Best antivirus for Chromebook in 2025
To introduce independent antivirus software reviews that are free from undue influence or bias, we conduct thorough in-house tests and analysis. Our final assessments are based on objective criteria and empirical evidence.
We frequently repeat our tests, evaluate new features, and perform reassessments to make sure our reviews are accurate and up to date.
Learn more
As of January 2025, I believe TotalAV is the best antivirus for Chromebook due to its flawless Android app compatibility with ChromeOS. This ensures seamless protection without performance issues. Its advanced malware detection and real-time protection are perfect for safeguarding online-first Chromebooks. I also appreciate the inclusion of extras like a VPN and ad blocker, which enhance privacy and browsing security. With its affordable pricing and a free version for basic protection, TotalAV offers a great combination of security and value for Chromebook users.
While some people may claim Chromebooks are immune to cyberthreats, that is simply not true. Although ChromeOS is modeled after Linux, which is a strong operating system, Chromebooks can still be infected with malware. That’s why you need a solid antivirus to protect your Chromebook.
We tested 26 antivirus providers to find the best option to keep malware off your Chromebook. Keep reading to see my suggestions for the best antivirus for Chromebook in 2025.
Top 5 best virus protection for Chromebook
- TotalAV – the best Chromebook antivirus for scanning and real-time protection
- Norton 360 – great Chromebook antivirus for day-to-day use
- Bitdefender – Chromebook antivirus with great security and many additional features
- Trend Micro – simple ChromeOS antivirus for beginners
- Avira – the best free ChromeOS antivirus
I also discuss two other providers in the detailed list below – ESET NOD32 and Malwarebytes.
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.
Do Chromebooks need antivirus software?
Yes, Chromebooks need good antivirus software. Although you are likely to face fewer threats on ChromeOS than, for example, on Windows or even macOS, Chromebooks are still vulnerable. A reliable antivirus program will ensure protection against all kinds of threats to keep you safe.
ChromeOS is designed in a way that each app is run within its own container. This prevents programs from being able to make any changes to the rest of your system. Also, Chromebooks can’t run .exe files, which keeps them safe from many malware infections.
Unfortunately, Chromebooks can still be infected with trackers, spyware, and other malicious code while surfing the internet or downloading apps from the Google Play Store.
The best antivirus for Google Chromebook in 2025 – detailed list
While there are lots of great antivirus programs available on the market, not all of them support ChromeOS. Therefore, we tested 26 top-rated antivirus programs and selected the best ones that work on Chromebook. Our testing criteria included malware detection rates, features, and price-to-value ratio.
1. TotalAV – feature-rich antivirus solution for Chromebooks with excellent malware detection
| Free version: | Yes |
| Max. devices: | 8 |
| Starting price: | From $19.00/year |
| Current deal: | Get TotalAV, now 80% OFF |
TotalAV is the best Chromebook antivirus in 2025 due to its excellent malware detection and removal rates, useful security features, and price-to-value ratio. This is a great option if you’re looking for a high-performance, low-budget solution. TotalAV also offers a free plan that has demonstrated great malware detection capabilities during our in-house tests.
Malware detection. During in-house tests, we analyzed both premium and free versions of TotalAV. With the real-time protection feature turned off, we ran the Smart scan to find 10 malicious files. In total, the scan took only 1 minute and 16 seconds. We also tested TotalAV’s WebShield feature using 10 malicious URLs. The results were excellent. As for independent testing, AV-TEST checked TotalAV on Android and Windows and found it is 100% effective against widespread malware. And the most recent AV-Comparatives report indicated 99.98% effectiveness in online protection.
Features. As expected, the free version of TotalAV is quite limited – it doesn’t offer real-time protection. However, WebShield, Photos, Videos and Contacts Optimisation, Breach Scan, Secure Browser, and App Lock features function normally. It can also scan apps and files for malware. Overall, this is the most feature-rich free version of the antiviruses on this list. But if you want real-time protection, go for the premium TotalAV version. It comes with additional TotalAV features such as VPN, QR Check, Wi-Fi Checker, and Secure Browser.
