Do you own a basic laptop? This post will show you the best antivirus for a basic laptop.
In today’s digital world, protecting your laptop from malware is more critical than ever. Malware is malicious software that can be used to steal your personal information, damage your files, or even hold your computer hostage.
Antivirus software can help protect your laptop from malware by scanning your files and emails for threats and removing any malware.
Table of Contents
TL;DR: What Is The Best Antivirus For A Basic Laptop?
- Malwarebytes
- Intego – Mac Premium Bundle X9
- Avira Antivirus Pro
- ESET NOD32 Antivirus
- Acronis Cyber Protect
- AVG Internet Security
- Surfshark Antivirus
- Heimdal Security
- F-Secure SAFE
- Kaspersky Internet Security
- Norton 360
- Panda Antivirus Pro
- Trend Micro Maximum Security
- VIPRE Antivirus Plus
- G DATA Antivirus
- HitmanPro
Types of Antivirus Software
There are three main types of antivirus software: signature-based, heuristic-based, and machine learning-based.
- Signature-Based: This method compares files against a database of recognized malware signatures. Threats are identified based on predefined patterns and characteristics.
- Heuristic-Based: Heuristic antivirus scrutinizes files for suspicious behaviour, such as unauthorized access to sensitive data. It analyzes potential threats based on their actions, deviating from reliance on predefined signatures.
- Machine Learning-Based: Antivirus with machine learning leverages artificial intelligence algorithms. Over time, it adapts and improves by learning from emerging threats, providing proactive detection capabilities beyond predefined patterns or behaviours.
READ ALSO: The Ultimate Antivirus Software Guide: What Is An Antivirus?
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Antivirus Program
When choosing an antivirus program, there are a few factors to consider:
- Protection: The most crucial factor is how well the antivirus program protects against malware. You should choose a program with a good track record detecting and blocking malware.
- Performance: You should also consider the performance of the antivirus program. You don’t want a program that slows down your computer or uses too many resources.
- Features: Some antivirus programs have additional features, such as a firewall, a spam filter, or parental controls. You should choose a program that has the features that you need.
- Price: Antivirus programs can range from free to around $100 annually. You should choose a program that fits your budget.
Now, let’s show you the best antivirus for a basic laptop.
Best Antivirus For A Basic Laptop
1. Malwarebytes
In the quest for the best antivirus for a basic laptop, Malwarebytes stands out as a reliable and effective solution.
Renowned for its ability to detect and remove a wide range of malware, including viruses, spyware, and ransomware, Malwarebytes offers a comprehensive layer of protection without weighing down your system’s performance.
Its lightweight and user-friendly interface makes it ideal for individuals seeking robust protection.
Malwarebytes offers a free version with essential protection and a premium version with advanced features. The premium version includes real-time protection, browser extension, and unwanted program removal.
Key Features
Real-time Protection Scanner: Continuously monitors your device for threats, intercepting and neutralizing them before they can cause harm.
Browser Extension: Blocks malicious websites and prevents phishing attempts, safeguarding your online activities.
Unwanted Program Removal: Identifies and eliminates unwanted programs, ensuring your device remains free from bloatware and potential threats.
Enhanced Malware Detection: Employs multiple layers of defence to detect and eliminate even the most sophisticated malware threats.
Privacy Protection: Safeguards your sensitive data from online tracking and unauthorized access.
Performance Optimization: Optimizes your device’s performance by removing junk files and unnecessary programs.
2. Intego – Mac Premium Bundle X9
Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 is a comprehensive antivirus software package that protects your basic laptop from various threats.
It includes VirusBarrier, NetBarrier, and Mac Washing Machine, which provide real-time protection, network security, and system optimization. It also consists of a VPN, which encrypts your internet traffic and protects your privacy.
Key Features
VirusBarrier: Provides real-time protection against a vast array of malware, including viruses, spyware, ransomware, and trojans.
NetBarrier Firewall: Shields your Mac from unauthorized access by filtering incoming and outgoing network traffic.
