ZDNET updates 2026 malware removal guide, names Bitdefender top pick

ZDNET published an updated guide for 2026 in January and recommended Bitdefender Antivirus Plus as its top pick for malware removal on Windows and macOS devices. According to the guide, Bitdefender detects threats including ransomware, can disinfect or quarantine compromised files, and offers real-time and on-demand scans; plans start at $25 per year and the bundled VPN is limited to 200MB of traffic daily.

ZDNET notes Bitdefender scores well on independent lab tests and that the Windows edition includes extra features such as Wi‑Fi security assessments and a file shredder. Other top recommendations in the guide include Malwarebytes, which the reviewer says protects against trojans, botnets, adware, spyware, crypto‑miners and potentially unwanted programs and offers a 14‑day trial before paid plans starting at $45/year; Avast One Essential, a free option with on‑access and scheduled scans, firewall and ransomware protection but in‑app upsells; ESET Home Security Essential, described as offering in‑depth scans and several paid tiers ($40–$180 per year across its offerings); and the free, portable Emsisoft Emergency Kit for on‑demand Windows scanning.

ZDNET outlines selection factors readers should compare—scan types, compatibility, real‑time monitoring, phishing protection, paid versus free options, update frequency and extra features—and says most testing was done on macOS Sequoia and Windows 11.

Key Topics

Tech, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, Macos Sequoia, Malwarebytes, Avast One Essential, Emsisoft Emergency Kit