Best Antivirus Software for 2025: Top 10 Expert Picks for Virus Protection

Here’s a fact you should know—globally, around 560,000 new malware samples are detected every day. I am not trying to scare you, but keeping your devices safe from malware has never been more important.

With so much of our data stored digitally, a single security breach can cause serious damage. You need the best antivirus software to protect your data, block harmful downloads, and maintain the health of your system.

We have thoroughly tested various top-rated antivirus tools using real-world malware samples. This guide features our top recommendation for the best antivirus in 2025 that works well with every device. 

A Quick Look at the Best Antivirus Software

Here’s a quick comparison table of the top 10 antivirus solutions:

Antivirus	Pricing	Key Features
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus	$19.99/year for the first year (1 device)	Strong malware protection Limited extras Limited devices
Norton	$29.99/year for the first year	Includes firewall, cloud backup, and password manager Trusted brand experience
TotalAV	Starts at $19/year, Total security plan $49 for the first year	Multi-device support System cleanup, VPN, and browser tools
McAfee	$49.99/year for individuals; family plans are available	Identity tools, parental controls, and VPN Scalable for families or multiple users
Avast	$5.79/month ($69.48/year)	Multi-device support Sandbox, firewall, VPN, and ad-blocker
Avira	$34.95 per year	Customizable tools, ad-blocker, and optimization Limited mobile support
Malware Bytes	Starts from $44.99/year	Fast scans Behavior-based detection Flexible licensing
Surfshark	$2.49/month on the promotion 2 plan	Antivirus, VPN, breach alerts, and private search in one bundle No iOS support
Trend Micro	Starts from $39.95 per year	Simple and clean interface Basic protection
Webroot	Starts from $24.99 per year	Lightweight and cloud-based Randomware and firewall tools

Also Read: Top 10 SD Card Data Recovery Software Mac for Quick Recovery

10 Best Antivirus Software in 2025 

We have carefully tested today’s most trusted and top-rated antivirus protection tools to see how well they protect your devices. Here’s a breakdown of our top 10 choices for 2025:

Bitdefender offers powerful protection at an affordable price, making it our top choice for the best antivirus software. Its quick scan caught nearly all threats in our tests, and major labs like AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives also gave it perfect scores.

One of Bitdefender’s unique tools is Sacmio, an AI assistant that can help you spot suspicious messages. It also includes privacy features like webcam and microphone protection. You also get a basic VPN with the package, though it has a 200MB per day cap unless you upgrade it.

Ideal For:

Individuals who want solid protection without paying for features they might not use. If you are securing just one or two devices, Bitdefender is one of the best online antivirus programs. 

Pros	Cons
Excellent virus and ransomware detection	The basic plan covers only one device
Very affordable entry-level pricing	VPN has limited daily data
Helpful tools like Scamio for scam detection

Norton is one of the most recognized names in cybersecurity, and it still lives up to the hype. It scored near-perfect results across all major antivirus labs and blocked every ransomware we tested. 

Norton also goes a step further. If a threat slips through, they will try to fix it for you remotely. If they can’t, you will receive a refund, provided you are on auto-renewal. 

Ideal For:

Best suited for users who want trusted and the best virus protection for PC with long-term reliability. If you are someone who values strong support, Norton is a great pick.

Pros	Cons
Perfect scores from top testing labs	No option for local backups
Includes ransomware and vulnerability tools	Higher price compared to others
Virus protection pledge adds peace of mind	Auto-renewal is required for guarantees

TotalAV is a great antivirus program that combines strong protection with an easy-to-use interface. It is one of the best budget-friendly options. Plus, it scored full marks in AV-TEST’s recent evaluations and blocked all threats in our full scan.

Where it truly shines is with its additional tools. Its system cleanup features can noticeably speed up older computers, and it also includes a VPN, password manager, ad blocker, and secure browser tools.

Ideal For:

Great for users looking for solid all-around protection at a low cost. It is perfect if you want to improve both security and speed without spending a lot.

Pros	Cons
Strong protection at a budget price	Frequent alerts and upgrade prompts
Useful tools for speeding up slow PCs	High CPU usage during full system scans (up to 75%)
Simple and user-friendly interface

McAfee has come a long way from its troubled past. Today, it is one of the best antivirus for Windows 11 and Windows 10. It earned high marks from independent security labs and includes useful extras like a scam detector, a social media privacy manager, and more.

One feature that I really like is the Online Account Manager. It scanned my email and found hundreds of old accounts I’d forgotten about and helped me shut them down. Also, McAfee is one of the few options that offers protection for unlimited devices, making it a great choice for families.

Ideal For:

Great for households or users with lots of devices to protect. If you want full-featured security and don’t want to worry about device limits, McAfee is a smart pick.

