Best Antivirus for Windows, Mac & Android in 2026

Choosing the best antivirus for Windows, Mac, or Android depends on the device you use, the level of protection you need, and whether you want additional features such as VPN protection, password management, or identity monitoring.

Independent testing is a useful way to compare antivirus products. In its latest 2026 tests, AV-TEST evaluated security products for Windows, macOS, and Android using current versions and realistic threat scenarios.

Best Antivirus for Windows

Windows is one of the most widely used desktop operating systems, making strong security protection particularly important.

1. Bitdefender Total Security

Bitdefender is a strong choice for Windows users who want comprehensive security.

In AV-TEST’s June 2026 Windows 11 test, Bitdefender Total Security achieved 6/6 for protection, 6/6 for performance, and 6/6 for usability.

Best for: Overall Windows protection.

Key features may include:

• Real-time malware protection
• Ransomware protection
• Web protection
• Phishing protection
• Privacy tools
• Multi-device support depending on the plan

2. Microsoft Defender

Microsoft Defender is built into modern Windows versions and provides antivirus protection without requiring a separate third-party installation.

In AV-TEST’s June 2026 evaluation, Microsoft Defender received 6/6 for protection, 5.5/6 for performance, and 6/6 for usability.

Best for: Users who want built-in Windows security.

3. Norton 360

Norton 360 is another popular choice for Windows users who want antivirus protection combined with additional security and privacy features.

AV-TEST’s June 2026 testing gave Norton 360 maximum scores of 6/6 in protection, performance, and usability.

Best for: Users looking for a broader security package.

Best Antivirus for Mac

Mac users also benefit from built-in security technologies, but third-party antivirus products can provide additional malware and web protection.

AV-TEST’s March 2026 MacOS Tahoe test evaluated 10 home-user security products. Several products achieved maximum scores across protection, performance, and usability.

1. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac

Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac achieved 6/6 for protection, performance, and usability in AV-TEST’s March 2026 evaluation.

Best for: Comprehensive Mac security.

2. ESET Security Ultimate

ESET also achieved maximum scores of 6/6 across protection, performance, and usability in the same AV-TEST Mac evaluation.

Best for: Users who want strong protection with a range of security controls.

3. Norton 360

Norton 360 achieved 6/6 in all three AV-TEST categories in the March 2026 Mac test.

Best for: Users who want protection across multiple devices and additional security features.

4. Avast Security

Avast Security also received 6/6 for protection, performance, and usability in the March 2026 Mac test.

Best for: Users looking for a straightforward security solution.

Best Antivirus for Android

Android devices can face malicious applications, phishing attempts, unsafe websites, and other mobile security threats.

AV-TEST’s May 2026 Android evaluation tested 12 mobile security products. Bitdefender Mobile Security, Avast Antivirus & Security, AVG Antivirus Free, Avira, Norton 360, McAfee, and several other products achieved 6/6 for protection, performance, and usability.

1. Bitdefender Mobile Security

Bitdefender Mobile Security achieved 6/6 across all three AV-TEST categories in May 2026.

Best for: Comprehensive Android security.

2. Norton 360

Norton 360 also received 6/6 for protection, performance, and usability in AV-TEST’s May 2026 Android test.

Best for: Users who want mobile protection as part of a broader security ecosystem.

3. Avast Antivirus & Security

Avast Antivirus & Security achieved maximum scores in protection, performance, and usability in the May 2026 Android evaluation.

Best for: Users looking for a well-established Android security application.

4. AVG Antivirus Free

AVG Antivirus Free also achieved 6/6 in protection, performance, and usability in the May 2026 AV-TEST results.

Best for: Users interested in a free Android security option.

Windows vs Mac vs Android Antivirus

Platform	Recommended Option	Best For
Windows	Bitdefender	Overall protection
Windows	Microsoft Defender	Built-in security
Windows	Norton 360	Feature-rich protection
Mac	Bitdefender	Overall Mac protection
Mac	ESET	Security controls
Mac	Norton 360	Multi-device users
Android	Bitdefender Mobile Security	Overall mobile protection
Android	Norton 360	Comprehensive security
Android	Avast	General mobile protection
Android	AVG Antivirus Free	Free security option

These recommendations are based partly on recent independent testing, but antivirus performance can change as products and threats evolve. AV-Comparatives also maintains separate 2026 testing for Windows, Mac, and Android, including real-world protection and mobile security reviews.

Free vs Paid Antivirus

You don’t necessarily need to pay for antivirus protection.

Free Antivirus

Free options can be suitable for users who need basic malware protection.

Examples include:

• Microsoft Defender on Windows
• Avast Free Antivirus
• AVG Antivirus Free
• Google Play Protect on Android

However, the available features vary between products and platforms.

Paid Antivirus

Paid security packages can provide additional features such as:

• Advanced web protection
• Ransomware protection
• VPN services
• Password management
• Identity monitoring
• Parental controls
• Multi-device coverage

Choose a paid plan when you actually need these additional features rather than paying simply because the software is labeled “premium.”

How to Choose the Best Antivirus

Consider Your Device

First determine whether you need protection for Windows, Mac, Android, or multiple platforms.

Check Independent Test Results

Look at recent results from organizations such as AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives rather than relying solely on marketing claims.

Compare Features

Make sure the antivirus includes the features you actually need.

Check Performance

Security software runs in the background, so consider its impact on system performance.

Look at Device Coverage

If you have a computer, phone, and tablet, a multi-device plan may be more convenient than purchasing separate subscriptions.

Consider Price

Compare both introductory and renewal prices before purchasing a subscription.

Antivirus Security Tips

Regardless of which antivirus you choose:

• Keep your operating system updated.
• Install application updates regularly.
• Download apps from trusted sources.
• Avoid pirated software.
• Don’t click suspicious links.
• Use strong, unique passwords.
• Enable multi-factor authentication.
• Back up important files.
• Review app permissions.
• Keep security software updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best antivirus for Windows?

Bitdefender is a strong overall choice based on its recent independent test results. Microsoft Defender is also an excellent convenient option for users who prefer built-in Windows protection.

What is the best antivirus for Mac?

Bitdefender, ESET, Norton, Avast, and several other products achieved maximum scores in AV-TEST’s March 2026 Mac evaluation. Bitdefender is a strong overall choice based on those results.

What is the best antivirus for Android?

Bitdefender Mobile Security and Norton 360 are among the products that achieved maximum scores in AV-TEST’s May 2026 Android test.

Does Android already have antivirus protection?

Android includes Google Play Protect, which provides built-in app security. AV-TEST’s May 2026 test gave Google Play Protect 5.5/6 for protection, 6/6 for performance, and 5/6 for usability.

Do Macs need antivirus?

Macs include built-in security technologies, but additional antivirus software can provide another layer of protection depending on your needs.

Final Verdict

The best antivirus depends on your device and requirements.

For Windows: Bitdefender is a strong overall option, while Microsoft Defender is convenient for users who prefer built-in protection.

For Mac: Bitdefender, ESET, and Norton are strong choices based on recent independent testing.

For Android: Bitdefender Mobile Security, Norton 360, Avast, and AVG are among the products that performed strongly in the latest AV-TEST evaluation.

No antivirus provides complete protection by itself. The strongest security approach combines reputable security software with regular updates, strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, safe browsing habits, and reliable backups.