ContentBarrier Parental Controls: Restricts children’s online activities by filtering websites and applications based on user-defined parameters.
Mac Washing Machine: Optimizes your Mac’s performance by identifying and eliminating junk files, unnecessary programs, and duplicate data.
Privacy Protection: Safeguards your sensitive information from online tracking and data breaches.
User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive and straightforward design makes managing security settings and navigating the software easy.
3. Avira Antivirus Pro
Avira Antivirus Pro is a lightweight antivirus that safeguards your device from various online threats, including viruses, spyware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
It offers real-time protection, a robust firewall, and a suite of additional features, making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking comprehensive protection without compromising performance or affordability.
Key Features
Real-time Protection Scanner: Continuously monitors your device for threats, intercepting and neutralizing them before they can cause harm.
Next-Generation Antivirus: Employs advanced AI-powered techniques to detect and eliminate even the most sophisticated malware threats.
Firewall: Blocks unauthorized access to your computer, preventing cybercriminals from infiltrating your system and stealing sensitive data.
Password Manager: Generates and stores strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts, ensuring your credentials remain secure.
Performance Optimization: Identifies and removes junk files, unnecessary programs, and duplicate data, keeping your device running smoothly and efficiently.
Privacy Protection: Safeguards your sensitive information from online tracking and unauthorized access, protecting your digital privacy.
User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive and straightforward design makes managing security settings and navigating the software easy.
4. ESET NOD32 Antivirus
ESET NOD32 Antivirus is a renowned cybersecurity solution that safeguards your device from various online threats, including viruses, spyware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
Its lightweight and efficient architecture ensures seamless protection without compromising system performance, making it an ideal choice for users seeking comprehensive security without impacting their digital experience.
Key Features
Multilayered Protection: Employs advanced technologies, including real-time scanning, machine learning, and cloud-based threat intelligence, to detect and eliminate even the most sophisticated malware threats.
Lightweight Architecture: Utilizes minimal system resources, ensuring your device runs smoothly and efficiently without experiencing performance slowdowns.
Real-time Protection Scanner: Continuously monitors your device for threats, intercepting and neutralizing them before they can cause harm.
Intelligent Firewall: Blocks unauthorized access to your computer, preventing cybercriminals from infiltrating your system and stealing sensitive data.
Gaming Mode: Temporarily reduces the impact of antivirus scans on your gaming experience, ensuring uninterrupted and smooth gameplay.
Unwanted Program Removal: Identifies and eliminates unwanted programs, ensuring your device remains free from bloatware and potential threats.
Privacy Protection: Safeguards your sensitive information from online tracking and unauthorized access, protecting your digital privacy.
User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive and straightforward design makes managing security settings and navigating the software easy.
5. Acronis Cyber Protect
Acronis Cyber Protect is a unified cybersecurity solution that safeguards your data and systems from a broad spectrum of cyber threats, encompassing antivirus, anti-malware, anti-ransomware, data backup, and disaster recovery capabilities.
It provides comprehensive protection for businesses and individuals, ensuring their data remains secure and accessible in the face of evolving cyber threats.
Its AI-powered threat detection, multilayered protection, data backup and recovery capabilities, and disaster recovery features make it an ideal choice for organizations seeking to safeguard their sensitive data and ensure business continuity.
Key Features
AI-Powered Threat Detection: Leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify and neutralize even the most sophisticated malware threats in real-time.
Multilayered Protection: Employs advanced technologies, including signature-based detection, behavioural analysis, and sandboxing, to provide comprehensive protection against cyber threats.
Data Backup and Recovery: Safeguards your data from loss or damage by creating secure backups that can be restored in case of data corruption, accidental deletion, or ransomware attacks.
Disaster Recovery: Enables rapid recovery of your systems and data during a disaster, ensuring business continuity and minimizing downtime.
Endpoint Management: Provides centralized management and control of security settings across all endpoints, streamlining security administration and enhancing overall protection.
User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive and straightforward design makes managing security settings, monitoring threats, and performing data backup and recovery tasks easy.
