for your email, for instance, Dashlane can automatically enter your main email address in a couple of clicks: True Key leaves you to do this yourself.

There’s better news with new passwords, though. True Key automatically displays its icon in password boxes, and clicking this allows the app to generate and insert a secure password. You get to choose what the password contains, too - using your rules on symbols, upper and lower case letters, numbers and more - to match your or the site’s needs.

Visit any login page with a stored password and True Key enters your username and password automatically. If you’ve multiple logins for the same site (you’ve created accounts using different email addresses, say), True Key displays these in a list  Choose the account you need and the app logs you in: simple.

McAfee True Key: Final verdict

True Key has a very basic feature set, and if you’re looking to, say, fill in forms with your name, address or credit card numbers, this isn’t the app for you. Opt for a password powerhouse like Dashlane or check out our best password manager list for more ideas.

If you’re happy with the password management essentials, though, True Key does a much better job than the password managers we see from most antivirus companies. Try the free version or get a full unlimited edition with McAfee Total Protection or McAfee+ Premium.

We've listed the best business password manager.

There is a chance that you did not hear about Vipre Antivirus despite it being around since 2013 and the original company behind it having its start in 1994. AV Comparatives, in their independent virus detection tests, claim that Vipre detects 96.8% of threats, which is more than enough for you to take a look at Vipre. This, coupled with a solid real-time protection functionality, covers the basics quite well. However, if you’re expecting more from a security suit, then Vipre can disappoint. Sure, it does offer more functionality on higher tiered plans, but if you’re looking to get the “best bang for your buck,” then competitors like Norton are a much better choice.

With higher tier plans, you get access to a range of advanced security tools that go beyond basic antivirus protection. However, it's worth noting that most of these extras are only available for Windows users. For starters, the firewall helps block unauthorized network connections, adding an extra layer of defense against hackers. There’s also a browsing track cleaner that clears your online history to keep your activity private. For those worried about snooping, the webcam and microphone blocker ensures no one can secretly tap into your devices.

On top of that, Vipre offers a Dark Web scanner to keep an eye out for signs of identity theft and a sensitive document auditing tool that helps flag files containing personal or confidential information. You also get access to Vipre’s Advanced Behavioral Analysis, designed to detect suspicious activity before it becomes a real threat. And if privacy is a top concern, the unlimited VPN included with the highest plan encrypts your internet traffic on all devices.

• You can sign up for VIPRE Antivirus solutions here

Pricing plans

Vipre offers three plans for something they term “For Home” plans, meaning that users won’t require complex business security solutions. There are three plans under the Home category: Antivirus Plus starting at $14.99 a year, Advanced Security at $19.99 a year, and Ultimate Security Bundle at $39.99 a year. The first plan is quite basic, offering protection for only one Windows device. If you need protection for a Mac, you will need to start with the second-tiered plan that comes with some advanced functions like third-party patching, protection against phishing and spam email exploits, a firewall, and Advanced Behavioral Analysis. If you’re looking to extend the offer with the following functions: browsing track cleaner, dark Web scanner, webcam and microphone blocker, and an unlimited VPN, you will have to opt for the highest tier plan. The decision which plan to go for will depend mostly on your needs. We would also like to point out that all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you can always take the antivirus for a spin since you get a free 30-day trial.

Features

Downloading and installing Vipre on your desktop is a simple and quick process. If you’re on Windows, you will be greeted with a Vipre Antivirus window, which we could not resize. Since we did not test the software on a Mac, we compared the online images of Vipre’s presentation on Mac and concluded that the Windows version looks outdated. This is a personal preference, and in no way does it affect the functionality of the app, but we are spoiled by the likes of Bitdefender and other more visually appealing software on Windows. In terms of ease of use, most of the functions and options in the Antivirus software are on-off switches. You can also find the letter i next to numerous checkboxes that offer additional information for each option. Clicking it will bring about a floating text box that does not respect the bounds of the main software window (see image below).

On Android, it’s a completely different story. The app follows modern design principles and is quite intuitive and useful. Moreover, the mobile version comes with some features that the Desktop variant does not have. For instance, the theft prevention tool can help you locate your stolen device. Furthermore, there is the App Lock feature to restrict access to specific apps, and there is an Email Breach Checker that can scan if your email address has been compromised. For iPhone users, though, there’s some bad news; Vipre’s iOS app is only available on higher-priced subscription plans, and even then, the functionality is pretty limited compared to Android.

In terms of Firewalls, we would argue that Windows Firewall is a great option for most users, but if you consider using a different option, Vipre offers a highly customizable version of their own. It allows for easy network management through exception rules, logging, and tweaks that advanced users will appreciate. Despite all of the firewall features, we still prefer the in-built option with Windows, so for us, Vipre’s Firewall is a feature we would skip.

If you opt for the Ultimate Security Bundle, the Vipre Privacy Shield may be an addition that you will find useful. With it, you can block access to your microphone and webcam, block ads and trackers, and ensure your private information is not being siphoned off via cookies. Furthermore, the Privacy Shield also comes with a password manager that can help you keep your online credentials safe, a secure vault for your files, and the ability to check whether your email or passwords have been compromised. All of these features are useful; however, compared to premium providers that focus on a single niche, e.g., password managers, Vipre simply falls short.

