Securing you data, be it your smartphone tablet or computer is very important in today’s day and age. With hacking and social engineering getting more rampant having good security for your personal data and information is becoming more important.
We compared top internet security programs looking at features, prices and cover for multiple devices. We also considered whether the program slows down your system and evaluated the number and quality of advanced security tools.
Having a good antivirus or security software for your device (smartphone, tablet, IOT or laptops) is vital. Getting hacked, tricked by email into giving out personal information or just being infected by a dodgy app from a play store is something that can create a lot of problems for you.
Thankfully software companies are quite pro-active and have kept up with trends, releasing all in one security product packages that cover your smart devices including laptop or pc and other smart devices all in one package.
Different vendors have different computer security packages that cover from 2 to 5 devices and more based on what you need.
Below is a list of multi-device packages prices and also one device internet security solutions for you.
2018 Antivirus and Computer Protection Software ( Top3 )
Listing of top 3 security software for computers & smart devices - 3/5/Unlimited Device Cover
| Software Name | Virus Scan | Realtime Protection | Browser Protection | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Norton Security Premium 3 Device | Yes | Yes | Yes | A$89.99
|
McAfee® Total Protection 5 Device | Yes | Yes | Yes | A$79.95
|
AVG Net Security Unlimited Devices | Yes | Yes | Yes | A$99.99
|
Smartphone Security
In today’s world the smartphone holds as much of your personal information as a computer or laptop would – sometimes even more. Today your smartphone is just like a small computer and stores most of your email logins and passwords, and bank login details and so security for devices have to be more secure than before as your personal data is spread over multiple devices.
Securing it becomes even more important because of this. The first things you should do is activate remote delete on your phone in case it gets lost or stolen.
You can do this for free by using your Google Gmail account or your Samsung account. For apple or IOS devices there is the inbuilt tracker on their devices too attached to your apple id. They are also special free and paid apps that you can download from the app store to do this same thing.
The second and more important layer of security you need is a smartphone antivirus software or app. This product will protect your smartphone the same way software protects your pc/computer against viruses, hackers, malware and dodgy apps.
It will scan and alert you about any insecure apps, software, files on your phone and block them. This software now has ability to secure your device in real time as well.
Below are some top security software providers that have multi device internet security plans and also single device plans that can get your device secured.
We follow four labs that regularly release detailed reports: SE Labs, AV-Test Institute, MRG-Effitas, and AV-Comparatives. We also note whether vendors have contracted with ICSA Labs and West Coast labs for certification.
Norton Security Premium for Five Devices
The best protection, plus PC backup and family safety features, for you and the people you care about
Benefits for you and your family:
- Protects up to 5 PCs, Macs, Androids and iOS devices with a single subscription.
- Helps provide real-time protection against existing and emerging malware including ransomware and viruses.
- Advanced security helps protect your private and financial information when you go online.
- Protects better and faster than the competition.1
- Provides tools to help your kids safely explore the Internet.‡
- Offers 25 GB of secure PC cloud backup, providing additional protection against ransomware.
- Alerts you about risky Android apps before you download them, with our award-winning technology.
Includes our 100% money-back guarantee: From the moment you subscribe, a Norton expert is available to help keep your device virus-free or give you a refund!
About Norton Security
Peter Norton Computing, Inc., was a software company founded by Peter Norton. Norton and his company developed various DOS utilities including the Norton Utilities, which did not include antivirus features. In 1990, the company was acquired by Symantec and renamed Peter Norton Consulting Group. Symantec’s consumer antivirus and data management utilities are still marketed under the Norton name.
By early 1991, Symantec’s Norton Group launched Norton AntiVirus 1.0 for PC and compatible computers. Since then, the company has updated and diversified its product line until combining its offerings into one seamless product, Norton Security
Norton, also known as Norton by Symantec, is a division of Symantec, and is based out of Mountain View, California. Since being acquired by the Symantec Corporation in 1990, Norton has offered a variety of products and services related to digital security In 2014, it was announced that Norton’s parent company Symantec would split its business into two units – one focused on security, and one focused on information management, with Norton being placed in the unit focused on security.
Thanks to 63 million attack sensors in over 157 countries and 15 global security centres, Norton blocked three billion attacks in 2016 and protected 63 million customers and four million small businesses in the process.
