Quick Overview
- 1#1: VirusTotal - Scans files and URLs with over 70 antivirus engines to provide detection ratios and community votes for AV review.
- 2#2: MetaDefender Cloud - Multi-engine scanner using 30+ antiviruses and deep content disarm for accurate AV detection benchmarking.
- 3#3: ANY.RUN - Interactive sandbox for real-time malware analysis to evaluate AV behavioral blocking and protection.
- 4#4: Hybrid Analysis - Automated sandbox analysis powered by Falcon Sandbox for testing AV static and dynamic detection.
- 5#5: Joe Sandbox - Deep behavioral malware analysis platform with detailed reports for comprehensive AV performance review.
- 6#6: Cuckoo Sandbox - Open-source tool for automated malware detonation and analysis in custom environments to test AV efficacy.
- 7#7: VMRay - High-fidelity sandbox for precise malware execution and verdict generation to assess AV capabilities.
- 8#8: urlscan.io - Analyzes URLs with screenshots and network traffic to test web-based threat detection in AV software.
- 9#9: Jotti's Malware Scanner - Free online file scanner with multiple AV engines for quick signature-based detection comparisons.
- 10#10: Triage - Collaborative platform running multiple sandboxes to compare AV detections on malware samples.
These tools were carefully ranked by evaluating features like detection accuracy across engines, depth of behavioral analysis, ease of use, and overall value, ensuring they provide actionable insights to gauge antivirus performance effectively.
Comparison Table
Selecting the right antivirus software demands assessing tools that excel in threat detection, in-depth analysis, and adaptability. This comparison table explores key features of platforms like VirusTotal, MetaDefender Cloud, ANY.RUN, Hybrid Analysis, Joe Sandbox, and more, equipping readers to match their needs with the most effective solution.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | VirusTotal Scans files and URLs with over 70 antivirus engines to provide detection ratios and community votes for AV review. | specialized | 9.8/10 | 10/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.9/10 |
| 2 | MetaDefender Cloud Multi-engine scanner using 30+ antiviruses and deep content disarm for accurate AV detection benchmarking. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 3 | ANY.RUN Interactive sandbox for real-time malware analysis to evaluate AV behavioral blocking and protection. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | Hybrid Analysis Automated sandbox analysis powered by Falcon Sandbox for testing AV static and dynamic detection. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 5 | Joe Sandbox Deep behavioral malware analysis platform with detailed reports for comprehensive AV performance review. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Cuckoo Sandbox Open-source tool for automated malware detonation and analysis in custom environments to test AV efficacy. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 5.8/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 7 | VMRay High-fidelity sandbox for precise malware execution and verdict generation to assess AV capabilities. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | urlscan.io Analyzes URLs with screenshots and network traffic to test web-based threat detection in AV software. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 9 | Jotti's Malware Scanner Free online file scanner with multiple AV engines for quick signature-based detection comparisons. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 10 | Triage Collaborative platform running multiple sandboxes to compare AV detections on malware samples. | specialized | 6.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
Scans files and URLs with over 70 antivirus engines to provide detection ratios and community votes for AV review.
Multi-engine scanner using 30+ antiviruses and deep content disarm for accurate AV detection benchmarking.
Interactive sandbox for real-time malware analysis to evaluate AV behavioral blocking and protection.
Automated sandbox analysis powered by Falcon Sandbox for testing AV static and dynamic detection.
Deep behavioral malware analysis platform with detailed reports for comprehensive AV performance review.
Open-source tool for automated malware detonation and analysis in custom environments to test AV efficacy.
High-fidelity sandbox for precise malware execution and verdict generation to assess AV capabilities.
Analyzes URLs with screenshots and network traffic to test web-based threat detection in AV software.
Free online file scanner with multiple AV engines for quick signature-based detection comparisons.
Collaborative platform running multiple sandboxes to compare AV detections on malware samples.
VirusTotal
specializedScans files and URLs with over 70 antivirus engines to provide detection ratios and community votes for AV review.
