Antivirus

Best Antivirus Software 2026

We bought, installed and tested the leading antivirus suites for protection, speed and value. Here are the five we recommend right now.

Selbst getestet Keine gekauften Platzierungen Aktualisiert July 16, 2026

  1. 1
    Editor's Choice
    TotalAV logo TotalAV
    Best OverallSave 80%

    Award-winning antivirus trusted by millions worldwide, with unbeatable first-year value.

    • Outstanding real-world detection rate
    • Includes VPN, firewall and system tune-up
    • Easy setup across Windows, Mac, Android and iOS
    • Unbeatable first-year value
    9.8
    Outstanding
    99,00 $ 19,00 $
    Get 80% Off Auf der sicheren Website des Anbieters
  2. 2
    Norton logo Norton
    Save 60%

    One of the most trusted names in security, with strong protection and a virus-free guarantee.

    • Excellent malware and phishing protection
    • Built-in AI-powered scam detection
    • Virus Protection Promise (money-back guarantee)
    • Best-in-class parental controls
    9.5
    Excellent
    119,99 $ 29,99 $
    60% Rabatt sichern Auf der sicheren Website des Anbieters
  3. 3
    Bitdefender logo Bitdefender
    Save 50%

    Consistently collects top marks from independent testing centres around the world.

    • Class-leading independent lab scores
    • Very light on system resources
    • Multi-layer ransomware protection
    • Strong parental controls
    9.3
    Very Good
    109,98 $ 54,99 $
    50% Rabatt sichern Auf der sicheren Website des Anbieters
  4. 4
    Avast logo Avast
    Save 60%

    Direct and Security-Focused: Complete Cyber Protection Made Simple

    • Excellent malware detection and threat protection
    • Generous feature set in the free tier
    • Intuitive, easy-to-use interface
    • Integrated Wi-Fi and network scanner
    9.1
    Very Good
    78,00 $ 31,20 $
    60% Rabatt sichern Auf der sicheren Website des Anbieters
  5. 5
    Avira logo Avira
    Save 45%

    German-engineered protection with a genuinely capable free tier.

    • First-class malware protection
    • Capable free version available
    • Lightweight background updates
    • Includes VPN and tune-up tools
    8.8
    Very Good
    109,99 $ 59,99 $
    45% Rabatt sichern Auf der sicheren Website des Anbieters

Alle Anbieter im Überblick

Währung USD GBP EUR CAD AUD
Alle Anbieter im Überblick
#AnbieterBewertung Am besten fürDevices coveredPreis
1 TotalAV 9.8/10 Best Overall Up to 8 19,00 $ Get 80% Off
2 Norton 9.5/10 Best for Families Up to 10 29,99 $ 60% Rabatt sichern
3 Bitdefender 9.3/10 Best Lab Scores Up to 10 54,99 $ 50% Rabatt sichern
4 Avast 9.1/10 Customization / modularity Up to 10 31,20 $ 60% Rabatt sichern
5 Avira 8.8/10 Best Free Option Up to 5 59,99 $ 45% Rabatt sichern
Von Daniel Marsh, Senior Security Editor · Geprüft von Aisha Khan, CISSP, Security Analyst · Aktualisiert July 16, 2026

Cyber-threats are more aggressive than ever in 2026 — from ransomware and phishing to data-stealing malware and AI-generated scams. A good antivirus suite is the cheapest insurance you can buy for your devices and your identity. We bought, installed and ran each suite through real-world malware, phishing and performance tests so you can choose the right protection in minutes.

How we rate antivirus

Scores are not pay-to-play. We combine independent lab results with our own hands-on testing of detection, performance and usability. Affiliate links never change a ranking.

  • Protection (40%) — real-world malware, ransomware and phishing detection.
  • Performance (20%) — impact on boot, file copy and browsing.
  • Features (20%) — VPN, firewall, password manager, identity tools.
  • Value (20%) — first-year and renewal pricing, devices covered.

Do you still need antivirus in 2026?

Yes. Built-in operating-system protection has improved, but it cannot keep up with the volume and sophistication of modern threats. A dedicated suite adds layers that defaults lack: ransomware shields, anti-phishing, a secure VPN, a password manager and identity monitoring.

Free vs paid antivirus

Free tools are better than nothing, but independent labs consistently show paid suites score higher on protection and add the extras that actually keep you safe. For most households, a paid suite is well worth the small annual cost — especially when first-year discounts make it cheaper than a couple of coffees a month.

Buyer's guide: what to look for

Prioritise independent lab scores (AV-Test, AV-Comparatives), a light system footprint, anti-phishing and ransomware protection, and the number of devices covered. Watch the renewal price, not just the first-year deal — that is where suites differ most.

TotalAV vs Norton

Our pick
TotalAV logo TotalAV
9.8
Outstanding

#1 in Antivirus

99,00 $ 19,00 $
Get 80% Off Auf der sicheren Website des Anbieters
Norton logo Norton
9.5
Excellent

#2 in Antivirus

119,99 $ 29,99 $
60% Rabatt sichern Auf der sicheren Website des Anbieters

TotalAV and Norton are two of the most popular antivirus suites — here is how they compare head to head.

TotalAV vs Norton comparison
TotalAV Our pick Norton
Bewertung 9.8/10 · Outstanding 9.5/10 · Excellent
Rank #1 in Antivirus #2 in Antivirus
Preis 99,00 $ 19,00 $ 119,99 $ 29,99 $
Offer Get 80% off TotalAV Premium 2026
Highlights
  • Outstanding real-world detection rate
  • Includes VPN, firewall and system tune-up
  • Easy setup across Windows, Mac, Android and iOS
  • Unbeatable first-year value
  • Excellent malware and phishing protection
  • Built-in AI-powered scam detection
  • Virus Protection Promise (money-back guarantee)
  • Best-in-class parental controls
Get 80% Off 60% Rabatt sichern

Häufige Fragen

Do I still need antivirus software in 2026?

Yes. Operating-system defaults cannot keep up with modern threats like phishing, ransomware and zero-day malware. A third-party suite adds essential extra layers of protection.

Is free antivirus good enough?

Free tools offer only basic protection and rarely defend well against ransomware or phishing. Paid suites score higher in independent lab tests and add features like VPN, firewall and identity protection.

Does antivirus slow down my computer?

Modern suites are very light. Unless your device is more than about seven years old, you will not notice any meaningful slowdown during normal use.

Should I remove my old antivirus first?

Yes. Running two real-time scanners at once can cause conflicts and waste resources. Uninstall the old one before installing a new suite.

How much should I pay for antivirus?

First-year deals often land between €15 and €40 for multiple devices. Always check the renewal price, which is usually higher than the introductory rate.

Can antivirus protect my phone?

Yes. Most suites include Android and iOS apps with web protection, anti-theft and scam-call blocking, though iOS protection is more limited by Apple's sandbox.

Unser Testsieger: TotalAV

Get 80% off TotalAV Premium 2026

Ausführliche Testberichte zu allen Empfehlungen

  • TotalAV 9.8/10 Award-winning antivirus trusted by millions worldwide, with unbeatable first-year value.
  • Norton 9.5/10 One of the most trusted names in security, with strong protection and a virus-free guarantee.
  • Bitdefender 9.3/10 Consistently collects top marks from independent testing centres around the world.
  • Avast 9.1/10 Direct and Security-Focused: Complete Cyber Protection Made Simple
  • Avira 8.8/10 German-engineered protection with a genuinely capable free tier.

Alle Testberichte zu Antivirus →

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