The best Windows antivirus software for home users

During October, November and December 2010 we continuously evaluated 22 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 Vista: December 2010

Producer	Certified	Protection	Repair	Usability
Avast Free AntiVirus 5.0		58.3	66.7	91.7›
AVG Internet Security 10.0		75	66.7	75›
Avira Internet Security 10.0		66.7	75	75›
Bitdefender Internet Security Suite 2011		91.7	91.7	75›
BullGuard Internet Security 10.0		91.7	58.3	58.3›
Comodo Internet Security Premium 5.0		50	58.3	50›
ESET Smart Security 4.2		58.3	83.3	83.3›
F-Secure Internet Security 2011		83.3	83.3	100›
G Data Internet Security 2011		83.3	58.3	83.3›
GFI Vipre Antivirus 4.0		66.7	75	66.7›
Kaspersky Internet Security 2011		91.7	100	66.7›
McAfee Total Protection 2011		58.3	58.3	66.7›
Microsoft Security Essentials 1.0		41.7	75	83.3›
MicroWorld eScan Internet Security Suite 11.0		50	58.3	91.7›
Norman Security Suite Pro 8.0		50	66.7	41.7›
Norton Norton Internet Security 2011		83.3	91.7	83.3›
Panda Security Internet Security 2011		91.7	83.3	58.3›
PC Tools Internet Security 2011		75	75	58.3›
Sophos Endpoint Security and Control 9.5		66.7	50	83.3›
Total Defense Internet Security Suite 2011		33.3	41.7	33.3›
Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security 2011		75	58.3	91.7›
Webroot Internet Security Complete 7.0		75	83.3	50›