Best antivirus software for PC in 2025
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Antivirus software is vital for keeping your computer and other devices safe from malware. If you donβt keep your gadgets secure, potential threats can take over them and steal your personal data.
At Cybernews, weβve been testing and reviewing various antivirus services for years to know the best ones that can keep you from harm. 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 the effectiveness of antivirus software.
To help you make the best decision, I conducted hands-on tests on top options to determine the best antivirus protection for Windows computers and mobile devices. Look over the summary of my top antivirus selections below.
The best antivirus protection for PC
- Norton 360 Antivirus β best antivirus overall in 2025
- TotalAV Pro Antivirus β antivirus for protecting multiple devices on a budget
- Bitdefender Antivirus Plus β cheapest plan for a single Windows device
- Surfshark Antivirus β best antivirus with a VPN combo
- ESET β 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, here you will find the top antivirus selections with their specs compared side by side.
1. Norton 360 Antivirus β the best antivirus software overall
| Rating: | |
| Max devices covered: | 1-10 |
| Operating systems: | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Price: | From $29.99/year |
| Coupon codes: | Norton coupon codes |
| 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. Besides antivirus protection, Norton also includes VPN and password management capabilities, making it an excellent all-in-one cybersecurity tool at an affordable price.
My experience with Norton 360
Our 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 werenβt. The full scan elapsed roughly 10 minutes in both cases, showcasing its efficiency.
Conversely, Nortonβs 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 (April 2025) gave Norton the highest scores, and this trend has continued since December 2024. Meanwhile, the newest test from AV-Comparatives can be found in its 2025 April report, showing that Norton has improved its false alarms systems. Norton received the highest rewards in both performance and protection tests β ADVANCED+.
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 WireGuard, OpenVPN, and Mimic protocols. Nortonβs VPN speed has slightly improved with the addition of the WireGuard protocol.
Who itβs 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 β the best affordable antivirus
| Rating: | |
| Max devices covered: | 3-8 |
| 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. Itβs 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 serviceβs full scan found 7 out of 10 malware samples. CPU usage was between 60% and 75% during the scan. Meanwhile, TotalAV tests were more favorable since the quick scan was 90% effective, while the full scan was 100% effective.
As for independent lab ranking, since December 2024, TotalAV garnered perfect 6/6 scores in all three categories (protection, performance, usability) in AV-TESTβs April 2025 report. On the other hand, TotalAV earned the STANDARD Malware Protection award in the AV-Comparatives March 2025 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 itβs 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 β the best cross-platform antivirus protection
| Rating: | |
| Max devices covered: | 1-10 |
| Operating systems: | Windows, macOS, Linux, 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 providerβs 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 providersβ quick scan effectiveness. Moreover, the quick scan was 100% effective during ransomware testing, further highlighting the toolβs efficiency.
Just like in the February 2025 report, AV-TESTβs April 2025 report also gave Bitdefender perfect scores across the board, confirming its 100% protection against a wide range of malware threats. Meanwhile, the March 2025 AV-Comparatives report ranks Bitdefender as one of the top-rated products, earning it the highest possible award in the test β AV-Comparatives ADVANCED+ Malware Protection.
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, unless you buy the Bitdefender Premium Security plan, youβll have a 200MB daily data limit, whereas Norton offers unlimited data. So, while Bitdefenderβs VPN is suitable for anonymity, I found it unsuitable for data-heavy activities like video streaming and gaming on lower-tier plans.
Who itβs 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 β the best antivirus software bundled with a VPN
| Rating: | |
| Max devices covered: | 5 |
| Operating systems: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, FireTV |
| Price: | From $36.31/year |
| Coupon codes: | Surfshark coupon codes |
| Today's best deal: | Get Surfshark Antivirus - 85% OFF + 3 months FREE |
Why I chose it
Iβve 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 donβt frequently test it to confirm its efficiency.
