The Best Antivirus Software in 2026
We researched antivirus software using official vendor websites, including pricing pages, plan tables and product documentation. Rankings compare each suite on its core protection job, value for money and verified features across consumer and small-business use cases.
Our top picks
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Top ranked
Microsoft Defender for Business#1 of 1179.4/10A focused endpoint security subscription with EDR and centralized controls for small businesses.
30-day trial
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Runner-up
9.3/10A paid endpoint security suite for small businesses needing layered protection and central control.
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Top-ranked free plan
Avast One#8 of 1178.5/10A broad consumer security suite with free essentials and paid privacy and identity tools.
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 117 tools, best first · page 1 of 3
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Best forSmall businesses needing managed endpoint security
A focused endpoint security subscription with EDR and centralized controls for small businesses.
- Ransomware protection
9.4/10★★★★★Visit Microsoft -
Best forSmall businesses with advanced endpoint needs
A paid endpoint security suite for small businesses needing layered protection and central control.
- Ransomware protection
9.3/10★★★★★Visit Bitdefender -
Best forFamilies wanting multi-device security
A broad security suite for families protecting PCs, Macs, phones, and tablets.
- Parental controls
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
9.2/10★★★★★Visit Bitdefender -
Best forHouseholds needing tiered device protection
A tiered household security suite with strong protection and privacy features.
- Parental controls
- Ransomware protection
9.0/10★★★★☆Visit ESET -
Best forEnterprise teams using Fortinet infrastructure
A broad endpoint security client for teams already invested in Fortinet infrastructure.
- Ransomware protection
8.9/10★★★★☆Visit Fortinet -
Best forSingle-device users wanting a full security suite
A broad security suite for one device, with VPN and password management included.
- Parental controls
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit Kaspersky -
Best forUsers wanting Kaspersky protection with add-ons
Cross-platform Kaspersky protection with VPN, password management, and family controls on Premium.
- Parental controls
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit Kaspersky -
Best forBroad protection with a free starting option
A broad consumer security suite with free essentials and paid privacy and identity tools.
- Ransomware protection
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit Avast One -
Best forUsers wanting bundled antivirus and identity tiers
A paid security suite combining antivirus, privacy tools, backup, and identity protection.
- Parental controls
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit Norton -
Best forSmall businesses needing broad security features
A broad small-business security suite covering up to 25 devices and Windows Server.
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit ESET -
Best forCore antivirus with anti-phishing and scam tools
A focused antivirus suite for three devices with useful web and ransomware defenses.
- Ransomware protection
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit Bitdefender -
Best forUsers prioritizing malware and web protection
A paid antivirus suite with broad malware, web, ransomware, and privacy protection.
- Ransomware protection
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit Malwarebytes -
Best forIdentity-focused multi-device protection
A paid security suite for buyers who want antivirus and identity tools across multiple devices.
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit F-Secure -
Best forFree Windows antivirus protection
A free Windows antivirus with always-on protection and ransomware controls.
- Ransomware protection
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Microsoft -
Best forFree Windows-native security
A free Windows-native security suite covering malware, ransomware, networks, and device controls.
- Ransomware protection
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit Microsoft -
Best forManaged business endpoint security
A broad business security suite for organizations that need centralized endpoint control.
- Ransomware protection
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit Trend Micro -
Best forOrganizations needing centralized deployment
A centralized antivirus platform for organizations managing endpoints and file servers.
- Ransomware protection
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit ESET -
Best forWindows and macOS users wanting 10-device coverage
A paid antivirus suite for families covering up to 10 Windows and Mac computers.
- Parental controls
- Ransomware protection
7.5/10★★★★☆Visit Sophos Home -
Best forFamilies wanting cloud-storage ransomware coverage
A broad family antivirus suite with cloud-synced folder ransomware protection.
- Parental controls
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
7.4/10★★★★☆Visit Trend Micro -
Best forUsers wanting firewall, sandbox, and webcam protection
A broad paid security suite for users who want firewall, sandbox, and webcam controls.
