Cybercriminals will stop at nothing to infiltrate your devices and accounts, and will use every method they can to lure you into downloading and executing malicious software.
Malware can land on your PC, mobile device, and even your smart home products, such as routers or IoT gadgets. While some infections are obvious -- due to high power consumption, unwanted pop-ups, slowness, and process errors -- some malware may be difficult to spot, operating covertly in the background.
Thankfully, default operating system protections, including antivirus protection and firewalls, are improving all the time. However, if you suspect your device is infected, there are additional steps you can take to reduce the risk of data theft, account hijacking, and file destruction.
You should consider installing a trustworthy, secure malware removal app to remove existing infections and keep your PC and other devices clean. Effective software can also prevent worst-case scenarios by identifying and isolating threats such as adware, spyware, and ransomware before they fully infect your system.
Also: The best VPNs: Expert tested
In ZDNET's January update, we completed an in-depth revision of our guide for 2026, including recent news, new FAQs, and additional product information, including new, alternative malware removers.
What is the best malware removal software right now?
My top recommendation is Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, which scans your device in real-time and on demand. It can then identify and disinfect or quarantine files and applications deemed malicious or compromised by malware. Plans start at $25 per year. You could also check out Malwarebytes, another of my favorites, which has solid threat protection capabilities.
I tested the best malware removal software to find the tools that detect threats like potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) and ransomware on your device and remove them before they wreak havoc. Read on to explore my top picks for the best malware removal software solutions in the market today.
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