Symantec’s Norton suite is trusted by organisations around the globe to provide integrated solutions that defend against the most sophisticated attacks. Its comprehensive protection footprint and extensive intelligence network is constantly gathering insights into the latest threats to keep you and your devices safe when you are online.
McAfee® Total Protection
For 10 Devices
Get the premium protection you need
Get 1 device , 5 devices and 10 devices protection
With every one of the McAfee® Total Protection products, you get the premium antivirus, identity and privacy protection you need for your PCs, Macs, smartphones, and tablets* —now backed by our 100% guarantee*: a McAfee expert will remove a virus, or your money back!
FREE Support
Get free customer support via phone,
About McAfee® Security
McAfee is the device-to-cloud cybersecurity company. McAfee – a long-trusted name in protection against hackers, malware, phishing and other online threats.
The company was founded in 1987 as McAfee Associates, named for its founder John McAfee, who resigned from the company in 1994. McAfee was incorporated in the state of Delaware in 1992. Network Associates was formed in 1997 as a merger of McAfee Associates, Network General, PGP Corporation and Helix Software.
McAfee, LLC (/ˈmækəfiː/ formerly known as McAfee Associates, Inc. from 1987–2014 and Intel Security Group from 2014–2017) is an American global computer security software company headquartered in Santa Clara, California and claims to be the world’s largest dedicated security technology company.
The company was purchased by Intel in February 2011 and became part of the Intel Security division. McAfee® customers range from government agencies to millions of home users. Businesses range from the smallest startups to the largest enterprises. McAfee mobile security solutions safeguard devices such as smartphones, tablets, and corporate networks.
Home users buy McAfee technology online and from retail stores around the world, or they get protection
through cell phone carriers, Internet service providers (ISPs), their device maker, or other McAfee partners.
AVG ULTIMATE PROTECTION
A$ 139.99/year
Unlimited devices. As the plan says this one is ultimate protection that can be used for all your devices you own for personal use. It’s a All-in-one antivirus and tuneup for all your family’s devices
- Webcam Protection
- Ransomware Protection
- enhanced firewall
- AI-based real-time threat detection and removal
- Tune up – cleans up junk data
- Payments Protection
- Shop and bank online freely and securely
A single subscription covers every PC in your family, so you can install AVG Internet Security on every computer in your household. You also get antivirus for all your Android devices.
Install Help – AVG also has a Express Install service for A$ 24.99 where they help you install, set up, and optimise your AVG security products for you. Check it out here
About AVG Security
AVG AntiVirus (previously known as AVG, abbreviation of Anti-Virus Guard) is a family of antivirus software developed by AVG Technologies, a subsidiary of Avast. It is available for Windows, macOS and Android.
The AVG goal is a world in which people can enjoy their lives online without worries. AVG is now part of the Avast family of world leading digital security products, dedicated to keeping people around the world safe.
AVG features most of the common functions available in modern antivirus and Internet security programs, including periodic scans, scans of sent and received emails (including adding footers to the emails indicating this), the ability to repair some virus-infected files, and a quarantine area (virus vault) in which infected files are held.
According to AVG Technologies, the company has more than 200 million active users worldwide, including more than 100 million who use their products and services on mobile devices.
On 7 July 2016, Avast announced an agreement to acquire AVG for $1.3 billion.
How Internet Security Software Works – How to install?
Computer/Laptop or PC
For computers and laptops, you just download the software and click on it to install and the rest is done by the program/software and it is up and running. You will be required to run a scan on your first install and then regular scans can be scheduled by you at a preset time automatically or then done manually by you on a regular basis.
Smartphone/Tablet
Just go the play store or apple app store and download the app and install. If you have purchased a multi-device license, you can then input the license key in the app to activate the software on your smartphone or tablet.
What Security Software covers ?
Where before you would normally get just one device protection and had to purchase more software for more devices, now you can get a variety of cover for your devices. They are multi-device family plans for devices covering 1 device, 3 devices, 5 devices, 10 devices and also unlimited devices. So everybody can get covered with just one software purchase.
Password manager
The software also comes with lots of free add-ons like Password Manager, where you can manage and secure all your passwords for different websites on your computer securely.
Kid’s safe website security blockers
Most Software allows you to block websites that are not kid safe and also block websites manually so that your kids can’t access certain websites
Free trials
Free trails are quite popular with most security software companies, where you can try the software for a certain limited time before you decide to buy. Some providers provide the full version of the software for trial, while some of them provide limited feature version for trial.
