The 7 Best Anti-Malware Software (2026 Update)

Norton 360 Anti-Malware Review

Norton delivers the most comprehensive anti-malware protection across all major operating systems.

Anti-Malware Protection

In our tests, Norton achieved flawless results, detecting every malware sample and phishing attempt we launched—1,200 in total. Independent evaluations by AV-Test, averaged over the last ten testing cycles, confirm our findings with Norton consistently earning a 100% protection score.

At the heart of this performance is Norton’s SONAR real-time protection engine, which combines heuristic analysis with machine learning to detect both known and emerging threats. Rather than relying solely on signature-based detection, SONAR identifies suspicious behavior patterns, enabling it to neutralize zero-day attacks before they can cause harm.

Firewall

Norton’s Smart Firewall offers a robust layer of network defense. It continuously monitors both incoming and outgoing connections to detect unusual activity, stopping potential intrusions before they escalate.

Unlike the default Windows Firewall, which only inspects incoming traffic, Norton’s version ensures that no unauthorized applications transmit data from your device. It also cloaks inactive network ports, effectively concealing them from hackers who use port-scanning techniques to identify potential vulnerabilities.

VPN

Norton’s built-in Virtual Private Network (VPN) is among the best we’ve tested. It provides unlimited data, AES-256 encryption, and the OpenVPN protocol—ensuring fast, secure, and private browsing. The VPN keeps no logs, supports torrenting (P2P), and includes essential features like auto-connect, a kill switch, ad tracker blocking, and split tunneling.

Many competitors, such as Bitdefender, limit VPN data to 200 MB per day unless you pay extra. Norton’s decision to include unlimited VPN access at no additional cost gives it a clear advantage.

Password Manager

Norton’s password manager stands out for its ease of use and reliability. Generating strong passwords is straightforward, auto-filling credentials works seamlessly, and biometric login options—via fingerprint or facial recognition—add an extra layer of convenience and security.

Pricing and Plans

• Norton Antivirus Plus – €20 (Europe) / $30 (USA): Includes anti-malware protection, a firewall, and a password manager for one PC or Mac.
• Norton 360 Standard – €35 (Europe) / $40 (USA): Adds VPN access and dark web monitoring; covers one device (Europe) or three (USA).
• Norton 360 Deluxe – €40 (Europe) / $50 (USA): Includes parental controls and a privacy monitor; protects up to five devices.
• Norton 360 Advanced – €45 (Europe only): Adds identity theft protection; covers ten devices.
• Norton 360 Select + LifeLock – $100 (USA only): Offers LifeLock identity protection; covers ten devices.

In select markets, Norton 360 Premium replaces Advanced and includes the same features, minus the identity theft protection.

Additional Features

• Web Protection: Blocks dangerous or fraudulent websites using the Safe Web browser extension.
• Cloud Backup: Safely stores critical files in secure cloud storage.
• Parental Controls: Helps parents manage and monitor children’s online activity.
• Privacy Monitor: Scans data broker databases for personal information leaks.
• Webcam Protection: Prevents unauthorized webcam access.
• Dark Web Monitoring: Alerts users if their personal data appears on the dark web.
• LifeLock Identity Protection: Detects, alerts, and assists with identity theft recovery (U.S. only).

Verdict: Is Norton the Best Anti-Malware Software of 2026?

Yes. Based on our extensive testing, Norton 360 is the most complete anti-malware suite available today. Its blend of powerful malware detection, advanced privacy tools, and optional identity protection makes it the most well-rounded internet security package on the market.

Norton backs its service with a 60-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it risk-free.

Avast One Anti-Malware Review

We tested Avast One extensively and found it to be one of the most capable anti-malware solutions available today. Its malware detection rates match industry leaders like Norton and Bitdefender, while its paid plans deliver a strong set of extra tools, including an unlimited VPN and advanced cleanup utilities. It’s compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, offering flexible protection across multiple devices.

Anti-Malware Protection

In our tests, Avast detected all 1,200 malware samples we used, achieving a perfect score. Full system scans completed in about 54 minutes, and its real-time protection successfully intercepted even encrypted malware downloads.

