If you use a PC with Windows 11, your computer is the center of many aspects of your digital life: work, studies, online banking, leisure, photos, and personal documents. Protect all of that with a good antivirus and security tools It's not a whim, it's a basic needespecially now that malware is evolving at breakneck speed and attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
How AV-TEST evaluates the best antivirus programs for Windows 11
One of the leading organizations when it comes to analyzing antivirus software is AV-TEST, an independent German laboratory that has been testing security solutions from around the world for years. They operate with over 200 workstations, over 200 servers, and a massive database of malware of all kinds., which allows them to recreate very realistic attack scenarios.
In the specific case of Windows, AV-TEST evaluates each product in several monthly or bimonthly rounds, always using the same methodology. Each antivirus can score up to 6 points in three main categories: protection, performance, and usabilityso the maximum possible score is 18 points.
In the part of protecciónThe lab tests how the antivirus responds to zero-day threats (completely new attacks, including malicious websites and infected emails) and to the most common malware. This truly demonstrates the engine's ability to detect the latest activity circulating on the network and block it before it can cause harm..
In the section performanceThe focus is on the impact of the antivirus on the computer. It measures whether the PC slows down when browsing, downloading programs, installing software, or copying files, on both standard computers and more powerful machines.A product can provide excellent protection but be a burden if it increases loading times.
The third leg is the usabilitywhich in the context of AV-TEST basically means false alarms and undue blocking. They analyze whether the antivirus sees ghosts where there are none: erroneous detections of legitimate software, unjustified warnings, or blocking of safe installations.A system that constantly throws false positives ends up being a problem for the user.
In addition, AV-TEST reports any additional features when they are present: Extras such as VPN, parental controls, webcam protection, backup tools, or password managers, and compatibility with Memory Integrityalthough they do not add direct points to the grade.
When a product stands out in a special way, the laboratory awards it the seal. “Top Product”. To achieve this distinction in Windows, the antivirus must reach at least 17,5 points out of 18.This implies a near-perfect combination of protection, performance, and usability. To simply achieve the AV-TEST quality seal (without being "Top"), a score of 10 points or more is sufficient, so there's quite a margin between being "adequate" and truly being among the elite.
Free or paid: what's worth it in an antivirus for Windows 11
The eternal question: is a free antivirus enough or do I have to pay? The truth is that Many free suites offer a very high level of protection for normal PC useespecially if you don't do particularly delicate things with the equipment or expose yourself to unreliable networks.
These free antivirus programs rely on malware samples received from their enormous user base. The more devices that install the free version, the more information the company gathers about new threats and the faster they can update the signatures.In return, you get basic protection without paying, but you'll have to live with banners, reminders to upgrade to the premium version, and some other limitations in features.
If you want to go a step further, the paid versions make all the difference. As a general rule, a premium antivirus incorporates more advanced layers of defense against ransomware, targeted attacks, identity theft, or very recent threats.In addition to extending protection to multiple devices (PC, Mac, mobiles and tablets) with a single subscription.
It is also common for payment plans to include additional tools, such as Integrated VPN for more private browsing, enhanced firewall, data leak monitoring, cloud backups, and comprehensive parental controlsFor intensive computer use, teleworking, or frequent access from public WiFi networks, these extra features can make a world of difference.
The sensible way to decide is usually to take advantage of free trials of 7 to 30 days when they are available. This period allows you to check if the antivirus fits your PC usage style, if you find it sluggish, and if the premium features justify the cost.In many cases, even if there is no demo as such, there is a money-back guarantee in the first few days.
The best-rated antivirus programs for Windows 11 according to AV-TEST
With the scoring system in mind, it's time to see which solutions have been performing best lately in AV-TEST reports for Windows 10 and Windows 11. Several products have achieved the perfect score of 18 points, which already indicates a very high level of maturity and polish..
Avast Free Antivirus
Avast has been in the market for decades and has hundreds of millions of users worldwide. Its free version for Windows gets 6 points in protection, 6 in performance and 6 in usability, that is, the maximum possible score, putting it on par with many paid rivals.
The company keeps the engine constantly evolving, reinforcing it with new signatures and technologies to detect both known malware and zero-day attacks. One of its key features is that it offers a very robust defense while consuming few resources, with slowdown below the industry average..
In AV-TEST tests, Avast has achieved 100% effectiveness against zero-day attacks, as well as perfect detection of the most widespread malwareThe impact on performance when browsing or downloading is below the industry average, and the false positive rate is virtually zero.
AhnLab V3 Internet Security
AhnLab is less well known in Spain, but in laboratory reports it easily holds its own with the big players. Their V3 Internet Security suite also scored 18 out of 18 in the Windows tests, with particular expertise in basic protection and in the detection of common malware.
