With so many antivirus solutions on the market, picking the right one can feel hard. We've selected five of the best options for 2026 from our own catalogue, each strong for a different type of user. First the criteria that matter, then our picks.
1How we judged them
We weighed each solution on three fronts: how well it protects against new threats, how heavily it weighs on your system, and what it adds beyond basic protection — VPN, password manager, backup or parental controls. The best choice depends on which of these matters most to you.
21. Norton 360 Deluxe — the most complete
Our all-round pick. Norton 360 Deluxe packs antivirus, a VPN with no traffic limits, a password manager, 50 GB of cloud backup, parental controls and dark-web monitoring into one subscription, covering up to 5 devices across Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. If you want a single suite that does everything for the whole family, this is it.
32. McAfee Total Protection — identity protection
McAfee's most complete suite adds antivirus, firewall, a secure VPN, a password manager, identity monitoring and performance-tuning tools, on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. Pick it if identity protection and keeping your device fast are high on your list.
43. ESET NOD32 Antivirus — the lightest
ESET NOD32 is built around a minimal system footprint: strong real-time protection, anti-phishing and a UEFI scanner, with barely any impact on performance. It's the go-to for gamers and for older or less powerful PCs, where you want security without slowdowns.
54. Avast Premium Security — for many devices
Avast Premium Security defends against hackers, phishing and data theft, protecting your email, web browsing and Wi-Fi, and guarding your webcam against unauthorised access. A single licence can cover up to 10 devices, which makes it a strong value pick for households and small businesses with a lot of hardware.
65. AVG Internet Security — the balanced choice
AVG Internet Security uses AI-based detection to stop viruses, spyware and ransomware in real time, and adds an advanced firewall plus dedicated protection for email and online banking. A well-rounded, no-fuss option for home users and small offices.
7How to choose yours
Want one suite that does everything? Go for Norton 360 Deluxe. Care most about identity protection? McAfee Total Protection. Running a gaming rig or an older PC? ESET NOD32. Lots of devices to cover? Avast Premium Security. A solid, balanced everyday choice? AVG Internet Security. If you're still unsure, write to us and we'll help you pick.
