Webroot Spy Sweeper 5.x with AntiVirus Review

What the reviewers like:
Webroot Spy Sweeper is the best all-around anti-spyware program. The Sophos antivirus engine is highly regarded. Reviewers say the combined Webroot Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus makes sense if you need both types of software.

What the reviewers don't like:
Reviewers say that Webroot Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus scans very slowly for spyware, and some reviewers think other software is easier to use.

Webroot Spy Sweeper 5.x with AntiVirus review highlights

Webroot's standalone Spy Sweeper product has been considered one of the two best anti-spyware programs for years by reviewers. Now, Webroot is offering a version that includes antivirus software. It uses the Sophos antivirus engine. Sophos is a highly regarded developer of professional security software. As several major antivirus programs and Internet security suites conflict with Spy Sweeper, a dual-function program averts that issue. Reviewers say Webroot Spy Sweeper 5.x with AntiVirus is very effective against all types of malware. It is heavy on system resources, but primarily when scanning. This software is inexpensive and makes sense if you need both antispyware and antivirus software.

Weboot Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus is a combo product, meshing antivirus protection with a spyware blocker. We found the most detailed review in PC Magazine, where testing is practical and thorough. Tech.co.uk also explains test results and evaluates system drag. WebUser.co.uk's evaluation is more theoretical than practical, but the review is augmented with subcategory ratings. Computer Buyer has a fairly short review that doesn't reveal information or opinion that isn't also in the more comprehensive reviews. CNet.com's review contains several inaccuracies.

Also see full report: Antivirus Software

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. PC Magazine
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Spy Sweeper 5.2 with Antivirus Review
Neil J. Rubenking
Nov. 2, 2006

Webroot Spy Sweeper 5.2 with AntiVirus performed spectacularly in Neil Rubenking's torture tests. It blocked almost all malware he attempted to install. Although direct comparisons aren't made, we assume the honor is relative to the many Internet security suites reviewed by the magazine.

2. Tech.co.uk
Webroot Spy Sweeper 5 with AntiVirus Review
PC Answers
Feb. 8, 2007

Webroot Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus flawlessly detected and removed spyware and viruses in tests. However, the program scans slowly and is a memory hog. No comparisons with competing security products are made. Practical considerations are adequately addressed.

3. WebUser.co.uk
Webroot Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus 5.3 Review
Andy Shaw
Mar. 15, 2007

U.K. Internet magazine Web User regularly reviews security software. Andy Shaw compares four semi-suites here, including Webroot Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus. All but Windows Live OneCare have the same overall rating, which isn't very helpful to readers. Performance evaluation is limited to discussion of past third-party lab tests. According to this review, ease of use is Webroot Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus' biggest shortcoming.

4. ComputerBuyer.com
Webroot Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus Review
Paul Wright
Feb. 2007

Computer Buyer's review does not evaluate performance or compatibility of Webroot Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus. It does claim that overuse of resources has been solved with this release, but doesn't support that assertion with data. A single rating is the only element of comparison. The review is too short to provide meaningful guidance.

5. CNet.com
Webroot Spy Sweeper 5.2 with Antivirus Review
Robert Vamosi
Nov. 1, 2006

CNet's review is riddled with inaccuracies that destroy its usefulness. CNet criticizes Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus for not providing real-time antivirus protection. In a forum on the PC Magazine website, Neil Rubenking and Webroot debunk that misinformation. CNet's conclusion that readers should just buy the anti-spyware version is based on the false premise. Robert Vamosi says he was able to run Spy Sweeper and ZoneAlarm Security Suite without conflicts, yet knowledgeable users experience conflicts between the two programs.

Also see full report: Antivirus Software