Best antivirus software for PC in 2025
To introduce independent antivirus software reviews that are free from undue influence or bias, we conduct thorough in-house tests and analysis. Our final assessments are based on objective criteria and empirical evidence.
We frequently repeat our tests, evaluate new features, and perform reassessments to make sure our reviews are accurate and up to date.
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Antivirus software is vital for keeping your computer and other devices safe from malware. As new antivirus programs and updates are released, we test them with real-world malware and ransomware samples for our performance reports.
Our reviews are conducted independently and without any external interference that would influence our verdicts. Moreover, we focus on the most critical objective criteria that are responsible for antivirus software’s effectiveness.
To help you make the best decision, the experts at Cybernews conducted hands-on tests on top options to determine the best antivirus protection for Windows computers and mobile devices. Look over the summary of our top antivirus selections below.
The best antivirus protection for PC
- Norton 360 Antivirus – the best antivirus overall in 2025
- TotalAV Pro Antivirus – antivirus for protecting multiple devices on a budget
- Bitdefender Antivirus Plus – cheapest plan for a single Windows device
- Surfshark Antivirus – the best antivirus with a VPN combo
- ESET NOD32 – the best antivirus according to independent lab tests
Our team of researchers thoroughly tests antivirus software following a well-established testing process. In unison, our experts combine in-house and independent testing lab findings with first-hand experience to help you make informed decisions about each product. Learn how we test antivirus software.
Top antivirus protection for Windows PCs in 2025
If you are looking for an antivirus package to protect your device, you will find the top antivirus selections with their specs compared side by side. Additionally, some honorable mentions are included.
1. Norton 360 Antivirus – the best antivirus software overall
| Rating: | |
| Max devices covered: | 1-10 |
| Operating systems: | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Coupon codes: | Norton coupon codes |
| Price: | From $29.99/year |
| Today's best deal: | Get up to 58% OFF Norton Antivirus |
Why I chose it
Norton is my top antivirus in 2025. It showed almost perfect results in my tests, demonstrating 100% malware and ransomware detection rates using its complete scan. Independent labs also frequently rank Norton among the top antivirus solutions, although the provider’s results aren’t very consistent throughout the year. Besides antivirus protection, Norton also includes VPN and password management capabilities, making it an excellent all-in-one cybersecurity option at an affordable price.
My experience with Norton 360
My most recent tests are thoroughly described in our Norton Antivirus review. A crucial highlight is that the service was 100% effective during malware and ransomware detection tests. However, only the complete scan was effective in this regard, while quick and smart scans weren’t. The full scan elapsed roughly 10 minutes in both cases, showcasing its efficiency.
Conversely, Norton’s real-time protection test yielded a 70% success rate, with 3 files missed. In a second test with wild malware samples, including 5 URLs and 5 domain-linked samples, real-time protection caught 8 out of 10 threats, achieving an 80% success rate.
Regarding independent lab tests, the latest AV-TEST report (December 2024) gave Norton perfect scores in protection, performance, and usability. Meanwhile, the latest test from AV-Comparatives is its 2024 summary report, where Norton received an approved security product award but not much else.
Norton 360 offers great features to safeguard your digital security, such as Smart Firewall, PC cloud backup, and system optimization tools. One standout is its VPN service, which I consider one of the best on the market. The VPN offers strong security with AES-256 encryption and supports OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and IKEv2 protocols. Norton’s VPN speed has slightly improved with the addition of the WireGuard protocol.
Who it’s for
In-house tests indicate that Norton Antivirus is the best choice for users needing an effective and affordable antivirus service with excellent extra features. Its subscription price starts at $29.99/year, but renewal prices may increase after the first year.
2. TotalAV – the best antivirus for digital security
| Rating: | |
| Max devices covered: | 5-8 |
| Operating systems: | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Price: | From $19.00/year |
| Coupon codes: | TotalAV coupon codes |
| Today's best deal: | Get TotalAV, now 80% OFF |
Why I chose it
TotalAV is the best budget-friendly antivirus solution, showing solid results during in-house testing. It’s also rated highly by independent labs, consistently delivering near-perfect protection rates. Crucially, despite the affordable price, TotalAV includes an excellent feature selection for well-rounded digital security for multiple devices.
My experience with TotalAV
The malware detection test yielded similar results since the service’s full scan found 7 out of 10 malware samples. CPU usage was between 60% and 75% during the scan. Meanwhile, ransomware TotalAV tests were more favorable since the quick scan was 90% effective, while the full scan was 100% effective.
As for independent lab ranking, TotalAV garnered perfect 6/6 scores in all three categories (protection, performance, usability) in AV-TEST’s December 2024 report. On the other hand, like Norton 360, TotalAV earned the approved security product award in the AV-Comparatives 2024 summary report.
Among TotalAV's features are tools for PC optimization that work better than other antivirus providers, like Norton. This makes it a good choice if you want to improve your computer's performance.
Like Norton 360, TotalAV offers a feature-rich suite with a VPN and password manager. The provider also offers WebShield, a browser add-on for blocking malicious websites. During my latest TotalAV tests, it blocked 70% of phishing URLs, which is a solid result.