6. AVG Internet Security
AVG Internet Security is a comprehensive cybersecurity suite that safeguards your device from various online threats, encompassing antivirus, anti-malware, anti-ransomware, phishing protection, and additional security features.
As the best antivirus for a basic laptop, AVG Internet Security is designed to be lightweight and efficient, ensuring it doesn’t slow down your device or interfere with your daily activities.
It offers real-time protection, a robust firewall, parental controls, a password manager, AVG Secure Browser, and a virtual private network (VPN), ensuring comprehensive security for your device, personal data, and online activities.
Key Features
Advanced Threat Protection: Employs advanced technologies, including real-time scanning, machine learning, and cloud-based threat intelligence, to detect and eliminate even the most sophisticated malware threats.
Real-time Protection Scanner: Continuously monitors your device for threats, intercepting and neutralizing them before they can cause harm.
AI-Powered Phishing Protection: Safeguards you from phishing attacks by identifying and blocking malicious websites and links that attempt to steal your personal information.
Enhanced Firewall: A robust firewall blocks unauthorized access to your computer, preventing cybercriminals from infiltrating your system and stealing sensitive data.
Parental Controls: This enables you to manage your children’s online activity by filtering websites, restricting access to specific applications, and setting time limits for internet usage.
Secure Password Manager: Generates and stores strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts, ensuring your credentials remain secure and preventing password theft.
Unwanted Program Removal: Identifies and eliminates unwanted programs, ensuring your device remains free from bloatware and potential threats.
VPN for Enhanced Privacy: Protects your online privacy and security by encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP address, preventing cybercriminals from tracking your online activities.
User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive and straightforward design makes it easy to manage security settings, navigate the software, and access all its features.
Regular Updates: AVG continuously releases updates to its virus definitions and security features, ensuring you have the latest protection against emerging threats.
24/7 Customer Support: AVG provides 24/7 customer support to assist you with any technical issues or questions.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: AVG Internet Security is compatible with various devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, providing comprehensive protection across all devices.
7. Surfshark Antivirus
Surfshark Antivirus is a lightweight and easy-to-use antivirus software that offers protection against viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other online threats.
It is also integrated with a VPN, providing an additional layer of security for your online activities.
It offers real-time protection with minimal impact on your computer’s performance. Its integrated VPN encrypts your internet traffic, protecting your data from prying eyes and providing access to geo-restricted content.
Surfshark Antivirus is an excellent option for users looking for a lightweight and easy-to-use antivirus solution with added VPN protection.
8. Heimdal Security
Heimdal Security is an antivirus for a basic laptop that safeguards your device and data from a wide range of online threats, encompassing antivirus, anti-malware, anti-ransomware, firewall protection, parental controls, and data backup and recovery capabilities.
It provides robust protection for businesses and individuals, ensuring their data remains secure and accessible in the face of evolving cyber threats.
Key Features
XDR Unified Security Platform: Heimdal XDR delivers a unified security platform that consolidates multiple security technologies into a single, centralized solution, providing streamlined management, enhanced visibility, and comprehensive protection across all attack surfaces.
AI-Powered Threat Detection: Leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify and neutralize even the most sophisticated malware in real-time, staying ahead of emerging cyber threats.
Multilayered Protection: Employs advanced technologies, including signature-based detection, behavioural analysis, and sandboxing, to provide comprehensive protection against cyber threats.
Real-time Protection Scanner: Continuously monitors your device for threats, intercepting and neutralizing them before they can cause harm.
Robust Firewall: Provides a next-generation firewall that blocks unauthorized access to your computer, preventing cybercriminals from infiltrating your system and stealing sensitive data.
Parental Controls: This enables you to manage your children’s online activity by filtering websites, restricting access to specific applications, and setting time limits for internet usage.
Data Backup and Recovery: Protects your valuable files from loss or damage by creating secure backups that can be restored in case of accidental deletion, hardware failure, or cyberattacks.
Unwanted Program Removal: Identifies and eliminates unwanted programs, ensuring your device remains free from bloatware and potential threats.
