The 7 Best Antivirus with a Firewall (2026 Update)

Norton 360 Antivirus Review

Norton delivers the most comprehensive antivirus protection across all major operating systems.

Anti-Malware Protection

In our testing, Norton achieved a flawless 100% malware detection rate — a performance matched by only a few competitors. Its real-time defense system, known as SONAR (Symantec Online Network for Advanced Response), combines heuristic analysis with machine learning to identify both known and emerging threats.

Rather than relying solely on virus signatures, SONAR observes behavioral patterns to catch zero-day malware and other previously unknown risks.

To verify its effectiveness, we analyzed Norton’s last ten results from AV-Test, an independent security lab, and performed our own trials. In our in-house testing, Norton blocked all 1,200 malware samples and phishing attempts instantly, with no false positives.

Firewall

Norton’s Smart Firewall is a clear step above the built-in Windows Firewall. It monitors both inbound and outbound network traffic, blocking suspicious activity before it can compromise the system.

While Windows’ firewall only scans incoming connections, Norton also inspects outgoing requests to detect potentially malicious applications communicating with external servers.

In addition, it hides inactive network ports — a technique called port cloaking — which prevents hackers from locating exploitable points through port-scanning attacks.

VPN

Norton’s integrated VPN is one of the best we’ve tested. It uses AES-256 encryption with the OpenVPN protocol, supports torrenting (P2P), and comes with advanced features such as:

• Automatic connection on unsecured networks
• A kill switch that blocks internet access if the VPN disconnects
• Ad tracker blocking
• Split tunneling for selective traffic routing

Importantly, the VPN is unlimited — there are no data caps. Competing antivirus brands like Bitdefender restrict VPN data to 200 MB per day unless you upgrade. Norton, by contrast, includes full VPN functionality in all plans that feature it.

Password Manager

Norton’s Password Manager is fast, accurate, and intuitive. It allows users to generate strong passwords automatically, fill them in with precision, and unlock the vault using biometric authentication such as fingerprint or facial recognition. The system is lightweight and works seamlessly across devices.

Prices & Packages

• Norton Antivirus Plus costs € 20 (Europe) or $ 30 (USA). It offers antivirus, a firewall, and a password manager. It protects 1 PC or Mac.
• Norton 360 Standard costs € 35 (Europe) or $ 40 (USA). It adds a VPN and dark web monitoring. It protects 1 (Europe) or 3 (USA) devices.
• Norton 360 Deluxe costs € 40 (Europe) or $ 50 (USA). It adds a privacy monitor and parental controls. It protects 5 devices.
• Norton 360 Advanced costs € 45 in Europe and is not sold in the USA. It adds identity theft protection and protects 10 devices.
• Norton 360 Select + LifeLock costs $ 100 in the USA and is not sold in Europe. It adds LifeLock identity theft protection and protects 10 devices.

In certain regions, Norton 360 Advanced is marketed as Norton 360 Premium, which offers the same features but excludes identity theft protection.

Bonus Features

• Web Protection: The Safe Web browser extension blocks phishing and malicious sites.
• Cloud Backup: Automatically stores important files in secure cloud storage.
• Parental Controls: Helps parents manage and monitor children’s online activity.
• Privacy Monitor: Searches data brokers for your exposed personal details.
• Webcam Protection: Prevents unauthorized apps from accessing your camera.
• Dark Web Monitoring: Alerts you if personal data is found on the dark web.
• LifeLock Identity Theft Protection: Detects and helps recover from identity theft (U.S. only).

Verdict: Is Norton the Best Antivirus with a firewall?

Yes. In our tests, Norton 360 stood out as the most complete cybersecurity suite available today.

It delivers flawless malware protection, an intelligent firewall, a full-featured VPN, and a top-tier password manager — all backed by privacy and identity safeguards. Modern users need more than antivirus alone, and Norton delivers an all-in-one solution that combines device, online, and identity protection.

You can try Norton risk-free with its 60-day money-back guarantee.