- Ransomware protection
7.3/10★★★★☆Visit Avast -
Best forSingle-device antivirus with backup and password tools
A paid antivirus subscription combining threat protection, backup, password tools, and scam defense.
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
7.2/10★★★★☆Visit Norton -
Best forUsers wanting unlimited VPN and family tools
A paid security suite with unlimited VPN, family controls and support for three devices.
- Parental controls
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
7.1/10★★★★☆Visit Kaspersky -
Best forUsers wanting antivirus plus identity monitoring
A broad consumer security package for antivirus, privacy, passwords, and identity alerts.
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
7.1/10★★★★☆Visit McAfee -
Best forUsers wanting a broad but paid antivirus suite
A broad paid suite with strong device coverage, but a high annual per-device price.
- Ransomware protection
7.0/10★★★★☆Visit AVG -
Best forMulti-device users wanting unlimited VPN
A household security suite with unlimited VPN coverage for up to 25 devices.
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
6.9/10★★★☆☆Visit Avira -
Best forUsers needing Linux and privacy controls
Broad antivirus and privacy controls across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Parental controls
- Ransomware protection
6.8/10★★★☆☆Visit Doctor Web -
Best forFree antivirus with broad basic protection
A broad free antivirus package with core protection across four platforms.
- Ransomware protection
6.7/10★★★☆☆Visit Avast -
Best forFree, multi-platform personal antivirus
A broad free antivirus package for personal protection across four major platforms.
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
6.6/10★★★☆☆Visit Avira -
Best forFree users wanting antivirus plus basic privacy tools
A free, multi-platform antivirus package with basic privacy and maintenance features.
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
6.5/10★★★☆☆Visit Avira -
Best forStraightforward multi-platform internet security
Straightforward internet security for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
- Parental controls
- Ransomware protection
6.4/10★★★☆☆Visit F-Secure -
Best forSmall offices needing file-server protection
A broad small-business security package with file-server protection and centralized management.
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
6.3/10★★★☆☆Visit Kaspersky -
Best forSmall businesses wanting managed antivirus basics
Managed antivirus basics with ransomware, phishing, firewall, and web protection.
- Ransomware protection
6.2/10★★★☆☆Visit Avast -
Best forWindows businesses wanting centralized management
A focused Windows business antivirus with broad endpoint controls and cloud management.
- Ransomware protection
6.1/10★★★☆☆Visit AVG -
Best forLow-cost managed business protection
Low-cost managed protection with layered scanning, ransomware controls, and automation integrations.
- Ransomware protection
5.9/10★★★☆☆Visit Emsisoft -
Best forSmall offices wanting centralized device management
A broad small-office security suite with centralized management across up to 20 devices.
- Ransomware protection
5.8/10★★★☆☆Visit Bitdefender -
Best forTeams wanting lightweight managed endpoint security
Managed endpoint protection with detection, remediation, device control, and MDR tiers.
- Ransomware protection
5.8/10★★★☆☆Visit ThreatDown -
Best forManaged Linux and Windows endpoint security
A broad cloud security suite for IT teams managing Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints.
- Ransomware protection
5.7/10★★★☆☆Visit Seqrite -
Best forFree Windows protection with sandboxing
A free Windows security suite with sandboxing, firewall controls, and ransomware containment.
- Parental controls
5.6/10★★★☆☆Visit Comodo -
Best forUsers wanting sandboxed multi-device protection
A broad security suite for five devices, with a high annual list price.
- Ransomware protection
5.5/10★★★☆☆Visit ZoneAlarm -
Best forSmall businesses wanting bundled endpoint utilities
A broad small-business security bundle, but higher tiers raise the annual cost.
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
5.3/10★★★☆☆Visit Norton -
Best forUsers wanting encryption and backup features
A broad home security suite with annual plans for one, three, or five devices.
- Ransomware protection
5.2/10★★★☆☆Visit G DATA -
Best forIndividuals wanting lightweight multi-device AV
Lightweight multi-device protection with clear annual plans, but a relatively high entry price.
