ZDNET Updates 2026 Malware Guide, Adds AVG to Top Picks at $3.89 a Month
Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Jul 9
ZDNET Updates 2026 Malware Guide, Adds AVG to Top Picks at $3.89 a Month
3 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Jul 9
Summary
ZDNET’s July 2026 refresh expanded its malware-removal guide with a deeper editorial revision, more reader FAQs, and AVG added to its top recommendations.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus remained the top overall pick, with plans starting at $25 a year for one device, ahead of Malwarebytes, Avast, AVG, and ESET.
AVG was highlighted for safe-browsing and anti-phishing features, strong AV-Comparatives detection results, and a free tier; its premium plan starts at $3.89 per month for one device.
The updated guide stresses that built-in protections have improved, but third-party tools still matter for real-time scanning, phishing defense, ransomware blocking, and cross-platform coverage.