Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete 2013

Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete 2013 Review: Internet Security Software

 
Visit Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete 2013 Website
Rating:
Bottom Line:
Good product for those just looking for the basic protection. Easy install, simple interface and quick performance.
Full Review:
[Editor's note: Webroot is offering NextAdvisor readers 50% off for up to 3 PCs from SecureAnywhere Complete. Just click on any link to Webroot from NextAdvisor.]

Introduction

If you are looking for speed and simplicity, Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete is the software for you. It doesn't have the best track record with independent testing, but we found it to be effective, as well as the easiest to use and quickest software that we've tested so far.

Installation

Hands down the quickest, easiest installation we've experienced out of all the security software suites. With the 30-day free trial, you don't have to enter any personal or payment information, which makes the installation process that much faster and easier. It also doesn't interfere with other security software that you may have on your machine, so there are no annoying error messages.

Interface



Webroot has done a complete overhaul of its interface. The program looks completely different than last year's version, in a good way. While Webroot's interface was already simple and sleek, this version is one of the most simple and intuitive interfaces on the market.

Each of the major categories (Overview, Security, Identity and Privacy, Backup and Sync, and System Tools) have a tab on the main page. Each of those tabs have their own set up clearly defined tabs that highlight the different features that Webroot has to offer. Many features, including the protection shields, have an easy, intuitive on/off button that slides from on to off, so you can see which features are activated at a glance.

All of the My Account and Settings options are tucked away at the bottom of the interface, leaving the main section to deal with what's really important: protection.

Antivirus/Anti-malware and Performance
Antimalware/Antivirus Tests* Webroot
11/10 Dynamic Test N/A
06/11 Dynamic Test
12/11 Dynamic Test
07/12 Dynamic Test
Historical Average

One of the quickest full scans we've experienced. It was so quick that we initially worried that they just passed over some threats, but the system was clean. When we started introducing viruses to the computer, it definitely caught everything we tried to throw at it.

When it comes to independent testing, Webroot hasn't traditionally participated, but this year they included their new software in the AV-Comparatives Dynamic Test and Performance Test. Sadly, they didn't test well in either case. For the Whole-Product Dynamic Test, which takes into account the sum of the product's parts in protecting PCs, the Webroot software didn't score any stars, a poor showing. It performed slightly better on the performance test, scoring one star out of three.



Performance
Performance Tests* Webroot
11/10 Performance Test N/A
07/11 Performance Test
11/11 Performance Test
07/12 Performance Test
Historical Average

Another bonus for Webroot is the sheer amount of features that the suite offers. It has a full range of protection software, including firewall, a SandBox feature and a variety of shields. It also offers identity and privacy protection, which includes a password manager. And one of its best tools, which many other basic suites don't offer, is a Backup and Sync tool, which lets you backup the files on your computer. The only thing it doesn't seem to offer is parental controls.

Conclusion

While Webroot didn't fair well in the independent testing, it handled all of our basic security tests like a pro. With its simple interface, lightning fast scans and wide range of features, it definitely has a lot to offer. Our advice? Do the 30-day free trial and see if Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete works for you.

System Requirements: Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7

* AV-Comparatives ratings on a variety of tasks related to the antivirus and anti-malware product. "Dynamic Test" refers to AV-Comparatives' Real World testing of a variety of security aspects of the different software suites. Older scores may reflect previous software versions.

Visit Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete 2013 Website | Compare to Other Internet Security Software

 
Service Details:

Price:$39.99/yr for 3 PCs (with NextAdvisor discount)

30-day free trial
Ease of Use:Very easy: great interface, quick install and fast performance
Special Features:PC clean-up tool; cloud-based password manager; includes identity theft protection and online backup
Personal Information Manager:Yes: encrypted web-based password and personal information vault
Anti-malware/Antivirus Score*:
System Performance Score**:

*Averaged 2010/2011 scores for each company's antivirus/anti-malware product by independent testing agency AV-Comparatives. Score indicates overall effectiveness in a variety of tests over time. † indicates that company did not take part in all tests. See reviews for details.

**Score indicates impact of antivirus product on system performance. Average of performance tests by AV-Comparatives.

NextAdvisor Internet Security Software Blog Headlines

Does Credit Monitoring Come With Internet Security Software?
Q: I want to sign up for credit monitoring and I already have a security software suite. Do credit monitoring services come with security software? If yes, will it interfere with my current program? A: Yes, many of the top

Is Signing Up for Identity Theft Protection Safe?
Q: Identity theft protection seems like a good service to have, but how can I guarantee these websites are secure? A: Great question! That is always an important question to ask yourself whenever you're typing your personal information onto any

How Much Does McAfee Cost?
Q: How much does McAfee internet security cost for 2 computers? A: Usually, McAfee Internet Security costs $79.99 to cover up to 3 computers for a year. Lucky for you, McAfee offers NextAdvisor readers 50% off Internet Security, bringing the

Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete 2013 Forum Posts

  • Webroot Review
    Here is NextAdvisor's review of Webroot: http://www.nextadvisor.com/internet_security_software/webroot_review.php

About UsBlogContact Us Forums Terms & Privacy PolicyAffiliate ProgramSite Map
NextAdvisor.com is a BBB Accredited Information Bureau in San Francisco, CA

Disclosure: NextAdvisor.com is a consumer information site that offers free, independent reviews and ratings of online services. We receive advertising revenue from most of the services we review. Our editors thoroughly research and whenever possible test each service we review and offer their honest opinions about each one. We are independently owned and operated and all opinions expressed on this site are our own.