The Top 6 Malware Eliminator Software Suppliers for 2024
- Greatest overall malware eraser tool: Bitdefender
- Top-rated malware eradicator with multiple functions: Norton
- Finest for identifying resilient malware: Malwarebytes
- Budget-friendly malware elimination tool: TotalAV
- Optimal malware deletion software for novices: McAfee
- Ideal for safeguarding against identity theft: Aura
Encountering a malvertising threat in your computer system is undesirable. Its impact can be highly detrimental to your organization’s network and infrastructure. The finest malware eradication software should have the capability to identify and eliminate prevalent malware types such as trojans, worms, viruses, adware, and spyware from your systems and devices.
In this post, I have conducted research to bring you the top six malware eliminator software suppliers in 2024, outlining their unique offerings and guidelines on choosing the ideal supplier for your enterprise.
Comparison of Top Malware Eliminator Software Suppliers
Though various features like threat detection, threat querying, constant scanning, and ransomware defense are found in many malware elimination software offerings, it’s the distinct variations that differentiate one provider from another. Refer to the table below for a comparison of features and pricing among the top malware removal software suppliers in 2024.
| Initial cost | VPN availability | OS Support | Firewall safeguards | Free edition | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bitdefender | $14.99 for the first year (1 account) | Available | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Available | Available |
| Norton | $19.99 for the initial year (1 device) | Yes | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Yes | No |
| Malwarebytes | $44.99 annually | Yes | Windows, Android, macOS, iOS | No | Yes |
| TotalAV | $29.99 for the initial year | Yes | Windows, Android, macOS, iOS | No | Yes |
| McAfee | $29.99 annually (1 device) | Yes | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome OS | Yes | Yes |
| Aura | $120 annually (unlimited devices) | Yes | Windows, macOS, Android | No | Yes |
Characteristics
- VPN assistance.
- Protection against identity theft.
- Real-time protection of data.
- Prevention of network threats.
- Protection against multi-layer ransomware.
- Assessment of vulnerabilities.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
|
|
Norton: Premier malware elimination with several features
Norton stands out among malware removal software providers due to its utilization of machine learning and heuristic scanning for malware detection and removal on computer devices. The software employs three scanning modes — rapid, complete, and customized.
VIEW: Top 9 Antivirus Software for 2024 (TechRepublic)
An issue that bothers me about Norton is its user interface. Every feature’s settings tab opens in a new tab, potentially perplexing for new users. Despite lacking a free version, Norton offers a 60-day refund policy to protect your investment if you find the service unsatisfactory after subscribing.
Why Norton was my pick
The plethora of features offered by the provider initially caught my eye. Besides the Norton Mobile Security plan for Android, all other Norton360 subscriptions come with an array of security features such as antivirus, malware, ransomware, and hacking protection.
For in-depth details, check out our comprehensive Norton review.
Pricing
Norton categorizes its pricing into five options — Norton Mobile Security for Android, Norton Antivirus Plus, Norton360 Standard, Norton360 Deluxe, and Norton360 with LifeLock Select.
- Norton Mobile Security for Android: Starting at $19.99 for the first year. Single-device support.
- Norton Antivirus Plus: Starting at $29.99 for year one. Limited to 1 device.
- Norton360 Standard: Beginning at $39.99 annually. Supports up to 3 devices.
- Norton360 Deluxe: Starts at $49.99 for the first year. Allows for up to 5 devices.
- Norton360 with LifeLock Select: Initiated at $99.99 for year one. Accommodates up to 10 devices.
Characteristics
- Guaranteed protection against viruses.
- Cloud-based backup system.
- Comprehensive antivirus, malware, ransomware, and hacking protections.
- Monitoring of the dark web.
- Support for VPN services.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
|
|
Malwarebytes: Optimal for identifying resilient malware
Despite some shortcomings in essential modern security features like firewall protection and breach monitoring, Malwarebytes still boasts a commendable success rate in detecting malware. It predominantly focuses on eliminating malware post-infection and conducts malware scans in three modes — Swift scan, Bespoke scan, and Threat scan. Its unique features, such as Browser Guard, can bar ads, scams, and trackers with minimal system resources and negligible CPU impact.
SEE: 10 Best SIEM Tools for 2024 (TechRepublic)
Reasons for choosing Malwarebytes
During my evaluation of its services, Malwarebytes exhibited minimal influence on my system’s efficiency. While lacking real-time protection in the free version, it has a credible track record in eradicating persistent malware. Moreover, it furnishes anti-ransomware, anti-spyware, antivirus, and anti-malware solutions with a user-friendly interface.
Costs
Malwarebytes presents plans for individual and team purposes. Additionally, it provides a 14-day complimentary trial to experience premium functionalities.
Individual category includes three packages:
- Basic Security: $3.75 each month, billed annually.
- Security +VPN: $5.00 per month, billed annually.
- Complete Protection: $7.92 per month, billed annually.
Team category
- Team: $119.97 annually for 3 devices.
Attributes
- Trojan detector.
- Virus detector.
- Digital footprint detector.
- Password generator.
- Anti ransomware shield.
- Rootkit detector.
