Best cheap antivirus in 2025
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Looking for top-notch antivirus software that doesn’t break the bank? An affordable antivirus program can safeguard your device from many online threats just as well, proving you don’t need to spend a fortune to protect your device.
The Cybernews research team and I reviewed 26 antivirus tools to find the best budget-friendly options that deliver premium security without hidden terms or costs.
From exclusive first-year discounts to long-term prices, these antivirus programs offer great value. Keep reading to find my top picks for the best cheap antivirus.
The 5 cheapest and best antivirus protection
- TotalAV – best cheap antivirus software for only $1.58/month
- Norton Antivirus – cheap antivirus with large cloud backup storage
- Bitdefender – outstanding malware detection for a cheap price
- NordVPN Threat Protection – affordable VPN with antivirus features
- Surfshark Antivirus – best cheap antivirus newcomer
Best cheap antivirus for Windows in 2025
To compile an accurate list of the best cheapest antivirus services, I reviewed multiple tools considering their cybersecurity feature availability, independent test results, brand reputation, and pricing after the first year. Here are 5 feature-rich antiviruses with cheap subscription plans.
1. TotalAV – a feature-rich cheap antivirus software
| Simultaneous connections: | Up to 8 |
| Free version: | ✅ Yes |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Current deal: | Get TotalAV, now 80% OFF |
Based on in-house testing and my hands-on experience, TotalAV is the best cheap antivirus software in 2025. It offers 3 payment plans, adding a VPN and a password manager on the more expensive ones. Here are the current subscription options:
| Plan | First-year price | First-year price per month | Price after the first year | Price after the first year per month |
| Antivirus Pro | $19.00 | $1.58 | $99.00 | $8.25 |
| Internet Security | $39.00 | $3.25 | $129.00 | $10.75 |
| Total Security | $49.00 | $4.08 | $149.00 | $12.42 |
TotalAV review shows that provides an impressive set of benefits, even on its cheapest antivirus deal. TotalAV Antivirus Pro plan includes real-time antivirus protection, phishing scam and ransomware protection, system optimization tools, and a disk cleaner. This plan protects 5 devices simultaneously.
The Internet Security plan adds a Safe Browsing VPN and simultaneous support for 6 devices. Meanwhile, the most expensive Total Security plan also includes a password manager, adblock, and protects up to 8 devices. Its cheapest antivirus plan is excellent. However, if you need more features, you may want to pick the more expensive plans. Also, you can check out the best VPNs and password managers in 2025 lists because these extras are a bit pricey.
TotalAV received Advanced malware protection rating on AV-comparatives latest test without producing a single false positive. Another independent research by AV-test assigned a 6/6 for protection, 5.5/6 for performance, and a perfect 6/6 score for usability. Independent test results prove that TotalAV is consistently reliable antivirus software.
Lastly, TotalAV has a very basic free version and a 30-day money-back guarantee to try out its full benefits.
2. Norton Antivirus – antivirus with unique and affordable benefits
| Simultaneous connections: | Up to 10 |
| Free version: | ✅ Yes, free tools and scans + 7-day free trial |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Current deal: | Get up to 58% OFF Norton Antivirus |
Norton Antivirus is among the best cheap antivirus software with an extra twist – it offers secure cloud backup storage. Additionally, you can get a dark web monitor and parental controls with the more expensive plans. Here's the pricing list:
| Plan | First-year price | First-year price per month | Price after the first year | Price after the first year per month |
| Norton AntiVirus Plus | $29.99 | $2.50 | $59.99 | $5.00 |
| Norton 360 Standard | $39.99 | $3.33 | $94.99 | $7.92 |
| Norton 360 Deluxe | $49.99 | $4.17 | $119.99 | $10.00 |
| Norton 360 with LifeLock | $99.99 | $8.33 | $189.99 | $15.83 |
Norton's cheapest antivirus plan provides 2GB cloud backup storage and a password manager alongside other cybersecurity necessities, like ransomware protection. However, it is limited to 1 device only, which is problematic as most people now use several devices simultaneously.
Norton 360 Deluxe is the best Norton antivirus software deal that expands cloud storage to 50GB and adds a VPN, parental controls, dark web and privacy monitoring, and 5 simultaneous device connections. I only recommend the most expensive Norton 360 with LifeLock Select Plus if you need identity theft protection, like SSN monitoring and credit alerts. As an added bonus, this plan also offers up to $25,000 in stolen funds reimbursement.
Norton Antivirus is a reliable, secure, and cheap antivirus. It received a lower Advanced rating on AV-comparatives tests, but only because of several false positive alerts. Otherwise, it detected 97.3% of online threats, outperforming other antiviruses. AV-test assigned Norton a perfect 6 score for protection and usability, an excellent 5.5 for performance, and a Top Product badge. Our Norton tests also show that it’s one of the best cheap antivirus tools.
Norton has several free tools and scans that you can check out, it also has a 60-day money-back guarantee to try it out for 2 months.
