Malware protection software is the best and easiest way to keep your devices safefrom cybersecurity threats.

Additionally, some of these tools were plagued by false positives, mistakenly flagging legitimate programs as threats.

Even better, Norton rarely blocked downloads that I trusted.

Norton

However, adding an exception is straightforward if it does.

Simply navigate to the Firewall controls and temporarily disable Download Intelligence to download your file.

Just remember to re-enable Download Intelligence after youre done.

Bitdefender

The VPN, password manager, and parental controls are some of the best around.

Nortons cloud backup feature is also excellent.

Norton360 Deluxeis the best-value plan it includes all features and covers up to 5 devices for IDR508,460 / year.

McAfee

Norton360comes with a generous 60-day money-back guarantee.

Bitdefender had virtually no impact on my PCs speed or performance.

I also really like Bitdefenders anti-phishing feature.

TotalAV

However, this wasnt a frequent issue.

When a trusted site was blocked, it was easy to find out why and whitelist it.

This process is straightforward, but its worth noting thatNortonhad no false positives in my experience.

Avira

Still, all of Bitdefenders plans are really competitively priced, and theyre available with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

I also love McAfees excellent mobile protection.

McAfee provides several low-cost antivirus packages.

Quick Summary of the Best Malware Removal Software

McAfee offers an impressive suite of malware removal tools for both computers and mobile devices.

Still, its a helpful tool for those rare instances when needed.

In my tests, the tools were more effective than any other system tune-up feature on this list.

Norton

I was equally impressed with TotalAVs VPN, which is my favorite among allantivirus+VPN bundles.

It supports P2P file sharing and can access all major streaming sites including Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu.

TotalAVs lightweight anti-malware engine detected almost all test malware on my gadget.

Norton

TotalAVs anti-phishing online window extension, VPN, and ad blocker are all really well-made security add-ons.

All of TotalAVs plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

It also has a very low rate of false positives.

Norton

However, its exploit attack prevention couldnt block as many exploit attacks asBitdefendersweb protection feature.

Id also like to see a functioning ad blocker included with the extension.

Avira has really good free malware removal software and some great internet security features.

Norton

Theres a 60-day money-back guarantee on Aviras annual paid plans.

It was able to remove most of the malware on my disk during testing.

Luckily, its fairly easy to use.

Bitdefender

Malwarebytes is bundled with an unlimited-data VPN, which has decent speeds and 500+ servers spread across 45+ countries.

It has a strict no-logs policy as well.

Malwarebytes also offers Identity Theft Protection as a separate service.

Bitdefender

The VPN is included with MalwarebytesPlus, which covers up to 20 devices for IDR1,017,090 / year.

MalwarebytesStandard(IDR762,780 / year) only offers real-time protection and anti-phishing protection.

Theres also a free version of its on-demand malware scanner (which comes after a 14-day free trial).

Bitdefender

Malwarebytes offers an excellent malware scanner, but not much else.

However, it does include a decent anti-phishing tool and a VPN.

Theres also a comprehensive Identity Theft Protection service, but it comes at a much higher price.

McAfee

All of Malwarebytess plans have a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Integos accuracy is excellent, with no false positives.

Intego also has:

Integos firewall, NetBarrier, is the best macOS firewall around.

McAfee

It automatically adjusts its security tweaks based on the detected internet something I found to be very convenient.

Theres a 30-day money-back guarantee on all of Integos plans.

Heres what we looked at:

What Is Malware?

🥉3. McAfee — Advanced Malware Scanning Engine

Unlike regular software that serves beneficial purposes, malware operates stealthily and usually without the users consent.

What Do I Need Beyond Malware Protection?

Comprehensive security requires multiple tools.

TotalAV

Choosing an antivirus that incorporates these tools ensures a more secure and smooth online experience overall.

How to Use Anti-Malware Software?

Examples of malware include trojans, ransomware, spyware, and adware.

TotalAV

Whats the difference between antivirus software and anti-malware software?

This distinction makes advanced tools more adept at handling a comprehensive range of malicious files.

Whats the best malware removal software for Windows?

TotalAV

In fact, most of the top anti-malware packages on this list will work well with Windows.

you’re free to read more in ourin-depth comparison of the best antiviruses for Windows.

Whats the best free malware removal tool?

Avira

BitdefenderAntivirus Freefor Windowsis the best free malware removal tool.

Its designed to remove all kinds of malware effectively.

However, I dont usually recommend using free malware removal tools.

Avira

What is a false positive in malware detection?

A false positive comes up whenever a malware removal tool mistakenly identifies a legitimate file or program as malicious.

The best malware removal tools are designed to minimize false positives while still effectively detecting real threats.

5. Avira — Lightweight + Free Malware Scanner

How can I avoid false positives?

What should I do if my malware removal tool finds a false positive?

Is Windowss Malicious Software Removal Tool any good?

Malwarebytes

Windowss Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) is ok, but its not great.

Its designed to run in the background during Windows updates, and it targets specific well-known malware families.

However, relying solely on MSRT is inadequate for complete protection.

Malwarebytes

Whats the best emergency malware removal tool?

In such cases, rescue disks and other emergency tools come into play.

Quick Overview of My Top Recommendations:

Bonus: Malwarebytes — Simple Anti-Malware Software

Intego

Intego

Intego

Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria

Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria

Bitdefender

McAfee

TotalAV

Avira