#BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR GAMING INSTALL#
#BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR GAMING UPGRADE#
#BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR GAMING SOFTWARE#
#BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR GAMING PASSWORD#
#BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR GAMING OFFLINE#

I noticed the same loading issues when opening both online and offline games, or when I wanted to watch a movie. During my testing, the initial deployment of a program, opening up a web browser, or navigating to a new site caused loading to be noticeably slow. Using smart technology, AVG knows when to step up to provide first response protection and when to step back.ĪVG does have some lag issues.

#BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR GAMING SOFTWARE#

Where additional security software requires you to uninstall any competitor programs, AVG lets you keep your primary application. One great advantage of using AVG is that is works in tandem with other antivirus programs. This looks for outdated software and gives you suggestions of where to find a new version or link or prompts you to remove it altogether if you don't use it often. One extra tool AVG Free comes with is a system scanner. When I tested this antivirus program, it did an excellent job of stopping most intern threats, including blocking phishing schemes and dangerous websites. When a security feature isn't in use, the icon image is red. Its dashboard has functions listed with icons used to describe what each is used for clearly.

#BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR GAMING INSTALL#

One of my test computers that only had default programs installed still took close to 45 minutes to complete.ĪVG AntiVirus Free: Best Tandem ProtectionĪVG is the most straightforward antivirus program to install and start using. Depending on what you have saved to your local drives, this can be well over an hour. The biggest frustration I discovered of all Bitdefender programs is virus scans take a long, long time, nearly three times longer than other programs. However, compared to other free software, I didn't find it overly intrusive or annoying. The only way I knew it created any slowdown is because I timed it, and the lag was less than a tenth of a second.Īs with all free antivirus programs, Bitdefender does have popup ads that encourage you to purchase its paid security program. Plus, there is hardly any effect on my computer. It's like Bitdefender knows a threat when it sees it and doesn't bother me to double-check. I'm always amazed at how well Bitdefender stops malware files before they start the download process, and most threats get automatically scrubbed from my computer without ever needing to hit the quarantine folder.

#BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR GAMING PASSWORD#

If you're not worried about using a VPN or password manager or an automatic gamer mode, then I highly recommend Bitdefender as the best, basic antivirus program. However, Bitdefender is very reliable and doesn't use a lot of your system's resources, so you won't notice slowdown or drag while it is running. The only reason Bitdefender doesn't take the top spot is that this basic program doesn't have the extra tools that make Avast the better pick. Unless you're in gamer mode, these ads do become bothersome as they pop up and do create a bit of slowdown.īitdefender Antivirus Free: Best basic antivirus software

#BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR GAMING UPGRADE#

However, Avast will keep monitoring for any malware trying to sneak in and stop it.īecause it is a free program, Avast does have a lot of ads that try and entice you to upgrade to one of its paid programs. This includes popup messages or other notices that tend to interrupt gameplay. When you visit a known gaming site, Avast places it on its gamer list and automatically suspends all non-essential processes, so you have all the resources you need while playing. My favorite feature of all Avast computer protection programs is the automatic gamer mode. That way, they can't be swiped by keyloggers as you sign into online accounts. It also has a password manager that keeps all your usernames and passwords secure.

That makes it difficult for adware and internet trackers to target you with ads or sell your browser history. This includes a VPN that blocks your computer's IP address and location while you're online. It is chock-full of features that even basic paid antivirus software doesn't include.

Best for Current Infections: Malwarebytes for WindowsĪvast Free Antivirus: Best overall free antivirus softwareĪvast is on the top of my list for the best free antivirus programs.

Best Security Suite: Avira Free Security Suite.

Best Tandem Protection: AVG AntiVirus Free.

Best Basic Antivirus: Bitdefender Antivirus Free.

Best antivirus for gaming