The best antivirus software of 2025

June 17, 2025 admin

Cyber threats are constantly evolving. While most devices come with built-in antivirus software, these programs may not offer comprehensive protection. A dedicated antivirus program detects threats like phishing, ransomware, trojans, and worms. The service will also alert you when you visit suspicious websites, try to download or execute potentially malicious software, or if malware otherwise finds its way to your system. You can also perform regular scans to remove threats from your system with minimal effort.

The best antivirus on the market starts around $30 per year for a single consumer device with companies like Surfshark and Norton, while ESET’s small business plans cost $200 or more.

What is the best antivirus right now?

My overall pick for the best antivirus is Bitdefender Total Security. This software protects your personal data such as passwords and financial details. It will handle even advanced security threats and stop them from wreaking havoc on your system, all for $60 per year.

I also recommend Norton‘s affordable solution for users who need a highly-scoring antivirus solution for a single device at $30 per year. ESET Protect is my pick for business customers, but this is expensive at a minimum of $211 per year.

Also: The best free antivirus software in 2025

ZDNET’s security experts conduct hands-on testing to determine which software effectively detects and handles viruses and other malware without dragging down your central processing unit (CPU) or system performance. We also consider feedback from other security professionals, third-party reviewers, and customer experiences such as Trustpilot reviews, to select the best antivirus software for mitigating cyber threats.

Best antivirus software and apps of 2025

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My overall pick for the best antivirus is Bitdefender Total Security.

Why we like it: This software protects your personal data such as passwords or financial details. It will handle even advanced security threats and stop them from wreaking havoc on your device.

Bitdefender is a well-known and trusted brand in the antivirus space. The antivirus solution isn’t too top-heavy and won’t hog your CPU, and it is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

Also: Best remote access software 2025

Beyond detecting and blocking malware, rootkits, and ransomware, the software also spots phishing attempts, prevents invasive third-party data tracking, and stops unauthorized microphone or webcam access. As a bonus, subscribers can use the built-in virtual private network (VPN) to secure their online traffic, but this is limited.

I also appreciate that the team behind this antivirus is actively involved in cybersecurity. They consistently release research on cyber threats and developer ransomware decryption tools.

Who it’s for: Customers appreciate Bitdefender’s ease of use and strong protection. It’s best suited for standard users who want the comprehensive package and don’t want to exert too much control over the software.

Also: Bitdefender vs. Malwarebytes: Which antivirus is best?

Bitdefender’s plans are currently almost 50% off, including the Total Security plan for $60 for a year of protection. Premium and Ultimate plans are also available with a discount, and these plans include advanced cybersecurity features. You can also opt for Bitdefender’s free, albeit limited, antivirus solution.

Who should look elsewhere: If you want a VPN or you want to be able to control granular settings, take a look at my other recommendations.

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Norton Antivirus Plus protects one device — whether your PC, Mac, tablet, or phone — in real time from threats like malware, spyware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.

Why we like it: Antivirus Plus is Norton’s basic antivirus solution. It includes threat protection and monitoring, threat scanning, a firewall, 2GB of cloud backup storage, and a free password manager. While AV-Test evaluations focus on Norton’s premium product, Norton 360, it does earn perfect scores across the board.

Who it’s for: Norton Antivirus Plus is very affordable, especially if you only need to protect one device. Customers praise Norton for its reliable protection, strong security scores, and solid support, noting that the product provides a lot of value.

An annual subscription costs just $30 for the first year, or you can pay $40 per year to cover five devices.

Who should look elsewhere: If you want more advanced support for additional devices, including dark web monitoring, a VPN, or parental controls, you should opt for one of Norton’s more robust plans: Norton 360 Standard, Norton 360 Deluxe, or Norton 360 with LifeLock Select Plus. These plans range from $40 to $100 per year.

While Norton Antivirus Plus is a low-cost option upfront, some customers are less than impressed with the price increases after promotional periods.

Also: Best free software uninstallers

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McAfee is a well-established name in antivirus software. It offers bundles that include protection from viruses and malware, as well as security and privacy tools such as a VPN and password manager.

Why we like it: McAfee offers antivirus protection for Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Chromebooks with real-time, scheduled, and manual scans for all kinds of malware.

It also includes a password manager, VPN, and dark web monitoring service so you can keep your credentials safe and be aware of any information leaks online that could compromise your identity or accounts. McAfee consistently scores highly on independent measures from AV-Test.

