Best Backup Tool 2024: Secure Your Data Now.

In today's digital world, our lives are stored on devices more than ever. We face threats from cyber attacks, hardware failures, and accidental deletions. How can we keep our memories, documents, and files safe and easy to get back? The key is to find the best backup tool for your needs.

But what makes a backup tool stand out? Let's explore data protection and see what's important in 2024.

Key Takeaways

• Reliable data backup is key today to protect against cyber threats, hardware failures, and losing data by accident.
• The top backup tools in 2024 have strong security, easy use, and work well with other devices.
• Cloud backups use top-notch encryption, safe data centers, and can recover your data in case of disaster.
• When picking a backup tool, think about data limits, device support, and cost to find the best one for you.
• Tools with extra features like real-time scanning, ransomware defense, and controls for parents offer full cybersecurity protection.
  
  

1. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is a top pick for cybersecurity software and anti-malware solutions. It got a rare 5-star rating from PCMag's experts, making it the best antivirus they've tested¹. It's an Editors' Choice winner. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus scores perfectly or almost perfectly in lab tests, showing it's great at stopping online threats and protecting data¹.

Pros and Cons

The first full scan might be slow, but Bitdefender Antivirus Plus has many features that stand out. It has a strong defense against ransomware and offers secure browsing, VPN, and ad tracker blocking¹. The Autopilot feature makes it easy to use, perfect for those who want good virus scanning and internet safety¹.

Getting unlimited VPN requires an extra subscription, but Bitdefender Antivirus Plus has great real-time monitoring and firewall features. It's a top choice for fighting against cybersecurity threats¹²³.

2. McAfee AntiVirus Plus

McAfee AntiVirus Plus is a top choice for cybersecurity solutions. It's available in many places, like Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and North America⁴. This antivirus software has many features, including Scam Protection and Social Privacy Manager. It also has VPN, Password Manager, Identity Monitoring, and Web Protection⁴.

This software is flexible with its prices. New customers get a special first-year price. There are also payment plans and discounts for different packages⁴. For example, the Total Protection plan costs between $29.99 and $89.99 for the first year, which is less than $3 per month⁵. The AntiVirus Plus plan protects up to 10 devices for $29.99 a year⁵.

McAfee also has other cybersecurity solutions. The LiveSafe plan covers unlimited devices for $39.99 a year and includes a VPN and parental controls⁵. The Gamer Security plan is $19.99 a year and helps improve gaming performance⁵. For businesses, the Small Business Security plan protects up to five desktops and many mobile devices for $94.99 a year⁵.

Even though McAfee AntiVirus Plus is great, it doesn't offer cross-platform protection like before. There are no discounts for buying more licenses⁴. But, it has strong technology for fighting malware and protecting your computer and data⁴.

"94 percent of American kids aged three to 18 have internet access in their homes as of 2018, highlighting the need for tools like McAfee Safe Family to protect young users online."

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Pros and Cons

• Robust malware protection with high scores from independent labs
• Includes ransomware protection, firewall, and anti-cryptojacking features
• Offers flexible pricing options, including first-year discounts and installment plans
• Provides a range of additional cybersecurity solutions like VPN and parental controls
• No longer offers cross-platform protection like the previous McAfee AntiVirus Plus
• No volume discounts for multiple device licenses

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3. G Data Antivirus

G Data Antivirus has been around since 1985⁷. It's almost as old as the US population⁷. Despite its age, it still offers great security and good prices. This makes it a solid choice for computer virus protection.

Pros and Cons

G Data Antivirus uses two engines to protect your computer⁸. This means it's extra safe. It also updates often to catch new threats quickly⁸. Plus, it blocks harmful websites and phishing attempts⁸.

A single license costs $29.95, which is cheaper than many others⁷. You can also get three or five licenses for $39.95 or $49.95, respectively⁷. This is great for protecting multiple devices⁷.

But, it hasn't been tested recently, so its score is missing⁷. Some users might find the pop-ups annoying⁸.

