A PCMag guide compares antivirus features and pricing, while its author argues that Microsoft Defender is better than no protection but not enough on its own.
It covers scheduled and manual file checks, reviewing apps before they run, and protection from known dangerous and credential-stealing sites, alongside free and paid options.
In a guide published in PCMag on October 13, 2026, Neil J. Rubenking says that Microsoft Defender is better than no protection at all. However, he doesn't consider it sufficient as a sole option. There are also free programs that can cover basic needs.
What should a protection program do?
A security program should be able to scan files and folders on demand, as well as run scans automatically at regular intervals. It should also scan applications before they start, block known dangerous websites, and protect you from fake pages that try to steal login details.
According to the guide, almost all protection apps offer these basic features.
Prices and number of devices
For a single license, most of the options reviewed in this article cost just under $40, around $50, or around $60. Norton AntiVirus Plus costs $59,99, and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus costs $49,99. Both are PCMag Editors' Choices. There are also highly rated programs that cost around $40.
Five-device licenses typically cost $50 to $100 per year. Ten-device options are cheaper, costing anywhere from $60 to nearly $170. Some plans offer a license that covers an unlimited number of devices.
There are also effective free options. The guide recommends Avast One Free and AVG AntiVirus Free.
What additional features do they offer?
Some programs protect against programs that lock files. They may also check for security gaps or applications that haven't received important updates. Others offer remote technical assistance.
Additional features also include ad and tracking blocking, connection protection, spam filter, parental controls, secure file deletion, network control, and camera and microphone protection.
If you want a subscription for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices, the guide suggests checking out Bitdefender Total Security and Norton 360 Deluxe.
How are programs evaluated?
Independent testing groups test antivirus programs in different ways. AV-Comparatives rates them as Standard, Advanced, or Advanced+. The AV-Test Institute gives up to six points for protection, performance, and ease of use, with a maximum total score of 18.
The AVLab Cybersecurity Foundation reports the percentage of malicious programs detected. SE Labs uses grades from AAA to C, while MRG-Effitas' tests essentially result in a pass or fail.
Neil J. Rubenking combines the lab results into a single score of 10 out of 10. At the time of publication of the guide, on October 13, 2026, Avast One Free and Norton had a score of 9,8 based on five labs. Bitdefender also had a 9,8, based on four labs, while Microsoft Defender had the same score based on three reports.
PCMag's labs and tests look at, among other things, how well it detects malicious programs, how effective it is at protecting against fake websites and file-locking programs, and whether it blocks dangerous links. Scores may change as new tests are conducted.
PCMag's recommendations
For general use, the guide recommends Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and Norton AntiVirus Plus. For Bitdefender, it mentions its high test scores and protection against file-locking programs. For Norton, it highlights its effective protection against fake websites, built-in network protection, and the ability to back up to an online service.
For free protection, he recommends Avast One Free and AVG AntiVirus Free.
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