The Best Anti Malware Software in 2026
We researched anti-malware software using official vendor websites, including pricing pages, plan tables and product documentation. Products are ranked on their core malware-protection job, value for money and verified capabilities such as real-time defense, ransomware safeguards, device coverage and platform support.
Our top picks
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Top ranked
Malwarebytes Premium#1 of 169.2/10Broad cross-platform malware protection with VPN, browser controls, and 24/7 support.
Free plan
-
Runner-up
F-Secure Internet Security#2 of 169.0/10Broad protection across four platforms, sold in paid plans for one to five devices.
30-day trial
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Top-ranked free plan
IObit Malware Fighter#3 of 168.9/10A Windows-focused free tier, with Bitdefender protection reserved for Pro.
Free plan
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
The full ranking 16 tools, best first
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Best forBroad malware protection across personal devices
Broad cross-platform malware protection with VPN, browser controls, and 24/7 support.
- Ransomware protection
9.2/10★★★★★Visit Malwarebytes -
Best forFamilies protecting devices across major platforms
Broad protection across four platforms, sold in paid plans for one to five devices.
- Ransomware protection
9.0/10★★★★☆Visit F-Secure -
Best forWindows users seeking a capable free tier
A Windows-focused free tier, with Bitdefender protection reserved for Pro.
- Ransomware protection
8.9/10★★★★☆Visit IObit -
Best forLow-cost behavioral protection for one Windows PC
A focused Windows protection layer with behavioral detection and a low annual per-device price.
- Ransomware protection
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit Dr.Web -
Best forSolo users wanting a free basic PC security suite
A free desktop suite combining antivirus protection with maintenance and management tools.
- Real-time protection
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit Tencent -
Best forHouseholds protecting devices across four platforms
Broad device protection with useful extras, though its annual entry plan costs $60.
- Ransomware protection
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit PC Matic -
Best forFree Windows users wanting an all-in-one toolkit
A free Windows security suite that pairs malware protection with cleanup and maintenance tools.
- Ransomware protection
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit site -
Best forOrganizations needing centralized endpoint control
Centralized endpoint controls with broad protection, but contact-sales pricing limits comparison.
- Ransomware protection
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit Seqrite -
Best forHouseholds needing ransomware rollback and controls
Windows and Mac antivirus with ransomware rollback, parental filtering, and remote management.
- Ransomware protection
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit Sophos -
Best forHouseholds and small home offices on Windows or macOS
A five-device home security tool with layered scanning and ransomware defense.
- Ransomware protection
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Emsisoft -
Best forBudget Windows scanning and removal
A Windows-focused scanner with a free on-demand tier and paid real-time protection.
- Ransomware protection
7.8/10★★★★☆Try SUPERAntiSpyware -
Best forWindows users wanting many controls and a lifetime option
A control-rich Windows malware scanner with layered protection and a lifetime option.
- Ransomware protection
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit Gridinsoft -
Best forTechnical teams wanting free open-source scanning
A free, open-source scanning toolkit for teams comfortable with command-line and self-hosted workflows.
7.5/10★★★★☆Visit ClamAV -
Best forWindows users focused on spyware and rootkits
A Windows-focused malware remover with useful rootkit tools and broader protection in paid editions.
- Scheduled scans
6.8/10★★★☆☆Visit Spybot -
Best forSmall organizations needing simple Windows scanning
A focused Windows scanner with real-time protection and malware removal.
- Real-time protection
6.5/10★★★☆☆Visit TG Soft -
Best forWindows users targeting adware and unwanted programs
A focused Windows cleanup tool with review-before-removal controls and separate ransomware protection.
- Behavior monitoring
- Ransomware protection
6.2/10★★★☆☆Visit WiperSoft
No tools match those filters.
Compare at a glance
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Ransomware protection | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Malwarebytes Premium | Yes | Yes | 9.2 | |
| 2 | F-Secure Internet Security | No | Yes | 9.0 | |
| 3 | IObit Malware Fighter | Yes | Yes | 8.9 | |
| 4 | Dr.Web KATANA | No | $9.30/device/yr | Yes | 8.7 |
| 5 | Tencent PC Manager | Yes | Free | 8.5 | |
| 6 | PC Matic | Yes | $60/device/yr | Yes | 8.4 |
| 7 | 360 Total Security | Yes | Yes | 8.2 | |
| 8 | Seqrite Endpoint Protection Cloud | Yes | 8.1 | ||
| 9 | Sophos Home | No | Yes | 8.0 | |
| 10 | Emsisoft Anti-Malware Home | No | Yes | 7.9 | |
| 11 | SUPERAntiSpyware | Yes | $19.99/yr | Yes | 7.8 |
| 12 | Gridinsoft Anti-Malware | No | Yes | 7.6 | |
| 13 | ClamAV | Yes | Free | 7.5 | |
| 14 | Spybot – Search & Destroy | Yes | 6.8 | ||
| 15 | VirIT eXplorer | Yes | 6.5 | ||
| 16 | WiperSoft | No | $3/mo | Yes | 6.2 |
Head-to-head All 28 comparisons →
- Malwarebytes Premium vs F-Secure Internet Security
- Malwarebytes Premium vs IObit Malware Fighter
- Malwarebytes Premium vs Dr.Web KATANA
- Malwarebytes Premium vs Tencent PC Manager
- Malwarebytes Premium vs PC Matic
- Malwarebytes Premium vs 360 Total Security
- Malwarebytes Premium vs Seqrite Endpoint Protection Cloud
- F-Secure Internet Security vs IObit Malware Fighter
- F-Secure Internet Security vs Dr.Web KATANA
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How we rank anti malware software
Every tool on this page was researched by iTechGuides Editors from its official website — pricing pages, plan tables and product documentation. We rank on how well each one does this category's core job, what the free or entry plan includes, and where it falls short. Where we have enough verified facts, the score out of 10 is a rubric — job fit, value and how much we could verify — shown with its breakdown on every tool's page; a tool we have not verified enough to score yet shows its rank without a number. Scores are re-checked when a product changes its plans. Read the full editorial policy, or submit a tool we missed.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update