Spybot vs Security Master: Which One is Better? [2024 Top Picks]
We compare security, extra features, ease of use, and more to help you decide.
Spybot Search & Destroy underperformed in most of my tests. It failed to detect most malware samples on my device, it allowed access to every dangerous website I visited, and it lacks additional features like a firewall, a VPN, and parental controls. I was also disappointed in Spybot’s customer support, which failed to respond to my emails. Finally, Spybot offers no money-back guarantees or free trials, and its free plan won’t protect you from viruses. Honestly, Spybot Search & Destroy’s paid plans don’t offer a good value either, and they lack features that similarly priced plans by competitors include. If you want to protect your devices in 2024, you should choose an alternative antivirus.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the best antivirus for me?
The first thing to do is to understand what you need — all antiviruses come with different internet security tools to help you stay protected, so identifying what level of protection you want will help you figure out which product is right for you.
Some antiviruses have a virtual private network (VPN), some have safe browsing extensions, and some have a password manager. Some only work on certain operating systems, while others cover all operating systems across multiple devices.
It’s important to compare the best antiviruses on the market to find the perfect one with the functionality you need.
What makes an antivirus secure?
A high-quality antivirus suite will detect, flag, and remove viruses and various types of malware. It will also offer real-time protection against all threats, regardless of whether you are browsing the internet, downloading software, shopping online, or opening email. For additional security, many antivirus suites offer a VPN, secure storage, and a password manager — these things all add several layers of protection against various cyber threats.
For more information on how antiviruses work, read this.
What do I need to look for when searching for an antivirus?
An antivirus needs to protect against all types of malware — trojans, rootkits, worms, spyware, viruses, ransomware, and anything else that might cause damage to your devices. This is done in a variety of ways, but the most essential feature of an antivirus is real-time protection — this makes sure that an active threat is effectively stopped before anything serious can happen.
Other things to look for include — excellent detection rates, fast system performance, included extra features (like a VPN, password manager, etc.), easy-to-use interface, good customer support, and overall value.
How do I know if one antivirus is better than another?
When researching antiviruses, it’s a good idea to visit a few well-known antivirus software websites such as Norton, McAfee, and Bitdefender to directly compare each antivirus’s features.
You can also look at the expert opinions of our reviewers at SafetyDetectives.com to find the most up-to-date information about the best cybersecurity products on the market today.