Avast’s detection engine uses a mix of behavioral analysis and cloud-based intelligence to identify both known and zero-day threats. While its protection performance is excellent, the free version frequently prompts users to upgrade, which can be distracting during use.

Firewall

Avast’s firewall provides effective control over network activity, allowing users to monitor and manually block applications that attempt to access the internet. However, it lacks the intuitive automation and detailed connection reporting we experienced with Norton and Bitdefender.

A notable omission is the Wi-Fi Inspector tool on Windows, which was once included to detect insecure devices connected to your network. Its absence slightly weakens Avast’s home network defense capabilities.

VPN

Avast One’s built-in VPN is functional but not exceptional. The free plan provides 5 GB of data per week, which is generous compared to most competitors’ free tiers. However, in our speed and streaming tests, the premium VPN fell short of top performers like Bitdefender’s, particularly when accessing geo-restricted content or maintaining consistent speeds over long distances.

The VPN employs AES-256 encryption and supports OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols, ensuring a secure and private connection. Yet, it lacks advanced features like a kill switch or split tunneling found in higher-end VPN offerings.

Additional Features

Avast includes a robust set of utility and privacy tools designed to improve both system performance and online safety:

• Browser cleanup: Clears cookies and browsing history.
• Software updater: Keeps applications patched and secure.
• Password protection: Secures stored credentials from theft.
• Ransomware shield: Prevents unauthorized file encryption.
• Email security: Blocks phishing and malicious attachments.
• Tracking prevention (premium only): Stops advertisers from profiling your online behavior.

These tools add value, particularly for users looking for an all-in-one security suite that goes beyond malware defense.

Verdict: Is Avast the Best Anti-Malware Software of 2026?

Avast remains a top-tier contender in the anti-malware space. It excels at threat detection and provides a versatile suite of additional tools for system maintenance and online privacy. However, the lack of a built-in password manager and limited parental controls make it less comprehensive than competitors like Norton 360 Deluxe.

Still, Avast’s 30-day money-back guarantee makes it a risk-free option for those seeking reliable, cross-platform protection with excellent malware defense.

TotalAV Anti-Malware Review

TotalAV offers affordable, user-friendly, and effective protection that combines simplicity with impressive detection accuracy.

Anti-Malware Protection

We found TotalAV’s malware defense nearly flawless. Powered by Avira’s security engine, it provides four scan types—Quick, System, Smart, and Custom. In our tests, the System Scan completed in about an hour, maintaining smooth performance throughout. TotalAV successfully blocked 99.8% of threats, including ransomware, spyware, and trojans. Its real-time protection feature also stopped malicious downloads instantly.

The interface is intuitive, making it easy to schedule scans or adjust protection settings without digging through complex menus.

VPN

TotalAV’s Safe Browsing VPN proved to be a capable and secure tool. It includes 48 server locations, strong speeds, and compatibility with major streaming platforms. The VPN supports P2P file sharing and comes with essential privacy features like a kill switch and auto-connect on public networks. While not as fast as dedicated VPN providers, it’s a valuable inclusion in the TotalAV package and offers excellent convenience for everyday use.

Password Manager

We tested Total Password, TotalAV’s integrated password manager, and found it both reliable and secure. It employs AES-256 encryption, ensuring vault data remains protected even if compromised.

Features like auto-save, auto-fill, and two-factor authentication make managing credentials straightforward. Although it lacks some advanced options—such as hardware key 2FA—it provides everything most users need for safe password management.

Additional Features

TotalAV includes a solid selection of bonus utilities that enhance both security and system performance:

• Identity theft protection powered by Aura, monitoring personal data for potential breaches.
• System tune-up suite with tools like Startup Manager and Junk Cleaner to optimize device performance.
• Additional utilities for browser cleanup, duplicate file removal, and privacy management.

Verdict: Is TotalAV the Best Anti-Malware Software of 2026?

TotalAV is a well-rounded, budget-friendly security suite that delivers excellent anti-malware protection backed by Avira’s trusted technology. Its VPN and password manager perform reliably, and its optimization tools add meaningful value.

With a 30-day money-back guarantee, TotalAV is an excellent choice for anyone seeking comprehensive, hassle-free digital protection without overspending.

Panda Dome Anti-Malware Review

Panda Dome offers some of the most flexible pricing options in the anti-malware industry, making it a great choice for users who want customizable protection without breaking the bank.