9. F-Secure SAFE
F-Secure SAFE is a basic cybersecurity solution that safeguards your device and data from various online threats, encompassing antivirus, anti-malware, anti-ransomware, firewall protection, parental controls, and data backup and recovery capabilities.
It provides robust protection for businesses and individuals, ensuring their data remains secure and accessible in the face of evolving cyber threats.
Key Features
AI-Powered Threat Detection: Leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify and neutralize even the most sophisticated malware in real-time, staying ahead of emerging cyber threats.
Multilayered Protection: Employs advanced technologies, including signature-based detection, behavioural analysis, and sandboxing, to provide comprehensive protection against cyber threats.
Real-time Protection Scanner: Continuously monitors your device for threats, intercepting and neutralizing them before they can cause harm.
Robust Firewall: Provides a next-generation firewall that blocks unauthorized access to your computer, preventing cybercriminals from infiltrating your system and stealing sensitive data.
Parental Controls: This enables you to manage your children’s online activity by filtering websites, restricting access to specific applications, and setting time limits for internet usage.
Data Backup and Recovery: Protects your valuable files from loss or damage by creating secure backups that can be restored in case of accidental deletion, hardware failure, or cyberattacks.
Unwanted Program Removal: Identifies and eliminates unwanted programs, ensuring your device remains free from bloatware and potential threats.
VPN for Enhanced Privacy: Protects your online privacy and security by encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP address, preventing cybercriminals from tracking your online activities.
User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive and straightforward design makes it easy to manage security settings, navigate the software, and access all its features.
10. Kaspersky Internet Security
Kaspersky Internet Security is a lightweight antivirus solution that safeguards your device from various online threats, encompassing antivirus, anti-malware, anti-ransomware, phishing protection, and a suite of additional security features.
It provides real-time protection, a robust firewall, parental controls, a password manager, and a safe money feature to protect your online financial transactions, ensuring comprehensive security for your device, personal data, and online activities.
Key Features:
Advanced Threat Protection: Employs advanced technologies, including real-time scanning, machine learning, and cloud-based threat intelligence, to detect and neutralize even the most sophisticated malware threats.
Real-time Protection Scanner: Continuously monitors your device for threats, intercepting and neutralizing them before they can cause harm.
AI-Powered Phishing Protection: Safeguards you from phishing attacks by identifying and blocking malicious websites and links that attempt to steal your personal information.
Enhanced Firewall: A robust firewall blocks unauthorized access to your computer, preventing cybercriminals from infiltrating your system and stealing sensitive data.
Parental Controls: This enables you to manage your children’s online activity by filtering websites, restricting access to specific applications, and setting time limits for internet usage.
Secure Password Manager: Generates and stores strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts, ensuring your credentials remain secure and preventing password theft.
Unwanted Program Removal: Identifies and eliminates unwanted programs, ensuring your device remains free from bloatware and potential threats.
Safe Money Protection: Protects your financial transactions online by encrypting sensitive data, preventing fraud attempts, and safeguarding your financial information during online banking and shopping.
User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive and straightforward design makes it easy to manage security settings, navigate the software, and access all its features.
11. Norton 360
Norton 360 is a comprehensive internet suite that offers a broader range of features and protections compared to other best antivirus for a basic laptop.
It includes all the features of Norton Antivirus Plus, plus additional security tools such as:
Dark Web Monitoring: Monitors the dark web for your personal information and alerts you if it is found in any compromised databases, helping you prevent identity theft and take proactive measures.
PC SafeCam: Provides an extra layer of protection for your webcam, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring privacy during video calls.
Secure VPN: Encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address, protecting your online privacy and security when using public Wi-Fi networks.
Game Booster: Optimizes your system performance and reduces distractions during gaming sessions.
Password Manager: Provides a more advanced password management tool with additional features like password synchronization across devices and biometric authentication.
12. Panda Antivirus Pro
Panda Antivirus Pro is an antivirus for a lightweight laptop that safeguards your device from a broad spectrum of online threats, encompassing antivirus, anti-malware, anti-ransomware, phishing protection, data backup and recovery capabilities, and a suite of additional security features.
