The internet can be a dangerous place, with malware lurking around every corner. While many antivirus programs promise robust protection, choosing the right one is surprisingly difficult. Windows Security comes free with every Windows PC, and it's solid. Bitdefender boasts a fully loaded arsenal to protect your computer from bad actors, and at the time of this writing, a subscription costs $60 for a full year.To save you time, I compiled a list of the best antivirus apps for Windows computers. Each program in this roundup comes highly recommended. You can't go wrong with any of them, but there is one clear winner.For February 2026, much of the list will remain the same. Many of these products are still solid; however, I did decide to add Norton 360 Deluxe as an alternative to Malwarebytes. Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers.
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Best personal data removal service deals of the week $162 (save $198) Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article. What is the antivirus software for Windows right now?ZDNET's experts carefully test multiple antivirus programs on Windows, putting them through the wringer to provide you with the best software advice.Each of the antiviral programs on this roundup comes highly recommended. However, our pick for the best antivirus app on Windows is Malwarebytes. It has everything you could ever want in protective software: robust security, an easy-to-understand user interface, and a subscription service that builds on the free version. Read on to find out our other top picks and if certain apps better fit your needs. Also: The best VPN for Windows Malwarebytes/ZDNET Why we like it: The aptly named Malwarebytes takes the top spot as the best antivirus program for Windows computers. This app provides reliable protection against malware, viruses, and phishing attacks while not overwhelming the user with clutter or forced subscriptions. The free version offers on-demand malware detection and digital footprint scans. If you want a robust defense, the paid version lets you give real-time protection plus automated scan scheduling.Notable features include Trusted Advisor, which provides recommendations to improve protection, and Browser Guard, a browser extension that blocks threats. Malwarebytes offers a free 14-day trial to try out the subscription.Review: MalwarebytesWho it's for: Malwarebytes is great for anyone who wants quick, reliable protection for their computer that doesn't require a college degree to figure out. Its user interface is very friendly and easy to navigate. The free tier is all you'll need if you just want to occasionally scan your PC for any looming threats. But if you prefer a set-it-and-forget-it experience with features like ransomware protection, I recommend getting a paid plan.Who should look elsewhere: Many antiviral programs have a mobile app to protect Android and iOS devices. Malwarebytes is one of them, but I wouldn't recommend installing it on your smartphone. It's not as robust as the desktop version, and signing up for a free trial is confusing.Malwarebytes features: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS support| Free and premium options available | Mobile apps | Scheduled scanning | Real-time scanning | Anti-phishing protection | Malware protection | 14-day free trial | Customer support options: live chat, AI chatbot, email,