Pricing. TotalAV offers three paid plans. The basic plan starts at only $19.00/year, but is missing some useful features. The Internet Security plan starts at $39.00/year and offers a safe browsing VPN, while the Total Security plan, which starts at $49.00/year, adds an adblocker and a password manager.
| TotalAV cost | Antivirus Pro plan | Internet Security plan | Total Security plan |
| 1-year | From $19.00/year | From $39.00/year | From $49.00/year |
2. Norton 360 – great antivirus for Chromebook in 2025
| Free version: | No |
| Max. devices: | 10 |
| Starting price: | From $29.99/year |
| Current deal: | Get up to 58% OFF Norton Antivirus |
Norton 360 is another great antivirus for Chromebook. Norton is a well-regarded company with long years of experience, and Norton 360 is the star of this company’s personal security suite. With one simple product, Norton 360 can protect just about any device, including your Chromebook. Unfortunately, unlike a few other providers on this list – like TotalAV or Bitdefender – Norton doesn’t have a free version.
Malware detection. We performed hands-on testing to check how good Norton 360 is at catching malware. The overall scan took only 30 seconds, and was faster than TotalAV’s scan. However, the antivirus detected 7/10 threats. During our tests, we also assessed real-time protection and the Safe Web feature, which proved to be decently effective. On the other hand, according to independent lab results, Norton can prevent 100% of malware attacks, and AV-Comparatives awarded the antivirus their top Advanced+ score for online protection.
Features. Norton’s scan assesses apps and files, while its main feature is real-time protection. The App Security feature shows newly installed apps, safe apps, and data harvesting apps (e.g., Google Play Books and Dropbox).
The Safe Web feature is meant to help identify malicious websites, and Safe Search is a private search engine. Norton 360 for Chromebooks also comes with Wi-Fi Security, SMS Security, and a VPN.
Pricing. Norton 360 subscription plans start at $29.99/year (1 device support). With more device coverage, Norton becomes quite expensive. However, it does offer excellent value for money, and there’s a 60-day money-back guarantee.
| Norton 360 cost | AntiVirus Plus plan | Standard plan | Deluxe plan | Select Plus plan |
| 1-year | From $29.99/year | From $39.99/year | From $49.99/year | From $99.99/year |
3. Bitdefender – robust Chromebook antivirus to prevent malware threats
| Free version: | Yes |
| Max. devices: | 10 |
| Starting price: | From $14.99/year |
| Current deal: | Get Bitdefender for up to 78% OFF |
Bitdefender is one of the most popular and well-known antivirus brands on the market, with a great reputation for consistently delivering top-notch protection against malware and other threats. Unlike Norton 360, Bitdefender antivirus offers a free version, which although quite basic, provides an effective malware scanner.
Malware detection. Bitdefender scanned the device in just 15 seconds and detected all 10 malicious files, leading to a 100% success rate. During our in-house test for the Bitdefender full review, we also assessed the Web Protection feature, which successfully blocked all 10 malware-containing URLs.
AV-TEST confirmed our findings – Bitdefender can protect against 100% of malware.
Features. The only feature that the free version of Bitdefender antivirus has is the malware scanner, but it is as effective as the scanner available with the premium version. This version has Web Protection, Scam Alert, VPN (200MB/day limit), App Lock, App Anomaly Detection, Account Privacy, and Anti-Theft features. This is one of the best features of this suite, as you can use it to remotely snap a photo upon a failed unlock and locate, lock, or wipe your device.
Pricing. If you choose this antivirus for Chromebook, note that the cheapest plan won't support your device. You can instead purchase the Mobile Security plan for just $14.99/year (1 device) or choose the Total or Internet Security plan for $$19.99/year (up to 3 devices) or $$42.49/year (up to 3 devices), respectively.
| Bitdefender cost | Free plan | Mobile Security plan | Total Security plan | Internet Security plan |
| 1-year | Free | From $14.99/year | From $19.99/year | From $42.49/year |
| 2-year | Free | - | From $129.99/2 years | From $149.99/2 years |
4. Trend Micro – solid Chrome OS antivirus for beginners
| Free version: | Yes |
| Max. devices: | 10 |
| Starting price: | From $49.95/year |
| Current deal: | Get Trend Micro, now 54% OFF |
Trend Micro is a modern antivirus that offers AI-powered security protection, plenty of excellent browsing tools, and intuitive applications, including an excellent option for ChromeOS. The free version of Trend Micro is truly worth the consideration, as it comes with plenty of impressive features.
