Wondering which is the best anti-spyware software to protect your pc? We’re sure you must’ve heard about the term “Spyware”. Well, it’s a typical sort of malware that infiltrates into our device and tries to gain unauthorized access over your personal and sensitive data. In this post, we have listed 11 best anti-spyware software with a detailed review listing key features, pros and cons, pricing, and everything that you need to know before investing in a spyware removal tool.
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Living in a digital age is both a boon and a curse. Don’t you agree? On the one hand, we can instantly explore almost anything and communicate to any corner of the world with the power of the Internet. On the contrary or the dark side, a lot of cyber-criminal activities, viruses, malware, spyware have emerged over this time, making our lives nothing but stressful.
Also Read: Is it Worth Paying for Antivirus
How I Rated the Best Anti spyware Software of 2023
Confused about what all factors you should consider before choosing a spyware protection software for your system? Well, let’s make it a little easy for you! Here are a few things or factors that you should look out for when picking a spyware removal tool for your system.
- Reliable: When it comes to protecting your system’s security, reliability is the first thing that comes to our mind. Anti-spyware software should be extremely reliable, something that you can easily trust for handling your entire system’s data, privacy, and settings.
- Efficient Performance: Even a tiny loophole can sabotage your entire device’s security in one go. Hence, when you pick a spyware protection tool, make sure it delivers fast and efficient performance, includes a bunch of high-end security features that keep your system’s performance in the top-notch state.
- Easy to Use: Whether you’re using the spyware removal tool for personal or professional purposes, you need to ensure that the software is easy to use and operate. A spyware protection software should come with an easy to understand interface, minus all the complexities.
- Affordable: An anti-spyware should not only be feature-rich but should also come with an affordable price plan. Investing in advanced spyware protection should be a good value for money that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket.
- Uniqueness: The moment you’ll start looking for the best anti-spyware software for your device, you’ll find a myriad of options online that can quickly get you perplexed. Look out for unique factors that make your spyware protection tool a standout among other picks to make a worthy decision.
- Device Compatibility: This is where most of us lack! One should always conduct a good and thorough research before choosing an anti-spyware tool for your device. When you’re buying a spyware removal tool, make a check whether it’s compatible with your device’s current system specifications or not.
The 10 Best Anti Spyware Software for (2023)
Let’s get started and explore the most comprehensive anti-spyware software that keeps your data and privacy sane.
1. Systweak Antivirus – Best Overall Anti-Spyware Software
Key Features:
- Real-time protection against spyware, virus, malware, and trojans.
- Deletes malicious startup items.
- Boosts system performance.
Systweak Antivirus for Windows PC is a comprehensive solution to protect your PC against virus attacks, spyware, malware, and trojans that stay hidden deep down within system files. It features three different types of scanning modes: Quick Scan, Deep Scan, and Custom Scan that you can choose as per your requirement and need.
The tool comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee and pledges to keep your device spyware-free against any malicious threats.
Compatible Platforms: Windows 10/8.1/8/7 (both 32 bit and 64 bit)
- Active virus control that continually keeps a check on your device for threats
- Secure web browsing experience
- Exploit protection that detects malicious files hidden inside your system
- Well-designed and attractive interface.
- 60-day money-back guarantee.
- Only available for the Windows platform (yet)
Pricing Details:
- Systweak Antivirus Free Version: The free version of the tool offers you basic functionalities that scans your device for viruses, spyware, and malicious threats.
- Systweak Antivirus Premium: The paid plan offers you advanced features that include boosting PC’s performance, exploit protection, removes malicious startup items, and more. Systweak Antivirus Premium Plan comes at an affordable cost of approx. 34$ per year.
2. McAfee Total Protection
Key Features:
- Unlimited VPN
- PC optimization.
- Password Manager.
Looking for an affordable anti-spyware software with an advanced array of features? McAfee Total Protection is a comprehensive PC security suite that shields your device against spyware, malware, ransomware attacks, and all sorts of vulnerabilities that may harm your device in any possible way.