The same can be said for Vipre’ Internet Shield VPN, which is available for almost all major OS’. One stand-out feature is that it comes with no bandwidth and no data limits, but the speeds are mediocre at best and, in our test, were inconsistent. However, we applaud the fact that you can choose between IKEv2, OpenVPN UDP, and OpenVPN TCP tunneling protocols. Similarly, you can choose between AES 256/128 encryption. If blazing speeds are not your priority and you enjoy the fact that your IP is hidden behind a VPN, then Internet Shield VPN will do its job wonderfully. But if you’re looking to stream a lot of content hiding your activities behind this VPN, then we would recommend that you look elsewhere.

For the gamers among us, it is important to mention that Vipre offers a Gaming Mode with its Antivirus software. This feature is intended to enhance your gaming mode by stopping any activities from the antivirus software that may tax your system. It actively postpones scans, updates, and update checks as well as any system updates. Moreover, all notifications from the antivirus and firewall are disabled. With security tools, such modes often automatically launch in the background once a full-screen process is launched (movie, game, etc.), but with Vipre, you do it manually. Launching the mode can be done in two ways, the first one is from the main app window; on the left side, there is a “Gaming” section where you flip the toggle on, and it is started. The second option is right-clicking on the Vipre tray icon and selecting “enable Gaming”. Finally, this option can stay active for up to eight hours or be turned off manually whenever you need to.

Protection

Vipre Antivirus starts off with a very easy-to-use design philosophy, where you choose between MyVipre, Account, and Manage options. There, you will find all of the features you need for your antivirus. From the MyVipre tab, you can choose what type of scan you want to perform (Full Scan, Quick Scan, and Custom Scan), making the entire process quite intuitive. On our test machine, we have a Ryzen 7 series processor, and Task Manager showed that the Vipre was using around 5% of our CPU during the Quick Scan process. Note that we’ve closed all other background processes and other active windows.

As with most other antivirus software, Vipre also immediately quarantines any malware it finds, and you have the option of releasing the files from the quarantine if you believe the application made a mistake. If you’re using Outlook and Edge, Vipre offers some great additional features like the browser protect (which also covers Chrome & Firefox), preventing all malicious attempts that come through the web browser from affecting your system. Similarly, for Outlook, the option of automatically scanning potentially malicious emails and quarantining them is helpful; moreover, we would recommend you keep the anti-phishing toggle on, even if you like to filter your inbox manually.

When testing Vipre's file download protection, the software effectively blocked the majority of malicious files, including zip files containing potentially harmful software. In addition to blocking these threats, Vipre's scan engine ensures that any downloaded files are checked for malware. You can choose to enable or disable protection for specific file types or folders, providing a tailored security solution. For example, if certain files or applications are frequently flagged by Vipre but are deemed safe, you can whitelist them for uninterrupted access.

To extend protection of your entire system, Vipre offers an auto-patch for vulnerabilities option. You can locate this feature in the Updates section of the app. It aims to keep your essential apps updated so you don’t have to. Most of the time, this service runs quietly in the background, checking for versions of your software and updating any that are out of date. Of course, you have the option of changing the frequency of checks as well as asking for your permission before it performs an update. We dislike the fact that you have to go into the Update History section to get an overview of what the app did. Among the apps that it looks to update are browsers, browser extensions, utilities, and communication apps like Zoom, Slack, etc.

For enterprise clients, the last available Vipre test was done on September 2024 by SE Labs, giving it their triple A rating. It scored a 100% overall score across general and targeted attack types used, as well as a 99% accuracy rating. The attacks in this test include threats that impact the general public as well as those aimed at specific individuals and organizations.

Final verdict

In the end, Vipre is a solid, no-frills security solution that can meet the basic protection demands for users not expecting unnecessary extra features. It’s lightweight, making it ideal for older systems, it’s fairly easy to use, and it performs well when it comes to detecting viruses and offering real-time protection to a system. Its versatility is extended with the help of its higher-tiered plans that come packed with a firewall, spam filtering, VPN, and other features. While it does represent a great choice for users looking to get comprehensive coverage from one provider, we would recommend taking a look at the competition before dishing out on higher-tiered plans.

Malware detection has room for improvement, as well as the iOS app, while the Android one is surprisingly capable. So, if you're after a simple and affordable antivirus software that will not eat away your resources, then Vipre could be an option. On the other hand, if you’re a more demanding user who wants all of the latest bells and whistles offered by security bundles, then look elsewhere.

• We've also highlighted the best antivirus software in this roundup  

Today, our smartphones are much more than simple devices that we use to communicate. Thanks to technological advances, most of us perform activities on our phones that we used to do on our desktop PCs. This leads to similar problems that desktop users have been facing for years, namely, cybersecurity threats that range from malware to phishing and much more. But are our Android and iOS devices secure enough for us to perform our banking, investing, and storing sensitive information on them? Luckily, there are cybersecurity apps such as Clario that look to protect us in this modern world, where cyber threats such as phishing and malware have become quite common.

