The best antivirus software for Windows 11 in 2026: Expert tested and reviewed
The internet can be a dangerous place, with malware lurking around every corner. While many antivirus programs promise robust protection, choosing the right one is surprisingly difficult. Windows Security comes free with every Windows PC, and it’s solid. Bitdefender boasts a fully loaded arsenal to protect your computer from bad actors, and at the time…
The internet can be a dangerous place, with malware lurking around every corner. While many antivirus programs promise robust protection, choosing the right one is surprisingly difficult. Windows Security comes free with every Windows PC, and it’s solid. Bitdefender boasts a fully loaded arsenal to protect your computer from bad actors, and at the time of this writing, a subscription costs $60 for a full year.
To save you time, I compiled a list of the best antivirus apps for Windows computers. Each program in this roundup comes highly recommended. You can’t go wrong with any of them, but there is one clear winner.
For February 2026, much of the list will remain the same. Many of these products are still solid; however, I did decide to add Norton 360 Deluxe as an alternative to Malwarebytes.
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What is the antivirus software for Windows right now?
ZDNET’s experts carefully test multiple antivirus programs on Windows, putting them through the wringer to provide you with the best software advice.
Each of the antiviral programs on this roundup comes highly recommended. However, our pick for the best antivirus app on Windows isMalwarebytes. It has everything you could ever want in protective software: robust security, an easy-to-understand user interface, and a subscription service that builds on the free version.
Read on to find out our other top picks and if certain apps better fit your needs.
Also: The best VPN for Windows
Best antivirus software and apps for Windows in 2026
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Why we like it: The aptly named Malwarebytes takes the top spot as the best antivirus program for Windows computers. This app provides reliable protection against malware, viruses, and phishing attacks while not overwhelming the user with clutter or forced subscriptions. The free version offers on-demand malware detection and digital footprint scans. If you want a robust defense, the paid version lets you give real-time protection plus automated scan scheduling.
Notable features include Trusted Advisor, which provides recommendations to improve protection, and Browser Guard, a browser extension that blocks threats. Malwarebytes offers a free 14-day trial to try out the subscription.
Review:Malwarebytes
Who it’s for: Malwarebytes is great for anyone who wants quick, reliable protection for their computer that doesn’t require a college degree to figure out. Its user interface is very friendly and easy to navigate. The free tier is all you’ll need if you just want to occasionally scan your PC for any looming threats. But if you prefer a set-it-and-forget-it experience with features like ransomware protection, I recommend getting a paid plan.
Who should look elsewhere: Many antiviral programs have a mobile app to protect Android and iOS devices. Malwarebytes is one of them, but I wouldn’t recommend installing it on your smartphone. It’s not as robust as the desktop version, and signing up for a free trial is confusing.
Malwarebytes features: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS support|Free and premium options available | Mobile apps | Scheduled scanning | Real-time scanning| Anti-phishing protection | Malware protection |14-day free trial| Customer support options: live chat, AI chatbot, email,
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Why we like it: Norton has multiple premium antivirus products, but 360 Deluxe takes the top spot as the best the company has to offer. It carries a powerful defensive arsenal that keeps you and your information safe. You have the usual security features like protection against viruses, malware, ransomware, and hacking. You also get a password manager, Dark Web monitoring, which scans hidden parts of the internet to locate sensitive information, and 50GB of cloud backup.
It’s simple to set up. Upon installation, you’ll be asked a series of simple questions such as which protection features you want enabled and whether you want to activate cloud backup. The user interface of Norton 360 Deluxe is equally as easy to understand. Its design naturally guides your eyes to the center, and everything is plainly laid out.
Who it’s for:Norton 360 Deluxe is a great choice for people who want comprehensive security coverage. It’s the plan that provides the most value out of the four available. You get the service’s main protection features, as mentioned earlier, plus the ability to cover up to five PCs, Macs, tablets, or smartphones.
Who should look elsewhere: It is one of the more expensive options on this list. On Norton’s website, the 360 Deluxe is $50 for the first year. After that, it rises to $120 per year. If you want something more affordable, Norton Antivirus Plus is $60 after the first year.