Malware detection. As we tested the antivirus for our in-depth Trend Micro review, we focused on the free version’s abilities to detect malicious threats. In either case, both free and premium versions use the same malware database. The scan took just a couple of seconds, and after detecting threats, it suggested activating the premium Trend Micro features. Our in-house test results were confirmed by AV-TEST – the report indicates a 100% success rate in anti-malware protection.
Features. The free Trend Micro version includes a Malware security scan, a Real-Time scan, a Wi-Fi Checker, and an App Stop or App Freeze feature, depending on the Android version.
There's also the Social Network Privacy feature; however, on my last testing I received a notification that due to Facebook and X updates, the feature is currently unavailable. Hopefully, Trend Micro will fix this issue soon. The paid version includes such additional features as a Pre-Installation scan, Web Guard, Fraud Buster, Pay Guard Mobile, App Freeze, App Manager, Parental Controls, Social Network Privacy, Lost Device Protection, and a Secret Snap.
Pricing. Trend Micro plans that support Chromebook natively start at $49.95/year, and users get a 14-day free trial to test the antivirus without commitment. Note that the Antivirus+ Security and Internet Security plans do not support Chromebooks.
| Trend Micro cost | Free plan | Maximum Security plan | Premium Security plan |
| 1-year | Free | From $49.95/year | From $59.95/year |
| 2-year | Free | From $99.90/2 years | - |
5. Avira – best free antivirus for Chromebook
| Free version: | Yes |
| Max. devices: | 5 |
| Starting price: | From $26.99/year |
| Current deal: | Get 1 year of Avira at 58% OFF |
If you want free antivirus for Chromebook, Avira is certainly one option to consider. Although its paid plans come with many more features, its free plan still offers pretty good antivirus protection with a solid defense against threats.
Malware detection. During our in-house Avira antivirus tests, we tested the Smart Scan and its abilities to detect malicious files. Unfortunately, it wasn’t able to detect all tested malware samples. On the other hand, AV-TEST found that the antivirus can successfully catch 100% of malware.
Features. The free version of Avira antivirus includes the Smart Scan, Call Blocker, Identity Protection, VPN (100MB/day limit), Permissions Manager, and App Lock features. The premium plans come with additional Avira features such as Web Protection, Microphone Protection, Password Manager, and Optimizer. Surprisingly, you cannot change the interface that is more suitable for tablets, and you only get to use an interface that’s meant for Android phones. In short, Avira is certainly not the most user-friendly antivirus on this list – TotalAV is superior in that regard.
Pricing. You can purchase Avira for $26.99/year (1 device coverage). Although the price is steep, there's a 60-day money-back guarantee that you can take full advantage of.
| Avira cost | Free plan | Antivirus Pro plan | Internet Security plan | Prime Security plan |
| 1-month | Free | From $5.99/month | From $6.99/month | From $9.99/month |
| 1-year | Free | From $26.99/year | From $59.99/year | From $34.99/year |
| 2-year | Free | From $110.99/2 years | From $125.99/2 years | From $204.99/2 years |
6. ESET NOD32 – lightweight antivirus software for Chromebook
| Free version: | Yes |
| Max. devices: | 5 |
| Starting price: | From $34.99/year |
| Current deal: | Get ESET, save up to 30% |
ESET is one of the most popular antivirus choices among beginners and is excellent for Chromebook users. It offers a lightweight application with essential security features as well as some additional ones for creating an even more secure online environment. ESET’s free version is also quite decent.
Malware detection. To assess ESET’s malware detection abilities, we tested the Smart scan. ESET also has an In-depth scan, but it’s not available on the ChromeOS. The Smart scan took 3 seconds and detected 9/10 threats (90% success rate). To test the Anti-Phishing feature, we used 10 malicious links, and it successfully prevented access to 8/10 of them. ESET’s malware detection score by AV-TEST is 99.9%.
Features. The free ESET version for ChromeOS offers Smart scan, real-time protection, and a Security Report.
If that’s not enough and you want the extra benefits, the premium ESET NOD32 version also includes features like Anti-Phishing, Payment Protection, Network Inspector, Anti-Theft, App Lock, and Security Audit.
