Cyber criminals get savvier and more dangerous by the day, finding workarounds for security measures and making their way into secure networks

What is the best antivirus software?

Our first choice is Kaspersky Total Security. It delivers excellent malware protection, a full complement of extra features and an easy-to-use interface.

Right behind that are the entry-level Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, the best bargain in antivirus software, and Norton 360 Deluxe, which offers a ton of extra features, including unlimited VPN service and LifeLock identity protection.

Any of these three would serve you well, but the ideal choice depends on your circumstances. See our section on how to choose the best antivirus software below, or our stand-alone antivirus buying guide.

For the best free antivirus, we like Kaspersky Security Cloud Free, which sailed past Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition for the top spot. Both offered excellent protection without system slowdowns, but Kaspersky's free program lets you schedule scans, adds a ton of useful extras and had the smallest system impact we've ever seen.

Our free rankings immediately follow our paid rankings below.