Norton 360 Deluxe features:Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS support | Antivirus, malware, ransomware, and hacking protection |Free and premium options available | Password Manager| Firewall | Deepfake protection| VPN private internet connection| Parental controls| Dark Web Monitoring| Cloud backup| Protect up to 10 devices |
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Why we like it: Protecting your PC can be an expensive endeavor. Antivirus developers often charge a lot of money, but luckily, there are plenty of cheap options available, and TotalAV stands tall as one of the best. Usually, it costs $100 for a yearly subscription to TotalAV Antivirus Pro. But right now, you can purchase the service for $30 in just the first year. Upon subscribing, you’ll receive an in-depth software package capable of protecting up to five other devices at the same time.
They’ll be protected against malware, phishing attempts, and ransomware. Notable features include a built-in VPN, ad blocker, plus a system tune-up tool that can speed up computers by clearing out junk files.AV-Test, an independent IT security institute, praises TotalAV for its effectiveness in blocking “zero-day malware attacks” while minimally affecting computer performance and being easy to understand.
I also appreciate the simple and clean interface. It makes scheduling scans really easy. You won’t have to hunt down the tool by scouring through menus.
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Who it’s for: I recommend TotalTV to anyone who wants an affordable antivirus program to protect their computer and smartphone. It’s ideal for users or families on a budget who want the nice extra it provides, like the aforementioned VPN. Tech novices will appreciate the clear user interface.
Who should look elsewhere: Interestingly enough, the problems with TotalAV don’t have anything to do with the app itself, but rather the company behind it. Some users have complained online about the developer’s poor customer service.One Reddit userexpressed frustration at how difficult it was to cancel their TotalAV subscription.
And while it covers the basics well, power users might be disappointed by the lack of deeper customization or advanced security controls.
Total AV features: Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android support | real-time protection | anti-malware protection | disk cleaner | ad-blocker | VPN | password manager | phishing scam protection |system tune-up | scheduled scans | cookie blocker | data breach monitoring
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Why we like it:If money is not an issue and you want to turn your computer into a digital Fort Knox, I highly recommend McAfee Total Protection. The security platform is famous for its powerful protection and infamous for how often it is preinstalled in new laptops. There are two main versions of McAfee Total Protection: McAfee LiveSafe and McAfee+. The former is antivirus software, while the latter offers so much more.
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McAfee+ comes with a VPN, personal data cleanup to remove sensitive information from the internet, a password manager, and identify theft coverage up to $1 million. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. In 2024, McAfee introduced a new feature to combat threats from generative AI. Aptly named Deepfake Detector, this tool actively monitors what is playing on a computer and will alert you if the audio has been altered in some way by artificial intelligence.
Who it’s for: McAfee Total Protection is one of the best antivirus programs out there, and I would highly suggest it to professionals managing sensitive data across several devices. In addition to Windows machines, it provides protection to devices running iOS, macOS, Android, and ChromeOS. Families and users worried about emerging AI threats or identity theft will appreciate everything it offers.
Who should look elsewhere: I consider McAfee Total Protection to be one of the best antivirus programs out there, if notthebest, in terms of the level of protection it provides. But the main reason it’s not at the top of the list is that it’s expensive. Prices start at $90 a month for McAfee+, and that’s with the discount.
McAfee+ features:Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and ChromeOS support | real-time protection| antivirus protection | firewall| ad-blocker | VPN | password manager | identity theft coverage| phishing protection| scam detector| PC optimizer | password generator |
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Why we like it:As someone who plays a lot of video games, there’s nothing more annoying than getting notifications from my antivirus app that block my view. Avast One is perfect for people like me because of its Do Not Disturb mode, which stops all notifications from hitting your screen. This includes messages from Windows, other apps, and even the software itself. What’s particularly neat is that the feature is included in the free version of Avast One. Text in the app points out how it can “eliminate distractions”, allowing users to experience “uninterrupted gaming sessions [and] movie marathons”.
Naturally, there is more to Avast One than just its one feature. The software can cover up to six different family members in a household with 30 devices between them. Avast One also monitors your social media profiles, looking for any potential signs of account hacking. And the company offers up to $2 million in coverage in the event of an identity theft. That’s twice as much as what McAfee offers.
