I tested it out by downloading a database of 1,000+ malware samples onto my Windows PC.
It consisted of viruses, trojans, spyware, exploits, worms, keyloggers, ransomware, and cryptojackers.
Norton detected every single sample, barely slowing my PC down in the process.
As youll read on Reddit, many others have confirmed Nortons perfect malware detection rate.
Nortons other features include:
The real-time protection is just as great as the malware scanner.
This time, Norton blocked my attempt, preventing me from downloading any malware onto my PC.
I really like Nortons password manager, too its thebest antivirus-bundled password manageron the market.
While Nortons password manager isnt as good as the beststandalone password managerslike1Password, it provides all the essential features.
According to Reddit (and my own tests), it works very well.
you might try it out risk-free with Nortons generous 60-day money-back guarantee.
It also comes with a myriad of internet security tools, extra features, and excellent customer service.
Its earned many positive reviews on Reddit, and deservedly so.
you might try Norton out with a risk-free 60-day money-back guarantee.
The malware scanner worked very well during my tests.
TotalAV uses a whitelisted version ofAviras malware engine, which is also popular on Reddit.
I tested TotalAV on the same set of malware samples I used to analyze Norton.
The result was a 99.6% detection rate.
The score is a tiny bit lower thanNortons, but its still very impressive.
I found that users on Reddit had similarly great results.
Safe Browsing, TotalAVs bundled VPN, is another great tool to have its thebest antivirus-bundled VPN in 2025.
It also supports torrenting and provides 48 server locations in 30+ countries.
It costs IDR661,220 / year.
All plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Reddit users often praise TotalAV for its user-friendly interface and effective real-time protection.
It also offers powerful anti-phishing defenses to ensure full protection against any malicious online threats.
All TotalAVs plans offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you the opportunity to try it risk-free.
I saw lots of Redditors praising Bitdefender as an ideal lightweight antivirus.
It protects your personal information during online transactions, and it worked perfectly during my tests.
Its a somewhat uncommon feature that many Redditors appreciate.
I also like Bitdefenders VPN.
It uses unbreakable 256-bit AES encryption, provides a kill switch, and has a strict no-logs policy.
It also has fast speeds and supports torrenting, and likeTotalAVs VPN, its good for streaming.
Overall, Bitdefender offers a well-rounded package that can meet your cybersecurity needs.
Reddit users highlight the fact that it effectively blocks various threats, from common viruses to advanced ransomware.
On a related note, McAfee offers great family plans that cover an unlimited number of devices.
Im not such a fan of True Key, McAfees password manager, however.
The two-factor authentication options are quite limited as well.
That said, its ok if you just want a very basic tool to store your passwords.
My favorite McAfee plan, Total ProtectionPremium, costs IDR932,320 / year and includes all the features mentioned above.
It also provides coverage for an unlimited number of devices, and its backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
McAfee is a powerful internet security suite that garners praise from Reddits tech-savvy community.
The free plan KasperskyFree provides flawless malware protection by using a virus database and cloud-based machine learning.
And the free password manager allows you to save only 5 entries in your password vault.
Its also annoying that you better download separate apps for the VPN and password manager.
It provides coverage for up to 10 devices and has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Unfortunately, regulatory measures currently prevent US users from purchasing Kasperskys products.
Kaspersky earns the top spot among free plans according to Reddit users.
KasperskysPlusplan, however, offers expanded features including an unlimited-data VPN.
However, its engine isnt as powerful asNortons.
When I tested it, Windows Defender failed to detect all the malware samples I hid on my PC.
Windows Defender also provides:
The firewall is effective, but not so user-friendly.
The App & web app Control tool provides anti-phishing and exploit protection.
The tool also worked well against exploit attacks, blocking most of the ones I ran.
Windows Defender comes installed on most Windows PCs.
Subscribing to Microsoft365 Personalgets you 1 TB of cloud storage, extra support, and a few other features.
It costs IDR1,695,260 / year.
Both plans can be tested using a 30-day free trial.
Windows Defender provides decent free protection for PCs, earning it the Reddit stamp of approval.
It has a firewall and real-time protection but lacks some extra features offered by premium antiviruses.
If it came with the price of a normal antivirus, I doubt many would go for it.
So if you’re free to spend a bit more, looking at premium options is more worthwhile.
Determining which Reddit recommendations can be trusted might seem daunting given the plethora of opinions on the platform.
Norton is the top-rated antivirus that you see recommended on Reddit, and for good reason.
How do Reddit users compare free vs. paid antivirus products?
Reddit users generally believe both free and paid antivirus programs have their merits.
However, paid programs likeNortonare seen as more comprehensive, providing advanced features like ransomware protection and unlimited-data VPNs.
Ultimately, the choice depends on individual user needs and online behavior.
Which antivirus program is 100% effective?
No antivirus program can claim 100% effectiveness due to the evolving nature of cyber threats.
However, industry leaders likeNortonandBitdefendercome close, providing extremely high detection rates for a wide range of malware.
What antivirus software is ranked #1 for this year?
This year,Norton has clinched the top spot in antivirus software rankings.
Quick Overview of My Top Recommendations:
