ZoneAlarm Antivirus Review 2024: Pricing, Plan, Features, Pros And Cons How Good Is It?

ZoneAlarm Antivirus Review ZoneAlarm Antivirus is a well-known name in the world of cybersecurity, offering comprehensive protection against viruses, malware, and online threats. But with so many antivirus options out there, is ZoneAlarm worth your investment? In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at ZoneAlarm’s pricing plans, features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a tech-savvy individual or a small business owner looking for reliable antivirus software, this review will provide all the information you need. So let’s dive into ZoneAlarm Antivirus 2024 and see if it lives up to the hype!

 

ZoneAlarm Antivirus Review

ZoneAlarm is an antivirus software that offers excellent security features. I conducted a thorough evaluation of its entire cybersecurity toolkit and found that the malware scanner outperformed Microsoft Defender in terms of detecting threats.

The advanced firewall was highly effective and provided a high level of customization options. Additionally, the web protections successfully blocked every suspicious website and link that I encountered. Notably, ZoneAlarm also offers strong anti-keylogging and ransomware protection.

In terms of usability, this antivirus is incredibly straightforward to install and navigate. Its interface is user-friendly, allowing easy access to settings and features across various platforms including PC, Android, and iOS. One aspect that I particularly appreciate about ZoneAlarm is the presence of all features on the main user interface, eliminating any confusion associated with hidden menus.

Although ZoneAlarm is a dependable and user-friendly antivirus software, it does have a few limitations. In comparison to Norton and Bitdefender, it lacks essential cybersecurity features like a VPN, password manager, and parental controls. Nevertheless, ZoneAlarm is still a decent antivirus option that comes at a very affordable price. It provides users with the opportunity to try it out risk-free through a 30-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

ZoneAlarm Antivirus Key Informations

🏅 Overall Rank	Rank Shortcode
🔥 Firewall
🌐 VPN
🎁 Free Plan
💵 Pricing	INR1,250 / year
💰 Money-Back Guarantee	30 days
💻 Operating Systems	Windows, Android, iOS

ZoneAlarm Full Review

ZoneAlarm is a trustworthy antivirus software that provides protection against various types of malware. It includes a user-friendly malware scanner, an effective firewall, real-time protection, anti-phishing measures, and anti-ransomware capabilities. ZoneAlarm offers three different plans: a free plan and two premium plans.

The premium plans consist of Pro Antivirus + Firewall, which is the basic package, and Extreme Security NextGen, which is ZoneAlarm’s most comprehensive package. Extreme Security NextGen offers a wide range of features compared to Pro Antivirus + Firewall. Although it is more expensive, it provides better value for money. Both plans allow coverage for up to 50 devices, but the cost increases significantly if you choose to do so.

ZoneAlarm Security Features

ZoneAlarm offers a range of security features that are highly effective. When I tested it, the scanner successfully detected all the hidden malware on my computer, surpassing Microsoft Defender in terms of malware detection. The software utilizes behavioral scanning to identify the latest threats, and its malware database is frequently updated every hour.

ZoneAlarm Standout Features

In addition to its efficiency, the scans are also swift; during my trial, I was able to complete a full scan in approximately 45 minutes – a speed comparable to top antivirus programs such as Norton. One of ZoneAlarm’s standout features is its advanced firewall. This firewall not only blocks malware but also monitors your network to prevent unauthorized access. Its two-way functionality ensures that your PC remains invisible to hackers and provides protection against spyware. While there may be superior firewalls available, such as Norton’s Smart Firewall, the firewall offered by ZoneAlarm is still one of its strongest features.

ZoneAlarm top-notch protection against Ransomware

ZoneAlarm offers top-notch protection against ransomware. It utilizes AI technology to thwart any incoming ransomware attacks. If ZoneAlarm identifies any ransomware files on your computer, it prevents them from encrypting your data. In my experiments, ZoneAlarm effectively blocked all of my simulated ransomware attacks. Additionally, I appreciate that ZoneAlarm’s anti-ransomware feature can recover any data that has been encrypted by a ransomware infection.