Avast Antivirus Review

After extensive testing, we found Avast One to be one of the most capable antivirus solutions available. Its malware detection matches industry leaders like Norton and Bitdefender, while offering a generous suite of privacy and performance tools. It supports Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, making it an excellent option for users seeking cross-platform protection.

Anti-Malware Protection

In our testing, Avast demonstrated flawless malware defense. We scanned over 1,200 malware samples, and Avast successfully blocked every single one — including encrypted and zero-day threats — before they could execute.

A full system scan took approximately 54 minutes, which is faster than average for a complete disk sweep. Real-time protection was especially effective, instantly detecting and stopping suspicious downloads.

However, the free version of Avast can be intrusive, frequently prompting users to upgrade to paid plans with persistent upsell messages.

Firewall

Avast’s firewall allows users to oversee network traffic and manually block specific applications from accessing the internet. It functions reliably but lacks the automation and intuitive design we experienced in Norton’s and Bitdefender’s firewalls.

One omission worth noting is the Wi-Fi Inspector for Windows — a tool that previously identified insecure network devices and potential intruders. Its absence leaves a small gap in Avast’s network protection lineup.

VPN

Avast includes a VPN with its security suite, but performance varies by plan.

• The free plan (Avast One Essential) provides 5 GB of data per week, which is sufficient for light browsing and secure connections on public Wi-Fi.
• The paid version offers unlimited data, yet in our tests it delivered slower speeds and less reliable unblocking of streaming services compared to top competitors like Bitdefender and Norton.

Security-wise, it employs AES-256 encryption, ensuring privacy for general use. However, for users who prioritize high-speed streaming or global access, other VPNs perform better.

Bonus Features

Avast complements its antivirus core with a range of system optimization and privacy tools, including:

• Browser cleanup: Removes cookies, cache, and browsing history to improve privacy.
• Software updater: Automatically installs security patches for outdated apps.
• Password protection: Prevents unauthorized access to stored credentials in browsers.
• Ransomware shield: Blocks attempts to encrypt personal files.
• Email protection: Scans attachments and links for phishing or malware threats.
• Tracking prevention (premium): Stops advertisers and data brokers from profiling you online.

This mix of utilities makes Avast an attractive all-in-one option for users who want to maintain both system performance and digital privacy.

Verdict: Is Avast the Best Antivirus with a Firewall?

Avast delivers excellent malware protection and a robust collection of privacy and performance tools. Its biggest drawbacks are the absence of a built-in password manager and the aggressive upselling in its free version.

If you value comprehensive family protection and password management, Norton 360 Deluxe remains a more complete solution.

Still, Avast One stands out as a strong, affordable alternative that performs exceptionally well across multiple devices and operating systems. You can try it risk-free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee.

Panda Dome Antivirus Review

Panda Dome stands out for its flexible pricing structure and extensive range of features. It offers customizable plans that make it easy to choose the right level of protection for any budget or device count.

Anti-Malware Protection

In our testing, Panda achieved an impressive 99.9% detection rate in real-world protection scenarios. These results are consistent with the average of all AV-Comparatives tests since 2020 and our own internal benchmarks. While this places Panda among the top antivirus performers, it does produce more false positives than its competitors — occasionally flagging legitimate software as malicious.

Unlike many leading brands, Panda does not participate in AV-Test evaluations. However, both AV-Test and AV-Comparatives are trusted independent labs known for their rigorous methodology in assessing antivirus performance.

Panda uses a blend of big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to detect and neutralize threats. This multi-layered approach allows it to stop both known malware and emerging dangers such as zero-day exploits, ransomware, and advanced persistent threats (APTs).

Firewall

Panda’s firewall filters both incoming and outgoing connections across local networks and the internet. It automatically assigns permissions to applications based on assessed risk levels but also allows manual rule customization for users who prefer hands-on control. This makes it both powerful and flexible for different user preferences.

VPN

All Panda Dome plans include a built-in VPN, but the free version is limited to 150 MB per day — roughly enough for a few minutes of video streaming or basic browsing.

