Here's something the antivirus industry doesn't want you to know: Windows Defender has gotten really good. Good enough that paying for antivirus might not be necessary for everyone anymore.
But "might not be necessary" isn't the same as "definitely not worth it." I've spent the last 6 months testing every major antivirus solution - running them through malware samples, measuring their impact on system performance, and evaluating whether the extra features justify the price.
What I found: the best antivirus programs do offer meaningful improvements over Windows Defender, especially in ransomware protection, phishing detection, and identity theft monitoring. But some of the big names are coasting on brand recognition while delivering mediocre protection.
Let me break down what I actually discovered.
How I Tested These Antivirus Software
How I Actually Tested These Programs
Malware Detection: I used live malware samples from MalwareBazaar, tested against zero-day threats, and verified results against AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives lab scores.
Performance Impact: Measured boot time, file copy speed, and application launch times with each antivirus installed. Some programs barely affect performance; others make your computer feel years older.
False Positives: Ran each program against a library of legitimate software. Nothing's more annoying than your antivirus flagging safe programs as threats.
Feature Testing: Evaluated VPNs, password managers, parental controls, and other bundled features. Are they useful additions or just marketing checkboxes?
Real-World Use: Used each antivirus as my primary protection for at least 2 weeks. Browsed sketchy sites (in a VM), clicked suspicious links, and tested email scanning.
Bitdefender
Top-rated protection with minimal system impact
Bitdefender consistently tops independent lab tests for malware detection and system performance. Its Total Security suite offers comprehensive protection across all devices with minimal impact on system resources.
- Best-in-class malware detection rates
- Minimal performance impact on system
- Excellent ransomware protection
- VPN included (200MB/day free)
- Advanced threat defense with behavioral monitoring
- Cross-platform protection for all devices
- VPN data limit on basic plans
- Some features require internet connection
- Premium plans can be pricey
Pricing
Antivirus Plus
$29.99/mo
Internet Security
$34.99/mo
Total Security
$59.99/mo
Most Popular
Norton 360
Complete protection with identity theft monitoring
Norton 360 is a comprehensive security suite that combines excellent malware protection with identity theft monitoring, VPN, password manager, and cloud backup. It's a complete digital security solution.
- Excellent malware detection rates
- Identity theft protection included
- Unlimited VPN with no data caps
- Cloud backup storage included
- Dark web monitoring
- 100% virus protection promise
- Higher price point than competitors
- Can slow down older systems
- Auto-renewal at full price
Pricing
Norton 360 Standard
$29.99/mo
Norton 360 Deluxe
$49.99/mo
Most PopularNorton 360 with LifeLock
$99.48/mo
ESET
Award-winning protection with minimal system impact
ESET is AV-Comparatives' Product of the Year 2024, known for its lightweight footprint and excellent detection rates. The Slovak-based security company offers multi-layered protection with minimal system impact, making it ideal for users who want top-tier security without sacrificing performance.
- AV-Comparatives Product of the Year 2024
- Perfect 6/6 AV-TEST scores across all categories
- Extremely lightweight - minimal system resource usage
- Multi-platform support (Windows, macOS, Android)
- Advanced threat detection with low false positives
- 30-day money-back guarantee and free trial
- No iOS support available
- VPN only included in Ultimate tier
- Interface less modern than some competitors
- Identity protection requires Ultimate plan
Pricing
Essential
$49.99/mo
Premium
$89.99/mo
Most PopularUltimate
$179.99/mo
Microsoft Defender
Free built-in Windows protection with perfect test scores
Microsoft Defender is the free, built-in antivirus for Windows 10 and 11 that has evolved into a highly capable security solution. With perfect AV-TEST scores and seamless Windows integration, it offers excellent basic protection without any additional cost for Windows users.
- Completely free with Windows 10/11
- Perfect 18/18 AV-TEST scores
- 99.94% malware detection rate
- Zero performance impact on modern systems
- Seamless Windows integration
- No annoying upsells or popups
- Phishing protection only works in Microsoft browsers
- No VPN included
- No password manager
- Limited parental controls vs paid solutions
- No cross-platform support for Mac/mobile
- Ransomware protection less robust than premium options
Pricing
Free (Windows Built-in)
$0/mo
Most PopularMicrosoft 365 Personal
$69.99/mo
Microsoft 365 Family
$99.99/mo
McAfee Total Protection
Unlimited devices with identity protection
McAfee Total Protection offers solid antivirus protection with unlimited device coverage on family plans. It includes identity monitoring, VPN, and a password manager for comprehensive security.
- Unlimited device protection on family plans
- Identity monitoring included
- Secure VPN with no data limits
- Good malware detection rates
- File shredder for secure deletion
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Renewal prices nearly triple after first year
- Can be resource-intensive
- Browser extensions can be pushy
Pricing
Basic
$29.99/mo
Plus
$39.99/mo
Most PopularPremium
$49.99/mo
Trend Micro
Cross-platform security with Pay Guard banking protection
Trend Micro Maximum Security provides comprehensive protection across Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Chromebook devices. Known for its Pay Guard secure browser and strong anti-phishing capabilities, it offers solid protection with identity theft insurance on premium plans.
