Unbiased Antivirus Reviews to
Keep You Safe Online
We rigorously test and rank the best antivirus software of 2026. Find the perfect protection for your devices without the guesswork.
Our Top Rated Antivirus Software
Based on protection, performance, features, and value.
TotalAV 2026
- Real-Time Protection
- Advanced Ransomware Detection
- Includes VPN & Ad Blocker
Norton 360 Deluxe
- 100% Virus Protection Promise
- Dark Web Monitoring
- 50GB Cloud Backup
Bitdefender Total Security
- Extremely Low System Impact
- Multi-Layer Ransomware Protection
- Parental Controls Included
McAfee Total Protection
- Identity Theft Protection
- Covers Unlimited Devices
- Strong Firewall
Quick Heal Total Security
- Affordable Pricing
- Effective Ransomware Protection
- Includes PC Tune-up Tools
Avast One
- Powerful Free Antivirus
- Wi-Fi Network Scanner
- Modern, Clean Interface
Need Help Choosing?
Answer a few questions and our AI assistant will recommend the perfect antivirus for you.
Why Trust Antivirus Test?
In a world full of digital noise, we provide clarity. Our mission is to deliver independent, expert-driven reviews you can rely on to make informed decisions about your digital security.
Rigorous In-House Testing
We don't just read spec sheets. We run dozens of tests in our dedicated lab to measure real-world protection and performance.
Unbiased Scoring System
Our ratings are based on a transparent, data-driven scoring model. We are 100% editorially independent.
From Our Blog
Stay informed with our guides, tips, and news from the world of cybersecurity.
How to Spot and Avoid Phishing Scams in 2025
Phishing attacks are more sophisticated than ever. Learn the key signs to protect your personal information.
Do You Really Need a VPN with Your Antivirus?
We break down the benefits of a VPN and whether it's a necessary addition to your security toolkit.
The Rise of AI-Powered Malware: What You Need to Know
A new breed of malware is emerging. Understand the threat and how to defend against it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We've got answers. Here are some of the most common inquiries we receive.
In-Depth Antivirus Reviews
Here you'll find our comprehensive analysis of the top security software. We break down the features, performance, and protection of each product to help you make the best choice.
TotalAV 2026 Review
An exceptional all-in-one security suite that pairs near-perfect malware detection rates with a fantastic set of extra features like a VPN and system tune-up tools.
Pros
- Excellent malware detection scores
- User-friendly interface
- Includes VPN, Ad Blocker, & PC Cleaner
- Great value for money
Cons
- VPN has limited server options
- Initial scans can be slow
Our Verdict: Highly Recommended
The best choice for most users, offering robust protection and useful extras.
Norton 360 Deluxe Review
A powerhouse of security, Norton 360 goes beyond antivirus with features like Dark Web Monitoring, a password manager, and generous cloud backup.
Pros
- Flawless malware protection
- Comprehensive identity theft features
- Excellent parental controls
- Includes 50GB of cloud backup
Cons
- Can be resource-heavy on older PCs
- More expensive than some rivals
Our Verdict: Excellent
The ultimate suite for those who want total digital life protection.
Bitdefender Total Security Review
Famous for its feather-light performance, Bitdefender provides top-tier protection without slowing down your system, making it ideal for gamers and power users.
Pros
- Minimal impact on system speed
- Perfect malware detection scores
- Advanced ransomware remediation
- Tons of configurable features
Cons
- VPN included is very limited
- Interface can be complex for beginners
Our Verdict: Excellent
The king of performance. Perfect for users who refuse to compromise on speed.
McAfee Total Protection Review
A well-rounded suite that excels in identity protection and provides strong features for families across multiple devices, making it a household name for a reason.
Pros
- Excellent identity theft protection tools
- Covers unlimited devices on top plans
- Strong firewall and network protection
- User-friendly dashboard
Cons
- Can be resource-intensive during scans
- Some of the best features are upsells
Our Verdict: Great for Families
A solid choice for protecting every device in the modern, connected household.
Quick Heal Total Security Review
Offers robust core protection with useful local features like a PC Tuner and secure banking, providing excellent value for its price point, especially in emerging markets.
Pros
- Very affordable pricing plans
- Light on system resources
- Effective ransomware protection
- Includes helpful PC tune-up tools
Cons
- User interface feels a bit dated
- Lacks advanced features of premium rivals
Our Verdict: Budget-Friendly Choice
A fantastic option for users who need essential security without a high price tag.
Avast One Review
One of the most powerful free antivirus solutions available, Avast One also offers a comprehensive paid suite with a VPN, firewall, and device cleanup utilities.