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
5.1/10★★★☆☆Visit Webroot -
Best forFree Windows users wanting layered defenses
A feature-rich Windows antivirus with free access and a paid annual option.
5.0/10★★☆☆☆Visit Comodo -
Best forWindows users needing network-focused protection
A Windows-only security suite with broad network and threat-protection controls.
- Ransomware protection
4.9/10★★☆☆☆Visit AhnLab -
Best forCentralized endpoint administration
A centralized endpoint platform for administering protection, assets, patches, and devices.
Pricing on request · 30-day trial Our Huorong Endpoint Security Management System verdict → Contact Huorong4.8/10★★☆☆☆Contact Huorong -
Best forWindows users needing inexpensive ransomware defense
A low-cost Windows antivirus focused on behavior-based and ransomware defense.
- Ransomware protection
4.8/10★★☆☆☆Visit Dr.Web KATANA -
Best forUsers seeking a one-time multi-device purchase
A one-time five-device security package with broad platform coverage.
- Parental controls
- Ransomware protection
4.8/10★★☆☆☆Visit K7 Antivirus -
Best forHouseholds needing unlimited-device coverage
A broad security subscription for households covering unlimited supported devices.
- Password manager
4.7/10★★☆☆☆Visit McAfee -
Best forWindows and macOS users wanting layered protection
Layered Windows and macOS protection with five-device coverage and cloud management.
- Ransomware protection
4.7/10★★☆☆☆Visit Emsisoft -
Best forBasic antivirus with performance utilities
A paid antivirus plan combining core protection, network controls, and device maintenance tools.
- Parental controls
- Ransomware protection
4.6/10★★☆☆☆Visit Kaspersky
No tools match those filters.
Compare at a glance
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Protection scope | Device limit | Supported platforms | Ransomware protection | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Microsoft Defender for Business | No | $3/user/mo | Complete security | 5 devices | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Yes | 9.4 |
| 2 | Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security | No | Complete security | 100 devices | Windows, Linux, macOS | Yes | 9.3 | |
| 3 | Bitdefender Total Security | No | $59.99/device/yr | Complete security | 25 devices | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | 9.2 |
| 4 | ESET HOME Security | No | Complete security | 15 devices | Windows, macOS, Android | Yes | 9.0 | |
| 5 | FortiClient | No | Complete security | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Yes | 8.9 | ||
| 6 | Kaspersky Plus Internet Security | No | Complete security | 10 devices | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Yes | 8.8 | |
| 7 | Kaspersky Antivirus | $54.99/yr | Complete security | 3 devices | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux | Yes | 8.7 | |
| 8 | Avast One | Yes | Complete security | 30 devices | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | 8.5 | |
| 9 | Norton 360 | No | $94.99/yr | Complete security | 10 devices | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | 8.4 |
| 10 | ESET Small Business Security | No | Complete security | 25 devices | Windows, Windows Server, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | 8.3 | |
| 11 | Bitdefender Antivirus Plus | Yes | $24.99/yr | Internet security | 3 devices | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Yes | 8.2 |
| 12 | Malwarebytes Premium | Yes | Complete security | 20 devices | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | 8.1 | |
| 13 | F-Secure Total | No | $69.99/yr | Complete security | 5 devices | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Yes | 8.0 |
| 14 | Microsoft Defender Antivirus | Yes | Antivirus | Windows 10, Windows 11 | Yes | 7.9 | ||
| 15 | Windows Security | Yes | Free | Complete security | Windows 10, Windows 11 | Yes | 7.8 | |
| 16 | Trend Micro Worry-Free Services | No | Complete security | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Yes | 7.7 | ||
| 17 | ESET PROTECT Entry | No | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS/iPadOS | Yes | 7.6 | |||
| 18 | Sophos Home | No | Complete security | 10 devices | Windows, macOS | Yes | 7.5 | |
| 19 | Trend Micro Maximum Security | No | $104.95/yr | Complete security | 5 devices | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome OS | Yes | 7.4 |
| 20 | Avast Premium Security | No | $77.99/yr | Internet security | 10 devices | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | 7.3 |
