Overview
Panda Security is based in Bilbao, Spain and specializes in the creation and distribution of IT security solutions. It is a highly-awarded company, and has been ranked as one of the 500 fastest growing companies in Europe since 1997. Panda Security started in antivirus solutions but has since expanded to include a variety of technology to prevent cyber-crime.
Panda Security at a Glance
Best For
- Online browsing with top-notch website and malicious URL blocking tools
- Top-notch protection for all devices and PCs
- Android users looking for innovative mobile security
Why Choose Panda?
If you are looking for a quality antivirus software that focuses on protecting your mobile device, then Panda Security is the best choice for you. Depending on your needs, you have three advanced solutions to choose from - all including unique Wi-Fi protection and performance enhancers.
No matter which package you choose, you will have maximum protection against all types of threats, viruses and malicious software.
What They Offer:
- Rock-solid protection against malware
- Great features for Android users
- Wi-Fi protection
- Parental controls
- Data protection and backups
- Smart control from your smartwatch
Features
Panda Security’s paid antivirus comes in three packages, The Panda Dome consists of Essential Protection (which starts at $19.99 per device per year), Advanced Protection ($37.49) and Complete Protection ($52.49). As you would expect, these staggered prices provide different features to match.
But let’s start with what they all offer.
First up, there’s your standard antivirus security features for Windows devices: protection from threats like malware, viruses and malicious websites, plus USB scanning. What’s more, you get WiFi protection to block intruders and tools for tracking lost or stolen iPhones.
But the real star of the show – what sets Panda apart from its competitors – is its innovative approach to Android mobile security
On top of antivirus scans, performance-boosting tools and remote locate / lock / wipe features for managing your device, Panda Security also offers great ways to prevent against physical theft.
For example, if someone enters your passcode incorrectly three times, it will email you a photo of the attempted intruder. And, if you have to leave your phone unattended for a short time, you can turn on a feature that sets off a persistent alarm if anyone tries to move it without putting in the passcode first.
Those are the features that all the packages offer. So why would you opt for the more expensive options?
Well, for starters, antivirus for Mac is only available on the three higher tiers, as are features like parental control, data shield and file backup and recovery.
Global and Gold protection go a step further, offering password management, file encryption and “shredding” tools that will delete a document permanently. With Gold, you also get 20GB of cloud storage, synced across your devices.
How Panda Security Works
Panda Security installation is fairly easy to understand, and all paid-for packages come with an intuitive and well-designed interface that makes usability a breeze. There are automatic updates and no maintenance is required to make sure your software is never out of date. Plus, it’s simple to change your settings and technical support assistance is readily available.
You can drag and drop the most important features onto your main page, and have plenty of flexibility and control over features like blocking apps and programs you don’t trust or recognize.
User Experience
What you may really want to know is: how well does it actually do the job?
Well, all versions of Panda Security perform very, very well in independent lab tests when it comes to core functions like detecting viruses and blocking malware and malicious websites.
But while it outstrips competitors on malware protection, Panda Security is decidedly middle-of-the-road when it comes to anti-phishing scams and fraud detection. And its personal firewall protection, while technically sound, doesn’t offer as much user control as many would like.
More annoyingly, although its Android mobile security offering works like a dream, if you’re on a Mac or iPhone, you just won’t get quite the same perks (at least for the time being) while using Panda Security. For now at least, many of the benefits are Windows and Android-centric.
Panda Security Customer Support
All of Panda Security's pro subscription packages offer pretty comprehensive technical support across email, phone, web chat and site forums. There are unique sections on the website for different security options, including Windows, Mac and Android, as well as FAQs that cover everything from setup and renewals to updates and removals.
In the site forums you can learn with and talk to other Panda antivirus users about a variety of topics, ranging from data collection tools to news and notifications. You can also get in touch with Panda Security staff through various social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter.
However, if you want premium level, 24-hour support that includes remote access by technicians, you’ll need to stump up for Advanced Protection.
Panda Security Pricing
Panda Dome Essential
$35.99/year
Antivirus, Firewall, Real-Time Protection, VPN (150MB/day), Wi-Fi Protection
Windows, Mac, Android
Panda Dome Advanced
$42.74/year
Speed up PC, Optimize, Improve Performance
Windows, Mac
Panda Dome Complete
$32.99/year
Antivirus and firewall for Windows, VPN Free, Parental control, Password manager
Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
Panda Security Value for Money
Panda Security is great. But is it worth the price tag? After all, the free version of its antivirus solution consistently rates among the best on the market, with an impressive range of high-performing features. So why bite the bullet and splash the cash on a Pro subscription?
First, there’s the convenience issue. Scan times are faster, while the dashboard is vastly easier to use. Then, there’s effectiveness: Pro versions offer personal firewalls and are better at detecting new malware and other threats than the more stripped-back, free alternative. And, of course, if you’re a business or you simply need a full-package, multi-device option with file sync, store and backup, you will need to go Pro.
But ultimately, Panda’s USP is its range of cool Android anti-theft protection and security features – and these are more than worth the yearly subscription fee.
Bottom Line
Panda provides an easy-to-install and intuitive antivirus software solution. You have three different packages to choose from, as well as unique features for home and/or business use. It has exceptionally strong protection for Windows desktop users, and provides several unique features such as parental controls and USB protection.