Like Bitdefender, Panda’s VPN is powered by Aura’s HydraVPN technology, which delivers fast speeds, AES-256 encryption, and a no-logs policy. It also supports torrenting (P2P). However, it lacks advanced options like a kill switch or split tunneling, making the standalone €50.00 premium upgrade feel somewhat expensive compared to competitors that include unlimited VPN access in lower-tier plans.

Password Manager

Panda’s Password Manager is one of its strongest components. It securely stores, generates, and auto-fills login credentials with precision. The tool supports both two-factor authentication (2FA) and biometric login, ensuring enhanced account security.

We especially liked the consistent design across platforms: the browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox mirror the mobile apps on Android and iOS, providing a seamless experience across devices.

Prices & Packages

• Panda Dome Essential starts at € 25 (Europe) or $ 35 (USA). It offers antivirus and a firewall.
• Panda Dome Advanced starts at € 35 (Europe) or $ 42 (USA). It adds anti-phishing and parental controls.
• Panda Dome Complete starts at € 45 (Europe) or $ 54 (USA). It adds a password manager and system optimizer.
• Panda Dome Premium starts at € 50 (Europe) or $ 56 (USA). It adds an unlimited VPN and update manager.

Each plan can be scaled to protect an unlimited number of devices, which makes Panda’s pricing among the most flexible in the industry.

Bonus Features

Panda offers a broad range of additional tools that enhance both security and system performance:

• Safe Browsing: Blocks dangerous websites and phishing attempts.
• Dark Web Scanner: Checks if your email appears in dark web databases.
• PC Cleanup: Removes junk files and cookies to optimize performance.
• Wi-Fi Protection: Analyzes and improves your network security.
• Anti-Theft: Helps locate lost or stolen PCs.
• File Encryptor: Protects sensitive files with password encryption.
• File Shredder: Permanently deletes files beyond recovery.
• USB Protection: Automatically scans external drives for malware.

Verdict: Is Panda the Best Antivirus with a Firewall?

Panda Dome is one of the best antivirus programs we tested, offering strong protection, an intuitive interface, and exceptional pricing flexibility. Its password manager and wide device coverage make it particularly attractive for Windows users.

However, Norton 360 remains our top recommendation overall — it provides a faster, unlimited VPN at a lower cost and stronger protection for macOS and mobile platforms.

If you’re focused on protecting a Windows PC, though, Panda Dome delivers excellent value and a rich set of features. You can try it risk-free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee.

Bitdefender Antivirus Review

Bitdefender remains one of the most complete cybersecurity solutions available today. It combines near-perfect malware detection, multi-layer ransomware defense, and a wealth of advanced tools — all while maintaining excellent system performance.

Anti-Malware Protection

In our testing, Bitdefender achieved a 100% malware detection rate, identifying and neutralizing every malicious sample we threw at it. Its real-time defense system, Advanced Threat Defense (ATD), goes beyond traditional signature-based detection. Instead of relying solely on known virus databases, Bitdefender continuously analyzes application behavior and blocks any program that exhibits suspicious activity, such as code injection or privilege escalation.

This behavioral approach allows Bitdefender to stop zero-day threats instantly while maintaining a remarkably low rate of false positives. During our evaluation, it detected the latest ransomware, trojans, and spyware in real time without slowing our test systems.

Firewall

Bitdefender’s firewall offers excellent network control and threat prevention. It monitors both inbound and outbound connections on local networks and the internet, automatically blocking unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, it detects and prevents port scanning — a technique hackers use to locate open communication ports — providing an extra layer of stealth and defense against targeted attacks.

VPN

Bitdefender’s integrated VPN is powered by Aura’s HydraVPN technology, though Bitdefender develops and maintains its own client applications. The VPN delivers AES-256 encryption, a no-logs policy, and supports P2P file sharing. It also includes advanced features such as:

• Auto-connect on startup
• Kill switch
• Split tunneling

However, the free VPN bundled with Bitdefender’s lower-tier plans is limited to 200 MB per day — roughly five minutes of HD video streaming or browsing about 100 websites. To remove this limit, users must upgrade to Bitdefender Premium VPN or the Bitdefender Premium Security suite.

