The best antivirus software to protect your computer in 2026

Antivirus software for desktop PCs, laptops and mobile devices provides an additional layer of protection beyond an operating system's default security. Modern solutions do more than signature-based scans: they guard against phishing, ransomware, trojans and worms, alert you to untrusted sites or exposed personal data, and can remove threats through regular scans.

Our overall pick is Bitdefender Total Security. It is lightweight, works on Windows, macOS, iOS and Android, protects passwords and financial details, and handles advanced threats; a year of Total Security currently costs $60. Norton Antivirus Plus is recommended for single-device users at $30 per year and includes threat protection, a firewall, 2GB of cloud backup and a password manager.

For businesses, ESET Protect offers centralized endpoint defence, encryption, mail security and options for on‑premise or cloud deployment.

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