Best overall
Bitdefender
Flawless detection and lots of features with very little impact on your device.
- Free or from US$59.99/yr (Bitdefender Total Security, 5 Geräte (US-Preis)) — then US$89.99/yr
- 100% (AV-Test)
- Devices: Up to 10
The Best Antivirus in the UK 2026
Quick verdict
Best all-in-one
Norton 360
Antivirus, unlimited VPN, backup and password manager in a single package.
- from US$49.99/yr (Norton 360 Deluxe, 5 Geräte (GBP nicht sauber ermittelt → US-Preis)) — then US$124.99/yr
- 100% (AV-Test)
- Devices: Up to 10
Lightest
ESET
- from US$59.99/yr (ESET HOME Security Premium, 5 Geräte (US-Preis)) — then US$79.99/yr
- 99.8% (AV-Test)
- Devices: Up to 10
Best web protection
Trend Micro
- from US$49.95/yr (Trend Micro Maximum Security, 5 Geräte (GBP nicht sauber ermittelt → US-Preis)) — then US$99.95/yr
- High (AV-Test)
- Devices: Up to 5
Best for Mac
Intego
- from US$29.99/yr (Intego ONE Essential, 1 Mac (Leitwährung USD; Verläng. unsicher 40–75 $)) — then US$39.99/yr
- Malware detection: Top for Mac
- 1–5 Macs
Best malware removal
Malwarebytes
- Free or from US$59.99/yr (Malwarebytes Premium Security, 5 Geräte (Leitwährung USD)) — then US$99.99/yr
- 99.5% (AV-Test)
- Devices: Up to 5
TABLE
Full comparison
| Product | Price | Malware detection | Devices | Free | Included VPN | Firewall | Guarantee | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 RecommendedBitdefender | Free or fromUS$59.99/yrBitdefender Total Security, 5 Geräte (US-Preis)then US$89.99/yr | 100% (AV-Test) | Up to 10 | Yes (basic) | Limited (200 MB/day) | Yes | 30 days | Visit site |
| fromUS$49.99/yrNorton 360 Deluxe, 5 Geräte (GBP nicht sauber ermittelt → US-Preis)then US$124.99/yr | 100% (AV-Test) | Up to 10 | No | Yes (unlimited) | Yes | 60 days | Visit ↗ | |
| fromUS$59.99/yrESET HOME Security Premium, 5 Geräte (US-Preis)then US$79.99/yr | 99.8% (AV-Test) | Up to 10 | No (30-day trial) | Premium plan only | Yes | 30 days | Visit ↗ | |
| fromUS$49.95/yrTrend Micro Maximum Security, 5 Geräte (GBP nicht sauber ermittelt → US-Preis)then US$99.95/yr | High (AV-Test) | Up to 5 | No (trial) | No | Yes (Maximum) | 30 days | Visit ↗ | |
| fromUS$84.99/yrF-Secure Total, 5 Geräte · Verläng. = Erstpreis (US-Preis) | Top (AV-Test) | Up to 7 | No (trial) | Yes (Total) | Yes | 30-day trial | Visit ↗ | |
| fromUS$29.99/yrIntego ONE Essential, 1 Mac (Leitwährung USD; Verläng. unsicher 40–75 $)then US$39.99/yr | Top for Mac | 1–5 Macs | No (trial) | No | Yes (NetBarrier) | 30 days | Visit ↗ | |
| Free or fromUS$29/yrTotalAV Antivirus Pro, 4 Geräte (Leitwährung USD)then US$99/yr | 99% (AV-Test) | Up to 6 | Yes (limited) | Yes | No | 30 days | Visit ↗ | |
| fromUS$39.99/yrMcAfee Total Protection, 5 Geräte (Leitwährung USD)then US$119.99/yr | 99.8% (AV-Test) | Unlimited (family plan) | No (30-day trial) | Yes | Yes | 30 days | Visit ↗ | |
| Free or fromUS$59.99/yrMalwarebytes Premium Security, 5 Geräte (Leitwährung USD)then US$99.99/yr | 99.5% (AV-Test) | Up to 5 | Yes (scanner) | Yes (higher plans) | No | 60 days | Visit ↗ | |
