10 Best Spyware Removal Tools (Anti Spyware Software – 2023)

Read this Comprehensive Review & Comparison of the Top Spyware Removal Tools With Features & Pricing to Select Best Anti Spyware Software:

There is no doubt that the Internet has been a colossal blessing to our generation. However, it also cannot be denied that it has opened up doors to all kinds of security threats that simply didn’t exist before. Our computer system or mobile devices are under constant threat from spyware trying to harvest data that is valuable to us for their benefit.

Data, in particular, today has become like the new oil. Every day a large influx of data is experienced containing critical information regarding one’s business or otherwise. Imagine what can happen if this data falls in the wrong hands.

Many businesses have found themselves falling prey to such attacks, going so far as to getting engulfed in scathing scandals that tarnished their hard-earned goodwill.

With such vulnerabilities possible, you must have an anti-spyware tool handy to combat such issues.

What Are Spyware Removal Tools

Spyware removal tools are software that helps in detecting harmful spyware and removing them effectively from your system. Most antivirus software today comes with a built-in anti-spyware feature that works to eliminate suspected spyware from the system or at the entry point.

Recommended reading =>> Common Spyware Apps 

With so many options to choose from, it can be very challenging to land on an anti-spyware tool you can trust. We took our sweet time testing over 25 spyware removal tools, and have narrowed down our list to 10 great tools that we would like to recommend to you.

FAQs About Anti Spyware Software

Q #1) Why do we need an Anti-spyware tool?

Answer: Malicious hackers and other bad-faith actors online have evolved and become increasingly audacious in hacking into, and stealing compromising information. Hence, to prevent such issues an anti-spyware tool has become fundamental.

Q #2) What are the effects of spyware?

Answer: It can affect your system in several ways. It can slow down your system, damage files, monitor your activity, create pop-up ads, and egregiously steal important data from your database.

Q #3) Is spyware and malware the same?

Answer: Spyware is a kind of malware that can gain access to your system with the malicious intent of stealing your data or spying on your activities without the user’s knowledge.

Q #4) Can VPN’s protect you from spyware?

Answer: No, a VPN can shroud your activities from your Internet service providers and other shoddy players online. In that context, it does protect your privacy. However, your system is still vulnerable to spyware that can only be weeded out with a great anti-spyware tool.

List of Top Spyware Removal Tools

1. TotalAV Antivirus
2. Fortect
3. AVG Antivirus
4. System Mechanic Ultimate Defense
5. MyCleanPC
6. Malwarebytes
7. LifeLock
8. Panda Free Antivirus
9. SUPERAntiSpyware
10. Comodo Antivirus
11. Avast Antivirus
12. Spybot
13. Adaware Antivirus
14. Bitdefender Antivirus
15. SpywareBlaster

Comparing the Best Anti-Spyware Software

Best Spyware Removal Tools Review

#1) TotalAV Antivirus

Best for Ransomware and Phishing Scam protection.

TotalAV Antivirus perfectly embodies what total anti-virus protection means. This feature-rich cross-platform tool can protect your entire system from almost all types of threats. It is capable of detecting and eliminating threats like malware, ransomware, Trojans, phishing scams, etc. in real-time.

Besides anti-virus protection, the software also serves as a powerful system tune-up tool and an ad-blocker. Its ability to face and eliminate diverse types of online threats and system vulnerabilities make TotalAV Antivirus one of the best spyware removal tools we have today.

Features:

• Smart Scan Scheduler
• Trojan, Virus, and Malware elimination
• PUA Protection
• System Tune-Up tools

Verdict: With TotalAV Antivirus, you get so much more than a simple spyware removal tool. This is software that can function as a robust disk cleaner, phenomenal browser optimizer, and an incredible anti-virus protector. Starting at $19 only, this is also one of the most competitively priced tools you can grab today to protect your Windows and Mac devices.

Price: Free plan for basic scanning only, Pro plan: $19 for 3 devices, Internet Security: $39 for 5 devices, Total Security: $49 for 8 devices

#2) Fortect

Best for Real-time virus and malware monitoring.

Fortect isn’t your typical spyware removal tool. However, it can be used to discover threats like spyware hidden within your system. The software comes equipped with real-time virus and malware monitoring capabilities.

