Best antivirus software in 2025

Antivirus software has never been more needed than now when data breaches and new malware emerge daily. Cybercriminals have come up with ingenious attack techniques and can use advanced methods to steal your personal information or even your identity.

As new antivirus updates are released, we test them with real-world malware and ransomware samples to determine which ones perform the best. For the best antivirus roundups, with the support of our research team, I tested 26 antivirus programs, with all tests based on our in-house evaluations, years of experience, and independent lab test results.

Top-rated antivirus programs of 2025

1. Norton 360 Antivirus – the best antivirus overall in 2025
2. TotalAV Pro Antivirus – excellent antivirus for digital security
3. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus – top cross-platform antivirus software
4. Surfshark Antivirus – great lightweight antivirus bundled with VPN
5. ESET NOD32 – antivirus with excellent web protection features

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The best antivirus software for 2025

For this antivirus list, with the help of our research team, I tested 26 providers and selected only the top 10 that passed my evaluations. Additionally, I also included some antivirus programs that didn't make the cut but are worth noting.

1. Norton 360 Antivirus – the best antivirus software overall

Max devices covered:	10
Yearly plan price range:	From $29.99 to $99.99/month
Operating systems:	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Current deal:	Get up to 58% OFF Norton Antivirus

Visit Norton

Norton is the best antivirus software of 2025 that offers a feature-rich package with an intuitive interface. It has effective real-time protection and offers a reliable VPN and password manager for added digital security.

However, I found Norton's interface might be less user-friendly. For example, using two interfaces to navigate Norton feature packs is a bit confusing.

Solid threat blocking but slow scanning

For starters, I tested real-time protection with 10 malware samples, and the antivirus garnered a 70% success rate. Protection failed to identify and remove 3 malicious files. In the second test, I challenged real-time protection with malware samples found in the wild, including 5 URLs pointing to malware and 5 samples with assigned domains. The results showed that real-time protection with wild samples is quite effective, catching 8 out of 10 downloaded malicious files, resulting in an 80% protection rate. It's worth mentioning that Norton’s real-time protection scanning was much slower compared to Avira, Malwarebytes, or Bitdefender.

The full system scan was also 80% successful and took over 5 minutes. However, I was thoroughly disappointed by the Power Eraser feature, which failed to detect any malware no matter how hard I tried.

Regarding independent lab tests, the latest July-August 2024 AV-TEST reports show perfect scores in all three categories: protection, performance, and usability. In the September 2024 test, an independent lab, AV-Comparatives, found that Norton antivirus successfully blocked 99.96% of threats. However, it had 32 false alarms, which prevented Norton from receiving the Advanced protection award.

My experience with Norton 360

Norton antivirus has some great features to safeguard your digital security. It offers Smart Firewall, PC cloud backup, parental controls, and system optimization features. One of the most noteworthy Norton Antivirus features is its VPN service, which I consider one of the best on the market. The VPN provides adequate security with AES-256 encryption and the OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, or IKEv2 tunneling protocols. Norton’s speed has improved slightly since it started using WireGuard protocol, too.

Just like Bitdefender, Norton Antivirus developed an AI-powered tool to detect scams. It’s called Genie and is available for free on mobile devices. Besides that, the antivirus grants software updater capabilities, which checks popular software for updates, and I found it works well.

I also tried Norton's Safe Web feature and found it impressive. It's a browser extension that provides information about a site's security. When users get search results from a search engine, after a few seconds, marks indicating the safety level of the sites appear.

Who it's for

Norton has been fighting viruses and malware since the MS-DOS days. If you want reliable protection from a trusted brand with decades of experience, Norton Antivirus is the way to go.

2. TotalAV – the best antivirus for digital security

Max devices covered:	8
Yearly plan price range:	From $19.00 to $99.00/month
Operating systems:	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Current deal:	Get TotalAV, now 80% OFF

Visit TotalAV

TotalAV is an affordable and effective antivirus solution, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a budget-friendly and efficient cybersecurity tool. Its user interface is easy to navigate, offering essential scanning options such as Quick and Full scans. Additionally, it includes features for cleaning up your device by removing unnecessary files. However, my in-house test results were mixed.