| Free or fromUS$59.99/yrAvira Prime, 5 Geräte (US-Preis)then US$104.99/yr | 99.9% (AV-Test) | Up to 5 | Yes (full) | Limited (500 MB/mo) | Yes (Pro) | 60 days | Visit ↗ | |
| Free or fromUS$64.49/yrPanda Dome Advanced, 5 Geräte · Verläng. ~86 $ (unsicher; US-Preis)then US$86/yr | 99% (AV-Test) | Unlimited (family plan) | Yes | Limited (150 MB/day) | Yes | 30 days | Visit ↗ |
Free or fromUS$59.99/yrBitdefender Total Security, 5 Geräte (US-Preis)then US$89.99/yr
- Malware detection
- 100% (AV-Test)
- Devices
- Up to 10
- Free
- Yes (basic)
- Included VPN
- Limited (200 MB/day)
- Firewall
- Yes
- Guarantee
- 30 days
fromUS$49.99/yrNorton 360 Deluxe, 5 Geräte (GBP nicht sauber ermittelt → US-Preis)then US$124.99/yr
- Malware detection
- 100% (AV-Test)
- Devices
- Up to 10
- Free
- No
- Included VPN
- Yes (unlimited)
- Firewall
- Yes
- Guarantee
- 60 days
fromUS$59.99/yrESET HOME Security Premium, 5 Geräte (US-Preis)then US$79.99/yr
- Malware detection
- 99.8% (AV-Test)
- Devices
- Up to 10
- Free
- No (30-day trial)
- Included VPN
- Premium plan only
- Firewall
- Yes
- Guarantee
- 30 days
fromUS$49.95/yrTrend Micro Maximum Security, 5 Geräte (GBP nicht sauber ermittelt → US-Preis)then US$99.95/yr
- Malware detection
- High (AV-Test)
- Devices
- Up to 5
- Free
- No (trial)
- Included VPN
- No
- Firewall
- Yes (Maximum)
- Guarantee
- 30 days
fromUS$84.99/yrF-Secure Total, 5 Geräte · Verläng. = Erstpreis (US-Preis)
- Malware detection
- Top (AV-Test)
- Devices
- Up to 7
- Free
- No (trial)
- Included VPN
- Yes (Total)
- Firewall
- Yes
- Guarantee
- 30-day trial
fromUS$29.99/yrIntego ONE Essential, 1 Mac (Leitwährung USD; Verläng. unsicher 40–75 $)then US$39.99/yr
- Malware detection
- Top for Mac
- Devices
- 1–5 Macs
- Free
- No (trial)
- Included VPN
- No
- Firewall
- Yes (NetBarrier)
- Guarantee
- 30 days
Free or fromUS$29/yrTotalAV Antivirus Pro, 4 Geräte (Leitwährung USD)then US$99/yr
- Malware detection
- 99% (AV-Test)
- Devices
- Up to 6
- Free
- Yes (limited)
- Included VPN
- Yes
- Firewall
- No
- Guarantee
- 30 days
fromUS$39.99/yrMcAfee Total Protection, 5 Geräte (Leitwährung USD)then US$119.99/yr
- Malware detection
- 99.8% (AV-Test)
- Devices
- Unlimited (family plan)
- Free
- No (30-day trial)
- Included VPN
- Yes
- Firewall
- Yes
- Guarantee
- 30 days
Free or fromUS$59.99/yrMalwarebytes Premium Security, 5 Geräte (Leitwährung USD)then US$99.99/yr
- Malware detection
- 99.5% (AV-Test)
- Devices
- Up to 5
- Free
- Yes (scanner)
- Included VPN
- Yes (higher plans)
- Firewall
- No
- Guarantee
- 60 days
Free or fromUS$59.99/yrAvira Prime, 5 Geräte (US-Preis)then US$104.99/yr
- Malware detection
- 99.9% (AV-Test)
- Devices
- Up to 5
- Free
- Yes (full)
- Included VPN
- Limited (500 MB/mo)
- Firewall
- Yes (Pro)
- Guarantee
- 60 days
Free or fromUS$64.49/yrPanda Dome Advanced, 5 Geräte · Verläng. ~86 $ (unsicher; US-Preis)then US$86/yr
- Malware detection
- 99% (AV-Test)
- Devices
- Unlimited (family plan)
- Free
- Yes
- Included VPN
- Limited (150 MB/day)
- Firewall
- Yes
- Guarantee
- 30 days
Last verified: July 2026. Prices can change — always check them on the provider’s official website before you buy.