This allows the software to check downloads and installs. You are immediately alerted of any spyware detected during these procedures so you can stop the process. Besides this, you can use the software to perform several PC optimization actions.

Features:

• Malware removal
• Virus detection
• Junk file clean-up
• Registry cleaner

Verdict: Fortect may not possess the spyware-removing capabilities of most antivirus solutions out there, but it still excels with its real-time malware and virus-detecting capabilities. It can detect and remove some forms of malware. Plus, it is good if you want to clean up or optimize the performance of your PC.

Price: There are 3 pricing plans. The basic plan costs $29.95 for one-time use. The premium plan at $39.95 will get you unlimited 1-year use of a single license. Then there is the extended license that costs $59.95 and offers you 3 licenses for 1-year unlimited use.

#3) AVG Antivirus

Best for full system malware scanning and removal.

AVG’s popularity lies in it being a very reliable PC repair tool for quite some time now. However, many don’t realize the potential of its robust antivirus software. As a phenomenal anti-spyware tool, AVG Antivirus can remove viruses, spyware, adware, ransomware, and much more with utmost efficiency.

AVG is not only concerned with protecting your entire system, but also protecting your online activity and emails. It catches threats in real-time, eliminates them at the entry point, and ensures your entire system remains healthy while protecting your privacy.

It also offers a super sleek and simple design that makes the tool very easy to use. All actions can be performed with ease from the dashboard itself. Now, its antivirus tool is free, but as we are more concerned with its abilities to remove spyware, we recommend you pay $39.99 for its Internet security version that provides all year round protection from viruses.

Features:

• Block unsafe links.
• Full scan for PC performance problems.
• Real-time security updates.
• Enhanced Firewall.
• An extra layer of Ransomware protection.

Verdict: AVG Antivirus can successfully remove all kinds of malware, including spyware from your system. Its scan can be a tad bit slow and you have to wait but as this Internet security version reaps its benefits as a spyware removal tool, the result is worth the wait.

Price: Free version, $39.99 per year.

#4) System Mechanic Ultimate Defense

Best for cleaning and repairing your PC.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense is a comprehensive suite of security, privacy, and performance features. It can protect your PC from viruses, spyware, Trojans, rootkits, and other malicious software.

Its System Shield is a malware blocking software. It is a VB100-certified anti-malware solution. It deploys reactive as well as proactive malware detection strategies.

Features:

• System Shield’s reactive strategy detects viruses through published malware signature detection.
• Its proactive strategy makes use of sophisticated behavior-monitoring techniques. Based on these techniques, it builds a general sense to decide whether a file can harm your computer.
• System Mechanic Ultimate Defense provides a Malware Killer solution that will find and destroy existing malware.
• Malware Killer can detect previously unknown threats as well as continually add to a vast reputation database

Verdict: System Mechanic Ultimate Defense provides a unique solution of malware remediation through Malware Killer. It makes use of proprietary Scan Cloud-based scanning and analysis. It will dramatically reduce the detection time for brand new outbreaks.

Price: System Mechanic Ultimate Defense is available for $63.96. Currently, it offers a Coupon Deal of a massive 60% off, just $31.98!
Coupon Code: workfromhome (New Customers Only)
Valid From: Now
Valid To: October 5, 2020

#6) MyCleanPC

Best for Full PC Optimization.

MyCleanPC – If you want to quickly get rid of spyware or any other such item that you suspect is affecting your system, then MyCleanPC is your best option. The software can be used to perform a quick as well as deep scan, which can unearth well-hidden spyware on your system.

It will automatically remove the detected spyware before it even has a chance to affect your computer. MyCleanPC allows you to schedule scans that are automatically triggered at a set time and date. This keeps your computer protected 24/7 from spyware, adware, and other malware that can hinder your system’s performance.

Features:

• Prevent system freezes and crashes by detecting hidden operating system issues, malware, and missing DLLs.
• Schedule automated scans at the time and date you wish.
• Perform both deep and quick scans to detect issues.
• Clean registry files

Verdict: Whether it’s spyware removal or boosting your system or internet speed, MyCleanPC is a tool to enhance your system’s performance. We recommend it for your windows system because of its powerful scanning engine and simple installation procedure.

Price: Free PC Diagnosis, $19.99 for the full version.

#7) Malwarebytes

Best for premium easy to use the spyware removal tool.