Still, G Data Antivirus is a good pick for those who want strong pc protection. It's great for online shopping and banking⁸. Its two engines, web security, and good prices make it a top choice for Windows and Mac users.

Antivirus Software	Malware Protection	Additional Features	Pricing
Norton 360 Deluxe	Excellent	Backup software, password manager, VPN	$104.99/year
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus	Very Good	Password manager, Wi-Fi scanner, hardened browser	$39.99/year
Kaspersky Total Security	Excellent	Firewall, backup software, parental controls, password manager	$89.99/year
McAfee AntiVirus Plus	Good	Password manager	$49.99/year

"G Data Antivirus is particularly recommended for individuals and families seeking comprehensive protection, especially those engaged in frequent online shopping and banking."

G Data Antivirus is a solid next-gen antivirus choice. It has two engines, catches threats in real-time, and helps with safe online activities. It might not be the newest, but its history, price, and focus on comprehensive antivirus programs and real-time threat detection make it a reliable option for⁷⁹⁸.

4. ESET NOD32 Antivirus

ESET NOD32 Antivirus is a top choice for protection. It's known for fighting malware, ransomware, and viruses well. Millions of users worldwide trust it¹⁰.

ESET NOD32 Antivirus is known for being lightweight. This means it doesn't slow down your computer¹¹. Its fast scans let you work without interruptions¹¹. It also has strong and to keep you safe online¹¹.

Some might find ESET NOD32 Antivirus a bit complex. But its strong features and multi-layered defense make it a great choice¹⁰. Its and make it a top pick in the market¹¹.

The way we talk about antivirus has changed. Now, we focus more on and as part of a full ¹⁰. This shows how important it is to protect our digital lives with now¹⁰.

Pros and Cons

• Robust malware and ransomware protection
• Lightweight design with minimal impact on system performance
• Comprehensive security features, including firewall and anti-phishing tools
• Slightly more complex user interface compared to some competitors
• Potential for heavier resource usage compared to other solutions

ESET NOD32 Antivirus is a top pick for those looking for reliable solutions. It has strong detection rates, , and focuses on making things easy for users. This makes it a strong choice in the changing world¹⁰.

"ESET NOD32 Antivirus consistently earns strong scores from the independent testing labs. It blocks a high percentage of threats and has a minimal impact on system performance."

5. Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus

Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus is a top choice for webroot secureanywhere antivirus needs. It's a lightweight yet powerful tool. Its cloud-based design offers strong malware defense and virus protection without slowing down your system¹².

This antivirus has real-time scanning and web protection to block harmful sites. It stops identity theft and malware removal. It's easy to install and doesn't take up much space, perfect for those who are always on the go¹²¹³.

Tests show Webroot caught 61% of malware before it launched and scored a 95% detection rate, earning a 9.5 out of 10¹². Its cloud-based system quickly updates to fight new threats. This makes Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus a top anti-phishing tool for full virus protection¹².

Pros and Cons

Let's look at the good and bad of Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus:

• Lightweight and fast installation process¹²¹³,
• Strong malware defense and virus protection abilities¹²
• Great at stopping anti-phishing and identity theft prevention¹²¹³,
• Cloud-based design means it can quickly update to new threats¹²¹³,
• Scans don't slow down your system¹³
• Good prices, starting at $39.99 per year¹²¹³,
• Protects fewer devices than some other options¹³

Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus is a top antivirus recommendation. It focuses on malware removal and data safeguard without slowing your system. Its cloud-based design and good prices make it a top choice in the antivirus market¹²¹³.,

"Webroot's cloud-based architecture means it can quickly adapt to new threats, making it a good choice for keeping your system secure."

6. Malwarebytes Premium

Malwarebytes Premium is a top choice for fighting malware. It works well with regular antivirus software. It's known for its strong protection against malware, spyware, and ransomware, as seen in top antivirus reviews.

Malwarebytes Premium is great at finding and removing malware quickly¹⁴. PCMag's tests showed it removed a lot of malware, giving you extra security¹⁴. It scans fast, so you can check your system often to keep it safe and running well.