ZoneAlarm’s Web Secure Feature

ZoneAlarm’s Web Secure feature provides exceptional web protection. It includes Safe Browsing, a tool that restricts access to unsafe or suspicious websites. To test its effectiveness, I visited several known phishing sites, and ZoneAlarm promptly blocked my access to each website. Another valuable security feature is Threat Emulation, which assesses suspicious files within a secure environment. I particularly like this feature because it safeguards against zero-day threats in unfamiliar files. Furthermore, ZoneAlarm utilizes the examined files to update its cloud database with new signatures.

ZoneAlarm offers good web and email protections

The Anti-keylogger feature proved to be highly effective in my trials. It serves as a strong defense against identity theft by safeguarding your keystrokes and preventing the unauthorized monitoring or recording of personal information such as passwords and banking details. To verify its capabilities, I conducted various keylogger tests, and without fail, it successfully thwarted every attempt to log keystrokes.

ZoneAlarm Commendable Features

Although ZoneAlarm possesses numerous commendable features, it lacks certain vital tools. In contrast to leading competitors like Norton and Bitdefender, ZoneAlarm does not offer a VPN, parental controls, or a password manager. However, this omission is not a dealbreaker due to its reasonably priced plans with effective security features. Nevertheless, the inclusion of these additional features would greatly enhance ZoneAlarm’s overall offering.

ZoneAlarm Plans & Pricing

ZoneAlarm offers a respectable free antivirus plan that includes a malware scanner and several useful tools such as Wi-Fi protection and traffic monitoring. I am impressed by the range of features available in the free plan. However, it does lack essential tools like effective web protection and real-time cloud security. Additionally, the free version is only compatible with Windows PCs, although you can still try out ZoneAlarm on mobile devices through their 30-day free trial.

ZoneAlarm paid antivirus plans

In addition to the free plan, ZoneAlarm also offers two paid antivirus plans: Pro Antivirus + Firewall and Extreme Security NextGen. Both plans are available only through yearly subscriptions lasting either one or two years. The cost of each subscription depends on the number of devices you want to cover. While subscriptions for a single device may be considered expensive, protecting multiple devices is more affordable compared to many top competitors.

ZoneAlarm Pro Antivirus + Firewall Plan

ZoneAlarm Pro Antivirus + Firewall is satisfactory. It is available at a starting price of INR1,250 per year and includes real-time protection, anti-phishing protection, and Safe Browsing, in addition to the features offered in the free version. I am not pleased that this paid plan lacks a ransomware protection feature and that it only supports Windows PCs. Personally, I believe it does not offer sufficient value for the cost, although the antivirus engine itself is commendable.

Extreme Security NextGen package

The Extreme Security NextGen package from ZoneAlarm is their most extensive plan, priced at INR1,750 per year. In addition to the features offered in previous plans, it provides anti-keylogging capabilities, anti-ransomware protection, and content filtering tools. However, it does not include extra features such as a VPN, a password manager, or system optimization. Nonetheless, I appreciate that Extreme Security NextGen supports various device types including Windows PC, Android, and iOS. It is an excellent option for those seeking security across multiple devices (except for Mac users who will need to consider alternative options).

ZoneAlarm’s Money-Back Guarantee

ZoneAlarm’s pricing is relatively inexpensive when compared to other antivirus products such as Norton, Bitdefender, and McAfee. However, it should be noted that they do not offer the same level of comprehensive protection. On a positive note, ZoneAlarm does provide a 30-day free trial and a money-back guarantee for their plans, allowing customers to test them without any risk.

Below is a brief summary of ZoneAlarm’s various plans:

ZoneAlarm Ease of Use & Setup

ZoneAlarm was very easy to set up and use, requiring minimal effort. The process of downloading and installing the Extreme Security NextGenWindows app was smooth and trouble-free. Once it was installed, I was able to start using it right away. One aspect that I particularly appreciate about ZoneAlarm is how neatly it organizes all of its features into four main categories.

ZoneAlarm Benifits

• Antivirus. Contains features like real-time protection and file reputation.
• Two-way firewall. With Stealth mode, which makes you invisible to hackers.
• Web Secure. Includes features like anti-phishing, threat emulation, and safe browsing.
• Hacking Protection. With anti-ransomware and anti-keylogger capabilities.