3. Bitdefender – cheap antivirus with robust cybersecurity features
| Simultaneous connections: | Up to 3 |
| Free version: | ✅ Yes |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get Bitdefender for up to 78% OFF |
Bitdefender is among the most secure cheap antivirus services. Excellent malware detection coupled with customizable system scans are worth every dime. However, the 200MB/day VPN data cap on the plans lowers it on this list, as other cheap antiviruses do not restrict this must-have privacy-protection tool. Here are Bitdefender antivirus pricing:
| Plan | First-year price | First-year price per month | Price after the first year | Price after the first year per month |
| Bitdefender Antivirus Plus | $9.99 | $0.83 | $39.99 | $3.33 |
| Bitdefender Internet Security | $42.49 | $3.54 | $84.99 | $7.08 |
| Bitdefender Total Security | $19.99 | $1.67 | $89.99 | $7.50 |
The most affordable Bitdefender Antivirus Plus plan offers real-time protection, multi-layered ransomware protection, malware scans, and scam prevention and detection. Alternatively, you get parental control options, a robust firewall on the Internet Security plan, a device optimizer, and cross-device compatibility with Total Security.
These plans also include a VPN with a 200MB/day/device data cap, which is not nearly enough for secure online browsing, but there is an option to add the Premium VPN feature for $39.99/year.
Bitdefender antivirus boasts the best Advanced+ badge on AV-comparatives tests and a perfect 6/6 score for protection and usability and 5.5 for performance during theAV-test analysis, as well as a Top Product rating. Our Bitdefender review shows that it is one of the most secure cheap antivirus products on the market.
Lastly, this provider offers a free version to scan devices for malware and a 30-day money-back guarantee on all other plans.
4. NordVPN Threat Protection – robust malware and online privacy protection with the best VPN
| Simultaneous connections: | Up to 10 |
| Free version: | ❌ No, only 7-day trial for Android |
| Platforms: | Windows, MacOS |
| Current deal: | Get 72% OFF NordVPN |
NordVPN Threat Protection is not a stand-alone antivirus app but a built-in security suite of NordVPN, one of the most popular VPN in 2025. It offers efficient malware detection and online protection for an affordable price, securing its place on the best cheap antivirus list. As you can see in the table below, you get the best value subscribing to NordVPN’s 2-year plan:
| Plan | First 2-year price | First 2-year price per month | Yearly price after the first 24 months | Price after the first 24 months per month |
| Plus | $105.36 | $4.39 | $359.76 | $29.98 |
| Complete | $129.36 | $5.39 | $438.96 | $36.58 |
| Prime | $201.36 | $8.39 | $743.67 | $61.98 |
NordVPN provides the best price-value to performance ratio for the first 2 years and – in my opinion – it’s worth the price increase afterward due to its second-to-none VPN. The best Prime plan includes 1TB of cloud storage, a cross-platform password manager, Threat Protection that acts as an antivirus, and advanced encryption.
Threat Protection automatically scans the web and blocks websites that host malware or steal user data. It also neutralizes trackers, blocks ads, checks downloads for viruses, and has an app vulnerability scanner. NordVPN lets you customize the level of protection by enabling specific features or turning them off.
Its VPN runs on the proprietary NordLynx protocol with industry-standard AES-256 encryption to protect user data. NordVPN went through 4 independent no-logs audits and a security audit to prove its services are as reliable as possible. According to our NordAntivirus review, cybersecurity software is best for online privacy enthusiasts seeking antivirus-like online safety features.
Although there is no free NordVPN version, Android users get a 7-day free trial, which enables using NordVPN on all compatible devices after registration. NordVPN also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee for all users.
5. Surfshark Antivirus – cheap antivirus to protect online identity
| Simultaneous connections: | 5 |
| Free version: | ❌ No, only 7-day trial |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Android |
| Current deal: | Get Surfshark Antivirus - 85% OFF + 3 months FREE |
Surfshark Antivirus is relatively new compared to TotalAV or Norton, so it's no surprise it has one of the cheapest antivirus deals. It is developed by award-winning VPN professionals and doesn't hold back on robust cybersecurity features. Here's how much its best-value 2-year plan that includes antivirus protection costs:
| Plan | First 2-year price + 3 free months | First 2-year price per month | Yearly price after the first 27 months | Price after the first 27 months per month |
| Surfshark One | $72.63 | $2.69 | $484.65 | $40.39 |
| Surfshark One+ | $115.83 | $4.29 | $557.55 | $46.46 |
Surfshark includes antivirus in Surfshark One and One+ plans. This service provides several unique benefits, like a private search engine, masked email generator, personal data removal tool, and an outstanding VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections.
Although Surfshark Antivirus lacks parental controls and a password manager, it focuses on online privacy protection. You receive alerts whenever your email, credit card, or ID is exposed online. Furthermore, you can create an alternative ID and avoid using your real information – a feature I haven't seen in any other antivirus app.
AV-TEST analyzed Surfshark in June 2024 and Surfshark got a perfect 6/6 score for protection and usability and 5.5 for performance. This marks a significant improvement from its December 2022 evaluation, where it received a below-perfect score of 4.5 in protection and performance, and a maximum of 6 points for usability. This recent recognition reflects Surfshark's advancements in its antivirus capabilities and earned it the AV-TEST Top Product award. These improvements align with our in-house Surfshark tests, where the antivirus successfully detected 9 out of 10 malicious files, showcasing its enhanced protection.
