The best Windows antivirus software for home users

During July and August 2012 we continuously evaluated 23 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 XP: August 2012

Producer	Certified	Protection	Repair	Usability
AhnLab V3 Internet Security 8.0		33.3	66.7	66.7›
Avast Free Antivirus 7.0		75	91.7	83.3›
AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 2012		83.3	66.7	75›
AVG Internet Security 2012		83.3	75	66.7›
Avira Internet Security 2012		91.7	91.7	66.7›
Bitdefender Internet Security 2012		91.7	100	83.3›
BullGuard Internet Security 12.0		100	50	83.3›
Check Point ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall 10.2		83.3	91.7	91.7›
ESET Smart Security 5.2		58.3	50	91.7›
F-Secure Internet Security 2012		100	50	91.7›
G Data InternetSecurity 2013		91.7	66.7	75›
GFI VIPRE Internet Security 2012		66.7	41.7	83.3›
Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 & 2013		100	100	83.3›
Lavasoft Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+ 10.1 & 10.2		58.3	33.3	83.3›
McAfee Internet Security 2012		66.7	75	66.7›
Microsoft Security Essentials 4.0		33.3	75	100›
Norman Security Suite Pro 9.0		58.3	58.3	66.7›
Norton Norton Internet Security 2012		91.7	75	83.3›
Panda Security Cloud Antivirus FREE 1.5.2 & 2.0		66.7	50	75›
PC Tools Internet Security 2012		83.3	50	66.7›
Qihoo 360 360 AntiVirus 3.0		91.7	16.7	91.7›
Trend Micro Titanium Maximum Security 2012 & 2013		75	58.3	58.3›
Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete 8.0		91.7	66.7	66.7›

Producer

Certified

Protection

Repair

Usability

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  June 2014

• October 2013

  October 2013

• April 2013

  April 2013

• August 2012

  August 2012

• February 2012

  February 2012

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