QUIZ
Find your ideal antivirus
Answer 4 questions and we'll tell you which one suits you.
Question 1 of 4
What matters most to you?
What do you mainly need it for?
How much do you want to spend?
How tech-savvy are you?
Your ideal pick is:
ANALYSIS
An honest breakdown of all 11: the good, the bad, and who each one is for.
#1 · Best overall
Bitdefender
Free or from
US$59.99/yr (Bitdefender Total Security, 5 Geräte (US-Preis)) — then US$89.99/yr
Bitdefender is the most complete and best-rated antivirus in independent testing (AV-Test, AV-Comparatives). It combines flawless malware detection with very little impact on system performance, plus a package full of extras: firewall, anti-ransomware, parental controls and VPN.
- Perfect malware detection in independent tests
- Minimal impact on PC performance
- Many extra features (anti-ransomware, parental controls, VPN)
- Solid free plan for basic protection
- The included VPN is capped at 200 MB/day (unless premium plan)
- The price rises on renewal after the first year
- So many features can overwhelm beginners
#2 · Best all-in-one
Norton 360
from
US$49.99/yr (Norton 360 Deluxe, 5 Geräte (GBP nicht sauber ermittelt → US-Preis)) — then US$124.99/yr
Norton 360 is the most complete security suite: on top of an excellent antivirus, it includes an unlimited VPN, cloud backup, a password manager and dark-web monitoring. The ideal choice if you want to protect everything with a single subscription.
- All-in-one suite: antivirus, unlimited VPN, backup and password manager
- Excellent malware detection
- Dark-web monitoring and identity protection
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- No free plan
- High renewal price
- Cloud backup is Windows-only
#3 · Lightest
ESET
from
US$59.99/yr (ESET HOME Security Premium, 5 Geräte (US-Preis)) — then US$79.99/yr
ESET is the most lightweight and efficient antivirus: it barely uses any resources, making it ideal for older or less powerful machines. It offers very solid protection with a technical approach and plenty of configuration options for advanced users.
- Minimal resource usage: ideal for modest machines
- Solid, highly configurable protection
- Clean interface with no ads or nagging pop-ups
- Strong reputation and track record in security
- No permanent free plan (trial only)
- Fewer extras than Bitdefender or Norton in the basic plans
- Advanced configuration can feel technical for beginners
#4 · Best web protection
Trend Micro
from
US$49.95/yr (Trend Micro Maximum Security, 5 Geräte (GBP nicht sauber ermittelt → US-Preis)) — then US$99.95/yr
Trend Micro Maximum Security is a feature-rich suite with very strong web and phishing protection, a password manager and parental controls — best for people who spend a lot of time browsing, shopping and on social media.
- Excellent web, phishing and scam protection
- Simple, beginner-friendly interface
- Password manager and parental controls included
- Good ransomware protection (Folder Shield)
- Can slow older PCs during scans
- No bundled VPN in the standard plans
- Renewal price jumps after year one
#5 · Privacy-first
F-Secure
from
US$84.99/yr (F-Secure Total, 5 Geräte · Verläng. = Erstpreis (US-Preis))
F-Secure Total is a Finnish security suite that's very simple to use and bundles antivirus, a VPN, a password manager and identity monitoring — a clean all-in-one for people who value privacy and ease over deep configuration.
