Best Antivirus Software 2026
Safeguard your data from malware and online threats with the best antivirus software. Compare top antivirus for Android, iPhone, and PC to find the right computer security for every device.
Full product reviews
Deep-dive into every product on our list. Click any card to expand.
4.9
Features
AI-driven engine swiftly identifies and neutralizes viruses, spyware, ransomware, and trojans.
Stops advertisers from installing unwanted tracking software on your devices.
Continuous scanning and proactive threat detection from new and emerging threats.
Additional Protection Tools
VPN with safe browsing, identity protection, credit monitoring, parental controls, and system optimization.
Compatibility
Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Plans & Pricing
From $3/mo (billed annually) — first year $35.99. Three plans: Antivirus, Antivirus Plus, and Ultimate. 60-day money-back guarantee.
Protect up to 10 devices from just $3/month.
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4.8
Features
Advanced AI detects and blocks viruses, ransomware, and hacking attempts in real time.
Bank-grade encrypted VPN included with no-log policy for private browsing.
Alerts you when your personal info appears on the dark web.
Additional Protection Tools
LifeLock identity alerts, 50GB cloud backup, parental controls, password manager.
Compatibility
Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Plans & Pricing
From $39.99/yr first year (reg. $109.99). Plans: Plus, Deluxe, 360 Premium. 60-day money-back guarantee.
Save up to 58% on Norton 360 Deluxe.
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4.6
Features
Browser extension blocks malicious sites, phishing attempts, and scam pages in real time.
Monitors your personal information and alerts you to potential identity theft.
Scans the web for leaked passwords and accounts tied to your email.
Additional Protection Tools
Browser cleanup, notification hijack blocker, SMS scam protection.
Compatibility
Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari (browser extension)
Plans & Pricing
From $4/mo. Single plan covers all family devices. 30-day money-back guarantee.
40% off — secure your digital life for $4/mo.
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4.8
Features
Behavioral detection engine learns and adapts to stop zero-day threats before they execute.
Automatically backs up targeted files when ransomware is detected and restores them after cleanup.
Prevents unauthorized access to your camera and microphone by untrusted apps.
Additional Protection Tools
Anti-phishing, VPN (200MB/day free), password manager, file shredder.
Compatibility
Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Plans & Pricing
From $29.99/yr first year (reg. $89.99). Plans: Antivirus Plus, Internet Security, Total Security. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Save up to 50% on all Bitdefender plans.
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4.5
Features
Monitors apps in real time for suspicious behavior and blocks threats before they can cause damage.
Scans your network for vulnerabilities and unauthorized devices.
Run suspicious files in an isolated environment to test them safely.
Additional Protection Tools
Email guardian, webcam protection, firewall, ransomware shield.
Compatibility
Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Plans & Pricing
From $2.60/mo. Free version available. Paid plans: One Individual, One Family. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Save up to 60% — protection from $2.60/month.
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4.4
Features
Opens a hardened browser for online banking and shopping to prevent credential theft.
Analyzes emails and texts for scam patterns using AI.
Audits your social media privacy settings and recommends improvements.
Additional Protection Tools
Parental controls, Folder Shield ransomware protection, password manager.
Compatibility
Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chromebook
Plans & Pricing
From $15/yr first year (reg. $39.95). Plans: Antivirus+, Internet Security, Maximum Security. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Save up to 37% on your first year.
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4.3
Features
One-click scan checks for threats, junk files, and privacy issues simultaneously.
Browser extension blocks dangerous websites and phishing pages before they load.
Optimizes startup programs, clears cache, and removes duplicate files.
Additional Protection Tools
Ad blocker, unlimited VPN, password vault, data breach monitoring.
Compatibility
Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Plans & Pricing
From $19/yr first year (reg. $99). Plans: Antivirus Pro, Internet Security, Total Security. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Save $80 off today — plans from $19/year.
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4.5
Features
Award-winning detection engine with minimal system resource usage.
Checks firmware for threats that hide below the operating system level.
Secures online transactions with a protected browser.
Additional Protection Tools
Anti-theft for laptops, script-based attack protection, network inspector.
Compatibility
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Plans & Pricing
From $30/yr first year (reg. $49.99). Plans: NOD32, Internet Security, Smart Security Premium. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Get 30% off all ESET plans.
See Offer ›Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need antivirus software in 2026?
Yes. While operating systems have improved their built-in security, dedicated antivirus software provides additional layers of protection against zero-day threats, ransomware, phishing attacks, and sophisticated malware that basic OS security cannot catch.
What is the difference between free and paid antivirus?
Free antivirus provides basic malware scanning but typically lacks advanced features like real-time threat monitoring, ransomware protection, VPN, password managers, identity theft protection, and priority customer support.
Will antivirus software slow down my computer?
Modern antivirus solutions are designed to have minimal impact on system performance. Top-rated products use cloud-based scanning and intelligent scheduling to run scans during idle periods.
How many devices can I protect with one subscription?
Most antivirus subscriptions cover between 3 and 10 devices, depending on the plan. Many providers offer family plans that cover unlimited devices across Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
How do you evaluate and rank antivirus software?
Our editorial team evaluates products across five criteria: Protection (malware detection rates), Performance (system impact), Features (VPN, password manager), Value (price per device), and Usability (interface, support).