Our verdict: Webroot is one of the lightest antivirus programs for Windows: it relies on cloud lookups instead of large local signature updates, so scans are quick and it needs very little disk space. The current plan, Webroot Essentials, adds web filtering, anti-phishing, a firewall and network monitor and a password manager. You can try it for 14 days without a card, but after that it needs a paid subscription.
About Webroot SecureAnywhere
Webroot Essentials is the new name for the Webroot SecureAnywhere products; it replaces Webroot AntiVirus, Internet Security Plus and Complete, and the program installed on Windows is still called Webroot SecureAnywhere. It protects against viruses, ransomware and phishing using cloud-based threat data, adds Web Threat Shield to block risky websites, a firewall and network monitor, text scam detection and breach monitoring, and includes a password manager. It runs on Windows 8.1, 10 and 11, including Windows 11 on ARM.
The free trial lasts 14 days and needs no credit card, but you must fill in a form; the download instructions then appear on screen and in a confirmation email. After the trial you need a subscription to stay protected. On the official US store Essentials for 1 device costs $34.99 for the first year, discounted from $49.99; 3- and 5-device plans are also offered.
What it does well
- Cloud-based antivirus. Blocks viruses, spyware and ransomware using cloud threat data instead of large local updates.
- Web Threat Shield. Warns about fraudulent and risky websites before they open.
- Real-time anti-phishing. Detects phishing pages as you browse.
- Firewall and network monitor. Watches network activity for suspicious connections.
- Password manager. Stores and fills passwords across your devices.
Who it is for
Good fit
People with older or low-powered PCs who want a light paid antivirus that scans quickly.
Look elsewhere
Users who do not want to pay a yearly subscription; Microsoft Defender and free antivirus programs cover basic protection.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very light on disk space and system resources
- Fast scans
- 14-day trial without a credit card
- Runs on Windows 11 on ARM
Cons
- Needs a paid subscription after the 14-day trial
- Trial download is behind a form that asks for your email
- The $34.99 price is a first-year discount from the regular $49.99
How to install Webroot SecureAnywhere
Fill in the trial form on the official Webroot page; the download link and keycode instructions are shown after submitting and sent by email. Run wsainstall.exe, enter the keycode and click Agree and Install. Webroot says the trial does not interfere with your current security software.
Questions about Webroot SecureAnywhere
Is Webroot SecureAnywhere free?
No. Webroot offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card required. After that you need a subscription; Webroot Essentials for 1 device costs $34.99 for the first year on the official US store, discounted from $49.99.
What is the difference between Webroot SecureAnywhere and Webroot Essentials?
Webroot Essentials is the new name for the Webroot SecureAnywhere products. The Windows program is still called Webroot SecureAnywhere.
Can I run Webroot alongside another antivirus?
Webroot states that its trial won't interfere with your current security software, but running two real-time antivirus programs long term is not recommended.