Good live protection but limited full scan effectiveness

My TotalAV evaluations began with real-time protection tests, which were quite favorable for the service. It was tested in two ways: with malware samples prepared beforehand and live samples found in the wild (7 URLs pointing to malware and 3 samples with assigned domains). The initial live test showed that real-time protection worked 90% of the time. But when I tested it with pre-prepared malware samples, it only caught 60% of them.

Unfortunately, the full scan was only 60% effective against the prepared malware samples I hid in the main drive. On the other hand, a quick scan ran for around 2 minutes but failed to find malicious files hidden in obscure places.

The AV-TEST July-August 2024 summary showed great TotalAV performance. TotalAV blocked 100% of zero-day attacks. The provider only lost half a point in performance because it caused slowdowns on popular apps.

AV-Comparatives, another independent testing lab, awarded TotalAV's protection the highest rating of Advanced+. In its September 2024 test, TotalAV successfully blocked 99.98% of threats with 13 false positives.

My experience with TotalAV

TotalAV stands out from most antivirus services with its feature-rich suites. For example, it offers a VPN and password manager. TotalAV's antivirus package includes the WebShield feature, which is my favorite and has shown great effectiveness. It blocked 60% of malicious URLs with domain names and warned about potential danger for two others. Additionally, it blocked 100% of malicious websites accessible through only the IPv4 protocol.

Among TotalAV's features, you will also find 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.

I liked that TotalAV includes a Cloud Scanner, a Disk Cleaner, a System Tune-up, and other optimization tools. These are beginner-friendly and will help you free up some space in your hard drive.

I was also impressed by TotalAV's ad-blocking and tracker-blocking features. They effectively blocked trackers and advertisements across the web without causing any negative impact on my experience during casual browsing.

Who it's for

TotalAV provides affordable antivirus protection with essential features like quick and full scans, ideal for beginners. Independent tests highlight strong performance against zero-day threats, making it a reliable choice for budget-conscious users.

3. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus – the best cross-platform antivirus protection

Max devices covered:	25
Yearly plan price range:	From $0.00 to $19.99/month
Operating systems:	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Current deal:	Get Bitdefender for up to 78% OFF

Visit Bitdefender

Bitdefender is a safe antivirus option known for its excellent protection and good arsenal of security tools. It offers real-time protection, deep scanning, and secure VPN connections across multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. However, the VPN is limited to 200MB of data per device unless you upgrade, and some features, like web protection, could be improved.

Flawless protection but weak quick scan

Regarding in-house tests, Bitdefender’s real-time protection easily dealt with all 10 malware samples I pitted against it. It caught 9 out of 10 downloaded malicious files. I ran another real-time protection test with live malware samples from the wild, including malware with assigned domains and only IP addresses (5 of each). Bitdefender successfully protected against all of them, achieving a 100% success rate.

For my research, I also performed all basic Bitdefender scan options, like the Quick scan and System scan. Deep scanning was highly effective and resulted in a 90% detection rate. However, the Quick scan was completely ineffective, as it wasn’t able to detect any malicious samples.

Bitdefender accumulated perfect scores in the protection, performance, and usability categories in the 2024 July-August AV-TEST independent evaluation. Additionally, during independent September 2024 AV-Comparatives tests, it got a high 99.98% protection rate with only 5 false alarms – an improvement since the March test.

My experience with Bitdefender

Bitdefender is a top choice because of its bonus feature variety. 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.

Bitdefender, like Norton antivirus, 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 renowned for its top-tier protection and comprehensive security features across multiple platforms. Despite some limitations, like a 200MB daily VPN data cap, it excels in real-time protection and deep system scanning, making it a strong choice for users prioritizing security.

4. Surfshark Antivirus – the best antivirus software bundled with a VPN

Max devices covered:	5
Yearly plan price range:	From $17.95 to $50.85/month
Operating systems:	Windows, macOS, Android
Current deal:	Get Surfshark Antivirus - 85% OFF + 3 months FREE

Visit Surfshark AV

If you're looking for an all-in-one option for your digital security, Surfshark antivirus might be the one. I appreciate Surfshark's duo of VPN and antivirus, which makes it a perfect solution for non-techy users. The provider offers convenient and user-friendly apps for Windows, macOS, and Android, making it ideal even for beginners.

