The Best Computer Security in 2026
We researched Computer Security products through official vendor websites, including pricing pages, plan tables and product documentation. Rankings focus on each product’s core protection job, value for money and features we could verify from those sources, so buyers can compare security software for their specific environment.
Our top picks
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Top ranked
SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint#1 of 319.3/10Broad endpoint, server and cloud defense with automated containment and rollback.
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Runner-up
Sophos Endpoint#2 of 319.1/10Managed endpoint protection pairs prevention and response with ransomware file rollback.
Pricing on request · 30-day trial
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Top-ranked free plan
Comodo Internet Security#9 of 318.3/10A free Windows security suite with paid plans for support and added services.
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 31 tools, best first
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Best forTeams protecting endpoints, servers and cloud workloads
Broad endpoint, server and cloud defense with automated containment and rollback.
9.3/10★★★★★Visit SentinelOne -
Best forTeams wanting managed endpoint detection and rollback
Managed endpoint protection pairs prevention and response with ransomware file rollback.
Pricing on request · 30-day trial Our Sophos Endpoint verdict → Visit SophosFor vendors Sponsor this spot · #2 · $99/mo →9.1/10★★★★★Visit Sophos -
Best forOrganizations needing broad endpoint protection
Broad endpoint defense with cloud or on-premises management for desktops, mobile devices and servers.
9.0/10★★★★☆Visit ESET -
Best forBusinesses needing centrally managed endpoint controls
Broad endpoint defenses and centralized controls for organizations managing mixed device fleets.
8.9/10★★★★☆Visit Kaspersky -
Best forEnterprises securing hybrid cloud workloads
Centralized protection and response for enterprise workloads across hybrid infrastructure.
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit Bitdefender -
Best forSmall businesses already using Microsoft tools
A Microsoft-integrated endpoint security suite at $3 per user monthly, billed annually.
- Ransomware protection
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit Microsoft -
Best forOrganizations using Fortinet security products
A broad endpoint security client for organizations invested in Fortinet's ecosystem.
- Ransomware protection
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit Fortinet -
Best forMid-size and large teams managing endpoints centrally
Centralized endpoint protection for teams managing varied devices and environments.
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit Trellix -
Best forWindows users seeking a free security suite
A free Windows security suite with paid plans for support and added services.
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit Comodo -
Best forHouseholds wanting free cross-platform protection
Free antivirus and privacy tools for households across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
- Ransomware protection
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit Avira -
Best forHouseholds wanting a broad paid security bundle
A paid security suite that combines device protection with VPN, backup and family features.
- Ransomware protection
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit Norton -
Best forHouseholds wanting security and identity tools
A multi-device security suite pairing antivirus with VPN, password management, and identity alerts.
- Ransomware protection
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit McAfee -
Best forHome users wanting broad traditional security controls
Broad security controls for personal devices, with plans starting at $31 per year.
- Ransomware protection
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Dr.Web -
Best forIndividuals and households wanting bundled protection
A multi-device security suite that combines antivirus, VPN, password and identity tools.
- Ransomware protection
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit F-Secure -
Best forSecurity teams running on-premises vulnerability audits
Credentialed audits and compliance checks, with annual plans starting at $4,790.
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit Tenable -
Best forEnterprises prioritizing risk-based vulnerability management
Deep, risk-based vulnerability management for complex hybrid environments.
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit Qualys -
Best forTeams managing recurring vulnerability remediation
A vulnerability-management tool combining scanning, risk prioritization, and remediation tracking.
7.5/10★★★★☆Visit Rapid7 -
Best forTeams needing free, scriptable antivirus scanning
A scriptable antivirus toolkit for file and mail scanning, not a complete endpoint suite.
7.4/10★★★★☆Visit ClamAV -
Best forTeams building open-source network intrusion defense
A free, self-hosted engine for network detection, inline prevention, and traffic analysis.
7.3/10★★★★☆Visit Suricata -
Best forTeams deploying network intrusion prevention on Linux
A flexible network security engine with free community rules and paid subscriber rulesets.
7.2/10★★★★☆Visit Snort -
Best forTeams wanting open-source security monitoring
Broad security monitoring with a free self-hosted option and paid cloud plans.
7.1/10★★★★☆Visit Wazuh -
Best forTeams securing container build and runtime pipelines
A focused container-security tool spanning image checks, Kubernetes controls, and runtime monitoring.
Pricing on request · 30-day trial Our Trend Vision One Container Security verdict → Visit Trend Micro7.0/10★★★★☆Visit Trend Micro -
Best forOrganizations protecting managed and BYOD phones
Mobile threat detection with UEM/MDM deployment and privacy controls for managed and BYOD fleets.
6.9/10★★★☆☆Visit CrowdStrike -
Best forTeams needing free on-premises vulnerability scans
A free, on-premises vulnerability assessment suite with scans, scheduling and reporting.
- Vulnerability scanning
- Central management
6.8/10★★★☆☆Visit Greenbone -
Best forWindows users seeking free antivirus and cleanup
A free Windows security suite that pairs multi-engine scanning with maintenance tools.
- Ransomware protection
6.7/10★★★☆☆Visit site -
Best forUsers who want visibility into network activity
A network activity monitor with firewall controls, alerts and a free plan.
6.6/10★★★☆☆Visit GlassWire -
Best forHome users prioritizing malware and ransomware defense
A paid home security product focused on malware, phishing and ransomware defense.
- Ransomware protection
6.5/10★★★☆☆Visit Emsisoft -
Best forSmall households wanting multi-device protection
A broad security suite for households protecting up to five devices.
- Ransomware protection
6.4/10★★★☆☆Visit ZoneAlarm -
Best forWindows users wanting a free application firewall
A focused Windows application firewall with whitelist controls and timed rules.
6.3/10★★★☆☆Visit TinyWall -
Best forAnalysts writing custom malware-identification rules
Free, cross-platform rule engine for analysts who write custom malware-identification rules.
6.2/10★★★☆☆Visit YARA -
Best forCisco networks needing configuration and policy control
Centralized Cisco campus-network control, not general-purpose computer security.
5.1/10★★★☆☆Visit Cisco
No tools match those filters.
Compare at a glance
Head-to-head All 17 comparisons →
- SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint vs Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business
- SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint vs Bitdefender GravityZone Cloud Workload Security
- SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint vs FortiClient
- SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint vs Trellix Endpoint Security
- Sophos Endpoint vs Bitdefender GravityZone Cloud Workload Security
- Sophos Endpoint vs Trellix Endpoint Security
- ESET Endpoint Security vs Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business
- ESET Endpoint Security vs Bitdefender GravityZone Cloud Workload Security
- ESET Endpoint Security vs Trellix Endpoint Security
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How we rank computer security
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