Group test: what's the best firewall?

5. McAfee All Access 2012

• Reviewed on: 30 November 11
• RRP: From £29.99 inc VAT (only until 31st January 2011)
• Rating:

If you're concerned about the vulnerability of your phone and/or tablet as well as a PC and would consider buying separate security software for each, then buying it in the McAfee All Access bundle could make sense. It's only really worth it if you have at least a PC and a phone from one of the supported groups. If you're phone or tablet comes from Apple, this isn't the way to go and you should also consider the strength of its repair facilities.

4. Bullguard Internet Security 12

• Reviewed on: 6 December 11
• RRP: £50 inc VAT (3-user licence)
• Rating:

Bullguard Internet Security 12 is an internet security suite with most of the trimmings you might want, including online storage and a useful, if a little over-enthusiastic, application version checker. If it's as good at detecting suspicious behaviour as its predecessor was at neutralising known malware, it will be a worthwhile choice.

3. Panda Internet Security 2012

• Reviewed on: 6 September 11
• RRP: £50.99 (three PCs for a year)
• Rating:

Panda Internet Security 2012 has the feel of a well-thought through piece of software which is easy to use, gives very good protection and doesn't clobber your PC's performance. While the cloud aspect of the product is less significant now some of its competitors have taken that route, too, it's still a very smooth way of protecting yourself online.

2. Norton Internet Security 2012

• Reviewed on: 3 February 12
• RRP: £49 inc VAT
• Rating:

Symantec's Norton security suite will do a great job of keeping your PC safe, and the program is easy to use too.

 

1. ZoneAlarm Free Firewall 2012

• Reviewed on: 9 December 11
• RRP: FREE
• Rating:

If you're not bothered by this app's lack of protection against Web exploits, and can live with the rough edges of the interface, it's good choice to download.