Group test: what's the best security software?

Internet security suites group test

We've exhaustively tested every major internet security suite. Here we present the top 5.

See also:

Security Advisor

Security software reviews

5. Kaspersky Internet Security 2013

Kaspersky Internet Security 2013
  • Reviewed on: 4 September 12
  • RRP: £105 (5-device, 2-year licence), £50 (3-device, 1-year licence)
  • Rating: Rated 9 out of 10

Kaspersky Internet Security 2013 covers all the bases well. With a full complement of protection modules at its disposal, it adds in some useful extras. In particular, it guards against the possibility of drive-by malware lifting financial passwords or details when you're dealing with your accounts. Rated highly for its core protection and repair capabilities, it's a little expensive, but may well be discounted, now it's widely available.

4. Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security

Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security
  • Reviewed on: 1 February 13
  • RRP: £60 for 1 year/3 PCs
  • Rating: Rated 9 out of 10

Overall, Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security is a great choice. This security suite boasts excellent performance, a quick installation process, a user-friendly interface, and speedy scans. Its settings pane is a tad confusing, but that’s a minor issue considering the protection you’ll be getting.

3. Bitdefender Internet Security 2013

Bitdefender Internet Security 2013
  • Reviewed on: 31 January 13
  • RRP: £39
  • Rating: Rated 9 out of 10

Overall, Bitdefender's 2013 Internet security suite is an excellent, user-friendly program. It does have some mild scanning-speed issues, but otherwise it's an easy-to-use suite that gives you several nice extra services.

2. Symantec Norton Internet Security 2013

Symantec Norton Internet Security 2013
  • Reviewed on: 18 October 12
  • RRP: £50 (3-device, 1-year); £80 (5-device, 1-year)
  • Rating: Rated 8 out of 10

As we've now come to expect from Symantec, Norton Internet Security is a solid, professional piece of software, doing what it does thoroughly and with a minimum of interruption. There doesn't seem a whole lot new in the 2013 version and there are other products which include extra modules for the same money, but the core requirements of an IS product are well covered here.

1. F-Secure Internet Security 2013

F-Secure Internet Security 2013
  • Reviewed on: 25 February 13
  • RRP: £42 inc. VAT
  • Rating: Rated 8 out of 10

With excellent protection and a user-friendly interface, F-Secure is definitely worth a look. This security package adds a little extra weight to your system, but if you can get past those performance issues, it's a great program.

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