It’s possible that you have never heard of Vipre Antivirus, which is perfectly understandable from your end. Even though AV-Comparatives and other impartial testing organizations have spoken well of the application, the general public is not yet familiar with its brand name. This is despite the fact that the application has received a lot of positive feedback.
In this Vipre Antivirus review, I’ll examine this antimalware program in terms of its features, virus detection rates, pricing, and ease of use. I’ll also discuss how well it protects against malware. Let’s find out if Vipre really does deserve to become immensely well-known in the not-too-distant future.
The good and the bad of Vipre
Pros
• A very high rate of virus detection
• A wide variety of possible configurations
• A plethora of amenities
• Blocking of advertisements and trackers
• The Bundle package comes with a Virtual Private Network.
• A scanner to detect data breaches
A subscription will cover up to five different devices.
• Free trial version available for thirty days
Cons
• A lack of consistency in the detection of phishing attempts
• A relatively high percentage of total CPU time spent scanning
There is currently no application for iOS.
• Considerable cost escalation following the initial twelve-month period
Vipre’s safety and encryption options
Superior Protection Through Active Measures
Real-time protection is an essential component of all antivirus and antimalware software, and Vipre’s Advanced Active Protection is nothing more than a fancy marketing moniker for this capability. And Vipre makes it function fairly well.
Independent malware detection tests carried out by AV-Comparatives have awarded the antivirus software an exceptionally high score. During the most current round of testing, it was able to identify 96.8% of potential dangers while only producing four false positives. In other words, Vipre has a very high possibility of identifying a danger before the threat is able to make any changes to your device. This is a significant advantage over other security solutions.
I was able to get some test results that demonstrated Vipre’s inability to identify phishing scams effectively. Take this information with a grain of salt, however, because I can’t guarantee for the methodology behind the experiments that were done.
Device scans
You have the option of performing either a complete scan, a rapid scan, or a customised scan. In comparison to other antivirus programmes like McAfee, Vipre used up to 4.9% of your computer’s processing power while it ran the full scan. This is a significant amount.
In addition, although you are able to view the history of the scans that have been completed, there is no way to view the duration of each scan.
The scans themselves have a lot of room for personalization. For instance, you can scan portable discs, choose which apps to exclude from scans, and set Vipre to automatically execute a second layer check in the event that the initial rapid scan identifies a potential security risk.
Quarantine
The quarantine folder is automatically created whenever Vipre Antivirus discovers malicious software and places it there. You are able to view the category of the quarantined danger as well as its threat level in this section.
As soon as Vipre locks the malicious software away in its quarantine, it will no longer be able to cause problems for your device. On the other hand, if you believe that an object does not pose a threat, you have the ability to label it as safe so that it will no longer be placed in quarantine.
Protecting the perimeter and filtering the web
Edge Protection is a feature that is exclusive to Windows and prevents exploits and other forms of malware from infecting your computer through a web browser (Firefox, Google Chrome, Edge). In a nutshell, it identifies web pages that contain code that could be dangerous.
In the meantime, the web filtering tool will merely prevent access to any websites that Vipre considers to be unsafe.
These features provide some degree of customization, giving you the ability to compile a list of the domain names that, in your opinion, pose no security risk at all.
Security for electronic mail
Those that make use of Outlook will benefit from the email protection function that Vipre offers. You have the option of manually adding email addresses that you want to have classified as spam. In addition to this, the feature will check incoming email for viruses and will automatically quarantine any dangers that are found.
If you want the application to automatically detect strange emails that might be an attempt to get personal information from you, you can keep the anti-phishing toggle on. Keeping it on will allow the programme to do so.
Secure File Eraser
With the help of this tool, you’ll be able to remove all traces of the undesired files from your computer. To accomplish this, simply right-click on the folder or file you wish to delete and select the corresponding command from the context menu that appears.
Just keep in mind that once the file is deleted, it can never be recovered again.
Firewall
You can disable the firewall that comes with Windows and use the one that comes built into Vipre Antivirus instead. It offers a wide variety of possibilities for personalization (more than an average user can handle).
You have the ability to manage your networks, establish exception rules, log events that occur within the firewall, protect your personal computer from threats that originate from the same network, and further configure the firewall.
Having said that, if you don’t really understand what’s going on when seeing all of the firewall settings, it’s probably best for you to just use the firewall that comes standard with Windows. In addition to this, a number of separate studies have demonstrated that Vipre’s firewall does a marginally inferior job to that of its Windows equivalent in the management of potential dangers.
Privacy Shield for Vipre (Vipre)
You may protect your privacy using Virpe Privacy Shield, which is a standalone programme that is included in the Ultimate Security Bundle.
