CompareFairlyBest Antivirus Software 2026
Our pick : McAfee Total Protection (84/100) · Cheapest : Avast One · Best value : ESET NOD32 Antivirus
In short
This comparison evaluates 13 antivirus programs based on 11 criteria, including price per year, malware protection, phishing protection, performance impact, extra features, and whether a VPN is included. McAfee Total Protection secured the top spot with a score of 84 out of 100, largely due to its perfect scores in Extra Features and Parental Controls. Bitdefender Total Security came in second with 83 out of 100, excelling in Customer Support. Avast One was identified as the most affordable option. The facts in this summary are computed from the table below; only the wording is generated.
Comparison table
| Criterion | McAfee Total Protection | Bitdefender Total Security | Trend Micro Maximum Security | Norton 360 Deluxe | Kaspersky Premium | Sophos Home Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price / year (USD) | 79.99 | 79.99 | 89.95 | 104.99 | 109.99 | 59.99 |
| Malware Protection (/10) | 9.5 | 9.8 | 9.4 | 9.7 | 9.9 | 9.3 |
| Phishing Protection (/10) | 9.4 | 9.7 | 9.3 | 9.6 | 9.8 | 9.1 |
| Performance Impact (/10) | 9.0 | 9.5 | 9.2 | 9.3 | 9.4 | 9.0 |
| Extra Features (count) | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 3 |
| VPN Included | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Parental Controls | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Password Manager | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Ease of Use (/10) | 8.8 | 9.0 | 8.9 | 9.1 | 9.2 | 8.7 |
| Device Coverage (devices) | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 10 |
| Customer Support (/10) | 8.5 | 9.2 | 8.7 | 9.0 | 8.8 | 8.2 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best antivirus software in 2026?
In 2026, McAfee Total Protection ranks highest with a score of 84/100, closely followed by Bitdefender Total Security. Our rankings are based on objective data and are not influenced by paid placements.
How do you compare antivirus software?
We compare antivirus software based on key criteria including price per year, malware protection, phishing protection, performance impact, extra features, and whether a VPN is included.
Is McAfee Total Protection really the best antivirus?
McAfee Total Protection currently leads our comparison with a score of 84/100, indicating strong performance across our evaluation criteria. Our methodology ensures a neutral assessment of each product.
What are the main features to look for in antivirus software?
When choosing antivirus software, consider its effectiveness against malware and phishing, its impact on system performance, the value of its extra features, and if it includes a VPN, all while keeping the annual price in mind.
Methodology and transparency
Ranking: options are sorted on measured, sourced criteria. No position is ever sold, and no advertiser pays to appear here.
Scope: this comparison is not exhaustive. It presents the options our sources document, not every offer on the market.
Earnings: some outbound links may be affiliate links that earn us a commission. This never affects the ranking, the scores or the data.
Data: every value is linked to its source and refreshed automatically; the collection date is shown.