The Best A n t i v i r u s Review in 2025
In our increasingly digital and interconnected world, cybersecurity has become a vital concern for individuals, businesses, and governments. From managing finances to connecting with others across the globe, we rely on computers and devices for almost every aspect of life. However, this convenience comes with risks. Cyber threats such as viruses, ransomware, spyware, and phishing attacks are evolving rapidly, posing significant challenges to our security.
Why should antivirus software be part of a broader cybersecurity strategy?
Antivirus software should be part of a broader cybersecurity strategy because, while it is effective at detecting and preventing many types of malware and cyber threats, it cannot provide comprehensive protection on its own.
Average Review
TotalAV
Rated #1 Antivirus Software of 2025. Protect your devices with our award-winning antivirus solution, featuring advanced privacy and performance tools.
- Save $80 - First Year Offer $19/yr For Desktop & $1.99/yr iPhone
- Real-Time antivirus protection & Removes viruses and other malware
- Protects all your devices + 2 Additional Licenses Included
- Trusted by millions of people worldwide
- Safeguards your identity online
- Ultra fast antivirus + Mac cleaner Included
- Award Winning Antivirus & Security Software
- Eliminate Malware
Average Review
Bitdefender
Offers excellent virus protection, a wide range of features, and minimal system impact.
- Highly-rated virus detection capability
- Chat safely in popular social networks
- Extends battery life on laptops and tablets
- Protects mobile devices from physical theft
- Includes a basic package with premium features
- Surf the web safely and anonymously
Average Review
Norton
High-accuracy, low-impact antivirus solution with online backup capabilities.
- Detects viruses without raising false flags
- Protects usernames and passwords
- Prevents hackers from infiltrating your system
- Allows you to manage your devices from an online portal
- Prevents and helps you to recover from identity theft
- Backs up data and stores it in the cloud
Average Review
Panda
Powerful security protects you from numerous forms of online and offline danger
- Prevents virus infections from USB drives
- Spots dangerous processes with ease
- Identifies potential security risks in public Wi-Fi networks
- Strong encryption for your private files
- Allows you to store essential documents in the cloud
- Cleans and optimizes your computer
Average Review
McAfee
Highly accurate security solution for computers and mobile devices.
- Protects an unlimited number of devices
- Allows you to fix security issues remotely
- Removes malware or your money back
- Almost no false/positives were recorded
- Prevents scam attempts in their tracks
- Includes an encrypted folder for document storage
Average Review
AVG
Highly effective, low-impact, and affordable antivirus solution.
- Antivirus protection for an unlimited number of devices
- Features a powerful firewall that prevents hackers from infiltrating your devices
- Identifies and corrects performance-related issues
- Capable of removing camouflaged and deep-rooted malware
- Allows for safe online shopping
- Prevents hackers from accessing your webcam
Average Review
Avira
Award-winning premium antivirus solution suitable for all devices.
- Recipient of high ratings from independent testers
- Blocks all online threats
- Blocks suspicious websites and phishing attempts
- Prevents zero-hour threats in real-time
- Cleans and optimizes your computer
- Protects your data from hackers
Average Review
ESET
Well-balanced security solution with powerful antivirus capabilities.
- Blocks and eliminates the latest virus threats
- Allows you to use your device with limited interruption
- Secure browser for safe online shopping
- Prevents hackers from stealing personal data
- Allows you to store passwords in a secure database
- Encrypts photos and protects your private memories
Average Review
Avast
Smart, fast, and reliable antivirus solution with limited impact on system performance.
- Ultimate - $69.99 SAVE 50% OFF - Cover 10 Devices
- Try Free Antivirus
- 435+ million users
- Advanced virus and malware protection
- Home Wi-fi network security
- Compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Easy to install, effortless to use
- 30+ years of cybersecurity experience
Average Review
Surfshark
Privacy-focused antivirus combines the power of real-time scanning with cloud protection and other comprehensive security features.
