The best Windows antivirus software for home users

During September and October 2011 we continuously evaluated 25 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: October 2011

Producer	Certified	Protection	Repair	Usability
Avast Free Antivirus 6.0		66.7	75	91.7›
AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 2012		83.3	75	83.3›
AVG Internet Security 2012		83.3	83.3	83.3›
Avira Internet Security 10.2 & 2012		83.3	83.3	66.7›
Bitdefender Internet Security 2012		91.7	91.7	83.3›
BullGuard Internet Security 10.0		100	33.3	75›
Emsisoft Anti-Malware 5.1 & 6.0		91.7	25	66.7›
ESET Smart Security 5.0		66.7	41.7	91.7›
F-Secure Internet Security 2011 & 2012		100	66.7	91.7›
G Data Internet Security 2012		91.7	58.3	83.3›
GFI Vipre Antivirus Premium 4.0		83.3	50	83.3›
K7 Computing Total Security 11.1		50	66.7	58.3›
Kaspersky Internet Security 2012		91.7	100	66.7›
McAfee Total Protection 2012		75	33.3	75›
Microsoft Security Essentials 2.1		50	83.3	83.3›
Norman Security Suite Pro 8.0 & 9.0		41.7	33.3	50›
Norton Norton Internet Security 2012		91.7	83.3	66.7›
Panda Security Cloud Antivirus Free Edition 1.5.1		83.3	50	100›
Panda Security Internet Security 2012		91.7	50	75›
PC Tools Internet Security 2011		66.7	58.3	66.7›
Qihoo 360 360 AntiVirus 2.0		91.7	83.3	33.3›
SecurityCoverage SecureIT Plus 2011		66.7	50	83.3›
Total Defense Internet Security Suite 2011		58.3	50	41.7›
Trend Micro Titanium Maximum Security 2012		83.3	50	75›
Webroot Internet Security Complete 7.0		58.3	58.3	83.3›

Producer

Certified

Protection

Repair

Usability

• October 2011

  October 2011

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