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RankWise

Best Antivirus Software

We tested 20 antivirus programs for protection, speed, and usability. Here are the best antivirus solutions for 2026.

Last updated: March 10, 2026
5 providers ranked
Independently tested

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Editor's Choice
#1
Norton 360

Norton 360

Complete cyber protection

9.7/10
Best for: Comprehensive protection

Norton 360 is the most comprehensive antivirus solution with malware protection, VPN, and password manager included.

Malware ProtectionFirewallVPNPassword ManagerDark Web MonitoringDevice Optimization

Pros

  • Excellent malware detection
  • Comprehensive features
  • Great customer support
  • Good performance

Cons

  • Higher price point
  • Can be resource-intensive
$39.99/year
Updated 1 day ago
Visit Norton 360Read Full Review
#2
McAfee Total Protection

McAfee Total Protection

Multi-device protection

9.4/10
Best for: Multi-device households

McAfee Total Protection offers multi-device protection with VPN and password manager at an affordable price.

Malware ProtectionVPNPassword ManagerIdentity Theft ProtectionFirewallParental Controls

Pros

  • Good malware detection
  • VPN included
  • Covers multiple devices
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Occasional false positives
  • Can slow down system
#3
Kaspersky Internet Security

Kaspersky Internet Security

Advanced threat protection

9.2/10
Best for: Advanced users

Kaspersky offers advanced threat protection with excellent malware detection at an affordable price.

Malware ProtectionFirewallPassword ManagerParental ControlsWebcam ProtectionVulnerability Scanner

Pros

  • Excellent malware detection
  • Advanced features
  • Good performance
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Less user-friendly
  • Smaller company presence in US
#4
Bitdefender Internet Security

Bitdefender Internet Security

Lightweight protection

9/10
Best for: Performance-conscious users

Bitdefender is the lightest antivirus solution with excellent malware detection and minimal system impact.

Malware ProtectionFirewallPassword ManagerParental ControlsRansomware ProtectionWeb Protection

Pros

  • Lightweight and fast
  • Excellent malware detection
  • Affordable
  • Good features

Cons

  • Limited customer support
  • Fewer advanced features
#5
Avast Premium Security

Avast Premium Security

Affordable protection

8.7/10
Best for: Budget-conscious users

Avast Premium Security offers affordable protection with VPN and password manager included.

Malware ProtectionFirewallPassword ManagerVPNParental ControlsSandbox

Pros

  • Most affordable option
  • Good malware detection
  • VPN included
  • User-friendly

Cons

  • Occasional false positives
  • Less advanced features
Norton 360

Best Overall

Norton 360

9.7
McAfee Total Protection

Best Value

McAfee Total Protection

9.4
Kaspersky Internet Security

Best Alternative

Kaspersky Internet Security

9.2
Prices
2 days ago
Rankings
14 days ago
Reviews
30 days ago

Our AI analyzes 50+ data points per provider, verified by expert testers.

Read methodology

Side-by-Side Comparison

ProviderScorePriceBest ForFeaturesRatingAction
Norton 360Norton 360
9.7$39.99/yearComprehensive protectionMalware Protection, Firewall⭐ 9.7/10Visit
McAfee Total ProtectionMcAfee Total Protection
9.4$34.99/yearMulti-device householdsMalware Protection, VPN⭐ 9.4/10Visit
Kaspersky Internet SecurityKaspersky Internet Security
9.2$29.99/yearAdvanced usersMalware Protection, Firewall⭐ 9.2/10Visit

Compare Antivirus Software

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Frequently Asked Questions

Top Pick

NordVPN — Score: 9.8/10

Visit NordVPN