翻訳待ち：The best antivirus software to protect your computer in 2026

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While today's OS defenses are better than they were a decade or so ago, it's still useful to have standalone, dedicated antivirus software for your desktop PC, laptop, and mobile devices. This allows you to run real-time scans if you think you might be infected with malware like ransomware, Trojans, and worms. The kind of protection you can expect from antivirus software today goes far beyond basic, signature-based scanning. Antivirus software, such as those on offer by Bitdefender, Norton, Malwarebytes, and Avast, can also provide you with real-time online monitoring that warns you when you visit a phishing website. These programs also alert when your sensitive information and passwords have been leaked in new data breaches. They may also offer a VPN to protect your online communication and activity, and can even help clean up your devices, wiping away junk and legacy files. For our August 2026 update, we reviewed our top picks and updated our guide to include new features, new use cases, and pricing. We also answered more of your frequent questions concerning antivirus software. Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers.What is the best antivirus right now?Our overall pick for the best antivirus is . This multi-platform software protects your personal data, including passwords and financial details. It handles advanced security threats and stops them from wreaking havoc on your system, all for $30 per year. We also recommend 's affordable solution for users who need a highly rated antivirus for a single device at $30 per year. is our pick for business customers.Also: The best free antivirus software in 2026ZDNET's security experts conduct hands-on testing to determine which software effectively detects and handles viruses and other malware without dragging down your central processing unit (CPU) or system performance. We also consider feedback from other security professionals, third-party reviewers, and customer experiences, such as Trustpilot reviews, to select the best antivirus software for mitigating cyber threats.Best antivirus software and apps of 2026 Is antivirus software necessary in 2026, or is a built-in option enough?No antivirus software is completely effective, just as no software is completely invulnerable to attack. It's best to pair reputable antivirus software with other security measures, such as VPNs, strong passwords, and two-factor authentication, to protect yourself.Extra protection is helpful on most devices you are likely to own. Arguably, threats in the Apple ecosystem are rarer, so you are less likely to need a dedicated antivirus program if you have default protections enabled. This still doesn't mean Apple's XProtect is invulnerable to an attack.Today's most significant threats tend to attack businesses and organizations rather than home in on individuals. However, real-time threat protection against phishing websites, malicious links, and drive-by downloads, as well as warnings when attempting to visit insecure domains, is always helpful. You might also benefit from add-on features that antivirus programs provide beyond basic system scans. We also need to consider how artificial intelligence is beginning to change the threat landscape. AI is being abused and weaponized to conduct automated, brute-force attacks, generate malicious code, and create deepfakes, among other applications. Antivirus software can't prevent these attacks, but vendors are increasingly using AI to enhance threat detection systems.Should I pay for antivirus software?You don't necessarily have to pay for antivirus software. Indeed, many of us simply rely on the default protections provided by our PC or mobile operating systems, and we might also download standalone antivirus software as an additional security layer. Many free antivirus options offer excellent security and provide you with more peace of mind without impacting your annual budget. However, you should keep in mind that free antivirus programs may offer limited protection, as they may only function for a limited time, like a premium trial, and may not provide the same advanced security features as paid alternatives.Also: Why you don't need to pay for antivirus software anymore | The best free antivirus software: Expert tested Latest news on antivirus software in 2026Nearly 800 malicious packages were published to the npm registry as part of a new malware campaign distributing a RAT and infostealer payload. Suisun City, California, declared a state of emergency in August after malware disrupted 911 calls, police and fire dispatch and other crucial city systems. A financially motivated cybercriminal group tracked by Microsoft as Storm-1175 began deploying a new ransomware strain called StormEncryptor.A report from Security.org says the most commonly used antivirus programs for the second year in a row are Microsoft Defender, McAfee, and Norton.Microsoft researchers sounded the alarm on multiple new phishing campaigns by an unknown actor. These campaigns utilize fake meeting invitations, invoices, and counterfeit PDF attachments to deliver malware.FAQs on antivirus software Latest updatesAugust 2026: In ZDNET's August update, we reviewed our top picks and updated our guide to include new features, new use cases, and pricing. We also answered more of your frequent questions concerning antivirus software.March 2026: In ZDNET's March update, we added the Avira Free Security program to the main list and updated some of the advice pieces following it.February 2026: In ZDNET's February update, we updated plan and pricing information and added the latest news related to antivirus software.August 2025: In ZDNET's August update, we updated plan and pricing information, made editorial and layout changes, and noted the latest news impacting the antivirus market.Alternative antivirus software and apps We hope this guide helps you decide on what antivirus software is right for you. If you want to explore more, check out our guides on the best malware removal services, the best antivirus protection for Windows, and the best free antivirus software.