The 7 Best Antivirus (2026): What is the Right Choice?

Norton 360 Antivirus Review (Updated for 2026)

Norton offers the best antivirus protection across all major operating systems.

Anti-Malware Protection

In our 2026 tests, Norton achieved a flawless 100% malware protection score, making it one of the most reliable antivirus programs available. Its real-time protection tool, SONAR, stood out as the most effective defense against both known and emerging threats.

To validate these results, we averaged Norton’s last 10 protection scores from AV-Test, an independent testing lab. In addition, we ran our own in-house tests, where Norton successfully detected and blocked all 1,200 malware samples and phishing attacks in real time.

Norton’s SONAR uses heuristic analysis and machine learning to detect suspicious behavior — not just malicious code. This allows it to recognize and neutralize new, previously unknown threats before they cause damage.

Firewall Protection

Norton’s Smart Firewall goes far beyond the built-in Windows Defender Firewall. It monitors both incoming and outgoing traffic, blocking suspicious connections before they can escalate into full-blown attacks.

In comparison, Windows’ firewall only checks incoming connections, leaving outgoing data largely unchecked — a potential blind spot for hidden malware communication.

Norton also cloaks inactive network ports, preventing hackers from discovering them through port-scanning techniques, which adds another layer of stealth protection.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

Norton includes an unlimited VPN, and it’s one of the best we’ve tested. It’s fast, secure (AES-256 encryption with OpenVPN protocol), and private (strict no-logs policy). It also supports torrenting (P2P) and includes advanced features such as:

• Auto-connect
• Kill switch
• Ad tracker blocking
• Split tunneling

Unlike most competitors — for instance, Bitdefender’s VPN, which limits free users to 200 MB per day — Norton includes its unlimited VPN at no extra cost.

Password Manager

Norton’s password manager is another strong performer. Creating and autofilling passwords is quick and accurate, and the vault supports biometric logins such as fingerprint and facial recognition for added convenience and security.

Pricing & Packages

Norton offers a range of plans to fit different needs and budgets:

• 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.

Note: In some regions, Norton 360 Advanced is branded as Norton 360 Premium, which offers the same core features minus identity theft protection.

Bonus Features

• Safe Web extension: Blocks malicious and fraudulent websites
• Cloud backup: Securely backs up important files online
• Parental controls: Monitors and manages children’s online activity
• Privacy monitor: Scans data brokers for your exposed personal information
• Webcam protection: Prevents unauthorized webcam access
• Dark web monitoring: Detects if your personal data appears on the dark web
• LifeLock identity theft protection: Detects, alerts, and assists with recovery (U.S. only)

Verdict: Is Norton the Best Antivirus of 2026?

Yes — Norton is the best antivirus software in our 2026 tests.

Modern security requires more than just malware protection. Norton delivers a comprehensive security suite that combines device protection, online privacy, and identity theft prevention in one cohesive package.

It’s powerful, easy to use, and backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it risk-free.

Avast Antivirus Review (Updated for 2026)

Avast Antivirus One delivers excellent malware protection and a broad set of security tools across all major platforms.

Overview

In our 2026 tests, we evaluated Avast One, and it proved to be one of the best antivirus solutions available today. Its malware detection capabilities rival those of Norton and Bitdefender, placing it among the industry leaders.

Avast’s paid plans include a feature-rich toolkit — from an unlimited VPN to system cleanup tools — while maintaining support for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Whether you’re protecting a single device or an entire household, Avast offers robust, multi-platform security.

Anti-Malware Protection

To test Avast’s malware defense, we scanned 1,200 malware samples — including trojans, ransomware, spyware, and phishing executables. Avast detected and blocked every one of them.

A full system scan took roughly 54 minutes, which is competitive for comprehensive scans of this depth. During testing, real-time protection successfully intercepted even encrypted malware downloads before they could execute.

The only downside: Avast’s free version promotes paid upgrades quite aggressively, which can disrupt the user experience.

Firewall

Avast’s firewall provides manual control over network traffic, allowing you to block or allow specific applications as needed. It performs reliably but lacks the automation and polish offered by competitors like Norton’s Smart Firewall or Bitdefender’s network monitor.

