The Best Antivirus Software in 2025, Tested By Security Researchers
TotalAV is our top pick for its excellent malware detection and protection rate, excellent cloud scanning, and protection against any malware strain.
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Last Updated on Jun 17, 2025
- Malware definitions update automatically
- Includes device optimization programs
- Detects and quarantines any type of malware
- Comes bundled with a VPN, a secure browser, and data breach monitoring
- Provides full, quick, and scheduled scans
- Provides access to all security services in one intuitive app
- Provides antivirus protection on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
- Has apps that are very simple to install and use
- Has extra security services, including identity theft protection and a password manager
Picking a good antivirus can be difficult. Every antivirus software is different, and what’s best for one person might not be good for another, especially when it comes to cost.
We’ve been testing antivirus software for years and are extremely familiar with all their features, apps, and pricing. That’s why our team of experts put together our knowledge and hands-on experience testing antiviruses to curate this guide.
TotalAV is our top pick, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only option. Depending on your needs, Surfshark Antivirus, Norton Antivirus Plus, McAfee, or Bitdefender could be better picks. Read our whole guide to see which service gives you the best value.
The Best Antivirus Software At A Glance
| System |
TotalAV Antivirus
|
Surfshark Antivirus
|
Norton Antivirus
|
McAfee Antivirus
|
Bitdefender Antivirus
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
| Ratings | 9.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| Price (1 year subscription) | Starting at $29.00 | $50.85 (as part of Surfshark One) | Starting at $29.99 | Starting at $39.99 | Starting at $24.99 |
| Number of Devices | 3-8 | 5 | 1-10 | 1-Unlimited | 1-5 |
| Free Trial/Version | Free Trial/Version Free version & free trial (7 days) | Free trial (7 days on mobile) | Free trial (14 days) | Free trial (30 days) | Free version & free trial (30 days) |
| Operating Systems | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | Windows, Android, Mac | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, ChromeOS | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android |
| Firewall | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 60 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Read Review | TotalAV Antivirus Review | Surfshark Antivirus Review | Norton Antivirus Review | McAfee Antivirus Review | Bitdefender Antivirus Review |
Antivirus Terms Explained: Antiviruses scan for malware in two ways. “On-access scans” run in the background whenever the software is active — this is also known as “real-time protection.” Meanwhile, “on-demand scans” are initiated by the user.
A Rundown of Our Antivirus Picks
- TotalAV Antivirus - The Best Antivirus for Malware Protection
- Surfshark Antivirus - The Best Antivirus For All-Around Digital Security
- Norton Antivirus - The Best Cross-Platform Antivirus Software
- McAfee Antivirus - The Best Antivirus for Families
- Bitdefender Antivirus - The Best Lightweight Antivirus Software
Feature Highlight
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1. TotalAV Antivirus - The Best Antivirus for Malware Protection
View Packages Links to TotalAV AntivirusProduct Specs
Virus Detection Yes Malware Detection Yes Firewall No Full, quick, and scheduled scans Yes Real-time protection Yes Behavior-based monitoring No
Who TotalAV Is Best For
TotalAV got high marks in all the malware tests we ran. We ranked TotalAV highly for its excellent malware detection. It scored well in our malware detection tests, and results from well-known antivirus tests by independent security firms also backed up our findings. That’s why we recommend TotalAV for users seeking top-tier malware detection and protection.
Pros
- Real-time protection and manual scans
- Has a very good system clean-up tool
- Automatic malware definition database updates
- Smart Scan goes beyond just scanning for malware
Cons
- Lacks a firewall
- Has a free version, but it’s pretty limited
- Prices increase after the first year
Malware Detection – Excellent
TotalAV successfully blocked a website with malicious activities. We used the EICAR malware test file to test TotalAV. Antiviruses typically flag this file as malware, but it’s actually harmless.1 We tried downloading this file a total of 10 times, and TotalAV blocked it every time. It also detected the test files we tried to sneak in via a USB flash drive and local area network (LAN) file transfers.
TotalAV also performed very well in tests run by AV-TEST (an independent firm that runs comprehensive antivirus tests).2 Their results show that TotalAV maintains a near 100% malware detection and protection rate across Windows, macOS, and Android devices.
User Experience – Excellent
TotalAV offers excellent cross-platform compatibility, with apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. We installed the service on all of our devices, and the installation process was very straightforward. We also like that the TotalAV apps are lightweight — we didn’t notice any significant slowdowns while running full scans in the background.
On Windows and Android, TotalAV provides access to system clean-up tools. For example, on Windows, you can use the antivirus app to scan your PC junk files, tracking cookies, and startup programs that might be slowing it down. We ran several clean-up scans, and TotalAV usually finished them in less than a minute.