Multi-engine aggregation from 70+ antivirus scanners providing a consensus verdict unmatched by single-engine tools
VirusTotal is a leading online malware analysis platform that scans files, URLs, IP addresses, and domains using over 70 antivirus engines and URL/domain blocklisting services from major security vendors. It provides detailed detection reports, behavioral analysis, and community-driven insights, making it an essential tool for verifying threats. Owned by Google, it serves as a gold standard for second-opinion scanning in cybersecurity.
Pros
- Scans with 70+ antivirus engines for comprehensive threat detection
- Detailed reports including sandbox analysis, YARA rules, and similarity searches
- Free public access with no installation required
Cons
- No real-time endpoint protection; on-demand only
- File upload size limits (up to 650MB for free users)
- Requires internet connection and potential privacy concerns with uploads
Best For
Security researchers, IT professionals, and users seeking multi-engine verification of suspicious files or URLs.
Pricing
Free for basic file/URL scans; VirusTotal Intelligence premium tiers start at around $500/year for advanced querying and retrohunt features.
MetaDefender Cloud
specializedMulti-engine scanner using 30+ antiviruses and deep content disarm for accurate AV detection benchmarking.
Simultaneous scanning with 30+ anti-malware engines for unmatched detection accuracy
MetaDefender Cloud is a cloud-based malware analysis platform from OPSWAT that scans files using over 30 leading anti-malware engines simultaneously for superior threat detection. It offers advanced features like sandbox execution, deep content disarm and reconstruction (CDR), and file reputation checks to identify zero-day threats and advanced persistent threats. Designed for secure file uploads and API integrations, it provides detailed scan reports accessible via web console or programmatically.
Pros
- Multi-engine scanning boosts detection rates beyond single AV solutions
- Comprehensive analysis including sandboxing and CDR for advanced threats
- Generous free tier and scalable API for easy integration
Cons
- Requires internet connectivity for all scans
- Advanced features may overwhelm non-technical users
- Pricing scales with volume, potentially costly for high-throughput needs
Best For
Security analysts, DevOps teams, and organizations needing robust, multi-engine file scanning with API-driven workflows.
Pricing
Free tier (200MB/day, limited scans); pay-as-you-go from $0.01/MB, with enterprise subscriptions available.
ANY.RUN
specializedInteractive sandbox for real-time malware analysis to evaluate AV behavioral blocking and protection.
Browser-based interactive sandbox allowing full control over the infected VM in real-time
ANY.RUN is an interactive online malware sandbox platform designed for real-time analysis of suspicious files, URLs, and executables in isolated virtual environments. It provides detailed insights into malware behavior, including process trees, network traffic, registry changes, and file system activities, making it invaluable for threat hunting and investigation. While not a traditional antivirus solution with real-time endpoint protection, it serves as a powerful tool for cybersecurity professionals to dissect and understand threats before they impact systems.
Pros
- Highly detailed real-time behavioral analysis with interactive control
- Rich visualizations like process trees and network graphs
- Free tier with public sharing for community collaboration
Cons
- Lacks real-time endpoint scanning or protection features
- Private analysis requires paid subscription
- Upload-based model raises potential privacy concerns for sensitive samples
Best For
Cybersecurity analysts, malware researchers, and incident response teams needing in-depth threat dissection.
Pricing
Free community edition for public tasks; paid plans start at €49/month (Explorer) for private sandboxes and advanced features, up to enterprise custom pricing.
Hybrid Analysis
specializedAutomated sandbox analysis powered by Falcon Sandbox for testing AV static and dynamic detection.
Hybrid static/dynamic analysis combining dozens of AV engines with full-system sandbox emulation for unmatched detection depth
Hybrid Analysis is a cloud-based malware analysis platform that enables users to submit files, URLs, and IP addresses for scanning against over 50 antivirus engines and behavioral analysis in a virtualized sandbox environment. It generates detailed reports highlighting static detections, dynamic behaviors, and threat indicators, making it ideal for verifying suspicious samples. While not a traditional endpoint antivirus, it serves as a powerful tool for threat hunting and sample triage in security workflows.