One missing element is Wi-Fi Inspector, a feature previously available on Windows versions that scanned for insecure or vulnerable devices on your network. Its absence is noticeable for users who rely on advanced network diagnostics.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

We also tested Avast One Essential’s VPN, which offers 5 GB of free data per week — a generous allowance for non-paying users.

While it’s suitable for basic privacy needs, the paid version showed slower speeds and less consistent streaming performance compared to the VPNs included with Bitdefender Premium Security or Norton 360 Deluxe.

Still, the VPN uses AES-256 encryption and a no-logs policy, providing strong protection for day-to-day browsing.

Bonus Features

Avast includes a wide range of useful utilities to enhance security and system performance:

• Browser cleanup: Deletes cached data and tracking cookies
• Software updater: Keeps outdated applications patched
• Password protection: Guards saved credentials in browsers
• Ransomware shield: Blocks unauthorized file encryption attempts
• Email security: Scans incoming messages for malicious attachments
• Tracking prevention (premium): Stops online tracking scripts and cookies

While some features are reserved for premium plans, the free version still provides solid baseline protection for most users.

Verdict: Is Avast the Best Antivirus of 2026?

Avast is a powerful and well-rounded antivirus solution. It excels in malware protection and system tools, though it lacks a dedicated password manager and parental controls — features included in top-tier competitors like Norton 360 Deluxe.

If you’re seeking fast, reliable, multi-platform protection, Avast is a top contender. And with its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it risk-free.

TotalAV Antivirus Review (Updated for 2026)

TotalAV delivers affordable, intuitive, and well-rounded protection — ideal for users who want reliable security without complexity.

Anti-Malware Protection

In our 2026 tests, TotalAV performed exceptionally well, detecting 99.8% of all malware samples, including ransomware, trojans, and spyware. It leverages Avira’s award-winning scanning engine, one of the most respected in the cybersecurity industry.

We tested four types of scans — Quick, System, Smart, and Custom — to evaluate detection accuracy and performance impact. The full System Scan took about one hour, yet caused minimal slowdowns even during multitasking.

Real-time protection was also highly effective, blocking malicious downloads and phishing attempts instantly. For a lightweight antivirus solution, TotalAV’s malware defense rivals premium competitors.

VPN (Safe Browsing VPN)

TotalAV includes a capable VPN called Safe Browsing VPN, which we found to be both secure and versatile. It offers:

• 48 global server locations
• AES-256 encryption
• P2P (torrenting) support
• Kill switch
• Auto-connect on public Wi-Fi networks

In our speed tests, the VPN maintained solid connection speeds suitable for streaming and browsing. It’s compatible with major streaming platforms and performed reliably across regions. While it’s not as fast as standalone VPNs like NordVPN, it remains one of the strongest built-in VPNs in any antivirus suite.

Password Manager (Total Password)

We also tested Total Password, TotalAV’s built-in password manager, and found it secure and straightforward. It uses 256-bit AES encryption to protect stored credentials and supports auto-save, auto-fill, and two-factor authentication (2FA).

Its interface is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for beginners to organize and manage passwords. While it lacks advanced options like hardware key support (e.g., YubiKey), it covers all the essentials effectively for most users.

Bonus Features

TotalAV offers a useful set of additional tools that extend its value beyond malware protection:

• Identity theft protection (powered by Aura)
• System tune-up suite, including:
• Startup Manager (improves boot times)
• Junk Cleaner (frees storage space)
• Browser Cleaner (removes tracking cookies)

These utilities make TotalAV not only a security product but also a full system maintenance solution.

Verdict: Is TotalAV the Best Antivirus of 2026?

TotalAV is one of the best-value antivirus solutions we’ve tested this year.

It combines strong malware detection, a capable VPN, and a secure password manager in a simple, affordable package.

If you’re looking for comprehensive, no-fuss protection, TotalAV is a great choice — and with its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it risk-free.

Panda Dome Antivirus Review (Updated for 2026)

Panda Dome Antivirus offers flexible pricing, solid malware protection, and an impressive range of features — making it a great choice for Windows users seeking value and customization.

Anti-Malware Protection

In our 2026 tests, Panda achieved a 99.9% malware protection score, placing it among the strongest performers in real-world conditions.
However, it also produced a higher rate of false positives than competitors like Norton and Bitdefender — occasionally flagging safe applications as threats.

