Best Antivirus Software 2026: Surfshark, Defender & More
Introduction
An antivirus does one job: it detects and blocks malicious software on a device, ideally before a file runs. It does not replace system updates, strong passwords or two-factor authentication, and it is not a VPN. Choosing one in 2026 mostly comes down to three questions: is the antivirus already built into your system good enough, which devices do you need to cover, and do you want a standalone tool or a bundle?
This guide compares four options using the vendors’ official documentation and the results published by the independent lab AV-TEST. We have not run detection tests ourselves: for protection scores, the labs’ published results are the reference.
What the independent labs say
AV-TEST evaluates security products for home users on Windows, macOS and Android. In its May–June 2026 round for Windows, it evaluated 16 home-user products with their default settings, against real-world threats. Each product can score up to 6 points in three categories (protection, performance and usability): 10 points or more earns the AV-TEST certificate, and 17.5 points or more also earns the “TOP PRODUCT” award.
In that round:
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Bitdefender Total Security, Norton 360 and ESET Security Ultimate received the TOP PRODUCT award.
- Surfshark Antivirus was certified, with the maximum protection score; its lower score came in the performance category (the impact on system speed), which kept it below the TOP PRODUCT threshold.
Lab results change from one round to the next, so check the latest results on AV-TEST’s site before deciding. AV-Comparatives is another independent lab that publishes its test methods and results.
Comparison table
| Product | What it is | Platforms (per the vendor) | Cost model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surfshark Antivirus | Antivirus sold only in the Surfshark One bundle | Windows 10+, macOS Big Sur 11+, Android 10+ (64-bit) | Paid bundle, 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Microsoft Defender Antivirus | Built into the Windows Security app | Windows | Included with Windows |
| Bitdefender Antivirus Free | Free edition of Bitdefender’s antivirus | Windows only | Free |
| Malwarebytes Free | Scanner that finds and removes existing malware | Windows | Free, paid Premium tier for ongoing protection |
Surfshark Antivirus
Surfshark Antivirus scans apps and files in real time during downloads, installs and use. Its documentation also lists webcam protection (you get an alert if an app tries to access the camera), quick or full scans that can be scheduled, file exclusions, a threat database updated every three hours and a cloud-based “Cloud Protect” layer aimed at zero-day threats.
It is not sold on its own. Surfshark Antivirus only comes in Surfshark One, which also includes the Surfshark VPN, Alert (data leak monitoring), Search, Alternative ID and Clean Web; Surfshark One+ adds Incogni, a data broker removal service. The antivirus runs on Windows 10 and later, macOS Big Sur 11 and later, and Android 10 or later. Surfshark states that it is not compatible with Windows on ARM or with Android devices that are not 64-bit, and the antivirus page lists no iOS version.
Pros
- Real-time protection, webcam alerts and scheduled scans in one app
- Certified by AV-TEST in its May–June 2026 Windows round, with the maximum protection score
- Useful if you also want a VPN and leak alerts under a single subscription
Cons
- No standalone purchase: you pay for the whole Surfshark One bundle
- Scored lower than Microsoft Defender, Bitdefender and Norton on performance in that AV-TEST round
- Not available for Windows on ARM, 32-bit Android or iOS
Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Prices depend on the plan and the length of the commitment: check the current offer on Surfshark’s pricing page before subscribing.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Every Windows PC already has an antivirus. The Windows Security app includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Windows Firewall and Smart App Control, and Defender provides real-time protection that scans files as you open or download them. Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers also get the separate Microsoft Defender app for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android.
Defender received AV-TEST’s TOP PRODUCT award in the May–June 2026 Windows round. For many home users, the first step is simply to check that real-time protection is switched on and that Windows is up to date.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free
Bitdefender offers a free edition of its antivirus for Windows. The vendor describes it as basic protection, Windows only, with real-time detection of suspicious activity and scanning and removal tools for a device that is already infected. It is an alternative for Windows users who prefer a third-party free antivirus; Bitdefender’s paid suites add more features and other platforms.
Malwarebytes Free
Malwarebytes Free scans for and removes malware that is already on a device, including viruses, ransomware, spyware and adware. Malwarebytes itself recommends its paid Premium tier to keep a device protected after that first cleanup, so treat the free version as a second-opinion scanner rather than a permanent shield.
Which one should you choose?
- You use Windows and want nothing more to manage: keep Microsoft Defender switched on and your system updated.
- You want a free third-party antivirus on Windows: Bitdefender Antivirus Free.
- You suspect an infection and want a second opinion: run a scan with Malwarebytes Free.
- You want antivirus plus a VPN and data leak alerts in one subscription, on Windows, Mac and Android: Surfshark One.
An antivirus is only one layer
Many attacks never involve a malicious file: stolen or reused passwords and phishing messages bypass antivirus software entirely. Keep your operating system and apps updated, turn on two-factor authentication for your important accounts, and learn to recognise phishing attempts. A password manager helps you use a unique password everywhere.
FAQ
Is Microsoft Defender enough?
For many home users it is a solid baseline: it is built into Windows, provides real-time protection and earned AV-TEST’s TOP PRODUCT award in the May–June 2026 round. A paid product makes sense when you want extra features (a bundle with a VPN, leak alerts) or protection on other devices.
Can I buy Surfshark Antivirus without the VPN?
No. According to Surfshark, the antivirus is only available in the Surfshark One bundle.
Does Surfshark Antivirus work on iPhone?
Surfshark’s antivirus page lists Windows, macOS and Android. No iOS version of the antivirus is listed.
Should I run two antivirus programs at the same time?
Two real-time scanners on the same device can conflict. Choose one for real-time protection; an on-demand scanner such as Malwarebytes Free can be used occasionally for a second opinion.
Conclusion
On Windows, start with what you already have: Microsoft Defender, switched on and up to date. If you prefer a free alternative, Bitdefender Antivirus Free covers Windows. If you want an antivirus for Windows, Mac and Android bundled with a VPN and leak alerts, Surfshark One is the option to look at, keeping in mind that the antivirus cannot be bought alone and scored lower on performance than the top products in AV-TEST’s latest Windows round.