It comes with a plethora of features that will assist you in maintaining your privacy. For instance, it enables you to prevent other people from accessing your microphone and webcam. Additionally, it prevents trackers and advertisements, which results in a safer and less frustrating surfing experience for the user.
In addition to this, it provides you with a password manager that is incredibly easy to use and can save the login information for all of your favourite websites. In addition, Vipre Privacy Shield gives you the ability to do a scan of all of the most popular web browsers in order to determine the number of trackers that are operational on each of them.
You may also use the application to store your files in an encrypted vault and determine whether or not your email address or password have been compromised in a data breach. Both of these functions are available to you.
Internet Shield VPN
You will receive Internet Shield’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) service as its own standalone application that is compatible with Mac OS X, Windows, Android, and iOS devices. Even though it’s not very complicated, I like it a little bit better than the majority of VPN applications that come packaged with antivirus suites.
This is because there are no restrictions placed on the amount of data or bandwidth used. In addition, you have the option of using one of several other tunnelling protocols, including IKEv2, OpenVPN UDP, or OpenVPN TCP. It is even possible to alter the degree of encryption (AES 256/128) and make use of disguised OpenVPN servers.
The programme, on the other hand, is not very impressive when contrasted with the vast majority of standalone VPN applications. The speeds are unreliable and might fluctuate dramatically, especially when linked to remote servers. In addition to that, the application had complete trouble connecting to some servers.
On the plus side, the Virtual Private Network was successful in unblocking the US library of Netflix as well as a variety of videos on Youtube. Despite my best efforts, I was unable to unblock DAZN or BBC iPlayer.
Overall, Internet Shield VPN is a welcome addition to the rest of the Vipre Suite; but, if you need a VPN on a daily basis for work or for other reasons, you may want to consider downloading a different VPN application.
Strategies and cost breakdowns
When you make the decision to give Vipre Antivirus a try, bear in mind that there are three distinct options available for you to select from when making your purchase. The greater the cost of the membership, the greater the number of features you’ll have access to.
It is also essential to be aware that the most fundamental plan, Antivirus Plus, is only compatible with Windows-based devices. The Ultimate Security Bundle supports Windows, Mac, and Android operating systems in addition to allowing you to use the VPN on iOS devices. The Advanced Security subscription adds macOS to the mix, but the Ultimate Security Bundle supports all of these platforms and also allows you to use the VPN on iOS devices.
Another thing that’s important for you to understand is this. The price that is listed in the table is only applicable to the first year of your subscription; going forward, you will be required to pay the following additional fees:
Antivirus Plus can be purchased for $31.42 for the first year, followed by a price of $54.99 per year after that.
Advanced Security is available for a one-time fee of $34.08 for the first year, followed by an annual fee of $74.99
The Ultimate Security Bundle can be purchased for $59.99 for the first year, followed by an annual fee of $139.99.
Every subscription supports up to five devices and includes a refund guarantee for the first thirty days. You have the option of paying with a check or money order, as well as with a wire transfer, PayPal, or PayNearMe.
When you pay for Vipre Antivirus, you will be prompted to check a box indicating your acceptance of the terms of the automatically recurring annual subscription. If you decide that after a year you no longer wish to use Vipre, you will need to manually cancel your membership in order to avoid further charges.
Free of charge demo version
It is helpful to know that you do not actually have to pay for Vipre in order to evaluate the capabilities of its antivirus protection. Because of this, all you have to do to get a free trial of Vipre Advanced Security, Vipre Antivirus Plus, Vipre Privacy Shield, and Vipre Android Security for a period of thirty days is download the appropriate file.
It is a very kind gesture on the part of Vipre, considering that the majority of competing antivirus solutions only allow you to test their software for a week.
Is Vipre a purchase that justifies the cost?
In my opinion, it is well worth it to pay for Vipre Antivirus for the first year of your membership when the price is at its lowest. After that, the money you’ve spent could get you a more complete antivirus programme somewhere else.
My primary worry is that there is a restricted choice of devices that are supported. In addition, despite the fact that the most expensive plan comes with a fully functional VPN, it is actually fairly simple. In this scenario, I would prefer to make separate investments in a security tool and a high-quality VPN (such as NordVPN).
Ease of usage as well as installation
Installing Vipre is a piece of cake, which is exactly what one would anticipate from a cutting-edge antivirus programme. Be mindful, however, that throughout the process of installation, it will inquire as to whether or not it may delete any other antivirus software that you have installed. This is very typical, as it is common for two antimalware solutions to not live very well with one another.
However, the Vipre programme for Windows may use some additional polishing. In my opinion, the design appears to be a little bit dated. Even though there are seven different colour themes to choose from for the app’s background, the majority of them do not make the app appear to be very appealing.