Key Features
AI-Powered Anti-Malware: Employs advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to identify and neutralize even the most sophisticated malware threats, including viruses, spyware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
Real-time Protection Scanner: Continuously monitors your device for threats, intercepting and neutralizing them before they can cause harm.
Advanced Firewall: Provides a multilayered firewall that blocks unauthorized access to your computer, preventing cybercriminals from infiltrating your system and stealing sensitive data.
Parental Controls: This enables you to manage your children’s online activity by filtering websites, restricting access to specific applications, and setting time limits for internet usage.
Secure Password Manager: Generates and stores strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts, ensuring your credentials remain secure and preventing password theft.
Rescue Kit: Provides a bootable rescue kit that can help you remove malware from your computer, even if it has infected the operating system, and prevents normal startup.
Data Backup and Recovery: Offers optional data backup and recovery services to safeguard your important files from loss, damage, or ransomware attacks, ensuring you can restore them in case of accidental deletion, hardware failure, or cyberattacks.
User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive and straightforward design makes it easy to manage security settings, navigate the software, and access all its features.
13. Trend Micro Maximum Security
Trend Micro Maximum Security is an antivirus for a basic laptop that safeguards your device from a wide range of online threats, encompassing antivirus, anti-malware, anti-ransomware, phishing protection, data backup and recovery capabilities, and a suite of additional security features.
Key Features
XDR Unified Security Platform: Trend Micro XDR delivers a unified security platform that consolidates multiple security technologies into a single, centralized solution, providing streamlined management, enhanced visibility, and comprehensive protection across all attack surfaces.
AI-Powered Threat Detection: Leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify and neutralize even the most sophisticated malware in real-time, staying ahead of emerging cyber threats.
Multilayered Protection: Employs advanced technologies, including signature-based detection, behavioural analysis, and sandboxing, to provide comprehensive protection against cyber threats.
Real-time Protection Scanner: Continuously monitors your device for threats, intercepting and neutralizing them before they can cause harm.
Robust Firewall: Provides a next-generation firewall that blocks unauthorized access to your computer, preventing cybercriminals from infiltrating your system and stealing sensitive data.
Parental Controls: This enables you to manage your children’s online activity by filtering websites, restricting access to specific applications, and setting time limits for internet usage.
Data Backup and Recovery: Protects your valuable files from loss or damage by creating secure backups that can be restored in case of accidental deletion, hardware failure, or cyberattacks.
Unwanted Program Removal: Identifies and eliminates unwanted programs, ensuring your device remains free from bloatware and potential threats.
14. VIPRE Antivirus Plus
VIPRE Antivirus Plus is a lightweight antivirus that safeguards your device from a wide range of online threats, encompassing antivirus, anti-malware, anti-ransomware, phishing protection, and a suite of additional security features.
Key Features
AI-Powered Threat Detection: Leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify and neutralize even the most sophisticated malware in real-time, staying ahead of emerging cyber threats.
Multilayered Protection: Employs advanced technologies, including signature-based detection, behavioural analysis, and sandboxing, to provide comprehensive protection against cyber threats.
Real-time Protection Scanner: Continuously monitors your device for threats, intercepting and neutralizing them before they can cause harm.
Robust Firewall: Provides a next-generation firewall that blocks unauthorized access to your computer, preventing cybercriminals from infiltrating your system and stealing sensitive data.
Unwanted Program Removal: Identifies and eliminates unwanted programs, ensuring your device remains free from bloatware and potential threats.
Data Backup and Recovery: Protects your valuable files from loss or damage by creating secure backups that can be restored in case of accidental deletion, hardware failure, or cyberattacks.
15. G DATA Antivirus
G DATA Antivirus is a basic laptop antivirus that safeguards your device from a broad spectrum of online threats, encompassing antivirus, anti-malware, anti-ransomware, phishing protection, and a suite of additional security features.
