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The best antivirus software 2026
Looking for a new antivirus? My tried and tested favorites will improve the security of your desktop PC, laptop, and mobile devices.
Tech
Part of a ZDNET Special Feature:
A Winning Strategy for Cybersecurity
Updated on: February 28, 2026 at 2:00 AM PST
Tech
Services & Software
Updated on: February 28, 2026 at 2:00 AM PST
Best antivirus software 2026: My favorites, ranked, for personal device security
Looking for a new antivirus? My tried and tested favorites will improve the security of your desktop PC, laptop, and mobile devices.
Written by
Charlie Osborne, Contributing Writer
Contributing Writer
Reviewed by
Alison DeNisco Rayome
ZDNET experts put every product through rigorous testing and research to curate the best options for you. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn Our Process
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Antivirus software for your desktop PC, laptop, and mobile devices provides an additional layer of protection that goes beyond your operating system's default security.
Today's antivirus solutions offer far more than just signature-based scans. They protect against threats such as phishing, ransomware, trojans, and worms. They may also warn you when you visit an untrusted website, when your personal details -- including passwords -- are found online due to data breaches, and when you are trying to download suspicious software. You can also perform regular scans to remove threats from your system.
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ZDNET Recommends
Bitdefender Total Security | Best antivirus overall
[Bitdefender Mobile Security]
Best antivirus overall
Bitdefender Total Security
View now View at Bitdefender
Norton Antivirus Plus | Best affordable antivirus
[Norton Antivirus Plus]
Best affordable antivirus
Norton Antivirus Plus
View now View at Norton
ESET Protect | Best antivirus for business
Best antivirus for business
ESET Protect
View now View at ESET
Best antivirus for extra features
McAfee Plus
View now View at McAfee
Surfshark One | Best antivirus for use with a VPN
Best antivirus for use with a VPN
Surfshark One
View now View at Surfshark
AVG Antivirus Free | Best free antivirus software
Best free antivirus software
AVG Antivirus Free
View now View at AVG
[Screenshot of Trend Micro Antivirus+ website]
Trend Micro Antivirus+
View now View at Trend Micro
[Screenshot of Malwarebytes website]
Malwarebytes
View now View at Malwarebytes
Avast
View now View at Avast
[Screenshot of Sophos Home website]
Sophos Home
View now View at Sophos
Show more (7 items)
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What is the best antivirus right now?
My overall pick for the best antivirus is Bitdefender Total Security. This multi-platform software protects your personal data, including passwords and financial details. It will handle even advanced security threats and stop them from wreaking havoc on your system, all for $60 per year.
I also recommend Norton's affordable solution for users who need a highly-rated antivirus for a single device at $30 per year. ESET Protect is my pick for business customers.
Also: The best free antivirus software in 2026
ZDNET's security experts conduct hands-on testing to determine which software effectively detects and handles viruses and other malware without dragging down your central processing unit (CPU) or system performance. We also consider feedback from other security professionals, third-party reviewers, and customer experiences, such as Trustpilot reviews, to select the best antivirus software for mitigating cyber threats.
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Best antivirus software and apps of 2026
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Pros
Robust malware scans
Phishing protection
Various subscriptions available
Cons
Can be slow to get started
Limited VPN
[### Bitdefender Total Security
Best antivirus overall](https://bitdefender.f9tmep.net/19Lqv9)
My overall pick for the best antivirus is Bitdefender Total Security.
Why we like it: Bitdefender is a well-known and trusted brand in the antivirus space. The antivirus solution is lightweight and won't hog your CPU, and it is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
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