McAfee Total Protection comes with a 30-day free trial period until you start paying for the plan. You can easily opt for the free trial without inputting the payment details which proves out to be a huge perk. It offers you two types of scanning modes; one is the Quick scan which roughly takes around 15-20 minutes. Other is the Full Scan that performs an in-depth scan on thousands of files, and takes around 1-2 hours to complete, depending on how much data is stored on your device. McAfee Total Protection also comes with a Password Manager feature that allows you to manage all your passwords, sensitive info in one space.
Compatible Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
- Value for money.
- Extensive range of advanced features.
- Easy to get in touch with customer support.
- The user interface still needs a little revamp.
- Annoying pop-ups.
Pricing Details:
- Single Device: Approximately 29.99$ as a yearly cost.
- Up to 5 Devices (Ideal for couples and family): 34.99$
- Up to 10 Devices (Ideal for small corporate offices): 39.99
3. Norton 360 Standard
Key Features:
- Overall system protection.
- Monitors Dark web activities.
- Online threat detection.
Norton 360 Standard is a powerful anti-spyware software that offers real-time spyware and malware protection to safeguard your device’s security. Norton is a renowned brand in terms of fighting against all kinds of viruses, malware, or spyware. Norton 360 Standard can prove out to be one of the best anti-spyware tools you ever thought of investing in that offers overall device protection.
Norton 360 Standard also offers you a unique feature known as SafeCam for PC that alerts you right away when any hacker, marketer or website tries to gain unauthorized access over your webcam. Apart from this Norton 360 Standard comes packed with all nifty features which include password manager, establishing a secure VPN connection, firewall to block unauthorized website traffic, parental control, and more. Read the complete Norton Review
Compatible Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
- 10 GB PC cloud backup storage to store your important files and data in one place.
- Real-time threat protection.
- Unlimited VPN service.
- Slightly expensive compared to other products in a similar segment.
- Does not include File Encryption.
Pricing Details:
- Norton 360 Standard: Offers single device protection and costs around 34.99$.
- Norton 360 Deluxe: Up to 5 devices protection and price starts from 39.99 as a yearly subscription cost.
- Norton 360 with Life Lock Select: 5 devices protection + Identity Theft Protection + 100 GB of cloud backup storage space. You can get all this at a mere cost of 99.99$ per year.
Also Read: Best Ways to Detect Spyware on Android Phone
4. Bitdefender Total Security
Key Features:
- Secure banking transactions via SafePay.
- Multi-layer ransomware protection.
- Monitors the microphone so that nobody can snoop into your conversations.
Bitdefender Total Security ensures a high-range, premium class of digital security to keep your devices free off spyware, viruses, and malware. Bitdefender Total Security is ideal for pursuing secure banking transactions online. It comes with a unique “SafePay” feature that makes sure your online shopping and banking experience stays pleasant. Read the complete Bitdefender Review
Compatible Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
- Offers WiFi security.
- Easy to use interface.
- Allows you to stay anonymous on the web.
- Safe and sound online shopping and banking experience.
- Might hamper your PC’s performance in rare circumstances.
Pricing Details:
- Bitdefender Antivirus Plus: Ideal for Windows PC and costs around 24.99$ as yearly cost.
- Bitdefender Total Security: Protects up to 10 devices and comes with a price range of 50$ per year.
- Bitdefender Internet Security: Costs around 40$ as yearly subscription fees and protects up to three devices.
5. Avira Antivirus
Key Features:
- Keylogging detection.
- Ad-blocker.
- Detects suspicious software that may harm your device.
Next on our list of best anti-spyware tools comes Avira Antivirus Pro. Avira Antivirus Pro offers best in case spyware protection and comes packed with a wide range of Internet security features. Avira comes with an advanced scanning engine that quickly detects your device for any suspicious threat or spyware.
Avira Antivirus Pro features smart keylogging detection that ensures no one is recording your private and sensitive info, including credit card details, passwords, etc. This nifty, light-weighted security tool that makes sure that your online identity stays secure. Avira Antivirus Pro also features a PUA shield that identifies potentially harmful applications and malicious files that come hidden along with legitimate software.
Compatible Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
- Establishes a safe VPN connection.
- Ransomware protection.
