AV-Comparatives, the esteemed independent cybersecurity testing organization, has unveiled the results of its latest Real-World Protection Test, which spans from February to May 2026. This comprehensive evaluation scrutinized 20 consumer security products, simulating the myriad threats that home users encounter in their daily online activities, including the rise of malicious URLs.
Key Findings from the Test
- A total of 20 home-user security products were rigorously assessed against real-world internet threats under controlled conditions.
- Seven standout products achieved the prestigious ADVANCED+ award, showcasing their consistent and reliable protection capabilities.
- The complete test report is readily available at av-comparatives.org, free of charge and without the need for registration.
The relevance of independent consumer security testing has never been more pronounced. Earlier this year, AV-Comparatives researchers identified a Python-based worm, MEL/Vacphage.A, cleverly embedded in Autodesk Maya Binary files shared through Epic Games’ Fab.com—a platform widely trusted by both professionals and hobbyists. This significant finding was responsibly communicated to the Epic Games security team prior to public disclosure.
Andreas Clementi, Founder and CEO of AV-Comparatives, emphasized the evolving nature of cyber threats: “Our Fab.com discovery is a reminder that malware does not always arrive via suspicious links or shady downloads. It can come from a platform a professional or enthusiast visits every day. The Real-World Protection Test is designed precisely to evaluate how security software performs when the unexpected happens.”
Conducting the Real-World Protection Test
The test, conducted over four months, evaluated 20 widely used home security products against a curated set of real-world internet threats. The primary measure of success was whether a given threat could compromise the test system. Additionally, each product underwent a false-positives test to assess their accuracy in identifying legitimate files without generating unnecessary alerts. Products that exhibited higher false alarm rates had their award levels adjusted accordingly.
The evaluated products included a diverse range of security solutions, such as:
- Avast One Free Antivirus
- AVG AntiVirus Free
- Bitdefender Total Security
- ESET HOME Security Essential
- F-Secure Internet Security
- Fortect PC Suite
- G DATA Total Security
- K7 Total Security
- Kaspersky Premium
- Malwarebytes Premium
- McAfee Total Protection
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus
- Norton Antivirus Plus
- Panda Free Antivirus
- Quick Heal Total Security
- Sophos Home Premium
- Total Defense Essential Anti-Virus
- TotalAV Premium
- Trend Micro Internet Security
- VIPRE Advanced Security
Products Achieving the ADVANCED+ Award
Seven products distinguished themselves by earning the ADVANCED+ award, the highest accolade within the AV-Comparatives consumer testing framework. Listed alphabetically, these products are:
- Avast
- AVG
- Bitdefender
- Kaspersky
- Microsoft
- Norton
- TotalAV
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the test report available to the public?
Yes, AV-Comparatives provides open access to all test reports without requiring registration or payment. The full Real-World Protection Test report for February to May 2026 can be found at av-comparatives.org.
What does the ADVANCED+ award indicate?
The ADVANCED+ award signifies that a product consistently delivers high protection against real-world threats while maintaining low false alarm rates.
How often does AV-Comparatives publish Real-World Protection Test results?
The Real-World Protection Test is part of the ongoing Consumer Main-Test Series, with reports released throughout the year. This particular report covers the first half of 2026.
For those interested in delving deeper, the complete Real-World Protection Test report for February to May 2026 is available free of charge at https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/real-world-protection-test-february-may-2026/.
About AV-Comparatives
AV-Comparatives stands as a leading independent cybersecurity testing organization, evaluating security solutions that have evolved far beyond traditional antivirus software. Their systematic testing encompasses modern endpoint protection, threat detection, and mobile security across various platforms, including PC, Mac, Android, and IoT devices. By utilizing one of the world’s most relevant and sophisticated threat collections, they create real-world testing environments for thorough evaluations. Test results are freely accessible globally, and AV-Comparatives certification serves as a recognized seal of approval for proven cybersecurity performance.
Press Contact:
AV-Comparatives
Grabenweg 68, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
www.av-comparatives.org
