Best antivirus software in 2026
This list compares antivirus and security suites for home computers and phones, including the protection already built into Windows. We weigh results from independent test labs such as AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives most, then system impact, value and how useful the extra features are.
7 brands scored5 weighted criteriaRegion: GlobalReviewed
Quick picks
Best antivirus software by need
Best overall protection
Bitdefender
Long record of top independent lab scores, with a free Windows edition too.
Best no-cost baseline
Microsoft Defender
Built into Windows, switched on by default and tested by the major labs.
Ranking
All 7 antivirus software, ranked
Showing 7 of 7 antivirus software.
- 1
Bitdefender$$
Best for people who want top-tier protection with low fuss
A Romanian security company with a long record of top marks in independent lab tests. It offers a free Windows antivirus as well as paid multi-device suites.
8.7/10, Excellent
- 2
ESET$$
Best for people who want strong protection with minimal slowdown
A Slovak security company known for its light-touch NOD32 engine and consistent lab results. Home plans are paid, with a 30-day free trial.
8.3/10, Very good
- 3
Microsoft Defender$
Best for windows users who want solid no-cost protection
The antivirus built into Windows, switched on by default at no extra cost. It is regularly tested by independent labs and is a solid baseline for many home users.
8.1/10, Very good
- 4
Norton$$$
Best for households wanting an all-in-one suite
A well-known security brand from Gen Digital whose Norton 360 suites bundle antivirus with a VPN, password manager and backup. Subscriptions carry a 60-day money-back guarantee.
8.1/10, Very good
- 5
Avast$
Best for users wanting a full-featured free antivirus
A long-standing Czech-founded brand, now part of Gen Digital, offering Avast One with a free tier and paid upgrades. Its free edition is one of the most widely used.
8.0/10, Very good
- 6
Avira$
Best for users wanting a light free antivirus with extras
A German-founded antivirus, now part of Gen Digital, whose Avira Free Security bundles antivirus with a few privacy tools. Paid plans add more features.
8.0/10, Very good
- 7
Malwarebytes$$
Best for cleaning up an infected PC or getting a second opinion
Best known for its free on-demand malware scanner, Malwarebytes also sells Premium with real-time protection. It is often used as a second-opinion cleaner.
7.7/10, Very good
Method
What the score is made of
- 35%Protection recordConsistently strong results in published independent lab tests.
- 15%System impactLight on resources, with few false alarms in lab reports.
- 20%Value for moneyFair renewal pricing, a useful free tier and a clear refund window.
- 15%Extra featuresUseful extras such as web protection, firewall, VPN or password tools.
- 15%Ease of use & platformsClear apps across Windows, Mac and mobile with minimal nagging.
Published facts
Side-by-side table
| Brand | Score | Free version | Money-back window | Free trial | In AV-TEST or AV-Comparatives tests | Main platforms | Company base |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bitdefender | 8.7 | Yes | Not published | Free trial of paid suites | Yes | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Romania |
| ESET | 8.3 | No | Not published | 30-day free trial | Yes | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android | Slovakia |
| Microsoft Defender | 8.1 | Yes | Not published | Not published | Yes | Windows (built in) | United States |
| Norton | 8.1 | No | 60 days | Not published | Yes | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | United States |
| Avast | 8.0 | Yes | Not published | Not published | Yes | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Czech Republic |
| Avira | 8.0 | Yes | Not published | Not published | Yes | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Germany |
| Malwarebytes | 7.7 | Yes | Not published | 14-day Premium trial | Not published | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, ChromeOS | United States |
Head to head
Popular comparisons
Before you pay
Buying checklist
- Check recent AV-TEST or AV-Comparatives results rather than marketing badges.
- Decide whether Microsoft Defender on Windows already covers what you need.
- Compare the renewal price, not just the first-year discount.
- Count the devices and platforms you need to cover.
- Turn off auto-renewal if you want to review the price each year.
- Skip bundled extras such as a VPN if you already pay for one elsewhere.
- Run only one real-time antivirus at a time to avoid conflicts.
Questions
Antivirus software: common questions
Is Microsoft Defender enough on Windows?
For many home users it is a solid baseline: it is built in, on by default and regularly tested by independent labs. Paid suites add extras such as stronger web filtering, VPNs, password managers and identity monitoring. Whether those are worth paying for depends on your needs.
Do Macs and phones need antivirus?
Apple and Google build in malware protection, and app stores screen apps. A third-party app mainly adds phishing protection, scam-link warnings and extras. It is optional for careful users, more useful if you sideload apps or share devices with family.
Are free antivirus programs safe?
Free editions from established vendors such as Bitdefender, Avast and Avira use the same core detection as their paid products. They usually show upgrade prompts and leave out extras. Read the privacy policy so you know what data is collected.
How do independent antivirus tests work?
Labs such as AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives expose products to real-world threats and malware samples under controlled conditions, then measure detection, false alarms and slowdown. Results are published regularly, so recent reports are the best guide.
Can I run two antivirus programs at once?
Running two real-time scanners together can cause conflicts and slowdowns. Installing a paid suite usually turns Defender's real-time scanning off automatically. An on-demand scanner used occasionally alongside your main antivirus is generally fine.
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