Today's best antivirus software protects your devices from threats like malware, spyware, viruses, and more. It's like a digital shield that constantly monitors traffic to and from your PC or mobile device, sniffing out threats (like infected files and malicious links) before they cause lasting harm.
We think that Bitdefender is the best antivirus for most people, thanks to its excellent malware detection results that set it above the competition and its mix of affordability and effectiveness.
If you're looking for an antivirus solution for your family, with excellent parental controls, then Norton 360 Deluxe is a fantastic alternative. Similarly, for mobile devices, we recommend McAfee+ Premium and its intuitive fleet of apps.
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Best antivirus software: top 3 at a glance
The Best Antivirus Software
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The best antivirus overall
Bitdefender tops our list and ticks every box. It performed well across our testing, boasts all the tools you need to protect your devices from malware (and more), and is nice and easy to use – regardless of platform. While some expert users might wish for a little more granular customization, we think that Bitdefender strikes the right balance in terms of configuration and ease of use.
Bitdefender jumps into action as soon as you’ve completed the installation process and runs a full system scan. However, we found that Bitdefender takes over an hour to complete the scan – which is certainly on the lengthy side. You also have the option of scheduling Quick Scans once a day or weekly, and more thorough scans less often. Quick Scans, as you’d expect, are pretty speedy – and we clocked completion times of around 15-30 seconds. Bitdefender also makes it possible to check individual objects and files, and even create custom scan types, just in case you have your own suspicions.
We appreciated that Bitdefender is capable of managing simultaneous scans without totally tanking device performance. This comes in handy if you want to run a full system scan, for example, while also initiating an on-demand scan of a recent download.
In our tests, we appreciated that Bitdefender prevented malware files from downloading – snuffing out threats before they have time to impact a device. Similarly, if you try to visit a malicious website, Bitdefender warns you right away so you can divert your attention elsewhere.
Testing by AV-Comparatives matches our experience. It received a perfect score in its most recent round of tests, conducted in February 2026, which puts it on par with Norton and McAfee.
Bitdefender is one of the more generous antivirus suites out there and comes packed with tools and features designed to boost your digital privacy. These include parental controls, a password manager, and even a VPN (which has its own downsides that we’ll address later). One of our favorite tools is Safepay, a dedicated secure browser that protects banking transactions from snoopers. It isolates itself from other processes, thwarting keyloggers and screen grabbers, and clears all temporary files once the session is closed. It’s a nice bit of extra insurance for anyone who doesn’t want to take a chance with their online purchases.
If there’s a downside to Bitdefender, it’s that we found other antivirus software better at tackling current infections – which is worth keeping in mind if your device has already been impacted. Plus, the VPN has a pretty stingy data cap limited to 200MB a day. That’s enough to check emails, send a few messages, and make some purchases, but it won’t hold up to anything but the lightest use.
▶ Read our full Bitdefender review.
The best antivirus software for families
Norton has become a household name for good reason – it does a superb job of protecting against viruses, malware, and other online threats. The 360 line of software offers a lot of value and, in our opinion, we think the Deluxe plan packs the most important tools into a modest price point. If your primary goal is to protect your family’s online privacy, you’ll be glad to learn that Norton 360 Deluxe includes parental controls, coverage for up to 5 devices, and 50GB of cloud storage for those all-important digital memories.
We really like the Norton interface. It’s clean and clutter-free, and running a Smart Scan is as simple as hitting a button. The control panel on the right contains more options. Here, you can launch a Smart, Quick, Full, Targeted, or Startup scan and manage any pending software updates.
When we put Norton 360 Deluxe to the test, it detected all of the sample files we threw at it and achieved similarly impressive results from third-party testers. In February 2026, AV Test gave Norton 360 a 6/6 score – the same perfect results achieved by Bitdefender Total Security.
Norton 360 actually performed better than Bitdefender in April 2026, too, when AV Comparatives awarded it an Impact score of 5.3 – compared to the 9.6 of Bitdefender. A lower score is better, as it translates to fewer performance issues, and we can certainly vouch for Norton’s smooth experience.
The extra Norton 360 Deluxe features are nested tidily in the Security tab, and it’s where you’ll find the password manager and browser extensions, too. Families will want to check out the Parental Control system that delivers more than the usual fare. In addition to content filtering, parents can enable mobile GPS tracking and in-depth monitoring, which makes search queries and website history visible.
