How I test antivirus software

With so many threats online, it can be hard to know which antivirus program is right for you. That’s why I test a range of antivirus programs, both paid and free, to see how well they actually keep your devices safe.

What I look at

• Detection and removal: how well the software finds and removes threats that are already on a computer.
• Prevention: how well it stops new threats from getting in.
• Ease of use: whether the program is easy for everyday people to use.
• System performance: whether it noticeably slows the computer down.

Testing against real-world threats

A good antivirus has to handle more than traditional viruses. Each program is checked against different types of threats, including ransomware, adware and spyware, to see which ones truly provide complete protection.

Paid and free options

Everyone’s needs and budget are different, so I test both paid and free versions. The goal is simple: honest, unbiased information that helps you choose the right protection for your devices.