The best Windows antivirus software for home users
During January and February 2021 we continuously evaluated 21 home user security products using their default settings. We always used the most current publicly-available version of all products for the testing. They were allowed to update themselves at any time and query their in-the-cloud services. We focused on realistic test scenarios and challenged the products against real-world threats. Products had to demonstrate their capabilities using all components and protection layers.
Windows 10: February 2021
Producer | Certified | Protection | Performance | Usability |
AhnLab V3 Internet Security 9 | 91.7 | 100 | 91.7› | |
Avast Free Antivirus 20.1 | 100 | 100 | 100› | |
AVG Internet Security 20.1 | 100 | 91.7 | 100› | |
Avira Internet Security for Windows 1 | 100 | 100 | 100› | |
Bitdefender Internet Security 25 | 100 | 91.7 | 100› | |
BullGuard Internet Security 21 | 100 | 100 | 100› | |
ESET Internet Security 14 | 100 | 100 | 100› | |
F-Secure SAFE 17 | 100 | 100 | 100› | |
G Data Total Security 25.5 | 100 | 100 | 100› | |
K7 Computing Total Security 16 | 83.3 | 100 | 100› | |
Kaspersky Internet Security 21.2 | 100 | 100 | 100› | |
Malwarebytes Premium 4.3 | 100 | 100 | 91.7› | |
McAfee Total Protection 23.4 | 100 | 100 | 100› | |
Microsoft Defender Antivirus (Consumer) 4.18 | 100 | 100 | 100› | |
MicroWorld eScan Internet Security Suite 14 | 66.7 | 100 | 100› | |
Northguard Security 20 | 100 | 100 | 100› | |
Norton Norton 360 22.2 | 100 | 100 | 100› | |
PC Matic PC Matic 3 | 66.7 | 100 | 58.3› | |
Protected.net Total AV 5.13 | 91.7 | 100 | 100› | |
Trend Micro Internet Security 17 | 91.7 | 100 | 91.7› | |
VIPRE Security VIPRE AdvancedSecurity 11 | 75 | 91.7 | 100› |
Producer
Certified
Protection
Performance
Usability
Evaluation based on a point system
All products can achieve a maximum of 6 points each in the three categories of protection, performance and usability. This means 18 points are the best possible test result.
At 10 points or higher, a product is awarded the AV-TEST seal of approval.
At 17.5 points or higher, AV-TEST also issues the "TOP PRODUCT" award. Additional details ›
outstanding | satisfactory | insufficient | certificates |
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