I was also impressed by TotalAV's ad-blocking and tracker-blocking features. They effectively blocked trackers and advertisements across the web without negatively impacting my casual browsing experience.
Who it’s for
TotalAV is the ideal choice for budget-conscious users looking for an effective and easy-to-use all-in-one cybersecurity solution. Its antivirus features worked well in my tests and independent evaluations, making it a reliable option for device protection. While the cheapest plan's starting price is only $19.00/year, the renewal price is a whopping $99.00/year, which is a significant increase.
3. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus – the best cross-platform antivirus protection
| Rating: | |
| Max devices covered: | 1-3 |
| Operating systems: | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Price: | From $9.99/year |
| Coupon codes: | Bitdefender coupon codes |
| Current deal: | Get Bitdefender for up to 78% OFF |
Why I chose it
Bitdefender is cheaper than TotalAV, but that comes with the caveat of supporting only one device connection on the most affordable plan. However, the well-established antivirus provider showed excellent results during in-house testing. Independent labs also highlight the provider’s exceptional protection capabilities.
My experience with Bitdefender
The provider showed excellent performance across all categories in our latest tests for our Bitdefender review. Firstly, malware detection was 97.5% effective even with the quick scan, which is significantly better than other providers’ quick scan effectiveness. Moreover, the quick scan was 100% effective during ransomware testing, further highlighting the tool’s efficiency.
The December 2024 report from AV-TEST gives Bitdefender perfect scores in all categories and confirms its 100% effectiveness against various malware threats. Meanwhile, the AV-Comparatives 2024 summary report ranks Bitdefender as one of the top-rated products of the year. It also garnered a few other accolades in specific categories.
Bitdefender is a top choice because of its variety of bonus features. For example, I liked Scamio, an AI-powered chatbot that can analyze suspicious messages and links to determine their trustworthiness. Like Surfshark antivirus, Bitdefender is one of the many antivirus programs that employ a webcam protection feature. Webcam Protection and Microphone Monitor shield your camera and microphone from unauthorized access. While it's simple to cover your built-in webcam with duct tape, muting the microphone is more challenging and equally risky.
Like Norton, Bitdefender also has a VPN feature. However, Bitdefender has a 200MB daily data limit, whereas Norton offers unlimited data. So, while Bitdefender’s VPN is suitable for anonymity, I found it unsuitable for data-heavy activities like video streaming and gaming.
Who it’s for
Bitdefender is the ideal option for those needing a reliable and highly effective antivirus solution for a handful of devices. The cheapest plan starts at $9.99/year but only supports one Windows device. Alternatively, the Total Security plan costs $19.99/year and supports up to three devices on any OS. Just note that renewal prices will likely increase after the first year.
4. Surfshark Antivirus – the best antivirus software bundled with a VPN
| Rating: | |
| Max devices covered: | 5-unlimited |
| Operating systems: | Windows, macOS, Android |
| Price: | From $29.88/year |
| Today's best deal: | Get Surfshark Antivirus - 86% OFF + 3 months FREE |
Why I chose it
I’ve included Surfshark Antivirus in this list as a suitable option for people wanting a powerful VPN service with robust antivirus capabilities. It showed great results in internal performance tests, although independent labs don’t frequently test it to confirm its efficacy.
My experience with Surfshark Antivirus
I began in-house Surfshark antivirus testing by evaluating real-time protection, which fared pretty well against malware samples I had prepared in advance. Overall, the service dealt with 90% of the malware samples I threw at it, only missing one. However, with malware samples found in the wild, it was ineffective, with a success rate of 20%.
The service includes quick and full scanning capabilities, and I tested both to see if there’s a noticeable difference. The quick scan was indeed fast but not very effective. On the other hand, the full scan was 90% effective at detecting malware on my device.
The latest AV-TEST Surfshark evaluation is from June 2024, which isn’t as recent as with other antivirus providers. The results are promising, though, showing only a slight decrease in performance. Meanwhile, AV-Comparatives doesn’t offer any data about Surfshark Antivirus, which is disappointing. Additionally, it’s important to note that Surfshark antivirus is incompatible with other antivirus software and refuses to work until you uninstall it.
Surfshark Antivirus uses Avira's software development kit (SDK). This SDK includes scanning technology that checks for known malicious hashes. If it finds an unknown file, it sends it for analysis, which involves machine learning models, heuristics, and generics.
Another thing I like is that customers gain webcam protection. Unlike Bitdefender, Surfshark antivirus doesn't include microphone protection, only webcam protection. This feature ensures unauthorized apps can't access your webcam without your knowledge. It's a valuable security feature for users concerned about unknown parties spying on them through their cameras.
Who it’s for
Surfshark is for users wanting a powerful VPN with robust antivirus capabilities. You can utilize the VPN on unlimited devices, while the antivirus is limited to five devices per account, which is still better than with Bitdefender. Plus, device compatibility is excellent. The cheapest plan is the two-year option, which costs $29.88/year initially. After that, you’re switched to the annual subscription plan, which costs 50.85/year.