ZoneAlarm Main Interface

One aspect I appreciate about ZoneAlarm is that it does not conceal categories within sub-menus. Instead, all options can be accessed directly from the main user interface. Upon initial installation, all protections are automatically enabled; however, it is simple to disable them if desired. Additionally, the user interface offers convenient features such as a readily accessible “Back” button and a easily locatable “Settings” page.

ZoneAlarm Gaming Mode

I was pleased to discover that ZoneAlarm has a convenient feature called Gaming Mode. This mode temporarily disables antivirus activities like security alerts, virus definition updates, and automatic scans when you’re gaming. While it’s a useful addition, it doesn’t quite measure up to our top-rated gaming antiviruses. These not only suspend notifications but also offer game boosters that can optimize your PC’s performance. Additionally, ZoneAlarm’s mobile apps are user-friendly and easy to navigate. The interface of the Android app includes features such as Safe Browsing, a network vulnerability checker, and a malware scanner.

ZoneAlarm Functionalities

In the meantime, the iOS application provides functionalities that prioritize safeguarding the web, such as enhanced protection for Safari and filtering of content. Moreover, both applications employ VPN protocols to prevent access to malicious websites. Although they do not conceal your geographic location like a typical VPN, ZoneAlarm utilizes these VPN protocols to supervise your browser traffic effectively.

ZoneAlarm Customer Support

ZoneAlarm provides support through three channels: live chat, a forum, and email support. Live chat is available 24/7 from Monday to Friday and from 8 am to 5 pm PST on weekends. Both live chat and email support are included in all of ZoneAlarm’s plans and can be accessed in English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian.

ZoneAlarm response times

I assessed the response times of both the live chat and email support. The customer service representative on live chat replied within seconds, which was extremely impressive. On the other hand, the email support agent responded to me in approximately 30 minutes. Not only were they prompt in their replies, but they also provided comprehensive and clear answers to all my inquiries.

ZoneAlarm Additional Assistance

The support staff went the extra mile by providing additional assistance and ensuring that all my questions were answered. Additionally, I received email records of my online conversations with ZoneAlarm, which proved to be useful for future reference.

ZoneAlarm Community Forum

ZoneAlarm also offers a community forum where users can express their thoughts, ask questions, and help others with their inquiries. However, it should be noted that the forums are not very active, and I found it more effective to communicate directly with ZoneAlarm’s customer support.

ZoneAlarm informative online resources

In addition to the support channels, ZoneAlarm offers informative online resources. One of them is a detailed knowledge base which contains a wide range of articles categorized into different sections such as installation guides, troubleshooting guides, purchase and subscription articles, and more.

ZoneAlarm Refund Policy

This allowed me to easily navigate through the categories based on the product I was interested in, making it effortless to find the information I needed. After trying out ZoneAlarm, I decided to test their refund policy by sending an email requesting a refund. To my surprise, ZoneAlarm promptly approved my request within just one hour. I received my money back without any complications or further inquiries within a few business days.

How Good Is ZoneAlarm in 2023?

In general, ZoneAlarm is a commendable product, although it does have some significant drawbacks. It utilizes a robust antivirus engine that consistently thwarted malware in my evaluations and boasts a dependable firewall. However, it lacks many additional features and falls short when compared to other antivirus options for Android and iOS. ZoneAlarm is compatible with the majority of devices, but I believe it should also be compatible with macOS. Additionally, its most comprehensive plan, Extreme Security NextGen, is exclusively accessible on Windows, Android, and iOS platforms.

ZoneAlarm Mobile Security

In addition to the basic features, such as a VPN, password manager, and parental controls, I would like to see some additional features in ZoneAlarm Mobile Security. While the app does utilize VPN protocols, it does not provide a complete VPN service. These protocols can help protect your browsing from hackers but cannot change your geographical location like a standard VPN can. I found ZoneAlarm to be very user-friendly.

ZoneAlarm Clarification Use

The interface was easy to navigate and I did not require any clarification to use it effectively. I was able to quickly access all the features and had no difficulty adjusting the settings according to my preferences. Furthermore, the customer support provided by ZoneAlarm was highly responsive and helpful.