| 21 | Norton AntiVirus Plus | No | $59.99/device/yr | Antivirus | 1 devices | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | 7.2 |
| 22 | Kaspersky Premium Total Security | No | $54.99/device/yr | Complete security | 3 devices | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Yes | 7.1 |
| 23 | McAfee Total Protection | No | Complete security | 10 devices | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Yes | 7.1 | |
| 24 | AVG Internet Security | Yes | $99.99/yr | Complete security | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | 7.0 | |
| 25 | Avira Prime | No | $109.99/device/yr | Complete security | 25 devices | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | 6.9 |
| 26 | Dr.Web Security Space | No | $31/yr | Complete security | 5 devices | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android | Yes | 6.8 |
| 27 | Avast Free Antivirus | Yes | Antivirus | 1 devices | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | 6.7 | |
| 28 | Avira Free Security | Yes | Internet security | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | 6.6 | ||
| 29 | Avira Free Antivirus | Yes | Internet security | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | 6.5 | ||
| 30 | F-Secure Internet Security | No | Internet security | 5 devices | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Yes | 6.4 | |
| 31 | Kaspersky Small Office Security | No | €207.50/yr | Complete security | 5 devices | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | 6.3 |
| 32 | Avast Essential Business Security | No | Internet security | Windows, macOS | Yes | 6.2 | ||
| 33 | AVG AntiVirus Business Edition | No | Antivirus | Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server | Yes | 6.1 | ||
| 34 | Emsisoft Business Security | No | $1.10/device/mo | Internet security | Windows, macOS | Yes | 5.9 | |
| 35 | Bitdefender Small Office Security | Complete security | 20 devices | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | 5.8 | ||
| 36 | ThreatDown Endpoint Protection | Internet security | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | 5.8 | |||
| 37 | Seqrite Endpoint Protection Cloud | Complete security | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | 5.7 | |||
| 38 | Comodo Internet Security | Yes | Complete security | Windows | 5.6 | |||
| 39 | ZoneAlarm Extreme Security NextGen | No | Complete security | 5 devices | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | 5.5 | |
| 40 | Norton Small Business | No | $119.99/yr | Complete security | 20 devices | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | 5.3 |
| 41 | G DATA Total Security | No | $49.95/yr | Complete security | 5 devices | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | 5.2 |
| 42 | Webroot Essentials | No | $49.99/yr | Antivirus | 5 devices | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chromebook | Yes | 5.1 |
| 43 | Comodo Antivirus | Yes | $29.99/device/yr | Antivirus | 1 devices | Windows | 5.0 | |
| 44 | AhnLab V3 Internet Security | No | Internet security | Windows | Yes | 4.9 | ||
| 45 | Huorong Endpoint Security Management System | No | Complete security | Windows, macOS, Linux | 4.8 | |||
| 46 | Dr.Web KATANA | No | $9.30/device/yr | Antivirus | 1 devices | Windows | Yes | 4.8 |
| 47 | K7 Antivirus | Yes | ₹3,999 one-time | Complete security | 5 devices | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | 4.8 |
| 48 | McAfee+ Premium | No | Complete security | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | No | 4.7 | ||
| 49 | Emsisoft Anti-Malware Home | No | Complete security | 5 devices | Windows 10 64-bit or higher; macOS 11 Big Sur or higher, Intel and Apple silicon | Yes | 4.7 | |
| 50 | Kaspersky Standard | No | Antivirus | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux | Yes | 4.6 |
Head-to-head All 28 comparisons →
- Microsoft Defender for Business vs Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security
- Microsoft Defender for Business vs Bitdefender Total Security
- Microsoft Defender for Business vs ESET HOME Security
- Microsoft Defender for Business vs FortiClient
- Microsoft Defender for Business vs Kaspersky Plus Internet Security
- Microsoft Defender for Business vs Kaspersky Antivirus
- Microsoft Defender for Business vs Avast One
- Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security vs Bitdefender Total Security
- Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security vs ESET HOME Security
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How we rank antivirus 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