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EnglishWhat Is AV-Comparatives and What Does It Offer?
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AV-Comparatives is an independent testing organization that evaluates anti-virus and cybersecurity software, publishing freely accessible, data-driven test results. It is relevant if you are a consumer choosing protection software, a CISO or security team evaluating enterprise products, an industry analyst, a journalist, or a vendor seeking third-party validation. The site describes itself as a "go-to source for independent, data-driven cybersecurity insights," and its stated purpose is unbiased evaluation rather than selling software.
What AV-Comparatives Tests
The organization covers three main areas, each aimed at a different buying or research decision:
| Area | What it covers | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|
| Enterprise Cybersecurity | EDR, XDR, firewalls, and endpoint protection | CISOs and enterprise security teams |
| Consumer Cybersecurity | Antivirus, internet security suites, and VPNs | Individual consumers |
| IoT & OT Security | Smart home, smart city, and industrial cybersecurity | Organizations securing connected and operational technology |
Each area publishes independent test results intended to help readers compare solutions before committing to one.
Why It Positions Itself as Independent
AV-Comparatives lists four claims that define its role:
- Independent testing – unbiased evaluations of cybersecurity, IoT, and OT solutions
- Freely accessible results – insights available to individuals, news organizations, and scientific institutions
- Globally recognized certification – a seal of approval indicating strong software performance
- Industry standard for security – a benchmark for transparency and reliability in testing
The practical takeaway: results are published for public use rather than sold as a private report, and the certification seal is meant to signal that a product passed the organization's testing.
Who Uses It
The site names four target groups:
- Consumers – comparing antivirus and security suites for personal devices
- CISOs – evaluating enterprise endpoint, EDR, XDR, and firewall products
- Analysts – referencing independent data in industry research
- Vendors – submitting products for testing and certification
Journalists and editors researching consumer safety are also named as users in the site's description.
What Test Reports Look Like
AV-Comparatives publishes dated, recurring test series. Two examples from the site:
- Endpoint Prevention & Response (EPR) Test 2026 (September 2026) – evaluates enterprise products' ability to detect, prevent, and respond to targeted attacks.
- Business Security Test H1 2026 (March–June) – the first half-year report of the enterprise main-test series, covering Real-World Protection, Malware Protection, and Performance, plus product descriptions.
These examples show the structure to expect: named test type, defined testing period, and a report combining detection, protection, and performance results.
How to Use the Site
- Identify your category — enterprise, consumer, or IoT/OT.
- Open the relevant test section to see the most recent reports.
- Read the report for the specific test type you care about (for example, Real-World Protection versus Performance).
- Check whether a product carries the AV-Comparatives certification seal if you need a quick signal.
- Cross-reference the test period, since results are tied to specific testing windows.
If you are comparing products, match the test type to your actual risk: real-world protection results matter more for everyday malware exposure, while EPR results matter more for organizations facing targeted attacks.