Anti-Malware Protection

In our tests, Panda achieved a 99.9% protection rate against real-world malware samples. This aligns closely with the long-term results published by AV-Comparatives since 2020. While we usually rely on AV-Test for benchmarking, Panda doesn’t participate in their evaluations, so our results are based on independent testing and AV-Comparatives data combined.

The only drawback we noticed was a higher rate of false positives—Panda occasionally flags harmless software as malicious. However, this is a trade-off for its aggressive detection engine.

Panda’s security framework uses big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to continuously analyze all files and apps on your system. This hybrid approach allows it to recognize both established malware and sophisticated emerging threats, including zero-day exploits, ransomware, and API-based attacks.

Firewall

Panda’s two-way firewall automatically manages both inbound and outbound traffic, intelligently assigning permissions based on each application’s risk profile. Users can also fine-tune settings for individual programs, providing a balance between automation and control.

VPN

Every Panda Dome plan includes a VPN, but the free tier is limited to 150 MB per day—roughly equivalent to four minutes of HD streaming or browsing around 75 websites.

The VPN uses Aura’s HydraVPN technology, offering strong security with AES-256 encryption, good connection speeds, and no-logs privacy. It also supports P2P traffic. However, the absence of advanced features like a kill switch makes its standalone price of around €50 less appealing compared to other integrated VPNs, such as Norton’s unlimited version.

Password Manager

We were very impressed with Panda’s password manager. It makes creating, storing, and auto-filling passwords effortless. Security is reinforced with two-factor authentication and biometric login support.

The experience is seamless across all platforms—its browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox are designed to mirror the mobile apps on Android and iOS, making it easy to manage your vault across devices.

Pricing and Packages

• Panda Dome Essential – €25 (Europe) / $35 (USA): Includes anti-malware protection and a firewall.
• Panda Dome Advanced – €35 (Europe) / $42 (USA): Adds anti-phishing tools and parental controls.
• Panda Dome Complete – €45 (Europe) / $54 (USA): Adds a password manager and system optimization tools.
• Panda Dome Premium – €50 (Europe) / $56 (USA): Adds an unlimited VPN and software update manager.

Each plan can be scaled to an unlimited number of devices, offering excellent flexibility for households and small businesses alike.

Additional Features

Panda includes a variety of extra tools that expand its utility beyond malware defense:

• Safe Browsing: Blocks malicious and phishing websites.
• Dark Web Scanner: Checks if your email address appears in dark web databases.
• PC Cleanup: Deletes junk files and cookies to improve performance.
• Wi-Fi Protection: Audits your home network for vulnerabilities.
• Anti-Theft: Helps locate lost or stolen devices.
• File Encryptor: Secures sensitive data with password protection.
• File Shredder: Permanently deletes confidential files.
• USB Protection: Scans external drives for malware infections.

Verdict: Is Panda the Best Anti-Malware Software of 2026?

Panda Dome ranks among the top anti-malware suites we tested. Its strengths lie in its flexible pricing, intuitive interface, and standout password manager.

However, Norton 360 still takes the lead overall due to its unlimited VPN and superior cross-platform protection. That said, for users focused on Windows security, Panda remains an outstanding and affordable choice.

Panda offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try its Dome suite risk-free.

Bitdefender Anti-Malware Review

Bitdefender is renowned for its powerful anti-malware engine, extensive security toolkit, and multi-layered ransomware protection—all while maintaining exceptional performance with minimal system impact.

Anti-Malware Protection

In our hands-on tests, Bitdefender achieved a 100% detection rate, successfully identifying and removing every malware sample we introduced. Its real-time defense system, Advanced Threat Defense, continuously monitors application behavior instead of relying solely on signature-based detection.

When Bitdefender detects suspicious actions—such as code injection or privilege escalation attempts—it immediately isolates and blocks the process. This proactive, behavior-based detection ensures strong protection against both known and zero-day threats while keeping false positives extremely low. During our evaluations, Bitdefender reacted instantly to the latest malware variants, including advanced ransomware strains.