5. ESET NOD32 – the best antivirus for web protection
| Rating | |
| Max devices covered: | 1-10 |
| Operating systems: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Price: | From $34.99/year |
| Coupon codes: | ESET coupon codes |
| Today's best deal: | Get ESET, save up to 30% |
Why I chose it
ESET NOD32 is a leading Slovak cybersecurity product that offers an excellent and reliable antivirus suite. It performed extremely well in our tests, and independent antivirus labs rank it as one of the best services of the year. Combine that with its feature-rich package and you have a truly robust antivirus service.
My experience with ESET NOD32
The service confirmed its solid protection performance during in-house ESET tests. The real-time protection feature detected all 10 malware samples I had prepared in advance. However, the service did not remove or quarantine all of them, which was slightly alarming.
The complete scan did not disappoint either and detected 90% of the malware I had planted. It took roughly 9 minutes to scan 140K files and was lightweight, not requiring too much device memory.
AV-TEST evaluated ESET in December 2024. The provider scored maximum points in each category: protection, performance, and usability. These excellent results were repeated in previous tests, too. Additionally, the latest 2024 summary report from AV-Comparatives put ESET NOD32 as the product of the year. The service consistently garnered top scores throughout the year, overshadowing all other antivirus services.
ESET grants everything you expect from any antivirus solution. I really appreciate the web protection features offered by ESET. These include parental control, web access protection that detects and blocks scams and phishing sites, email client protection that scans incoming and outgoing emails, and antispam protection that detects and removes spam emails.
What's particularly impressive is the ESET Anti-Theft feature, which sets it apart from other providers. If your device ever gets lost or stolen, ESET Anti-Theft allows you to monitor its usage and track its location using IP address localization.
Who it’s for
ESET is for users who don’t mind paying a premium for a truly reliable antivirus service. Its consistent results across our tests and independent evaluations show that this antivirus takes security seriously. While the prices are steep, you can at least customize your subscription to suit your device needs. Prices start at $34.99/year if you need to protect just one device. Like with many other providers, renewal prices will increase and can change over time.
6. McAfee Total Protection – the most complete cybersecurity software
| Rating: | |
| Max devices covered: | 5-unlimited |
| Operating systems: | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS |
| Price: | From $39.99/year |
| Coupon codes: | McAfee coupon codes |
| Today's best deal: | Get McAfee, save up to 70% |
Why I chose it
McAfee is an excellent antivirus service that offers loads of features and supports unlimited device connections, except for the cheapest plan, which permits five connections. Either way, I picked it as a suitable alternative for readers wanting an antivirus for unlimited devices.
My experience with McAfee Total Protection
Similarly to Malwarebytes, McAfee underperformed in the real-time protection department when its extension was disabled. It didn’t catch any malware while WebAdvisor was disabled. However, the results showed a success rate of up to 90% when the extension was enabled.
Conversely, quick and full scans were average while reviewing McAfee. On a positive note, the quick scan was fast (scanned 4K files in 2 minutes) and needed no more than 35% of CPU resources. Unfortunately, it found only 40% of threats. Meanwhile, the complete scan took around 40 minutes to scan 190K files, yet showed only a 50% success rate.
On the other hand, the latest December 2024 test results from AV-TEST show a different picture. The provider scored maximum points in all categories: protection, performance, and usability. Moreover, McAfee earned many accolades in the AV-Comparatives 2024 summary report. The service is among the approved security products and has earned two gold awards in real-world protection and performance categories.
McAfee offers a VPN and Anti-Tracker, which clean up cookies and temporary files. Moreover, you can also access features like ID Protection through the McAfee Protection Center website. To enhance system performance, it offers an App Boost feature.
I liked the convenient file shredder, among other features. When you use the McAfee Shredder tool to delete files from your Recycle Bin and Temporary Internet Files, it ensures that the information can't be recovered.
Who it’s for
McAfee is a worthwhile option for users needing a robust antivirus with many features to protect unlimited devices. The price is fairly reasonable, considering what you get, but it's still not as affordable as Bitdefender or TotalAV. Prices start at $39.99/year, and the renewal price will increase based on the annual price at the time of renewal.
7. Malwarebytes – the best free antivirus software
| Rating | |
| Max devices covered: | 5-unlimited |
| Operating systems: | Windows, Android, macOS, ChromeOS, iOS |
| Price: | From $44.99/year |
| Coupon codes: | Malwarebytes coupon codes |
| Today's best deal: | Get Malwarebytes, now 50% OFF |
Why I chose it
Malwarebytes is a solid antivirus service with a free tier and well-rounded premium plans. Like ESET, it offers flexible subscription plans where you can choose the exact number of devices you want to protect. That means you can test the service using its free version then move on to a premium plan once you know your specific needs.