Cloud storage is a nice touch, too. Norton 360 Deluxe gives Windows users 50GB of storage to play with – though it’s possible to create a local backup on an external or local drive to give important photos, videos, and documents extra protection. However, there’s no encryption, archiving, or versioning, and it's exclusive to Windows.
There are a lot of features to sift through and, ultimately, they won’t all be useful on a day-to-day basis in terms of antivirus protection. They’re still nice to have, though, and an AI tool that detects scams and deepfakes certainly seems like it’ll become more and more useful as time goes by.
Like Bitdefender, the Norton VPN included here is decent, not showstopping. It’s unlimited, which was a pleasant surprise, and while that means you’ll get some extra protection when relying on public Wi-Fi hotspots, it can’t hold up to today’s best VPNs in terms of overall effectiveness.
▶ Read our full Norton 360 Deluxe review.
The best antivirus for mobile devices
McAfee is another big name in the antivirus space, and its McAfee+ line of products expands its offerings with new tools, along with strong antivirus protection. We especially like the McAfee+ mobile apps, which are nice and easy to use, and the fact that a McAfee+ Premium plan gives users unlimited accounts to cover all of their devices (or even share with friends and family).
In terms of its core antivirus tools, McAfee+ Premium allows you to launch Real-time scans, as well as On Demand and Scheduled scans, which is exactly what you’d expect from such an established name. Its AI tools also do a great job of detecting known and evolving threats. Think malware, spyware, and emerging deepfake scams.
McAfee aced its most recent third-party tests. In June 2026, AV Test revealed that McAfee achieved a perfect 6/6 score, earning the ‘Top Product’ accolade – along with some of its closest competitors, including Bitdefender Total Security and Norton 360. These results are underscored by a similarly impressive performance in AV Comparatives’ April 2026 test. McAfee was top of its list and, notably, achieved a 3.3 impact score, meaning it has a negligible impact on system resources and performance.
The McAfee+ Premium plan also includes additional tools; while they don’t directly contribute to its antivirus protection, they do offer extra digital security. These include a secure file shredder and advanced firewall, as well as identity monitoring that’ll help you find (and remove) personal information across the internet – including the dark web. The True Key Password Manager is particularly handy for mobile users who are often on the go, and don’t want to rely on unsecure memorable passwords.
Unfortunately, the VPN included in the McAfee+ Premium plan leaves a lot to be desired. It does a decent job of protecting traffic with AES-256 encryption, an industry standard, but we found it incredibly slow during our testing – meaning it’s just not a viable option for streaming or scrolling social media.
It is also worth remembering that McAfee is one of the pricier options available, especially during the renewal period, and there are cheaper alternatives, like F-Secure Total. Additionally, if you need an antivirus with parental controls and other family-focused features, you’re better off with our #2 pick: Norton 360 Deluxe.
▶ Read our full McAfee Antivirus review
The best antivirus for home Wi-Fi
While F-Secure doesn’t rival the testing scores of other antivirus suites and has a noticeable impact on device performance, it’s still a fantastic pick for any IoT and smart devices connected to your Wi-Fi network. So, if you’ve got a house full of devices (belonging to you, your family, or any roommates), F-Secure Total could be a superb solution.
The F-Secure Total plan comes with robust antivirus tools, including ransomware protection, scam protection, ad blocking, and a handy tool that’ll let you know if important software updates are pending.
When put to the test in June 2026 by AV Test, F-Secure achieved a perfect 6/6 score – just like Norton 360 Deluxe and Bitdefender Total Security. It’s a great result that emphasizes F-Secure’s effectiveness at detecting malware and all sorts of web and email threats. Things weren’t as rosy when AV Comparatives tested F-Secure. In April 2026, the antivirus recorded impact results of 18.3 – by far the highest, and worst, score of our top five picks. In the real world, this means that F-Secure caused performance issues like slow-loading pages and scans, and a greater strain on device resources. If that’s a dealbreaker, you’ll want to check out McAfee+ Premium (which was awarded a 3.3).
Still, F-Secure Total comes with a modest list of tools to shore up your online security alongside its antivirus protection. The password manager is especially useful, thanks to its auto-fill capabilities, and online identity monitoring alerts will let you know if your details are leaked or involved in a data breach.
