The best Windows antivirus software for home users
During November and December 2012 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: December 2012
Producer | Certified | Protection | Repair | Usability |
AhnLab V3 Internet Security 8.0 | 50 | 33.3 | 58.3› | |
Avast Free Antivirus 7.0 | 75 | 75 | 83.3› | |
AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 2013 | 83.3 | 66.7 | 83.3› | |
AVG Internet Security 2013 | 83.3 | 66.7 | 83.3› | |
Avira Internet Security 2013 | 75 | 66.7 | 83.3› | |
Bitdefender Internet Security 2013 | 100 | 91.7 | 83.3› | |
BullGuard Internet Security 13.0 | 91.7 | 66.7 | 83.3› | |
Check Point ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall 10.2 & 11.0 | 66.7 | 66.7 | 91.7› | |
ESET Smart Security 5.2 | 66.7 | 58.3 | 91.7› | |
F-Secure Internet Security 2013 | 100 | 83.3 | 75› | |
Fortinet FortiClient Lite 4.3 | 66.7 | 66.7 | 75› | |
G Data InternetSecurity 2013 | 91.7 | 83.3 | 66.7› | |
GFI VIPRE Internet Security 2013 | 66.7 | 58.3 | 75› | |
Kaspersky Internet Security 2013 | 91.7 | 91.7 | 83.3› | |
Lavasoft Ad-Aware Pro Security 10.3 & 10.4 | 58.3 | 66.7 | 75› | |
McAfee Internet Security 2013 | 75 | 50 | 75› | |
Microsoft Security Essentials 4.1 | 25 | 50 | 91.7› | |
Norman Security Suite Pro 9.0 | 66.7 | 75 | 66.7› | |
Norton Norton Internet Security 2013 | 91.7 | 91.7 | 83.3› | |
Panda Security Cloud Antivirus FREE 2.0 | 66.7 | 66.7 | 83.3› | |
PC Tools Internet Security 2012 | 75 | 16.7 | 75› | |
Qihoo 360 360 AntiVirus 4.0 | 83.3 | 75 | 83.3› | |
Tencent (PC) PC Manager 6.6 | 83.3 | 50 | 91.7› | |
Trend Micro Titanium Maximum Security 2013 | 100 | 91.7 | 66.7› | |
Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete 8.0 | 91.7 | 50 | 66.7› |
Producer
Certified
Protection
Repair
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 |
ATP endurance test: 31 security products for 6 months in the advanced...
September 25, 2024 | Antivirus for Windows
Ransomware and info stealers: 17 security solutions in the ATP test ...
September 12, 2024 | Antivirus for Windows
Advanced EDR test 2024: Bitdefender Endpoint Security ...
September 04, 2024 | Antivirus for Windows