My experience with Malwarebytes
I conducted Malwarebytes tests on real-time protection in various scenarios. In the first test, I used URLs leading to malware samples found in the wild, some without a top-level domain and others with assigned domains. During these tests, I discovered that enabling the Malwarebytes Browser Guard extension significantly boosted effectiveness, achieving a success rate of 90%. Without the extension, the success rate dropped to 60%. However, real-time protection was ineffective in the second test in a controlled environment with 10 malware samples.
Scanning with Malwarebytes was a somewhat confusing endeavor. The purpose of the three options (scan, quick scan, configure scan) is unclear because neither performed as a full scan that other providers offer. Crucially, these scans failed to detect any malware in most cases. Only by picking the custom scan and configuring it did we get a somewhat positive result in which Malwarebytes found 50% of the malware.
Malwarebytes garnered excellent results in the October 2023 AV-TEST evaluations, missing only half a point in the protection and performance categories. It offers nearly 100% protection rates against widespread and 0-day malware attacks. However, it’s worrisome that the lab didn’t evaluate the service anymore in the following years. Even the AV-Comparatives 2024 summary report doesn’t include Malwarebytes in any way.
Aside from that, Malwarebytes, like TotalAV and Norton, offers a VPN to help encrypt your internet traffic and protect private information when browsing online. This means your online activities will be confidential, and you’ll gain protection from man-in-the-middle attacks while surfing the web on public hotspots.
Who it’s for
Malwarebytes offers effective free malware protection and includes useful exploit protection, though its scanning options and overall malware detection rates may not match top competitors like TotalAV and Norton. It's a good choice for users seeking basic, user-friendly malware defense, although its $44.99/year starting prices are a bit much.
8. Avira Antivirus – the best antivirus for Windows PC
| Rating: | |
| Max devices covered: | 1-5 |
| Operating systems: | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Price: | From $26.99/year |
| Coupon codes: | Avira coupon codes |
| Today's best deal: | Get 1 year of Avira at 58% OFF |
Why I chose it
Avira Antivirus is user-friendly and has a nice, intuitive interface that I like. It's packed with features, but navigating through them is a breeze. Features like Game Booster, VPN, and Password Manager can be convenient additions to your antivirus.
My experience with Avira Antivirus
My Avira Antivirus analysis showed satisfactory results. Real-time protection mustered a 90% success rate against malware samples I had prepared in advance.
Sadly, the quick scan results were pretty disappointing. I tested the feature thrice by altering where the malware files were located, yet Avira failed to find any of them in all cases. Thankfully, the full scan showed better results (70% success) at the cost of CPU usage, which skyrocketed to 92%.
The most recent December 2024 independent Avira tests by AV-TEST show that the antivirus service is powerful in most areas and scored maximum points in all sections. It ensures 100% protection against prevalent malware and 0-day attacks. Moreover, the AV-Comparatives 2024 summary also granted Avira the approved security product award.
The default Avira package includes a VPN, firewall, and password manager. I liked that Avira offers features such as Game Booster. I tested it by opening various applications like Office, Calculator, Steam, and more. Even when running a game, Game Booster effectively stopped Office from using any CPU percentage, optimizing unused apps to use 0% CPU. Other apps like Maps and VMWare used only a small percentage of CPU (0.1%-1%) when used alongside the game.
Another interesting feature of Avira, similar to Norton antivirus, is its dark web monitoring capability. Avira's Identity Assistant, available in your My Avira account, regularly scans the internet using an ongoing algorithm to check if your personal data has been exposed on the dark web.
Who it’s for
Avira Antivirus offers strong protection and user-friendly features like Game Booster and VPN, suitable for both free and premium users across Windows and other OS platforms. Despite mixed results in quick scans, its overall effectiveness and competitive pricing starting from $26.99/year make it a solid choice for comprehensive digital security.
9. Trend Micro – best budget-friendly antivirus software
| Rating: | |
| Max devices covered: | 1-10 |
| Operating systems: | Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Price: | From $19.95/year |
| Coupon codes: | Trend Micro coupon codes |
| Today's best deal: | Get Trend Micro, now 54% OFF |
Why I chose it
Trend Micro is a budget-friendly and serviceable antivirus that can help you protect your devices from cyber threats. It has a clean-looking, easy-to-navigate interface. However, it’s not the best when talking about performance.
My experience with Trend Micro
Trend Micro is another antivirus where the independent lab test results didn’t align with my Trend Micro test findings. The provider detected only 70% of the malware I prepared for the real-time protection tests. Meanwhile, system scans performed even worse.
Once again, I performed a quick scan with varying malware placement three times, yet the antivirus failed to detect anything in all cases. Meanwhile, the full scan took around 54 minutes to scan 376K files only to muster a 40% detection rate.
Conversely, the latest December 2024 Trend Micro tests from AV-TEST give the antivirus software perfect scores in all categories. Meanwhile, the latest 2024 summary report from AV-Comparatives doesn’t give Trend Micro any notable accolades. At least the report highlights that the provider doesn’t impose mandatory auto-renewal on users and allows using the trial without providing personal information.
I liked how easy it is to access Trend Micro's features and how clean the interface looks. For instance, you can quickly tap the Scan button to see all available options.
