The best Windows antivirus software for home users
During April, May and June 2011 we continuously evaluated 22 security products using their default settings. We always used the most current publicly-available version of all products for the testing. They were allowed to update themselves at any time and query their in-the-cloud services. We focused on realistic test scenarios and challenged the products against real-world threats. Products had to demonstrate their capabilities using all components and protection layers.
Windows XP: June 2011
Producer | Certified | Protection | Repair | Usability |
Avast Free Antivirus 6.0 | 83.3 | 66.7 | 75› | |
AVG Internet Security 10.0 | 91.7 | 75 | 50› | |
Avira Internet Security 10.0 | 58.3 | 75 | 66.7› | |
Bitdefender Internet Security Suite 2011 | 100 | 91.7 | 91.7› | |
BullGuard Internet Security 10.0 | 83.3 | 58.3 | 75› | |
Comodo Internet Security Premium 5.3 & 5.4 | 58.3 | 25 | 50› | |
ESET Smart Security 4.2 | 66.7 | 58.3 | 91.7› | |
F-Secure Internet Security 2011 | 91.7 | 83.3 | 83.3› | |
G Data Internet Security 2012 | 91.7 | 66.7 | 66.7› | |
GFI Vipre Antivirus Premium 4.0 | 50 | 66.7 | 66.7› | |
K7 Computing Total Security 11.1 | 66.7 | 58.3 | 50› | |
Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 & 2012 | 91.7 | 91.7 | 83.3› | |
McAfee Total Protection 2011 & 2012 | 50 | 50 | 58.3› | |
Microsoft Security Essentials 2.0 | 41.7 | 75 | 83.3› | |
Norman Security Suite Pro 8.0 | 50 | 66.7 | 33.3› | |
Norton Norton Internet Security 2011 | 83.3 | 83.3 | 58.3› | |
Panda Security Internet Security 2011 & 2012 | 91.7 | 83.3 | 83.3› | |
PC Tools Internet Security 2011 | 66.7 | 75 | 33.3› | |
Sophos Endpoint Security and Control 9.5 & 9.7 | 66.7 | 75 | 83.3› | |
Total Defense Internet Security Suite 2011 | 25 | 58.3 | 66.7› | |
Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security 2011 | 75 | 58.3 | 75› | |
Webroot Internet Security Complete 7.0 | 33.3 | 83.3 | 66.7› |
Producer
Certified
Protection
Repair
Usability
Evaluation based on a point system
All products can achieve a maximum of 6 points each in the three categories of protection, performance and usability. This means 18 points are the best possible test result.
At 10 points or higher, a product is awarded the AV-TEST seal of approval.
At 17.5 points or higher, AV-TEST also issues the "TOP PRODUCT" award. Additional details ›
outstanding | satisfactory | insufficient | certificates |