Best Antivirus Software for 2025: Top Free and Paid Picks

Choosing the best antivirus software in 2025 is crucial to protect your PC, Mac, or smartphone from malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. With cyber threats evolving—over 1 billion malware incidents reported annually—a reliable antivirus is your last line of defense. We’ve tested 20+ antivirus programs, combining in-house evaluations with lab results from AV-Test, AV-Comparatives, and SE Labs, to bring you the top free and paid antivirus software for 2025. Whether you need premium protection or a budget-friendly option, here’s our expert guide.

Why You Need Antivirus Software in 2025

Because there are vulnerabilities on any electronic device we use, and on any browser, program, and site we open every day. For this reason, having an antivirus suite doesn’t just catch viruses, it’s the best tool to protect against real-time threats, block suspicious websites, offer firewall protection, scan for vulnerabilities, and even monitor your identity online.

• Blocking Malware: Detects and quarantines viruses, ransomware, and spyware in real time.
• Preventing Phishing: Protects against fake websites stealing your data.
• Securing Online Activity: Includes VPNs and safe browsing tools.
• Optimizing Performance: Ensures minimal system slowdown.

Unlike Windows Security (Defender), which offers basic protection but lacks advanced features, top antivirus suites provide comprehensive security for home and business users.

How We Chose the Best Antivirus

We didn’t just look at brand names—we tested software using real-world scenarios and lab data. Here’s what we focused on:

• Malware Protection: Detection rates against malware, ransomware, phishing, and zero-day attacks.
• Features: Added tools like VPNs, password managers, parental controls, and identity protection.
• Performance: Minimal impact on CPU and system speed.
• Ease of Use: Interface design, ease of use, and customer support.
• Value: What you get for the price, Pricing vs. features for free and paid plans.

Top Paid Antivirus Software for 2025

Paid antivirus software offers advanced protection, multi-device support, and premium features like VPNs and identity monitoring. Ideal for families, businesses, or heavy internet users, these suites deliver top-tier malware defense and peace of mind. Below are our expert picks, tested for performance and value in 2025.

Bitdefender Total Security – Best Overall

Bitdefender earns the top spot with 100% malware detection (AV-Test, AV-Comparatives) and a lightweight design ideal for gaming. Its low CPU usage ensures no lag during gameplay, making it the best antivirus for gaming 2025. Its advanced threat defense uses behavioral analysis to stop zero-day attacks, while real-time scanning ensures no malicious files slip through.

The suite includes a 200MB/day VPN for secure browsing, a password manager to protect your credentials, and parental controls to monitor kids’ online activity. System optimization tools keep your device running smoothly, even during full scans. With cross-platform support, it’s perfect for households with mixed devices.

• Features: VPN (200MB/day), password manager, parental controls, system optimizer, anti-ransomware, webcam protection.
• Devices: Up to 5 (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS).
• Price: $49.99/year (first year, 10 devices).
• Pros: Top lab scores, minimal system impact, versatile features.
• Cons: VPN data limit may frustrate heavy users; separate app for VPN.
• Best For: Families, multi-device users, and those seeking all-in-one protection.
• Why Choose It: Bitdefender’s blend of cutting-edge malware defense and user-friendly tools makes it ideal for most users.

Norton 360 Deluxe – Best for All-in-One Security

Norton 360 Deluxe combines 100% malware detection (AV-Comparatives) with a robust suite of extras, including 50GB cloud backup and dark web monitoring to alert you if your data is compromised. It’s real-time threat protection blocks viruses, spyware, and ransomware, while the Secure VPN ensures anonymous browsing. The password manager simplifies secure logins, and parental controls let you set screen time limits. Norton’s intuitive interface is accessible for beginners, and its low system impact suits older PCs.

• Features: VPN, 50GB cloud storage, password manager, dark web monitoring, parental controls, firewall.
• Devices: Up to 5 (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS).
• Price: $29.99/year (first year).
• Pros: Excellent lab scores, feature-rich, beginner-friendly.
• Cons: Renewal price increases; cloud backup is limited to 50 GB.
• Best For: Users wanting comprehensive security with extras like backup.
• Why Choose It: Norton’s all-in-one approach delivers premium protection at a competitive price.

McAfee Total Protection – Best for Unlimited Devices

McAfee Total Protection stands out with its unlimited device coverage and 99.9% malware detection (SE Labs). Its anti-ransomware shield actively monitors for file-encryption attempts, while the identity protection service scans for data breaches. The included VPN offers unlimited bandwidth, and the password manager supports unlimited entries. McAfee’s file shredder securely deletes sensitive data, and its quick scans minimize system slowdown. Ideal for large households, it’s a cost-effective choice for multi-device security.

• Features: VPN (unlimited data), identity protection, password manager, file shredder, firewall.
• Devices: Unlimited (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS).
• Price: $50/year (first year).
• Pros: Unlimited devices, strong lab scores, great value.
• Cons: May slow older PCs; interface feels cluttered.
• Best For: Large households or businesses with multiple devices.
• Why Choose It: McAfee’s unlimited plan offers premium features at a budget-friendly price.

Kaspersky Premium – Best for Advanced Threat Protection

Kaspersky Premium delivers 99.9% malware detection (AV-Test) and excels at stopping sophisticated threats like rootkits and spyware. Its data leak checker monitors for exposed credentials, while the file shredder ensures deleted files are unrecoverable. The VPN provides fast, secure browsing, and the anti-phishing tools block malicious links in emails and websites. Kaspersky’s interface is sleek and customizable, appealing to tech-savvy users, though privacy concerns in some regions may deter a few.