Malwarebytes started as exclusively anti-spyware software. Years later, it has evolved into being so much more but never lost its panache when it comes to being the best at combating spyware. Apart from spyware, it can easily combat a wide array of security threats like adware, Trojans, and ransomware.

Although it quite simply works fine for casual Mac and Windows users, it is its EDR feature that stands out, protecting big businesses at every chain of attack from harmful online threats. The way it goes about its functions is very simple. The tool will monitor the behavior of all your applications, and files within the system.

Once it does find any discrepancy or notices an application behaving oddly, it galvanizes into taking immediate action to ensure there is no damage to your files.

The one thing that does bug us about this software is the fact that it is not full-featured like other software on this list. It is primarily a malware removal tool and misses key features like a firewall or a VPN. However, as a spyware removal tool, it is quite easy to use and gets the job done.

Features:

• Endpoint Protection and Response.
• Centrally managed advanced threat detection.
• Adware cleaner.
• Browser guard.

Verdict: When opting for Malwarebytes, know that it is a dedicated malware removal tool that was only good to remove spyware before. As such, it is phenomenal in its ability to detect and remove spyware. If you are looking for a full-featured tool, then we suggest you check out other tools on this list.

Price: Free, Premium for 1 device $3.99 per month, 5 devices – $6.67 per month, 5 devices $7.50 per month, premium + privacy plan.

#8) LifeLock

Best for Anti-Spyware, Antivirus, and Malware & Ransomware protection.

LifeLock – Norton 360 with LifeLock will give you all-in-one protection. It can protect your identity, devices, and online privacy. It will provide multiple layers of protection to your devices, game accounts, and digital assets.

LifeLock has solutions for the coverage of identity theft losses, monitoring of credit, online privacy, alerting on the crimes that are committed in your name, etc.

Features:

• With the help of a secure VPN, it will block the information on public Wi-Fi.
• From your devices, it will block hackers.
• It will protect your identity.
• Your online privacy will be kept private.

Verdict: Norton LifeLock technology works to block around 7 million threats daily. It will alert you by phone, text, email, or mobile app on the detention of the potential threat.

Price: LifeLock offers the solution with four pricing plans, Standard ($7.99 per month for 1st year), Select ($7.99 per month for 1st year), Advantage ($14.99 per month for 1st year), and Ultimate Plus ($20.99 per month for 1st year). It offers monthly as well as annual billing plans. A free trial is available for 30 days.

#9) Panda Free Antivirus

Best for full-featured free Anti-Virus/Spyware tool.

It is quite astonishing the kind of features Panda Antivirus software packs as a free tool itself. The anti-virus tool boasts of eliminating 100% threats from a system. Well, after our tests, we found this claim to be more or less true. Being jam-packed with features like VPN, file encryption, device optimization, etc., Panda tries to appeal to its users by appearing as the ‘Jack of all trades.’

Fortunately, Panda manages to uphold high standards when executing each of the features it provides its users. It offers users with a ‘Virtual Keyboard’ feature that cloaks your keystrokes from hackers online.

It performs three crucial scans, they are as follows:

• Critical Scan: Wherein PC Memory and other areas prone to malware attacks are scanned.
• Full Scan: A scan of your entire system.
• Custom Scan: You decide what part of your system needs scanning and which doesn’t.

The scan can take a while. A full scan can range from 60 minutes to 3 hours. Panda also had a good record of weeding out ransomware files from the system it was tested on.

Features:

• Real-time protection against all sorts of spyware and malware.
• Automatically Scan USB devices upon insertion.
• Game mode.
• Privacy auditor.
• Mobile location tracker.

Verdict: Panda provides features unlike any other tools in the market. It is a capable spyware removal tool that is very easy to use and weeds out ransomware and other spyware on auto-pilot mode. Its free version is great, but it is the premium version that goes out of its way in bombarding its users with all kinds of versatile features.

Price: Free, $4.99 for Essential Plan, $5.99 for Advanced version, $8.99 for Complete version, $13.99 for Premium.

Website: Panda Antivirus

#10) SUPERAntiSpyware

Best for augmented anti-spyware protection.

SUPERAntiSpyware works best when complementing an already existing antivirus software, boosting its capabilities to combat and eliminate spyware in the system. It can take care of all sorts of malware, which include spyware, adware, Trojans, ransomware, PUP’s, etc.