Firewall

Bitdefender’s two-way firewall provides robust network security, filtering both inbound and outbound traffic across local networks and the internet. It also detects and blocks port scanning attempts, a common tactic hackers use to locate vulnerable devices. The result is a firewall that’s both intelligent and quietly effective, requiring little manual oversight.

VPN

Bitdefender’s integrated VPN, powered by Aura’s HydraVPN technology, is fast, secure, and easy to use. The free version, however, is capped at 200 MB per day—roughly equivalent to five minutes of HD streaming or browsing around 100 websites.

The VPN uses AES-256 encryption, maintains a strict no-logs policy, and supports torrenting (P2P). It also includes advanced features like auto-start, auto-connect, kill switch, and split tunneling. For unlimited data, users can upgrade to Bitdefender Premium VPN or choose the Bitdefender Premium Security suite.

Password Manager

Bitdefender’s password manager is not included in the basic or mid-tier plans. To access it, you’ll need to either purchase it separately or opt for the Premium Security package, which bundles it alongside the unlimited VPN. The password manager itself is secure and intuitive, offering encrypted vault storage, auto-fill functionality, and strong password generation.

Pricing and Packages

• Bitdefender Antivirus Plus – €15 (Europe) / $15 (USA): Includes anti-malware and anti-phishing protection for 1 PC.
• Bitdefender Total Security – €50 (Europe) / $60 (USA): Adds optimization tools and multi-OS support for up to 5 devices.
• Bitdefender Premium Security – €70 (Europe) / $80 (USA): Includes an unlimited VPN and password manager; covers 5 devices.
• Bitdefender Ultimate Security – €80 (Europe) / $90 (USA): Adds identity theft protection; protects 5 devices.

A Free Edition is also available, but it’s a basic version offering minimal functionality—only slightly better than Microsoft Defender. For comprehensive protection, we recommend one of the paid plans.

Additional Features

Bitdefender includes a rich suite of extra tools that go beyond simple malware defense:

• Online Threat Prevention: Blocks malicious and phishing websites.
• Vulnerability Scanner: Checks your system, software, and network for security gaps.
• Ransomware Remediation: Restores files encrypted by ransomware.
• Anti-Spam: Filters junk mail in Outlook and Thunderbird.
• Safepay: Launches a secure browser for online banking.
• Webcam and Microphone Protection: Prevents unauthorized access.
• Anti-Tracker: Removes web tracking cookies.
• Parental Advisor: Manages and monitors children’s online activity.
• Anti-Theft: Tracks, locks, or wipes lost devices.
• One-Click Optimizer: Cleans up disk space and browser clutter.
• File Shredder: Permanently deletes sensitive files.

Verdict: Is Bitdefender the Best Anti-Malware Software of 2026?

Bitdefender ranks among the most advanced anti-malware suites we’ve tested. Its combination of proactive threat detection, strong firewall protection, reliable VPN, and broad feature set make it one of the top security platforms available.

However, the separation of premium features—like the unlimited VPN and password manager—into higher-priced tiers can make it more expensive than alternatives such as Norton, which includes those tools by default.

Still, with a 30-day money-back guarantee, Bitdefender remains a top-tier choice for users seeking cutting-edge protection and complete control over their device security.

McAfee Anti-Malware Review

McAfee stands out for offering protection across an unlimited number of devices, combining powerful threat detection, advanced privacy tools, and a user-friendly design into a complete security solution.

Anti-Malware Protection

In both independent lab tests and our own evaluations, McAfee delivered flawless protection. Since April 2020, it has maintained a 100% malware detection score in every AV-Test evaluation. In our testing, it successfully identified and eliminated every form of malware—both online and offline—demonstrating consistent excellence in real-world scenarios.

This level of protection is powered by McAfee’s advanced Scan Engine, which integrates several technologies:

• Signature Matching: Compares files against known malware databases.
• Sandbox Execution: Runs suspicious files in a safe, isolated environment to observe behavior.
• Heuristic Analysis: Detects new and unknown threats by identifying malicious patterns.
• Code Repair: Removes harmful code from infected files when possible.

The combination of these techniques allows McAfee to detect and neutralize both traditional viruses and emerging threats like ransomware and zero-day exploits.