ZoneAlarm Improvements Terms Of Extra Features

When compared to other top antivirus products, ZoneAlarm could use some improvements, particularly in terms of extra features. However, despite offering fewer features than most antivirus products, ZoneAlarm still includes essential tools such as ransomware and anti-phishing protection, which function effectively. Additionally, the app is reasonably priced and does not overcharge for its features.

Frequently Asked Questions: ZoneAlarm Antivirus Review 2024

Is ZoneAlarm a good antivirus?

ZoneAlarm is a reliable antivirus solution; however, it lacks additional features. It utilizes a powerful next-generation antivirus engine that incorporates machine learning technology to safeguard your device against viruses and zero-day threats. Moreover, ZoneAlarm performed exceptionally well in all the tests I conducted and boasts impressive security measures like anti-ransomware and anti-phishing capabilities.

Unfortunately, ZoneAlarm does not include a VPN, which is a common feature found in most leading competitors. Additionally, its mobile packages are not as comprehensive compared to others, and the majority of its packages are limited to PC users. Despite these limitations, I still recommend ZoneAlarm as an affordable and dependable antivirus software. Nonetheless, it would be great if it offered more features.

Is ZoneAlarm a good firewall?

Certainly! ZoneAlarm is actually one of my preferred free firewalls. During my testing, it performed exceptionally well by effectively managing and monitoring the flow of network traffic to ensure that no unauthorized access or intrusions occurred. Additionally, it provides the added benefit of making your devices undetectable to hackers and preventing spyware from compromising your online data.

ZoneAlarm offers two standalone firewall options: a free version and a paid version. The paid version includes additional features such as anti-phishing protection, secure document downloads, expert rules, and more. It’s worth noting that ZoneAlarm also offers advanced firewall capabilities in their other products, such as Pro Antivirus + Firewall and Extreme Security NextGen.

Does ZoneAlarm slow down computers?

Indeed, ZoneAlarm has the potential to cause a decrease in PC performance. Personally, I have experienced some minor slowdowns on my low-end laptop during scans. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that while it may not be as lightweight as a cloud-based antivirus, it still outperforms many other antivirus programs I have tested.

However, it is important to consider that if you are experiencing performance issues, there could be other factors at play. One possibility is a conflict between ZoneAlarm and another security program, such as a VPN or different antivirus software, which can impact your device’s performance. Additionally, your system configuration can also contribute to reduced internet speeds when ZoneAlarm is active.

Does ZoneAlarm have a VPN?

ZoneAlarm does not offer a VPN service. However, if you are in need of a reliable antivirus with a VPN, I would suggest considering TotalAV or McAfee. Even though ZoneAlarm does not have a built-in VPN, its Android and iOS apps incorporate VPN protocols into their security systems.

This integration ensures that you are protected against harmful websites and phishing attacks. Additionally, ZoneAlarm offers other crucial security features such as a two-way advanced firewall, real-time protection, threat emulation, anti-keylogger, and content filtering.

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Bottom Line

ZoneAlarm Antivirus is in need of an upgrade. While it is a commendable core product, providing robust security scans and appealing features, there are better alternatives available at a similar price point, especially if your devices are not operating on Windows 10, 8 or 7. Take the time to explore other antivirus options to compare their security with that of ZoneAlarm’s. Considering its age, ZoneAlarm Antivirus is not a subpar program.

With the exception of phishing attacks, it offers excellent protection and particularly excels in defending against zero-day exploits. Additionally, it does not cause any slowdowns when conducting scans and boasts a range of unique features such as complimentary credit monitoring for identity protection and threat emulation capabilities.

However, it is slightly outdated. Its appearance resembles that of a computer from 2005 rather than one from 2020. Additionally, it no longer makes sense to be restricted to a specific operating system for a program. The software lacks essential security features such as a VPN, password manager, and file shredder (take a look at our comprehensive list of the best free VPN services to use alongside ZoneAlarm).

Considering the cost, you could purchase an antivirus program that offers almost identical security measures and a wide range of impressive additional features. We would love to hear your thoughts on ZoneAlarm Antivirus in the comments below. Thank you for reading, as always.