• Features: VPN, data leak checker, file shredder, anti-phishing, firewall, stalkerware detection.
• Devices: Up to 5 (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS).
• Price: $39.99/year (first year).
• Pros: Fast scans, advanced privacy tools, high lab scores.
• Cons: Privacy concerns in some countries; fewer extras than Norton.
• Best For: Tech-savvy users needing robust threat protection.
• Why Choose It: Kaspersky’s cutting-edge detection makes it a top choice for advanced users.

Top Free Antivirus Software for 2025

Free antivirus software provides solid protection for budget-conscious users, offering real-time scanning and basic malware defense. While they lack premium features like VPNs or multi-device support, these tools are perfect for casual users or single-device setups. Below are our top free picks for 2025, tested for reliability and performance.

Avira Free Antivirus – Best Free Option

Avira Free Antivirus rivals paid tools with 99.8% malware detection (AV-Comparatives) and a lightweight design that won’t bog down your device. Its real-time scanner catches viruses and spyware, while the browser safety extension blocks phishing sites and trackers. Avira’s software updater patches vulnerable apps, reducing attack risks. Available on multiple platforms, it’s a versatile choice, though occasional ads and limited features may push some to upgrade.

• Features: Real-time scanning, phishing protection, browser safety extension, software updater.
• Devices: Unlimited (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS).
• Price: Free (premium from $29.99/year).
• Pros: Lightweight, reliable, cross-platform support.
• Cons: No VPN; occasional ads for premium version.
• Best For: Budget users seeking reliable protection.
• Why Choose It: Avira’s high detection rate and ease of use make it the top free pick. Download Avira Free

Avast Free Antivirus – Best for Ease of Use

Avast Free Antivirus offers 99.7% malware detection (AV-Test) and a user-friendly interface that’s perfect for beginners. Its Wi-Fi inspector scans networks for vulnerabilities, while the email shield blocks malicious attachments. Real-time protection stops viruses and ransomware, and the rescue disk feature removes stubborn malware. Avast’s frequent notifications for premium upgrades can be annoying, but its performance is solid for free software.

• Features: Real-time scanning, Wi-Fi inspector, email shield, rescue disk, anti-phishing.
• Devices: Unlimited (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS).
• Price: Free (premium from $39.99/year).
• Pros: Intuitive interface, effective protection, easy setup.
• Cons: Frequent upsell prompts; no VPN included.
• Best For: Beginners or casual users.
• Why Choose It: Avast’s simplicity and strong scanning make it ideal for non-techies. Get Avast Free

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition – Best for Lightweight Protection

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition delivers 99.9% malware detection (AV-Comparatives) with minimal resource use, making it ideal for older PCs. Its real-time scanner blocks viruses and spyware, while the anti-phishing module protects against fraudulent websites. The interface is bare-bones but effective, focusing on core protection without extras. Limited to one Windows device, it’s less versatile than Avira but excels in speed and simplicity.

• Features: Real-time scanning, anti-phishing, behavioral detection.
• Devices: 1 (Windows).
• Price: Free (premium from $29.99/year).
• Pros: Fast, unobtrusive, high detection rate.
• Cons: Windows-only; no multi-device support.
• Best For: Single-PC users with older systems.
• Why Choose It: Bitdefender Free is perfect for lightweight, no-frills protection. Download Bitdefender Free.

Comparison Table: Best Antivirus Software 2025

Free vs. Paid Antivirus: Which Is Right for You?

You may be wondering whether it is better to opt for a free or paid antivirus. There is no universal answer, or rather: it can be said in general that paid software are obviously more complete than free ones, but some of the latter do not demerit at all. It depends a little on what your needs are, which system you want to protect, and what you expect an antivirus to do.

• Free Antivirus: Avira or Avast Free are great for basic protection, but lack VPNs or ransomware shields. Ideal for casual users.
• Paid Antivirus: Bitdefender or Norton provides multi-device support, advanced features, and better lab scores. Best for families, businesses, or heavy internet users.

Think of free antivirus like a basic lock—good, but not enough if someone really wants in.

How to Choose the Best Antivirus

Here’s what to consider before you install anything:

• Your devices: Need coverage for Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS?
• Your budget: Free might be enough, but paid options often include key extras.
• Features: Need a VPN, parental controls, or cloud backup?
• Performance: Prioritize lightweight software for older systems.
• Support: Some companies offer 24/7 help, others leave you to forums.

For 2025, Bitdefender Total Security is our top pick for its unmatched malware protection and versatility. Norton 360 Deluxe shines for all-in-one security, while Avira Free is perfect for budget-conscious users. Install a trusted antivirus today to stay safe online.

FAQs

Q: Is Windows Defender enough in 2025?
A: Windows Defender offers basic protection but lags in advanced threat detection (95% vs. 100% for Bitdefender, AV-Test). Pair it with Avira Free for better coverage.

Q: What’s the best free antivirus for 2025?
A: Avira Free Antivirus excels with cross-platform support and 99.8% detection.

Q: What’s the best antivirus for gaming in 2025?
A: Bitdefender Total Security is the top choice for gamers, with minimal system impact and 100% malware detection (AV-Test).

Q: How often should I scan my PC?
A: Run full scans weekly and enable real-time protection for ongoing security.

Q: Are antivirus VPNs worth it?
A: Included VPNs (e.g., Norton, McAfee) are good for privacy but may lack speed for streaming. Consider a standalone VPN for heavy use.