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›