In the latest report by the FBI, an annual increase of 22% in losses has been recorded, thanks to various online scams, amounting to $12.5 billion. This indicates that fraud is a big business and that we need to stay even more vigilant during activities online, especially on our phones.

Previously, Clario was a suite of antivirus, VPN, and identity protection tools, but now it has transformed into a mobile app for both iOS and Android. The main goal of the spyware checker is to represent a one-stop shop app that neutralizes trackers and spyware on your phones.

• Want to try Clario? Check out the website here

Features

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For Android, Clario is the epitome of a minimalist app. It’s easy to use, and the navigation is quick and intuitive. It is available on Google Play, and the download and installation are straightforward, with the signup option including Gmail. The scan process is customizable, meaning that you can start scanning for spyware out of the box or configure the app to scan for viruses and other types of malware. As stated, the app is easy to use, but the charm lies in the wizard that guides you through the mobile protection system, making suggestions on which type of adjustments you should be making. It will even make suggestions to turn 2FA on certain accounts (i.e., Instagram) if you have not already.

Clario offers robust protection against online threats through a comprehensive set of features that target some of the most common online risks. Its powerful ad blocker prevents intrusive and malicious ads from disrupting your browsing experience, while its tracking blocker ensures that your online activity remains private by stopping trackers from collecting your personal information. For the mobile phones, there is an additional feature of scanning your device for jailbreaking on iOS and rooting on Android, both of which can compromise your device’s security. If any such security bypasses are located, Clario will notify you and provide instructions on how to fix the issue.

Besides looking for malware, Clario also looks for any data breaches related to the accounts you’ve used on your phone. If there are any breaches, you should get a recommendation from the app on how to remediate the situation best. In terms of the scan speed, on our roughly 100GB filled out Android phone (Samsung S24 Ultra), the scan was not lightning fast as it took roughly 40 seconds, but still fast enough not to be tiresome. The spyware detector was a bit quicker, taking roughly 15 seconds for the first scan, finding zero threats. In addition, we would like to point out that we did not enjoy the initial setup process, where we had to click through a few options before we could run the first scan.

It’s important to note that Clario comes with an Unlock Catcher feature, which discreetly captures photos of the person who unlocks your phone. Moreover, it also includes a Spy Cam Detector feature that shows any possible hidden cameras transmitting data and recording your activities. If you have any concerns regarding spying, Clario offers round-the-clock human assistance for all spying concerns you might have. With the 7-day free trial, you are allowed one inquiry, and for subsequent ones, you will need to have a paid account. For the less technically advanced, the fact that Clario doesn’t include complex terminology and is not looking to upsell complex features can make it more appealing.

Finally, if you’re concerned about hackers, advertisers, or unwanted snoopers tracking you, Clario offers the option of setting up a virtual location. In essence, it is masking your real GPS location by having you select a random spot like a coffee shop or even the wilderness, making your real location hidden from unwanted trackers.

Pricing

If you want to get to Clario’s pricing on their website, be ready to answer five questions. Once you do, you will have to click on “next” five times, and only then will you be presented with the prices. This is perhaps the most irksome way to get pricing for a service, outside of calling sales directly to get a quote. We’re not sure why the prices are not present once you click on the pricing tab on their website.

All in all, Clario offers three pricing plans unimaginatively called 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months plans. They start at $14.99 a month, $34.99 and $49.99 a month, respectively. At the time of reviewing the app, Clario offered a 22% discount on their 3-month plan, which now costs $11.66 a month for three months. Finally, Clario offers its biggest discount on the 6-month plan, a 45% discount, which comes out to the price of $8.33 a month. All plans come with a 14-day money-back guarantee and the ability to cancel the service at any time.

Support

Clario has great support, which is available 24/7, and best of all, it's real humans offering assistance. If you’re on the mobile app, choose the “Expert security help” and you can contact the team directly. If you prefer email, there is the usual “hello” email address from Clario that you can use, or simply go to Clario’s website and use the chat icon to start the conversation. We did not use the service, but from what we could gather from various users across the internet, the customer support is top notch.

Final verdict

There is something about Clario’s uncomplicated nature that makes it a delight to use. It’s a capable app when it comes to removing spyware, and the fact that it’s designed in a minimalist fashion adds to its charm. Furthermore, it’s clear that Clario is geared towards giving its users the best possible support, especially the more paranoid among us who are looking to spoof their GPS location.

With all of that being said, it’s not the quickest when it comes to scanning for spyware, but it is quick enough. The fact that it literally hides its prices under the pricing tab is something the team needs to think about, as well as potentially reducing the price, since you do not get a lot for the price. Although in a different category, Bitdefender offers much more for a similar 1-month price, so it's difficult to recommend Clario as the go-to app for mobile phone security. Clario comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee, which means you have enough time to test it out and make a decision whether it offers everything you need from a security app for your mobile phone.

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