SafetyDetectives

What’s the best antivirus software for Windows 11?

I recommend Norton 360 as the best antivirus for most Windows 11 users. It provides the best antivirus protection and includes some excellent extra features — phishing protection, Wi-Fi protection, a password manager, a firewall, a VPN, and a lot more. However, all of the antiviruses on this list will work for all Windows 11 users (and many even work on older PCs that run on Windows 7 and Windows 8).

What’s the best antivirus with a firewall?

Norton is the best antivirus with a firewall. Norton has excellent security features , of which the firewall is just one. It’s earned its position at the top of this list thanks to its perfect malware detection rates and other useful features, all of which are easy to use. The firewall is highly customizable, meaning it’s great for experts and beginners alike. It’s also super effective, providing ARP and DNS spoofing protection, SSL man-in-the-middle attack detection, and port access detection.

Do I really need an antivirus in 2026?

If you’re using the internet, you need to stay protected against online threats. The good news is that you’re probably already using an antivirus — if you’re on Windows, Mac, or mobile, your devices already have antivirus protection. The top antivirus packages all offer advanced protections — full-suite anti-malware engines (including phishing protection, ransomware protection, webcam protection, and Wi-Fi protection), security enhancements (including customizable firewalls, parental controls, and device optimization). It’s really not a question of whether you need an antivirus, just whether y

Is it worth paying for antivirus software?

Yes. While free antivirus software, including Microsoft Defender has greatly improved over the years, it still lacks many protections necessary for complete online security in 2026. For example, most free antiviruses lack real-time protection, which prevents malware from installing on your device while you’re using your computer. Many also lack ransomware protection, web protection, and virtual private networks (VPNs). The best paid antiviruses , on the other hand, include all of these extras. Premium antiviruses like Norton also include multi-device coverage across all major operating

How much does a good antivirus cost?

It varies. Norton , our top-rated antivirus, starts at just $29.99 / year*. You can also pay a little extra to upgrade your plan to cover all your devices and access more features, such as dark web monitoring, a VPN, and identity theft protection. But you can get good protection for as little as $19.00 / year from the likes of TotalAV .

What’s the best antivirus for ransomware protection?

Norton provides the best defense against ransomware. I say this based on my own tests and first-hand knowledge of Data Protector, Norton’s anti-ransomware feature. It’s a highly customizable tool that actively defends against ransomware by closely monitoring what’s going on with your files. I found that even after whitelisting a ransomware simulator through the Norton app, Norton still stopped it from encrypting my files. I haven’t tested any antivirus with a higher ransomware detection rate than Norton.

What is the cheapest antivirus software?

Bitdefender is one of the cheapest antiviruses on the market , starting at just $34.99 / year, and it also offers some of the best security features around. However, most top antivirus brands regularly run special promotions, significantly reducing their price per subscription (for example, Norton is currently offering a 60% discount , so you can get Norton 360 Deluxe for $49.99 / year*). It’s worth noting that some cheap (and free) antiviruses don’t offer a decent level of protection, so while you may be saving money, you could put your devices at risk. That’s why you should only choose a tru

What’s the best antivirus software for Mac?

I recommend Intego as the best antivirus for Mac. It’s designed exclusively for macOS, and it performed exceptionally well in my tests. It’s got a lot of cool features, like real-time protection and a customizable network firewall. That said, most of the antivirus products on this list have highly capable Mac applications as well. And they all run without any issues, even though there may be certain conditions. For example, Norton 360 is a great choice for Mac users, but certain features (such as Cloud Backup and Parental Control) are limited on Mac due to Apple’s restrictions.