Firewall

McAfee’s smart firewall offers strong protection for both inbound and outbound network traffic. It intelligently manages data flow between your device and the internet while actively hiding open ports—a defense measure that prevents hackers from locating unused network entry points through port scanning.

VPN

McAfee’s Safe Connect VPN is included free with all paid plans and provides unlimited data as long as auto-renew is enabled. The VPN uses AES-256 encryption, follows a strict no-logs policy, and operates servers in 45 countries. It supports torrenting, works with Netflix on many servers, and delivers fast, stable connections.

However, not all features—such as the kill switch and split tunneling—are available on every operating system. If you disable auto-renew, the VPN becomes limited to 500 MB per day, which is restrictive for regular use.

Password Manager

McAfee’s True Key password manager ranks among the best we’ve tested. Creating and organizing passwords is simple, autofill works seamlessly, and the tool supports biometric login through facial recognition or fingerprint scanning. Its cross-platform functionality makes it an excellent alternative to dedicated managers like Dashlane or 1Password.

Pricing and Packages

• McAfee Basic – €30 (Europe) / $30 (USA): Includes anti-malware, anti-phishing, a firewall, password manager, and VPN. Protects one device.
• McAfee+ Premium – €45 (Europe) / $50 (USA): Adds personal data cleanup and covers unlimited devices.
• McAfee+ Advanced – €65 (Europe) / $90 (USA): Adds identity theft protection and also supports unlimited devices.
• McAfee+ Ultimate – €105 (Europe) / $200 (USA): Expands identity protection features and continues to support unlimited devices.

In some regions, McAfee Total Protection replaces McAfee Basic and Essential, offering the same core features.

Additional Features

McAfee includes a wide selection of tools for performance, privacy, and family protection:

• Secure Apps: Scans for outdated or vulnerable software.
• App Boost: Enhances performance for frequently used applications.
• Browser Security: Blocks phishing attempts and unsafe websites.
• Web Boost: Prevents auto-playing videos in browsers.
• Tracker Remover: Deletes tracking cookies to enhance privacy.
• ID Protection: Scans the dark web for personal data exposure.
• File Shredder: Permanently erases sensitive files.
• File Lock: Creates encrypted, password-protected vaults.
• Anti-Spam: Filters unwanted emails in Outlook and Thunderbird.
• Safe Family: Provides robust parental control and monitoring tools.

Verdict: Is McAfee the Best Anti-Malware Software of 2026?

McAfee remains one of the top-performing anti-malware suites available. Its perfect detection scores, excellent True Key password manager, and unlimited VPN set it apart from most competitors. The ability to protect unlimited devices makes it especially appealing for families or users with multiple systems.

Higher-tier plans also include identity and privacy protection tools, particularly valuable for U.S.-based users. Combined with a 30-day money-back guarantee, McAfee offers one of the most complete and flexible anti-malware solutions on the market today.

Avira Anti-Malware Review

We rigorously tested Avira and found it to be one of the strongest anti-malware solutions available. It achieved a 100% detection rate, combining excellent threat protection with outstanding value. The free version delivers impressive performance, while the premium plans offer even more advanced tools at a competitive price.

Anti-Malware Protection

Avira’s cloud-based scanner performed exceptionally well in our evaluations, detecting all malware samples instantly without noticeable system slowdowns. Its Smart Scan goes beyond traditional malware detection—it also flags privacy vulnerabilities and performance issues, offering a convenient all-in-one security and optimization solution. This balance of power and simplicity makes Avira ideal for both beginners and experienced users.

Firewall

Avira’s customizable firewall gives users fine-grained control over network traffic. It uses intelligent, rule-based monitoring to analyze data flow and allows you to set app-specific permissions. The built-in intrusion prevention system adds another layer of protection, blocking unauthorized attempts to extract or manipulate data.

VPN

Avira’s Phantom VPN proved to be reliable for everyday use. In our tests, we saw only a 25–30% reduction in speed, which is impressive for a bundled VPN. It uses 256-bit AES encryption to secure connections and supports P2P file sharing. While it offers excellent privacy for browsing and downloads, it struggled to bypass geo-restrictions on major streaming platforms.

Password Manager

Avira’s password manager is one of the few free options offering unlimited password storage. It uses AES-256 encryption and supports two-factor authentication, providing robust account security. While we found it highly functional overall, the browser extension lacks a built-in password generator, which would make it more complete.