Trend Micro also offers a quick PC Health Checkup feature that identifies unnecessary files for cleaning. Its Password Manager, available as a browser extension or app, stores passwords and secure notes. However, features like VPN and advanced password management are only available in the Premium Security plan, and it doesn't include some of the essential features such as firewall protection and identity theft monitoring. This makes Trend Micro suitable for users with basic needs who prefer minimal extras.
Who it’s for
Trend Micro offers budget-friendly antivirus protection, a user-friendly interface, and useful features like PC Health Checkup and Password Manager. However, it may not suit users needing top-tier malware detection or additional features like a VPN and firewall, which are limited to higher-priced plans.
10. Webroot – antivirus with low resource usage
| Rating: | |
| Max devices covered: | 1-10 |
| Operating systems: | Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android |
| Price: | From $37.49/year |
| Today's best deal: | Get Webroot, save up to 40% |
Why I chose it
Webroot is an American cybersecurity software provider specializing in antivirus, identity, and privacy protection. It isn’t as popular as other antivirus providers on this list, making it a suitable option for those wanting an obscure antivirus service.
My experience with Webroot
During the Webroot review, the tests revealed mixed effectiveness against different types of malware. This is a notable downside compared to leading antivirus providers like Norton and TotalAV
Webroot antivirus' malware testing results weren't as impressive as those of the higher-ranked providers on this list. The full scan took 1 hour and 31 minutes, and it detected only 4 out of 10 planted malware samples, so it's fair to say that it has a 40% success rate.
However, it perfectly dealt with the ransomware files. Even though the scan took a long time, Webroot detected 9 out of 10 ransomware samples, showing a 90% success rate. During the test, CPU usage reached 30%, which is still within the low range, considering that Webroot antivirus had to scan 451,000 files.
The latest AV-TEST Webroot report was performed only in 2019, and Webroot didn't perform well then. It scored 2/6 for protection, 5.5/6 for performance, and 4/6 for usability. Meanwhile, it performed better in the 2019 AV-Comparatives test, offering 97.9% malware protection on Mac devices but only 33% on Windows devices. However, 2019 was a long time ago, and Webroot's performance has changed a lot since then.
Webroot antivirus offers key protection features, but some are lacking. The real-time protection feature struggles to block malware effectively, while the Web Shield feature only detects 50% of phishing attempts.
Additionally, Webroot provides identity protection against keyloggers and spyware and a Data Shredder that permanently deletes files. The password manager is a standout feature that gives subscribed users a LastPass account to store sensitive information securely.
Who it’s for
Webroot antivirus is a good option for those who need simplicity and low system impact, as it runs quietly in the background and offers basic protection. However, it's important to consider that it's outdated, and the features are not impressive, especially considering that some hardly work well.
Antivirus software buying guide: how to choose
Choosing the best antivirus might initially seem challenging. Many options offer protection against malware threats and various additional features for PCs and mobile devices. So, how do you decide which one suits your needs?
Here’s what you should look for when choosing an antivirus:
- Performance. Look for reviews or performance tests that compare how the antivirus software affects your system's speed and performance. You can also check if it slows down your computer during scans or regular use with free software trials.
- Security. Search for additional security features antivirus products can offer. For example, a VPN, a password manager, or other protection measures can add an extra layer of security for your devices.
- Features. Assess the additional features offered by the antivirus software, such as firewall protection, web browsing protection, email scanning, parental controls, and secure browsing. Choose the features that align with your specific needs and preferences.
- Detection rates. Research the antivirus software's detection rates for various types of malware, including viruses, trojans, worms, and ransomware. Look for independent tests such as AV-TEST or user reviews that evaluate its effectiveness in detecting and removing threats.
- Reliability. Check the official product website to see if the antivirus software receives regular updates to its virus definitions and database. Regular updates are crucial for staying protected against the latest threats. It's also a good idea to check the reputation of antivirus software online. This helps you see if there are any concerns about data breaches or threats to user privacy.
- Compatibility. Ensure that the antivirus software is compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) and any other devices you intend to protect, such as smartphones or tablets.
- Ease of use. Download a trial version or check out user reviews to see how easy the antivirus is to install, navigate, and use. A user-friendly interface is essential for hassle-free protection.
Considering these factors will help you to choose antivirus software that provides reliable protection without compromising usability or performance.
