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Survey Reveals Top Antivirus Brands Among Consumers

Survey Reveals Top Antivirus Brands Among Consumers

First seen 15 Oct 2026, 00:36 UTC • •

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ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster •October 15, 2026 at 23:40 UTC
  • •Bitdefender and Malwarebytes rated highest in antivirus satisfaction.
  • •Survey involved 1,000 average consumers assessing various security apps.
  • •Microsoft Defender is deemed insufficient for comprehensive protection.

A recent survey conducted by CNET Group highlights consumer preferences for antivirus software, with Bitdefender and Malwarebytes ranking highest in overall satisfaction. The survey involved 1,000 average consumers and focused on attributes such as setup, cost, reliability, and ease of use. Bitdefender achieved a score of 9.3, while Malwarebytes followed closely with 9.1. In the security suites category, Malwarebytes led with a score of 9.5, followed by Bitdefender and Avast at 8.9. Norton and McAfee were rated lower, with scores of 8.0 and 7.5, respectively. The findings indicate a significant preference among PCMag readers for Bitdefender and Malwarebytes over traditional brands like Norton and McAfee. Microsoft Defender was noted as a free option but is considered insufficient for comprehensive protection. The survey results suggest a need for consumers to explore various security products to enhance their online safety.

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Common questions

What antivirus brands were rated highest?
Bitdefender and Malwarebytes received the highest satisfaction scores in the survey.
How many consumers participated in the survey?
The survey included 1,000 average consumers.
Is Microsoft Defender a reliable option?
While Microsoft Defender is free, it is considered insufficient for comprehensive protection compared to third-party alternatives.