- Spyware detector.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
|
|
TotalAV: Optimal budget-friendly malware removal solution
For the initial year, TotalAV Antivirus Pro is quite budget-friendly, although it becomes somewhat pricier in the following years. The software achieved commendable ratings in the latest AV-TEST assessment conducted in April, with a performance and protection score of 5.5 out of 6 and a usability score of 6. Similar to most antivirus services, TotalAV utilizes four primary virus scan types — Fast Scan, System Scan, Smart Scan, and Custom Scan. While utilizing TotalAV, there might be some impact during tasks like accessing popular websites, app installations, and file copying, but it remains consistent with or surpasses industry standards.
VIEW: 8 Top Identity and Access Management (IAM) Solutions in 2024 (TechRepublic)
Reasons for Selecting TotalAV
TotalAV offers a reasonably priced monthly subscription for the Antivirus Pro package, at $1.99 per month for the initial year. The software imposes less strain on device resources compared to many of its competitors, ensuring that you won’t face battery life concerns during scans.
Pricing Details
The Total AV services are divided into three key product segments. Each tier provides essential antivirus capabilities to safeguard your devices from malicious software threats.
- Antivirus Pro: Begins at $1.99 for the first month and then renews at $11.99 monthly.
- Internet Security: Initial cost of $39 for the first year, with a subsequent renewal price of $129.
- Total Security: Starting at $49 for the first year, with a renewal cost of $149.
TotalAV does offer a free version, albeit limited to a virus scanner without real-time protection.
Functionalities
- Device safeguarding.
- Real-time antivirus shield.
- Eradication of viruses, trojans, and malware.
- Cloud scanning for zero-day threats.
- Protection against ransomware.
- System cleanup utility.
- Browser management and cleanup tool.
- Smart scanning functionality.
- Safe browsing VPN.
- Comprehensive adblocker.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
|
|
McAfee: Best software for beginners in removing malware
McAfee Total Protection serves as an excellent starting point for businesses without any antivirus solutions. Small businesses and startups can benefit from its real-time protection against malware across numerous devices. The software consistently achieved a 100% rating in the last seven evaluations conducted by AV-TEST; however, its antivirus functionality significantly improves when the browser extension is installed. McAfee allows users to choose between Quick and Complete scans. I found the Quick scan somewhat slow and limited, focusing only on scanning system directories with potential infections.
Reasons for Opting for McAfee
I decided on McAfee due to its widespread availability on numerous consumer devices and laptops today. Given that many PCs come bundled with McAfee pre-installed, it presents a viable initial option for business owners or employees venturing into cybersecurity.
Pricing Details
McAfee Total Protection offers three primary plans and two additional plans.
- Essential: $29.99 yearly for 1 device.
- Basic: $35.99 yearly for 5 devices.
- Advanced: $80.99 yearly for limitless devices.
- Premium: $44.99 yearly for limitless devices.
- Ultimate: $199.99 yearly for limitless devices.
Functionalities
- Malware protection by McAfee.
- Online security features.
- Option for secure VPN.
- Protection against scams.
- Privacy controls for social media.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
|
|
Top Choice: Aura for safeguarding against identity theft
Aura is renowned for its robust stance against identity theft, especially for U.S. users. Similar to many contemporary antivirus software options, Aura utilizes AI-driven secure browsing to block harmful websites and eliminate malware from devices. Aura prioritizes malware removal by offering solutions like anti-ransomware, anti-spyware, anti-worms, anti-trojans, and anti-rootkits to combat threats. Users can conduct real-time or manual scans that run in the background or choose from Full, Quick, or Custom scanning modes. Despite impressive malware removal capabilities, the software’s annual cost is relatively higher compared to competitors offering firewall and performance optimization services.
Reasons for Choosing Aura
Aura places great emphasis on identity theft protection, evident in its comprehensive identity theft insurance coverage for subscribers.
Pricing
Except for the Kids plan at $10 per month, Aura presents three primary pricing plans for identity and fraud protection, all of which include a 14-day free trial period.
- Family: $32 per month for unlimited devices, billed annually.
- Couple: $22 per month for 20 devices, billed annually.
- Individual: $12 per month for 10 devices, billed annually.
Features
- Elimination of people search sites and spam lists.
- Identity theft prevention.
- Identity theft insurance.
- Antivirus software, VPN, password manager.
- Secure browsing.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
|
|
How do I choose the best malware removal software provider for my business?
Deciding on the optimal malware eradication software for your enterprise hinges on several aspects, encompassing compatibility, costs, and requirements, as well as ease of operation and scalability. I propose opting for a provider that is compatible with all the operating systems and applications utilized within your organization. Additionally, take into account your company’s size, the quantity of devices necessitating protection, and the level of security required to strike a balance between your business’s security demands and financial allocations. Another consideration is ensuring the chosen provider possesses ease of use characteristics, particularly automated updates and centralized management features, to prevent disruption to your business operations.
Evaluation Methodology
In this assessment, priority was given to security features, assessing each provider’s current malware and cyber threat protection capabilities. User-friendliness and interface design were also pivotal factors, alongside the pricing structure. Some providers offer enticing initial-year deals, such as those by TotalAV, but renewal costs can escalate significantly.
SEE: Grandoreiro Malware Targets More Than 1,500 Banks (TechRepublic)
Furthermore, to gauge performance, recent assessments from AV-TEST, a reputable security evaluation institution, were analyzed. Many providers received commendable ratings, scoring between 5.5 and 6 points out of 6 in performance, protection, and usability. This comprehensive approach ensures that the security providers featured in this guide offer a well-rounded solution that prioritizes your security, ease of use, and affordability.
About Author