>> Read More: Do iPads Need Antivirus Protection?
Price – Very Good
TotalAV offers several tier-based subscriptions, including bundles with additional security services such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network) and password manager. We signed up for the “TotalAV Total Security” subscription to get access to all features. It’s priced at $49 for the first year — about $4 per month.
TotalAV also offers a 30-day refund for all long-term purchases. It has a free version too, but it’s pretty limited — especially since it lacks real-time protection. This means you’d need to regularly perform manual scans to make sure your device stays safe.
>> Find Out More: The Best Antivirus With VPN Bundles in 2025
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2. Surfshark Antivirus - The Best Antivirus For All-Around Digital Security
View Plans Links to Surfshark.comProduct Specs
Virus Detection Yes Malware Detection Yes Firewall No Full, quick, and scheduled scans Yes Real-time protection Yes Behavior-based monitoring Yes
Who Surfshark Antivirus Is Best For
Our tests of Surfshark One’s antivirus features had great results. The scans were quick and effective, allowing you to quickly get on with your day. We also found the apps easy to use. However, there’s more to Surfshark One than just antivirus protection.
We think Surfshark Antivirus is excellent for overall digital security because it comes bundled with many other useful security tools, including a top-rated VPN, a data breach monitoring tool, and a data removal service. That’s why we recommend it to users looking for an all-in-one digital security service.
>> Read More: Surfshark VPN Review
Pros
- Built-in access to an antivirus, a VPN, data breach monitoring, and more
- 24/7 live chat support
- Scheduled, quick, and full scans
- Regular automatic updates of virus database
Cons
- The antivirus isn’t available on iOS devices
- Doesn’t have a firewall
- Doesn’t provide access to system clean-up tools
Malware Detection – Very Good
In addition to blocking our attempts to download the EICAR malware test file, Surfshark’s antivirus also stopped us from accessing unsafe links and websites as part of its CleanWeb feature. We also ran manual scans after hiding malware test files all around our Windows laptop, and Surfshark detected 90% of them. The one it didn’t find was hidden in a compressed .zip folder.
While we’re happy with Surfshark’s malware detection and protection, it currently lacks the extra protections that TotalAV offers. Ransomware protection is one example.
Expert Tip: One way you can protect yourself from ransomware by regularly backing up your most important files. We suggest using an encrypted cloud service for this. That way, if you ever get locked out of your computer, you’ll have a copy of your important files.
User Experience – Very Good
We found Surfshark’s all-in-one app very intuitive. Surfshark Antivirus has apps for Windows, macOS, and Android, and we like that it uses the same app for all its security services. We found the app easy to navigate, too, with tabs along the left margin dedicated to each service (see our screenshot above).
Unfortunately, we had to dock some points since the iOS and iPadOS apps don’t have any antivirus features. Also, unlike TotalAV, it doesn’t include access to device optimization tools on any platform.
Price – Very Good
Surfshark has several tier-based subscriptions. We recommend getting “Surfshark One,” since it includes the antivirus, the VPN, a tool that lets you generate an alternative email and persona, data breach monitoring, and a privacy-focused search engine. We also recommend choosing a longer subscription, as the monthly average cost can go down to $2.49. Also, check out our Surfshark deals page.
“Surfshark One” Subscription Costs 1-Month Plan $17.95/month 1-Year Plan $3.39/month 2-Year Plan $2.69/month >> Related Reading: How Much Does Surfshark Cost in 2025?
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3. Norton Antivirus - The Best Cross-Platform Antivirus Software
View Plans Links to Norton.comProduct Specs
Virus Detection Yes Malware Detection Yes Firewall Yes Full, quick, and scheduled scans Yes Real-time protection Yes Behavior-based monitoring Yes
Who Norton Antivirus Plus Is Best For
Norton 360 works across multiple platforms, and also has feature-rich apps. Norton Antivirus Plus works across multiple platforms, and also has feature-rich apps.
Norton Antivirus Plus provides comprehensive coverage and it’s fairly simple to use. The company also has all kinds of extra features you can add on, from a VPN to identity theft protection. On top of that, the first year of Norton plans typically come at a significant discount. Unfortunately, Norton ropes you in that first-year discount and significantly increases the price after that.
Pros
- Affordable introductory prices
- 24/7 phone and live chat support
- Intuitive apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
- Lots of extras (cloud backup, parental control features, etc.)