It doesn't just stop at finding malware. Malwarebytes Premium also helps make your computer faster¹⁴. It's meant to work alongside your antivirus, giving you extra protection against tough threats.

Pros and Cons

Malwarebytes Premium has many good points and some things to think about:

Pros

Cons

Highly effective at detecting and removing malware, including ransomware14 Offers a 14-day trial of Plus, an all-in-one app with Premium Security & Privacy VPN14 Provides a 7-day free trial of Premium features for Android, Chromebook, and iPhone Ad Blocker14 Includes system optimization tools to improve computer performance14 Offers a Privacy VPN for added protection, with a 14-day trial14 Malwarebytes for Teams provides affordable business endpoint and server protection14 Malwarebytes' Endpoint Protection (EP) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions offer multi-layered cybersecurity defenses14

Not a full-fledged antivirus replacement, but a valuable complement to traditional antivirus software Subscription costs can add up, especially for multi-license packs15 Malwarebytes Free detected a lower percentage of malicious URLs compared to the Premium edition15

Malwarebytes Premium is a great choice for extra security. It has strong malware detection, system optimization, and various subscription options. It's a solid way to boost your cybersecurity.

"Malwarebytes Premium is a must-have for anyone serious about protecting their digital assets. Its ability to detect and remove even the most persistent threats, coupled with its system optimization features, makes it an invaluable tool in the fight against cybercrime." - PC Magazine

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7. Norton AntiVirus Plus

Norton AntiVirus Plus is a top choice for antivirus software. It's known for its reliability and comprehensive protection. The software has done well in tests, even against real-world ransomware¹⁷.

This antivirus doesn't just fight malware and cyber threats. It also has extra features to keep your digital life safe. You get a firewall, backup, spam filter, and software updater in one place¹⁷.

Norton AntiVirus Plus is great for protecting many devices. With a subscription for five devices, you can cover your Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. It's perfect for families or individuals wanting to keep their data safe¹⁷.

Pros and Cons

Norton AntiVirus Plus has its good and bad points. Here are some key pros and cons:

• Excellent at finding malware and protecting against ransomware
• It has lots of security tools, like a firewall and backup system
• Covers up to five devices
• Works well and is easy to use
• May slow down older computers
• Some features, like SafeCam, are only for Windows¹⁷
• You can pay yearly or monthly, depending on what you choose¹⁷
• You can cancel within 14 days if you pay monthly, or 60 days if you pay yearly¹⁷

Norton AntiVirus Plus is a top-notch antivirus solution. It offers great protection and extra features for your digital life. Its ability to cover multiple devices and strong performance make it a great choice for those looking for a reliable antivirus¹⁷¹⁸¹⁹.

8. Sophos Home Premium

Pros and Cons

Sophos Home Premium is a top antivirus solution for Windows and Mac users. Sophos Home Premium protects up to 10 computers and supports unlimited mobile devices²⁰. It watches over your devices in real-time, fighting off malware, trojans, and ransomware²⁰.

It's great at blocking harmful websites and phishing sites²⁰. Parents can control what websites their kids can visit with its web filtering tool²⁰. It also keeps personal files and photos safe from ransomware, and can restore any encrypted files²⁰.

Sophos Home Premium scored high in tests, catching 97% of malware samples²¹. It uses AI to stop threats before they start²¹. Plus, it blocked all dangerous URLs and phishing pages, keeping your online activities safe²¹.

Even though it's not as well-known as some others, Sophos Home Premium is reliable and offers great security features. Sophos Home Premium is ranked #14 out of 74 antivirus solutions and costs $44.99 a year, with a 30-day money-back guarantee²¹.

It's cheaper than McAfee but still offers strong security²². Sophos has been around since 1985 and protects over 400,000 companies in 150 countries²². It's easy to use, has remote management, and offers many security tools, making it a trusted antivirus for Windows and Mac users.

In conclusion, Sophos Home Premium is a top antivirus choice. It offers reliable protection, an easy-to-use interface, and many security features. If you want to protect your devices or manage security at home, Sophos Home Premium is a trusted antivirus brand to consider²⁰²¹²².