My experience with Surfshark Antivirus
We began in-house Surfshark antivirus testing by evaluating real-time protection, which fared pretty well against malware samples we had prepared in advance. Overall, the service dealt with 90% of the malware samples we 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 thereβs 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 isnβt as recent as with other antivirus providers. The results are promising, though, showing only a slight decrease in performance. Meanwhile, AV-Comparatives doesnβt offer any data about Surfshark Antivirus, which is disappointing. Additionally, itβs 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 itβs 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 $36.31/year initially. After that, youβre switched to the annual subscription plan, which costs $50.85/year.
5. ESET β 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 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
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 April 2025. During the latest test, the provider scored 6 points in the protection and usability categories and 5.5 points in the performance category. This is a slight decrease compared to maximum scores in all categories during the February 2025 test.
Additionally, the latest 2025 April report from AV-Comparatives gave ESET NOD32 the ADVANCED+ award, reflecting its excellent malware protection and low false positive rate.
ESET grants everything you expect from any antivirus solution. I really appreciate the web protection features offered by ESET. These include parental controls, 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 itβs for
ESET is for users who donβt 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 increase and can change over time.
6. McAfee Total Protection β well-rounded 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 WebAdvisor extension was disabled β it didnβt catch any malware. However, the results showed a success rate of up to 90% when WebAdvisor 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 April 2025 test results from AV-TEST show a different picture. Like in the previous test, which was done in February 2025, the provider scored maximum points in all categories: protection, performance, and usability. Additionally, McAfee earned the AV-Comparatives ADVANCED Malware Protection award, with only a high amount of false positives (15) preventing it from being awarded the highest possible award (ADVANCED+).
McAfee offers a VPN and an Anti-Tracker, which cleans 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 deleted information can't be recovered.
Who itβs 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 increases based on the annual price at the time of renewal.
7. Malwarebytes β among the best free choices
| Rating | |
| Max devices covered: | 1-20 |
| 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, and 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 I 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, itβs worrisome that the lab didnβt evaluate the service anymore in the following years.
Meanwhile, in the AV-Comparatives Malware Protection Test performed in April 2025, Malwarebytes performed poorly. It had 53 false positives (the second-highest number out of all tested providers) and received the lowest possible award.
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 are confidential, and you gain protection from man-in-the-middle attacks while surfing the web on public hotspots.
Who itβs 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 β great antivirus for Windows PC users
| 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
Our 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 latest independent Avira tests by AV-TEST from April 2025 show that Avira continues to perform strongly, earning top scores in all categories β matching its impressive results from the August 2024 test. 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 and a firewall. I liked that Avira offers features such as Game Booster. I tested it by opening various applications like Office, Calculator, and Steam. Even when running a game, Game Booster effectively stops Office from using any CPU percentage, optimizing apps to use 0% CPU. Other apps like Maps and VMW used only a small percentage of CPU (0.1-1%) when opened 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 itβs for
Avira Antivirus offers strong protection and user-friendly features like Game Booster and VPN, suitable for 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 β 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 cyberthreats. It has a clean-looking, easy-to-navigate interface. However, itβs not the best when talking about performance.
My experience with Trend Micro
Trend Micro is another antivirus where the independent lab test results didnβt align with our 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 score a 40% detection rate.
Conversely, the latest April 2025 Trend Micro tests from AV-TEST gave the antivirus perfect scores in the protection and performance categories, while in the usability category, it achieved a 5.5 score. Notably, the provider achieved perfect scores in all categories during previous tests by AV-TEST in February 2025, December 2024, and June 2024.
Meanwhile, the latest April 2025 malware protection test from AV-Comparatives doesnβt give Trend Micro any notable awards.
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. It's 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 Maximum and Premium Security plans, and it doesn't include some of the essential features, such as firewall protection.
Who itβs for
For just $19.95/month, 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 which are limited to higher-priced plans. This makes Trend Micro suitable for users with basic needs who prefer minimal extras.
10. Webroot β 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 that specializes in antivirus, identity, and privacy protection. It isnβt as popular as other antivirus providers and is suitable for those who want to run antivirus scans frequently.
