With nearly unbeatable malware protection and a wealth of features, including a secure browser, backup software, password manager, VPN (with a daily usage limit), parental controls, and webcam protection, Kaspersky Total Security is the Tom's Guide Award for Best Antivirus Program for the first time.

With a list price of $100/year ($50 for the first year), Kaspersky Total Security also features file shredding and encryption, a virtual keyboard to fight off keyloggers, and a rollback feature to restore files encrypted by ransomware to their original state.

The license covers five PC, Mac, or Android devices, and most of Kaspersky's PC features, including webcam protection, also work on Macs. Mac, Android, and Windows users can use Kaspersky SafeKids Premium parental control software.

Kaspersky also features a clear and easy-to-use interface, a gaming mode to ensure that you are not interrupted while playing games or watching movies, and protection against the latest forms of malware, including fileless malware and attacks on PC BIOS/UEFI firmware.

Private Browsing features browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer and newer versions of Edge that block web trackers and block known malicious URLs. Online Kaspersky Account is the first antivirus account to monitor all devices with Kaspersky software installed and to offer a two-factor authentication option.

However, achieving the top spot was not easy. Behind Kaspersky is Norton 360 Deluxe, which rivals Kaspersky Total Security in terms of malware protection and price, and has many of the same features, including a password manager, webcam protection, and parental controls. The two are even similar in their impact on system performance.

Norton beats Kaspersky in several categories by offering unlimited VPN service, dark web monitoring of personal information, and 50 GB of online storage, the same as its backup software. Unlike Kaspersky, however, Norton 360 Deluxe lacks file shredding, file encryption, a true secure browser, and ransomware rollback capabilities. It would be better to use Kaspersky Total Security for these features and get the unlimited VPN elsewhere.