In the prevalent malware samples analyzed over several weeks, AhnLab's engine achieved 100% detection, while its effectiveness against zero-day attacks was around 99,6%.These figures place it at the top of the rankings. Furthermore, its performance impact when browsing and working with common applications is below the industry average.
In terms of usability, AhnLab hardly generates any false alarms. During testing, only one erroneous block was recorded in the installation or use of legitimate software, out of dozens of cases analyzed.Therefore, the product receives the TOP Product seal and is considered a very solid option for protecting Windows 11.
Kaspersky Standard / Internet Security
Kaspersky is one of the most frequently mentioned names when discussing home cybersecurity. Its end-user editions (Standard, Internet Security, etc.) achieve 6 points in protection, 6 in performance and 6 in usability in AV-TESTwhich confirms that it remains a technical reference beyond debates about its origin.
These suites include specific protections for zero-day attacks, secure browsing, online payments, webcam and microphone, as well as integrated VPN in certain plans. In testing, the detection of new and known threats reached 100%, with no false positives in the identification of clean software..
In terms of performance, Kaspersky usually keeps the impact under control, although in certain scenarios consumption may be somewhat higher than average. Even so, the combination of protection, extra features and product maturity ensures it receives the Top Product distinction and the highest overall rating..
McAfee Total Protection
McAfee Total Protection is the brand's strongest offering for home users, with licenses that can cover anything from a single device to the entire family. In AV-TEST it achieves the highest score in protection, performance and usability, also reaching 18 points.
The product combines defense against viruses, spyware, ransomware and other threats, with multiple layers of privacy: Secure file deletion, cookie and trace removal, and multi-device management toolsIn laboratory measurements, its performance is below the average impact of other antivirus programs, and only occasional false positives are recorded.
Avira Internet Security for Windows
Avira is another classic in the sector that has had ups and downs but has recovered very well in the latest rounds of testing. Its Internet Security edition once again ranks among the top products with 18 points, thanks to 100% effectiveness against both zero-day attacks and widespread malware..
Furthermore, the software keeps resource consumption low, so the impact on browsing, downloading, and installing programs is usually below the industry average. In terms of usability, Avira is near perfect with virtually zero false positives.which translates into a very clean user experience.
Bitdefender Internet Security
Bitdefender is one of the heavyweights in the world of antivirus, with solutions for home, business and even Internet of Things devices. Its Internet Security suite for Windows scores 18 points in AV-TEST thanks to impeccable protection and a moderate impact on the system.
The Bitdefender engine It achieves 100% detection of new and known threats, and offers specific tools against ransomware, phishing, browser attacks and vulnerability exploitation.It also features usage modes that adapt to gaming, work, or multimedia to reduce interruptions.
In terms of performance, the antivirus holds its own against the industry average, with slight increases in time for certain operations but within reasonable figures. In terms of usability, only one or two false positives have been observed, which continues to allow it to obtain the highest score in this category..
AVG Internet Security
AVG antivirus, which is part of the same group as Avast, also shines in the AV-TEST rankings with its paid version for Windows. AVG Internet Security scores 6 points in each of the sections, with 100% success in detecting zero-day attacks and prevalent malware..
Among its features are email protection, shields against ransomware and spyware, and special modes such as “Turbo mode” to speed up scans by skipping already checked files, “Do Not Disturb mode” to suppress notifications while you play or work, and “Silent mode” to postpone scheduled tasks..
In performance tests, AVG shows a slowdown below the overall average, with figures close to 19% compared to the industry's typical 20% in specific tasks. In false positives, the product performs very well and also obtains the highest usability score..
Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender)
Microsoft's integrated solution has improved tremendously in recent years. Microsoft Defender for Windows 10 and 11 achieves the maximum score of 18/18 in most recent AV-TEST roundsSomething unthinkable a long time ago.
The Windows protection engine delivers virtually the same results. 100% protection against zero-day attacks and in the detection of common malware, putting it on par with the industry giants.Furthermore, it generates very few false alarms, so it gets top marks for usability.
The area where he is most examined is that of performance. In some scenarios, such as the installation of frequently used programs, the slowdown may be significantly higher than average.However, in tasks like web browsing, the impact is usually below average. Despite this, the overall balance remains very positive, and for many users, Defender is more than sufficient.
Norton 360
Norton 360 represents the evolution of an industry veteran, now transformed into a very complete suite. In AV-TEST's analysis, it shines in protection and usability with 6 points in each.While in terms of performance it usually scores 5,5 points due to slightly higher consumption than some rivals.
