The Ultimate Vipre Antivirus Review for 2022

VIPRE is a simple and affordable yet powerful AV software that protects you against every type of modern malware with a minimum impact on system performance.

This VIPRE antivirus review explores its protection features, subscription plans, UI experience, and other benefits that make it one of the best choices out there.

Let’s get to it!

Security & Privacy Features

Similar to its competition, the VIPRE antivirus software includes several premium features that support its primary protection function. We explore them in detail below!

Malware Detection & Protection

Using modern anti-malware protection (such as machine learning, real-time scanning, and cloud-enabled solutions) on top of traditional signature-based approaches, VIPRE fends off every type of existing and emerging digital threat.

Ultimately, the award-winning VIPRE virus protection eliminates anything from ransomware and spyware to more traditional e-threats, such as viruses, worms, and trojans. Despite its simplicity, it also protects you against zero-day malware and phishing attempts.

Independent Lab Tests

As proof of its efficiency, the VIPRE AV solution has scored excellent testing results with AV-Comparatives and the AV-TEST Institute.

However, while VIPRE’s AV-TEST score of 18 points was the highest possible, the AV-Comparatives results included two Advanced+ certifications (top result) and one Standard certification. In sum, the overall VIPRE antivirus rating adds up to 9.5 out of 10.

Note: Some competitors, such as Kaspersky and Bitdefender, scored three Advanced+ certifications in the AV-Comparatives tests.

Ransomware & Phishing Protection

While the VIPRE internet security solution offers terrific malware protection, you can find better anti-ransomware and anti-phishing performance with the competition.

For instance, various third-party tests show mediocre results in detecting ransomware attacks. The phishing protection scores leave much to be desired as well as recent tests show VIPRE missing two out of three phishing scams.

Note: Other premium brands like McAfee and Bitdefender detected all or mostly all phishing websites and emails.

Scanning for Viruses

To find and eliminate malware, you can choose from several VIPRE virus scan options:

• Quick scan—standard quick scan that goes over the most vulnerable files and folders found on your disk;
• Full scan—a lengthy scan that covers the entire hard disk and looks for every type of malware;
• Custom scan—scans preselected types of files and folders at a custom time (either on a one-time or a scheduled basis).

While the first full scan takes around an hour, you can also activate VIPRE’s RapidScan tech to significantly speed up subsequent scans as it skips over files already marked safe. Also, the system performance impact is negligible, even during thorough scans. 

Note: If you are looking for an antivirus that uses the cloud’s computing power without any performance hit, check out Webroot.

Firewall

The VIPRE Advanced Security and the Ultimate Security plans also include a much-needed firewall feature that prevents unauthorised connections from accessing your network.

Moreover, the VIPRE firewall includes plenty of customisation options, unlike the built-in Windows version, and within its settings menu, you can adjust whether or not it runs in stealth mode, logs events, protects you from inside attacks, and much more.

Note: Despite its heavy customisation options, the brand’s firewall cannot compete with top brands like Norton. Therefore, it is advisable to use it together with the Windows firewall.

Internet Shield VPN

The ultimate VIPRE antivirus security bundle also includes a virtual private network that hides your IP address, encrypts your traffic, and accesses location-based content.

Furthermore, VIPRE’s Internet Shield VPN comes with unlimited bandwidth, doesn’t keep logs or reduce your speed, and can be installed on all your devices, both desktop and mobile.

Bonus Features

In addition to the essential protection features outlined above, VIPRE offers additional perks with its more expensive plans, as listed below:

• Third-party patching—updates your other software;
• Browsing track cleaner—deletes your browsing history;
• Webcam and microphone blocker—turns off your camera and mic on demand;
• Dark web scanner—checks if your private data has been leaked on the internet;
• Documents vault—encrypts your sensitive documents;
• Tracking blocker—scrambles your online digital footprint.

Note: Most of these advanced features are Windows exclusive.

Setup & Usability

The process to install VIPRE is relatively straightforward and includes several steps:

1. Download the installer via the company’s official website;
2. Start the installer and enter your product key;
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to install all VIPRE apps;
4. Let the software update its AV definitions and complete a full scan.

Note: The VIPRE setup takes around 20 minutes as it installs several standalone programs. In comparison, Avast offers a lightweight and speedy installer that takes about 5 minutes.

User Interface

The main application features a user-friendly interface separated into three tabs:

• MyVIPRE—offers a quick overview of your protection status and scan options;
• Account—provides information and access to your account;
• Manage—includes settings for the software’s main features: antivirus, updates, email, firewall, privacy, and gaming.

Note: VIPRE for Mac has a different and slimmer interface due to platform differences and the lack of support for the full suite of features for macOS.

Device & Platform Compatibility

In principle, the VIPRE malware protection is available for both desktop and mobile. However, depending on your chosen platform, you might not get the full user experience.

For example, while the Windows version offers the full suite of features and benefits, the macOS app is a simple antivirus with a straightforward interface. At any rate, you won’t have to purchase a separate license to install the software on different platforms.

Mobile Apps

When it comes to mobile protection, the VIPRE team has also developed an Android app with the following features:

• Malware Scanner—protection from Android-based malicious programs;
• Web Protection—real-time browser protection;
• Auto Pilot—gives you security recommendations;
• App Lock—hides some of your apps with a PIN code;
• Anti-Theft—locks, wipes, and tracks your phone should you lose it;
• Account Privacy—checks for potential email breaches.

Note: The VIPRE antivirus for Android comes with a standalone subscription. If you are looking for AV software that offers free mobile protection with its desktop plans, check out ESET.

Plans & Pricing

Unfortunately, you cannot download a VIPRE free version; however, you can always ask for a 30-day trial for review purposes. If you decide to go for VIPRE, choose one of these plans:

Note: Since the above costs are subject to change without notice, visit the official website to check the latest VIPRE antivirus price points and whether or not they offer any discounts.

Customer Support

You can always contact the VIPRE support team or peruse the brand’s other support options should the need arise. We explore them below.

• Knowledge base—thorough knowledge vaults for all VIPRE products
• Community forums—place to ask for help or provide assistance to other users
• Submit a ticket—describe your issue in a detailed support ticket
• Contact by phone or email—direct communication with VIPRE’s support team

Overall, VIPRE’s customer support could do better, given the high standard set by other competitors such as McAfee. Though, ultimately you will find your answer.

Is VIPRE The Right Fit For You?

VIPRE offers efficient antivirus software at competitive prices. Moreover, it includes premium features for optimal digital protection, such as a dark web scanner, VPN, firewall, and more.

On the downside, unlike some competitors, the company does not yet include options such as parental controls, iOS support, or the entire experience for macOS.

All in all, VIPRE sells an efficient product at its price range, and potential customers should review their current needs and budget before deciding. Having said that, if you are satisfied with VIPRE’s offering, it is a good purchase!