Top Spyware Removers

Some programs perform better than others

According to reviewers, Webroot Spy Sweeper (*Est. $25) and PC Tools Spyware Doctor (*Est. $30) are the most effective commercial anti-spyware programs. Software developers constantly tweak these programs and issue incremental updates. In some cases, the update enables one program to leapfrog a competitor in spyware detection and removal ability. The downside is that updates are sometimes rushed to market, and often introduce system and software conflicts that didn't exist with the previous version. Recent user reviews are the best gauge of such problems.

With the latest reviews, Spyware Doctor 6.0 has taken the lead. That program is also available bundled with an antivirus solution as Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus 6.0 (*Est. $40). Spyware Doctor with Antivirus 6.0 captures an Editors' Choice award at PC Magazine, and the standalone product lands on top of the heap in WebUser's anti-spyware software group test. It draws good recommendations elsewhere as well; Spyware Doctor is the top choice among users at Amazon.com.

PC Magazine's Neil Rubenking says the look of Spyware Doctor 6.0 hasn't changed much over the previous version, but malware detection has improved. However, Rubenking adds that "It takes a while to install, and scanning is slow on a badly infested system." WebUser, which gives the Spyware Doctor 6.0 its Gold Award, says the program runs fast and found more spyware than any other software in its tests. PC Pro is less enthusiastic, noting that the bundled version missed a virus and a Trojan program that other software detected. Still, the package is called simple to use for those who don't like to get bogged down in technical details.

User reports for the standalone version of Spyware Doctor 6.0 anti-spyware software are fairly positive, and it's the best rated anti-spyware solution at Amazon.com. Users say that it's easy to use and effective at malware detection and removal. Complaints are mainly around system resource use -- especially with the bundled version of the software. Some owners complain that it's a resource hog; others find that it slows Internet activities even when automatic scanning is disabled.

There aren't yet as many reviews for Webroot Spy Sweeper 6.0 (just incrementally updated as Spy Sweeper 6.1) as for Spyware Doctor, and comparisons between the two are scarce. WebUser and PC Magazine rate Spyware Doctor ahead of Spy Sweeper, but both pit the newest version of Spyware Doctor against an earlier version of Spy Sweeper. Spy Sweeper 6.0 does get a perfect score and a Gold Award from TopTenReviews.com. Editors like the easy interface, the advanced rootkit protection, and the constant updates to guard against emerging threats. They also mention the free online and phone technical support.

Users rank Spy Sweeper 6.0 a bit behind Spyware Doctor 6.0. For example, owners posting to Amazon.com give it a lukewarm average of 3.5 stars but that's only based on a handful of reviews. That said, several complain of freeze-ups, installation problems and annoying nag screens pushing other products.

PC Magazine gives an Editors' Choice award to Webroot AntiVirus with AntiSpyware 6.0 (*Est. $40), which incorporates Webroot's Spy Sweeper technology, but doesn't give the antivirus side of things much respect. However, the software does a great job of detecting spyware and other malware, Neil Rubenking says. Users posting on the site take a different viewpoint, reporting slowdowns and other issues.

Webroot offers a 30-day return policy for Spy Sweeper. Most retailers won't take back opened software, so at least this seller of security solutions will limit your financial risk. PC Tools also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, but only if you download Spyware Doctor from the PC Tools website. If you install one of the top two programs and do encounter difficulties, you should be able to uninstall it and switch to the competing product. You may also be able to get your money back.

Sunbelt CounterSpy 3.10 (*Est. $20) is another consideration. The latest version hasn't seen much in the way of professional reviews; earlier versions received good but not great notices -- ranking slightly below Spyware Doctor and Spy Sweeper in most reports. CounterSpy 3.10 owners posting at Amazon.com give it a lukewarm overall rating, but a good number are completely to mostly pleased. Despite the low price, CounterSpy doesn't skimp on features, which include e-mail scanning, anti-phishing and scan scheduling. CounterSpy 3.1 can also scan for and remove spyware on boot before Windows loads. The company offers a 15-day free trial and a 30-day money back guarantee.