The Best A n t i v i r u s For Router in 2025
Your router is the gateway to your home or office network, connecting various devices to the internet. As the central hub for all your online activity, it becomes a primary target for cybercriminals. A compromised router can allow attackers to access your personal information, infect devices on your network with malware, or even take control of your smart home devices. This is why securing your router with antivirus software or security solutions is crucial. Antivirus for routers offers protection against external threats and ensures that every device connected to your network is safe from malicious activities.
Why Do Routers Need Antivirus Protection?
As the central hub for all your connected devices, routers are an essential part of any network. But with their growing importance, they also become a prime target for cyberattacks. Just like computers and smartphones, routers can be vulnerable to hacking, malware, and other malicious activities.
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 is essential, there are other critical factors to consider when selecting the best antivirus solution for routers. These factors include the software’s ability to monitor network traffic, prevent unauthorized access, protect against DDoS attacks, and provide secure communication between devices. To ensure a thorough analysis, we tested these factors on various routers and devices connected to the network.
Testing on routers was a key part of this process, as many antivirus programs behave differently when integrated into a network environment. We examined how each solution integrated with router firmware, how it handled incoming and outgoing traffic, and whether it added any significant performance overhead. We also focused on how each solution protected the entire network, including IoT devices, from cyberattacks.
The Right Price
It’s not uncommon for premium router antivirus solutions to come with a higher price tag, especially when they offer advanced features such as network monitoring, intrusion prevention systems, and protection against Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks. While these features are essential for safeguarding a network, the cost can vary widely depending on the provider and the specific capabilities included.
Some antivirus packages for routers bundle features that may not be necessary for all users, potentially inflating the price. For instance, features tailored for enterprise-grade networks might not add value for home users. It's important to focus on must-have features such as real-time threat detection, encrypted communication, and regular updates, ensuring that you're paying for functionality that truly enhances your router’s security.
During our research, we found that some antivirus solutions offered significant discounts, but these deals are not always prominently displayed on the providers’ websites. Prices can drop significantly during promotions or through affiliate programs, making it possible to secure high-quality protection at a fraction of the cost. By considering these discounts and focusing on solutions that balance functionality and affordability, users can make a more informed decision when choosing the best antivirus for their routers.
Why Do You Need Antivirus Protection for Your Router?
Your router is the gateway to every device on your network, and if it becomes compromised, attackers can gain control over the entire network, potentially accessing sensitive data or hijacking your devices. Antivirus protection for your router helps safeguard not only the router itself but also every connected device. It blocks the spread of malware, preventing infections from reaching other devices like your smartphone, laptop, or security cameras, keeping your entire network secure. This level of protection is essential as more and more devices are connected to home and office networks, increasing the overall vulnerability of your digital ecosystem.
Routers are also common targets for unauthorized access through methods like brute-force attacks, where hackers repeatedly try to guess your Wi-Fi password.Antivirus protection for your router scans for and blocks known malicious software, preventing it from entering your network in the first place. By stopping malware before it spreads, you can ensure the integrity of your devices and data, maintaining a secure network for everyone connected.
Once attackers gain access, they can exploit vulnerabilities in the router to monitor your internet activity, steal sensitive information, or manipulate connected devices. Antivirus protection for your router helps prevent such breaches by continuously monitoring network traffic for signs of suspicious behavior and blocking any potential threats before they can gain access. By preventing unauthorized users from infiltrating your network, antivirus protection ensures that only trusted devices are allowed to connect.
Much like other internet-connected devices, routers can be infected with malware. Once malware enters your router, it can spread across the entire network, infecting all connected devices and potentially causing significant damage, such as data theft or system failures. Ransomware, a particularly harmful form of malware, could lock your devices or files, demanding a ransom to restore access.
Is Antivirus for Routers Worth It?
Router antivirus solutions provide an essential layer of protection by detecting and blocking malicious activities at the network level. These solutions can help prevent malware from spreading, stop unauthorized users from accessing your system, and protect against Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks. They also include features like network monitoring, intrusion prevention, and real-time threat detection, all of which ensure a higher level of security for your home or office network.
For businesses, router antivirus protection is especially crucial. A breach in an office network can result in significant financial losses, operational disruptions, and reputational damage. Protecting the router, the central hub of all communication, minimizes these risks and ensures that sensitive data and critical operations remain secure. In industries handling confidential client information or proprietary data, robust router protection is not just worth it—it’s indispensable.
Even for home users, the growing prevalence of smart devices makes router security increasingly important. IoT devices, which often have minimal built-in security, are particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks. Router antivirus solutions can help shield these devices from being exploited, keeping your digital ecosystem safe.
While it’s true that many routers come with built-in firewalls and basic security features, these measures may not be enough to combat sophisticated threats. Investing in a dedicated router antivirus solution ensures a more comprehensive defense, offering peace of mind in an age of growing cyber risks. For those who value the security of their data, devices, and network, antivirus protection for routers is not just an optional add-on—it’s a necessary investment.
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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 protection for routers helps secure your network by preventing unauthorized access, blocking malware, and offering additional security features such as firewalls and intrusion detection. Some solutions also provide protection for all devices connected to the router.
Your router is the entry point for all devices connected to your network. Without proper security, it’s vulnerable to cyberattacks like hacking, data theft, and malware. Antivirus for routers protects your network and devices from these threats.
Yes, routers can be infected with malware, which can disrupt your network and even allow hackers to control the router remotely. Router malware can cause privacy breaches, slow internet speeds, or compromise the security of connected devices.
Most home routers don’t allow you to install antivirus software directly on them. However, some security solutions, like Bitdefender BOX and Trend Micro, provide router protection by connecting to your router and offering network-wide security.
Some of the best antivirus solutions for routers include Bitdefender BOX, Trend Micro Home Network Security, and Norton Core Router Security. These solutions offer robust protection for all devices connected to your network.
Look for features such as network monitoring, firewall protection, intrusion detection, DDoS attack protection, device management, and real-time threat detection. These features will help keep your router and connected devices safe from attacks.
While a router firewall offers some protection, antivirus software provides an additional layer of security. Firewalls primarily control incoming and outgoing traffic, but antivirus software can detect and block malware before it reaches your devices.
If your router doesn’t support antivirus software, you can still secure it by changing the default router password, updating the firmware regularly, enabling WPA3 encryption, and using strong, unique passwords for connected devices.
Bitdefender BOX is a device that connects to your router and provides security features like antivirus protection, a firewall, and network monitoring. It protects all devices on your network, including IoT devices, from cyberattacks and malware.
Yes, antivirus software for routers can provide protection for smart home devices by monitoring network traffic and blocking malicious connections or commands from unauthorized devices. This is crucial, as smart devices are often targeted by hackers due to their vulnerabilities.