Password Manager

Bitdefender’s Password Manager is sold as a separate product. It’s not included with Antivirus Plus, Internet Security, or Total Security. To access it, you’ll need to purchase it individually or upgrade to the Premium Security plan, which bundles the password manager and unlimited VPN together.

Prices & Packages

• Bitdefender Antivirus Plus starts at € 15 (Europe) or $ 15 (USA). It offers antivirus and anti-phishing. It protects 1 PC.
• Bitdefender Total Security starts at € 50 (Europe) or $ 60 (USA). It adds an optimizer and support for other OS. It protects 5 devices.
• Bitdefender Premium Security starts at € 70 (Europe) or $ 80 (USA). It adds an unlimited VPN and password manager. It protects 5 devices.
• Bitdefender Ultimate Security starts at € 80 (Europe) or $ 90 (USA). It adds identity theft protection. It protects 5 devices.

There’s also a Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition, which offers basic real-time protection. While it’s one of the best free antivirus options, it’s still quite limited and comparable to Microsoft Defender. For complete protection, we recommend one of Bitdefender’s paid plans — the difference is well worth it.

Bonus Features

Bitdefender goes beyond malware protection with an extensive suite of advanced tools:

• Online Threat Prevention: Blocks phishing and fraudulent websites.
• Vulnerability Scan: Checks for outdated software and system flaws.
• Ransomware Remediation: Restores files encrypted during attacks.
• Anti-Spam: Filters junk mail in Outlook and Thunderbird.
• SafePay: Launches a secure browser for online banking.
• Webcam & Microphone Protection: Prevents unauthorized access.
• Anti-Tracker Extension: Removes tracking cookies from browsers.
• Parental Advisor: Monitors and manages children’s online activity.
• Anti-Theft: Locates, locks, or wipes lost devices.
• One-Click Optimizer: Cleans temporary files and browser clutter.
• Data Protection / File Shredder: Permanently deletes sensitive files.

Verdict: Is Bitdefender the Best Antivirus with a Firewall?

Bitdefender remains one of the best antivirus programs we’ve tested. Its malware protection, firewall, and behavioral detection system are first-rate, and its suite of additional tools rivals any competitor.

The only drawback is pricing — features like the password manager and unlimited VPN require higher-tier plans, making the complete package more expensive than competitors such as Norton, which includes these extras at lower cost.

Still, for those who value top-tier protection, reliability, and advanced control, Bitdefender is a superb choice. You can try it risk-free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee.

McAfee Antivirus Review

McAfee delivers one of the most comprehensive security suites available today, offering unlimited device protection, perfect malware detection, and a polished, easy-to-use interface. It’s a powerful option for individuals and families who want complete digital protection under a single subscription.

Anti-Malware Protection

McAfee’s malware protection is among the best in the industry. Since April 2020, it has consistently achieved a 100% detection rate in AV-Test’s independent evaluations — an impressive streak that reflects major improvements in its threat detection technology.

In our own testing, McAfee identified and blocked every form of malware we used, including ransomware, trojans, and spyware, as well as live web-based threats. Its performance is powered by McAfee’s advanced Scan Engine, which combines multiple detection layers:

• Signature-based scanning: Matches suspicious files to a global malware database.
• Sandbox analysis: Runs unknown files in a secure virtual environment to observe their behavior.
• Heuristic analysis: Detects emerging threats based on suspicious activity patterns.
• Code repair: Removes malicious components from infected files when possible.

This multilayered system enables McAfee to detect both known and zero-day threats with remarkable precision while maintaining a low false-positive rate.

Firewall

McAfee’s firewall is one of the strongest we’ve tested. It monitors both inbound and outbound traffic, preventing unauthorized connections and blocking malicious network activity. It also cloaks open ports, making your system invisible to hackers who use port-scanning techniques to locate potential vulnerabilities.

VPN

McAfee’s Safe Connect VPN is an impressive inclusion, especially considering that it’s unlimited and free with paid plans. It’s powered by AES-256 encryption, features servers in 45 countries, and maintains a strict no-logs policy. During our tests, it performed well for general browsing, streaming, and P2P torrenting, even unblocking Netflix on several servers.