- Password manager.
- Fast installation.
- Slightly expensive.
Pricing Details:
- 45$ for a single PC protection.
- 135$ for up to three devices.
- 225$ yearly cost for protecting up to 10 devices.
6. TotalAV Antivirus
Key Features:
- Real-time spyware detection and removal.
- Blocks phishing URLs for a safe browsing experience.
- Remote firewall access.
TotalAV Antivirus might sound a little new to you, especially compared to other security brands like Norton, McAfee, and Bitdefender. Although, it is capable of offering a wide range of useful features along with a simple, easy to use interface. So, whether you’re working on your PC, laptop, smartphone, or tablet, TotalAV Antivirus offers you real-time protection to safeguard your digital privacy.
Compatible Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
- Encrypted browsing.
- System tune-up.
- Password vault to store all your passwords in one place.
- Browser manager to clean up cookies and junk data.
- The Mac version of TotalAV Antivirus Pro needs a little fixing and re-touch.
Pricing Details:
- TotalAV Antivirus Pro: Comes at the cost of 29$ a year, protects up to three devices. Includes features like ransomware protection, eliminates viruses, trojans, and spyware, tunes-up your PC’s performance, and more.
- TotalAV Antivirus Internet Security: This pricing package will cost your approximately 80$ per year offering up to 5 devices protection. Opting for this plan will give you an additional feature of safe VPN browsing.
- TotalAV Internet Total Security: This premium plan will cost you around 59$ per year, along with six device protection. In additional feature set, you will get VPN browsing, ad-blocker, and a secure password vault.
7. Adaware Antivirus Total
Key Features:
- Parental Controls.
- Complete web protection.
- Multiple levels of file encryption to keep your sensitive data safe.
Adaware Antivirus Total gives utmost priority in keeping your personal information safe. It can prove out to be one of the best anti-spyware tools that can prevent any kind of spyware from stealing the sensitive data stored on your device. Adware Antivirus tool can easily detect spyware, viruses, and malware, and offer you a premium quality PC security.
Adaware Antivirus Total keeps your PC free from any kind of threats, viruses, and spyware infections. It keeps a constant check on your sensitive info to ensure that your data is not sabotaged at any cost.
- Fast and efficient spyware scanning.
- Automatic threat updates.
- Data encryption and file-shredding.
- Parental Control features still need a little working.
Pricing Details:
- Single device protection costing you around 36$ per year.
- Up to three devices protection for a bare cost of 54$ yearly.
- Up to five devices protection, two-year license for 115$.
8. Bull Guard Internet Security
Key Features:
- 100% money-back guarantee.
- Advanced machine learning algorithms that quickly detect spyware, viruses, and malware.
- Game Booster.
Bull Guard Internet Security anti-spyware software offers complete all-round protection to your devices. Its advanced machine learning algorithms are smart enough to quickly detect the presence of any spyware or threat, as soon as it hits your device. Alongside, Bull Guard Internet Security also delivers a custom-built safe browsing experience to make sure that your online transactions are pursued via an established secure connection.
One of the unique features that you will find in this anti-spyware tool is the “Game Booster” that allows you to enjoy an optimum gaming experience while the software blocks all the notifications, pop-ups meanwhile.
Compatible Platforms: Windows, macOS, and Android.
- Guards all your devices efficiently while keeping viruses, spyware, malware, and intruders at bay.
- Easy to use interface, ideal for both beginners and professionals.
- Advanced Parental Control features that block access to suspicious websites.
- Minor security issues.
Pricing Details:
- Bull Guard Antivirus: Costs around 23.99$ per year, covers 1-device protection with essential functions.
- Bull Guard Internet Security: Offers you the best value for money, costs around 44.99$ with multi-device protection. Additional features include a firewall, parental controls, cloud-integrated backup, PC tune-up, and more.
- Bull Guard Premium Protection: Costs around 59.99$ with multi-device protection. Additional features that come along with this package include identity theft protection, home network scanner.
9. Panda Antivirus
Key Features:
- Scans external devices, including portable hard drive, USB sticks.
- Identity theft protection.