Mcafee vs Norton 2018
McAfee and Norton (also called Symantec) are both familiar names in the antivirus realm, but how do they compare to each other in a head-to-head battle for dominance?
Prices differ as prices keep changing with promo deals being released. However, right now as a comparison between 1 device vs. 5 devices cover, you can see that MacAfee has a lower price than Norton.
Norton’s suite is more extensive, including features such as safe reboot, email support, social media protection, and chat and instant messaging protection. McAfee scores well regarding usability, but Norton is more reliable in protecting against new and existing threats.
The feature set for both cover the basic features as well as some add-ons, so this is where it would be a decider for you if it is not the price.
2018 Top Antivirus and Computer Protection Software for Multi-device with 1/5/10 Devices cover
Listing of top 5 smartphone tablet PC unlimited security solutions
| Software Name | Virus Scan | Realtime Protection | Browser Protection | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Norton Security Premium 1 Device | Yes | Yes | Yes | A$64.99
|
McAfee® Total Protection 1 Device | Yes | Yes | Yes | A$53.95
|
Norton Security Premium 5 Device | Yes | Yes | Yes | A$99.99
|
AVG Ultimate Unlimited Devices | Yes | Yes | Yes | A$139.99
|
McAfee® Total Protection 10 Device | Yes | Yes | Yes | A$90.95
|
Bitdefender COMPLETE PROTECTION
A$ 59.99/year
Bitdefender has 1 device , 3 device and 5 device security solutions. They have the basic windows protection, advanced windows protection and the complete protection solution in the price range from $35 to $59.99.
With the above $59.99 – Total Security 2019 package you get protection for up to 5 devices / 1 YEAR and Complete protection for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android
- Complete anti-malware protection: Windows, macOS, Android and iOS
- Multi-layer ransomware protection with ransomware remediation NEW
- Network Threat Prevention: stops attacks before they even begin NEW
- Parental Control IMPROVED
- Optimized speed and cross-platform performance
- Comprehensive Support 24/7
They also have the family pack that covers more devices than the normal plans.
About Bitdefender
Bitfdefender is a Romanian cyber security and anti-virus software company which was founded in 2001. It was founded in 2001 by Florin Talpeş who is currently the CEO. Bitdefender develops and sells anti-virus software, internet security software, endpoint security software, and other cyber security products and services
Bitdefender has the largest security delivery infrastructure on the globe With a worldwide network of 500 million machines. They have Technology alliances with Citrix, VMware, Nutanix, Linux Foundation, Microsoft.
Bitdefender’s Internet of things device protection solution is called Bitdefender BOX. The box is a router designed to protect smart home products and Internet of Things devices by blocking malicious internet traffic.
Bitdefender offers a cloud-based security solution with anti-malware and anti-theft capabilities for Android and iOS users that is called Bitdefender Mobile Security.
Trend Micro Maximum Security Protection
A$ 99.95/year
Trend micro has unique solutions named maximum security and premium security plans for computer and smart device protection. They have 1 device, 6 device and separate windows, mac and smart device solutions as well.
The maximum security is one of the best suited midsize plan priced at $99.95 142.95 and is a multi device cover covering 6 devices with comprehensive security for your PC, Mac and mobile devices.
- Complete protection: Windows, macOS, Android and iOS
- Bank online more safely with Trend Micro™ Pay Guard to ensure the legitimacy of financial sites
- Defend against ransomware and other online dangers.
- Block dangerous websites that can steal personal data.
- Allow children to explore the web safely with both time and content limits.
- Fix common computer problems and get everything running at top speed
They also have the Home network security plan that can protect all smart devices in your network.
About Trend Micro
The company was founded in 1988 in Los Angeles by Steve Chang (張明正, Chang Ming-cheng), his wife, Jenny Chang, and her sister, Eva Chen (陳怡樺)
Trend Micro Inc. is a Japanese multinational cyber security and defense company founded in Los Angeles, California with global headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, a R&D center in Taipei, Taiwan, and regional headquarters in Asia, Europe and the Americas.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS FOR ANTI-VIRUS AND SECURITY SOFTWARE
Operating system
- Microsoft Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7 (32- and 64-bit)
- Mac OS X 10.12 or later
- Google Android smartphones and tablets 4.1 or higher
- Apple iOS 10 or later
Hardware
- 2 GB RAM for Windows 7 and above
- 500 MB free drive space
- 1 GHz Processor
Supported Browsers
- Internet Explorer 10.0 or later
- Firefox
- Google Chrome
- Safari (Mac and iOS OS Only)
- Microsoft Edge
Android Operating Systems
- Android 4.0.3 or later. Must have Google Play app installed.