This score reflects both our in-house testing and the average results from AV-Comparatives since 2020. While we typically reference AV-Test data, Panda does not participate in their evaluations. Both labs independently test antivirus software for malware detection, false positives, and performance impact, giving a well-rounded picture of effectiveness.

Panda’s antivirus engine combines big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to identify both known and emerging threats, including zero-day malware, ransomware, and exploits. By monitoring software behavior in real time, Panda effectively counters advanced attacks without overwhelming system resources.

Firewall Protection

Panda’s two-way firewall filters both inbound and outbound connections across local and internet networks. It automatically assigns permissions to applications based on their risk level but also allows manual rule editing per app — ideal for advanced users who prefer greater control.

In our tests, the firewall performed reliably, blocking suspicious traffic without interrupting legitimate connections.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

All Panda Dome plans include a built-in VPN, but the free version is limited to 150 MB per day — roughly equivalent to four minutes of 720p video streaming or about 75 web pages.

Like Bitdefender, Panda’s VPN is powered by Aura’s technology, which provides strong foundations:

• AES-256 encryption for secure data transmission
• HydraVPN protocol for speed and stability
• No-logs policy for privacy
• Torrenting (P2P) support

However, the VPN lacks advanced options such as a kill switch or split tunneling, and upgrading to Panda Dome Premium (€60 / $67) for unlimited VPN data can feel expensive compared to competitors that include unlimited VPNs at lower tiers.

Password Manager

Panda’s password manager is one of its standout features. We found it secure, intuitive, and consistent across all platforms.

It supports auto-generation, auto-fill, two-factor authentication (2FA), and biometric logins.
Its browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox mirror the design of its mobile apps on Android and iOS, ensuring a seamless cross-platform experience.

In practice, the password manager performed smoothly, with accurate form filling and minimal setup — comparable in usability to dedicated solutions like Bitwarden or 1Password.

Pricing & Packages

Panda Dome is notable for its flexible pricing structure, which allows you to customize protection levels and device coverage.

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

All Panda plans can be scaled up to cover an unlimited number of devices, which makes it highly adaptable for households or small businesses.

Bonus Features

Panda Dome includes an excellent mix of security and privacy tools that enhance its core protection:

• Safe Browsing: Blocks malicious and phishing websites
• Dark Web Scanner: Checks if your email is exposed on the dark web
• PC Cleanup Tools: Removes junk files and browser traces
• Wi-Fi Protection: Scans for insecure or vulnerable networks
• Anti-Theft: Locates, locks, or wipes lost devices
• File Encryptor: Secures sensitive data with passwords
• File Shredder: Permanently deletes private files
• USB Protection: Automatically scans removable drives for malware

These features make Panda a well-rounded choice for users who want both security and system maintenance in a single suite.

Verdict: Is Panda the Best Antivirus of 2026?

Panda is one of the best antivirus programs we tested in 2026.

It combines strong malware protection, an excellent password manager, and flexible pricing options that fit nearly any budget.

However, we prefer Norton 360 overall — it includes an unlimited VPN and offers better protection on macOS and mobile platforms for a similar price.

That said, if you primarily use Windows PCs and value customizable plans, Panda Dome is a fantastic choice.
And with its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it risk-free.

Bitdefender Antivirus Review (Updated for 2026)

Bitdefender continues to set the benchmark for antivirus protection — combining top-tier malware detection, multi-layered ransomware defense, and an impressive range of security tools, all while remaining light on system performance.

Anti-Malware Protection

In our 2026 tests, Bitdefender achieved a perfect 100% malware protection score, detecting and removing every one of our 1,200 malware samples, including ransomware, spyware, and phishing executables.

Its Advanced Threat Defense engine provides real-time protection by analyzing software behavior rather than relying on traditional virus signatures. When Bitdefender detects an anomaly — such as code injection or process manipulation — it immediately blocks the activity before damage occurs.

This behavioral analysis approach allows Bitdefender to catch both known and zero-day threats with minimal false positives. During our hands-on testing, it detected even the newest malware types instantly, confirming its reputation for precision and reliability.