Cons
- Prices can double or more after the first year
- The password manager is a separate app
- Offers device optimization, but as a separate service
Malware Detection – Excellent
Norton Antivirus Plus has great malware detection and protection rates. It detected all the malware test files we threw at it. It also maintains a nearly 100% detection and protection rate on AV-TEST’s platform. We also like that it includes protection against ransomware, just like TotalAV.
Additionally, Norton Antivirus Plus specializes against zero-day exploits (when hackers exploit newly discovered vulnerabilities). It does this via a combination of antivirus and VPN protection, along with a firewall. That said, we think TotalAV handles this better with its next-gen cloud scanning, which analyzes suspicious files in real-time.
Why That’s Important: Zero-day exploits are hard to detect because they typically aren’t in malware databases yet. That’s why they have a high success rate.3 Antivirus programs that rely only on databases of known malware have a slimmer chance of detecting zero-day attacks.
User Experience – Excellent
Norton 360 is simple to navigate and use, whether you’re on mobile or desktop. Norton Antivirus Plus is simple to navigate and use, whether you’re on mobile or desktop.
We like how Norton Antivirus Plus offers protection for all devices: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. What’s more, it can protect up to 10 devices with its highest-tier subscription, making it a strong pick for users with multiple devices.
Norton Antivirus Plus’ apps are also user-friendly. Whether you’re on desktop or mobile, it’s easy to navigate the interface. Plus, there are helpful explanations for all settings and features, so you won’t feel lost while using it.
Price – Very Good
Families should consider the “Norton 360 with LifeLock Select Plus” subscription. It covers up to 10 devices and provides a decent level of identity theft protection. If you only need to protect a couple of devices and don’t need identity theft protection, the “Norton 360 Deluxe” subscription is a great pick.
There isn’t a free version of Norton Antivirus Plus available, but there is a free 14-day trial. Even if you can’t decide after two weeks, all plans have a 60-day money-back guarantee.
>> Read More: How Much Does Norton Antivirus Plus Cost?
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4. McAfee Antivirus - The Best Antivirus for Families
View Plans Links to McAfee AntivirusProduct Specs
Virus Detection Yes Malware Detection Yes Firewall Yes Full, quick, and scheduled scans Yes Real-time protection Yes Behavior-based monitoring Yes 
Who McAfee Is Best For
McAfee offers great plans for families, and is also simple to use. We ranked McAfee as the best option for families because there are three subscriptions specially tailored to families. These plans let you cover an unlimited number of devices with antivirus protection, protect your privacy with a VPN, and perform scans for your personal data. The mid and top-tier plans add identity protection features.
Pros
- Antivirus packages with VPN, identity protection, and more
- Real-time detection of threats
- Some subscriptions secure an unlimited number of devices
- Easy-to-navigate apps
Cons
- Lengthy scans
- Real-time and background scans affected system performance
- Frequent notifications when you turn off some features
Malware Detection – Very Good
McAfee quickly found and quarantined malware test files. During testing, McAfee’s real-time protection instantly blocked every malware test file we tried to download. We also loaded one computer with test files, and after installing McAfee, its full scan (which took a couple of hours) successfully found those files.
What we liked best, though, is McAfee’s built-in firewall, which enhances your home’s network security. Essentially, it prevents malware from spreading to your family’s devices through your network — useful if you have teenagers constantly online.
>> See What We Recommend: The Best Antivirus With Firewall
User Experience – Good
McAfee offers good cross-platform compatibility since it works on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and ChromeOS. We also found McAfee’s apps easy to install and use, making it ideal for family members not familiar with using antivirus software. With real-time protection on, there’s no need for manual scans.
That said, McAfee’s apps are not as lightweight as Surfshark’s. On-going scans impacted our system’s performance, and some scans took more than two hours to finish.
Our Experience: After turning on real-time protection on a 2023 high-end Windows laptop, we noticed that files loaded slower than normal. We also experienced minimal lag when playing graphics-intensive video games.
Price – Very Good
The “McAfee Advanced Family” subscription is a good choice for most families. It includes antivirus, a VPN, a password manager, and identity theft protection. In fact, we think that McAfee offers one of the best identity theft protection services in 2025.
The “McAfee Advanced Family” subscription costs $119.99 for the first year. If that’s too steep, consider the “McAfee Premium Family” subscription, which costs $69.99 for the first year but does not include identity theft protection. McAfee also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all its plans.
>> Related: How Much Does McAfee Antivirus Cost in 2025?
