Are you a Windows user who's wondering what the best antivirus is for Windows 10? It can get confusing; there are many options out there. How can you decide which Windows antivirus to use?

That's why we've gone through a ton of apps so we can present a list of solid, reliable apps for Windows. that you can use for the long term.

1. Microsoft Defender

main menu of windows security

Microsoft Defender isn't the same application as it was a few years ago. The suite once had a reputation for hogging system resources and offering a low standard of protection, but that's all changed. Now, Microsoft Defender offers some of the easiest ways to boost your security on Windows 10.

Of course, one of Microsoft Defender's most significant selling points is its tight integration with the Windows operating system. It's easy to manage the app's virus protection, firewall protection, device security, and app security directly from the Windows Settings menu.

2. Kaspersky Internet Security

Kaspersky is a well-known name in the online security world. The company offers three antivirus suites—Antivirus, Kaspersky Internet Security, and Security Cloud. All three are among the best internet security apps for Windows 10.

In truth, Kaspersky Internet Security is another app that's struggled with performance issues in the past. But, like Windows Defender, those problems are firmly behind it. The suite only flagged three false positives in the test, despite testing in excess of 1.6 million samples.

The entry-level Antivirus app ($29.99) only covers desktop PCs. For $10 more, the Internet Security ($39.99) suite adds mobile support for a minimal extra cost. It is the best option for most users.

Download: Kaspersky Internet Security (Free, paid version available)

3. Malwarebytes Premium

Malwarebytes is another of the best antivirus apps on Windows. The company's free version program has been popular for years.

However, if you want to enjoy 24/7 real-time protection (rather than being restricted to intermittent manual scans), you need to pay for the premium version. The entry-level plans only protect one device and cost $38.24 per year. For the fee, you receive protection against identity theft, ransomware, fraudulent websites, malware, and more.

Fortunately, you can use a watered-down version of the app with its 14-day trial period.

Download: Malwarebytes (Paid, free-trial available)

4. Bitdefender Internet Security

Bitdefender Internet Security is unquestionably among the best antivirus apps for Windows.

There are three different versions of the app available to Windows users: Total Security for $35.99 (which covers mobile devices), Internet Security for $32.99 (includes firewall and webcam protection), and Antivirus Plus for $19.99 (the entry-level paid suite). If you wish, you can purchase the Android and iOS versions of Bitdefender separately.

Other noteworthy features of Bitdefender include multi-layer ransomware protection, network threat prevention, and parental controls.

Download: Bitdefender Internet Security (Free, paid version available)

5. F-Secure Internet Security

A lesser-known entry on the list, F-Secure Internet Security is a good pick if you've tried the big names and still want something different.

Its features like Banking Protection and Gaming Mode protect you in your financial transactions and gaming sessions alike. And given how lightweight it is, F-Secure Internet Security is the best option for anyone who's running an older, low-specification machine.

There are two versions of F-Secure: F-Secure Internet Security (previously called F-Secure SAFE) and F-Secure Total. The price for each will vary depending on the number of devices you want to protect, but if you want to protect just one device, Internet Security will cost you $24.99 per year, and F-Secure Total will cost you $34.99 per year.

If you want a cheap (but good) security solution, get F-Secure Internet Security.

Download: F-Secure Internet Security (Paid, free trial available)

6. McAfee Total Protection

McAfee Antivirus is one of the oldest and most prominent names in the antivirus space and one you can rely on for all your Windows malware protection needs.

The app offers a host of security features ranging from Firewall, Password manager, and File shredder to Identity monitoring, Web protection, Online security experts, etc.

On top of the above regular features, the app also offers identity monitoring and personalized protection to help you monitor your emails, SSN, and bank accounts.

The tool offers four different pain plans. However, you can also try out the free 30-day subscriptions before you choose a plan.

Download: McAfee Total Protection (Paid, free trial available)

7. ESET NOD32

NOD32 has some of the lowest false positive rates, is lightweight, and is consistently near the top of performance charts.

Indeed, many power users used to swear by the holy trinity of NOD32 (which focuses on system files), Malwarebytes (which focuses on web-based issues), and CCleaner (a PC optimization tool). Unfortunately, CCleaner is no longer the trustworthy app that it once was, but it's still passable for one-off scans.

The three plans cost $40, $50, and $60. The entry-level plan does not include support for personal firewalls and spam filters.

ESET also has one of the best free online virus scan and removal websites on the market.

Download: ESET NOD32 (Free trial, paid version available)

8. Norton 360

No, that's not a typo—we really are recommending Norton as our eighth and final pick.

The Norton suite has an erratic history. There was a time—around the turn of the millennium—when it had a vice-like stranglehold on the antivirus market. The growth of reliable free anti-malware products, along with Norton's ever-growing drain on system resources, saw its popularity decline rapidly over the next decade.

Fast-forward to today and Norton 360 is once again worth considering. Norton 360 supports malware scans, real-time website ratings, malicious URL blocking, phishing protection, and behavior-based detection.

Moreover, the tool also offers features like SafeCam for PC, which alerts you in case someone tries to access your webcam. And there’s the no-log VPN which lets you browse anonymously from anywhere.

The three Norton 360 plans cost between $20 and $50 per year, depending on the extra features you need. You can also try out the 7-day free trial.

Download: Norton 360 (Free trial, paid version available)

Get Your PC Protected on Windows 10

Some of the third-party free antivirus suites on the market are adequate. Furthermore, the majority use considerably more resources than Microsoft Defender, not to mention the persistent and annoying nag screens.