However, it’s worth noting that some advanced features — such as split tunneling and a kill switch — aren’t yet available across all operating systems. Additionally, users who disable auto-renewal are limited to 500 MB of daily data, which drastically reduces its usability.

Password Manager

McAfee’s True Key password manager is a standout feature. It’s cross-platform, fast, and exceptionally user-friendly. Creating, saving, and auto-filling passwords worked flawlessly in our testing, and the software supports biometric authentication via facial recognition and fingerprint scanning.

True Key offers a smooth experience across desktop and mobile platforms, rivaling premium password managers like Dashlane and 1Password.

Prices & Packages

• McAfee Basic costs € 30 (Europe) or $ 30 (USA). It offers antivirus, anti-phishing, firewall, password manager, and VPN. It protects 1 device.
• McAfee+ Premium costs € 45 (Europe) or $ 50 (USA). It adds a personal data cleanup and protects unlimited devices.
• McAfee+ Advanced costs € 65 (Europe) or $ 90 (USA). It adds identity theft protection and protects unlimited devices.
• McAfee+ Ultimate costs € 105 (Europe) or $ 200 (USA).  It adds more identity theft protection features and protects unlimited devices.

In some regions, McAfee is still branded as Total Protection, which includes the same features as McAfee Basic and Essential.

All paid plans cover unlimited devices from the Premium tier upward, making McAfee one of the few antivirus providers to offer full-family protection without additional cost.

Bonus Features

McAfee packs a wide range of privacy and performance tools into its suite, including:

• Secure Apps: Scans for software vulnerabilities and missing updates.
• App Boost: Prioritizes frequently used applications for faster performance.
• Browser Security: Blocks phishing and malicious websites.
• Web Boost: Prevents autoplaying videos to save bandwidth.
• Tracker Remover: Deletes cookies and online trackers.
• ID Protection: Scans the dark web for leaked personal data.
• File Shredder: Permanently deletes sensitive files.
• File Lock: Creates encrypted, password-protected file vaults.
• Anti-Spam: Filters unwanted emails in Outlook and Thunderbird.
• Safe Family: Offers parental controls for monitoring and managing children’s activity online.

Verdict: Is McAfee the Best Antivirus with a Firewall?

McAfee is one of the top antivirus suites in our 2026 tests. It combines perfect malware protection, an unlimited VPN, an excellent password manager, and unlimited device coverage — all wrapped in a sleek, modern interface.

Its Premium and Advanced tiers offer strong privacy and identity protection, particularly valuable for U.S. users. While certain VPN features aren’t available on every platform, McAfee’s overall value, usability, and feature set make it one of the most complete antivirus packages available.

You can try McAfee risk-free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee.

Avira Antivirus Review

After extensive testing, we found Avira Antivirus to be one of the strongest performers of 2026. It combines excellent malware protection with smart optimization tools and great overall value — especially considering the quality of its free plan. Avira stands out as a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced users seeking efficient, lightweight protection.

Anti-Malware Protection

Avira’s malware defense is outstanding. In our tests, it achieved a 100% detection rate, identifying every malware sample without impacting system speed. Its cloud-based scanning engine processes potential threats in real time, minimizing CPU usage while maintaining exceptional accuracy.

The Smart Scan feature goes beyond standard virus detection. It reviews privacy settings, checks for software vulnerabilities, and identifies performance bottlenecks, making it a convenient all-in-one diagnostic tool. This blend of simplicity and technical sophistication makes Avira well-suited for users who want thorough protection without constant manual intervention.

Firewall

Avira’s firewall offers strong protection with an impressive degree of customization. It uses intelligent, rule-based monitoring to control data traffic and allows users to define permissions on a per-application basis. The inclusion of intrusion prevention helps detect and block unauthorized attempts to extract data from your system, further reinforcing network security.

VPN

The integrated Phantom VPN performed well in our tests, maintaining consistent speeds with only a 25–30% reduction compared to our baseline connection. It employs AES-256 encryption to ensure data privacy and supports P2P file sharing.

