When choosing antivirus software it is essential to know the amount of your computer’s resources the program will use. The most effective programs will have a little impact on the performance of your computer but still offer excellent protection against malware and viruses.
Most antivirus software vendors publish extensive tests in PDF format. The reports provide quick and easy ratings of protection, performance and usability for each of the suites, as well as detailed graphs and charts that show the results of specific test elements. The percentage of real-world malware and exposures to the reference set that the program blocks, neutralises or compromises, as is the number of false positives detected of benign programs, are crucial figures to keep an eye out for.
In AV-Comparatives’ tests in June 2023, Avast Free Antivirus for Mac had the highest rate of success in blocking Mac malware and PUAs (potentially unwanted programs) and the second highest score for Windows virus detection. It also scored high in the passive, full-scan and quick-scan categories.
Bitdefender Total Security was the most minimally intrusive paid software, followed by Kaspersky Total Security, and ESET Security Cloud Free. However it was the most slow in the full scan and quick-scan category. The program’s low background impact could be because it doesn’t have a default installation on Windows 10 or 11, as most of its competitors.
Intego X10 had the smallest overall background and full-scan system impacts yet it was able to snare every piece of malware that was tested. It’s rare to find a company that concentrates solely on Macs and is a valuable addition to any security arsenal.