Pricing. To have the most basic 1-device ESET protection on your ChromeOS, you need to pay $34.99/year. If you want to protect 3 devices, the price increases to $38.49/year. For a more feature-rich experience, there are two more subscriptions to choose from – but they will cost more.
| ESET cost | Free plan | Essential plan | Premium plan | Ultimate plan |
| 1-year | Free | From $34.99/year | From $59.99/year | From $179.99/year |
| 2-year | Free | From $84.98/2-years | From $101.98/2-years | From $359.98/2-years |
| 3-year | Free | From $119.98/3 years | From $143.98/3 years | From $539.97/3 years |
7. Malwarebytes – privacy-friendly Chromebook antivirus
| Free version: | Yes |
| Max. devices: | 20 |
| Starting price: | From $44.99/year |
| Current deal: | Get Malwarebytes, now 50% OFF |
Like others on the list, the Malwarebytes Chromebook app neutralizes malware and protects against various online threats. However, it also audits existing apps with a Security Advisor feature.
Malware detection. There are no recent independent lab test results we could reference here, but we performed in-house testing to review Malwarebytes. Unfortunately, this antivirus has earned the last spot on this list for a reason – it only detected 5/10 malicious files. Nonetheless, despite the poor test results, the antivirus has a lot to offer in the features department.
Features. This antivirus neutralizes adware, spyware, hijackers, and PUPs. Malwarebytes also audits app privileges for safe personal data management and displays the results in the Security Advisor dashboard. Coupled with its Privacy VPN (included in the premium plan), it offers to enhance Chromebook privacy.
Pricing. To get the most out of Malwarebytes, you'll have to pay $44.99/year. You can also test it out risk-free using the 60-day money-back guarantee.
| Malwarebytes cost | Free plan | Standard Plan | Plus plan | Ultimate plan |
| 1-year | Free | From $44.99/year | From $59.99/year | From $119.99/year |
| 2-year | Free | From $78.732 years | From $101.98/2 years | - |
How we tested and ranked Chromebook antiviruses
To create our list of the best antivirus software for Chromebook, we tested 26 top-rated antivirus providers by simulating device infection and monitoring the system's performance during antivirus scans and real-time protection. To perform testing, we used the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook (8GB RAM, 256GB eMMC storage, Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 7c Gen 2 processor, ChromeOS 121).
In-house tests allowed us to narrow the list down to the best of the best antiviruses, covering various price points and offering the best combination of price and quality. Here’s a more detailed list of our security software testing criteria when choosing the best antivirus for Chromebook:
- Android app for ChromeOS (25%). To get on our list, the antivirus had to offer an Android app compatible with a Chromebook. Moreover, the Android app had to be well-developed, feature-rich, and provide needed security features. Therefore, we tested each provider’s Android app quality, ease of use, and whether they met our quality requirements.
- Independent tests (20%). We analyzed independent testing lab results in regard to how successful these antiviruses were with malware removal. We only included providers with malware detection rates above 90%.
- In-house tests (20%). We tested the providers’ scanning capabilities. For this, we used 10 malware files placed somewhere on the device and then ran different virus scanning options to see how successfully the antiviruses found, isolated, and removed malware from the Chromebook.
- Additional features (15%). Top-rated antivirus software usually comes with additional features, like device optimization tools, parental controls, VPNs, or password managers. So, we also checked the providers for any additional perks and how well they worked.
- Customer support (10%). If anything goes wrong with your antivirus protection, you’ll want to be able to reach out for help. Every antivirus on our list provides a range of customer support options we tested ourselves.
- Price (10%). Whenever you’re considering a lengthy subscription, price is important. That’s why we included a range of options at different price points to suit your specific needs and budget.
Comparison of the best antivirus software for Chromebook
| Rating | Malware detection rate (independent test results) | Free version | Max. devices | Money-back guarantee | Starting price | |
| TotalAV | 100% | Yes | 8 | 30-day | From $19.00/year | |
| Norton 360 | 100% | No | 10 | 60-day | From $29.99/year | |
| Bitdefender | 100% | Yes | 10 | 30-day | From $14.99/year | |
| Trend Micro | 100% | Yes | 10 | 30-day | From $49.95/year | |
| Avira | 100% | Yes | 5 | 60-day | From $26.99/year | |
| ESET NOD32 | 99.9% | Yes | 5 | 30-day | From $34.99/year | |
| Malwarebytes | N/A | Yes | 20 | 60-day | From $44.99/year |
How to install antivirus on Chromebook
Even though Chromebooks are supposed to be secure, you can (and should) download antivirus software to prevent any malware threats. The easiest way to install antivirus software is by downloading it from the Google Play Store.