Strong in tests but weak against live threats

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%.

On the other hand, the full system scan managed to identify 7 malicious files stored deep in the C disk. However, it wasn’t as lightweight as expected (it used around 80% of CPU resources). Additionally, it’s important to note that Surfshark antivirus is incompatible with other antivirus software and refuses to work until you uninstall it.

Regarding independent lab tests, AV-TEST gave Surfshark antivirus perfect scores in the protection and usability categories in May-June 2024. It lost half a point in performance due to slower speeds when launching popular websites and installing frequently used apps. However, Surfshark antivirus still received the Top Product certification from AV-TEST.

My experience using Surfshark

Speaking of Surfshark antivirus features, it appears to use 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. The analysis 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.

Finally, Surfshark has one of the best VPNs in the business, keeping your privacy intact when surfing online while offering some of the best speeds in the industry.

Who it's for

For users seeking a simple yet effective digital security solution, Surfshark antivirus, bundled with a VPN, offers convenient protection on Windows, macOS, and Android devices. Priced at $36.32 per year for up to 5 devices, it's ideal for those prioritizing ease of use and basic security needs.

5. ESET NOD32 – the best antivirus for web protection

Max devices covered:	5
Yearly plan price range:	From $34.99 to $179.99/month
Operating systems:	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Current deal:	Get ESET, save up to 30%

Visit ESET NOD32

ESET NOD32 is a leading Slovak cybersecurity product that offers an excellent and reliable antivirus suite – well worth a place on our best antivirus software list. This provider stands out with its features for internet protection. For example, it offers effective Parental controls, Web access protection, Email client protection, and more. It should particularly appeal to intermediate users due to its impressive array of setting customization options.

Excels with scanning speed, struggles with malware removal

Regarding ESET antivirus security, the service confirmed its solid performance. 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 July-August 2024. The provider scored maximum points in each category: protection, performance, and usability. Additionally, the latest September 2024 test results from AV-Comparatives put ESET NOD32 into the Advanced+ category. Overall, the antivirus reached a 99.94% online protection rate and suffered from only 2 false alarms.

My experience using ESET NOD32

ESET plans grant 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.

Overall, ESET offers essential protection against vulnerabilities. Like Bitdefender and Norton antivirus providers, ESET, with its Home Security Ultimate plan, provides unlimited VPN services. Moreover, with ESET, you’ll get lightweight scans and even a Gamer mode feature, which minimizes CPU usage to improve overall performance.

Who it's for

ESET NOD32 stands out for intermediate users with robust internet protection features, including effective parental controls and Anti-Theft capabilities. It offers reliable performance in real-time protection and system scans, backed by positive evaluations from independent testing labs.

6. McAfee Total Protection – the most complete cybersecurity software

Max devices covered:	Unlimited
Yearly plan price range:	From $39.99 to $119.99/month
Operating systems:	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
Current deal:	Get McAfee, save up to 70%

Visit McAfee

McAfee is one of the best all-around antivirus programs for cybersecurity. It not only offers protection against the latest cyber threats but also provides additional security features, doing more than just essential malware protection.

The software interface is nice and easy to use, but it feels a bit chaotic because some features are only available on the web. Still, the app's options are straightforward and well explained, so you won't get lost while using it.

Fast scan speeds but poor malware detection

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 an up to 90% success rate when the extension was enabled.

Conversely, quick and full scans were average at best. 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 July-August 2024 test results from AV-TEST show a different picture in which McAfee Total Protection lives up to its name and provides absolute protection against all malware types. The provider scored max points in all categories: protection, performance, and usability. Moreover, AV-Comparatives, an independent testing lab, gave McAfee’s protection the highest rating of Advanced. In its September 2024 test, McAfee blocked 99.94% of threats with just 13 false alarms. Just like Bitdefender, it has improved since the test in March.

My experience using McAfee

McAfee is safe and dedicated to cybersecurity. Comparable to other top providers, it 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. What I liked, among other features, is the convenient File Shredder. When you use the McAfee Shredder tool to delete files from your Recycle Bin and Temporary Internet Files, it ensures that the info can't be recovered.

