---
title: Best Antivirus Software
canonical: https://saasranked.com/best/antivirus-software/
facts_checked: 2026-10-08
---

# Best Antivirus Software

Block malware and phishing on a Windows PC with little slowdown and few false alarms. 10 antivirus products ranked by points out of 100 from 13 published rules. Method: https://saasranked.com/best/antivirus-software/how-we-score/

| # | Product | Points | Independent lab results | Protection features | Price | Refunds and security | First-year price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [Bitdefender](https://saasranked.com/software/bitdefender.md) | 94 | 45/45 | 25/25 | 14/20 | 10/10 | $24.99/yr |
| 2 | [Microsoft Defender Antivirus](https://saasranked.com/software/microsoft-defender.md) | 88 | 38/45 | 25/25 | 20/20 | 5/10 | $0 |
| 3 | [Kaspersky](https://saasranked.com/software/kaspersky.md) | 84 | 45/45 | 25/25 | 4/20 | 10/10 | $49.99/yr |
| 4 | [Avast](https://saasranked.com/software/avast.md) | 83 | 41/45 | 25/25 | 12/20 | 5/10 | $49.08/yr |
| 5 | [Norton](https://saasranked.com/software/norton.md) | 77 | 41/45 | 21/25 | 10/20 | 5/10 | $29.99/yr |
| 6 | [ESET](https://saasranked.com/software/eset.md) | 65 | 32/45 | 19/25 | 4/20 | 10/10 | $39.99/yr |
| 7 | [F-Secure](https://saasranked.com/software/f-secure.md) | 64 | 32/45 | 16/25 | 6/20 | 10/10 | $49.99/yr |
| 8 | [Malwarebytes](https://saasranked.com/software/malwarebytes.md) | 61 | 27/45 | 21/25 | 8/20 | 5/10 | $35.99/yr |
| 9 | [TotalAV](https://saasranked.com/software/totalav.md) | 59 | 38/45 | 16/25 | 0/20 | 5/10 | $110.74/yr |
| 10 | [Avira](https://saasranked.com/software/avira.md) | 57 | 15/45 | 21/25 | 16/20 | 5/10 | $26.99/yr |

## 1. Bitdefender

Best for: People who want a capable free edition or a cheap first year. Bitdefender suits people who want a capable free edition or a cheap first year on one PC. Antivirus Plus adds ransomware protection, anti-phishing and a rescue mode for $24.99 in the first year. The catch is that the renewal price is not shown, and the firewall only comes with Total Security.

## 2. Microsoft Defender Antivirus

Best for: Windows users who want protection without buying anything. Microsoft Defender suits anyone with a Windows PC who wants solid protection without buying anything. Windows Security adds a firewall, controlled folder access and an offline scan, all built in. The catch is that SmartScreen's website checks are documented for Microsoft Edge, and the apps for other systems need a Microsoft 365 subscription.

## 3. Kaspersky

Best for: Buyers outside the United States who want a firewall in the cheapest plan. Kaspersky is only an option outside the United States, where a 2024 Commerce Department ruling bars its sale. Elsewhere, Standard includes a firewall, anti-ransomware and anti-phishing for $49.99 in the first year, plus a free Rescue Disk. The catch is that there is no lasting free edition, and Standard renews at $64.99.

## 4. Avast

Best for: People who want a free Windows antivirus with real-time protection. Avast suits people who want a free Windows antivirus with real-time protection. Premium Security adds a firewall, ransomware protection and a rescue disk for $49.08 in the first year. The catch is the $77.99 renewal and the 2024 FTC order over selling users' browsing data.

## 5. Norton

Best for: People who want a firewall and cloud backup in one paid app. Norton suits people who want a firewall, ransomware protection and cloud backup in one paid app. AntiVirus Plus costs $29.99 in the first year and comes with a 60-day refund window. The catch is that the price doubles to $59.99 at renewal, and there is no free edition.

## 6. ESET

Best for: People who want a light paid antivirus for Windows or Mac. ESET suits people who want a light paid antivirus for Windows or Mac. NOD32 Antivirus costs $39.99 a year with anti-phishing, and HOME Security Essential adds a firewall for $49.99. The catch is that there is no free edition, no iOS app and no rescue disk since 2023.

## 7. F-Secure

Best for: People who want a yearly price that does not jump at renewal. F-Secure suits people who want a plain yearly price: Internet Security costs $49.99 for one device and renews at the same rate. The company holds an ISO/IEC 27001 certificate. The catch is that there is no free edition, and no firewall is listed for Windows.

## 8. Malwarebytes

Best for: People who want a free cleanup scanner and a simple paid upgrade. Malwarebytes suits people who want one paid plan across Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. Standard costs $35.99 for three devices in the first year, and new buyers get 60 days to ask for a refund. The catch is that the free version has no real-time protection, and Standard renews at $59.99 a year.

## 9. TotalAV

Best for: Households that want one plan covering several devices. TotalAV suits households that want one subscription for several devices: Total AV Plus covers four for $99 a year at the renewal rate. It includes real-time antivirus, ransomware protection and phishing protection. The catch is that TotalAV publishes no firewall for Windows and does not say what its free download includes.

## 10. Avira

Best for: People who want free real-time protection with a cheap paid upgrade. Avira suits people who want real-time protection for free, with a low-cost upgrade when they need more. Antivirus Pro costs $26.99 for the first year and adds a firewall and web protection, and annual plans have a 60-day refund window. The catch is the renewal: Antivirus Pro goes to $64.99 a year after the first year.