Also: Best VPNs for torrenting in 2025

Who it’s for: McAfee Plus fits the bill when purchasing antivirus protection for a large number of devices, especially if you’ll use the additional features. Customers say McAfee’s protection is solid and worth paying for, and the company’s antivirus solutions are considered to be beginner-friendly.

McAfee’s cheapest plan — Essential — costs $40 for the first year for up to five devices. You can also pay $50 for one year of McAfee Plus Premium, which covers an unlimited number of devices. It also includes additional features like data cleanup, social privacy management, and identity monitoring and alerts. Cheaper one-year subscriptions can be found at Amazon.

The Advanced tier, $90 for the first year, comes with identity theft coverage and credit monitoring.

Who should look elsewhere: McAfee’s one-year subscription is a good deal, but renewal prices are steep and may not offer the most value unless you’re on a higher-tier plan. Some customers lament the difficulty navigating renewals and I think that the software’s stream of pop-ups can be a nuisance.

Screenshot of McAfee Total Protection website

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Surfshark consistently ranks as one of our top VPNs, especially considering its affordability. The company also provides a basic antivirus within its mid- and top-tier bundles.

Why we like it: The AV runs quietly in the background and performs real-time scans to keep you safe from online threats.

Surfshark offers real-time and scheduled malware scans to protect your device from all types of threats. It also includes webcam protection to block unauthorized access to apps and websites.

A subscription covers multiple devices, and the product is compatible with Windows, Android, and macOS. AV-Test scores rate Surfshark highly for protection and usability.

I also like that you have other tools to keep your data private and your devices secure, in addition to antivirus protection, including access to Incogni data removal.

Who it’s for: Surfshark is most often associated with VPNs, but if you are looking for a lightweight AV bolt-on for this type of privacy tool, Surfshark One might be for you. You’ll get a lot of useful features in one package, including ID masking, data breach alerts, and a secure VPN.

Customers like Surfshark as a solid VPN that demonstrates good value and note positive experiences with customer support.

Also: Surfshark VPN review: One of our favorite budget VPNs with unlimited connections

Surfshark One costs $2.69 per month for the first 27 months and includes antivirus plus privacy features like a VPN, data breach alerts, and email masking. You can also subscribe to Surfshark One+ for $4.29 per month. This adds data removal services from Incogni, which deletes your information from company databases and people search sites. Three months of free access are included with these subscriptions.

Who should look elsewhere: Surfshark’s antivirus is available only as an add-on, not as a standalone product, so if you don’t want or need additional privacy and security features, you may prefer specific AV software.

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ESET Protect is one of our top choices of antivirus programs for small- to medium-sized businesses.

Why we like it: ESET has trusted security solutions to meet a range of organizational needs. Plans for businesses include protection for multiple devices, endpoint defense, encryption, file protection, cloud-based monitoring for new threats, app protection, mail security, full disk encryption, and multi-factor authentication, depending on the tier.

The company also utilizes AI and has adopted a multilayered approach to its solutions, focusing on reducing the attack surface for ransomware, phishing, and vulnerability exploitation.

Also: Best password managers for business in 2025

Who it’s for: ESET Protect is a solid choice for organizations that want centralized cybersecurity features for their servers and networks, with tools for specific business needs as well as options to add extended detection and response support. On-premise or cloud options are also available.

Business customers note that ESET offers excellent protection in the background and is a good value for the price.

ESET provides customizable plans for organizations of all sizes with a variety of add-ons. Entry-level, out-of-the-box plans start at $211 per year for five devices and include antivirus and anti-phishing protection. Higher tiers come with additional features, with pricing for enterprise plans that include managed detection and response service available upon request. You can add up to 100 devices when purchasing an ESET package online.

Who should look elsewhere: ESET Protect is specifically for small and midsize businesses, though ESET does have solutions for consumers and enterprise customers.

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If you’re looking for a free antivirus solution, AVG is behind one of my favorite options.

Why we like it: AVG’s free software is generous, to say the least. The service performs deep scans of your Windows or Mac PC, and if enabled, will also automatically scan any new files added to your system to check for malicious code or behavior.

If anything suspicious is found, files are placed in quarantine for your review or deletion. You can also choose to target specific files or folders for a security check.

In addition, AVG Antivirus Free provides users with a shield that monitors for strange app behavior.

Who it’s for: Anyone looking for a solid, free antivirus solution that provides more than many default operating system antivirus programs.

If you want additional features like anti-tracking or a VPN, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan, which is around $60 for the first year.

Who should look elsewhere: AVG offers solid protection and an easy user experience, making it a good choice for anyone looking for free antivirus software. If you want more features or a solution for business purposes, check out my other top picks.