Pros	Cons
Covers unlimited devices under one plan	Full scans are slow
Includes scam text and social media privacy tools	Heavy scans can slow down older machines
Helps find and remove old online accounts	VPN performance could be better

Avast offers one of the most feature-rich antivirus plans out there. From real-time protection to handy tools like Wi-Fi Inspector and Data Shredder, it is packed with features. Even the free version covers most of what everyday users need.

A highlight of this top-rated antivirus is its Sandbox feature. It allows you to run suspicious files in a safe space so that nothing harmful reaches your system. It also includes a secure browser with built-in ad blocking and a VPN. However, full scans did slow down performance during our test.

Ideal For:

Users who want free protection without losing access to useful tools. It is also great for tech-savvy users who want more control over how their antivirus runs.

Pros	Cons
Excellent free plan with solid coverage	Full scans can slow down performance
Advanced tools like Sandbox and Wi-Fi Inspector
User-friendly despite having many features

Avira is a solid choice for those who want customizable antivirus tools and a free plan to try things out. It performed well in threat detection tests and includes great tools like an ad blocker, price comparison helper, and system optimizer.

The ad blocker noticeably improved page load times, and the system tools help speed up older devices. Still, Avira uses a bit more system power than some others, which may affect performance. Also, mobile protection is limited and expensive.

Ideal For:

Perfect for those who love to tweak their settings and want extras like an ad blocker. It is also a good antivirus if you want to try before you buy.

Pros	Cons
The built-in ad blocker speeds up browsing	Slows down app launch and system performance
A free version is available to test features	Limited and costly mobile device support
Customizable tools for a tailored experience

Malwarebytes used to be the backup to your main antivirus. Now, the premium version offers full protection. It is one of the fastest and best virus scanners in 2025. The full scan only takes minutes and includes advanced tech like behavior-based detection and ransomware blocking.

In our hands-on test, Malwarebytes caught every malware sample we threw at it and even blocked scam and phishing websites. While it does not come with any extras, it excels at doing its core job. 

Ideal For:

Best for people who want no extras and fast antivirus protection. It is also ideal if you have been frustrated by bulky promises and just want something that works.

Pros	Cons
Extremely fast full scan	Fewer features compared to other suites
Strong ransomware and phishing protection	Some recent test scores dipped slightly
Flexible plans (buy only what you need)

Surshark is not just a good antivirus; it is part of an all-in-one security suite. With Surfshark One, you get malware protection, a top-rated VPN, and tools that monitor your data for breaches. 

In our testing, it blocked nearly all malware samples except one hidden in a compressed file. It also prevented access to unsafe websites. The tool works smoothly on Windows, macOS, and Android. However, iOS users are left out, as the antivirus is not available for iPhones and iPads.

Ideal For:

Users looking for complete online privacy and protection in one app, especially if you are already using or planning to use a VPN.

Pros	Cons
Includes the best antivirus for PC, VPN, breach alerts, and more in one plan	No antivirus features on iOS devices
Clean and easy-to-use app	Lacks a firewall and device optimization tools
Malware protection and frequent updates

Trend Micro is one of the best virus protection software programs, which keeps things affordable and offers useful additional tools. It offers a password manager and a reliable PC health checkup tool. The interface is simple and beginner-friendly, making it easy to run scans or manage settings.

Independent labs gave Trend Micro top marks for protection. However, in our tests, its performance was relatively lower than the others. 

Ideal For:

Best for users who want basic antivirus protection with a clean interface and do not need deep features or extensive customizations.

Pros	Cons
Easy-to-use and clean interface	Weak real-time and full scan malware detection
Includes PC health checkup and password storage tools	Many features come with the costly plans only
Budget-friendly starting plans	No built-in firewall or VPN on entry-level plans

Webroot takes a different approach to antivirus. Instead of bulky software, it uses a lightweight cloud-based system that keeps your device running fast. It analyzes unknown threats in the cloud and protects your device in real time.

It performed exceptionally well in hands-on tests, especially against ransomware. Webroot can even undo system changes made by malicious files. 

Despite its powerful core features, it lacks wide support from independent test labs. Also, some of its advanced tools require more technical know-how than most users have.

Ideal For:

Perfect for tech-savvy users who prefer a minimalist tool that does not slow their device down.

Pros	Cons
Extremely lightweight and fast	Few lab test results for independent validation
Can reverse ransomware damage and system changes	Advanced features may be too technical for most users
Includes password manager and cloud-based protection

Also Read: 15 Best Document Management Software for 2025

How We Tested the Best Antivirus 2025: Our Methodology

To help you choose the right antivirus, my team and 1 month thoroughly testing 30 top-rated antivirus solutions. Our goal was to find the ones that truly deliver on security, performance, and ease of use. Here’s how we did it:

• Real-World Malware Detection: We ran malware simulations (like the EICAR test file) and cross-checked results with trusted labs such as AV-TEST. This helped us measure how well each antivirus detects and blocks threats.

