The best Windows antivirus software for home users

During July and August 2011 we continuously evaluated 25 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 7: August 2011

Producer	Certified	Protection	Repair	Usability
Avast Free AntiVirus 6.0		83.3	41.7	83.3›
AVG Internet Security 10.0		83.3	75	83.3›
AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 10.0		83.3	58.3	91.7›
Avira Internet Security 10.2		66.7	66.7	75›
Bitdefender Internet Security 2011 & 2012		100	83.3	91.7›
BullGuard Internet Security 10.0		75	50	75›
Emsisoft Anti-Malware 5.1		83.3	41.7	41.7›
ESET Smart Security 4.2		58.3	41.7	83.3›
F-Secure Internet Security 2011		91.7	83.3	83.3›
G Data Internet Security 2012		91.7	75	66.7›
GFI Vipre Antivirus Premium 4.0		75	58.3	58.3›
K7 Computing Total Security 11.1		33.3	50	41.7›
Kaspersky Internet Security 2012		100	75	83.3›
McAfee Total Protection 2012		66.7	33.3	66.7›
Microsoft Security Essentials 2.0		41.7	58.3	83.3›
Norman Security Suite Pro 8.0		33.3	33.3	50›
Norton Norton Internet Security 2011		83.3	50	83.3›
Panda Security Cloud Antivirus Free Edition 1.5.1		83.3	58.3	91.7›
Panda Security Internet Security 2012		91.7	83.3	83.3›
PC Tools Internet Security 2011		66.7	66.7	41.7›
Qihoo 360 360 AntiVirus 2.0		83.3	75	50›
SecurityCoverage SecureIT Plus 2011		75	50	100›
Total Defense Internet Security Suite 2011		41.7	58.3	50›
Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security 2011		75	33.3	83.3›
Webroot Internet Security Complete 7.0		33.3	58.3	58.3›