- Real-time scanning and cloud protection
- Virus Bulletin and AV-Test certified
- Part of Microsoft Virus Initiative
- Performance-optimized antivirus
- Scans up to 5 devices simultaneously
- Focused on respecting user privacy
Compare The Best Antivirus Software
| Criteria |
|---|
| Rating |
| Detection Capabilities |
| System performance |
| Features |
| Removes Malware |
| - |
| Bitdefender |
|---|
| 9.8 |
| Excellent |
| Excellent |
| Excellent |
| Excellent |
| Visit Site |
| Norton |
|---|
| 9.2 |
| Excellent |
| Good |
| Excellent |
| Good |
| Visit Site |
| TOTALAV |
|---|
| 9.0 |
| Excellent |
| Excellent |
| Good |
| Good |
| Visit Site |
| Panda |
|---|
| 8.9 |
| Good |
| Good |
| Good |
| Fair |
| Visit Site |
| Surfshark |
|---|
| 8.5 |
| Fair |
| Good |
| Good |
| Good |
| Visit Site |
Why You Should Trust Us
One of the most critical factors when choosing the antivirus solution that’s right for you is who you should trust. With so many fly-by scams and fake review websites across the web, finding a trustworthy and reliable source can be difficult. Unfortunately, most of the teams behind the online antivirus review websites have never actually installed or tested any of the products they recommend. And who wants to purchase an antivirus solution from a Top 10 software list compiled by a team of fake researchers?
Keeping true to our original goal of becoming the most trusted and respected buyer’s guide for antivirus software, we wanted to do things differently right from the get-go. Rather than compiling a quick Top 10 list consisting of the latest best-paying antivirus affiliate programs, we began by researching the market and identifying the most reputable antivirus solution providers. We decided only to include established brands with proven track records in excellence combined with industry-wide recognition. After purchasing a premium package from each brand, we began researching online, benchmarking each product using a proprietary scoring system (more about this in our blog).
But who are we? We are a team of experts specializing in software testing and reviewing with a combined experience of over 30 years. We aim to take an entirely new approach to the world of antivirus software reviewing based on integrity, trust, and transparency.
Finding The Best Antivirus
We’ve spent hours researching the most reputable antivirus testing labs, compiling all the virus and malware detection data we could find. AV Comparatives and AV Test have proven to be reliable sources, but our research didn’t stop there. We’ve also studies countless white papers and articles published by groups and institutions like The Anti-Malware Testing Standard Organization, PcMag, Google's Project Zero, Ars Technica, to name just a few. This approach allowed us to identify the key technical components and requirements of antivirus software and attribute a detection score to each solution.
While a solution’s detection capability plays a significant role, there is still much more to consider when selecting the best antivirus solution. Other important factors that need to be considered include software features, ease of use, and system performance. We set out to test these factors on the various PCs and Macs located in our office. After settling on a list of features to analyze and agreeing on a scoring system for each function, we installed the individual antivirus solutions. The testing process proved to be more time-consuming than expected, but eventually, we could harvest some interesting insights when comparing products. (Some of these insights will be featured in our blog over the following weeks, so be sure to keep an eye out.) Eventually, our scoring table was ready. But we still needed to consider another factor — pricing.
The Right Price
It’s not uncommon for a fully-stocked antivirus solution with premium features to come with a hefty price tag. Some companies will even include “exotic features” in an attempt to justify a higher sales price. The question is, are all of those extra features even worth the extra cost? Along with highly sought-after detection capabilities, we’ve agreed to only consider the must-have features included in each package, including usability, system performance, and the total price. Throughout the research phase, we realized that a handful of virus protection packages that were swimming in exotic features were actually highly overpriced.
Most antivirus companies offer significant discounts, but unfortunately, they’re not visible when visiting the websites directly. As some prices may drop as low as 50% off (for various reasons), the dynamics of selecting the best antivirus solution constantly fluctuate. Who wouldn't want a solution with the same must-have features as a competing brand but for half the cost? By partnering with various affiliate programs, we can provide direct links to antivirus offers at discounted prices. We’ve taken these prices into account when compiling our antivirus software lists to help you make an informed decision when choosing the right solution to protect your digital footprint.