Here’s how to install antivirus on Chromebook:
- Open the Google Play Store and choose an antivirus. I recommend TotalAV, now 80% OFF
- Download the antivirus app
- Install the software onto your Chromebook
- Open the app and finish the installation process
- Log in or set up an account
- Start using your antivirus software to keep your machine safe
Does Chromebook have a built-in antivirus?
Yes, Chromebooks have some antivirus protection built into them, much like Android, iOS, and Windows have built-in security features. However, be aware that even this level of protection won’t make your Chromebook immune to malware and other online threats.
The built-in antivirus protection within Chromebooks consists of multiple layers of protection:
- Updates. Chromebooks install updates automatically to ensure that users run the latest and most secure version.
- Sandboxing. Web pages and apps run in sandboxes (restricted environments) on Chromebook devices. This way, threats are always isolated.
- Verified Boot. If threats escape the sandboxes, your device is protected by a Verified Boot feature, which repairs any corrupted elements every time you restart your device.
- Encryption. Sensitive user data is stored in the cloud. It is encrypted using hardware that makes it virtually impossible to breach the data.
- Recovery Mode. Chromebook users can always restore the device to a previous version in case something goes wrong.
Although Chromebook users are relatively safe with these built-in security measures, there are still threats that can tamper with users’ security and privacy. To ensure optimal security, I recommend installing a trustworthy antivirus compatible with ChromeOS, like TotalAV. If you’re looking for a free option, Avira is the best choice for you, offering the most on their unpaid plan.
What is the best free antivirus for Chromebook?
We tested the best-known free antivirus programs on the market, as well as some less famous brands. Overall, TotalAV is the best free antivirus for Chromebook. It performed exceptionally well for a free product, delivering excellent protection against malware.
Beyond this, TotalAV also comes with a whole raft of top-notch security features, including Safe Site extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browsers, and a comprehensive Smart Scan, which cleans your system by finding junk and duplicate files. Most importantly, it supports Android and works flawlessly on Chromebooks, delivering a smooth, user-friendly experience.
Another worthy free antivirus for Chromebook is Bitdefender. Its free plan offers pretty good antivirus protection and a solid defense against cyberthreats. Its user-friendly interface and minimal impact on system performance make it a great pick.
Conclusion
While Chromebooks have some built-in tools to protect your device and data from malware threats, those features are not enough. There are so many online threats that can target your device. Therefore, the best way to protect it is with reliable antivirus software for Chromebooks.
Based on our testing, TotalAV is the best antivirus for Chromebook. This antivirus has an excellent Android app that can be easily set up on your ChromeOS device. It not only has virus scans, a firewall, and malware protection tools but also offers device optimization features, a VPN, a password manager, and identity theft protection. So, if you’re concerned about your Chromebook’s security, TotalAV is ideal. However, other providers on my list are also excellent ChromeOS antivirus solutions, so you can easily pick any, depending on your needs.
FAQs
Are Chromebooks safe for online banking?
Chromebooks aren’t very safe for online banking, as they’re closely integrated with the Chrome browser. This makes it only as safe as any other browser you might use. While Chrome gets regular security updates and is generally safe, it’s a popular target for cybercriminals. So you should consider using antivirus software to protect your device and data from cybercriminals.
Can Chromebooks get hacked?
Yes, Chromebooks are vulnerable in certain areas, particularly the browser, so they can get hacked. Luckily, most antivirus software focuses on browser and internet security, so it’s a great tool to add to your device to increase your online protection.
How do I check my Chromebook for viruses?
The easiest way to check your Chromebook for viruses is with a reliable antivirus. We recommend TotalAV as the best antivirus for ChromeOS. It can scan your entire system to check it for malware or any other weaknesses. If any threats exist, it will remove them and, simultaneously, protect the device against new threats.
Can you get viruses on a Chromebook?
Chromebooks are less susceptible to viruses due to their sandboxed environment and Linux-based operating system. However, malware infections are still possible, and the risk may increase as Chromebooks gain popularity. I recommend you protect it with Chromebook antivirus like TotalAV at all times to prevent malware infections.