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Who it’s for: Avast One is perfect for anyone who wants zero interruptions while playing games, watching movies, or working. Families also benefit from the software’s multi-device, multi-user coverage. It alone can provide up to 30 devices at the same time. If that’s not enough, it’s pretty cheap too. You can get the Silver subscription for as low as $3 a month.
Who should look elsewhere: While the free version of Avast One is a generous package, some of its most advanced features are locked behind the most expensive plans. Power users wanting an all-in-one security suite with deep customization options may find this program too limiting.
Avast One features:Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS support| Firewall| Antivirus| Network scanning | email protection| Do Not Disturb mode| Ransomware protection | Block trackers| PC optimization
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Why we like it:Initially, I hesitated to include Windows Security on this list because I assumed the first-party software wouldn’t be very good. But the more I used it, the more I realized it is a solid antivirus option that deserves a spot.
It’s perfectly capable of protecting users from online threats. Windows Security provides real-time protection against malware and device monitoring. It comes with its very own firewall courtesy of Windows Defender, making Windows Security one of the few free options to have a firewall. Most companies lock this feature behind a subscription cost. I should mention that some of the tools can only be used with Microsoft Edge. One of these is Isolated Browsing, which opens an “isolated browsing environment” on the browser to actively protect people from online threats.
Who it’s for: Windows Security is a perfectly fine antivirus program for people who want basic online protection and don’t want to pay for a subscription or install extra apps. It is an integral part of Windows 11, so it is easy on resources. Certain aspects, such as its antivirus feature, utilize Microsoft’s cloud computing tech to provide constant safety.
Who should look elsewhere: Windows Security is pretty barebones for an antivirus program. It lacks advanced features like schedules scans, identity theft protection, and an integrated VPN. Plus, to get the best possible protection, you have to use Microsoft Edge. Third-party browsers won’t get the same level of support.
Windows Security features: Real-time antivirus| Manual scans| Smart App Control| Windows Firewall| Isolated browsing| Windows Hello| Parental Controls| Passkey generator| SmartScreen
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Why we like it:The presence of uBlock Origin on this list may seem strange. After all, it’s not an antivirus program; it’s an ad blocker. However, I would argue that this browser extension is so good at its job that it should be recognized as an antivirus tool.
Much of uBlock Origin’s effectiveness is tied to its filters. These features actively prevent malware, advertisements, spyware, and more from attacking users. The lists it utilizes can be found on the official GitHub page. One of them, the Malicious URL Blocklist, is massive. Everything on that page is constantly being stopped by the extensions, allowing you to browse the internet peacefully. And it sees frequent updates, so uBlock Origin is always at the top of its game.
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Who it’s for: uBlock Origin is a good choice for people who want lightweight, browser-level protection. The extension actively stops malware-infested ads, sketchy redirects, and tracking scripts. Tech-savvy users will appreciate the light customization options. You can add extra filters to uBlock Origin, enabling it to block even more online threats, or you could lessen the restrictions to allow certain elements to pass through.
Who should look elsewhere: As stated earlier, uBlock Origin is not a proper antivirus program, so it doesn’t provide full system-wide protection. It is limited to just browsers. Also, due to changes in Chrome, the original version no longer works on Google’s browser. uBlock Origin Lite is a decent substitute; however, it isn’t as robust.
uBlock Origin features: Ad-blocking | Third-party tracker filter| Open-source|Private search| Easy to use UI | Customizable | Data backup |
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Why we like it: Rounding out the list is Brave, a web browser known for its powerful security features. As ZDNET Contributing Writer Jack Wallen explains, “Brave is the most secure Chromium-based browser on the market” outside of maybe Tor. It automatically stops “cross-site cookie tracking, bounce tracking, fingerprinting, phishing, and malware attacks”. You don’t have to tweak the features or install some random extension.
What’s great is Brave’s security features are totally transparent. Click the Shield icon in the upper corner and you will see everything that the browser blocks. If that wasn’t enough, the software has its own search engine, aptly called Brave Search “that defaults to private searches.” It stops all ads in their tracks, letting you browser the internet in peace.
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Who it’s for: I recommend Brave to anyone looking for a secure browser that will protect them from all the dangers lurking on the internet. There are other notable features that I neglected to mention. The browser has Speed Reading Mode. Activating this moves everything on a web page, leaving only the text. Wallen even states that the browser is notably faster than others.
