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Best Security software

Which Security software performed best in our tests?

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We tested 17 security software to determine the best-performing models. Our expert lab technicians tested each Security software based on the following criteria:

  • Malware scan
  • Ease of use
  • Updating
  • Threat blocking
  • Response to threats
  • Firewall
  • Anti-phishing
  • Resource drain

Below lists the Security software that rated best in each of the tests our experts looked for. Learn about how these tests were performed and find out which Security software is rated best when you subscribe.

Consumer Reports Ratings for Best Security software

ratingsBest Security software for Malware scan
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Malware scan measures effectiveness scanning the PC for malware, both online and offline.


This Security software which tested best for Malware scan has the following features: Renewal fee/yr., Informative help, Clear firewall warnings, Spam filter, Parental filter, Startup repair and Manufacturer's website.

ratingsBest Security software for Ease of use
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Ease of use covers installation, changing settings, and interacting with the software.


This Security software which tested best for Ease of use has the following features: Renewal fee/yr., Informative help, Clear firewall warnings, Spam filter, Parental filter and Manufacturer's website.

ratingsBest Security software for Updating
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Updating shows how quickly the product is able to protect against new malware.


This Security software which tested best for Updating has the following features: Renewal fee/yr., Informative help, Spam filter, Parental filter and Manufacturer's website.

ratingsBest Security software for Threat blocking
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Threat blocking shows how well the product protected against live exploits from websites and local drives.


This Security software which tested best for Threat blocking has the following features: Renewal fee/yr., Spam filter, Parental filter, Startup repair and Manufacturer's website.

ratingsBest Security software for Response to threats
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Response to threats indicates appropriateness of the suggested or default response to a detected threat.


This Security software which tested best for Response to threats has the following features: Renewal fee/yr., Spam filter, Parental filter, Startup repair and Manufacturer's website.

ratingsBest Security software for Firewall
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Firewall shows how well the software and its firewall stopped rogue connections to and from the Internet.


This Security software which tested best for Firewall has the following features: Renewal fee/yr., Informative help, Clear firewall warnings, Spam filter, Parental filter, Startup repair and Manufacturer's website.

ratingsBest Security software for Anti-phishing
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Anti-phishing measures the ability to block websites known to host malware.


This Security software which tested best for Anti-phishing has the following features: Renewal fee/yr., Informative help, Clear firewall warnings, Spam filter, Parental filter and Manufacturer's website.

ratingsBest Security software for Resource drain
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Resource drain measures use of memory and tendency to slow computer operation during a scan.


This Security software which tested best for Resource drain has the following features: Renewal fee/yr., Informative help, Clear firewall warnings, Spam filter, Parental filter and Manufacturer's website.