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Computer viruses and other malware are ever-increasing threats to security and privacy. We lab test and review the latest antivirus software for Windows and Mac to help you find the best desktop security solution for you. Our buying guide will help you decide which type of desktop security program you need. Our how we test guide tells you what's behind our results.
Have you considered protection for your phone? See our phone antivirus software reviews.
Our test covers desktop security programs for Windows PCs, including free software and Microsoft's built-in Windows Defender, plus Mac computers.
Our expert testers give every antivirus software program a thorough workout to help find the programs that:
Our interactive comparison tool helps you find out which brands provide key security features such as anti-phishing protection and parental controls. Our Recommended list will help you see quickly which programs come out on top.
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List of brands we tested in this review.
Price as of March 2019, rounded to the nearest dollar (check websites for discounted offers). Where applicable, prices have been converted to Australian dollars.
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We recommend desktop software that scores at least 90% overall.
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This software runs on macOS.
If the program runs on Windows (testing was done using Windows 10).
Assessment takes into account the installation, configuration and normal day-to-day use of the product; the clarity and simplicity of the user interface; built-in and online user help such as guidance, help menu and options; and ease of keeping the software up to date.
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Testing includes on-demand scanning, both connected to and disconnected from the internet; real-world protection, using known malicious websites including so-called drive-by websites, plus malware infections from connected media such as a USB flash drive; current malware detection, which includes the speed at which software is updated to address emerging threats; URL protection, which includes blocking online malware, especially phishing websites such as false banking and social media sites.
Assesses the software's use of disk space and memory, plus its effect on boot time and common tasks such as program launch and use, file copying and file compression and decompression.
