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AV-Comparatives Releases Performance Test Report Showing the Impact of Security Software on System Performance
May 2022 by AV-Comparatives
AV-Comparatives has released results for the April 2022 Performance Test, which evaluates the impact of anti-virus software on system performance. As anti-virus software programs run in the background and use system resources, AV-Comparatives helps users evaluate their anti-virus protection in terms of system speed and performance. This independent testing lab is dedicated to informing users about protection against cybercrime with its systematic testing of the market’s most popular security software solutions. The company creates a real-world environment for accurate testing by utilizing common use case scenarios.
The Performance Test includes both “Antivirus” and “Internet Security” consumer products, both referred to as security products. The tests conducted by AV-Comparatives for each of the products include file copying, archiving/unarchiving, installing applications, launching applications, downloading files, browsing websites and PC Mark 10 Professional Testing Suite.
The products evaluated by AV-Comparatives for its performance test include Avast Free Antivirus, AVG Free Antivirus, Avira Prime, Bitdefender Internet Security, ESET Internet Security, G Data Total Security, K7 Total Security, Kaspersky Internet Security, Malwarebytes Premium, McAfee Total Protection, Microsoft Defender, NortonLifeLock North 360 Deluxe, Panda Free Antivirus, TotalAV Antivirus Pro, Total Defense Essential Antivirus, Trend Micro Internet Security and VIPRE Advanced Security.
AV-Comparatives carried out its spring performance test on a machine with an Intel Core i3 CPU, 4GB of RAM and SSD hard disks. AV-Comparatives considers this machine configuration as “low-end”. The performance tests were done on a clean Windows 10 21H2 64-Bit system (English) and then with the installed consumer security software (with default settings). The tests were done with an active Internet connection to allow for the real-world impact of cloud services/features. In autumn a high-end machine will be used for this test.
Of the 17 security products tested, nine were awarded the highest level, Advanced+, including: K7, Panda, ESET, G Data, NortonLifeLock, McAfee, Bitdefender, Avast, AVG. Six products were awarded the second highest level of Advanced, including Kaspersky, VIPRE, Trend Micro, TotalAV, Avira and Malwarebytes. Microsoft and Total Defense received the Standard award.
“We hope that with these tests we can keep users and vendors engaged in system security, and mitigating the ever-evolving threat landscape,” said Andreas Clementi, co-founder of AV-Comparatives. “For these solutions to continue to grow and evolve, tests like these are extremely important to provide accuracy and accountability.”
“Please keep in mind, security is more important than speed.”