Antivirus software rankings 2025
When it comes to protecting your devices from the ever-evolving online threats, selecting the right antivirus software is key. Below is a list of the top 15 antivirus software options, each with its strengths and features to consider. While these antivirus solutions have been carefully selected out of 26 providers, not all antivirus programs are included in this list.
| Brand | Description |
| 1. Norton 360 Antivirus | Offers strong protection with features like real-time threat detection, secure VPN, and cloud backup. Its user-friendly interface and extensive customer support enhance its appeal |
| 2. TotalAV | Combines comprehensive malware protection with system optimization tools, making it a well-rounded choice for users seeking both security and performance enhancement |
| 3. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus | Excels in providing excellent malware detection rates, a user-friendly interface, and a wide range of additional security features, such as a secure browser and password manager |
| 4. Surfshark Antivirus | Surfshark not only offers robust antivirus protection but also includes a VPN to ensure your online privacy and security. It's a great option for users looking for both services in one package |
| 5. ESET NOD32 | Known for its fast scanning, efficient resource usage, and strong detection capabilities against various malware types |
| 6. McAfee Total Protection | Offers a wide range of features, including antivirus, firewall, secure browsing, and identity theft protection, making it suitable for users who desire all-in-one security solutions |
| 7. Malwarebytes | Specializes in targeting malware, making it a powerful complement to traditional antivirus solutions |
| 8. Avira Antivirus | Strong malware detection and minimal impact on system performance. Its free version offers significant protection as well |
| 9. Trend Micro | Effective ransomware protection and a wide array of privacy features make it an attractive choice for users concerned about online privacy |
| 10. Webroot | Offers minimal impact on the system and a good selection of features |
| 11. Aura Antivirus | A user-friendly interface and a range of scanning options make it suitable for users who prioritize simplicity |
| 12. AVG Antivirus | AVG provides solid malware protection and various features such as email and link scanning, enhancing overall security |
Why is Kaspersky not on our list?
Some antivirus software, like Kaspersky, didn't make it to my top list because the US government banned it on September 29, 2024. This ban raised concerns about its data integrity and ties to Russian authorities. In light of this, Cybernews cannot recommend Kaspersky as a 100% secure and reliable antivirus service.
Other antivirus brands to consider
Some antivirus software programs didn’t make it to my top 10 list, but that doesn't mean they aren't worth considering. Here are 5 antivirus providers that deserve mention but aren't quite at the level of the best ones on the market right now:
- Aura antivirus – offers crucial digital security features in one subscription, but its real-time virus scanner only detects half of the threats, and its VPN has US-based servers with significant speed decreases.
- AVG antivirus – a good choice for cyber threat protection because it offers an impressive range of features and has solid malware protection rates. However, it was a bit heavy on system resources in my tests, and it detected some false positives during independent lab testing.
- BullGuard antivirus – while independent antivirus software testers are still testing BullGuard antivirus and it is showing great results, adding it to the list seemed unnecessary, considering that it is now part of Norton LifeLock.
- Sophos antivirus – a reliable antivirus that's been around for many years, so we can trust its expertise in handling malware and viruses. However, while it covers all the basics, there aren't many advanced features available.
- NordVPN Threat Protection – while bundling with a robust VPN may seem like a good deal, NordVPN's Threat Protection falls short in performance. Unlike an antivirus, it only scans executable files, leaving out images, PDFs, and Word documents during download.
Antivirus software comparison 2025
Check out the comparison table below, where I've listed the top antivirus providers along with their key features. Explore the benefits and differences of each antivirus service to help you make an informed decision when choosing one.
| Brand | Rating | Free option | Price | OS compatibility | Identity theft protection | VPN | Password manager | Key features |
| 1. Norton 360 | ✅Yes, 7 days | From $29.99/year | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | ✅Yes | ✅Yes, unlimited | ✅Yes |
| |
| 2. TotalAV | ✅Yes, free version | From $19.00/year | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | ✅Yes | ✅Yes, unlimited | ✅Yes |
| |
| 3. Bitdefender | ✅Yes, free version | From $9.99/year | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | ✅Yes | ✅Yes, 200MB data cap perdevice | ✅Yes |
| |
| 4. Surfshark AV | ❌No | From $29.88/year | Windows, macOS, Android | ❌No | ✅Yes, unlimited | ❌No |
| |
| 5. ESET NOD32 | ✅Yes, 30 days | From $34.99/year | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android | ❌No | ✅Yes, unlimited | ✅Yes |
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| 6. McAfee | ❌No | From $39.99/year | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS | ✅Yes | ✅Yes, unlimited | ✅Yes |
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| 7. Malwarebytes | ✅Yes, free version or 14-day free trial | From $44.99/year | Windows, Android, macOS, ChromeOS, iOS | ❌No | ✅Yes, unlimited | ❌No |
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| 8. Webroot | ❌No | From $37.49/year | Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android | ✅Yes | ❌No | ✅Yes |
| |
| 9. Avira | ✅Yes, free version | From $26.99/year | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | ❌No | ✅Yes, unlimited | ✅Yes |
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| 10. Trend Micro | ✅Yes, free version for Android and iOS | From $19.95/year | Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS | ❌No | ✅Yes, unlimited | ✅Yes |
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Our antivirus testing methodology
The Cybernews research team tests every antivirus app hands-on to get the feel of the app and evaluate overall malware protection. In compiling this list, we looked at over two dozen popular antivirus packages.
To select only the best providers for our list, we performed in-house testing of the security software and took into account independent lab testing results. The main points to note were antivirus software performance, malware detection rates with already known and zero-day threats, and different security features providers offer.