With database updates happening every 2-4 days, this anti-spyware tool easily gets adapt to new and emerging threats. Perhaps, its best feature is the fact that it is a very lightweight program that doesn’t occupy much space in your system. At the end of our test, SUPERAntiSpyware left us with a system that was faster than before.

Features:

• Detection and Removal of adware, spyware, Trojans, ransomware, and other threats.
• Real-time protection.
• Regular update to combat new threats.
• Enhances the performance of existing antivirus.
• Extremely lightweight.

Verdict: SUPERAntiSpyware is a great tool to have in addition to your antivirus tool. It is very simple to use and very effective in its ability to find threats to give you a system that runs better than before. We highly recommend it to support your existing antivirus software.

Price: 14 days free trial, $21.95 per PC, per year.

Website: SUPERAntiSpyware

#11) Comodo

Best for Internet security and malware removal.

Offering a multi-layered protection system to avert all kinds of malware attacks, Comodo is an ingenious and easy to use antispyware tool to have in your system. Once installed in your system, it is on constant watch to detect any suspicious activity and act with swift decisiveness. Comodo can effectively detect all sorts of threats, including but not limited to spyware, ransomware, Trojans, and more.

Like other great tools, it comes with an automatic update feature that allows it to adapt in its pursuit to effectively combat new and emerging threats. The area where it excels, however, is in Internet security. Comodo is a very efficient watchdog in this regard, scanning every file being downloaded from the Internet.

Features:

• Monitor suspicious activities.
• Eliminate bad registry entries.
• Auto-update
• Custom and auto scan.
• Minimal Interference Operation.

Verdict: Comodo is a robust tool that provides full-spectrum protection against all kinds of protection threats. It is very easy to use, offers you control over what gets scanned, and takes the reign from you when things seem dicey for your computer system.

Price: $17.99 for one device, $19.99 for three devices per year (limited period offer).

Website: Comodo

#12) Avast Antivirus

Best for full-featured, Machine Learning threat detection.

Avast today is a household name and has protected millions of systems worldwide. Right from its inception, it has evolved into a very formidable antivirus as well as an antispyware tool. It boasts of the largest threat detection center, powered by advanced machine learning.

The tool will scan your system and external devices thoroughly and present you with solutions on how to deal with threats effectively. It has a very easy-on-the-eyes look that presents a breezy user interface for users. Everything you need is only a sights distance away.

Adding to its brilliance, Avast comes with a couple of great intuitive features such as the CyberCapture feature that blocks unrecognized files, the junk cleaner that clears unwanted files, and prevents the system from becoming sluggish.

Features:

• Block Unrecognized files
• Auto-update
• Full and Custom scan
• Game mode for an uninterrupted experience
• Junk cleaner
• Driver updater
• VPN
• Wi-Fi Inspector

Verdict: Avast with its comprehensive user interface, tons of intuitive features, and a breezy look is a fantastic antivirus/spyware tool. With constant updates, it has stood steadfast in its position as one of the best tools out there.

Price: Free version, $119.99 per device per year, Business version – $ 179.99 10 devices per year.

Website: Avast Antivirus

#13) Spybot

Best for spyware removal for advanced users.

Spybot is primarily an anti-spyware tool that we would not recommend to casual users. Its interface and functions are best understood by advanced users who want more than a simple spyware removal tool. Spybot comes with an Anti-Beacon feature that stops your data from being stolen from malicious third-party entities.

Spybot’s main function is to detect suspicious files such as malware, adware, or spyware, and eliminate them from your system before they cause any harm.

Perhaps, Spybot’s best feature is its ‘Immunization’ feature that scans your browser and blocks threats at the entry point. It comes in various packs, a private version for private users, and a business version with more intricate features needed for large scale protection.

Features:

• Detect and remove spyware.
• Block threats from the browser.
• Stop stealing data from the system.

Verdict: Spybot is a very effective anti-spyware tool that does help in removing malware while accomplishing various other anti-malware tasks. Its user-interface is a tad bit complicated to understand; hence we can only recommend this tool to advanced users.

Price: $25 for Private plan, $33 for Business plan

Website: Spybot

#14) Adaware Antivirus

Best for full-featured malware protection for Windows 10.

