Best Antivirus for Gaming PC 2026
Gamers need security that doesn’t tank FPS. Here are the best antiviruses with gaming modes and minimal system impact.
Top 5 for Gamers
| Antivirus | Gaming Mode | CPU Impact | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitdefender | ✅ Auto | Very Low | $40/yr |
| Norton 360 | ✅ Silent | Low | $50/yr |
| ESET | ✅ Gamer | Lowest | $40/yr |
| Kaspersky | ✅ Gaming | Low | $30/yr |
| Windows Defender | ❌ Manual | Medium | Free |
1. Bitdefender — Best Overall
Price: $40-90/year
Bitdefender auto-detects games and optimizes.
Gaming Features
- ✅ Auto Game Mode
- ✅ Minimal CPU usage
- ✅ No popup interruptions
- ✅ Delay scans during games
- ✅ Excellent protection
2. ESET NOD32 — Lightest Impact
Price: $40/year
ESET uses the least system resources.
Why Gamers Love It
- Smallest memory footprint
- Dedicated Gamer Mode
- Fast scans
- No bloat
3. Norton 360 for Gamers
Price: $50/year
Norton has a gaming-specific product.
Gaming Features
- Silent Mode
- Game Booster
- VPN included
- Dark web monitoring
What Gamers Need
Must Have
- ✅ Gaming/Silent mode
- ✅ Low CPU usage
- ✅ No popups during games
- ✅ Fast scans
- ✅ Good protection
Avoid
- ❌ Heavy real-time scanning
- ❌ Constant notifications
- ❌ Background updates during gaming
Our Recommendation
Bitdefender for best balance of protection and performance.
ESET if you want absolute minimum impact.
Windows Defender is fine for budget (free and decent).
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Last updated: January 2026