Choosing protection

Before spending anything, it's worth knowing what your devices already protect against for free, and how the paid options actually compare once lab results and renewal prices are put side by side.

• Is the free protection built into your device enough?Windows, Mac, Android and iPhone all include free malware protection. Here is how each one performs in independent testing, and the specific situations where paying for more makes sense.
• Antivirus compared for 2026: lab results and real prices side by sideIndependent AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives results for eight popular antivirus products next to their first-year and renewal prices, with plain-English notes on who each one suits.
• How to choose antivirus without falling for marketing: a 6-step checklistSix practical checks before paying for antivirus, from independent lab results and false alarms to the renewal price and which of your devices are really covered.