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5. Bitdefender Antivirus - The Best Lightweight Antivirus Software
View Plans Links to Bitdefender AntivirusProduct Specs
Virus Detection Yes Malware Detection Yes Firewall Yes Full, quick, and scheduled scans Yes Real-time protection Yes Behavior-based monitoring Yes 
Who Bitdefender Is Best For
Bitdefender never slowed down our devices while running scans. While our tests revealed that Bitdefender offers very effective protection, we were more impressed by the lightweight nature of the apps. Unlike with McAfee, Bitdefender will run silently in the background without constant pop-ups and notifications. It was refreshing to do things like browsing the web, gaming, or streaming video while knowing Bitdefender was offering silent protection.
Pros
- Perfect score in our virus detection test
- Protects up to 25 devices
- Apps are user-friendly and very lightweight
Cons
- Offers a VPN, but as a separate app
- Prices increase after the first year
Malware Detection – Very Good
Bitdefendere has very good malware detection and protection rates. Bitdefender’s real-time protection detected and blocked every malware test file we tried to download. This isn’t surprising, considering it receives high marks on AV-TEST’s platform.
Additionally, we like that Bitdefender offers multi-layer ransomware protection to keep your files safe. It also provides web protection from malware-infected links and safeguards you from hackers with scam prevention tools.
User Experience – Excellent
Bitdefender offers protection on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Depending on the subscription tier you choose, it can secure up to 25 devices. We also found its apps very simple to install and navigate. For example, it took us less than five minutes to install Bitdefender’s Windows app and run a quick scan.
While testing Bitdefender, we were really impressed by how lightweight its apps are. Over the course of three days, we continuously had Bitedender running full scans while we used our devices to surf websites, hold video calls, play online games, and stream movies. We never noticed any performance issues.
Price – Excellent
Bitdefender subscriptions come in tiers. We believe the “Bitdefender Antivirus Plus” option is perfect for anyone just interested in antivirus protection. We recommend the three-device plan, priced at only $29.99 for the first year.
Bitdefender also has a free version, which we consider one of the best free antivirus services in 2025. Unlike most free antiviruses, Bitdefender’s free version offers real-time protection. On top of that, Bitdefender also comes with a free 30-day trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Methodology: What We Test When We Review Antiviruses
We want to make sure we only recommend excellent antiviruses, so we spent three months testing 20 popular antivirus services. We also compared them to see which ones provide the best value. We compared them based on the following metrics:
- Malware detection rates: We used multiple malware test files (including the EICAR file) to assess each antivirus program’s detection rate. We also referenced third-party antivirus tests from reputable agencies (like AV-TEST).
- Performance: We checked how each antivirus impacted our test devices during scans, focusing on noticeable slowdowns, system freezes, or app crashes.
- Ease of use: We evaluated how easy it is to install and use each antivirus service. We prioritized antivirus services that provide protection across multiple operating systems.
- Extra security services: Most good antiviruses include additional security tools. All our top picks offer a VPN, and most include a password manager or identity theft protection in their bundles.
- Overall price: Antiviruses usually offer multiple subscription tiers. We analyzed each antivirus service’s pricing to ensure it is affordable and covers a decent number of devices. We also checked antiviruses that offer a free version, a free trial, or a generous money-back guarantee.
Recap
Getting antivirus software is the first step towards personal digital security and online safety. We highly recommend antivirus protection from TotalAV, Surfshark, Norton, McAfee, and Bitdefender — each for different reasons. While TotalAV, Surfshark, and Norton provide great all-around protection, people who want a set-it-and-forget-it approach might want to go with Bitdefender. Those looking to protect their family should give McAfee a hard look.
It’s important to point out that antivirus software isn’t the only digital security measure out there. Many of these antivirus plans have add-ons that result in more comprehensive protection. If you’re curious about these features, check our review of the best identity theft protection products.
FAQ
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What is the best antivirus software?
In our experience, TotalAV and Surfshark Antivirus offer the most robust malware protection. Both also include other digital security tools, such as a VPN.
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How much does antivirus software cost?
The cost of antivirus software typically depends on its features, the number of devices it covers, and the subscription length. A one-year subscription for one to five devices usually costs between $30 and $40.
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Are free antivirus software good enough?
Some antivirus services offer free versions with limited features, but they’re generally effective for detecting viruses and malware through on-demand scans. We recommend using the free version to test if an antivirus suits your needs.
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How often should I scan my computer?
We recommend a full scan at least once a month. Also, scan your computer whenever you download files off of the internet, plug a storage device into your computer, or connect to a public Wi-Fi network.
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European Institute for Computer Anti-Virus Research (EICAR). (2025).
https://www.eicar.org/ -
AV-TEST. (2025).
https://www.av-test.org/ -
Illumio. (2025).
https://www.illumio.com/cybersecurity-101/zero-day-attacks
