About GuardPick

What is GuardPick?

GuardPick is a security and PC software review site for Windows users. We help you choose safer, cleaner software before you buy — without the marketing fluff.

We cover antivirus software, anti-malware tools, PC utilities, backup software, and more. Every recommendation is based on honest research, real user feedback, and transparent pricing — including renewal rates.

Who writes here?

I'm Steven Doan — a freelance web developer who's spent 10+ years building and managing WordPress sites. I'm not a cybersecurity researcher or antivirus lab tester.

What I am: someone who's dealt with WordPress malware firsthand, managed self-hosted VPS servers, and used antivirus software on Windows for years before switching to Mac and Linux. I look at security software the way a developer would — through the lens of real workflow, performance impact, and practical value.

How we review

• We reference independent lab data from AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives where available
• We read real user feedback on Reddit (r/antivirus, r/privacy) and review platforms
• We test free trials where possible and document the install/uninstall experience
• We always show renewal pricing — not just the first-year promo rate
• We say when Windows Defender is enough — even when it means recommending no paid product

Affiliate disclosure

GuardPick earns affiliate commissions when you buy through links on this site. This never changes which products we recommend or our honest verdict. We don't recommend products just because they pay higher commissions.

Every page with affiliate links includes a disclosure. You can also read our full affiliate disclosure page.