The Gist
STOPzilla might have started out as a simple pop-up blocking tool, but it’s since evolved into a complete security suite that gives its competitors a run for their money. Plus, its customer service and technical support is top notch.
STOPzilla Highlights
- Full windows integration.
- Excellent phone-based customer support.
- US-maintained and certified by West Coast Labs and Checkmark Anti-Virus Desktop.
Pros
- Can run full scans in around 10-12 minutes.
- Solid performance in malware detection tests.
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Optimizer add-on provides powerful PC clean-up tools.
Cons
- One of the pricier options on the market.
- Struggles to pick up some of the worst viruses.
Features
STOPzilla has come a long way since its early days as a simple pop-up blocker. It’s now a complete anti-spyware package for scanning and removing threats like spyware, malware, adware and rootkits.
There are four different options to choose from: AntiVirus (starts at $39.95 per year for one PC), AntiMalware ($19.95), Mobile ($14.95) and Optimizer ($19.95). They complement one another but all do different things, so it’s important to pick the right one for you.
STOPzillaAntiVirus is the core product that defends your complete system from malware and viruses. It has an active scanner to monitor data and intercept malware, a threat-removal layer that finds and deletes potential threats, and device control to stop infected files on external drives from infiltrating your system. It also integrates with Windows Security Center.
STOPzillaAntiMalware works alongside its AntiVirus solution, using an extensive database of malware signatures to detect and eliminate malware immediately.
STOPzilla Mobile is precisely what you’d expect: a solution for Android smartphones and tablets. It alerts you when you browse websites with fraudulent or malicious content and keeps your personal information safe.
STOPzilla Optimizer cleans out the clutter from your PC, fixing fragmented hard drives and registry issues to reduce error messages and system crashes, and improve your computer’s performance.
Ease of Use
First of all, the user interface is great and integration with Windows makes it particularly easy to install and use. It’s also made and maintained in the US and is certified by West Coast Labs and Checkmark Anti-Virus Desktop, which are all good indicators of reliability and safe handling of data.
Plus, it’s fast. Very fast. You can run a complete scan in around 10 minutes, which beats most of the competition. And it does that while putting in a solid performance at detecting and deleting the more common forms of spyware, malware and adware.
Performance
Its performance is middling when it comes to detecting particularly nasty or rare viruses, malware, Trojans and rootkits, with a lot of these slipping through the net during tests – including ones that are designed to stop you installing the antivirus in the first place.
And although it’s nice that you can start with the essentials and then pick and choose which additional packages and features you want, it also works out quite expensive if you opt for everything.
Customer Support
Perhaps the best thing is the quality of STOPzilla’s customer support. Users rave about the thoroughness and efficiency of customer service agents over the phone, who can guide you through any mishaps or errors during scans or installation.
Value for Money
STOPzilla’s basic package leaves out a lot of features that its competitors include as standard and then sells them to you as add-ons, which makes it a comparatively pricey option. That said, perks include 30-Day Money Back guarantee on several of the products, so if you decide you don’t want or need them, you don’t have to splash so much cash.
If you’re pretty savvy about your antivirus software and are unlikely to need help, there’s not much in it for you – you can get cheaper solutions that do the same things elsewhere. But if your main concern is getting through to an expert when things you wrong, the customer support will prove priceless.
Conclusion
STOPzilla’s customer service is at the forefront of the antivirus industry, you can rely always rely on having the support you need if something goes wrong. It’s also a good choice for people that want to pick and choose their antivirus features.