Best antivirus for dell laptop
A dell laptop is not secure without antivirus software. Installing this software can help you protect the personal information on the device.
Dell is a quality laptop that looks not only great but also has decent battery life. If you have invested in this laptop and spend most of your time online, you need to invest in an antivirus. This is important software that can offer you online threat protection. It can protect you from cybercriminals looking to exploit you online.
You can either get free antivirus software or choose a paid plan from a certain software company. Today, we will discuss the best antivirus for such laptops to help you narrow down your search. Our discussion also entails a buying guide that you should use before you settle for an antivirus. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Best antivirus for dell laptop- Comparison table
Name |
Best for |
Call to action |
McAfee |
Best overall |
|
Malwarebytes |
The budget-friendly option |
|
Windows defender |
It comes pre-installed |
N/A |
Kaspersky |
Best value for your cash |
|
Bitdefender |
Has VPN capabilities |
Reviews of the best antivirus for dell laptop
McAfee– Best overall antivirus
McAfee antivirus is a highly effective and popular solution. It can protect a dell laptop against threats such as malware, spyware, phishing, Trojan horses, and worm. Apart from that, McAfee also features real-time scanning that can block malicious emails, files, and URLs as you access the web.
You can use this antivirus software to run deep scans on your laptops to detect and remove any corrupted files. Since McAfee also features a vulnerability scanner, it can easily assess changes within your network and send you notifications in the interface. If you have certain documents in the dell laptop that you would like to destroy, you can make use of the McAfee shredder tool to achieve this.
By choosing this antivirus, you can enhance the speed of your computer. It has a feature known as quick clean, which can help you get rid of unnecessary files taking up too much space in the dell laptop. This antivirus software also offers a password manager so that you don’t struggle to remember your passwords. It can store all the passwords that you use in one place and help you access them even remotely when you are away.
When you pay for McAfee, you should expect a 30-day money-back guarantee. Make use of this period to assess whether it is the right antivirus software for your laptop.
Pros
- It has a clean interface
- Offers parental control
- Real-time monitoring
- It can delete digital files permanently
- Protection against malware
Cons
- Lacks built-in VPN
- Can make the system slow down
Malwarebytes– The budget-friendly option
The software company behind this antivirus has been in business for over 15 years. It is famous for creating products that can easily wipe out even aggressive malware. Malwarebytes handles not only viruses but also scareware, phishing, and ransomware. This antivirus is designed to run in the background quietly as you work on your laptop. It can perform a scan on your system in a few minutes.
Malwarebytes offers both a free version and a premium option. If you want access to lots of useful features, you should pay more attention to the premium option. One of the features that you can enjoy using is the threat detector. This is designed to detect any threat to keep your laptop well protected.
Apart from that, this antivirus also offers a URL blocking feature. This not only filters websites but can also block those that contain suspicious tendencies. Malwarebytes also contains a browser guard feature that can block any harmful intrusions as you access the internet. This browser extension can easily detect most of the hacking tactics that people use, such as browser locking software.
One of the things that make most dell laptop users choose Malwarebytes is its affordable prices. This antivirus is cheaper than most of its competitors. The antivirus provider offers a 60-day money-back guarantee for this solution. Though it is simple to use, some tech-savvy individuals feel that it has limiting features. If you chose this antivirus, consider using it alongside other malware detection and removal tools.
Pros
- It is simple to install
- Can detect different forms of cyber attacks
- Quick and efficient system scans
- Offers URL blocking
Cons
- Not the best for veteran users
Windows defender- It comes pre-installed
You can start using this antivirus on a dell laptop without spending any cash. Windows defender is among the best antivirus for a Dell laptop that can protect the device in real-time. Since it comes pre-installed on such devices, you don’t have to do anything extra to start using this antivirus on the laptop. If you wish to install another antivirus tool, this software will disable by itself.
Windows defender can protect a laptop against malware and ransomware. Most dell users that use this antivirus reveal that it has an intuitive interface. Its icons are strategically placed, and they come with clear instructions. This antivirus is popular since it covers most of the basics well. It not only offers threat protection but also enhances the performance of your device. You can also enjoy useful features such as parental controls and health monitor by choosing Windows defender.
Since Windows Defender is designed to run quietly in the background, it gives you the chance to perform different tasks at a go. It features at least four scan modes. A full scan of the system should take about one hour. You will not experience a system slowdown as this antivirus runs. Windows Defender is a unique antivirus since it offers a fully controllable firewall at no cost. It can detect different forms of worms, phishing attacks, spyware, and rootkits.
