Best Antivirus Software for 2021!

Your Windows PC needs protection against malware, and free antivirus software may be enough. Here's the best antivirus protection for Windows 10!

Now that so many of us are working at home and using personal devices for work projects, it's harder than ever to protect yourself and your information online. Your security quiver needs plenty of arrows with all of that increased time online, including a password manager to keep track of login credentials, a secure VPN to protect your internet traffic and an end-to-end encrypted messaging app to stop others from spying on your communications. And, if you're running Windows, that list should also include antivirus tools such as malware protection and antivirus software that monitors downloads and observes your system's activity for suspicious behavior and malicious software. An insidious program can easily wind up on our machine, and that can lead to chaos.

If you're looking for the best malware protection and antivirus software, here's the first thing you need to know: Microsoft Defender Antivirus -- the free internet security software and virus protection program that comes with Windows 10 and until recently was called Windows Defender -- does a decent job of protecting your PC and offering internet security. (Amazingly, Microsoft provided no built-in protection for Windows back in the days of Windows 98 and XP.) Using Microsoft Defender for threat detection should be your starting point for the best antivirus security on Windows, and most people will find they don't need to go any further when it comes to nailing down an antivirus solution.

However, keeping your personal data safe and guarding your privacy extends beyond virus protection, and that's where third-party antivirus software shines. A full protection package can monitor your Windows operating system as well as MacOS, iOS and Android devices and include a password manager, a VPN, parental control, secure online backup, identity theft protection, webcam protection, protection against phishing and malicious websites and more -- all worthwhile security suite tools that can guard your privacy and keep your data secure.

To help you decide, I've put together a list of the best antivirus products for Windows 10, encompassing both free antivirus programs and subscription options. These picks of the best antivirus programs are a combination of recommendations from independent third-party labs AV-Test, AV-Comparatives and SE Labs, as well as our own hands-on testing. This list is updated periodically.

Our recommendations

Looking for free antivirus protection, malware protection or virus detection, willing to pay for an antivirus program that offers broad internet security coverage across all your devices, including from ransomware and phishing, or need to remove a computer virus or malware from your PC right now? Here's where to start.

Microsoft Defender

Microsoft

Free version? Yes, built into Windows 10

Paid version: Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection is available to corporate users for a fee.

Honestly, if you practice safe computing -- you keep your software up to date, you use strong passwords (with the help of a password manager), you steer clear of unexpected emails and you don't click suspicious links that may be phishing attempts -- you probably can avoid zero-day attacks and ransomware attacks. And with the free Microsoft Defender Antivirus software running on Windows 10, you have a malware protection safety net if you do let your guard down. (Note that Microsoft changed the name of Windows Defender to Microsoft Defender and has expanded the service to other platforms.) This antivirus program is built into Windows and it's turned on by default, so just let it do its thing, and this antivirus solution will cover the basics of internet security. Microsoft pushes new updates frequently. Defender also lets you tune the level of protection you want, giving you control over blocking potentially unwanted apps and protecting folders and files from a ransomware attack. 

Note that Windows 10 will automatically disable its own Windows Defender antivirus when you install third-party antivirus. If you uninstall the third-party protection, Windows 10 will turn back on its own antivirus.

Norton 360 with LifeLock Select

Norton

Platforms: Windows 10 plus MacOS, Android, iOS

Cost: $150 per year for five devices, on sale for $100

For a long time, Norton Security -- now called NortonLifeLock, and no longer part of Symantec -- has earned high marks from AV-Test, AV Comparatives and SE Labs for virus and malware detection. A five-device subscription for Norton 360 with LifeLock Select is normally $150, but you can sign up for $100 for the first year to get coverage across your PCs, Macs, Android devices, iPhones and iPads. (Note, we don't think antivirus protection is terribly useful outside the Windows realm.) In addition to malware and virus protection for your computer and mobile device, this security suite provides 100GB of backup to the cloud, safe-browsing tools, a secure VPN, password manager, parental controls and LifeLock identity theft protection and fraud alert. While not all of those services are necessarily best in their respective class, getting them all in one package is a compelling option.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition

Bitdefender

Platforms: Windows 10 plus MacOS, Android, iOS

Free version? Yes

Paid version: $40 per year for five PCs

If you'd like to take a step up in securing your PC without taxing your wallet, it's hard to beat Bitdefender's free antivirus software for Windows 10. The Windows security software offers real-time monitoring for viruses, malware, spyware and ransomware protection. Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition is easy to set up and stays out of your way until you need it. And the protection this antivirus product offers is solid. Bitdefender antivirus software consistently earns top marks for its antivirus protection and usability from the respected AV-Test independent testing lab. The free antivirus version covers one Windows PC. For broader protection, Bitdefender Total Security 2020 is usually $90 and available at the moment for $40 for the first year. The subscription antivirus suite lets you protect five devices (Windows, MacOS, iOS and Android), set up parental controls on a kid's computer and run a VPN.

ESET NOD32 Antivirus

Platform: Windows

Cost: $80 per year for five PCs

If you're looking for something easy to set up and use, ESET NOD32 antivirus may meet your needs. It earns high scores for usability and offers solid virus protection. A five-device option is $80 for a year, with a 30-day free trial.