Adaware Antivirus ticks all the boxes needed to be called a great antivirus tool. It can detect threats online and block them. It can scan your entire system and detect or eliminate threats, and so much more. Loaded with an immaculate user interface it is a very comprehensive tool to use.

Of course, just like other tools on this list, Adaware can also auto-update and stay relevant for weeding out new threats every day. It allows you to choose whether you would like to scan your entire system or customize your scanning option.

Features:

• Real-time protection from threats
• 24/7 technical support
• Block dangerous threats online
• Email protection
• Enhanced firewall
• Parental control
• File shredder

Verdict: Adaware, is a full-featured tool that gives you everything you could hope for from an anti-spyware tool. It can effectively detect threats, eliminate them, and stay up-to-date to ensure your system operates smoothly.

Price: Free version, Pro Version – $36

Website: Adaware Antivirus

#15) Bitdefender Antivirus

Best for the dedicated anti-malware engine to detect and remove spyware.

Bitdefender has been around for over 15 years now and has protected more than 500 million systems worldwide. When you look at its functions, you can understand the trust people seem to have in this tool. It ignores full-feature feasibility to offer a dedicated malware engine whose sole purpose is to detect and remove all sorts of malware.

We are talking about a tool, that works phenomenally well in detecting and removing threats like Trojan, ransomware, adware, spyware and so much more. It comes with a drag and drop feature, that allows you to scan individual files for threats by dragging and dropping them in its interface.

Its anti-malware engine is quick to spot danger, and quarantines files it deems suspicious of hiding potentially dangerous threats.

Features:

• Defend against threats online.
• Drag and Drop feature for individual scans.
• Scan and eliminates an array of threats both new and old.

Verdict: Bitdefender’s anti-malware engine is the best we’ve seen so far. Maybe it is because it only concentrates on this one salient feature that it can deliver in spades. However, if you are looking for a more full-featured solution then there are other tools you can check out on this list.

Price: $75 for small businesses (up to ten devises per year), $90 premium security (up to 10 devises per year)

Website: Bitdefender

#16) SpywareBlaster

Best for browser protection by blocking New Spyware threats.

SpywareBlaster is very limited in its scope for protecting computer systems. It only protects against new threats that have not yet invaded your system. As such, it leaves your system vulnerable to threats that might already exist in your system.

However, its ability to protect your browser is something to be complimented. It can detect malicious scripts, cookies, and exploits that are guilty of tracking user behavior online and block them for good from spying on you.

Features:

• Restrict the actions of unwanted sites online.
• Protect system viruses, cookies, ActiveX installs.
• Block spyware cookies on Internet Explorer and Firefox.

Verdict: What works in SpywareBlaster’s favor is that it is free and effective in blocking spyware on browsers like Internet Explorer and Firefox. What doesn’t work however is the fact that it does nothing to eliminate existing threats and is not compatible with Google Chrome.

Price: Free

Website: SpywareBlaster

#17) Sparta Antivirus

Best for Spyware removal.

Sparta Antivirus is becoming a leader in internet security with its latest antivirus system for home users. Its algorithm combined with the latest trends in AI is a great tool for your online peace of mind.

Protect yourself and your loved ones with their tool from any scammers trying to steal your data. Keep your passwords, e-wallets, family pictures, and more away from the potential misuse. Sparta will generate the ultimate protection you need.

Features:

• Blocks malware, spyware, rootware.
• Advanced real-time monitoring for threats.
• Optimize your PC/Laptop.
• Restore your system to its original state.

Cons: English is the only language for this software.

Conclusion

As the online world continues to expand, malicious players online continue to become audacious. Hence, anti-spyware tools are imperative for both personal and business use. All the tools mentioned above bring something or the other to the table in their pursuit of offering a spyware-free experience.

Further reading =>> Best Antivirus for Android Smartphones

If you are looking for a full-featured anti-spyware tool that offers a lot more than just protecting your system from spyware, then we suggest you use AVG antivirus or Comodo. If you are a large business meddling with heaps of valuable data, then we recommend you try Malwarebytes for its intuitive endpoint detection and protection feature.

Suggested reading =>> How to fix COM Surrogate errors

Research Process:

• We spent 9 hours researching and writing this article so you can have summarized and insightful information on what Spyware Removal Tool will best suit you.
• Total Spyware Removal Tools Researched – 30
• Total Spyware Removal Tools Shortlisted – 10