While the VPN is secure and reliable for daily browsing, it struggles to bypass geo-restrictions on major streaming platforms. For privacy and general use, it’s excellent — but frequent streamers may find it limiting.

Password Manager

Avira’s Password Manager is one of the most generous on the market, offering unlimited password storage even in its free version. It’s protected by AES-256 encryption and supports two-factor authentication for additional account security.

Password capture and autofill work seamlessly across browsers and devices. The only drawback is the absence of a password generator within the browser extension — a feature we’d like to see added in future updates.

Bonus Features

Avira supplements its antivirus core with an impressive suite of performance and system optimization tools, including:

• Device Optimizer: Freed over 1 GB of disk space during our testing.
• Startup Optimizer: Speeds up boot times by managing background apps.
• Driver Updater: Keeps system drivers current for better stability and performance.
• Game Booster: Temporarily disables non-essential processes to enhance gaming performance.
• Battery Manager: Extends battery life, though it lacks advanced diagnostics for power-hungry apps.

Together, these tools elevate Avira from a basic antivirus to a well-rounded PC maintenance suite.

Verdict: Is Avira the Best Antivirus with a Firewall?

Avira Antivirus Prime delivers top-tier protection, a clean and user-friendly design, and excellent value. Its malware detection is flawless, its performance impact is minimal, and its free version outperforms many competitors’ paid offerings.

While it falls slightly short of Norton 360 Deluxe in terms of family and identity features, Avira remains a superb choice for anyone who prioritizes strong protection and fast performance at an affordable price.

You can try Avira risk-free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee.

TotalAV Antivirus Review

TotalAV provides an affordable, easy-to-use, and well-rounded security suite that balances performance, protection, and usability. Its intuitive interface and solid feature set make it a compelling option for users seeking straightforward cybersecurity without technical complexity. Sadly, however, it lacks a firewall.

Anti-Malware Protection

During our testing, TotalAV demonstrated excellent malware detection accuracy, blocking 99.8% of threats, including ransomware, trojans, and spyware. The software uses Avira’s award-winning antivirus engine, known for its precision and reliability.

TotalAV offers several scan options — Quick, System, Smart, and Custom — giving users flexibility in how they check their devices. In our tests, the System Scan took just under an hour to complete and caused minimal slowdown, even on older hardware.

Real-time protection was equally effective, stopping malicious downloads and drive-by attacks as they occurred. Overall, its malware defense is among the strongest we’ve seen in this price range.

VPN

The built-in Safe Browsing VPN enhances both privacy and online freedom. With 48 global server locations, it delivered consistent speeds and maintained stable connections during our streaming and file-sharing tests.

It supports P2P downloads, works with major streaming platforms, and includes key features such as:

• Kill switch: Blocks internet access if the VPN connection drops.
• Auto-connect: Activates automatically on unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

Although it’s not as fast as top-tier standalone VPNs like ExpressVPN, it’s an impressive inclusion for an antivirus suite and performs more than adequately for everyday use.

Password Manager

We also tested Total Password, TotalAV’s password manager, and found it secure, intuitive, and reliable. It uses AES-256 encryption, ensuring that stored credentials remain private and protected.

The manager includes:

• Auto-save and auto-fill for quick logins.
• Two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security.
• A clean, user-friendly vault interface.

While it lacks advanced features like hardware security key support, it covers all essential functionality with ease and dependability.

Bonus Features

TotalAV supplements its core protection with a variety of helpful extras:

• Identity Theft Protection (powered by Aura): Monitors and alerts you to potential identity breaches.
• System Tune-Up Tools: Includes a Startup Manager, Junk Cleaner, and other utilities to improve performance.
• Browser Cleanup: Removes trackers, cache, and cookies to enhance privacy.

Together, these tools make TotalAV more than just antivirus software — it’s a complete system optimization and protection package.

Verdict: Is TotalAV the Best Antivirus with a Firewall?

TotalAV is a well-rounded, cost-effective cybersecurity suite that offers strong malware protection, a capable VPN, and a dependable password manager. Its straightforward interface and thoughtful extras make it particularly appealing to non-technical users who want powerful protection without hassle.

