Group test: what's the best security software?

5. 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.

4. BitDefender Antivirus Pro 2011

• Reviewed on: 7 December 10
• RRP: £14 inc. VAT
• Rating:

Every product has its strengths and weaknesses. BitDefender Antivirus Pro 2011 is a pretty solid package, with a healthy set of features. But while it did a very good job in most malware detection and removal tests, you should bear in mind that it may not block brand-new malware attacks very well.

3. Norton Antivirus 2011

• Reviewed on: 2 December 10
• RRP: £39 inc. VAT
• Rating:

All things considered, Norton Antivirus 2011 is a great all-around package, and is worth considering if you're in the market for new antivirus software.

2. Kaspersky Internet Security 2011

• Reviewed on: 14 January 11
• RRP: £39 inc VAT (1 PC, 1 year); £49 inc VAT (3 PCs, 1 year)
• Rating:

All in all, Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 is one of the more expensive applications we looked at in our web security software roundup, but its solid security and thoughtful extras arguably make it worth the extra cash.

1. Symantec Norton Internet Security 2011

• Reviewed on: 18 January 11
• RRP: £49.99 inc VAT for a three PC licence
• Rating:

With solid protection across the board and some impressive test results, Norton easily earned our Best Buy crown.