Firewall Protection

Bitdefender’s firewall is one of the most capable we’ve tested. It monitors both inbound and outbound traffic across local and internet networks, effectively blocking suspicious connections.

It also detects and blocks port-scanning attempts, a common hacker tactic used to identify open vulnerabilities. This proactive defense keeps your network hidden and secure, even on public Wi-Fi.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

Bitdefender includes a built-in VPN powered by Aura’s VPN technology, with its own proprietary apps. It’s fast, secure (AES-256 encryption + HydraVPN protocol), and private (no logs).

It supports P2P/torrenting and offers advanced settings like:

• Start-up and auto-connect options
• Kill switch
• Split tunneling

However, the free VPN is limited to 200 MB per day — roughly enough for browsing 100 websites or 5 minutes of 720p streaming. To unlock unlimited data, you’ll need Bitdefender Premium VPN or the Bitdefender Premium Security suite.

Password Manager

Bitdefender’s Password Manager is not included in the standard antivirus plans. It’s available as a standalone product or bundled with Bitdefender Premium Security.

The manager is secure and functional, but the extra cost can make the overall package less competitive compared to Norton, which includes a password manager and VPN for free.

Pricing & Packages

• Bitdefender Antivirus Plus: From €15/$15. Covers antivirus and anti-phishing for 1–10 PCs.
• Bitdefender Total Security: From €35/$40. Includes an optimizer and support for multiple OS, protecting 5–10 devices.
• Bitdefender Premium Security: From €55/$60. Adds unlimited VPN and a password manager, covering 10 devices.

Note: Bitdefender also offers a Free Edition, but it’s very basic — offering minimal protection improvements over Microsoft Defender. For full protection, we recommend one of Bitdefender’s paid plans, which are worth the upgrade.

Bonus Features

Bitdefender comes packed with a wide array of advanced security tools and utilities:

• Online Threat Prevention: Anti-phishing and anti-fraud protection for malicious websites
• Vulnerability Scanner: Identifies outdated software, weak passwords, and insecure networks
• Ransomware Remediation: Automatically restores files encrypted by ransomware
• Anti-Spam: Customizable spam filtering for Outlook and Thunderbird
• Safepay: Secure browser for online banking and shopping
• Video & Audio Protection: Webcam and microphone privacy controls
• Anti-Tracker Extension: Blocks web tracking cookies and scripts
• Parental Advisor: Monitors children’s online activities
• Anti-Theft: Locate, lock, or wipe lost devices remotely
• One-Click Optimizer: Cleans up storage and boosts performance
• Data Protection / File Shredder: Permanently deletes sensitive files

Verdict: Is Bitdefender the Best Antivirus of 2026?

Bitdefender ranks among the best antivirus programs we tested this year.

Its anti-malware engine, firewall, VPN, and wide range of security extras make it one of the most comprehensive security suites available.

However, it’s less cost-effective than some competitors — since the VPN and password manager require separate purchases unless you opt for Premium Security.

By contrast, Norton includes these features at no extra charge. Still, if you want elite malware protection and advanced system tools, Bitdefender remains an outstanding choice.

And with its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it risk-free.

McAfee Antivirus Review (Updated for 2026)

McAfee Total Protection (also known as McAfee Livesafe) delivers exceptional protection, excellent privacy tools, and one standout feature few competitors offer — unlimited device coverage.

Anti-Malware Protection

In our 2026 tests, McAfee achieved a flawless 100% malware detection rate, placing it among the top antivirus solutions this year. Its results align perfectly with those from AV-Test, where McAfee has maintained a 100% protection score since April 2020 — a remarkable track record of consistency.

During our own hands-on testing, McAfee successfully detected and removed every type of threat, including ransomware, spyware, trojans, and phishing attacks.

McAfee’s success lies in its multi-layered Scan Engine, which uses several complementary technologies:

• Signature matching: Compares files against a vast malware database.
• Sandboxing: Executes suspicious files in a secure, isolated environment.
• Heuristic analysis: Identifies emerging threats based on behavioral patterns.
• Code remediation: Cleans infected files by removing malicious components.

Together, these methods deliver highly accurate and proactive protection against both known and unknown malware.