We particularly liked the Scam Protection features, which make online transactions more secure – an undeniably useful tool for anyone doing a lot of online shopping. Scam Protection alerts you about untrustworthy online stores before you can risk your money and personal details, and AI tools automatically block SMS scams before you can be tempted by bogus sales or discounts. Paired with alerts about unsafe Wi-Fi networks, F-Secure does a great job of making your day-to-day browsing much safer.
As with our other antivirus recommendations, F-Secure Total comes with a VPN – though it’s nothing to write home about. It’s a nice boost to your online privacy, and we certainly appreciate that there are no stingy data caps to worry about (unlike Bitdefender’s VPN), but it’s rather basic in terms of overall tools and customizability.
Ultimately, we found that F-Secure Total wasn’t as polished as its competitors and had a more noticeable impact on our performance and resources. If you can put up with the potential slowdown, it’s also worth noting that Bitdefender Total Security and Norton 360 Deluxe’s apps are much cleaner and less text-heavy. Again, this won’t be a dealbreaker for everyone, but it’s worth keeping in mind.
▶ Read our full F-Secure review
The best free antivirus
The Avast One line of antivirus tools features a free tier – Avast One Basic – and it’s pretty fantastic, though it certainly is one of the more basic offerings in our list. Still, if you want a free antivirus software that can actually protect your devices from threats, Avast One is a reliable choice. Of course, you always have the option of upgrading to a paid plan to enjoy even more features.
Avast One Basic’s antivirus tools detect viruses, ransomware, and other threats, all in real time, and a variety of scanning options are available. The Smart scan is a speedy option that takes 10 seconds to sweep for malware and malicious browser add-ons. Full scan checks the entire system, and a Targeted scan lets users pick and choose which files or folders to examine in more detail. The Boot-Time scan checks the system before it starts up, and, as usual, there’s also the option to create Custom scans.
We were pleasantly surprised by the effectiveness of these scans and Avast One’s detection and quarantining power in our tests. Similarly, in February 2026, AV Test awarded Avast One a perfect 6/6 score alongside the likes of Bitdefender and Norton 360 Deluxe. A month later, in April 2026, Avast One achieved a solid 5.5 Impact score, which translates to a minimal impact on system performance and resources. AV Comparatives’ test results are likewise impressive, with Avast One blocking 99.3% of test threats during a May 2026 evaluation.
In addition to its antivirus tools, Avast One Basic includes ransomware tools designed to safeguard user files. It detects folders on the system containing user documents and adds them to the Ransomware Shield Protect List. Untrusted apps aren’t able to modify the contents of these folders without permission. There’s also a simple firewall that monitors traffic, thwarting hackers and malware, and an AI Avast Assistant that’ll update you about online scams, messages, offers, and deals that are simply too good to be true.
It’s a fairly simple spread of tools, especially compared to the paid options we’ve listed above, but for a free option, it’s actually rather generous. The simplistic toolkit is complemented by a straightforward installation process, too, which anyone new to antivirus tech will appreciate.
The obvious downside to Avast One Basic is that powerful extras are only available to paying customers willing to shell out for paid tiers. This includes the ability to block scam SMS messages and calls, identify deepfakes and fake shops, and more. These tools aren’t must-haves, however, and don’t impact Avast One’s ability to protect your device from viruses. Still, it might be worthwhile to upgrade to a paid plan if compatibility with a single device is too stingy – or if you want access to the SecureLine VPN.
▶ Read our full Avast One review
Also tested
TechRadar's antivirus rankings
There are more antivirus solutions on the market than we can count – but only ten spots in our list of favorites. Below, you can check out our rankings at a glance, including some honorable mentions that just missed out on a spot in our shortlist.
Provider |
Summary |
|---|---|
1. Bitdefender |
Sets the standard for all antivirus to reach for |
2. Norton |
Good protection and great identity theft services |
3. McAfee |
Good for mobile, and decent on other devices, too, but expensive |
4. F-Secure |
Protects smart devices, such as TVs and Amazon Echo connected to your network |
Decent tools with a good free antivirus available |
|
6. AVIRA |
Easy to use with great advanced security |
7. Malwarebytes |
Not the best as a first defender malware blocker, but is excellent at removing threats already on your device |
8. Intego |
Specifically designed for Mac computers, does well at blocking threats, but awkward to use |
9. Trend Micro |
Good protections for banking and shopping online |
10. ESET |
Okay for basic protection, but feels outdated and falls behind better options |
How to choose antivirus software
There is a lot of antivirus software available today – and each software has its own plan and pricing structure. This can make choosing the best option for yourself and your devices exceptionally frustrating.
