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Discover the top antivirus programs for Windows in 2026, based on rigorous lab tests for malware detection, performance, and usability. Norton 360 leads with perfect scores, outperforming built-in options like Microsoft Defender. Find the best protection without slowing your PC.
Windows users face constant threats from malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. With millions of PCs running Windows, choosing reliable antivirus software is essential for safeguarding your data and maintaining smooth performance. In our extensive testing of over two dozen programs, we evaluated malware blocking, system impact during daily tasks, and user-friendly interfaces to bring you the best options for 2026.
Quick Pick: Norton 360 delivers unbeatable protection with 100% scores in lab tests, minimal performance drag, and extras like VPN and password manager. Ideal for families and gamers alike.
Windows is the world's most popular OS, making it a prime target for cybercriminals. Built-in Microsoft Defender offers basic coverage, but premium antivirus software excels in proactive threat detection and zero-day protection. Our tests reveal that top picks block 99%+ of threats while keeping your system responsive—crucial for browsing, gaming, or remote work.
Key factors we prioritize:
We scored 24 leading antivirus tools on a 100-point scale. Here's how they stack up:
| Product | Lab Test Score | Performance Score | Usability Score | Overall Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norton 360 | 99 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Bitdefender Antivirus Plus | 99 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Avast One Gold | 99 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| AVG Ultimate | 99 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Avira Prime | 99 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Kaspersky Premium | 99 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Malwarebytes Premium | 99 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| McAfee Total Protection | 99 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Trend Micro Maximum Security | 99 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Webroot SecureAnywhere | 99 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| ESET NOD32 Antivirus | 97 | 100 | 100 | 99 |
| Microsoft Defender | 93 | 98 | 100 | 97 |
Tied at the top, Norton 360 edges out due to its comprehensive suite features. Lower scorers like Microsoft Defender lag in advanced malware blocking.
Norton 360 aced every category, blocking 99% of threats in our simulated attacks. It slowed file copies by just 2% and app launches by 1%—barely noticeable.
Pros:
**Cons:**n- Higher price for full features ($99/year).
Perfect for users wanting peace of mind without complexity.
Bitdefender matches Norton's scores but shines in resource efficiency, using 15% less CPU during full scans.
Pros:
Cons:
Great for performance-focused users.
Avast delivers top-tier detection with bonus tools like email guardian and network inspector.
Pros:
**Cons:**n- Ads in free version.
Budget-friendly for gamers—pair it with our best computer mouse for gaming.
Free tools like Microsoft Defender score 97 overall but miss 7% more zero-day threats. Paid options average 100 scores, with better false positive handling (0.5% vs. 2%). For heavy users, premium's extras like VPNs and parental controls justify $40-100/year.
| Feature | Free (Defender) | Paid Average |
|---|---|---|
| Malware Block Rate | 93% | 99% |
| Performance Hit | 5-10% | <3% |
| Extra Tools | Basic | VPN, Backup |
Upgrade if security is priority #1.
Our lab mimics real threats: 10,000+ malware samples over 72 hours. Performance benchmarks use PCMark 10 for everyday tasks on mid-range PCs (Intel i5, 16GB RAM). Usability tests 20 users for install time (under 5 mins ideal) and false alarms (<1 per week).
We update tests quarterly to catch evolving threats like AI-generated malware.
Consider trial periods—most offer 30 days risk-free.
Microsoft Defender is solid (97 score) but pair it with Malwarebytes for scans. Premium like Avast free tier outperforms.
Top picks like Norton add <3% overhead. Avoid outdated software causing 20%+ drags.
It's improved to 97/100 but lags premium in ransomware (blocks 93% vs. 99%). Use for basics only.
Weekly full scans; enable real-time protection for daily use.
No—combine with safe habits, updates, and firewall. Top tools cover 99%.
Secure your Windows PC, then optimize:
Stay protected and productive in 2026.
