Best Antivirus
Software For 2025
Our team of experts have reviewed over 150 top antivirus software and we are pleased to provide you with our expert selection of the best virus protection for 2025.
Anti Malware
Anti Spyware
Phishing Protection
1
9.9
user score
Compatibility
-
5 PCs, Macs, tablets, or phones
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Antivirus, malware, ransomware, and hacking protection
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50 GB Cloud Backup
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VPN private internet connection
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Privacy & Dark Web Monitoring
9.9
user score
Compatibility
2
9.8
user score
Compatibility
-
Phishing Scam Protection
-
Zero Day Cloud Scanning
-
System Tune-Up Tools
-
VPN private internet connection
-
Browser Manager & Cleaner
9.8
user score
Compatibility
3
9.1
user score
Compatibility
-
Privacy protection includes Personal Data and Online Account Cleanup
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Social Privacy Manager, VPN, and more
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Get identity, credit and financial monitoring plus restoration
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Text Scam Detector
9.1
user score
Compatibility
4
8.8
user score
Compatibility
-
Excellent Scores in Third-Party Lab Testing
-
Very good free version of the software
-
E-Mails without spam - keeps your inbox clean
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Gamer mode is a must if you play many games online
8.8
user score
Compatibility
5
8.4
user score
Compatibility
-
Trusted by 435 million users worldwide
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Excellent Trustpilot rating of 4.3 from 14,322 reviews
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Offers webcam and ransomware protection
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Enjoy a 60-day free trial!
8.4
user score
Compatibility
Who Needs
Antivirus Software?
These days, everybody needs antivirus software.
Computer viruses don’t just come from streaming or downloading movies. Many people think that they can avoid potential threats by making sure they don’t visit certain websites or download certain files.
The truth is computer viruses can make their way onto your computer or any other device in a number of ways. You can pick up viruses and malware simply by checking your email, browsing the web or from putting a USB memory stick into your laptop.
Virus protection is a requisite of having your own personal computer. Luckily for you, there are hundreds of choices of antivirus software – each with its pros and cons. Making a choice between internet security software can be difficult, but that’s what we’re here for!
Computer viruses don’t just come from streaming or downloading movies. Many people think that they can avoid potential threats by making sure they don’t visit certain websites or download certain files.
The truth is computer viruses can make their way onto your computer or any other device in a number of ways. You can pick up viruses and malware simply by checking your email, browsing the web or from putting a USB memory stick into your laptop.
Virus protection is a requisite of having your own personal computer. Luckily for you, there are hundreds of choices of antivirus software – each with its pros and cons. Making a choice between internet security software can be difficult, but that’s what we’re here for!
How Does Antivirus Software Work?
Antivirus software comes in two varieties, passive or active. Passive versions leave it up to you to decide when you want to check your Windows desktop, laptop, or PC for new threats. Active versions are constantly running in the background on your Windows device and will alert you when they find something suspicious.The best antivirus software runs on your Windows computer, PC, or mobile device 24/7 and is connected to the company's live database of virus signatures. New viruses and exploits are being developed all the time, so the best antiviruses for Windows are constantly being updated with an ever-expanding catalogue of viruses to look out for.
Should your antivirus find a potential virus in your Windows system, it will give you three options. The first and the best course of action in most cases is to delete the threat. Some viruses are built in a way that makes it impossible to delete them, in that case, the second-best option for your Windows device is to quarantine it. The last option is to have your antivirus ignore a file you know to be safe.
Free vs Paid Antivirus Software
If you are deciding on a new antivirus software and may want to try a free version, keep in mind that there are pros and cons for both paid and free versions. Using a free antivirus software can cost you more in the long run and most experts suggest that it’s better to use a paid version. Free versions can be great to try a new software or set of features, but will never provide the same level of protection - and your service most certainly won’t include internet security software.Paid versions of antivirus software will cover both online and offline activities, permanently delete sensitive digital files and provide extra encryption to protect your most private files from malware like Trojans, worms and ransomware.
A paid antivirus software is especially helpful if you have a PC or device that has already been infected. Many paid versions offer virus removal and cleanup tools, in addition to the highest-quality prevention and detection rates.
TOP 3 Antivirus Solutions
#2 editor’s pick for 2025
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Phishing Scam Protection
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Zero Day Cloud Scanning
-
System Tune-Up Tools
-
Browser Manager & Cleaner
#1 editor’s pick for 2025
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Block viruses and other malware
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Enjoy total privacy with fast, unlimited VPN and anti-tracking technology
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Get powerfull anti-scam and anti-ransomware protection
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Speed up, clean up, and update your devices so the feel like new
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Get identity theft protection and 24/7 assistance in resolving any question
#3 editor’s pick for 2025
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Identity, credit and financial monitoring
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Social Privacy Manager, VPN, and more
-
Text Scam Detector
Frequently Asked
Questions
Yes, but only some antivirus programs protect against all types of malware. Built-in tools from
Windows and Apple are usually effective against traditional viruses but fall short against newer
threats like ransomware, rootkits, cryptojackers, and spyware.
This is because different malware behaves uniquely—ransomware encrypts files, cryptojackers mine cryptocurrency using your resources, and spyware secretly shares your data with hackers.
However, companies like TotalAV and Norton offer specialized tools in their anti-malware engines to detect all types of malware. They monitor network traffic, disk usage, and system files to provide real-time protection against a wide range of threats.
This is because different malware behaves uniquely—ransomware encrypts files, cryptojackers mine cryptocurrency using your resources, and spyware secretly shares your data with hackers.
However, companies like TotalAV and Norton offer specialized tools in their anti-malware engines to detect all types of malware. They monitor network traffic, disk usage, and system files to provide real-time protection against a wide range of threats.
If you're on Windows or macOS, you already have free antivirus protection, as both systems include
basic antivirus tools. However, these built-in protections are not very effective.
Free antivirus programs often limit essential features, pushing you to upgrade. While a few free options offer decent protection, it's generally better to choose an affordable premium antivirus like Norton or TotalAV to avoid the frustrating limitations of free versions.
Free antivirus programs often limit essential features, pushing you to upgrade. While a few free options offer decent protection, it's generally better to choose an affordable premium antivirus like Norton or TotalAV to avoid the frustrating limitations of free versions.
No, running two antivirus scanners at the same time can cause conflicts, as each may identify the
other as a threat. It's best to uninstall the old antivirus before installing a new one.
When choosing antivirus software, consider these key features based on your needs:
Online Protection: If you spend a lot of time online, look for internet security software with a
built-in firewall.
Email Protection: For heavy email users, seek out features like anti-spam, spyware, and phishing
protection.
Parental Controls: Parents should find software with user-friendly parental controls and
restrictions.
Gaming Protection: Gamers will benefit from a "gaming mode," which reduces resource usage.
Compatibility: Ensure the software is compatible with your operating system, whether it's Windows,
macOS, or others.
About Us
At the heart of our mission is a steadfast dedication to providing exceptional customer service and
building lasting relationships with our valued clients. With a proven track record of success, we adhere
to the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and professionalism.
Our antivirus testing approach is based on clear, transparent criteria that measure the effectiveness of
antivirus software. Additionally, we offer a platform featuring genuine user feedback and ratings,
enabling visitors to learn from others' experiences about the usability and performance of antivirus
solutions.