- Strong 97% malware detection rate
- Pay Guard secure browser for online banking
- Excellent anti-phishing protection
- Supports 5 platforms including Chromebook
- $1M identity theft insurance (US only)
- No auto-renewal requirement
- Scans can slow system performance
- Higher false positive rates than competitors
- Limited VPN features compared to rivals
- Renewal prices nearly double after first year
Pricing
Antivirus+ Security
$19.95/mo
Internet Security
$39.95/mo
Maximum Security
$49.95/mo
Most PopularPremium Security Suite
$54.95/mo
Avast One
Strong free tier with comprehensive paid options
Avast One combines solid antivirus protection with a VPN, performance tools, and privacy features. Its free tier is one of the best available, and paid plans offer comprehensive protection.
- Excellent free antivirus option
- Good malware detection
- Built-in VPN included
- Performance optimization tools
- Cross-platform support
- Modern, easy-to-use interface
- Free version has ads for upgrades
- Past data privacy controversies (2020)
- VPN limited to 5GB/week on free tier
- No parental controls
- Higher false positive rates in lab tests
Pricing
Free
$0/mo
Silver Individual
$35.88/mo
Most PopularSilver Family
$59.88/mo
Malwarebytes
Malware removal specialist with real-time protection
Malwarebytes specializes in removing existing malware and preventing new infections. Known for its cleanup capabilities, it works well alongside other antivirus solutions or as standalone protection.
- AVLab Cybersecurity Product of the Year 2025
- Excellent at removing existing malware
- 100% stalkerware detection (only product to achieve this)
- Lightweight and fast scans
- Great as a second-opinion scanner
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Higher false positive rates than competitors
- Lower AV-TEST scores (5.5/6 vs 6/6)
- No firewall included
- Real-time protection not in free version
Pricing
Free
$0/mo
Standard
$44.99/mo
Plus
$59.99/mo
Most PopularUltimate
$99.99/mo
Webroot
Ultra-lightweight cloud-based protection with fast scans
Webroot (now OpenText) offers an ultra-lightweight, cloud-based antivirus that installs in seconds and runs lightning-fast scans. While it lacks participation in major AV lab tests since 2019, its minimal resource footprint makes it popular for older systems and business environments.
- Extremely lightweight - under 4MB install
- Lightning-fast scans (20 seconds average)
- Cloud-based with minimal system impact
- Identity protection and dark web monitoring
- 70-day money-back guarantee
- LastPass password manager included
- No AV-TEST participation since 2019
- Lower detection rates than top competitors
- Web protection not as effective
- Limited macOS feature set
- Renewal prices double after first year
Pricing
Essentials
$49.99/mo
Essentials 3 Devices
$69.99/mo
Premium
$129.99/mo
Most PopularTotal Protection
$179.99/mo
Kaspersky
BANNED IN US - Still available internationally
Kaspersky offers excellent malware detection with a user-friendly interface. NOTE: As of September 2024, Kaspersky is banned in the United States and cannot receive updates. Existing US users were migrated to UltraAV. International users still have access.
- Outstanding malware detection rates (international)
- Safe Money protects online banking
- Low system impact
- User-friendly interface
- Good parental controls
- Competitively priced internationally
- BANNED in United States since September 2024
- Cannot receive updates for US customers
- Russian government ties led to Commerce Dept. ban
- US users auto-migrated to UltraAV
- VPN has daily data limits (300MB on Standard)
Pricing
Kaspersky Standard
$27.99/mo
Kaspersky Plus
$29.99/mo
Most PopularKaspersky Premium
$49.99/mo
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
After months of testing antivirus software:
Bitdefender is my top pick. Best-in-class detection rates with minimal performance impact. The features actually work, and the price is reasonable.
Norton 360 is the best all-in-one suite if you want VPN, backup, and identity monitoring bundled together. Yes, it's pricier, but you get a lot.
ESET is the sleeper hit - minimal system impact, excellent detection, and a no-nonsense approach. Perfect for power users who hate bloated software.
Windows Defender is genuinely good enough for careful users who don't click suspicious links and keep their software updated. It's come a long way.
Kaspersky is banned in the US as of 2024. If you're international, it's still excellent technically, but the geopolitical situation makes it hard to recommend.
Don't pay for antivirus if you're not going to use the extra features. Windows Defender + common sense beats expensive antivirus + careless browsing every time.
Our Top Recommendation
Bitdefender
Top-rated protection with minimal system impact. Starting at $29.99/yr.
Get BitdefenderA Note From the Author
Antivirus testing is ongoing - malware evolves, software updates, and protection capabilities change. I re-run my tests quarterly and update based on the latest AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives results. Last update: December 2025.