Among its advantages are specific plans for gamers, integrated parental control, VPN, cloud backups, and a highly polished smart firewall. In terms of pure antivirus protection, Norton 360 achieves 100% effectiveness against modern attacks, drive-by downloads, malicious emails, and zero-day malware..
The downside is that, depending on the equipment, it can feel heavier than other solutions. In some tests, the impact on performance has been slightly above the industry average.Something to consider if your PC isn't particularly powerful.
F-Secure Total
F-Secure Total offers a "total protection" approach with antivirus, VPN and privacy features, and has been considered a Top Product on several occasions. His Achilles' heel in recent analyses has been his performance, which has cost him some points and left him below the elite of 18.
At a purely protective level, the solution responds with a 100% effective against both new attacks and known malwareHowever, the impact of installing frequently used programs and other intensive tasks can be somewhat greater than desirable, approaching or exceeding the industry average.
In terms of usability, it has only shown one or two false positives, so it maintains a good score in that section. It's an interesting suite if you highly value privacy features, but it's worth trying it out before deciding if the performance impact is worth it..
ESET Security Ultimate
ESET is very well known, especially in professional environments, and its Security Ultimate version is once again making a strong showing in AV-TEST's analyses. This edition offers multi-device protection with extras such as a password manager, file encryption, advanced online shopping security, and WiFi network protection..
In tests, ESET Security Ultimate achieves 100% effectiveness against both zero-day threats and known malware, with consistent results across different months of analysis.In terms of performance, it is usually below average in most activities, except in some specific cases with standard applications.
Usability is good, with some isolated false positives, but generally without giving the user too many scares. For those seeking a balance between advanced control, lightweight design, and good lab performance, ESET remains a very serious classic choice..
Other antivirus programs with good ratings (but not perfect)
Beyond the "18-point club", there are products that come very close and that may be a better fit depending on your specific case. This is where the balance between protection and performance, or the number of false positives they generate, usually comes into play..
K7 Total Security
K7 Total Security scores around 17,5 points in AV-TEST, almost reaching the Top Product seal. Its weak point is the protection section, where its percentages in zero-day attacks and common malware fall somewhat below the industry average..
While the suite achieves top marks in performance and usability, its protection against entirely new attacks hovers around 96%, far from rivals that approach 100%. Furthermore, the impact on certain tasks can be above average, reaching slowdowns of up to 30% in some scenarios..
Total AV
Total AV is another antivirus that has recently come onto AV-TEST's radar, with more than three million users. In the past he achieved a near-perfect score, but the last few rounds have left him hovering around 17 points., with 5,5 in some categories due to minor setbacks in performance or in some months of protection.
Overall, Total AV stands out for its simple interface and multi-device approach, with support for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Real-time protection is robust, at 100% in most months, although some specific rounds have dropped to slightly lower figures., which has subtracted tenths of a point.
In terms of performance, the slowdown when installing frequently used programs was above average, which also cost it half a point. The developers have been refining these aspects, so it wouldn't be surprising to see it return to the top score if they maintain this trend..
Antivirus that AV-TEST has stopped analyzing
There are solutions that have appeared in AV-TEST reports for years, even as Top products, but are no longer analyzed. The fact that an antivirus program disappears from the table doesn't necessarily mean it's bad, but it does indicate that we don't have recent, independent data on its performance..
eScan Internet Security Suite
eScan is a veteran that remains on the market with regular updates. In its latest AV-TEST evaluation, it achieved a good combination of performance and usability, with a slight impact on resources and very few false positives..
One of its strengths is that it can run on equipment with modest specifications thanks to its low power consumption. However, without recent analysis, it is difficult to compare their current level of protection against industry leaders.The company offers trial versions, so it's an option for older computers where other antivirus programs are too resource-intensive.
Malwarebytes Premium
Malwarebytes started as a complementary tool to clean infections and over time has evolved into a complete antivirus. In the latest AV-TEST tests in which it participated, it scored around 17 points, with slight decreases in protection and performance..
It is characterized by its effectiveness against malware, spyware and phishing, as well as offering detailed security activity reports. Although it can function as a primary solution today, many users still use it as a "second opinion" alongside another antivirus for occasional cleanups..
VIPRE Advanced Security
VIPRE AdvancedSecurity has traditionally been geared towards less powerful home computers, optimizing resource consumption as much as possible. In its last AV-TEST test it achieved about 17,5 points, with good protection and below-average performance.
It offers a clear interface and useful features such as cleaning old files, but its update pace has not always been the most agile. This means that when faced with the latest malware, it may be one step behind more aggressive research solutions..