Who should look elsewhere:It’s hard to imagine a type of user who wouldn’t like using Brave. However, I have seen complaints online about the browser’s lack of customization options. One particular user on the Brave Community website states the browser’s sidebar feels “cluttered, not intuitive, and lacks flexibility.” They go on to that Brave has limited theme support and “animations feel laggy… making the UI less enjoyable to use”.
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Because it shields your online identity at an affordable price, Malwarebytes is hands-down the best antivirus program for Windows machines in 2025. Below is a brief table comparing it to the rest of the list.
| Best antivirus software | Normal yearly price | Scheduled scanning | Phishing protection | Notable feature |
| Malwarebytes | $60 per year | Yes | Yes | Private VPN |
| Norton 360 Deluxe | $120 per year | Yes | Yes | Dark Web Monitoring |
| TotalAV | $99 per year | Yes | Yes | System tune-up |
| McAfee Total Protection | $120 per year (for 5 devices) | Yes | Yes | Deepfake Detector |
| Avast One | $78 per year | Yes | Yes | Do Not Disturb Mode |
| Windows Security | Free | Yes | Yes | Firewall |
| uBlock Origin | Free | No | Yes | Powerful ad-block |
| Brave | $100 per year for Brave VPN | No | Yes | Cross-site cookie tracking blocker |
Finding the right antivirus app can take a surprising amount of work. You have to consider whether or not you’re happy with the free version or if you should cough up some money for a premium subscription. At that point, you have another choice to make: should you pay for an antivirus program with many features or opt for something simpler?
These are questions that must be answered. Below is a table briefly explaining each recommendation and why you should get it. The following information can help narrow down your search.
| Choose this antivirus software… | If you want… |
| Malwarebytes | The best antivirus program for Windows. It provides strong protection against malware, and the service offers security recommendations. |
| Norton 360 Deluxe | The most robust antivirus for Windows. This app is packed to the gills with protective features, such as Dark Web Monitoring and a Password Manager. |
| TotalAV | A low-cost software. For about $30, you’ll receive real-time protection against threats, plus a VPN. |
| McAfee Total Protection | The best AI protection. McAfee+ has AI-powered tools like Deepfake Detector and Scam Detector to protect against fraudulent emails. |
| Avast One | The best gaming antivirus. Do Not Disturb mode blocks all notifications and alerts, keeping your screen distraction-free. |
| Windows Security | The best free antivirus software solution. Pre-installed on Windows PCs, the software includes a free firewall, which not many programs offer. |
| uBlock Origin | A great ad-blocker for Windows. This is an open-source solution that lets people customize it to better suit user needs. |
| Brave | One of the mostsecure web browsers. It automatically stops phishing attempts and cross-site trackers to keep users safe. |
When deciding on an antivirus app for your PC, you should consider the following:
- Protection: Research the antivirus program’s protection features. You’ll need to find out whether the software can protect your computer from trojans, third-party trackers, and spyware, among other threats.
- Features: I suggest antivirus solutions with advanced features to help cover your bases. Some come bundled with a VPN, while others can have a firewall.
- Resource usage: Antiviral apps can be quite demanding on hardware, so it’s essential to check whether your computer can run the software or if it will struggle. Some are better optimized than others.
- User interface: In my experience, people don’t often think about an app’s user interface, but I find it a deeply underrated feature. A good UI means the software is easy to navigate and understand, which, in turn, bolsters device safety.
- Price: Many antivirus developers offer a free version of their software that protects users against threats but may lack robust features like firewalls. Paid plans are an option, but ensure the costs fit within your budget, and be wary of any subscription hikes.
I considered multiple factors when creating this list, and they include:
- Performance:Arguably, performance is the most critical aspect of an antivirus program. You need an app that actively protects you, quickly detects malware on your system, and limits any negative impact on your workflow.
- Features: With so many threats lurking on the internet, I looked for products with the right set of features to protect people. Real-time scanning is necessary because it actively scans your computer’s files whenever they are accessed. Other tools, such as firewalls and VPNs, are nice additions.