It offers real-time protection, a robust firewall, protection against phishing attacks, a tool to remove unwanted programs, and a cloud-based backup and recovery service, ensuring comprehensive security for your device, personal data, and online activities.
Key Features
Real-time Protection Scanner: Continuously monitors your device for threats, intercepting and neutralizing them before they can cause harm.
AI-Powered Phishing Protection: Safeguards you from phishing attacks by identifying and blocking malicious websites and links that attempt to steal your personal information.
Enhanced Firewall: A robust firewall blocks unauthorized access to your computer, preventing cybercriminals from infiltrating your system and stealing sensitive data.
Protection Against Ransomware: Protects your valuable files from ransomware attacks by preventing encryption and enabling file restoration.
Cloud-Based Backup and Recovery: Offers an optional cloud-based backup and recovery service to safeguard your important files from loss or damage, ensuring you can recover them in case of accidental deletion, hardware failure, or cyberattacks.
Lightweight and Efficient: G DATA Antivirus is designed to be light and efficient, ensuring it doesn’t slow down your device or interfere with your daily activities.
Regular Updates: G DATA continuously releases updates to its virus definitions and security features, ensuring you have the latest protection against emerging threats.
24/7 Customer Support: G DATA provides 24/7 customer support to assist you with any technical issues or questions.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: G DATA Antivirus is compatible with various devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, providing comprehensive protection across all devices.
16. HitmanPro
HitmanPro is a specialized antivirus software that removes malware that other antivirus programs may not detect.
It is an excellent option for users infected with malware who need a powerful tool to remove it.
As one of the best antivirus for a basic laptop, HitmanPro utilizes advanced scanning techniques to identify and eliminate even the most deeply embedded malware.
It can be used alongside your existing antivirus software, protecting against hard-to-detect threats.
HitmanPro is an excellent option for users who want to ensure their computer is malware-free, even if other antivirus programs have missed it.
Best Antivirus For A Basic Laptop: Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need antivirus software for my basic laptop?
Antivirus software is crucial for essential laptops to protect against malware, which includes viruses, spyware, ransomware, and trojans. Malicious software can compromise your personal information, damage files, or render your computer unusable. Antivirus programs help detect and remove these threats, ensuring your laptop’s security and smooth functioning.
What features should I prioritize when choosing antivirus for my basic laptop?
When selecting antivirus software for a basic laptop, prioritize features such as adequate malware protection, low impact on system performance, affordability, and additional features like firewalls, real-time protection, and tools to remove unwanted programs. Consider your specific needs and ensure the chosen antivirus program aligns with them.
Can I rely on free antivirus software for my basic laptop?
While some free antivirus options provide essential protection, premium solutions often offer more advanced features and comprehensive security. Free versions may lack certain functionalities like real-time protection or additional tools. Assess your security needs and budget to determine whether a free or paid antivirus solution suits your primary laptop.
How often should I update my chosen antivirus program?
Regular updates are crucial to the effectiveness of antivirus programs. Security software is frequently updated to address new threats. Ensure that your chosen antivirus is set to update automatically, and perform manual scans regularly. Updating your antivirus enhances its ability to protect your basic laptop against the latest malware threats.
READ ALSO: What Is The Average Cost Of A Laptop?
Can I use multiple antivirus programs on my primary laptop for added security?
It’s not recommended to use multiple antivirus programs simultaneously. They may conflict with each other, causing system instability and decreased effectiveness. Instead, choose a reputable and comprehensive antivirus solution that meets your needs and complement it with safe browsing habits and regular system scans to ensure optimal security for your primary laptop.
Conclusion
As you can see from this post, the best antivirus for a basic laptop is Malwarebytes.
No matter which antivirus program you choose, keeping it up to date is essential. Antivirus programs are constantly being updated to protect against new threats. You should also make sure to scan your computer for malware regularly.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your basic laptop safe from malware.
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About the Author:
Daniel Segun is the Founder and CEO of SecureBlitz Cybersecurity Media, with a background in Computer Science and Digital Marketing. When not writing, he's probably busy designing graphics or developing websites.