- Encrypts confidential and sensitive data.
Panda Anti-spyware software comes with an easy to use interface, offers you best in class spyware protection to safeguard your devices against any threat. It also scans the external devices against infections to make sure that the spyware doesn’t penetrate through your system via any medium. Apart from this, Panda anti-spyware tool also allows you to establish a safe VPN connection to keep your browsing activities secure. It is one of the most light-weighted spyware detection tools that will take minimal space on your device of just about 2.99 MB.
Compatible Platforms: Windows, macOS, and Android.
- Free VPN services for up to 150 MB bandwidth per day.
- Protects your WiFi network from intruders and hackers.
- Protection against ransomware attacks.
- Fine-tunes your PC’s performance.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
- 24/7 email customer support is only available if you opt for the premium plan.
Pricing Details:
- Panda Dome Essential: The basic package will cost you around $44.24/year for the 1-year subscription with features like anti-virus protection, free VPN, WiFi network protection, etc.
- Panda Advanced: $53.24/year for the 1-year subscription with additional features like parental control, identity protection, ransomware attacks protection.
- Panda Complete: The Panda Complete plan will come with a price tag of $80.24/year for the 1-year subscription and includes advanced features like data shield, password manager, clean up tool, and more.
- Panda Premium: Panda Premium will cost you around 125$ per year and includes all of the above features. Also, you will get 24/7 email support and unlimited VPN.
10. Comodo Antivirus
Key Features:
- Easy to use and setup.
- Reliable 24/7 customer support.
- Secures your online transactions.
Comodo Antivirus is next on our list of 11 best anti-spyware tools. It offers you powerful spyware protection to your devices as it automatically detects malicious or suspicious files from breaking in. Comodo Antivirus tool features a simple, easy to use interface where everything is perfectly lined up exactly where you need. As soon as you’re trying to download any suspicious file from the web, Comodo antivirus will alert you so that the file doesn’t affect your PC’s performance.
Compatible Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
- Auto Sandboxing technology.
- Cloud-based anti-virus protection.
- Game mode.
- Advanced features are only available with the paid plan.
Pricing Details:
- Comodo Antivirus Free Version: Comodo Antivirus free version comes with basic functionalities that include spyware protection, sandbox technology to spot suspicious files.
- Comodo Antivirus Full/Paid Version: The full version will cost you around 17.99$/ per year/ per device. It includes advanced features like web filtering, cloud-based antivirus, secure shopping, firewall, and more.
11. Avast Antivirus
Key Features:
- Network Security Inspection.
- Protects you from accessing suspicious URLs.
- Password Manager.
Avast Antivirus can undoubtedly offer you the best spyware protection against all sorts of viruses, malware, ransomware, and other threats. Apart from shielding your device against spyware, this nifty tool also allows you to detect out of date software, weak passwords, network issues, and more.
Compatible Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
- Ease of use.
- Avoids you from downloading suspicious files while installing third-party applications.
- Value for money.
- Browser protection only supported on Chrome and Firefox.
Pricing Details:
- Avast Free Antivirus: Blocks viruses, malware, and spyware. Also offers WiFi network security to keep hackers and intruders away.
- Avast Premium/ Single/ Multi-Device: Additional features include secure online transactions, sandbox technology, advanced firewall, blocks spams, and phishing emails, avoids webcam spying, file shredder, and more.
- Avast Ultimate: Apart from the above-mentioned feature set, also, you will get Avast Clean up utility to get rid of junk files, free up disk space, and a secure VPN connection.
How We Tested Anti-Spyware Software
An anti-spyware needs to be tested on various parameters ranging from how efficient it is in detecting spyware to how it will impact your system’s performance. Relying on a useful spyware protection tool is like taking a giant leap of faith, ensuring that the tool will take care of your system’s security while causing no harm to your device’s overall performance. No matter how effective a tool may be in spotting spyware on your device, but if it’s in any way messing with your system’s performance, your system is better off without it.