Pros
- Multi-engine scanning from 50+ AV vendors for comprehensive detection
- In-depth sandbox behavioral analysis with screenshots and network traffic
- Free tier available for public reports and basic submissions
Cons
- No real-time or automated endpoint protection
- Analysis wait times can vary during high load
- Advanced report interpretation requires security expertise
Best For
Security analysts, researchers, and IT teams analyzing suspicious files or URLs for malware confirmation.
Pricing
Free for public/community analysis; premium subscriptions start at $99/month for private reports, faster processing, and API access.
Joe Sandbox
specializedDeep behavioral malware analysis platform with detailed reports for comprehensive AV performance review.
Multi-engine hybrid analysis combining static, dynamic, and AI-driven behavioral insights for superior evasion detection
Joe Sandbox is a powerful malware analysis platform that detonates suspicious files, URLs, and emails in isolated virtual sandboxes to reveal malicious behaviors undetectable by static scans. It generates comprehensive reports detailing file actions, network traffic, registry changes, and evasion techniques. Primarily designed for security professionals, it serves as an advanced detection tool rather than a traditional real-time antivirus solution for endpoints.
Pros
- Exceptional behavioral analysis and evasion detection
- Detailed, actionable reports with visualizations
- Hybrid static/dynamic analysis across multiple OS environments
Cons
- Lacks real-time endpoint protection and scanning
- Requires manual submission for analysis, not automated
- Limited suitability for non-technical consumer users
Best For
Security researchers, incident responders, and SOC teams needing deep malware investigation.
Pricing
Free community sandbox for public use; professional API and enterprise plans start at around $500/year with custom enterprise pricing.
Cuckoo Sandbox
specializedOpen-source tool for automated malware detonation and analysis in custom environments to test AV efficacy.
Automated execution in customizable virtual sandboxes with granular behavioral monitoring and JSON/HTML reports
Cuckoo Sandbox is an open-source automated malware analysis platform that executes suspicious files in isolated virtual machines to capture their runtime behavior, including API calls, network traffic, file modifications, and registry changes. It generates comprehensive reports to aid in threat detection, reverse engineering, and incident response. While not a traditional antivirus for real-time endpoint protection, it serves as a powerful tool for behavioral analysis in antivirus research and malware hunting workflows.
Pros
- Exceptional depth in behavioral analysis and reporting
- Fully open-source with extensive customization options
- Scalable for high-volume analysis with multiple analysis machines
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and maintenance
- High resource demands for VMs and infrastructure
- Not designed for real-time protection or consumer use
Best For
Cybersecurity researchers, incident responders, and threat hunters needing detailed dynamic malware analysis.
Pricing
Free open-source software with no licensing costs; community-supported.
VMRay
enterpriseHigh-fidelity sandbox for precise malware execution and verdict generation to assess AV capabilities.
Patented deterministic full-system sandbox emulation that delivers consistent, evasion-resistant verdicts
VMRay is a advanced malware analysis platform specializing in sandbox-based detonation and behavioral analysis of suspicious files, URLs, and emails to uncover zero-day threats. It leverages AI and full-system emulation for highly accurate threat detection, generating detailed reports and IOCs for security teams. Primarily an enterprise tool, it integrates with SIEMs, EDRs, and other security stacks to bolster threat intelligence and response capabilities, rather than providing traditional endpoint antivirus protection.
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy in detecting advanced and zero-day malware through deterministic behavioral analysis
- Comprehensive threat intelligence with detailed reports and integrations
- Scalable cloud-based sandboxing for high-volume analysis
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for non-experts
- High enterprise-level pricing not suitable for SMBs or consumers
- Focused on analysis rather than real-time endpoint protection
Best For
Enterprise security operations centers (SOCs) and threat hunting teams requiring deep malware forensics.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscriptions starting at approximately $20,000/year, with volume-based tiers and on-prem options available.
urlscan.io
specializedAnalyzes URLs with screenshots and network traffic to test web-based threat detection in AV software.