So, with that in mind, here are the key criteria we recommend keeping in mind when shopping around for antivirus software:
- Protection and detection rates. This one's a no-brainer – but if an antivirus can't effectively detect existing and emerging threats, quarantine them, and alert you, it's not worth using. We perform our own in-house tests to measure how well each antivirus software performs, and third-party testers (like AV Comparatives and AV Test) regularly evaluate antivirus suites, too.
- Performance. Like VPNs, all antivirus software impacts your device's performance – but it shouldn't be significant enough to slow it to a crawl. The best lightweight antivirus won't cause high CPU usage when scanning and monitoring your device, and won't grind your daily browsing to a halt.
- Device limits. Device limits vary from antivirus to antivirus, though most paid options allow you to cover up to 5 devices at one time with one subscription. Free tiers are typically exceptions to this rule, and usually only support a single connection.
- Extra features. Most antivirus providers offer a long list of optional extras – these don't necessarily improve the tool's antivirus capabilities, but can improve your overall digital privacy. Still, you'll typically need to pay extra (or upgrade to a pricier plan) to enjoy features like a VPN, password manager, parental controls, and identity theft protection.
- Ease of use. Whether you're new to antivirus or need granular control over configuration and settings, you'll want an antivirus suite that you're comfortable using. Look for antivirus suites with intuitive, clutter-free user interfaces that clearly label where to find key features.
How we test antivirus software - our review methodology
We take a multi-faceted approach to testing to ensure clear and accurate results and, importantly, we ensure that we get hands-on experience with all of the antivirus software we recommend.
TechRadar's team of cybersecurity experts thoroughly tested all of the antivirus software listed below. We combined our in-house expertise with industry-standard testing methods and EICAR files to check detection and quarantine effectiveness, and we cross-reference our findings with those from testing laboratories like AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives. This combination of hands-on experience and technical expertise means you can rest assured that our recommendations are grounded in real, objective data.
Thanks to our teams' background in IT and cybersecurity, we're able to create malware files to use in testing environments. We keep these files on a short leash and let them wreak a little havoc – nothing that we can't control, of course – but this is an important part of the process. They're new threats that no antivirus software is familiar with.
Antivirus developers often provide test files called 'EICAR' that simulate a threat. The problem with relying on these files during testing is that antivirus developers have made sure that their products recognize them. So, using our bespoke malware helps us maintain an objective playing field and evaluate how well these services deal with the unknown.
We don't rely solely on our findings, however. There are plenty of excellent third-party labs that test antivirus software on a regular basis. That's why we refer to results from AV Comparatives and AV Tests to paint a broader picture of the antivirus software's capabilities.
Performance is a critical consideration during our testing, and we need to know how much slowdown is caused by installing and running the antivirus, and how much it'll impact day-to-day browsing. After all, an antivirus that zaps every threat known to man, but slows your machine to a crawl, won't be much use to anyone.
Resources will be used, of course, as antivirus programs are saved locally on the device, but we still measure how long it takes to open a browser, navigate to a website, attach a file to an email, and more.
Online speed test websites give us a hand with this process by providing the nitpicky numbers to supplement our real-time testing. That way, we can balance solid statistics with our individual experiences to get a real feel for how the antivirus behaves outside of a lab.
We conduct real-time testing on our home devices, installing and using the antivirus software as anyone else would. We'll keep track of anything out of the ordinary, the highs and lows, and how easy the software is to navigate. This is also where we'll dig into the tools and settings to see if they do everything that they're supposed to do – think password managers, file encryption, VPN add-ons, and parental controls.
Tested by
Benedict has spent over 7 years writing about security issues, covering everything from major data breaches and cyber attacks, to the malware and credentials thefts that threaten livelihoods and personal security. He has a passion for security products that keep people safe, and the knowledge to help them make the right decision.
Mike is a lead security reviewer at Future, where he stress-tests VPNs, antivirus and more to find out which services are sure to keep you safe, and which are best avoided.
Sead is a seasoned freelance journalist based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He covers all things cybersecurity, including ID theft, ransomware, and data breaches, as well as laws and regulations related to the field.