Firewall Protection

McAfee’s firewall is one of the strongest in the industry. It monitors both inbound and outbound network traffic, blocking suspicious connections before they can cause harm.

It also hides inactive or open ports, preventing hackers from identifying them through port-scanning attacks — a common technique used to exploit unprotected systems.

VPN (Safe Connect VPN)

McAfee includes Safe Connect VPN, a built-in unlimited VPN with excellent security and privacy standards. It’s:

• Fast and stable for everyday browsing
• Secure, using AES-256-bit encryption
• Private, with a strict no-logs policy
• Global, with servers in 45 countries
• Streaming-friendly, working with Netflix on many servers
• P2P-compatible, allowing torrenting

However, there are a few caveats:

• Some features like kill switch and split tunneling are not yet available on all platforms.
• If you disable auto-renew, your VPN data is limited to 500 MB per day.

Even with these limitations, McAfee’s VPN remains one of the best bundled VPNs available in an antivirus suite.

Password Manager (True Key)

McAfee’s True Key password manager is among the most polished tools in its class. It allows you to create, store, and autofill passwords with ease across all devices.

True Key supports biometric logins (facial recognition and fingerprint scanning), making it fast and secure to access your vault. In our testing, auto-fill was accurate and responsive, and setup took just a few minutes.

While True Key doesn’t offer as many advanced options as dedicated password managers like Dashlane, it’s one of the best integrated password managers in any antivirus suite.

Pricing & Packages

McAfee offers several plans with flexible coverage — and unlike most competitors, some allow unlimited device protection:

• 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.

Note: In some regions, McAfee still markets its plans as McAfee Total Protection, which matches the features of McAfee Basic.

Bonus Features

McAfee includes a wide range of additional tools designed to enhance both security and performance:

• Secure Apps: Scans software for missing security updates
• App Boost: Improves performance for frequently used applications
• Browser Security: Blocks phishing and malicious websites
• Web Boost: Prevents videos from auto-playing online
• Tracker Remover: Deletes cookies and web trackers
• ID Protection: Scans the dark web for compromised data
• File Shredder: Permanently deletes sensitive files
• File Lock: Creates password-protected file vaults
• Anti-Spam: Filters unwanted emails in Outlook and Thunderbird
• Safe Family: Comprehensive parental controls for online safety

Together, these features make McAfee not just an antivirus, but a complete security and privacy suite.

Verdict: Is McAfee the Best Antivirus of 2026?

McAfee ranks among the top antivirus programs of 2026.

It combines perfect malware protection, a powerful firewall, an unlimited VPN, and an excellent password manager within a sleek and easy-to-use interface.

Its Premium and Advanced plans stand out for offering unlimited device protection, making McAfee particularly valuable for families or users with multiple devices.

While the best identity features are U.S.-exclusive, McAfee remains an outstanding choice worldwide for anyone seeking comprehensive, all-in-one protection.

And with its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it risk-free.

Avira Antivirus Review (Updated for 2026)

Avira Antivirus Prime delivers powerful, lightweight protection with excellent value for money. Its free version outperforms most competitors, while its paid plans add impressive performance and privacy tools — making it one of the best all-around antivirus solutions of 2026.

Anti-Malware Protection

In our 2026 tests, Avira achieved a perfect 100% malware detection rate, identifying every one of our 1,200 malware samples. Its cloud-based scanning engine proved both fast and efficient, catching threats instantly while maintaining a minimal system impact.

The standout feature is Smart Scan, which goes beyond traditional malware detection. It identifies privacy risks, security vulnerabilities, and performance issues, making it a convenient, all-in-one solution for users of any experience level.

Thanks to its cloud-based architecture and real-time updates, Avira is always prepared to handle zero-day threats and emerging malware variants without slowing down your device.

Firewall Protection

Avira includes a highly customizable firewall that impressed us during testing. It uses intelligent algorithmic rules to monitor both incoming and outgoing network traffic and allows users to define permissions on a per-application basis.

An integrated Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) helps block unauthorized data extraction attempts, strengthening network security against hackers and malicious scripts.

VPN (Phantom VPN)

Avira’s built-in Phantom VPN is a solid addition for users who want everyday privacy protection. In our speed tests, we observed an average 25–30% reduction, which is acceptable for casual browsing and streaming.

