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Best Antivirus Software of 2026

We compared 30+ antivirus providers on protection, performance, and price. Here are our top picks.

Compare top antivirus for Android, iPhone, and PC to find the right security for every device.

Showing antivirus deals available in Columbus, OH

Secure & Private Free to Compare Updated today · May 28, 2026 Updated today Trusted by 2.4M+ readers
Real-Time Malware & Ransomware Protection
Built-In VPN for Private, Encrypted Browsing
Identity Theft Monitoring & Dark Web Alerts
Multi-Device Coverage & All-in-One Security

10,963 readers compared antivirus in the last 24 hoursreaders compared in last 24h

Top Pick
1

Our Partner

★★★★★
Best for Overall Protection
🔥 LIMITED OFFER: UP TO 53% OFF

Available in Ohio

  • Plans from $3/Month, Covers Up to 10 Devices*
  • Block Malware, Ransomware, Trojans & More
  • Includes VPN & Password Manager
  • Identity & Credit Fraud Monitoring
View Plans → Aura's Official Site
2

Our Partner

★★★★★
Best for Value for Money
🔥 SAVE UP TO 58% on NORTON
  • Antivirus, Malware, Ransomware & Hacking Protection
  • Add Norton™ Secure VPN & Parental Control
  • NEW! Genie AI-Powered Scam Protection
  • 60-day Money Back Guarantee**
View Plans → Norton's Official Site
3

Our Partner

★★★★★
Best for Free Protection
SAVE $80 OFF TODAY
  • Eliminates Viruses, Trojans, Malware & More
  • Protects Windows, Mac®, Android & iOS
  • Safeguard Your Identity & Online Purchases
  • Trusted by Over 3 Million People Worldwide
View Plans → Total AV's Official Site
4

Our Partner

★★★★★
Best for Real-Time Threats
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT: 40% OFF
  • Secure Your Digital Life & Identity
  • Block Phishing, Scams & Viruses
  • Safeguard Your Info & Purchases
  • One Plan to Secure All Your Devices
View Plans → Guardio's Official Site
5

Our Partner

★★★★★
Best for Budget Buyers
SAVE UP TO 60% – $2.60/MONTH
  • 30-day Money-back Guarantee
  • Block Viruses, Spyware & Malware
  • Advanced Ransomware Protection & VPN
  • Available for PC, Mac, Android & iPhone/iPad
View Plans → Avast's Official Site
6

Our Partner

★★★★★
Best for Multi-Device Coverage
SAVE UP TO 50% ON ALL PLANS
  • Detects and Blocks Cyberthreats Instantly
  • Shields Against Malware, Ransomware and Phishing
  • Learns and Adapts to Stop New Threats
  • Try Risk-Free with a Full 30-Day Refund
View Plans → Bitdefender's Official Site
7

Our Partner

★★★★★
Best for Small Business
SAVE UP TO 37% ON YOUR 1ST YEAR
  • Guards Against Ransomware, Spyware & Malware
  • Blocks Email Scams & Phishing Attempts
  • Secures Online Shopping & Banking Sessions
  • 30-Day Free Trial for up to 5 Devices
View Plans → Trend Micro's Official Site
8

Our Partner

★★★★★
Best for Mac Users
GET 30% OFF ON ALL PLANS
  • Best for Windows & Android Devices
  • Antivirus & Antispyware Security
  • Intel Threat Detection Technology
  • Add Unlimited VPN & Identity Monitoring
View Plans → Eset's Official Site
Digital Safety

Why you need antivirus protection

OS protection catches the obvious threats. Modern security covers everything else.

450K
New malware / day
Threats are everywhere
OS protection catches the obvious ones. Antivirus stops the rest — including zero-day exploits, fileless attacks, and silent installers.
$43B
Identity fraud / yr
Identity theft is soaring
Dark web monitoring alerts you the moment your data shows up where it shouldn't — credit cards, SSNs, login credentials.
91%
Phishing-led attacks
One click is all it takes
Behavioral protection blocks ransomware and scam links before they spread, even on first-seen domains.
Also covered
Public Wi-Fi isn't safe
A built-in VPN encrypts your connection on any network — coffee shops, airports, hotels.
Family safety online
Parental controls and content filtering keep the whole household protected from scams and unsafe content.
Peace of mind, quietly.
Runs silently in the background.
In Depth

Full product reviews

Deep-dive into every product on our list. Click any card to expand.

Aura Antivirus Software
#1 · Best for Families

Aura Antivirus Software

4.9

Features

Malware Detection & Removal

AI-driven engine swiftly identifies and neutralizes viruses, spyware, ransomware, and trojans.

Anti-Adware

Stops advertisers from installing unwanted tracking software on your devices.

Real-Time Protection

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.

See Offer ›
Norton Antivirus Software
#2 · Best for Windows PCs

Norton Antivirus Software

4.8

Features

Real-Time Threat Protection

Advanced AI detects and blocks viruses, ransomware, and hacking attempts in real time.

Secure VPN

Bank-grade encrypted VPN included with no-log policy for private browsing.

Dark Web Monitoring

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.

See Offer ›
TotalAV Antivirus Software
#7 · Best for First-year deals

TotalAV Antivirus Software

4.3

Features

Smart Scan

One-click scan checks for threats, junk files, and privacy issues simultaneously.

WebShield

Browser extension blocks dangerous websites and phishing pages before they load.

System Tune-Up

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.

See Offer ›

Still Comparing? Find Your Antivirus.

The best antivirus is the one that fits how you live online. Compare protection scores, VPN access, multi-device coverage, and pricing from the top-rated providers above.

COMPARE ANTIVIRUS PLANS →

Common Questions

Antivirus Software: Common Questions

Do I really need antivirus software in 2026?
Yes. Modern threats — ransomware, phishing, fileless malware, and credential theft — increasingly bypass the basic protection built into operating systems. A dedicated antivirus suite adds real-time scanning, web protection, secure browsing, and often a VPN, password manager, and identity theft monitoring.
Is free antivirus enough?
Free antivirus catches common malware but typically lacks ransomware shields, VPN access, secure browsing, password tools, and 24/7 support. Paid suites add layered protection that's hard to replicate from free tools alone — usually for less than $50/year.
What should I look for in antivirus software?
Look for independent test scores (AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives), real-time and ransomware protection, low system impact, a money-back guarantee, multi-device coverage, and bundled extras like a VPN, password manager, or identity theft monitoring.
Will antivirus slow down my computer?
Top antivirus programs are designed to run quietly in the background with minimal performance impact. Independent labs publish performance scores — the providers above all rate near the top for low system overhead.
Top pick: Aura Antivirus ★ 5 View plans →