Additionally, we sought out providers with easy-to-use apps, compatibility with various devices, and a good value-to-price ratio. These criteria are important to users, so we ensured that the providers in our list offer comprehensive security packages.
| Providers tested: | 26 |
| Operating systems used: | Windows, Mac, Android |
| Minimum virus detection rate: | 80% |
| Features tested: | Real-time protection, scanning options, web protection, spam filters, firewall, parental controls, bonus features |
We performed our tests on the Virtualbox VM running Windows 10 and Windows 11, installed on Lenovo ThinkStationAMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX 12-core processor, 3.99 GHz, 64GB RAM, 3TB SSD. Meanwhile, Mac tests were done on a VMWare setup as a MacOS 12.0.1 Monterey (allocated 16GB of RAM, 4 CPU cores, 3.81 GHz).
We used various popular malware samples during in-house antivirus engine testing, including ransomware, keyloggers, spyware, and adware. Below is a summary of our testing and ranking procedure:
- Real-time protection (40%). We focused on real-time protection by testing it in a closed environment that imitates the internet. We did so by downloading unzipped malware files to see if the security feature reacted appropriately.
- Scanning capabilities (40%). We stored the malware on the device to evaluate an antivirus service’s scanning capabilities. Crucially, we turned off real-time protection so it wouldn’t interfere with the scanning process. We tested quick and full system scans to see the difference between the two.
- Independent lab results (20%). In addition to in-house testing, we also considered independent antivirus testing labs, like AV-Test Institute, SE Labs, and AV-Comparatives. They continuously put antivirus software to the test and monitor their performance, false positives, and how they detect malware and other threats.
Video review: best antivirus of 2025
If you want a slightly different perspective, in this video, you'll find the comparison of the leading antivirus providers of 2025.
Do you really need antivirus software in 2025?
No matter what level of IT skills and online browsing habits you have, an antivirus is a necessary addition to your cybersecurity posture.
Here are some of the reasons why you’d benefit from investing in an antivirus:
- You often end up on suspicious websites. Unreliable websites are the primary source of various cyber threats that can infect your devices. Premium antivirus tools can block malicious sites and intrusive ads to help you avoid malware.
- You have your own business. Regarding the UK Cyber Security Breaches survey, in 2023, 32% of businesses and 24% of charities faced breaches or attacks. The numbers are even higher for medium businesses (59%), large businesses (69%), and high-income charities earning £500,000 or more annually (56%). The most common type of attack was phishing attempts. Whether you run a small or large business, it's important to have antivirus software to avoid any losses.
- You shop online regularly. According to the latest data from Statista, in 2023, the United States had more than 270 million people buying things online. That's over 81% of the whole US population shopping on the internet. If you’re entering your credit card details nearly every day, it would be wise to use an antivirus that puts your transactions in an encrypted secure browser screen.
- Your kids use your device. If you have children, making sure they stay safe is even more important. With the parental control features, such as webcam blocking, you can protect your children even while not at home. Chances are there are more than a few devices connected to your home Wi-Fi. A home antivirus can protect all of them at once, saving the hassle of catering to each separately.
- You don’t have all-around protection. Whether you’re using a password manager, VPN service, or secure email as separate products or not, you can benefit from a quality antivirus suite. Nowadays, they incorporate most of these cybersecurity tools, so it’s significantly easier to use them and ensure the all-around security of your device.
As the years go by, it’s less about malware and more about cybersecurity in general. Keep in mind that great antivirus solutions are feature-rich and come cheaper than getting a file encryptor or a VPN separately.
What security threats can an antivirus protect against?
Generally speaking, antivirus software protects you against malware (malicious software), which comes in various forms. Contemporary cyber threats include ransomware, spyware, rootkits, adware, cryptojackers, phishing attacks, viruses, and more. These can affect computers, smartphones, and other internet-connected devices like routers and IoT home appliances.
Besides that, the best antivirus services can also block online ads (which can contain malware), improve your device’s performance by removing certain inefficiencies, and monitor the dark web for data leaks. Some providers also include VPNs and password managers, which are just as vital for keeping your overall cybersecurity in check.
Most importantly, not all antivirus services are equally effective because the cyber threat landscape changes constantly. Thus, it’s crucial to pick trustworthy providers that frequently update their tools to tackle the latest malware effectively. You’ll know which options are the best by analyzing independent antivirus labs like AV-TEST and by reading reviews on third-party sites like this one.
Best antivirus based on independent lab testing
According to AV-Comparatives and AV-TEST independent lab results, all our tested providers perform similarly. Norton and TotalAV excelled in our in-house tests, while ESET and McAfee scored perfectly in AV-TEST’s latest review for protection, performance, and usability. On the other hand, in AV-Comparatives evaluations, all providers scored over 99.50% in protection rate, except Webroot, which scored 97.9%, and Trend Micro, which scored 96.12%.
I like that over time our top providers have consistently performed well, with only a few hiccups. When issues do come up, their teams are quick to fix them, aiming to be the best again. For example, Norton has had a high score consistently. The same goes for TotalAV.
