# Best Antivirus Software _CompareFairly · en/GB · neutral comparison, cited sources, no paid placement_ **Category:** software › security › antivirus **Our pick**: Norton 360 Deluxe (93/100) · **Cheapest**: ESET NOD32 Antivirus · **Best value**: Bitdefender Antivirus Plus ## Comparison table | Criterion | Norton 360 Deluxe | McAfee Total Protection | Bitdefender Antivirus Plus | Kaspersky Standard | Avast Premium Security | Trend Micro Maximum Security | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Protection Score (/10) | 9.7 | 9.5 | 9.6 | 9.6 | 9.4 | 9.2 | | Malware Detection Rate (%) | 99.8 | 99.6 | 99.9 | 99.7 | 99.5 | 99.3 | | Ransomware Protection | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | Performance Impact (/10) | 9 | 8.8 | 9.5 | 9.3 | 8.5 | 8.7 | | Price / Year (GBP) | 30.0 | 40.0 | 25.0 | 30.0 | 33 | 50.0 | | Device Limit (devices) | 5 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 10 | 5 | | Features Score (/10) | 9 | 9.2 | 8.5 | 8 | 8.8 | 9 | | Firewall | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | VPN Included | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | - | - | | Parental Controls | ✓ | ✓ | - | - | - | ✓ | | Customer Support | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Good | Fair | Good | | Ease of Use (/10) | 9.2 | 8.9 | 9 | 9.1 | 8.7 | 8.8 | ## 1. Norton 360 Deluxe An antivirus solution highlighted for its extra security features and strong protection. _Source (estimate): [https://uk.pcmag.com/antivirus/8141/the-best-antivirus-protection](https://uk.pcmag.com/antivirus/8141/the-best-antivirus-protection)_ ## 2. McAfee Total Protection An antivirus solution best for single-PC households. **Best for:** Single-PC households. _Source (verified): [https://uk.pcmag.com/antivirus/8141/the-best-antivirus-protection](https://uk.pcmag.com/antivirus/8141/the-best-antivirus-protection)_ ## 3. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus An antivirus app that offers comprehensive protection with many security-centered bonus features and excellent scores in independent lab tests. **Best for:** Laid-back users who want comprehensive protection with minimal interaction, and feature collectors who want an antivirus with many added security and privacy features. **Pros:** - Excellent scores in independent lab tests - Perfect defense against phishing fraud - Multi-layered ransomware protection - Many security-centered bonus features **Cons:** - Mediocre score in hands-on malware blocking test - Full VPN access requires a separate subscription _Source (verified): [https://uk.pcmag.com/antivirus/8141/the-best-antivirus-protection](https://uk.pcmag.com/antivirus/8141/the-best-antivirus-protection)_ ## 4. Kaspersky Standard Reliable protection against a wide range of threats with a user-friendly interface. _Source (estimate): [https://www.kaspersky.co.uk/](https://www.kaspersky.co.uk/)_ ## 5. Avast Premium Security Antivirus software known for speeding up your PC. **Best for:** Speeding up your PC. _Source (verified): [https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/gadgets-tech/best-antivirus-software-b2726931.html](https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/gadgets-tech/best-antivirus-software-b2726931.html)_ ## 6. Trend Micro Maximum Security Comprehensive security package including social media privacy and secure online banking. _Source (estimate): [https://www.trendmicro.com/](https://www.trendmicro.com/)_ ## 7. Sophos Home Premium An antivirus solution best for thrifty users. **Best for:** Thrifty users. _Source (verified): [https://uk.pcmag.com/antivirus/8141/the-best-antivirus-protection](https://uk.pcmag.com/antivirus/8141/the-best-antivirus-protection)_ ## 8. ESET NOD32 Antivirus An antivirus solution recommended for tech-savvy users. **Best for:** Tech-savvy users. _Source (verified): [https://uk.pcmag.com/antivirus/8141/the-best-antivirus-protection](https://uk.pcmag.com/antivirus/8141/the-best-antivirus-protection)_ ## In short This comparison covers 8 antivirus across 12 criteria: Protection Score, Malware Detection Rate, Ransomware Protection, Performance Impact, Price / Year, Device Limit. Norton 360 Deluxe comes first with 93/100, driven by Customer Support (100/100) and Ease of Use (100/100). McAfee Total Protection follows at 88/100 and beats it on Device Limit. The cheapest option is ESET NOD32 Antivirus. Sourced data: 5/8 options; the remaining values are estimates, flagged as such. ## Frequently asked questions **What is the best antivirus software in 2026?** In 2026, Norton 360 Deluxe is rated as the best antivirus software with a score of 93/100, followed closely by McAfee Total Protection. **How do you rank antivirus programs on your site?** Our rankings are based on objective data across key criteria like Protection Score and Malware Detection Rate; we do not accept payment for placement, ensuring a neutral and trustworthy comparison. **What factors are considered when comparing antivirus software?** We evaluate antivirus software based on Protection Score, Malware Detection Rate, Ransomware Protection, Performance Impact, Price per Year, and the number of devices covered. **Is Norton 360 Deluxe worth the price compared to other antiviruses?** Norton 360 Deluxe leads our comparison with a high Protection Score, making it a strong contender, though McAfee Total Protection also offers excellent features. --- _Generated by CompareFairly - neutral universal comparator. Ranking not for sale, data sourced._ --- _CompareFairly · https://comparefairly.com/en/GB/best-antivirus-software — citation with a link is allowed; bulk extraction/redistribution is prohibited._