Best Practices for Using Antivirus Software
Antivirus software plays a crucial role in safeguarding your devices and personal information against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. To ensure optimal protection, it is vital to keep your antivirus program and its virus definitions up to date. Cyber threats constantly evolve, and updates ensure your software can identify and neutralize the latest malware. Enabling automatic updates ensures that you remain protected without needing to remember manual interventions. These updates not only address new virus definitions but also improve software performance and fix vulnerabilities, ensuring robust protection against a wide range of threats.
Performing regular full-system scans is another important step in protecting your devices. While real-time scanning provides immediate defense against threats, scheduled scans add an extra layer of security by uncovering potential risks that may have bypassed initial detection. It is advisable to conduct these scans during off-peak hours to avoid interruptions and maximize their efficiency. Customizing scan schedules based on your routine ensures that every device is regularly examined for potential compromises.
Relying solely on antivirus software, however, is not sufficient for comprehensive protection. Enhancing your security posture through additional measures is crucial. Firewalls act as a barrier between your device and external networks, monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing traffic to prevent unauthorized access. Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra verification step when accessing accounts, significantly reducing the chances of unauthorized logins even if your credentials are compromised. Encryption plays a key role in safeguarding sensitive data by converting it into unreadable formats for unauthorized users. This is particularly important for financial information, personal documents, and corporate data. Using end-to-end encryption tools for communication and storage adds an extra layer of security.
User education also plays a pivotal role in maintaining cybersecurity. A significant number of malware infections stem from user actions, which makes awareness and knowledge essential. Recognizing phishing attempts, such as emails or messages that impersonate trusted entities, is a critical skill. Avoiding the temptation to click on unknown links, downloading unverified files, or installing apps from untrusted sources can prevent many potential threats. Regularly educating yourself and others in your network about evolving cyber threats and safe online practices is a proactive step toward minimizing risks.
Public Wi-Fi networks, while convenient, pose a high risk of exposure to cyber threats. These networks are often unsecured, making it easier for attackers to intercept data or distribute malware. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection, ensuring that your data remains secure even on public networks. Avoid accessing sensitive accounts, such as online banking or work systems, over public Wi-Fi unless absolutely necessary. Whenever possible, prioritize secure, private networks for conducting sensitive activities.
By adhering to these best practices, you can significantly enhance your defenses against cyber threats, minimize vulnerabilities, and maintain a safer digital environment. Remember that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Staying vigilant and proactive is the best way to protect your digital assets and ensure a secure online presence.
Expanding the Role of Antivirus in a Digital World
Antivirus software has undergone a dramatic transformation since its inception, evolving from a simple, signature-based malware detection tool into a sophisticated, multi-layered defense mechanism that addresses a wide variety of digital threats. Initially designed to identify and remove basic viruses that targeted computers, antivirus solutions today must contend with a complex and ever-expanding threat landscape. The scope of modern antivirus software now extends far beyond traditional malware, encompassing advanced persistent threats (APTs), ransomware, phishing attacks, spyware, adware, Trojans, and more. This evolution reflects the growing sophistication of cybercriminals and the increasing importance of digital security in a world where the internet is integral to personal, organizational, and societal functions. The digital world is constantly changing, and cyber threats are evolving in parallel. Today’s cyberattacks are more advanced, targeted, and often automated, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to bypass traditional defenses. These threats are also becoming more diverse, with cybercriminals using social engineering tactics, such as phishing emails or fake websites, to trick users into unwittingly disclosing sensitive information. Moreover, attacks are no longer limited to individual devices; they now extend across entire networks, cloud environments, and the growing Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem, where billions of interconnected devices are vulnerable to exploitation. Antivirus software must continue to evolve and adapt to these new challenges. It can no longer rely solely on signature-based detection methods, which look for known patterns of malicious code. Modern antivirus solutions are increasingly incorporating heuristics, behavior analysis, machine learning, and cloud-based threat intelligence to identify previously unknown threats in real-time. This shift enables antivirus software to proactively defend against zero-day vulnerabilities and polymorphic malware, which change their code to evade detection.