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Is antivirus necessary in 2025, or is a built-in option enough?

No antivirus software is completely effective, just as no software is completely invulnerable to attack. Instead, pairing reputable antivirus software with other security methods, including using VPNs, strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and being mindful of phishing tactics, will serve you best.

Extra protection is helpful on most devices you are likely to own. Arguably, threats in the Apple ecosystem are rarer, so you are less likely to need a dedicated antivirus program if you have default protections enabled. This still doesn’t mean Apple’s XProtect is invulnerable to an attack.

Today’s most significant threats tend to attack businesses and organizations rather than home in on individuals. However, real-time threat protection against phishing websites, malicious links, and drive-by downloads, as well as warnings when attempting to visit insecure domains, is always helpful. You might also benefit from add-on features that antivirus programs provide beyond basic system scans.

We also need to consider how artificial intelligence is beginning to change the threat landscape. AI is being abused and weaponized to conduct automated, brute-force attacks, generate malicious code, and create deepfakes, among other applications. Antivirus software can’t prevent these attacks, but vendors are starting to use AI to enhance threat detection systems.

Should I pay for antivirus software?

You don’t necessarily have to pay for antivirus software. Indeed, many of us simply rely on the default protections provided by our PC or mobile operating systems, and we might also download standalone antivirus software as an additional security layer.

Many free antivirus options offer excellent security and provide you with more peace of mind without impacting your annual budget. However, you should keep in mind that free antivirus programs may offer limited protection, as they may only function for a specific time period, similar to a premium trial, and may not provide the same advanced security functions as paid alternatives.

Also: Why you don’t need to pay for antivirus software anymore | The best free antivirus software: Expert tested

Best antivirus software	Price	Free plan	Malware protection	Phishing protection
Bitdefender Total Security	Plans start at $60 per year	Yes	Yes	Yes
Norton Antivirus Plus	Plans start at $30 per year	No	Yes	Yes
McAfee Plus	Plans start at $40 per year	No	Yes	Yes
Surfshark One	Plans start at $2.49 per month	No	Yes	Yes
ESET Protect	Plans start at $60 per year	No	Yes	Yes
AVG Antivirus Free	Free	Yes	Yes	Limited

*Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts.

Choose this antivirus software…	If you want…
Bitdefender Total Security	Impressive performance at an affordable price. Bitdefender can be a bit slow to set up, but once it’s ready, the antivirus is unobtrusive and will only alert you as necessary.
Norton Antivirus Plus	A budget-friendly antivirus solution. If you only need to protect one device, and you want to spend as little as possible, Norton’s basic plan is all you need.
McAfee Plus	Protection for multiple devices with additional features. The bolt-on password manager, VPN, and dark web monitoring are valuable security features to have.
Surfshark One	A lightweight, real-time scanning AV solution for use with a VPN. If you want an affordable VPN for daily use with additional antivirus protection, consider this bundle.
ESET Protect	A business-friendly antivirus option. You can choose between SMB entry, advanced, and complete plans, as well as enterprise solutions.
AVG Antivirus Free	A solid, free antivirus program. AVG shines in scanning, threat detection, and removal.

When selecting an antivirus, you should consider:

Device support: Many antivirus solutions support a variety of devices. Consider whether you want to protect your PC or mobile device, for example, and check that plans will cover more than one machine.
Protection: Research the protection on offer, including whether the software can protect you against threats such as ransomware, trojans, and spyware.
Price: There are free, lightweight options that can handle day-to-day protection, but they are unlikely to offer additional support. If you opt for a paid plan, choose one suitable for your budget and be aware of any price hikes following promotional first years.
Additional features: You may want a solution that provides additional advanced features such as a bundled VPN, a dark web scanner, a data breach notification service, or insurance.
Resource use: Resource use varies across antivirus products, so you should check whether your machine will struggle with the extra workload. Apps tend to be optimized for modern mobile devices, but some older PCs may not work well with every antivirus option.