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. In short, during in-house tests, Webroot had 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 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. During that time, Webroot provided 97.9% protection against Mac-specific malware. Still, it detected only 33% of Windows malware on Mac devices, meaning threats that donβt directly harm macOS but could still be transferred to Windows systems via file sharing or dual-boot setups. 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 itβs 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 taking into account 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?
Hereβs 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 and detection rates. 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. Also, research the antivirusβ detection rates for various types of malware, including viruses, trojans, worms, and ransomware.
- 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.
- Reliability and updates. 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 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.
- User reviews. Itβs always a good idea to check what rates real users give for particular providers to understand real-world performance.
- Price and value ratio. This is important to ensure you get robust protection and essential features without overpaying for unnecessary extras.
Considering these factors helps you 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 27 providers, not all antivirus programs are included in this list.
| Provider | 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 | 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 a free version with good protection, but a massive impact on system performance. |
| 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. |
| 13. Avast | This antivirus delivers reliable malware security, and its free option is no exception. |
| 14. BullGuard | A good anti-malware tool that satisfies most of your online security needs. |
| 15. Intego | User-friendly macOS antivirus that provides excellent real-time protection and a robust firewall. |
Why is Kaspersky not on our list?
Some antivirus software didnβt make it to my top list for very specific reasons. For example, Kaspersky was banned by the US government on September 29th, 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.
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 make an informed decision when choosing one.
| Provider | Rating | Free option | Price | OS compatibility | Identity theft protection | VPN | Password manager | Key features |
| 1. Norton 360 | β Yes, 7 days | From $29.99/year | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | β Yes | β Yes, unlimited | β Yes |
| |
| 2. TotalAV | β Yes, free version | From $19.00/year | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | β Yes | β Yes, unlimited | β Yes |
| |
| 3. Bitdefender | β Yes, free version | From $9.99/year | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | β Yes | β Yes, 200MB data cap per device | β Yes |
| |
| 4. Surfshark AV | β No | From $36.31/year | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, FireTV | β No | β Yes, unlimited | β No |
| |
| 5. ESET | β Yes, 30 days | From $34.99/year | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android | β Yes | β Yes, unlimited | β Yes |
| |
| 6. McAfee | β Yes | From $39.99/year | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS | β Yes | β Yes, unlimited | β Yes |
| |
| 7. Malwarebytes | β Yes, free version or 14-day free trial | From $44.99/year | Windows, Android, macOS, ChromeOS, iOS | β Yes | β Yes, unlimited | β No |
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| 8. Avira | β Yes, free version or 30-day free trial | From $26.99/year | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | β Yes | β Yes, unlimited | β Yes |
| |
| 9. Trend Micro | β Yes, free version for Android and iOS | From $19.95/year | Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS | β Yes | β Yes, unlimited | β Yes |
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| 10. Webroot | β Yes | From $ 37.49/year | Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android | β Yes | β Yes | β 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 27 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 the 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 on our list offer comprehensive security packages.
| Providers reviewed: | 27 |
| 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, and bonus features |
We performed our tests on the Virtualbox VM running Windows 10 and Windows 11, installed on a Lenovo ThinkStationAMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX 12-core processor, 3.99GHz, 64GB RAM, and 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, 3.81GHz).
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 every antivirus 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 serviceβs scanning capabilities. Crucially, we turned off real-time protection so it wouldnβt interfere with the scanning process. We tested quick and full system scans to see the difference between the two.
- Independent lab results (15%). To provide a well-rounded view, we included lab results from five independent antivirus testing institutions, AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives, SE Labs, MRG Effitas, and Virus Bulletin, and averaged their scores into one aggregate lab rating.
- User reviews (5%). We also collected user review scores from various platforms to see which providers users actually prefer.