• User Experience: From installation to navigation, we paid attention to simplicity. The best antivirus tools were quick to set up and easy to navigate, offering smooth performance across different platforms.

• System Impact: No one wants an antivirus that makes their device slow. We observed how each software affected speed, app performance, and system stability during scans and everyday use.

• Extra Security Tools: Beyond basic virus protection, we also looked at what extra features are included. The best ones came with useful tools like a VPN, password manager, or identity protection, without overcomplicating things.

• Customer Support: We also checked help centers, tested live chat and email responses, and looked at the quality of available guides and resources. 

• Pricing and Value: We compared pricing across plans, focusing on coverage, free trial availability, and refund policies. Services that offer flexibility and fair pricing were given extra points.

This testing method helped us confidently pick the best virus protection software, so you can choose what fits your needs.

Also Read: Can iPhones Get Viruses? Here’s What You Need to Do to Minimize the Damage and Eliminate the Malware

Why Do You Need a Good Antivirus?

Whether you are a casual browser, a business owner, or a parent, having a reliable antivirus is more of a necessity than a choice. Here’s why you should have one:

• One wrong click on a suspicious link can expose your device to viruses, trackers, or worse. A good antivirus helps block these threats before they reach you.

• If you shop online and are entering card details frequently on the web, you need proper protection. Some antivirus software creates a secure browser just for financial transactions, shielding you from data theft.

• In recent years, businesses of all scales have faced a surge in cyberattacks, especially phishing. Antivirus tools designed to strengthen the cybersecurity of your business can help you avoid data breaches, financial loss, and downtime.

• Your children may not always browse safely. So, features like parental controls, webcam protection, and content filtering can help keep them safe.

• Instead of juggling a VPN, a password manager, and a malware scanner separately, many solutions now bundle these features in one package. This can help you save money and effort.

I short, antivirus is no longer just about stopping viruses; it is about staying safe online in every way.

How to Choose the Best Antivirus for Your Needs?

Now that you have a list of the best antivirus software, it is time to pick one that fits your needs. Choosing an antivirus is not just about finding “the best.” Here’s what to consider before deciding:

• Performance: Check if it slows down your system. Try a free trial or check reviews from a trusted website to see how it runs during scans.

• Features that you want: Do you want parental controls, email scanning, or a firewall? Not all antivirus programs include these, so check before buying.

• Security strength: You should look beyond basic virus protection. See if it also protects you against ransomware, phishing, or zero-day attacks. Bonus if it included tools like a VPN or password manager.

• Device Compatibility: Make sure it works across all your devices, like Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, etc.

• Regular updates: Good antivirus software is only effective if it stays updated. Make sure it gets frequent updates and has a clean track record when it comes to privacy.

• Ease of use: Ignore complicated interfaces and choose something you will actually use and understand.

• User feedback: Look out for real user reviews. They often reveal how a product performs outside of ideal lab conditions.

• Value for money: Don’t overpay for features you will never use. Look for a balance between affordability and usefulness.

I would advise you to take some time to evaluate your needs. This can save you money and help you avoid weak or bulky antivirus software that doesn’t deliver what you need.

Also Read: How to Check for Viruses on iPhone? (Complete Guide for 2025)

Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Antivirus Program

Installing antivirus software is a great first step. But to completely stay protected, you need to use it wisely. Here’s how to get the best out of your antivirus software:

• Make sure it is always running on the latest version. Updates patch security holes and helps defend against new threats.

• Turn on the real-time protection feature. It scans files as you use them, blocking dangerous ones instantly. It is your first line of defense, so don’t leave it off.

• Daily quick scans and weekly full scans are a good starting point. Schedule them once and let the software handle the rest.

• External devices like USB drives, external hard drives, and even SD cards can carry hidden threats. Make sure your antivirus checks them automatically.

• Activate useful tools like email phishing, anti-phishing, and ransomware protection.

• Avoid clicking shady links, download only from trusted sources, verify email attachments before opening, and follow best practices to secure your system from malware or viruses.

• Even with protection, things can go wrong. Make sure you regularly back up your data offline or in a strong cloud solution.

As you know, cyber threats are evolving constantly. It is also important to keep up with basic cybersecurity news or alerts from your antivirus provider.

Final Verdict: Which is the Best Antivirus Software?

All the software mentioned in this article delivers solid security, though its features and ease of use vary. The best choice for you depends on different factors and your specific needs. 

If you want my opinion, Bitdefender and Norton are two of the best antivirus software programs as of now. However, all 10 options offer solid security for your devices. 

I hope this guide will help you decide on your antivirus software. If you like the information, please share it with your friends, colleagues, and family. 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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