Security

IdentityForce offers the best overall service when credit monitoring is factored in, but LifeLock has the edge on pure identity protection.

Ring Video Doorbell 2 is flexible enough to go anywhere, plus it has good motion-alert settings and low cloud-storage costs.

AVG AntiVirus Free is beaten in features by its more glamorous sibling Avast Free Antivirus and beaten in malware protection by everything else.

Avast Free Antivirus offers a ton of features for a free antivirus program but has mediocre malware protection and a heavy system load.

Windows Defender isn't the absolute best antivirus software, but it's easily good enough to be your main malware defense.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition runs on autopilot and offers no extras or customization options, but it's ideal for anyone who doesn't want to fuss with antivirus software.

Kaspersky Security Cloud Free combines excellent malware protection, plenty of extra features and a very light system-performance impact.

Norton Family is powerful on Android and Windows, but it doesn't have many features for iOS.

Acronis True Image is expensive and complicated, but it offers a wide range of options and features for hard-core PC users.

IDShield's frequent three-bureau credit reports and scores are great bargains, though IdentityForce and LifeLock monitor more personal data.