Pros
- Top-tier malware detection in its free version
- Modern and clean interface
- Wi-Fi network scanner is a great feature
- Paid version is packed with features
Cons
- Free version has frequent upgrade pop-ups
- Past data privacy concerns
Our Verdict: Top Free Option
The best starting point for users who want robust, no-cost security.
Kaspersky Premium Review
Renowned for its powerful detection engine, Kaspersky offers cutting-edge protection against the most sophisticated threats, packaged with a clean, easy-to-use interface.
Pros
- Top-tier malware detection rates
- Effective Safe Money feature for banking
- Excellent parental controls
- Very intuitive user interface
Cons
- Past geopolitical concerns for some users
- VPN has data limits on lower tiers
Our Verdict: Excellent
A technical powerhouse for users seeking the highest level of threat detection.
ESET Smart Security Premium Review
A favorite among tech experts, ESET provides highly advanced, configurable protection with a very light system footprint and exceptional UEFI scanning capabilities.
Pros
- Excellent anti-phishing protection
- Advanced diagnostics tools for experts
- Low impact on performance
- Strong network security features
Cons
- Interface can be intimidating for novices
- Fewer extra features than competitors
Our Verdict: Great for Power Users
The best option for tech-savvy users who want granular control over their security.
Webroot Internet Security Plus Review
Webroot takes a unique cloud-based approach, resulting in an incredibly small installation size and lightning-fast scans that won't disrupt your workflow.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and fast
- Cloud-based detection minimizes definitions
- Solid identity theft protection features
- Quick and easy installation
Cons
- Less effective against offline threats
- Detection scores can lag behind leaders
Our Verdict: Blazing Fast
Ideal for users on older hardware or those who prioritize speed above all else.
Security Insights Blog
Stay updated with the latest news, in-depth guides, and expert tips from the world of cybersecurity.
All Articles
How to Spot and Avoid Phishing Scams in 2025
Phishing attacks are more sophisticated than ever. Learn the key signs to protect your personal information.
Do You Really Need a VPN with Your Antivirus?
We break down the benefits of a VPN and whether it's a necessary addition to your security toolkit.
The Rise of AI-Powered Malware: What You Need to Know
A new breed of malware is emerging. Understand the threat and how to defend against it.
A Parent's Guide to Digital Safety for Kids
Learn how to use parental controls and other tools to keep your children safe online.
Beyond '123456': Creating and Managing Strong Passwords
Stop reusing passwords. We explore the best practices and tools for ultimate password security.
How Ransomware Works and How to Protect Yourself
An in-depth look at the mechanics of ransomware attacks and the best lines of defense.
About Antivirus Test
We are a passionate team of cybersecurity experts dedicated to providing clear, honest, and in-depth reviews of antivirus software.
Our Mission
In an increasingly complex digital world, choosing the right protection can be overwhelming. Our mission is to cut through the jargon and marketing hype. We conduct rigorous, independent testing to provide you with the data you need to make confident decisions about your online security. We believe everyone deserves to feel safe online.
Our Values
- Independence: Our reviews are 100% our own. We are not owned by any antivirus company, ensuring our ratings are unbiased.
- Rigor: We use a combination of real-world malware testing, performance benchmarking, and analysis of third-party lab results.
- Clarity: We present our findings in a clear, easy-to-understand format, helping both tech novices and experts alike.
Our Testing Methodology
We believe in transparency. Here’s a look at how we put antivirus software through its paces to arrive at our unbiased ratings.
Malware Protection
We test against thousands of live malware samples, including viruses, trojans, and ransomware, plus the latest zero-day threats to measure real-world detection rates.
Performance Impact
We measure the software's impact on system performance, including boot times, file copying speed, and application launch times, ensuring it protects without slowing you down.
Features & Usability
We evaluate the entire feature set, from VPNs to firewalls, and assess the user interface for ease of installation, navigation, and overall user experience for both beginners and experts.
Meet the Experts
Our team is composed of veteran security researchers and tech journalists with a shared passion for digital safety.
Alex Volkov
Founder & Chief Editor
With over 15 years in cybersecurity, Alex founded Antivirus Test to bring clarity to the complex world of security software.
Samantha Reed
Lead Security Analyst
Samantha heads our testing lab, designing and executing the rigorous tests that form the backbone of our reviews.
David Chen
Technical Writer
David specializes in translating complex technical data into easy-to-understand reviews and guides for our audience.
Get In Touch
We'd love to hear from you. Whether you have a question, a suggestion, or a partnership inquiry, please don't hesitate to reach out.
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Last Updated: September 9, 2025
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Last Updated: September 9, 2025
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