People who aren’t accustomed to using antivirus software may find that utilising Vipre is a little bit of a challenge. Because there is such a large number of setting options to pick from, it may discourage customers who are not particularly skilled in technological matters.
On the other hand, those that are well-versed in their field may fare quite well when confronted with the vast number of available customization options.
Despite the absence of certain capabilities, such as a file shredder, I found that I preferred using the application available for macOS. It has a significantly more contemporary appearance, and I’m hoping that the Vipre app for Windows will soon follow suit.
When it comes to the Virtual Private Network programme, it appears to be very streamlined and welcoming to users. Nevertheless, there is something about the layout of its Settings section that makes me uncomfortably think of PureVPN; even the font is the same.
Vipre mobile app
The Vipre Android application has a greater number of supplemental functions than the primary PC version does. These include a Theft prevention feature (which, in the event that your smartphone is misplaced or stolen, will assist you in locating it), an App Lock feature (which, by limiting access to certain applications), and an email breach checker.
The design of the app, taken as a whole, is noticeably more up to date looking than its counterpart on the desktop. Having said that, there is a catch.
After browsing through the reviews on Google Play, I came across one that highlighted how the app is a knockoff of the Android application that Bitdefender offers. Naturally, I looked at the screenshots of the Bitdefender app, and I was surprised to see that they were in fact very similar to those of the other app. The only noticeable difference was Bitdefender’s VPN capabilities, which was integrated directly into the software. Other than that, the two apps were identical.
I inquired about this matter with Vipre’s customer service to find out the reason for its occurrence. They noted that their Android app is a white label version of Bitdefender’s software, which they licence from the company. This is actually quite encouraging news because Bitdefender is, in and of itself, an outstanding product.
Now, regarding the application for iOS that Vipre currently does not have, or the lack thereof. The trouble is, in order to utilise Vipre Antivirus on either your iPhone or iPad, you will need to subscribe to the Business version of the service. However, there isn’t a specialised software for it, therefore the customer has to utilise the Vipre Business Console, which is not the best option.
There is no need to state the obvious; Vipre is not the optimal choice for iOS-based devices. If you are looking for an additional layer of security, it is in your best interest to look over this list of the top antivirus programmes for iOS devices.
Internet Shield VPN is the only app that is specifically designed for usage on iPhones by Vipre.
Customer support
There are two different ways to get in touch with Vipre’s customer service team. You have the option of opening a ticket or simply calling them up on the phone.
There is also a chat bot, albeit its development could certainly require some more work.
I attempted to get in touch with the support team about the fact that I was unable to use some of the features that were included in my account by filling out their ticket form. Admittedly, that was an error on my part; I was under the impression that Privacy Shield and Internet Shield VPN were one and the same application, but this was not the case.
Sadly, I was unable to log in to the account that I had made for the ticket, and the ability to reset my password did not work. Therefore, I manually emailed them after locating the email address for their customer service, and I received a response inside the first half an hour.
How effective is the antivirus software Vipre?
Your machine will benefit greatly from having Vipre Antivirus installed on it. The programme provides effective defence against malware and viruses, is loaded with a variety of security features, and incorporates a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that is able to bypass Netflix’s content filters.
However, despite this, it does have certain shortcomings. To improve my experience with Vipre, it would be helpful if the company expanded its support for operating systems other than Windows (at the moment, it is overly focused on Windows), included live chat, and updated its user interface.
All things considered, it’s a respectable tool for users who wish to safeguard several Windows devices and have a strong desire to have a great deal of control over their settings.
FAQ
Does malware removal work with Vipre?
Yes. Your devices will be scanned by Vipre Antivirus, which will then eradicate any malware, spyware, or other dangers that it finds. To put it another way, the software will clean your computer or phone even if it already has a virus or malware on it. It is recommended that a comprehensive system scan be carried out for that.
Is Vipre safe?
Yes. Anti-malware and antivirus software from the reputed company Vipre has received positive reviews from independent testing organisations such as AV-Comparatives. Downloading the application from the developer’s website is the safest way to use it, so don’t skimp on that step.
Is there a compatibility issue between Vipre Antivirus and Windows 10?
Yes, Vipre Antivirus is compatible with the latest version of Windows. In point of fact, it is compatible with Windows 8.1 in addition to Windows 7. However, it is not compatible with older versions of Windows and will not work with them.
Does Vipre operate a virtual private network (VPN)?
Yes. When you purchase the most expensive package, which is dubbed the Ultimate Security Bundle, you will be given a separate VPN app. The first year of access will set you back $39.99. After that, the cost of membership each year will be raised to $139.99.