It features AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection, and supports P2P file sharing. However, it struggles to bypass geo-restrictions on popular streaming platforms such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer, limiting its appeal to frequent streamers.

Still, for most users, Phantom VPN offers reliable online anonymity and secure browsing — particularly valuable considering it’s bundled with Avira’s paid plans at no extra cost.

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 employs AES-256-bit encryption and supports two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security.

In our tests, password syncing across devices was seamless, and auto-fill worked accurately in both browsers and apps. The only notable omission is a password generator in the browser extension — a feature we’d like to see added in future updates.

Bonus Features

Avira’s paid plans include a well-rounded suite of optimization and privacy tools, enhancing both performance and usability:

• Device Optimizer: Freed up over 1 GB of disk space during our tests
• Startup Optimizer: Reduced boot time by 20%
• Driver Updater: Ensures all drivers are up to date and secure
• Game Booster: Improves performance during gaming sessions
• Battery Manager: Extends battery life, though it could add power-drain insights

Together, these features make Avira more than just an antivirus — it’s a complete system health toolkit.

Verdict: Is Avira the Best Antivirus of 2026?

Avira Antivirus Prime is one of the top antivirus solutions of 2026.

It combines exceptional malware protection, excellent optimization tools, and great value, especially given its generous free plan and affordable premium tiers.

That said, Norton 360 Deluxe remains a stronger choice if you want extra features like parental controls, dark web monitoring, or a built-in VPN with unlimited data.

Still, for users who prioritize speed, simplicity, and strong security, Avira is an outstanding choice — and with its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it risk-free.

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

• Signature-Based Detection: Compares files against a database of known malware “fingerprints.” Fast and accurate for recognized threats, but ineffective against new or modified ones.
• Heuristic Analysis: Examines file structures and characteristics to spot suspicious or altered code that resembles known malware.
• Behavioral Detection: Monitors how apps behave in real time, blocking activities like code injection or unauthorized file encryption.
• Real-Time Protection: Continuously scans files and downloads in the background, preventing malware from executing.
• Machine Learning and AI: Uses pattern recognition and predictive algorithms to detect and adapt to emerging, previously unseen threats automatically.

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 websites designed to steal login credentials or financial information.
• Firewall: Monitors and filters network traffic to prevent unauthorized access to or from your device.
• Password Manager: Securely stores and auto-fills passwords, often protected by biometric or two-factor authentication.
• VPN (Virtual Private Network): Encrypts your internet traffic to keep your online activity private and secure on public Wi-Fi.
• Identity Theft Protection: Monitors the dark web and alerts you if your personal data is exposed or stolen.
• Parental Controls: Helps parents monitor and manage children’s screen time, content access, and online behavior.

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 advertisements that slow down or clutter your device.
• PUP (Potentially Unwanted Programs): Installs alongside legitimate software, often affecting performance or privacy.
• Ransomware: Encrypts your files and demands payment for their release.
• Rootkits: Hide deep within system files to give hackers persistent control over your device.
• Spyware: Secretly records your keystrokes, passwords, or browsing activity.
• Trojans: Disguise themselves as legitimate software to deliver malicious payloads.
• Viruses: Infect and replicate across files, spreading from one device to another.
• 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: Manipulative tactics (like phishing emails or fake support calls) that trick users into revealing personal information.
• Zero-Day Attacks: Newly discovered vulnerabilities that hackers exploit before antivirus vendors can issue updates.

Stay safe out there.

Windows Defender and macOS XProtect provide solid baseline protection against malware and phishing. However, they lack the advanced features of premium antivirus suites, such as:

• Password manager
• VPN (Virtual Private Network)
• Identity theft protection
• Parental controls

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-Powered Malware: Malware that evolves autonomously, adapting to evade detection systems.
• Deepfake Scams: Realistic voice and video impersonations used in fraud and phishing attacks.
• Automated Phishing Campaigns: AI tools that craft personalized scam messages at scale.
• Adaptive Defenses: Antivirus tools increasingly use AI to predict and block novel threats in real time.
• AI vs. AI Arms Race: Cybersecurity and cybercriminals now deploy competing AI systems — making speed, not just strength, the deciding factor.

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 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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