From PCMAG · Neil J. Rubenking · · 2m
The Best Security Suites We've Tested for 2026
PCMag tests top security suites for 2026, highlighting Bitdefender Total Security as Editors' Choice.
In brief
PCMag tests top security suites for 2026, highlighting Bitdefender Total Security as Editors' Choice. PCMag's 2026 security suite tests recommend Bitdefender Total Security for device protection, McAfee+ for households, Norton 360 Deluxe for VPN, and Avast Premium Business Security for small businesses. Originally…
PCMag Tests Security Suites for 2026
PCMag evaluates nearly 50 security suites to pick the best options for 2026.
Editors' Choice: Bitdefender Total Security
Bitdefender Total Security earns Editors' Choice for device-level protection across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
Best for Multi-Device Households
McAfee+ offers identity theft detection and remediation for all household devices with unlimited VPN.
Best for Full-Featured VPN
Norton 360 Deluxe includes unlimited VPN with no bandwidth or server limits for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
Best for Business Security
Avast Premium Business Security provides remote monitoring and management for small business computers.
Best for Families
Bitdefender Ultimate Security combines identity theft monitoring with device protection for families.
Best for Privacy Protection
Norton 360 With LifeLock detects identity theft and offers $3 million protection for users.
Best for Tech Experts
ESET Home Security Ultimate provides ransomware protection and identity features for tech-savvy users.
Best Focus on Privacy
Malwarebytes Ultimate includes identity theft protection and a no-limits VPN for privacy-focused users.
Price Comparison for 2026
Bitdefender Total Security costs $109.99 per year for five devices, while McAfee+ costs $149.99 yearly for unlimited devices.
Ransomware Protection
Bitdefender prevents 12 out of 12 real-world ransomware attacks with its Advanced Threat Defense features.
Identity Theft Features
Norton 360 With LifeLock offers $3 million identity theft protection and recovery services.
VPN Limitations
Bitdefender Total Security requires a separate subscription for full VPN access with no bandwidth limits.
Parental Controls
Bitdefender Total Security includes parental controls but they are not fully effective for content filtering.
Price for Families
Bitdefender Family plan covers 25 devices for $139.99 per year, costing $5.60 per device.
What Happens Next
PCMag retests security suites regularly to ensure they remain effective and available for 2026.
The big picture
PCMag's 2026 security suite tests recommend Bitdefender Total Security for device protection, McAfee+ for households, Norton 360 Deluxe for VPN, and Avast Premium Business Security for small businesses.