9. F-Secure Anti-Virus

F-Secure is a top choice for anti-virus software. It's known for keeping up with new threats. F-Secure's anti-virus has done well in tests²³.

Pros and Cons

F-Secure Anti-Virus shines with its real-time scanning and threat detection. It keeps its virus definitions up to date to catch new malware, like ransomware and spyware²³. It also protects your online activities with web protection²³.

F-Secure has different subscription plans for various needs. For one device for a year, it costs $49.99. For up to 5 devices for 2 years, it's $144.99²³. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and free support²³.

Even though it's not as well-known as some others, F-Secure is a great choice for reliable antivirus²³. It has millions of users worldwide, making it a trusted name²³.

F-Secure Anti-Virus Pros	F-Secure Anti-Virus Cons
Robust real-time malware detection and protection Regularly updated virus definitions to combat emerging threats Comprehensive web and browsing security features Flexible pricing options to suit different needs 30-day money-back guarantee and free customer support	May not have the same brand recognition as larger competitors Pricing can be higher compared to some basic antivirus solutions

F-Secure Anti-Virus is a solid choice for protecting your devices from cyber threats. It has strong security features, good pricing, and great support²³²⁴.

"F-Secure has consistently demonstrated its commitment to providing top-notch security solutions that safeguard users from evolving cyber threats. Their antivirus offerings have received high praise from independent testing organizations, solidifying their reputation as a trusted name in the industry." - Security Analyst, InfoSec Daily

Independent groups have tested F-Secure's anti-virus and given it high scores²⁵. For example, in June 2019, F-Secure SAFE 17 got a 91.7% rating²⁵. In April 2020, it scored a perfect 100% in all categories²⁵. These results show F-Secure's commitment to strong anti-ransomware and antivirus protection²³²⁴²⁵.

10. Trend Micro Antivirus+

Pros and Cons

Trend Micro Antivirus+ is a strong security tool that keeps your devices safe from malware²⁶. It starts at $19.95 a year for one Windows device. For more devices, like your Mac or Android, the Internet Security plan costs $39.95 a year²⁶. This antivirus has many features like web and email protection, firewalls, and tools for online banking and folder safety²⁶.

In tests, Trend Micro showed great online detection, scoring 97.19%²⁶. But, it was a bit lower at 60.9% for offline threats²⁶. The Premium Security Suite adds a VPN for better privacy and identity protection with up to $1 million in fraud insurance²⁶.

Compared to other antivirus options, Trend Micro's prices are good, starting at $19.95 a year²⁷. You can try it for free for 30 days and get a 30-day money-back guarantee²⁶²⁷.

Trend Micro Antivirus+ might not have every feature, but it's reliable for malware protection and keeping your devices running well²⁸.

"Trend Micro Antivirus+ is a reliable and comprehensive security solution that provides robust protection against the latest threats, ensuring your devices and data remain secure."

1. Trend Micro Antivirus+ offers multiple pricing plans to suit various budgets and device needs.
2. The software includes advanced security features like a VPN, identity protection, and real-time threat detection.
3. Independent testing shows Trend Micro performs well in online malware detection, though its offline detection could be improved.
4. The company provides a 30-day free trial and a money-back guarantee, allowing users to test the product before committing.
5. While not the most feature-rich antivirus suite, Trend Micro Antivirus+ delivers reliable malware protection and system optimization.

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11. Avast One

Avast One is a powerful security suite that keeps your online privacy, network security, and PC safe. It has a strong reputation in the cybersecurity world, trusted by millions of users worldwide²⁹.

At its heart is award-winning antivirus software, named Top-Rated in 2022 by AV-Comparatives²⁹. This suite offers more than just antivirus protection. It includes a VPN, web protection, and tools for improving your system²⁹.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

Comprehensive security features, including antivirus, VPN, and system optimization Avast's Smart Scan and CyberCapture features provide advanced threat detection Behavior Shield and File Shield offer real-time monitoring and protection Rescue Disk and Quarantine features for advanced virus removal and isolation Additional privacy and security features like Network Inspector, Firewall, and Ransomware Shield Avast One Platinum offers identity theft protection and resolution services

The free version may not offer all the advanced features of the paid tiers Some users may find the user interface slightly cluttered with all the features Paid versions can be more expensive than standalone antivirus solutions

Avast One is a great choice for those looking for an all-in-one security solution. It offers antivirus protection and more, like privacy and optimization tools. The free version is a good start, and the paid tiers add more features like a VPN and identity theft monitoring²⁹³⁰.

