Compare security software for Windows PCs and other household devices. Device limits, supported platforms and family features depend on each subscription.
Eight products · commercial placement order, not an independent quality ranking. Always verify plan details before purchasing.
Real-time antivirus and optional security extras
FEATURED PARTNER · PAID LINKReview the included protection tools and current promotional terms before deciding whether a subscription is right for your devices.
Established multi-layer security suite
Compare security features, device coverage and subscription levels directly with the manufacturer.
Windows security with a strong tested result
Explore current Windows protection plans and compare additional features by subscription tier.
Free and paid antivirus options
Explore free and paid antivirus options and check which capabilities are included with the edition.
Household and device-security subscriptions
Compare household security plans, eligible devices and renewal conditions before purchase.
Anti-malware focused security options
Explore protection against malicious software, with features varying by edition and plan.
Additional paid antivirus partner option
PAID PARTNERCompare currently available protection plans and their pricing, included tools and renewal conditions.
Antivirus included with Windows 11
A built-in antivirus option for Windows 11 users who may not require a separate paid subscription.
About placement: TotalAV is our featured commercial partner and PCProtect also has a paid link. Other brands link to their official websites or to our free guide. Commercial order does not imply a scientific score. Review our methodology.
FAMILY AND MULTI-DEVICE GUIDE
Before choosing a family plan, list every device that actually needs protection and the operating system it uses. A household with two Windows PCs, a Mac and three phones has different requirements from a household with five Windows laptops. Multi-device marketing often describes the number of licenses but not the exact features included on each platform.
Write down the number of Windows 11 PCs, Macs, Android phones and iPhones or iPads. Check which devices are eligible under the specific subscription tier, and whether the plan has restrictions on use by family members or account holders. Do not assume a product offers the same real-time scanning capability on every operating system: platform permissions and available features differ.
A family's security plan may also require safer browsing, age-appropriate parental controls, phishing awareness and backup of photos and school files. These functions may be part of the operating system, a separate product or an optional subscription. Verify each feature independently rather than assuming an antivirus label includes everything. See our phishing-prevention guide for everyday actions that matter regardless of brand.
Antivirus, VPN and cloud backup address different problems. Mobile apps may focus on scam links, unsafe networks, privacy alerts or device settings; that is not equivalent to desktop malware detection. Check the official provider's app description for each platform and verify that each needed feature is available on the devices you own. Compare that with the included protections from Apple, Google and Microsoft.
Ask how you transfer a license to a replacement laptop, whether there is one dashboard for multiple family members, and how subscription renewal is charged. Divide the total cost by the actual devices covered and evaluate the next renewal, not only the first-term discount. Use our renewal-cost checklist when comparing family plans.
A security subscription cannot guarantee recovery from accidental deletion, hardware failure, theft or every ransomware attack. Maintain backups that can be restored, preferably including one copy disconnected from the device. Our ransomware backup guide and cloud-backup explainer outline a separate recovery strategy.
Provider features and license limits vary by plan and operating system. Confirm details on the seller's official pages. Featured paid links are identified in the comparison above.
Check the number of devices, Windows and mobile compatibility and each plan’s security extras before paying for a family subscription.
Match lab scores to the exact tested product and Windows edition. Scores from a single round do not prove one product is always best.
Introductory pricing can differ from renewal pricing. Compare currency, taxes, device licenses and cancellation terms.
Windows 11 already includes Microsoft Defender. Additional paid suites make sense when their extra features justify the cost for you.
AV-TEST home Windows 11, July–August 2026. Scores below refer to specified products and versions, not a general ranking of our affiliate partners.
| Product | Protection | Total /18 |
|---|---|---|
| Norton 360 | 6/6 | 18 |
| Bitdefender Total Security | 6/6 | 18 |
| TotalAV | 6/6 | 17.5 |
| Microsoft Defender | 6/6 | 17.5 |
Not necessarily. Check the eligible platforms and features for the exact package. Some protections available on Windows have different functionality on Android or iOS.
Device allocation, login requirements and household rules vary by subscription. Check whether one account manages all devices or separate profiles are supported, especially for children's devices.
Only if the specific plan includes such features, and those features work on your devices. Never assume a product's antivirus features provide comprehensive supervision of children.
Find out whether you can transfer or deactivate an existing device license, and whether reinstalling consumes another seat. Device-management policies differ by vendor.
Yes. Malware protection and file recovery are different tasks. Important photos, documents and schoolwork need recoverable backups. Read our backup guide and renewal-cost guide.
A family plan should match operating systems, feature needs and renewal budget.