The best Windows antivirus software for home users

During July and August 2016 we continuously evaluated 23 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 2016

Producer	Certified	Protection	Performance	Usability
AhnLab V3 Internet Security 9.0		91.7	83.3	66.7›
Avast Free AntiVirus 2016		91.7	66.7	91.7›
AVG Internet Security 2016		91.7	91.7	91.7›
Avira Antivirus Pro 2016		91.7	91.7	100›
Bitdefender Internet Security 2016		100	100	100›
BullGuard Internet Security 16.0		91.7	91.7	91.7›
Check Point ZoneAlarm Extreme Security 14.2 & 14.3		83.3	83.3	100›
Comodo Internet Security Premium 8.4		50	83.3	75›
Emsisoft Anti-Malware 11.9 & 11.10		91.7	75	91.7›
ESET Smart Security 9.0		83.3	83.3	91.7›
F-Secure SAFE 2016		100	83.3	83.3›
G Data InternetSecurity 2016		91.7	75	91.7›
K7 Computing Total Security 15.1		83.3	83.3	75›
Kaspersky Internet Security 2017		100	100	100›
McAfee Internet Security 2016		75	91.7	100›
Microsoft Security Essentials 4.9		58.3	83.3	91.7›
MicroWorld eScan Internet Security Suite 14.0		91.7	75	91.7›
Norton Norton Security 2016		100	83.3	100›
Panda Security Free Antivirus 16.1		91.7	58.3	83.3›
Qihoo 360 360 AntiVirus 5.0		91.7	91.7	91.7›
Quick Heal Total Security 17.0		91.7	91.7	91.7›
ThreatTrack VIPRE Internet Security Pro 2016		83.3	75	91.7›
Trend Micro Internet Security 2016		100	100	100›