The future of antivirus software lies in its seamless integration with emerging technologies that enhance detection, prevention, and response capabilities. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are already playing pivotal roles in improving antivirus software’s ability to detect and neutralize new threats. These technologies analyze vast amounts of data, allowing antivirus solutions to identify patterns, behaviors, and anomalies indicative of potential threats. AI-driven antivirus systems are able to make real-time decisions, detect emerging threats faster, and adapt to new types of malware without requiring constant updates or signatures from human developers. While antivirus software is a critical component of any cybersecurity strategy, it cannot function as a stand-alone solution. Its effectiveness is greatly enhanced when integrated into a broader, multi-layered cybersecurity framework. A comprehensive cybersecurity strategy involves a combination of technical controls, policies, and human behavior that collectively mitigate risks and strengthen defenses. Antivirus software plays a central role in this ecosystem by preventing, detecting, and responding to malware, but it must work in tandem with other tools and practices, such as firewalls, encryption, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and regular patching of software vulnerabilities. As cyber threats continue to increase in both volume and sophistication, antivirus software will remain a cornerstone of digital safety, but it must continue to adapt. The future of antivirus solutions is likely to see greater use of AI and automation, allowing for real-time, autonomous threat detection and response. Antivirus solutions may also move further into the realm of predictive cybersecurity, where they not only react to current threats but anticipate and prevent future ones.
Transparency Disclosure
The reviews, classifications, and content presented on AntivirusGuide.com represent the informed opinions of our reviewers. Our mission is simple: to help our visitors choose the antivirus solution that’s right for them. Our company receives monetary compensation when users buy the products that we recommend by clicking the links featured on our website, Antivirus Guide. Our editorial team puts countless hours of effort into providing accurate information regardless of the amount of monetary compensation received from affiliate links.
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers might help.
Antivirus software is a program designed to detect, prevent, and remove malware, such as viruses, worms, ransomware, and spyware, from your computer or device. It is essential to protect your data, privacy, and ensure that your system functions properly by blocking malicious threats.
While antivirus software is effective at detecting and blocking many threats, it cannot provide 100% protection against all cyberattacks. New malware types emerge regularly, and some threats may bypass traditional antivirus methods. It’s important to complement antivirus with good digital hygiene, like using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and staying cautious online.
Free antivirus software typically offers basic protection against malware, with limited features and fewer updates. Paid antivirus software provides more comprehensive protection, including advanced features like firewall protection, privacy tools, real-time scanning, customer support, and regular updates to address emerging threats.
Antivirus software detects viruses through three primary methods: • Signature-based detection: Comparing files to known virus signatures in a database. • Heuristic analysis: Identifying suspicious behavior or unknown patterns that may indicate a potential threat. • Behavioral monitoring: Observing software and processes in real time to detect any unusual or malicious activity.
While Macs and other operating systems may be less targeted than Windows PCs, they are still vulnerable to malware and other cyber threats. Antivirus software is recommended for all devices, regardless of the operating system, to add an extra layer of security.
Some antivirus software can cause a slight decrease in system performance, especially when running scans or background monitoring. However, most modern antivirus programs are optimized to minimize performance impact. Choosing lightweight antivirus options and scheduling scans during off-hours can help reduce this effect.
It is generally not recommended to have multiple antivirus programs running simultaneously on your device, as they can conflict with each other, causing performance issues or errors. If you decide to use another security solution, it’s best to uninstall the old one to avoid potential conflicts.
You should update your antivirus software regularly, ideally with automatic updates enabled. Antivirus vendors release updates frequently to improve detection capabilities, fix bugs, and ensure protection against the latest threats. Regular updates are crucial to maintaining strong security.
Many antivirus programs now include protection against phishing, blocking fake websites that attempt to steal sensitive information like passwords and credit card details. However, users should still be cautious and verify the legitimacy of emails, links, and attachments to avoid falling victim to phishing scams.
Free antivirus software can offer basic protection, but it may lack advanced features, timely updates, and customer support that come with paid solutions. While it’s a good option for users on a budget, it’s important to be aware of potential limitations and consider upgrading to a paid solution if you need more comprehensive protection.