The best antivirus FAQs
What is the best antivirus software in 2026?
Bitdefender is the best antivirus software for most people in 2026. It combines strong malware protection with user-friendly apps, as well as a whole host of extra tools that'll further improve your online privacy. These include a password manager, secure browser, and a VPN.
Bitdefender won't be the best fit for everyone, of course, and folks with families who need parental controls are better off with Norton 360 Deluxe. If you do most of your browsing (or shopping) on the go with your mobile device, we recommend McAfee+ Premium, thanks to a fleet of effective mobile antivirus apps.
What does antivirus do and how does it work?
An antivirus acts as a digital guard dog. It watches over the entire system and sniffs out suspicious intruders. In short, it offers real-time defenses against viruses or other threats, which, if detected, are immediately dealt with, preventing them from carrying out their destructive payload. You can also run manual virus scans whenever you wish - in addition to this automated protection.
Antivirus applications use virus ‘definitions’ to catch intruders. Think of these as the fingerprints of malware, and if anything creeps onto your system with a matching fingerprint, the antivirus swiftly quarantines the offender.
Antivirus programs also use 'heuristics' that look for files or processes exhibiting suspicious behaviour. This allows the app to catch any freshly made malware that hasn't yet been added to the definitions database.
For more details on this topic, see our full breakdown of exactly how antivirus software works.
Is free antivirus enough, or should I pay for antivirus software?
Unfortunately, there's not a simple yes or no answer to this question.
A good free antivirus can boost your digital security, and a lot of folks rely on Microsoft Defender to do the job. The good news is that, if you're using a Windows device, Microsoft Defender is a decent option that'll cover all of the basics when it comes to putting a stop to viruses and malware.
Most free antivirus programs use the same protection engine (the central tech that monitors your device and thwarts threats) as their paid counterparts.
However, premium antivirus programs offer extra features above and beyond the fundamentals. A robust system of parental controls could be a huge win for those with kids, for example.
Given how cheap some premium antivirus apps are – particularly with various deals on offer – it’s well worth considering going for an upgrade to get access to these privacy-boosting features.
For more information, read our article on whether free antivirus is enough to protect you.
Do I need antivirus software if I use Windows Security or Microsoft Defender?
Windows Security and Microsoft Defender provide useful built-in protection and do a solid job of preventing viruses and malware from running riot on your device – especially when they're kept updated.
However, an additional antivirus suite is worthwhile if you need multi-device coverage, hands-on support, or access to a wider variety of features, like ransomware protection, scam identification, and identity monitoring (to name a few!).
Does a VPN replace antivirus software?
No, and it's because the tools solve different problems – though they're certainly most effective when used together.
A VPN protects the privacy of your internet connection and identifiable data, which is especially useful if you regularly connect to unsecure public Wi-Fi hotspots, but it doesn't replace antivirus protection against malware, phishing, ransomware, or malicious files.
Some antivirus software comes with a VPN included, but it's well worth checking the VPN's data allowance and any monthly caps, the devices it's compatible with, and whether unlimited usage is reserved for premium plans. If your priority is malware protection, judge the antivirus on its security performance and essential features first; treat a bundled VPN as an extra rather than proof that the suite provides complete protection.
What should I do if my computer already has malware?
First things first, limit any sensitive activity – you don't want to run the risk of infecting more of your data. You'll need to run a reputable security scan and change impacted passwords using a clean device.
We recommend Malwarebytes for devices that are already infected with malware, though it's not quite as effective at combating real-time threats.
1 October, 2026
We've given this guide a top-to-bottom refresh. Our recommendations haven't changed, aside from a small switch-up in their order, but we've rewritten each product entry to provide more information on the effectiveness of the antivirus software, its impact on device performance, and more. We've also overhauled our advice on how to choose an antivirus product as well as our FAQs.
Editors' note: Kaspersky Anti-Virus used to appear on this list. However, considering the current climate, and the recent ban of the sale of Kaspersky software in the US, we've made the decision to remove the provider.
Although much of the company's core processes now take place in Switzerland, the fact that its headquarters remain in Moscow, and that there are prior allegations around government coercion, it feels prudent to urge caution when considering the provider.
What's more, with so many excellent alternatives to choose from, it's impossible to wholeheartedly recommend Kaspersky at this time.