Cost of Good Anti-Spyware Software
A cost of an excellent anti-spyware software with a rich feature set of built-in spyware protection should typically range between 25-50$. This should include all basic functions, including spyware detection and removal, safeguarding your device from any potential threat, real-time device analysis. However, if you’re looking for an advanced spyware protection tool with an extended set of features, then you should invest around 60-80$ as a yearly subscription cost. The additional cost that you’re paying will get you more premium features like system optimization, VPN and Identity Theft protection, file encryption, and so on, depending on which spyware removal tool you pick.
FAQs:
What is spyware, and what is anti-spyware software?
Spyware is a type of malware that gains unauthorized access to your system and tries to steal or gather your personal or sensitive information. If not getting into the technical jargon, think of spyware as a burglar who attempts to break in your house to steal all your resources. An anti-spyware software detects the infection, creates a firewall, and protects your system from any further damage.
How do I Detect Spyware?
The most common symptoms depicting that your system is infected with spyware include degraded system performance, frequent app crash, irrelevant or unwanted pop-ads crawling on the screen, disk space getting clogged up without your knowledge, and more. Watch out for these warning signs before it’s too late, and invest in a good quality spyware protection tool.
Do I Need an Anti-spyware?
This is as simple as asking do you lock the door before leaving the house? Of course, yes! Isn’t it? In the same way, to protect your device from any potential threat, it’s a wise decision to use anti-spyware software that keeps a close check on your device’s security. A spyware protection tool will thoroughly scan your entire device on time to time basis to make sure that all sorts of viruses, malware, and spyware are at bay.
Are anti-spyware and antivirus software the same thing?
Although these two terms may sound similar yes, they’re different. Best Antivirus software is designed to look for viruses and threats. On the other hand, spyware is a relatively broader term that needs dedicated attention. Anti-spyware software is engineered in a way that looks explicitly for spyware or malicious programs that are created to steal your personal information.
There may be a possibility that even if your system is installed with antivirus software, it might not be able to detect certain kinds of spyware. Hence, you should always choose a dedicated spyware removal tool that excels in its functions and purpose.
How Does Anti-Spyware Software work?
An anti-spyware tool performs various functions simultaneously, which include:
- Scans your entire device to detect spyware, and removes the infected file.
- Keeps a close check and stops you from downloading any malicious file from the web like emails, downloads, etc.
- Works in a proactive approach to detect threats.
- Instantly alerts you whenever a threat or spyware is found on your device.
- Monitor URLs to ensure your browsing activities are safe.
- Encrypts user data.
- Offers overall system protection to keep your data safe and secure.
Summary of Top 11 anti-spyware Software
Before you leave, here’s a quick recap of all the anti-spyware tools in a nutshell.
| S.no. | Anti-Spyware Tool | Best Known for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Systweak Antivirus for PC | Comprehensive protection against virus attacks, spyware, malware, and trojans. |
| 2 | McAfee Total Protection | Powerful spyware protection with an extensive array of advanced features to safeguard your devices. |
| 3 | Norton 360 | Monitors dark web activities along with offering overall system protection against viruses, malware, and spyware. |
| 4 | Bitdefender Total Security | Excels in securing your online shopping and transactions via its unique “SafePay” feature. |
| 5 | Avira Antivirus | Advanced Keylogging detection that stops hackers and intruders from stealing your private information. |
| 6 | TotalAV Antivirus | Remote firewall access, fine-tunes your PC’s performance. |
| 7 | Adaware Antivirus | Keeps your private and sensitive information safe with its 256-AES file encryption technology. |
| 8 | Bull Guard Internet Security | Advanced machine learning algorithms that quickly detects the threat from penetrating your devices. |
| 9 | Panda Antivirus | Scans external devices like portable drives and USBs for infections. |
| 10 | Comodo Internet Security | Auto sandboxing technology that avoids you to download malicious files from the web or while you’re installing any software. |
| 11 | Avast Antivirus | Network security inspection and offers complete browser protection, blocks spams, and phishing emails. |
Also Read: Tips To identify and remove spyware from your Mobile Phone
Conclusion
This wraps up our guide on 11 best anti-spyware software that can make sure that your device’s security never goes out of hand.
Let these tools do all the heavy lifting in keeping your device and spyware-free!