I consider numerous factors when recommending the best antivirus software solutions, including:

Features: There are many threats out there, from malware to viruses, so we look for the best antivirus protection and features available to protect your online activity, whether you are using your PC or smartphone. Features may include email attachment checks, dark web data breach alert services, VPNs, and identity data monitoring.
Real-time scanning: I like to see real-time scans as a feature of modern antivirus software, as we consider this imperative to modern security. This feature ensures you are warned when threats emerge.
Performance: Features mean nothing if the antivirus app or software does not have the power or performance to back it up. It is important to look for antivirus software and apps that not only attack existing threats, but prevent you from facing new ones, too.
Accessibility: Antivirus software has been available for some time, and there are now numerous mobile antivirus apps available as well. Consider how you would best like to access your antivirus program and what mobile requirements there may be.
Artificial intelligence: We like to see the inclusion of new technologies, including AI-based threat detection tools.
Price: The best antivirus programs do not charge the highest fees, with several programs offering free versions, but with limited features. Consider your budget when you are trying to find the best antivirus protection.
Support: As with any software, you may encounter problems with installing apps, using the service, renewing, or canceling. I like to see antivirus solution providers with a range of customer support channels.

Latest information on antivirus software in 2025

One of the main drawbacks of antivirus software and apps is the computing resources they require. You may find that some antivirus software could drain your resources and slow down your system. This is especially apparent when real-time threat scanners, an important aspect of protection, are in use. That said, vendors have vastly improved resource requirements and this is less of an issue compared to a decade ago.

Viruses are not the only thing that antivirus programs protect against. There are also worms, which attack your device and attempt to propagate across networks. In addition, trojans appear to be safe programs but, they will lurk on your device and attempt to steal your account and financial information.

You often find viruses, worms, and trojans hidden within seemingly legitimate software. If you are downloading pirated content, you are also putting yourself at risk of accidentally executing malware on your machine.

Ransomware is also serious threat to consumers and businesses today. Modern antivirus programs are often able to stop it before it encrypts your machine and demands a ransom payment in return for a decryption key.

Spyware might be disguised as software executables or mobile apps and can severely impact your privacy. Spyware will monitor your activities and collect your data, and in cases of stalkerware, may also log your phone calls, text messages, social media activity, and GPS location.

Antivirus apps and programs also protect against adware that can tap into your web history and flood you with pesky and potentially dangerous ads or notifications. Also, while not usually dangerous, nuisanceware can slow down your device, drain power, and make it close to impossible to browse the internet normally.

You should keep in mind that many variants of malware today are not limited to attacks against PCs — malicious software can also be found in seemingly benign mobile apps.

No antivirus software is 100% invulnerable to cybercriminals. Software, and any form of digital infrastructure, can be susceptible to zero-day exploits, tampering, and vulnerabilities due to misconfiguration or accidental insider threats.

However, a robust antivirus program can be a step in the right direction toward creating a solid foundation for your security and privacy. Default operating system (OS) security solutions are certainly helpful, but dedicated antivirus programs can go further. The software can protect you from malicious websites, phishing attempts, and surveillance with additional firewalls, password managers, multifactor authentication controls, and VPNs.

Norton, McAfee, and Kaspersky are reputable antivirus vendors that frequently contribute to the cybersecurity community through threat research and advisories.

Norton: Norton often earns better protection scores and AV ratings than many of its competitors, and it is backed by solid customer feedback. Its more extensive range of features also appeals to a large customer base.

McAfee: Generally speaking, McAfee is a better all-rounder for beginners, with a simpler format, user interface, and a set-and-forget nature.

Kaspersky: Kaspersky Anti-Virus has long been considered an excellent antivirus program, but in 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) branded Kaspersky a national security risk and the Commerce Department banned the use of its software in the U.S. This means that if you are using the company’s antivirus software in the U.S., it’s unlikely you will receive any updates.

Despite this, Kaspersky still works with agencies outside of the U.S., including Interpol, to detect and combat cybercriminal schemes.

Modern Windows PCs include the Windows Defender anti-threat software as standard, whereas Apple’s macOS includes XProtect, its proprietary built-in antivirus software that was introduced back in 2009. Updates, including antivirus signatures and security patches, are frequently released for both antivirus solutions.

Still, I recommend that you consider signing up for an antivirus solution, regardless of whether you are a Microsoft or Apple user. There’s no harm in adding an additional layer of protection, especially if you often encounter phishing attempts or you are dealing with valuable, sensitive data.

Latest updates

In our June update, we added the latest plan and pricing information for our recommended antivirus software. We also added AVG as a top pick for free antivirus software.

Are there any alternative antivirus software and apps worth considering?

When looking for an antivirus program, there is a huge market to consider, and not every solution can make it to our recommendations list. If none of the options above appeal to you, we also found these options in our search for the best antivirus apps and software:

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What is the best antivirus right now?

Best antivirus software and apps of 2025

Is antivirus necessary in 2025, or is a built-in option enough?

Should I pay for antivirus software?

Latest information on antivirus software in 2025

Latest updates

Are there any alternative antivirus software and apps worth considering?

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