"Avast One provides comprehensive protection for my online activities, and the built-in VPN gives me peace of mind when browsing the web. It's an all-in-one security solution that I can rely on."

Overall, Avast One is a versatile and feature-rich security suite. It's perfect for users wanting a multi-layered approach to protect their digital lives²⁹³⁰.

12. Avira Internet Security

Beyond Antivirus: VPN

Avira Internet Security does more than protect against viruses. It also has a strong virtual private network (VPN). Avira Internet Security has done well in tests by PCMag, catching and blocking many malware threats³¹. The VPN helps keep your online actions private and safe from others.

Avira Internet Security also has a password manager, tools to improve your computer's speed, and web filters. Even though the VPN has some limits, its antivirus and VPN together make it a great choice for removing viruses and keeping you safe online³².

Avira Internet Security is great because it offers more than just scanning for viruses. It has a VPN to protect your privacy and keep your online activities safe from others³³.

Antivirus Program	Price (1-Year Plan)	Devices Covered
Bitdefender Internet Security	$42.49	3
Bitdefender Total Security	$49.99	5
Norton 360 Deluxe	$49.99	5
McAfee Advanced	$89.99	Unlimited

Avira Internet Security is a top choice for more than just fighting viruses. Its VPN feature is great for those who care about safe browsing and privacy online. With its strong performance, extra security tools, and good prices, it's a solid option in the antivirus market.

"Avira Internet Security is a comprehensive solution that offers more than just antivirus protection. Its integrated VPN feature adds an extra layer of security and privacy, making it a compelling choice for those who value online safety and want to go beyond traditional virus scan tools."

Conclusion

Keeping your digital devices and data safe is crucial in today's world. This guide has looked at the best antivirus options for³⁴ computer protection³⁵, stopping malware, and³⁶ overall cybersecurity. We've seen how big names like McAfee³⁴ and Trend Micro³⁴ and new leaders like Bitdefender³⁶ and Norton³⁶ offer something for everyone.

When picking an antivirus, we looked at how well they catch malware, how they affect your computer's speed, and what features they have. The best choice depends on what you really need. Whether you want a full internet security package or just a simple antivirus, the options here can keep you safe from new³⁵ threats. Choosing good antivirus software is key to protecting your online stuff and feeling secure.

As technology gets better, we'll need stronger³⁴³⁵³⁶ protection for our computers. By picking from the top antivirus choices here, you can keep your devices and data safe. This lets you move through the digital world with confidence.

FAQ

What is the highest-rated antivirus software according to PCMag?

PCMag says Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is the top antivirus software. It got a rare 5-star rating.

What makes Bitdefender Antivirus Plus stand out?

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus shines in tests and PCMag's reviews. It has top-notch protection against ransomware and more. It also has a secure browser, VPN, ad blocker, and patches security.

What are some other top-performing antivirus solutions?

Norton AntiVirus Plus, McAfee AntiVirus, G Data Antivirus, ESET NOD32 Antivirus, and Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus are also top choices. They score well in tests and PCMag reviews.

What additional features do some antivirus suites offer beyond basic malware protection?

Many antivirus suites have extra features like firewalls and ransomware protection. They also offer web protection, identity theft prevention, system optimization, and VPNs. These add more security and privacy.

How do the independent testing labs evaluate antivirus software?

Labs like AV-Test and AV-Comparatives test antivirus products thoroughly. They look at malware detection, false positives, system impact, and latest threat protection.

What should users consider when choosing the best antivirus software for their needs?

When picking antivirus software, think about detection rates, system impact, extra features, device support, and value. Reviews from trusted sources like PCMag can also help.

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