Panda Antivirus is a Spanish cloud-based antivirus with proactive technologies. It offers complete protection of users’ desktops and laptops without any impact on performance. The antivirus also promises effective web protection, anti-phishing tools, and download monitoring. Is Panda Antivirus good? Let’s try to answer this question in the review below.
A general overview
Panda Antivirus used to be Panda Cloud Antivirus. It is based on the innovative cloud technology of collective intelligence. What’s more, it offers proactive features to protect the device from zero-day threats and other malware.
The program is compatible with Windows versions XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10. It’s a great solution for outdated PCs and a lightweight option for modern devices, too.
This antivirus software aims to secure complete protection without any impact on system performance. It delivers maximum freedom and starts working only when it’s absolutely necessary.
A quick and lightweight program fights threats and viruses without the need for updates. It is possible due to the combination of the local technologies of malware detection and the file scans in the cloud, i.e. remote servers. Collective intelligence makes it possible.
In general, Panda Antivirus includes an ordinary cloud-based antivirus and special scans like anti-spyware, anti-rootkit, etc. The proactive technologies we have already mentioned a few times include the behavior analysis and file-blocking based on its behavior. They both help to protect the device from new and recently-appeared threats.
The main peculiarities of Panda Antivirus
This software needs a good Internet connection for effective performance.
It’s also one of the fastest programs for detecting new viruses. The system of collective intelligence makes it possible to automatically detect new threats within the shortest time.
A convenient user-friendly interface doesn’t have constant pop-up windows, notifications, and alerts. The program does its job without irritating users.
As a rule, Panda Antivirus detects more threats and viruses than other products. Panda Security centers use the data from millions of users to identify and classify new viruses, malware, and zero-day threats that keep appearing.
A selection of features available
- Antivirus and anti-spyware protection via the cloud-based database;
- Anti-rootkit prevents hidden threats;
- Constant online and offline protection;
- Behavioral blocking of new and unidentified threats;
- The analysis of the behavior of the apps and software;
- The improved offline protection due to stopping auto-start on the PC;
- URL and web filters to prevent opening phishing sites and malicious pages;
- Process manager delivers reports about the started applications with the URL-monitoring;
- A VPN for enhanced anonymity and identity protection;
- The advanced settings and whitelisting options for experienced users.
Protection
According to the tests from AV-Test, AV-Comparatives, and Virus Bulletin, the program manages to show better results every time. Panda Antivirus managed to detect even threats that weren’t identified. Out of 20 000 malicious files, the program failed to detect only one. It’s an impressive result. The only drawback is that it has more false positives than some other solutions.
The verdict
Due to the lightweight agent and the innovative technologies, Panda Antivirus has almost no impact on system performance. The program moves most of the job to the remote servers since it uses cloud-based technologies, too. The antivirus has a free edition making it very affordable and convenient for users on a tight budget.
It also shows excellent results in detecting malware and other online threats. Independent testing labs often give it the highest scores and grades.