The best Windows antivirus software for home users
During November and December 2016 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 8: December 2016
Producer | Certified | Protection | Performance | Usability |
AhnLab V3 Internet Security 9.0 | 100 | 83.3 | 91.7› | |
Avast Free Antivirus 2016 | 100 | 58.3 | 100› | |
AVG Internet Security 2016 | 75 | 91.7 | 91.7› | |
Avira Antivirus Pro 2016 | 100 | 91.7 | 91.7› | |
Bitdefender Internet Security 2017 | 100 | 91.7 | 100› | |
BullGuard Internet Security 16.0 & 17.0 | 91.7 | 91.7 | 83.3› | |
Comodo Internet Security Premium 8.4 | 50 | 75 | 83.3› | |
Emsisoft Anti-Malware 12.0 & 12.1 | 91.7 | 75 | 83.3› | |
ESET Internet Security 10.0 | 100 | 75 | 100› | |
F-Secure SAFE 2016 | 100 | 83.3 | 91.7› | |
G Data InternetSecurity 2017 | 100 | 75 | 100› | |
K7 Computing Total Security 15.1 | 83.3 | 91.7 | 83.3› | |
Kaspersky Internet Security 2017 | 100 | 100 | 100› | |
McAfee Internet Security 2016 | 91.7 | 91.7 | 100› | |
Microsoft Windows Defender 4.8 | 75 | 75 | 100› | |
MicroWorld eScan Internet Security Suite 14.0 | 100 | 66.7 | 91.7› | |
Norton Norton Security 2016 | 100 | 91.7 | 91.7› | |
Panda Security Protection 17.0 & 18.0 | 91.7 | 41.7 | 91.7› | |
Quick Heal Total Security 17.0 | 91.7 | 91.7 | 91.7› | |
ThreatTrack VIPRE Internet Security Pro 2016 | 83.3 | 75 | 100› | |
Trend Micro Internet Security 2017 | 100 | 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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