Additional Features

Avira also includes a range of optimization and security tools designed to improve system performance:

• Device Optimizer: Reclaimed over 1 GB of space in our tests by deleting temporary and junk files.
• Startup Optimizer: Reduces boot time by managing background apps.
• Driver Updater: Keeps system drivers current to prevent compatibility issues.
• Game Booster: Frees system resources for smoother gameplay.
• Battery Manager: Could be improved with tools to identify high-drain applications.

Verdict: Is Avira the Best Anti-Malware Software of 2026?

Avira Anti-Malware Prime offers a powerful combination of strong malware protection, practical performance tools, and user-friendly design. It’s a fantastic choice for those seeking comprehensive protection at a fair price.

That said, Norton 360 Deluxe remains a close competitor—offering similar protection with additional features like parental controls. Still, with Avira’s 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it risk-free and experience one of the most balanced anti-malware suites available.

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

• Signature-based detection: Identifies threats by comparing files against a database of known malware signatures.
• Heuristic analysis: Detects new or modified malware by analyzing suspicious code structures and behaviors.
• Behavioral detection: Monitors active processes for abnormal or malicious activity in real time.
• Real-time protection: Continuously scans files, downloads, and system operations to block threats before damage occurs.
• Machine learning and AI: Uses adaptive algorithms to detect emerging or previously unknown malware based on patterns and anomalies.

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

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

• Anti-phishing protection: Prevents access to deceptive websites and emails that attempt to steal personal data.
• Firewall: Filters network traffic to block unauthorized access and data leaks.
• Password manager: Encrypts and stores passwords securely for convenient, safe logins.
• VPN (Virtual Private Network): Encrypts internet traffic and hides your IP address to protect privacy.
• Identity theft protection: Monitors personal information online to detect breaches and misuse.
• Parental controls: Limits access to unsafe content and manages children’s screen time.

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

Anti-malware software defends against a broad range of digital threats:

• Adware: Displays intrusive ads and can track browsing habits.
• PUP (Potentially Unwanted Programs): Software that slows performance or collects unnecessary data.
• Ransomware: Encrypts data and demands payment for decryption.
• Rootkits: Conceals malicious activity to maintain unauthorized system access.
• Spyware: Secretly collects user data, such as passwords and browsing behavior.
• Trojans: Disguises as legitimate software to install or deliver malware.
• Viruses: Infects files, replicates, and damages system data.
• Worms: Self-replicating malware that spreads automatically across networks.

Modern anti-malware 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 anti-malware has limitations. It cannot fully protect against:

• Social engineering: Manipulative tactics that trick users into revealing personal information or downloading malware.
• Zero-day attacks: Exploits unknown software vulnerabilities before security patches are released.

Stay safe out there.

Windows Defender and macOS XProtect provide reliable baseline protection against common malware. However, they lack several advanced tools found in premium solutions, such as:

• Password manager: For secure credential management.
• VPN (Virtual Private Network): For encrypted and private online connections.
• Identity theft protection: For monitoring and alerting on data breaches.
• Parental controls: For managing and restricting children’s online activities.

For comprehensive protection, especially across multiple devices, a paid security suite offers significantly more value and flexibility.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping both cybersecurity and cybercrime. Key emerging trends include:

• AI-generated phishing: Highly convincing, personalized phishing emails and messages.
• Deepfake scams: Realistic fake videos and voices used for fraud and impersonation.
• Adaptive malware: AI-driven threats that evolve to evade detection systems.
• Automated vulnerability exploitation: AI identifying and attacking software weaknesses faster than humans.
• Synthetic identity fraud: AI creating realistic fake identities for scams and financial crimes.
• AI-powered misinformation: Large-scale disinformation campaigns manipulating public opinion and trust.

Consumers and organizations will need advanced, AI-driven defense systems to counter these evolving threats.

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 anti-malware programs, to entry-level paid anti-malware programs, mid-range paid anti-malware 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.

Yes, at SoftwareLab, we write in 11 languages:

• Dansk
• Deutsch
• English
• Español
• Français
• Italiano
• Nederlands
• Norsk
• Polski
• Português
• Svenska

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