Full-fidelity website capture including dynamic network requests and JavaScript execution traces
urlscan.io is a web-based URL analysis platform that scans submitted URLs for malicious content, capturing screenshots, HTML DOM, JavaScript, network traffic, and extracted files to detect phishing, malware, and other threats. It serves as a threat intelligence tool rather than a traditional antivirus for endpoint protection, enabling users to investigate suspicious links proactively. The service maintains a public database of scans for community research and shares results via unique identifiers. While valuable for security analysis, it lacks real-time system scanning or file protection typical of full antivirus suites.
Pros
- Comprehensive URL snapshots including traffic and behavior analysis
- Free public submissions and vast community database
- Simple web interface for quick scans
Cons
- No endpoint or file scanning capabilities
- Lacks real-time protection or desktop client
- Pro features require paid API access with limits on free tier
Best For
Security researchers and threat hunters needing detailed analysis of suspicious URLs in an antivirus workflow.
Pricing
Free for public URL submissions and basic access; Pro API plans start at $49/month for private scans and higher limits.
Jotti's Malware Scanner
specializedFree online file scanner with multiple AV engines for quick signature-based detection comparisons.
Powerful heuristic analysis engine that identifies zero-day malware variants missed by signature-based scanners
Jotti's Malware Scanner (malware.jotti.org) is a free, web-based tool designed for scanning individual files for malware, leveraging Jotti's proprietary signatures and heuristic analysis. It excels at detecting viruses, trojans, ransomware, and other threats by comparing uploads against a vast malware database. While not a full antivirus suite, it provides quick, detailed reports without requiring software installation, making it suitable for one-off checks.
Pros
- Completely free with no usage limits or subscriptions
- No installation required—just upload and scan via web browser
- Strong detection for ransomware and emerging threats via heuristics
Cons
- No real-time or on-demand system-wide scanning
- File size limited to 250MB per upload
- Requires stable internet; potential privacy concerns with file uploads
Best For
Ideal for tech-savvy users or IT professionals needing quick, occasional file scans without a full antivirus installation.
Pricing
Entirely free, no paid plans or upsells.
Triage
specializedCollaborative platform running multiple sandboxes to compare AV detections on malware samples.
Dynamic detonation in diverse Windows/Linux environments with integrated YARA rules and VirusTotal correlation
Triage (tria.ge) is a free online malware sandbox service that enables users to submit suspicious files, URLs, and IPs for automated dynamic and static analysis. It detonates samples in virtualized environments across multiple OSes, providing detailed reports on behaviors, network activity, file changes, and extracted IOCs. While excellent for threat triage and research, it lacks real-time endpoint protection typical of traditional antivirus software.
Pros
- Free public access with no signup required
- Comprehensive behavioral analysis and multi-engine scanning
- Fast results with shareable reports and collaboration features
Cons
- Manual submission only, no real-time or automated system scanning
- Public analyses are visible to others, risking data exposure
- Not designed for endpoint protection or prevention
Best For
Cybersecurity analysts and incident responders needing quick malware triage without investing in full AV suites.
Pricing
Free for public sandbox use; paid Pro/Enterprise tiers ($/user/month) for private scans, API access, and advanced retention.
Conclusion
Evaluating antivirus software highlights tools that set the bar for detection and analysis, with VirusTotal leading as the top choice, boasting an extensive network of over 70 engines for broad coverage. MetaDefender Cloud follows, offering multi-engine scanning and deep content disarm for precise benchmarking, while ANY.RUN stands out with its interactive sandbox, excelling in real-time behavioral analysis—each tool serving unique needs but all delivering strong performance.
To experience the power of top-tier antivirus testing, dive into VirusTotal and explore its robust multi-engine scanning to understand why it’s the leading choice for reliable threat detection.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