- User interface: To repeat what I said earlier, good UIs are underrated. I give a lot of credit to software that is easy to use because it lowers the barrier to entry. Understanding something enhances its efficacy.
- Price: Paying for a security service improves your computer’s security, but I don’t believe you should pay an arm and a leg for peace of mind. For that reason, I hunted apps with paid plans that are worth the cost. Of course, if you don’t want to pay, Microsoft’s very own Windows Security offers decent protection.
- Customer support: There’s always a chance you’ll encounter a hiccup or issue when using one of these programs. Developers with good customer support can help you troubleshoot if you do, and improve your relationship with the software. It’s not uncommon to hear people uninstall apps due to poor customer service.
Latest news on antivirus software for Windows
Artificial intelligence is the future of antivirus programs. The technology will play an important role in protecting sensitive data, and we’re already seeing machine learning being implemented.OmniDefenderis a robust antiviral app that features “AI-driven threat detection.”
According to the developer’s official website, artificial intelligence powers the scanning tool for detecting zero-day exploits. The idea is that users will be able to “stop… advanced cyber attacks before they spread.” Things don’t stop there as AI is being used to boost malware detection and the service’s own VPN tool. OmniDefender is available for download, and it recently received a patch that adds fundamental improvements to Real Time Protection.
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As for the industry at large, NGAV (Next-Generation Antivirus) is now more widely spread. According to cybersecurity company SentinelOne, NGAV aims to improve “threat detection by finding all symptoms of malicious behavior” instead of focusing on “known malware file attributes.” So, it’s more proactive than reactive. Many major antivirus programs already use NGAV to improve detection. Endpoint security will see greater emphasis.
Absolutely. In fact, I would argue that having an antivirus program on your computer is more important now than ever before. Technology improves over time, and unfortunately, so do viruses. Bad actors are always enhancing their malware.
It’s vital that users stay vigilant. In addition to installing antivirus software, I urge people to install Windows patches as soon as they become available. These patches commonly include security updates to protect against new online threats.
Windows Defender provides all the protection you’ll need to ward off malware. It comes with a firewall, Smart App Control, and support for reputation-based protection to defend users against websites and apps known to be malicious. However, it’s not all-powerful.
The software doesn’t match up to paid services that provide better protection. I recommend downloading a third-party antivirus, such as Bitdefender, alongside Windows Defender to provide extra security and cover your bases.
You don’t need more than one antivirus software on your computer. Antivirus programs demand a lot of resources from the host computer, and having multiple security programs simultaneously will cause a performance slowdown.
As Asusexplains on its website, installing multiple apps can slow down systems and cause errors, leading to “protection mechanisms failing due to conflicts”. In fact, Windows could become unstable, resulting in BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) errors.
Any entry on the list will be a good fit for any laptop. You can’t go wrong with any of them, although I would opt for apps that are easy on the computer’s resources. Stress on the hardware can drain the battery quickly on top of causing slowdown. I suggest sticking with Windows Security as your primary defensive software and Malwarebytes as a backup.
No, they’re not. Free antiviral programs provide basic protection against common threats, whereas paid software offers more advanced security. Bitdefender is a perfect example of this.
Bitdefender Free Antivirus guards computers from phishing attacks and fraudsters. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus enhances security by adding the ability to encrypt personal files, block web trackers, and scan your system for vulnerabilities. Things improve with Bitdefender Total Security because it adds a password manager and VPN.
Latest updates:
- February 2026: Added Norton 360 Deluxe to the main list. I also rewrote some entries for greater clarity.
- August 2025: Updated some of the entries with new information. I also added more details on the future of antivirus apps on Windows. AI will play a big role, and the app OmniDefender may be a new leader in the industry.
- June 2025: Updated the guide to follow a new format where we plainly spell out what we like about an entry and who should install it on their computer. We also list reasons you shouldn’t install the app, since even the best isn’t perfect.
Other antivirus software alternatives worth considering
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ESET NOD32 is a lightweight antivirus that provides vital protection without slowing down your PC.
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Bitdefender is a solid choice for anyone who wants strong, multi-device security. It also comes with smart extras like phishing detection, anti-tracking, and specific performance modes.
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To get the most out of your PC, check out the eight cheap and ways to clean your Windows desktop and the best VPN for Windows.