Pros
- It offers real-time protection
- This software is pre-installed in Windows OS
- Decent privacy feature
- It has a straightforward interface
Cons
- It does not offer advanced features
Kaspersky– Best value for your cash
This is one of the best antivirus laptops that is well known for combating malware. It can help you keep the dell laptop safe. Kaspersky can heal any virus-corrupted files on a laptop. The software company behind this antivirus has remained competitive in the cyber security space for more than two decades now. Most dell laptop users that choose this antivirus like it since it is user-friendly.
You can also enjoy a feature known as safe money by choosing Kaspersky. This can help you protect your identity and even secure your personal information every time you make online transactions through the laptop. It achieves this by launching a separate browser for such transactions and scans your laptop environment for any threats.
If you pay for the highest Kaspersky plan, you can get access to the password manager. This feature can help you store numerous passwords in one place so that you don’t have to keep on memorizing them every time you need to access different accounts. You will also like the privacy protection that this antivirus offers.
This can guard you as you browse the internet in different ways. For instance, it can send you a notification regarding any attempts by various sites to collect your data. This feature can also block any external access to your laptop’s webcam. Kaspersky also runs on a computer while minimizing battery drain.
Pros
- Offers reliable features
- This software is user-friendly
- It is easy to install
- Offers protection against ransomware, malware, and virus
Cons
- The plans come at a high cost
Bitdefender– Has VPN capabilities
Though Bitdefender is not as famous as McAfee or Kaspersky, it is a good antivirus that you can install on a Dell laptop. This antivirus offers different protection layers. It can detect and block different types of malware.
Once you subscribe to this antivirus software, you will receive an activation code. Visit the Bitdefender website so that you can create an account. You can then utilize the code to redeem the subscription. Most users of this antivirus also appreciate its clean-looking interface. It also includes default shortcuts that technical users can use.
By choosing Bitdefender, you can enjoy additional features such as advanced threat defense. It utilizes different methods to monitor various processes that run on your device. Every process is evaluated accurately to protect the device from threats. If you prefer shopping online, you should beware of cybercriminals. Installing this antivirus can protect you since it offers a safepay feature that can protect you as you make online purchases.
You can also prevent web services from tracking your activities through the anti-tracker feature available in Bitdefender. This feature can prevent malicious scripts from collecting your data as you use the internet.
Bitdefender can also prevent unauthorized access to your microphone or camera, thanks to the inclusions of the webcam filter. It stands out from its competitors since it offers VPN. This can therefore help you enjoy using different streaming services even in restricted areas.
Pros
- It is user-friendly
- Offers good malware protection
- Built-in VPN
- Has a free version
Cons
- The paid plans are expensive
How to find the best antivirus for dell laptop
Since there are lots of options offered, finding the best antivirus software is not that straightforward. You need to consider the following.
Your needs
Before you pay for antivirus software, you should assess your needs. This can help you choose one that has all the right features that you require. If, for instance, you need an antivirus that has excellent security, you can look for one that has features such as VPN service, password manager, or identity theft protection.
If you have young dell laptop users in your home, you can pay for antivirus that offers valuable features such as parental controls. If you are a veteran user, you should go for an antivirus that offers advanced features.
Cost
You should also decide how much you would like to spend on antivirus software. While some come pre-installed in laptops, others are sold online. Though a free version can save you money, you should consider paying for the antivirus.
Different brands offer both basic and premium configurations that you can pick from. Compare the prices offered online and choose an antivirus that is within your budget. You can also look for discounts to save some cash.
Effectiveness
Ensure you find out how an antivirus performs before paying for it. Good antivirus software can effectively run scans for malware and viruses and deliver real-time protection. You should also choose one that can watch out for any suspicious links and shady websites to keep your computer out of trouble. Go for one that delivers ransomware protection. Choosing an antivirus that can identify any online threats is advisable.
Privacy
You should also choose an antivirus that can monitor your device’s activities and check in with servers regarding any suspicious behavior. Pay attention to the company’s privacy policies to find out what the company does with your information.
Ease of use
If you have never used any antivirus on your laptop before, you may feel intimidated to pay for one. You can, however, enjoy a good experience by choosing antivirus software that has a user-friendly interface.
FAQs
Why do I require an antivirus for my laptop?
This can prevent the device from threats such as Trojans, ransomware, and malware. Since such threats damage your system or steal your data, installing antivirus can prevent this.
Should I pay for this software or choose the free version?
This depends on your budget and needs. While a free version does the basics of depending on the system, a premium option gives you access to different features.
Conclusion
Every time you use a laptop to surf the internet, you should beware of security threats. Installing antivirus can guard your privacy and keep your data safe. We have discussed the best antivirus for dell laptops to help you figure out where to start. Once you have paid and installed a good antivirus on the device, you can now enjoy secure browsing.
