Best affordable antivirus for 2017?

[hbenthow]

I ordered a computer, and it should arrive within the next few days. I will need an antivirus program for it (I've been using the paid version of AVG antivirus on my current computer for several years, but don't plan on getting it again, as I do not believe it is my best option anymore.)

I've been reading that many tests (such as those from AV-Test) show that BitDefender and Avira are among the most reliable antivirus programs. Furthermore, there is a current holiday sale on Bitdefender (50% off), which puts it within the range that I can afford.

I want a program that will offer a high degree of protection from all forms of malware, but which won't be too meddlesome (flagging legitimate programs as viruses too often, for example). It needs to be under $50 in price (either on sale or regular price - just as long as I can currently get it for under $50), and the more value I can get for the money, the better.

What do you think? What, in your view, is my best option.

 

[theunliked]

Adrian Lamo, a professional hacker said this:
I don't use an antivirus in the sense of having one always running or scanning with any degree of regularity. A little of that is my not using a virus-prone operating system, but mostly I try to apply common sense to my web browsing and file acquisition habits, keep my software patched & up-to-date, and disallow most forms of active content from non-trusted sites.
Prudence & common sense are really the most effective means of virus prevention, for me at least. An antivirus is a backup in case prevention fails - it shouldn't be your sole means of defense.
https/www.quora.com/What-antivirus-does-Adrian-Lamo-use

With that aside, I'd recommend just going with a free AV. Free antivirus is surprisingly good. See this: http/www.tomsguide.com/us/antivirus-software-pay-or-free,news-18570.html

 

[hbenthow]

Prudence & common sense are really the most effective means of virus prevention, for me at least. An antivirus is a backup in case prevention fails - it shouldn't be your sole means of defense.

I'm of the school of thought that it's better to be safe than sorry, so while I understand the importance of prudence when using the Internet, I still want as high-quality a backup defense as I can get for an affordable price (or free, if it's a good enough product).

With that aside, I'd recommend just going with a free AV. Free antivirus is surprisingly good. See this: I'll]http/www.tomsguide.com/us/antivirus-software-pay-or-free,news-18570.html

I'll read that and consider it. Thank you for the link.

 

[James_397]

Use Defender and the built-in firewall. That's all you really need. The rest is marketing hype. Don't fall for it.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Look into F-Secure , Bitdefender or Kaspersky.

 

[hbenthow]

I wound up going with Bitdefender Total Security. Not only does it have excellent reviews, but I found a great discount on it. Thanks to everyone for their advice.