Here's how AV-TEST's evaluation results for some providers changed from October 2023 to October 2024:
Most of them received Advanced certification due to their high protection scores.
What is the best antivirus for malware protection?
The best antivirus programs for malware protection not only perform well in security tests but also use advanced malware detection and removal methods. They rate URLs that you visit or get in search results based on how secure they are and block suspicious URLs before you access them and potentially download spyware.
Spyware is a type of malware that can gather information about your activities and steal your personal data. A good antivirus will be able to detect, block, and remove spyware through real-time scanning and monitoring, regular updates, and behavioral analysis.
Behavior-based detection tools used by antivirus programs monitor and identify abnormal file and program behavior. This is very effective in protecting your device from spyware infections and zero-day threats.
When the antivirus can’t identify a program as safe or unsafe, it uses allowlisting to ensure that only authorized apps can run on your device and blocks unknown programs that can put your sensitive data at risk. Sandboxing, another antivirus tool, lets unknown programs run but puts them in a secure environment and analyzes them for malware.
Your device may also have flaws in its software, OS, or network settings that could be exploited by cybercriminals to gain access to your files. A vulnerability scan can help identify these flaws and recommend how to fix them to increase security.
Security system weaknesses, on the other hand, are bigger issues with your device’s overall security. These include outdated software, poor configurations, and a lack of layered security measures. A good antivirus program should scan your device for potential risks, recommend updates, and provide a multi-layered defense against threats.
What is the best antivirus for ransomware protection?
For ransomware protection, antivirus software should have a few essential features, such as various scans, email filtering, and browsing history clearing. However, the best antivirus software for ransomware protection can offer more advanced tools.
While firewalls are not often found in antivirus packages, some of the top providers on this list do offer one, either built-in or available as an add-on. A firewall monitors incoming network traffic and identifies suspicious patterns to keep ransomware from entering your device. Secure browsers are also important, as they protect your online transactions by blocking phishing sites and malicious URLs that can lead to ransomware infections.
Ransomware-specific modules prevent ransomware in real time by monitoring critical files for encryption attempts. Sometimes, they can also restore encrypted files to their original state. But if this option is not available, cloud backup is the next best thing. It creates backup files and stores them in the cloud, so you’ll be able to restore uninfected versions of your files if your device gets infected with ransomware.
There’s also allowlisting and sandboxing, which can block unidentified programs from running on your device or let them run but only in a secure environment.
Is a free antivirus enough?
Some of the providers I’ve listed here are available as free antivirus services, which, in theory, should grant adequate online protection. Unfortunately, oftentimes these variants lack vital features that can protect you from the most severe cyberthreats. Conversely, a free antivirus is enough if your security needs are minimal.
Personally, I recommend using premium antivirus software to have absolute peace of mind on every device you own. The best antivirus services also grant many other features for improving your online security and privacy. That means you’re getting many benefits that improve your daily online experience.
Which antivirus software is the most recommended?
After our testing and review results, as well as independent testing lab evaluations, I am confident that Norton 360 is the best antivirus software overall. It guarantees high malware protection rates as well as a wide feature array, including real-time protection and a VPN. On the other hand, TotalAV is a worthwhile option if you’re looking for something more affordable but just as effective. Conversely, go with Bitdefender if you’re looking for a high-grade antivirus to secure one device.
All the antivirus services on this list offer great protection from threat actors who are always lurking in various corners of cyberspace. One wrong move, be it clicking the wrong link or visiting a suspicious site, and you may infect your computer or another device with malware. For such a reason, using an antivirus, especially if it has a real-time protection feature, is crucial.
FAQ
Will antivirus protect you 100%?
Good antivirus software will offer excellent malware protection. However, no software can give you a 100% protection guarantee. Make sure to stay observant of your online actions to protect your personal data.
How much does antivirus cost on average?
On average, the starting price of a reputable antivirus is between $20 and $40 per year. For instance, our best-rated antivirus software, Norton 360, costs from $29.99/year. However, the price can also go higher or lower depending on your chosen subscription plan, whether there are discounts for antivirus programs, and other aspects.
How does antivirus software work?
Antivirus software works by scanning the device, detecting known malicious threats, and removing or quarantining them. It’s regularly updated, so it can also detect newly emerged threats. The so-called heuristic scan tries to detect unknown malware software by looking at the way your programs behave.
Which antivirus is best for ransomware protection?
Norton 360 is the best antivirus for ransomware protection for all of your data. By blocking the attacks and automatically restoring your data in case of an attack, it helps protect your information and money.
Does Windows 10 need antivirus?
Windows 10 needs antivirus software, despite having Windows Defender. While Defender provides basic protection, it doesn't guarantee 100% malware or zero-day threat detection, catching only 10-40% of threats in tests. Third-party antivirus options offer faster and more efficient protection, plus additional features like VPNs and password managers that Defender lacks. Moreover, third-party antivirus suites provide better browser protection, whereas Defender's safe browsing is limited to MS Edge. Combining a third-party antivirus with Windows Defender offers enhanced security, as Defender continues to monitor the third-party software in the background.
