Best Antivirus Software of 2026
Protect your devices with the best antivirus software. Compare real-time protection, malware detection, and internet security suites.
Some products are sponsored. Rankings reflect our honest assessment. See our affiliate disclosure
At a Glance
Quick Answer
Bitdefender is the best antivirus software for most users in 2026. It scored 9.5/10 in our testing and starts at $29.99/mo. Best-in-class malware detection rates. Norton 360 is better if you need excellent malware detection rates.
Choosing antivirus software in 2025 is more confusing than ever. Windows Defender is actually good now, so do you even need to pay for protection? And if you do, which program actually protects you without turning your computer into a sluggish mess?
I've tested every major antivirus program with real malware, measured actual performance impact, and evaluated whether the bundled extras are useful or just marketing fluff.
These rankings are based on rigorous testing and real-world use - not just reading spec sheets and vendor claims.
Our Top Pick
Editor's Choice
Bitdefender
Editor's ChoiceTop-rated protection with minimal system impact
Pros
- Best-in-class malware detection rates
- Minimal performance impact on system
- Excellent ransomware protection
- VPN included (200MB/day free)
Cons
- VPN data limit on basic plans
- Some features require internet connection
- Premium plans can be pricey
Starting from
$29.99/yr
All Antivirus Software Ranked
Filter and sort to find your perfect match
- Best-in-class malware detection rates
- Minimal performance impact on system
- Excellent ransomware protection
- VPN data limit on basic plans
- Some features require internet connection
- Premium plans can be pricey
Starting from
$29.99/yr
- Excellent malware detection rates
- Identity theft protection included
- Unlimited VPN with no data caps
- Higher price point than competitors
- Can slow down older systems
- Auto-renewal at full price
Starting from
$29.99/yr
- AV-Comparatives Product of the Year 2024
- Perfect 6/6 AV-TEST scores across all categories
- Extremely lightweight - minimal system resource usage
- No iOS support available
- VPN only included in Ultimate tier
- Interface less modern than some competitors
Starting from
$49.99/yr
- Completely free with Windows 10/11
- Perfect 18/18 AV-TEST scores
- 99.94% malware detection rate
- Phishing protection only works in Microsoft browsers
- No VPN included
- No password manager
Free tier • Paid from
$69.99/yr
- Unlimited device protection on family plans
- Identity monitoring included
- Secure VPN with no data limits
- Renewal prices nearly triple after first year
- Can be resource-intensive
- Browser extensions can be pushy
Starting from
$29.99/yr
- Strong 97% malware detection rate
- Pay Guard secure browser for online banking
- Excellent anti-phishing protection
- Scans can slow system performance
- Higher false positive rates than competitors
- Limited VPN features compared to rivals
Starting from
$19.95/yr
- Excellent free antivirus option
- Good malware detection
- Built-in VPN included
- Free version has ads for upgrades
- Past data privacy controversies (2020)
- VPN limited to 5GB/week on free tier
Free tier • Paid from
$35.88/yr
- AVLab Cybersecurity Product of the Year 2025
- Excellent at removing existing malware
- 100% stalkerware detection (only product to achieve this)
- Higher false positive rates than competitors
- Lower AV-TEST scores (5.5/6 vs 6/6)
- No firewall included
Free tier • Paid from
$44.99/yr
- Extremely lightweight - under 4MB install
- Lightning-fast scans (20 seconds average)
- Cloud-based with minimal system impact
- No AV-TEST participation since 2019
- Lower detection rates than top competitors
- Web protection not as effective
Starting from
$49.99/yr
- Outstanding malware detection rates (international)
- Safe Money protects online banking
- Low system impact
- BANNED in United States since September 2024
- Cannot receive updates for US customers
- Russian government ties led to Commerce Dept. ban
Starting from
$27.99/yr
Independent Lab Test Results
See how antivirus products perform in independent tests for protection, performance, and usability from AV-TEST.org.
View AV-TEST ResultsAV-TEST is an independent research institute that has been testing antivirus software since 2004.
Best For Your Needs
Find the perfect antivirus software for your specific use case
Best Antivirus for Windows PC
Top-rated virus protection for Windows 10 & 11
View recommendationsBest Antivirus for Mac
Security software designed for macOS
View recommendationsBest Antivirus for Android
Mobile security for Android phones and tablets
View recommendationsBest Antivirus for iPhone
iOS security and privacy protection
View recommendationsBest Antivirus for Families
Protect all your family's devices with parental controls
View recommendationsBest Antivirus for Business
Enterprise endpoint protection and management
View recommendationsBest Antivirus for Students
Affordable protection for laptops and devices
View recommendationsBest Antivirus for Gaming
Lightweight protection that won't slow down your games
View recommendationsBest Antivirus for Ransomware Protection
Advanced protection against ransomware attacks
View recommendationsBest Antivirus for Phishing Protection
Block scam emails and fake websites
View recommendationsBest Antivirus for Identity Protection
Dark web monitoring and identity theft protection
View recommendationsBest Antivirus with VPN
Security suites with built-in VPN
View recommendationsBest Lightweight Antivirus
Minimal system impact for older computers
View recommendationsBest Antivirus with Firewall
Complete protection with advanced firewall
View recommendationsBest Free Antivirus Software
Quality virus protection that costs nothing
View recommendationsBest Cheap Antivirus Software
Premium protection under $30/year
View recommendationsCompare Antivirus Software
Select 2-3 products to compare side by side
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best antivirus software in 2025?
Bitdefender is our top pick for best antivirus software in 2025. It scored 9.5/10 in our testing, offering top-rated protection with minimal system impact.
What is the cheapest antivirus software?
Trend Micro is the most affordable option at $19.95/mo. It scores 8.5/10 in our testing.
Which antivirus software has the highest rating?
Bitdefender has the highest rating at 9.5/10. Best-in-class malware detection rates.
How many antivirus softwares did you test?
We tested 10 antivirus softwares for this comparison. Our testing methodology includes real-world usage, feature analysis, and price-to-value assessment.
Are these antivirus software reviews honest?
Yes, we independently test all antivirus softwares using our own accounts. Some links are affiliate links, but this doesn't affect our ratings. See our disclosure policy for details.
How We Test
Our team tests every product thoroughly before making recommendations. We evaluate performance, features, ease of use, customer support, and value for money. Each product goes through real-world testing scenarios to ensure our ratings reflect actual user experience.