- Android 4 or later required for Norton Family Premier Android app (Norton Security Premier Only)
- iOS Operating Systems
- iOS 8 or later
Harden Your PC Security – (Add-On Products)
Free Microsoft antivirus for windows 7, 8 and 10 :
Microsoft Security Essentials provides protection to people who might not otherwise install antivirus software, and it gives them a good basic level of protection
Microsoft Security Essentials is a antivirus program that provides real-time security. The protects your computer against existing malware, viruses, and spyware. Microsoft Security Essentials can detect malicious software that is trying to infiltrate your data and also block them by activating or increasing the firewall mode (while connected to the internet). The software is programmable to run scans at set intervals, including monthly and annually.
Microsoft Security Essentials is a free* download from Microsoft that is simple to install, easy to use, and always kept up-to-date so you can be assured your PC is protected by the latest technology.
Download link
https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/download/details.aspx?id=5201
Hacker Protection
You can never be fully 100% secure.
Firewalls are a good addition to have with antivirus and malware protection. Good free firewall software’s are Kerio (free version- NA) and Zone Alarm (free version).
A firewall can be a hardware or software device. A hardware firewall is a unit that is connected between the network and the device for connecting to the Internet. A software firewall is a program that is installed on the computer with the Internet connection.
ZoneAlarm is an internet security software company that provides consumer antivirus and firewall products. ZoneAlarm was developed by Zone Labs, which was acquired in March 2004 by Check Point. Current deals here.
Norton WiFi Privacy
Adds bank-grade encryption to help protect you on public Wi-Fi hotspots
A$129.99 A$79.99
Chat or online for the life of your subscription.
AVG Camera Trap
See who’s got your phone or tablet if its lost or stolen.
Now you’ll know if an annoying brother—or master thief—tries snooping on your phone or tablet. When anyone fails 3 times to unlock your device, Camera Trap will take a secret photo of them and then email that photo to you with the time and location of the incident.
Go to our AVG website link above to check out more features for this.
AVG Secure VPN :
AVG Secure VPN is an application which enables you to connect to the internet via secure VPN servers using an encrypted tunnel to protect your online activity from eavesdropping.
Browse any website anonymously
A$ 79.99 A$ 39.99
What is a VPN?
AVG AntiVirus for Android (FREE)
Mobile security for your photos, messages, & memories
AVG antivirus app on Google Play has had 100 million downloads, and is used today to secure phones and tablets across the globe.Once installed, it protects you from the latest viruses, malware, spyware, unsafe apps and settings, unwanted callers, and other nasty threats.
Go to our AVG website link above to get the free version.
Malware Scan Software’s
Malware and spyware can be a nasty problem to get rid of, and they can sometimes enter your computer, even if you have internet security either through websites or human error. Below are some Free software’s that can help you remove malware or spyware from your computer.
Malware bytes free offer the best protection that will work with your existing antivirus. Your best bet is to install the free protection and then do a manual scan at least every two weeks with the malware bytes program. They also have ADWCleaner program.
Other Free programs choices are – SpywareBlaster, Spybot – Search and Destroy, Ewido, adaware ad block, CCcleaner or Microsoft AntiSpyware.
SpyBot Search & Destroy
An anti-malware and anti-spyware stalwart that’s ideal for diagnosing existing infections. This is more of a system repair tool than a system protection tool. The free software does a decent job of finding and fixing adware, malware and spyware.
Channel
Hi jeff
My antivirus has come up for renewal and was just looking online fore something that would cover more than 1 device , now that I have 7 internet connected devices in this household . Im tossing up between Norton and AVG as I have used them both before and both are good , but leaning towards AVG to future proof myself .
Which is better , what you recommend.
Cheers
Jasmine
Hi jasmine
Both norton and avg are good, but if you truly want unlimited devices covered then the AVG plan is a good one
Cheers
Jeff