Additionally, the software suggests trying three free browser extensions. I tested each one and found them quite effective, especially considering they're free. One stops auto-playing videos, another guards against malicious websites and phishing attempts, and True Key is a handy password manager.

Who it's for

McAfee offers strong all-around cybersecurity with comprehensive protection and additional features like a VPN and Tracker Remover. Despite a slightly cluttered interface, it performs well in independent tests and provides a 30-day money-back guarantee for users to explore its capabilities risk-free.

7. Malwarebytes – the best free antivirus software

Max devices covered:	20
Yearly plan price range:	From $0.00 to $119.99/month
Operating systems:	Windows, Android, macOS, ChromeOS, iOS
Current deal:	Get Malwarebytes, now 30% OFF

Visit Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes is another solid anti-malware program that does the job well. It ranked high in our best free antivirus list for its reliability in malware protection. The interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate. However, when compared to other paid providers, it may seem a bit outdated and old-fashioned.

Good protection with browser extension but confusing scan options

I conducted 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 rather 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 manage to get a somewhat positive result in which Malwarebytes found 50% of the malware.

Malwarebytes garnered excellent results in the 2023 September-October 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, the app had quite an impact on system resources during our in-house Malwarebytes review.

My experience using Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes doesn't quite measure up to top vendors like TotalAV and Norton. Its protection falls short of industry standards, and it doesn't offer as many additional features. What’s worth mentioning is that Malwarebytes includes exploit protection, which is useful when preventing malware from infecting the device and spreading further. When Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit finds an application being attacked, it stops the harmful code from running and shuts down the app to keep things stable. This helps because a targeted app might not work right after being attacked.

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.

8. Webroot – antivirus with low resource usage

Max devices covered:	5
Yearly plan price range:	From $37.49 to $149.99/month
Operating systems:	Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
Current deal:	Get Webroot, save up to 40%

Visit Webroot Antivirus

Webroot is an American cybersecurity software provider specializing in antivirus, identity, and privacy protection. Unfortunately, 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.

Low resource usage but inconsistent malware detection performance

Webroot antivirus' malware testing results weren't as imperessive 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 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.

My experience using Webroot

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, as well as a Data Shredder that permanently deletes files. A standout feature is the password manager, which gives subscribed users a LastPass account for securely storing their sensitive information.

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.

9. Avira Antivirus – the best antivirus for Windows PC

Max devices covered:	50
Yearly plan price range:	From $0.00 to $109.99/month
Operating systems:	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Current deal:	Get 1 year of Avira at 58% OFF

Visit Avira

Avira Antivirus is one of the best antivirus software packages available in free and premium segments offering outstanding protection for Windows and other OS systems.

Avira Antivirus is user-friendly and has a nice, intuitive interface that I personally like. It's packed with features, but navigating through them is a breeze. Features like Game Booster, VPN, and Password Manager can be really handy additions to your antivirus.

Great real-time protection but disappointing quick scans

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 2024 July-August 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, AV-Comparatives also found Avira to be reliable, with a 99.96% protection rate and 15 false positives.

My experience using Avira

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.

What is impressive is that developers can use Avira's SDK (a package of tools, libraries, and resources) for their own software applications. For instance, Surfshark uses Avira's SDK.

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.

10. Trend Micro – best budget-friendly antivirus software

Max devices covered:	10
Yearly plan price range:	From $0.00 to $59.95/month
Operating systems:	Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS
Current deal:	Get Trend Micro, now 54% OFF

Visit Trend Micro

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.

Disappointing in-house detection but strong independent lab scores

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 three times with varying malware placement, 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 May-June 2024 Trend Micro tests from AV-TEST give the antivirus software perfect scores in all categories. Moreover, during AV-Comparatives’ testing, Trend Micro showed a 96.12% protection rate with only 1 false positive. While false alarms dropped to bare minimum, unfortunately, the protection rate also dropped by 1%.

My experience using Trend Micro

I liked how easy it is to access Trend Micro's features and how clean the interface looks. For instance, you can quickly tap on the Scan button to see all the available scan 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 with 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.