Bull Guard Internet Security
BullGuard achieved a perfect score on AV-TEST in its last appearance, but the product has been absorbed by Norton. The owners decided to merge BullGuard's technology with that of Norton 360, so it is no longer expected to reappear as a standalone product..
At the time, it offered a good balance between performance and protection, with features such as backups and a firewall. If you still have it installed, the recommendation is usually to migrate to current Norton solutions, which are the ones that will continue to receive improvements and support..
Trend Micro Internet Security
Trend Micro is a company with a long history in security, clearly focused on the home environment with its Internet Security. In testing, it stood out for its detection technologies and for including a fairly comprehensive parental control system.with web filters and usage schedules.
Its protection against zero-day attacks and common malware has historically been very high, with 100% detection in many rounds. The less favorable point was a slightly greater impact on performance compared to other top performers, and some isolated false positives.Although it has been among the recommended options, today there are lighter options with equal or better ratings.
AV-TEST Special Recommendations: Top Product and Other Uses
In addition to standard analyses, AV-TEST publishes lists of recommended products for different scenarios, helping to refine beyond the overall score. This way you can see which antivirus programs are Top Products, which ones clean an already infected PC best, or which ones are best suited for businesses..
Top Product Distinction
As we mentioned, the Top Product seal is awarded to solutions that achieve at least 17,5 points. The latest reports for Windows include, among others, Avast Free Antivirus, AVG Internet Security, Avira Internet Security for Windows, Bitdefender Internet Security, F-Secure SAFE, Kaspersky Internet Security, McAfee Total Protection, Microsoft Defender, Norton 360, and Trend Micro Internet Security.
These products combine a very high level of protection with a reasonable impact and few annoyances in the form of false alarms. If you don't want to overcomplicate things, starting by looking at this list is a good way to play it safe..
The best antivirus programs to clean an already infected PC
Prevention is not the same as cure. When a system is already compromised, specialized tools come into play that can disinfect and repair the system.AV-TEST also analyzes this scenario.
Among the best solutions for rescuing an infected PC are: Avast Free Antivirus, AVG Internet Security, Avira Antivirus Pro, Bitdefender Internet Security, Kaspersky Internet Security, Microsoft Defender and Norton SecurityThese suites stand out for their cleaning and restoration capabilities.
In addition, the laboratory evaluates specific rescue tools, such as G Data Boot Medium, Heise Desinfec't, Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool or VIPRE Security Virus Removal ToolAmong all of them, Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool usually ranks at the top in effectiveness.
Antivirus for businesses and professional environments
In the corporate world, blocking viruses is not enough: It is necessary to integrate protection with centralized consoles, access policies, vulnerability management, and incident response.AV-TEST also rates endpoint solutions in enterprises.
In this field, names like Avast Ultimate Business Security, Bitdefender Endpoint Security (and its Ultra edition), Check Point Endpoint Security, Kaspersky Endpoint Security, Kaspersky Small Office Security, Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection, McAfee Endpoint Security, Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Sangfor Endpoint Secure Protect, Seqrite Endpoint Security, Sophos Intercept Endpoint Protection.
Products such as Avast Ultimate Business Security, Bitdefender Endpoint (also in its Ultra version), Kaspersky Endpoint Security, Kaspersky Small Office Security, or Sangfor Endpoint Secure Protect they achieve the highest scores, becoming clear references if you manage a PC network in an SME or larger company.
Other recommended antivirus programs besides AV-TEST
In addition to the major brands analyzed by AV-TEST, there are other solutions that may be a better fit in specific cases, either because of their functions, or because of the combination of antivirus with other services such as VPN or backups. They're not always at the top of every lab's list, but they're perfectly valid options..
Surfshark: antivirus with built-in VPN
Surfshark is best known for its VPN, but it also offers an antivirus module within its security package. Their proposal focuses on easy-to-use anti-malware protection, with manual and scheduled scans and a cloud-based system (Surfshark Cloud Protect) that examines suspicious files to stop zero-day attacks..
The main selling point is that the client is very lightweight and the interface is designed not to complicate the user's life. If you were already looking for a good VPN and also want an integrated antivirus that doesn't hog resources, this is a pretty practical combination.with a 30-day money-back guarantee for a risk-free trial.
Panda Security
Panda is one of the best-known antivirus companies in Spain, with both paid and free solutions. Their Panda Dome range offers advanced protection for Windows, macOS, and Android, plus their own VPN and options like Panda Dome Family to protect the whole family..
In independent reviews, it usually gets good scores in protection, performance, and usability. Their payment plans vary in price depending on the features, but it's common to find significant discounts on annual subscriptions.It also includes a free antivirus that's quite decent for those who don't need extras.