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 youβd benefit from investing in an antivirus:
- You often end up on suspicious websites. Unreliable websites are the primary source of various cyberthreats 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 Β£500,000 or more annually (56%). The most common type of attack was phishing attempts. Whether you run a small or large company, it's important to have business antivirus 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 youβre 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 donβt have all-around protection. Whether youβre 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 itβs significantly easier to use them and ensure the all-around security of your device.
As the years go by, itβs 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, which comes in various forms. Contemporary cyberthreats 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 lead to malware), improve your deviceβs 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 cyberthreat landscape changes constantly. Thus, itβs crucial to pick trustworthy providers that frequently update their tools to tackle the latest malware effectively. Youβll know which options are the best by analyzing the tests of independent antivirus labs like AV-TEST and by reading reviews on third-party sites like this one.
Best antivirus based on independent lab testing
To get a comprehensive view of the best antiviruses in 2025, I also evaluated how they perform in independent lab tests. I gathered recent results from five top testing labs β AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives, SE Labs, MRG Effitas, and Virus Bulletin (VB100).
Since each lab uses its own scoring system, I converted their ratings to a common scale out of 100. This way, I easily compared the results and saw how each antivirus stacks up. Hereβs what I found:
| Antivirus | Number of lab tests (0-5) | Aggregate score (0-100) |
| Norton 360 | 3 | 100 |
| TotalAV | 3 | 87 |
| Bitdefender | 3 | 93 |
| Surfshark Antivirus | 1 | 97 |
| ESET | 3 | 99 |
| McAfee | 3 | 93 |
| Malwarebytes | 2 | 67 |
| Avira | 3 | 73 |
| Trend Micro | 3 | 66 |
| Webroot | 2 | 82 |
- Analysis performed on June 9th, 2025.
Looking at the aggregate scores, itβs clear that Norton 360, the top antivirus on my list, also comes out as the best in independent lab test results.
Not all providers were tested by every testing lab, which is why the Number of lab tests column doesn't show full counts. The most any provider was tested by is three labs, while the least is one, in Surfshark's case.
User reviews
I also evaluated user reviews to see how people actually feel about using top products day to day. I gathered reviews from popular review platforms: G2, Capterra, Google Play, and Trustpilot. Hereβs how each antivirus stacks up according to actual users:
| Antivirus | Number of portals (0-4) | Average score (out of 5) |
| Norton 360 | 4 | 4.5 |
| TotalAV | 3 | 4.3 |
| Bitdefender | 4 | 4.4 |
| Surfshark Antivirus | 0 | - |
| ESET | 4 | 4.6 |
| McAfee | 3 | 3.4 |
| Malwarebytes | 4 | 4.3 |
| Avira | 4 | 4.4 |
| Trend Micro | 4 | 3.7 |
| Webroot | 4 | 3.9 |
- Analysis performed on June 9th, 2025.
ESET came out on top with the highest user reviews rating of 4.6 out of 5. Norton 360, Bitdefender, and TotalAV were right behind it. Itβs great to see that the products that perform well in our in-house tests are also the ones users trust.
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 can 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 canβt 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 security flaws and recommend how to fix them.
Security system weaknesses, on the other hand, are bigger issues with your deviceβs overall security. These include outdated software, poor configurations, and a lack of layered security measures scan your device for potential risks, recommend updates, and provide a multi-layered defense. A good antivirus program should 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 can restore uninfected versions of your files if your device gets infected with ransomware.
Thereβs 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 Iβve listed here are available as free antivirus services, which, in theory, should grant adequate online protection. Unfortunately, oftentimes these variants lack vital features to 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 youβre getting many benefits that improve your daily online experience.
Which antivirus software is the most recommended?
After our testing and review results, and independent testing lab evaluations, I am confident that Norton 360 is the best antivirus software overall. It guarantees high malware protection rates and a wide feature array, including real-time protection and a VPN. On the other hand, TotalAV is a worthwhile option if youβre looking for something more affordable but just as effective. Conversely, go with Bitdefender if youβre 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 offers 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 $20.00/year and $40.00/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. Itβs 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?
Yes, 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.