Currently, Surfshark One and One+ do not offer a free trial. However, all plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can still try the antivirus software before committing long-term.
What makes the best cheap antivirus?
Regarding cheap antivirus software, you don't want to sacrifice online safety for a few dollars. Luckily, you don't have to. The price of antivirus software heavily depends on feature availability, as is evident from the numerous plans we've reviewed. However, some features are mandatory for all antiviruses.
The best cheap antiviruses must have excellent malware detection rates verified by independent test results. Performance is secondary, but all our included services received a perfect or nearly perfect usability score.
Online safety cannot be achieved by one single application. You will get the best value if your antivirus software deal includes additional benefits, like a VPN, password manager, identity theft protection, and parental controls.
Lastly, the cost of antivirus software should align with your needs. For example, TotalAV lets you choose reliable yet cheap antivirus protection, but it charges extra for a VPN and a little bit more for a bundle with a password manager. After all, it's all about the consumer’s choice.
How much does antivirus software cost?
There's much to digest here with so many cheap antivirus software deals. Take a look at the table below for a structured summary.
| TotalAV | Norton 360 | Bitdefender | NordVPN TP | SurfsharkAV | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand |  |  |  |  |  |
| Rating | |||||
| First-year price per month | From $1.58 | From $2.50 | From $0.83 | From 4.39 (for 2 years) | From $2.69 (for 2 years) |
| Cost after the first year per month | From $8.25 | From $5.00 | From $3.33 | From $29.98 (after 2 years) | From $40.39 (after 2 years) |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 60 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Free version | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| VPN | Some plans | Some plans | ✅ Yes, but limited | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Password manager | Some plans | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Some plans | ❌ No |
| Review | TotalAV review | Norton 360 review | Bitdefender review | NordVPN Threat Protection review | Surfshark AV review |
How we tested best cheap antivirus
We rank antivirus software based on its malware detection capabilities, independent test results, our in-house testing, app design, cross-device compatibility, additional features, and pricing plans. The same workflow applies to ranking the best cheap antivirus software because even the most affordable antivirus is worthless without efficient malware protection. These are our main evaluation criteria:
- In-house tests (30%). We infect dedicated test devices with malware samples and run various antivirus scans, marking down the results. This lets us compare the results with independent laboratory tests for a precise software analysis.
- Independent laboratory tests (25%). We constantly analyze independent antivirus tests by AV-comparatives, AV-test, SE Labs, and Virus Bulletin. All antivirus must have satisfactory malware detection and online safety scores, whether cheap or expensive.
- Features (25%). You will get the most value for your money if your antivirus plan includes additional benefits like a VPN, password manager, parental controls, data breach monitor, etc.
- Free version or trial (20%). It's always best to try the service out before subscribing for a year or 2. If there's no free antivirus version or a free trial, we check the money-back guarantee policies to ensure you still have a way to try the antivirus without spending extra.
Why should you consider a cheap antivirus?
Regarding cybersecurity, a cheap antivirus for a PC is undoubtedly better than no protection at all. All Windows users benefit from the built-in Microsoft Defender Antivirus, but its lack of additional features cannot compete with the services on our list.
A cheap antivirus lets you choose a plan with desired cybersecurity components, saving money elsewhere. For example, TotalAV and Bitdefender charge more for a VPN and a password manager but offer competitive antivirus pricing. On the other hand, NordVPN and Surfshark provide the best VPN services but include antivirus and file protection only with more expensive plans.
Conclusion
An antivirus is paramount for online safety but cannot ensure comprehensive device protection alone. Furthermore, spending your funds on an expensive antivirus and having none of the essentials like a password manager or a VPN is no good.
After going through dozens of independent laboratory tests and in-house analyses, the Cybernews research team and I concluded that TotalAV is the best cheap antivirus in 2025. Its price increase after the first year exclusive discount is reasonable, and the malware detection capabilities are spectacular. Its VPN falls only behind market leaders such as NordVPN and Surfshark.
FAQs
What is the best and most affordable antivirus?
TotalAV is the best affordable antivirus that starts only from $1.58/month. For the price of a cheap coffee cup, you can scan your device for malware, defend against ransomware, use system tune-up tools, and block ads. TotalAV also includes real-time online protection that blocks malicious websites.
How much should I pay for antivirus?
A standalone antivirus app costs approximately $30 to $60 for the first year, increasing to roughly $80 to $120 once the new-customer discount ends. You should stay within these ranges and consider paying more only for additional benefits like a VPN, password manager, and identity theft protection.
Is antivirus software worth it anymore?
Yes, an antivirus is essential for online and offline device safety. Although most operating systems have built-in antivirus tools, they often lack additional features and customization options. Furthermore, a cross-platform compatible antivirus lets you secure all devices with one account.
Can an antivirus be both the best and cheap at the same time?
Yes, a cheap antivirus can still be one of the best. A competitive market reduces software costs to attract users, and the best antivirus services offer their apps to millions without charging extra. Trusted cybersecurity brands like TotalAV provide outstanding protection at an affordable price.