- Excellent malware detection in lab tests
- Bundled VPN, password manager and ID monitoring (Total)
- Very simple, clean apps
- Strong privacy focus, based in the EU (Finland)
- Pricier than several rivals
- Fewer advanced settings for power users
- No free tier
#6 · Best for Mac
Intego
from
US$29.99/yr (Intego ONE Essential, 1 Mac (Leitwährung USD; Verläng. unsicher 40–75 $)) — then US$39.99/yr
Intego is a Mac-specialist security suite (Mac Premium Bundle X9) built specifically for macOS, with strong Mac malware detection, a Mac firewall (NetBarrier), backup and parental controls — the go-to choice if you want protection designed around Apple rather than a Windows port.
- Built specifically for macOS (not a Windows port)
- Excellent Mac malware detection
- Includes a Mac firewall, backup and parental controls
- Light, native-feeling Mac apps
- Mac-only (no real Windows protection)
- Heavy promotional pricing — renewal much higher
- No bundled VPN in the standard bundle
#7
TotalAV
Free or from
US$29/yr (TotalAV Antivirus Pro, 4 Geräte (Leitwährung USD)) — then US$99/yr
TotalAV stands out for its ease of use and very attractive entry prices. It is a good option for anyone who wants simple protection with useful extras like a VPN and optimization tools, without any hassle.
- Very easy to use, ideal for beginners
- Very competitive entry price
- Includes a VPN and system cleanup tools
- Good scanning performance
- The price rises noticeably on renewal
- No built-in firewall
- Fewer independent awards than Bitdefender or Norton
#8
McAfee
from
US$39.99/yr (McAfee Total Protection, 5 Geräte (Leitwährung USD)) — then US$119.99/yr
McAfee is a very complete option for families and households with many devices: its higher plans let you protect an unlimited number of machines. It includes a VPN, a password manager and identity protection.
- Plans with unlimited devices, ideal for families
- Includes a VPN and identity protection
- Good malware detection
- Clear, centralized dashboard
- No permanent free plan
- Can have some impact on performance
- The price rises on renewal
#9 · Best malware removal
Malwarebytes
Free or from
US$59.99/yr (Malwarebytes Premium Security, 5 Geräte (Leitwährung USD)) — then US$99.99/yr
Malwarebytes is a specialist at removing malware and threats other antivirus programs miss. It is excellent as a second line of defense or for cleaning an infected machine, with a highly rated free scanner.
- Excellent at detecting and removing tough malware
- Very useful free scanner as a second opinion
- Lightweight and fast scans
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- The free version has no real-time protection
- No firewall included
- Fewer suite features than Norton or Bitdefender
#10 · Best free
Avira
Free or from
US$59.99/yr (Avira Prime, 5 Geräte (US-Preis)) — then US$104.99/yr
Avira offers one of the best free plans on the market: complete antivirus protection at no cost, with good results in independent testing. Its paid version adds a VPN, a system optimizer and priority support.
- Very complete free plan with excellent detection
- Includes a basic VPN and optimization tools
- Modern, easy-to-use interface
- 60-day money-back guarantee on paid plans
- The free version shows prompts to upgrade to Pro
- The free VPN is capped at 500 MB per month
- Slightly more performance impact than ESET or Bitdefender
#11
Panda
Free or from
US$64.49/yr (Panda Dome Advanced, 5 Geräte · Verläng. ~86 $ (unsicher; US-Preis)) — then US$86/yr
Panda is a Spanish antivirus with an original interface and a decent free plan. It offers reasonable protection with extras like a limited VPN and, on its family plans, unlimited devices at a good price.
- Free plan available with basic protection
- Family plans with unlimited devices
- Distinctive, easy-to-navigate interface
- Competitive entry prices
- Results slightly below the leaders in recent tests
- The free VPN is very limited
- Some performance impact on modest machines
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the best antivirus in the UK?