G Data
G Data isn't the most popular, but it has been receiving good ratings for years thanks to its strong focus on ransomware protection. Its anti-ransomware technology focuses on detecting suspicious behavior before file encryption is complete.reducing the risk of losing important documents.
In addition, it offers a built-in password manager and various additional security tools. The main drawback is that, if you want to protect multiple devices, the price can increase considerably compared to more comprehensive suites like Norton or McAfee.However, in return you get very high detection rates.
Acronis True Image (Cyber Protect Home)
Acronis has been combining advanced backups with cybersecurity protection for years. Their home solution, formerly known as True Image, relies on an engine capable of detecting malware with a very high success rate, minimizing false positives.and is designed especially for users who take their backups seriously.
It allows you to create complete backups of systems, disks, and folders both locally and in the Acronis cloud, with the ability to restore previous versions of your files. In addition, there is an AI-based layer of protection against viruses and ransomware, which monitors in real time and blocks suspicious processes..
It works on Windows (including Windows 11), macOS, and mobile devices, so you can protect and back up both your PC and your phone. For anyone wanting an "all-in-one" backup + antivirus solution, it's a very powerful option..
Antivirus for low-powered computers
If your Windows 11 PC is running low on resources, installing a very heavy suite can turn it into a brick. In these cases, it's best to prioritize performance over a heavy artillery of extra features., even if you sacrifice a little bit of protection.
Again, AV-TEST measurements are useful because they allow products to be ranked by their impact on the system. Solutions such as VIPRE AdvancedSecurity for Home, PC Matic, eScan Internet Security Suite, or AhnLab V3 Internet Security itself have shown a restrained consumption of resources.Therefore, they fit well into modest teams.
Microsoft Defender itself is another asset to consider, as it comes pre-installed and has improved significantly. In terms of protection, it almost reaches the maximum score, although in certain operations the slowdown can be noticeable.If you want something even lighter, there are highly optimized alternatives such as some plans from McAfee, Norton, or F-Secure designed to minimize the impact.
For example, certain versions of McAfee Internet Security have shown Single-digit slowdowns when browsing on an average PC, well below the industry averageNorton Security has also had good results in browsing and file downloading, with very low impacts on those specific tasks.
F-Secure SAFE, on the other hand, usually has a moderate impact when loading pages and running software, but it can increase considerably when installing applications. In any case, the ideal thing to do is try several during the trial periods and see which one works best with your hardware.because real sensations sometimes differ from laboratory numbers.
How to choose the best antivirus for your Windows 11
With so many options, it's easy to get lost. Rather than looking for an absolute winner, the key is to find the antivirus that fits your computer usage, your budget, and your computer's power.There are several criteria worth keeping in mind.
The first thing is to look at the royal protectionCheck the results from AV-TEST and other laboratories such as AV-Comparatives to see which products have consistently received good ratings. Don't limit yourself to the latest report: also look at the historical trend of the last few months or years to know if a good result is consistent or a stroke of luck.
The second point is the impact on performanceIf your PC is already struggling, you don't want a security "monster" that will leave it trembling. Pay attention to the performance sections of the reports and, above all, try the suite for a few days while you do what you normally do.: games, office automation, editing, etc.
You should also consider the extra featuresAre you interested in a built-in VPN because you frequently connect to public Wi-Fi? Do you want parental controls for your kids? Would a password manager or cloud backups be useful? Sometimes it's worth paying a little more for a suite that combines several needs into a single product.
Don't forget to look pricing and renewal policiesMany antivirus programs offer very aggressive discounts for the first year, followed by a more expensive renewal fee. Calculate how much you will actually pay from the second year onwards and whether the product is still worth it at that price..
La compatibility It also matters: make sure the antivirus has decent apps for all your devices (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS) if your idea is to protect everything with a single account. And check that technical support is available in your language or at least in English with a good reputation..
Finally, keep in mind the ease of use and reputationA clear interface, with well-explained options and no endless menus, will save you headaches. Search the web for privacy incidentsresearch any controversies or questionable practices of the company before entrusting them with all your dataIt's better to invest a few minutes in research than to regret it later.
In practice, almost all Windows 11 users can be very well served with just a handful of names: Microsoft Defender for those who want something integrated and free, Avast or AVG if you're looking for top protection without paying, and suites like Kaspersky, Bitdefender, Norton, McAfee or ESET for those willing to invest in more layers of defense, VPN and extras.The important thing is that you understand what each one offers, that you try it on your computer, and that you don't neglect common sense when browsing, downloading, and opening files, because no antivirus can completely replace a prudent user.