Antivirus software buying guide: how to choose

Choosing the best antivirus might initially seem challenging. There are many options offering protection against malware threats, as well as 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 on the official product website 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. Webroot	Offers minimal impact on the system and a good selection of features
9. Avira Antivirus	Strong malware detection and minimal impact on system performance. Its free version offers significant protection as well
10. Trend Micro	Effective ransomware protection and a wide array of privacy features make it an attractive choice for users concerned about online privacy
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. BullGuard Antivirus	Now part of the Norton LifeLock antivirus suite, this anti-malware software shows great security test results, optimization tools, and user-friendliness
14. Intego	Designed specifically for Mac users, it offers comprehensive protection against macOS-specific threats
15. Sophos Antivirus	Basic remote control app, scanning, and threat analysis. Provides different layers of security and flexible pricing

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	4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	✅Yes, 7 days	From $29.99/year	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	✅Yes	✅Yes, unlimited	✅Yes	Smart Firewall Cloud backup SafeCam
2. TotalAV	4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	✅Yes, free version	From $19.00/year	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	✅Yes	✅Yes, unlimited	✅Yes	WebShield extension Ad blocker System tune-up
3. Bitdefender	4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	✅Yes, free version	From $9.99/year	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	✅Yes	✅Yes, 200MB data cap perdevice	✅Yes	Advanced Threat Defense AntiSpam Ransomware remediation
4. Surfshark AV	4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	❌No	From $36.32/year	Windows, macOS, Android	❌No	✅Yes, unlimited	❌No	CleanWeb Data breach monitoring Webcam protection
5. ESET NOD32	4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	✅Yes, 30 days	From $34.99/year	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android	❌No	✅Yes, unlimited	✅Yes	Anti-theft tools Switch Protection Mode Secure browser
6. McAfee	4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	❌No	From $39.99/year	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS	✅Yes	✅Yes, unlimited	✅Yes	Ransomware protection Vulnerability scanner WebAdvisor
7. Malwarebytes	4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	✅Yes, free version or 14-day free trial	From $44.99/year	Windows, Android, macOS, ChromeOS, iOS	❌No	✅Yes, unlimited	❌No	Exploit protection Browser Guard Remediation map
8. Webroot	4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	❌No	From $37.49/year	Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android	✅Yes	❌No	✅Yes	Web shield Firewall Proxy
9. Avira	4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	✅Yes, free version	From $26.99/year	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	❌No	✅Yes, unlimited	✅Yes	Safe shopping suite Firewall Email protection
10. Trend Micro	4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	✅Yes, free version for Android and iOS	From $19.95/year	Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS	❌No	✅Yes, unlimited	✅Yes	Social Media Privacy Protection Dark Web Monitoring Fraud Buster5

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. Out of hundreds of antivirus programs, we investigated over 26 popular solutions.

To select only the best antivirus 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 best antivirus software in the 2025 list offer comprehensive security packages.

Providers tested:	26
Operating systems used:	Windows, macOS, 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 with Windows 11 installed on Lenovo ThinkStationAMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX 12-core processor, 3.99 GHz, 64GB RAM, 3TB SSD, with the Windows 11 operating system. 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.

The tests consisted of two parts. First, we focused on real-time protection by testing it in a closed environment that imitates the World Wide Web. We did so by downloading unzipped malware files to see if the security feature reacted appropriately.

After that, 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.

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 presented in a fun tier-list way, 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.

Free vs paid antivirus: should you pay?

Although free antivirus solutions can offer basic protection against malware and fulfill simple needs, you should pay if you want reliable and all-rounded security.

There’s one thing to remember: antivirus companies need to make money – either from premium plans or from your personal data. This means that an unreliable antivirus company can sell your information to cybercriminals or other third parties.

Not to mention that some free antivirus software can include pop-up ads or even malicious programs that can infiltrate your device with PUPs or adware (the last thing you want from an antivirus).

So, if you still want to get a free service, look at serious and legitimate companies that offer the best and tested free antivirus services with robust identity protection, for example, Norton 360. They’re still interested in you eventually paying for premium plans, but at least they won’t do you harm.

However, expect fewer features and serious limitations as you go. Often, free plans will let you run simple system scans. But features like custom scanning, ransomware protection, and advanced firewalls are usually only available when purchasing a premium plan.

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.

Norton offers 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.

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