For most people in the UK, Bitdefender: near-perfect detection in independent labs (AV-Test, AV-Comparatives), minimal impact on your machine, and a first year from around £20 for five devices. Norton 360 is the pick if you want one subscription covering VPN, backup and a password manager; ESET suits older PCs. Worth knowing: the UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) doesn't endorse specific products — its Cyber Aware guidance focuses on updates, strong passwords and 2FA, which any leader here complements.
What is the top 1 antivirus?
Bitdefender takes the number-one spot in our 2026 ranking — the same verdict most independent labs point towards: repeatedly flawless protection scores in AV-Test and AV-Comparatives while staying among the lightest suites on system resources. No single product is 'the best' for every person (households with many devices lean Norton or McAfee; old laptops lean ESET), but as the default recommendation, Bitdefender is the top pick.
What are the 7 examples of antivirus software?
Seven mainstream examples, all in this comparison: Bitdefender (Romania), Norton 360 (US), ESET (Slovakia), Trend Micro (Japan), F-Secure (Finland), McAfee (US) and TotalAV (UK). Add the specialists — Malwarebytes for malware removal and Intego for Macs — and you have the field that matters in 2026. Every one of them protects against the same core threats; they differ in extras, performance impact and price.
What is the best free antivirus in the UK?
Bitdefender Antivirus Free is the strongest genuinely free option: the same award-winning engine as the paid version with real-time protection, no expiry. Avira Free Security is the established alternative with a solid free tier. And don't overlook what you already have: Microsoft Defender, built into Windows, scores well in independent tests. Free covers the basics — paid suites add ransomware layers, web protection, support and multi-device coverage.
What is the best antivirus for crypto traders?
Prioritise phishing and web protection over raw malware scores — most crypto losses start with fake exchange sites, wallet-drainer links and clipboard hijackers, not classic viruses. Trend Micro (our web-protection champion) and Bitdefender (excellent anti-phishing plus a hardened browser for financial sites, Safepay) are the standouts. Pair the suite with hygiene no software replaces: a hardware wallet for meaningful sums, 2FA everywhere, and never entering a seed phrase on any website.
Is there a 100% free antivirus?
Yes — genuinely free, permanently: Bitdefender Antivirus Free and Avira Free Security offer real-time protection at no cost, funded by their paid upgrades, and Microsoft Defender ships free inside Windows. What '100% free' never includes: advanced ransomware remediation, firewalls, VPNs, identity monitoring or human support. Beware anything free from an unknown brand — with security software, an untrustworthy 'free antivirus' is worse than none.
METHOD
How we make this comparison
-
Research-based analysis
We analyze each VPN using official information, independent audits, and tests published by specialized sources. We don't rely on the brands' marketing, but on verifiable data.
-
Honest about the downsides
We always mention each provider's weak points, not just the good. If a VPN has a serious drawback (price, jurisdiction, limits), you'll read it here.
-
Commissions don't affect the order
We may earn a commission if you subscribe through our links, but that doesn't change our ratings or the order of the comparison. We recommend what we'd recommend to a friend.
-
We update every few months
We review this comparison every few months so the prices and data stay correct. You'll see the date of the last update at the top.
— Arne, Cryvor
BUYING GUIDE
How to choose an antivirus
Choosing an antivirus depends above all on what you need to protect. First, look at detection results from independent labs like AV-Test or AV-Comparatives: they are the best objective measure of how well it blocks threats. Then weigh the impact on performance, especially if your machine isn't very powerful.
Beyond basic protection, today's packages include extras like a firewall, VPN, password manager or parental controls. Decide which ones you'll actually use: paying for a full suite only pays off if you'll take advantage of those features. Also check how many devices the license covers and whether there's a money-back guarantee.
Our general recommendation is Bitdefender Bitdefender Visit website → View profile → for its balance of protection, performance and features, but the best choice is always the one that fits your needs and budget.
Click a logo to visit its site
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