However, it lacks a firewall and therefore doesn’t rank higher on this list.

Modern antivirus software uses multiple detection methods to identify and block threats before they can harm your device:

• Signature-based detection: Matches files against a database of known malware signatures.
• Heuristic analysis: Detects new or modified threats by analyzing suspicious code patterns.
• Behavioral detection: Identifies malicious programs by monitoring unusual or harmful activity.
• Real-time protection: Scans files and processes continuously to block threats before they cause harm.
• Machine learning and AI: Uses advanced algorithms that learn from data to recognize emerging and unknown malware.

For more, read our blog post on what antivirus software is.

Modern antivirus suites go beyond malware detection, offering comprehensive digital protection tools:

• Anti-phishing protection: Blocks fake emails and websites that attempt to steal sensitive data.
• Firewall: Controls network traffic to prevent unauthorized access and data leaks.
• Password manager: Stores and encrypts login credentials securely.
• VPN (Virtual Private Network): Encrypts your connection and hides your IP address for online privacy.
• Identity theft protection: Monitors personal and financial data for signs of misuse.
• Parental controls: Manages children’s screen time and restricts access to inappropriate content.

Together, these features provide robust defense against diverse cybersecurity threats, keeping you secure in a connected world.

Antivirus software defends against a broad range of digital threats:

• Adware: Displays unwanted ads and can redirect browsers to malicious sites.
• PUP (Potentially Unwanted Programs): Software that may degrade performance or track user activity.
• Ransomware: Encrypts files and demands payment for decryption.
• Rootkits: Conceals malicious software to maintain unauthorized system access.
• Spyware: Secretly gathers personal or sensitive information.
• Trojans: Disguises as legitimate software to deliver malware.
• Viruses: Infects files and spreads across systems, causing damage or data loss.
• Worms: Self-replicating malware that spreads automatically across networks.

Modern antivirus tools go beyond malware protection, offering features like anti-phishing, firewalls, VPNs, password managers, identity theft protection, and parental controls to guard against broader cyber threats.

Even the best antivirus has limitations. It cannot fully protect against:

• Social engineering: Tricks users into revealing information or installing malware through deception.
• Zero-day attacks: Exploits unknown vulnerabilities before security updates are released.

Stay safe out there.

A firewall acts as a barrier between your device and the internet, monitoring network traffic and enforcing security rules. It filters data packets, allowing safe connections while blocking suspicious or unauthorized activity.

• Packet-filtering firewalls: Inspect basic data packets for allowed or blocked connections.
• Stateful inspection firewalls: Track the state of active connections to make context-aware decisions.
• Proxy firewalls: Act as intermediaries between users and the internet, hiding IP addresses.
• Next-generation firewalls (NGFW): Combine traditional filtering with intrusion prevention and deep packet inspection.

Most premium antivirus suites include stateful inspection or next-generation firewalls.

Most premium antivirus suites include stateful inspection or next-generation firewalls, which monitor both incoming and outgoing connections, detect intrusion attempts, and block unauthorized network activity in real time.

For most people, the default firewall settings in antivirus programs or built-in system firewalls (like those in Windows or macOS) offer sufficient protection. They’re preconfigured to block common threats while staying out of the way during everyday use.

Manual configuration is only helpful if you need custom access rules, have a more complex home network (e.g., multiple devices or IoT systems), or want tighter, fine-tuned security. For the average user, sticking with the defaults provides a solid balance of safety and convenience.

Anti-Malware Protection (30%)

We evaluate how well the antivirus detects and removes various malware types like viruses, trojans, ransomware, and spyware.

• In-House Testing: Using 1,200 diverse malware samples, we conduct real-time attack simulations to assess detection and neutralization of known and emerging threats through signature-based and heuristic analysis.
• Independent Lab Results: We incorporate findings from respected institutes like AV-Test, SE Labs, and AV-Comparatives to validate our results.

