G DATA Internet Security is a German-made Windows suite that pairs a dual-engine scanner with AI-based DeepRay and behavior-based BEAST, and G DATA offers an official 30-day free trial.
At SawaHits, we evaluate security suites using official documentation, independent lab data and a hands-on walk-through of the interface. Below, I mark which details come from G DATA’s own documentation and which come from my look at the app. I did not run my own malware or speed benchmarks.
G DATA Internet Security 2026 at a Glance: Who Should Use It?
Quick answer: choose it if you bank online often and want a privacy-first, German-engineered suite. However, skip it if you use an older laptop or want a VPN bundled in the box.
The brand’s identity is simple: “Made in Germany”, strict GDPR compliance and a published promise of no backdoors for intelligence agencies, according to G DATA.
- Best for online banking: the patented BankGuard module targets banking Trojans.
- Best for privacy-conscious Windows 11 users: a European vendor under GDPR rules.
- Pick a lighter alternative if: you run an older PC, because two engines use more resources.
Still comparing brands? Our ESET vs Kaspersky vs Bitdefender comparison shows how the biggest names differ, while this review focuses on G DATA’s privacy-led approach.
G DATA Internet Security 2026
No license code needed. Download from G DATA’s official trial page.
⬇️ Get the Official TrialWhat Is G DATA Internet Security 2026? SecurityCenter Overview
Everything runs from the SecurityCenter, version 25.5.x in the 2026 release. A red navigation bar across the top organizes Virus Protection, Firewall, Backup, Parental Controls and the Autostart Manager, so you rarely need more than two clicks to reach a setting.
According to G DATA’s documentation, the real-time layer includes:
- Virus signature updates that arrive hourly.
- Web Protection through a browser extension for Chrome, Edge and Firefox.
- Email and spam scanning for incoming messages.
- Exploit Protection against attacks on software vulnerabilities.
Dual-Engine Scanner, DeepRay and BEAST Technologies
G DATA’s parallel dual-engine design combines Bitdefender’s scanning engine with its own in-house engine (CloseGap). As a result, a file is checked twice, which raises detection but also adds load.
If you want to see the Bitdefender side by itself, read our Bitdefender Total Security 2026 official trial offer.
On top of the two engines, G DATA’s documentation describes three modules:
- DeepRay® (AI detection): uses machine learning to find camouflaged and polymorphic malware.
- BEAST (behavior monitoring): graph-based analysis of process behavior across the file system, which can stop zero-day and unknown threats without relying on signatures.
- Anti-ransomware: detects unauthorized file encryption and blocks it before files are locked or Volume Shadow Copies are deleted.
For detection scores, check the latest reports from independent labs such as AV-TEST and Stiftung Warentest, since results change with each test round.
Main Features: BankGuard, Firewall, Parental Controls and Cloud Backup
BankGuard is the patented feature G DATA promotes most. It protects browser memory from banking Trojans that try to alter money transfers, and it replaces manipulated content with genuine data.
The Intelligent Firewall offers five customizable security levels and an Application Radar. Meanwhile, Autopilot mode works silently, so gamers and full-screen workers are not interrupted by pop-ups.
Beyond that, Parental Controls add time limits and category-based web filtering for children. In addition, Cloud Backup sends encrypted copies of your files to Dropbox or Google Drive.
System Performance and Resource Impact on Windows 11
Running two engines has a cost, and it is better to say so plainly. Idle scans and background monitoring are well optimized, but a full scan takes around 45 to 60 minutes and uses more CPU and RAM than single-engine competitors.
Older laptops have two options. You can disable one engine under Security / Change Performance, or you can pick a lighter single-engine suite, such as the one in our official ESET NOD32 trial guide.
G DATA Internet Security Free Trial: Plans, Pricing and Official Steps
| Plan | Price (per year) | What you add |
|---|---|---|
| G DATA Antivirus | $29.95 / 1 PC | Core protection with both engines |
| G DATA Internet Security | $39.95 / 1 device | Firewall, Parental Controls, Cloud Backup, Anti-Spam |
| G DATA Total Security | $49.95 | Password Manager, USB access control, Browser Cleaner, File Encryption Safe |
Not included: G DATA VPN and G DATA ID Protection (dark web monitoring) are paid add-ons. Prices change often, so confirm the current figure on G DATA’s site.
How to start the official 30-day trial:
- Open G DATA’s official trial page (
gdata.de/en/software-trial-version) or the downloads page atgdata-software.com/downloads. - Download
GDATA_INTERNETSECURITY_WEB_WEU.exeand run it. - Follow the setup wizard and accept the license agreement.
- When asked to activate, choose Activate trial version. No license code is needed.
- Finish the installation and restart Windows if prompted.
- Open the SecurityCenter and confirm that the trial status appears.
- Check your account in the My G DATA portal to see whether the trial converts to a paid plan, and adjust it before the 30 days end.
Pros and Cons of G DATA Internet Security
- Pros: dual-engine detection; patented BankGuard; strict German GDPR privacy with a no-backdoor promise; 30-day free trial plus a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Cons: no bundled VPN in Internet Security; heavier full scans than ESET; mobile apps differ between Android and iOS.
G DATA vs Windows Built-in Security
Many users are fine with Windows’ built-in protection for basic browsing. However, if you do a lot of online banking or want a vendor outside the big US brands, BankGuard and the dual-engine defense are real reasons to consider G DATA. For the free option, read our Microsoft Defender Antivirus 2026 review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trial, Plans and Pricing
Is G DATA Internet Security free in 2026?
Does G DATA Internet Security include a VPN?
What is the difference between G DATA Internet Security and Total Security?
How do I cancel or manage my G DATA trial in the My G DATA portal?
Protection and Performance
How does G DATA's dual-engine scanner work?
Does G DATA slow down Windows 11 during gaming?
Final Verdict: Is G DATA Internet Security Worth It in 2026?
G DATA Internet Security is a strong pick for online banking and for users who value European privacy rules. The dual-engine scanner, DeepRay, BEAST and BankGuard give it real depth, while the 30-day trial lets you test it risk-free.
Nevertheless, it is not for everyone. If your PC is old or you want a bundled VPN, a lighter suite fits better. Either way, start with the official trial, watch how your system behaves for a few days, and then decide whether to subscribe.
