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Best Antivirus Software in 2026
When comparing antivirus software, look at the protection and features listed as well as the devices and platforms you need to cover. The entries are compared on device limits, free plans, paid-from pricing, parental controls, password managers, protection scope, ransomware protection and supported platforms. Avast Free Antivirus, Avira Free Security and Bitdefender Total Security are among the options shown. Consider whether the listed platforms and device limits match your needs, then weigh protection scope and ransomware protection. Parental controls and a password manager may be useful criteria if you want those capabilities included. Free-plan availability and paid-from prices add cost information to the comparison.
- 120 apps
- Research read 28 Sept 2026
- How the order is worked out
- 1
ClamAV
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+2ClamAV provides scanning tools, frequent database updates, and coverage across several operating systems and file formats.
- 2
Bitdefender Total Security
by Bitdefender Total SecurityFree plan AndroidiPhoneMac+1Total Security combines device protection with parental controls, a password manager, and VPN access on four operating systems.
- 3
FortiClient
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2 - 4
Kaspersky Antivirus
by Kaspersky AntivirusFree plan AndroidAPIiPhone+4Kaspersky Antivirus lists complete security and several included tools across desktop and mobile platforms. Check the three-device limit and renewal-price terms for the listed Premium plan.
- 5
- 6
Malwarebytes Premium
by Malwarebytes PremiumFree plan AndroidExtensioniPhone+2Malwarebytes Premium Security combines ongoing threat prevention with browser and scam tools.
- 7
Avast Free Antivirus
Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+1Choose Avast Free Antivirus if you want free malware protection with additional web, email, ransomware, and network safeguards on a supported platform.
- 8
Avira Free Security
Free plan AndroidAPIExtension+3Choose Avira Free Security if you want a free plan combining real-time threat protection, privacy tools and performance optimization across desktop and mobile platforms.
- 9
Avira Free Antivirus
by Avira Free AntivirusFree plan AndroidAPIExtension+3Avira Free Antivirus combines internet security, ransomware protection, and a password manager in a free plan. Consider whether its 500 MB monthly VPN allowance suits your needs.
- 10
Comodo Internet Security
by Comodo Internet SecurityFree plan AndroidExtensioniPhone+1Comodo Internet Security pairs core protection with isolated browsing and application use. Check the listed Windows-version limits before choosing it for an older PC.
- 11
- 12
TotalAV Antivirus
by TotalAV AntivirusFree plan AndroidExtensioniPhone+2Choose TotalAV Antivirus if you want a free-plan security product with coverage for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Its listed features include ransomware protection and a password manager.
- 13
Max Endpoint Security-Business
Free plan AndroidLinuxMac+2Max Endpoint Security-Business combines cross-platform endpoint controls with centralized administration and several malware response features.
- 14
Microsoft Defender Antivirus
by Microsoft Defender AntivirusFree plan WindowsMicrosoft Defender Antivirus covers core antivirus needs on supported Windows PCs without requiring a paid plan.
- 15
AetherAV
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsPick AetherAV if you want a free, open-source antivirus engine with multiple detection methods and support for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- 16
McAfee Mobile Security
by McAfee Mobile SecurityFree plan AndroidiPhoneMcAfee Mobile Security combines scam detection, VPN, identity monitoring, and cleanup tools across Android and iOS.
- 17
- 18
Certo AntiSpy
by Certo AntiSpyFree plan AndroidiPhoneMac+1Choose the free AntiSpy plan for spyware detection, threat removal, and a privacy audit on a supported Android device.
- 19
Comodo Antivirus
Free plan WindowsComodo Antivirus offers a free option and paid plans, with features such as sandboxing and cloud scanning. Check the supported Windows versions and the plan device limits before choosing.
- 20
Windows Security
by Windows SecurityFree plan WindowsWindows Security provides built-in antivirus, firewall, account, and device-security features at no cost.
- 21
IObit Malware Fighter
by IObit Malware FighterFree plan WindowsThe free edition covers basic antivirus, privacy, and real-time protection, while the product also lists browser, email, and ransomware safeguards.
- 22
360 Total Security
by 360 Total SecurityFree plan Windows360 Total Security provides a free Windows plan for one device, with ransomware defense, internet protection, cleanup, and sandbox functions listed.
- 23
ESET Mobile Security for Android
Free plan AndroidChoose ESET Mobile Security for Android if you want free antivirus and real-time scanning, or need Premium tools such as Payment Protection and Anti-Theft.
- 24
RAV Endpoint Protection
Free plan WindowsRAV Endpoint Protection pairs free, ongoing scanning and real-time protection with ransomware, identity, and privacy features.
- 25
Dr.Web LiveDisk
Free plan LinuxWindowsLiveDisk combines malware cleanup and file copying in bootable recovery media. Before using USB, check the drive space and confirm the computer can boot from a USB HDD device.
#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price
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