Which endpoint protection slows computers down the least?

Short answer: In the latest business endpoint performance testing I found, Avast Ultimate Business Security, Kaspersky Endpoint Security, and WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection were among the lightest on Windows 11. AV-TEST gave each the maximum 6/6 performance score in its six-month test from March–August 2026. Qualys Endpoint Protection and Norton Small Business also scored 6/6. (av-test.org)

There isn’t one universal winner: results vary by computer, workload, and product configuration. If you mean a specific platform—such as Microsoft Defender, CrowdStrike, or SentinelOne—or are choosing for a small business, tell me which products you’re comparing and I can narrow it down.

There isn't one product that wins everywhere. The answer depends on whether you mean home or business use, and on which lab's test you trust. Here's what the most recent independent results show.

Consumer products (latest AV-Comparatives performance results I could find)

• In the April 2026 test, a review site reports that McAfee now edges out Norton for the lightest footprint on AV-Comparatives' April 2026 performance test. I could not see the full April 2026 scores, so treat this as a secondhand summary.
• The September 2025 test is the latest with full scores I could confirm. Kaspersky had the lowest impact score at 3.0, followed by Norton at 3.8 and Avast/AVG at 3.9, with ESET at 5.8 (lower is better). Kaspersky 90 · 97.0 · 3.0 and ESET 90 · 94.2 · 5.8.
• AV-Comparatives published a September 2026 performance test, but I couldn't retrieve its results, so check that page directly for the newest ranking.

Business/enterprise products

• AV-Comparatives' Business Security Test for March–June 2026 ranked ESET first with an impact score of 3.7, ahead of Kaspersky at 3.9 and Norton at 6.6 (lower is better).
• In AV-Comparatives' 2026 Endpoint Prevention and Response test, Elastic reports the lowest modelled operational footprint of any tested product. That is the vendor's own description of an AV-Comparatives result, so verify it in the full report.
• AV-TEST's 2026 reports for business products are a second source. Its March–April 2026 review of Net Protector Endpoint Security gave it a Performance Score of 6.0/6.0. Its Qualys Endpoint Protection 8.26 review (July–August 2026) also tests slowdown in daily use.

Caveats

• Older figures are unreliable. A McAfee press release claiming a 2.8 impact score is from a test that is surpassing the industry average of 12.3, but it is from an older test, so don't rely on it for current products.
• Impact scores differ between labs and test methods, and a few points of difference is usually within noise. Pick a product that performs well across several tests, and check the September 2026 AV-Comparatives performance report and AV-TEST's latest business results before you buy.

Determining which endpoint protection slows a computer down the least depends on whether you are an individual user or a business, as the software landscape and performance impact can vary based on specific environments and hardware.

However, based on consistent performance in independent lab tests (such as AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives) and industry recognition, the following solutions are frequently cited for having a minimal performance footprint:

1. Top Performers for Low System Impact

• ESET: Frequently highlighted for its "low system resource usage" and "low performance impact". It is often a top recommendation for users or organizations prioritizing speed without compromising security.
• Bitdefender: Known for its "low performance impact" and "lightweight endpoint agent". It is widely regarded as one of the most efficient solutions, running quietly in the background while maintaining high detection rates.
• CrowdStrike Falcon: Often favored in enterprise environments, its "cloud-native architecture" is specifically designed to keep the sensor footprint on endpoints minimal, preventing the "heavy agent" issues that can slow down systems.
• Acronis: Recent independent evaluations (such as AV-TEST) have awarded it top scores for performance, frequently hitting the maximum possible marks in speed and efficiency categories.
• Microsoft Defender: As a built-in solution for Windows, it is highly optimized for the operating system. For many users, it provides excellent protection with minimal additional system overhead compared to third-party alternatives that may add unnecessary background processes.

Key Factors in Performance

When choosing software based on "speed," keep these industry insights in mind:

• Cloud-Native Architecture: Modern, "lightweight" solutions perform heavy processing in the cloud rather than on your local device. This is the most significant factor in preventing CPU drain and overheating.
• Avoid "Feature Bloat": Some antivirus products include extensive extra features (VPNs, password managers, system cleanup tools) that can contribute to perceived slowness. If performance is your primary concern, look for versions that focus specifically on core endpoint protection.
• Independent Testing: Organizations like AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives regularly publish "Performance" or "Endurance" tests. Checking their latest reports for your specific OS (e.g., Windows 11) is the most objective way to verify how much a tool will impact your specific system speed.

Recommendation:
If you are looking for a balance between security and performance, ESET and Bitdefender are consistently praised by both individual users and technical labs. For enterprise environments, CrowdStrike Falcon is widely considered the gold standard for maintaining high performance at scale.

There isn’t one universal winner—it depends on whether you mean home antivirus or business endpoint protection, and on your computer and workload.

For home Windows PCs, the latest independent AV-Comparatives results available here put McAfee first for performance, with an impact score of 3.1. The lab tested everyday tasks such as copying files, installing apps, launching programs, and browsing on Windows 11. ¹ That measures speed impact, not how well the product protects you, and results can differ on another PC. ¹

If by “endpoint protection” you mean a business product, this consumer test isn’t a suitable basis for choosing one. For business use, compare current enterprise tests and weigh performance alongside protection and manageability. ²

Sources: ¹ AV-Comparatives, Performance Test September 2026 · ² AV-Comparatives, Endpoint Prevention & Response Test 2026