Security and Privacy Features (30%)

We assess additional tools that enhance cybersecurity:

• Web Protection: Testing the software’s ability to block phishing sites and web-based threats by accessing known malicious websites.
• Firewall: Evaluating effectiveness using intrusion simulations and the ShieldsUP! test to secure network ports and monitor traffic.
• Password Manager: Assessing capabilities to generate, store, and auto-fill complex passwords, plus features like two-factor authentication and biometric login.
• VPN: Evaluating security protocols, encryption, speed, server locations, data limits, and support for streaming and peer-to-peer sharing while hiding IP addresses.
• Parental Controls: Testing screen time management, content filtering, location tracking, and resistance to bypass attempts to protect children.
• Identity Theft Protection: Assessing monitoring of personal info and responsiveness to potential identity theft alerts.
• Secure Cloud Storage: Evaluating capacity, security, usability, and features like file encryption and secure sharing.
• Anti-Ransomware: Simulating attacks to test detection and blocking of unauthorized encryption via behavioral detection and exploit prevention.
• Dark Web Monitoring: Checking effectiveness in scanning the dark web for personal info and providing timely alerts.

System Performance Impact (10%)

We measure how the antivirus affects device performance during everyday tasks:

• Resource Usage: Monitoring CPU and memory during scans and real-time protection.
• Performance Tests: Evaluating impact on launching apps, downloading files, browsing websites, and copying data, aligned with AV-Test criteria.

False Positives (10%)

Accuracy is crucial to avoid interruptions:

• False Positive Detection: Assessing how often legitimate applications or files are incorrectly flagged.
• Usability Tests: Referencing AV-Test evaluations to gauge false positive frequency for effectiveness and user-friendliness.

Price and Value (10%)

We analyze overall value by comparing features to cost:

• Cost Analysis: Considering subscription prices, device coverage, and multi-year plans.
• Feature Evaluation: Assessing if included features justify the price compared to competitors.

Ownership and Reputation (10%)

Trust is essential in cybersecurity providers:

• Company Background: Researching history, industry track record, mergers, or acquisitions.
• Privacy Policies: Examining data handling, privacy commitment, and compliance with regulations.
• Ethical Conduct: Investigating past unethical behavior, data breaches, or controversies.

Sources and tools

Below are the sources and tools we’ve used to test the antivirus software:

• Apple Platform Security
• AV-Comparatives Consumer
• AV-Test Android
• AV-Test macOS
• AV-Test Windows
• GRC Firewall Test
• Microsoft Defender
• SpeedTest VPN
• Trustpilot Security Software

Read more about how we test antivirus software.

We have tested 39 antivirus software from 28 brands. These range from free antivirus programs, to entry-level paid antivirus programs, mid-range paid antivirus software, and full-featured internet security suites.

These are the programs we recommend:

• Norton Antivirus Plus
• Norton 360 Standard
• Norton 360 Deluxe
• Norton 360 Advanced
• Norton 360 for Gamers
• Norton Antivirus for Mac
• Avast Antivirus One
• TotalAV Antivirus
• Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
• Bitdefender Internet Security
• Bitdefender Total Security
• Bitdefender Premium Security
• McAfee Antivirus LiveSafe
• McAfee Total Protection
• Panda Dome Antivirus
• Avira Antivirus Prime
• Surfshark Antivirus
• Intego Antivirus
• Kaspersky Antivirus Standard
• Kaspersky Antivirus Plus
• Kaspersky Antivirus Premium
• AVG Antivirus

We believe that Norton Antivirus Plus is the best entry-level antivirus software and Norton 360 Deluxe the best antivirus all around.

If you have a specific operating system that you would like to protect, we probably have a dedicated antivirus comparison for it:

• The best antivirus of 2026 – For all OS.
• The best antivirus for Windows 11 – For Microsoft’s latest desktop OS.
• The best antivirus for macOS – For Apple’s desktop OS.
• The best antivirus for Android – For Google’s mobile OS.
• The best antivirus for iPhone – For Apple’s mobile OS.
• The best antivirus with a VPN – For both security and privacy.
• The best antivirus with a Firewall – For a focus on network security.
• The best VPN of 2026 – For a dedicated privacy solution.

Click the links to be taken to your comparison of choice.

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