The best Windows antivirus software for home users

During September and October 2012 we continuously evaluated 24 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: October 2012

Producer	Certified	Protection	Repair	Usability
AhnLab V3 Internet Security 8.0		50	75	58.3›
Avast Free Antivirus 7.0		83.3	66.7	83.3›
AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 2012 & 2013		75	58.3	75›
AVG Internet Security 2012 & 2013		75	75	75›
Avira Internet Security 2012 & 2013		66.7	66.7	66.7›
Bitdefender Internet Security 2013		100	100	83.3›
BullGuard Internet Security 12.0 & 13.0		83.3	58.3	75›
Check Point ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall 10.2		91.7	66.7	83.3›
ESET Smart Security 5.2		58.3	50	83.3›
F-Secure Internet Security 2012 & 2013		100	83.3	75›
Fortinet FortiClient Lite 4.3		58.3	50	91.7›
G Data InternetSecurity 2013		100	66.7	75›
GFI VIPRE Internet Security 2012 & 2013		58.3	75	66.7›
Kaspersky Internet Security 2013		91.7	75	83.3›
Lavasoft Ad-Aware Pro Security 10.2 & 10.3		66.7	66.7	75›
McAfee Internet Security 2013		66.7	33.3	83.3›
Microsoft Security Essentials 4.0 & 4.1		25	58.3	91.7›
Norman Security Suite Pro 9.0		58.3	58.3	66.7›
Norton Norton Internet Security 2013		91.7	75	83.3›
Panda Security Cloud Antivirus FREE 2.0		66.7	41.7	75›
PC Tools Internet Security 2012		83.3	41.7	66.7›
Qihoo 360 360 AntiVirus 3.0		91.7	58.3	66.7›
Trend Micro Titanium Maximum Security 2013		100	66.7	75›
Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete 8.0		83.3	41.7	83.3›

Producer

Certified

Protection

Repair

Usability

• October 2012

  October 2012

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