I install and remove antivirus software from my clients' PCs every week in Cluses. Here's my honest 2026 ranking — based on real-world use, not marketing benchmarks.
🥇 Microsoft Defender (free, built into Windows)
For: 80% of home users. Free, light, well-rated by AV-TEST.
🥈 Bitdefender Total Security (€35/year)
For: families with multiple devices, remote workers. Includes anti-ransomware, VPN, password vault, parental controls. Multi-OS.
🥉 ESET NOD32 (€40/year)
For: advanced users, gamers, older PCs. The lightest on the market.
❌ Avast / AVG (avoid)
Slows your PC, shows pop-up ads, sold your browsing data in 2020 (Jumpshot scandal). Replace with Defender.
❌ Norton / McAfee (avoid in 2026)
Heavy, intrusive, opaque auto-renewing subscriptions at €80/year. Defender does better for free.
In practice in Cluses
I install Defender for most clients, Bitdefender for pros and families, ESET for older PCs. Installation included in the €90 security plan or €40 remote install.
Question? Call +33 7 83 44 65 99.