ANTIVIRUS · UPDATED APRIL 2026 · AV-TEST CERTIFIED

Best Antivirus Software 2026

We tested 22 antivirus products across protection rate, system performance, usability, and price. Here are the top picks.

Find the best antivirus for your needs

🏆 Best Overall

Top-rated protection across all categories.

View picks → 🪟 Best for Windows

Optimised for Windows 10/11 with low system impact.

View picks → 🍎 Best for Mac

Mac-native protection — no Windows bloat.

View picks → 🎮 Best for Gamers

Protect your rig without affecting frame rates.

View picks → 👨‍👩‍👧 Best for Families

Parental controls + multi-device coverage.

View picks → 🆓 Best Free Option

Solid protection without spending a cent.

View picks →

Full comparison — all 22 products

Sorted by overall score. Click "Get Deal" to visit the product site.

#	Product	Score	Key Features	Price/yr	Action
1	Norton 360 Best Overall	9.4 /10	Vpn Password Manager Dark Web Monitoring Detection: 99.9%	$39.99 /yr	Get Deal →
2	Bitdefender Total Security Best Performance	9.3 /10	Vpn Password Manager Firewall Detection: 99.9%	$35.99 /yr	Get Deal →
3	Malwarebytes Premium Best For Cleanup	8.8 /10	Ransomware Protection Browser Guard Vpn Detection: 99.1%	$39.99 /yr	Get Deal →
4	McAfee Total Protection	8.7 /10	Vpn Password Manager Identity Protection Detection: 99.5%	$29.99 /yr	Get Deal →
5	ESET NOD32 Antivirus Best For Linux	9.0 /10	Anti Phishing Exploit Blocker Uefi Scanner Detection: 99.7%	$29.99 /yr	Get Deal →
6	Kaspersky Standard	9.1 /10	Vpn Safe Money Password Manager Detection: 99.9%	$29.99 /yr	Get Deal →
7	Avast One	8.5 /10	Vpn Firewall Breach Alerts Detection: 99.4%	$35.88 /yr	Get Deal →
8	AVG AntiVirus	8.3 /10	Ransomware Protection Link Scanner Email Shield Detection: 99.4%	$27.99 /yr	Get Deal →
9	TotalAV Antivirus Pro	8.2 /10	Vpn Password Vault Cleanup Tools Detection: 98.9%	$29.00 /yr	Get Deal →
10	Avira Antivirus Pro Best Free Option	8.4 /10	Vpn Password Manager Phantom Vpn Detection: 99.2%	$26.99 /yr	Get Deal →
11	VIPRE Advanced Security	8.0 /10	Firewall Email Protection Ransomware Shield Detection: 98.5%	$32.99 /yr	Get Deal →
12	Trend Micro Maximum Security	8.6 /10	Pay Guard Ransomware Protection Privacy Scanner Detection: 99.6%	$29.95 /yr	Get Deal →
13	Sophos Home Premium Best For Families	8.5 /10	Remote Management Ransomware Protection Privacy Protection Detection: 99.3%	$44.99 /yr	Get Deal →
14	F-Secure Total	8.1 /10	Vpn Password Manager Id Protection Detection: 99.1%	$49.99 /yr	Get Deal →
15	Webroot SecureAnywhere Lightest Install	7.9 /10	Cloud Based Identity Shield Realtime Anti Phishing Detection: 97.8%	$23.99 /yr	Get Deal →
16	Panda Dome Essential	7.8 /10	Vpn Usb Protection Rescue Kit Detection: 98.1%	$22.50 /yr	Get Deal →
17	Intego Mac Internet Security Best For Mac	8.9 /10	Mac Specific Two Way Firewall Network Monitor Detection: 99.5%	$34.99 /yr	Get Deal →
18	ClamAV Best Free Linux	6.5 /10	Open Source Command Line Email Scanning Detection: 95%	Free	Get Deal →
19	Windows Defender Built In Windows	7.5 /10	Built In Cloud Protection Tamper Protection Detection: 99.2%	Free	Get Deal →
20	Comodo Internet Security	7.6 /10	Sandbox Firewall Auto Containment Detection: 97.5%	Free	Get Deal →
21	360 Total Security	7.2 /10	Multiple Engines Speedup Patch Up Detection: 96.8%	Free	Get Deal →
22	BullGuard Premium Protection Best For Gaming	8.0 /10	Game Booster Identity Protection Secure Browser Detection: 98.8%	$29.99 /yr	Get Deal →

How to choose the right antivirus

🛡️ Protection rate

Look for 99%+ malware detection in independent AV-TEST or AV-Comparatives tests. Any product below 98% is not worth your money.

⚡ System impact

A slow antivirus is one you'll want to disable. Our top picks have "low" or "very low" system impact — you won't notice them running.

💰 Price vs. value

Free antiviruses cover the basics. For ransomware protection, VPN, and dark web monitoring, a paid plan ($30–$60/yr) is worth it.

📱 Platform coverage

Many subscriptions cover 3–10 devices across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Check how many devices you actually need covered.

Our testing methodology

We base our ratings on:

AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives independent lab results (protection, performance, usability)
Real-world testing — we install each product and run it for 30+ days
Price tracking — updated monthly to reflect current promotional pricing
No paid placements — our rankings are purely based on test results and value

We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links. This does not affect our rankings or editorial independence.

Editor's #1 pick Norton 360

★★★★★ 9.4/10

$39.99/yr

Get Best Deal →