Antivirus software for your desktop PC, laptop, and mobile devices provides an additional layer of protection that goes beyond your operating system's default security.
Today's antivirus solutions offer far more than just signature-based scans. They protect against threats such as phishing, ransomware, trojans, and worms. They may also warn you when you visit an untrusted website, when your personal details -- including passwords -- are found online due to data breaches, and when you are trying to download suspicious software. You can also perform regular scans to remove threats from your system.
Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers.
Best personal data removal service deals of the week Incogni - Exclusive Deal: 55% Off Incogni Individual Annual Plan With Code "ZDNET" : $162 (save $198) Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.
What is the best antivirus right now?
My overall pick for the best antivirus is Bitdefender Total Security. This multi-platform software protects your personal data, including passwords and financial details. It will handle even advanced security threats and stop them from wreaking havoc on your system, all for $60 per year.
I also recommend Norton's affordable solution for users who need a highly-rated antivirus for a single device at $30 per year. ESET Protect is my pick for business customers.
Also: The best free antivirus software in 2026
ZDNET's security experts conduct hands-on testing to determine which software effectively detects and handles viruses and other malware without dragging down your central processing unit (CPU) or system performance. We also consider feedback from other security professionals, third-party reviewers, and customer experiences, such as Trustpilot reviews, to select the best antivirus software for mitigating cyber threats.
Sort by All
... continue reading