Best Antivirus Software Of May 2025
Antivirus software is critical for every connected device. Without it, your personal information, data, and even your bank account are at risk.
Now more than ever, the threat of malware is very real. With people spending more of their lives online, the chances of their personal information being compromised increase. That’s why it’s important to have the best antivirus software installed on your devices. Secure browsing, malware protection and downloads monitoring are just some of the features the best Antivirus Software can provide
Antivirus Software is necessary for every internet-connected device, even on a Mac or Windows, which both come equipped with some level of virus protection, but for endpoint protection and response, protection against malware, 0-day exploits and potentially unwanted programs, it's best to install a third-party antivirus software.
Typically the four types of malware that Antivirus Software protects your devices from are:
- Computer Viruses: software which is capable of copying itself and typically has a detrimental effect, such as corrupting the system or destroying data.
- Adware: software that automatically displays or downloads advertising material (often unwanted) when a user is online.
- Spyware: software that enables a user to obtain covert information about another's computer activities by transmitting data covertly from their hard drive.
- Ransomware: a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid.
With so many providers out there, it can be hard to figure out which Antivirus is best for you. Here is where we come in. We've aggregated all the most reputable reviews on the web and narrowed down your choices to the top 3 Antivirus Software according to the most up-to-date market consensus.
Compare the Best Antivirus SoftwareBest Features: Bitdefender
Bitdefender was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Bucharest, in southern Romania. The company has over 1,600 employees with offices all over the world. Antivirus Plus is the company’s entry-level antivirus software offering, making it ideal for home users without technical skills and anyone who wants basic defense against threats.
Because viruses aren’t the only cybersecurity risks, Antivirus Plus offers an array of security-first features, including ransomware prevention, monitoring online purchases and web-based transactions, and password management that lets users create unique passwords for everything, all managed through an easy-to-use dashboard. Antivirus Plus is only available for Windows, but there are similar versions of the antivirus program available for other operating systems like Mac and Android.
A free version of Bitdefender for Windows offers computer scans and other antivirus features, as well as web protection and network threat protection. The paid version includes Safepay for financial transactions, multi-layer ransomware protection, and vulnerability assessments. A virtual private network (VPN) is also offered with an additional subscription fee.
One year of coverage for one Windows device is $19.99. There is a 30-day free trial.
PROS
- Wide range of packages for multiple devices and operating systems
- Good malware detection based on independent tests
- VPN is offered on most plans
CONS
- VPN has limited data for most packages
- Resource-intensive software may slow some PCs
Best Comprehensive Protection: Norton
Norton introduced its first antivirus software in 1991 under the Symantec umbrella. Symantec purchased LifeLock in 2017, and in 2019, after the company's enterprise division was sold, the name was changed to NortonLifeLock. The company is based in Tempe, Arizona.
Norton 360 with LifeLock won best antivirus for Windows because of how it has continued to build on its history of protecting Windows machines. The identity theft protection capabilities of LifeLock alone give this product an edge.
There are several versions of this product, so users can pick the features they need, but even the lowest level offers PC maintenance utilities and 2GB of cloud backup. Norton 360 Standard offers dark web monitoring, a VPN, and 10GB of cloud backup.
The amount of cloud storage increases based on the package level. The mid-range Norton 360 with LifeLock Select is $69.99 per year with licenses for up to five devices (including Mac) and 100GB of cloud storage. It also offers parental controls, school time/remote learning controls, VPNs for all devices, and webcam protections. Norton Antivirus Plus is $9.99 per year with one license.
PROS
- A well-known name in computer security
- An identity theft guarantee
- A wide range of options at different price points
CONS
- More expensive than other solutions
Best Overall: McAfee
McAfee Antivirus Plus is the one antivirus platform that recognizes the growing number of devices used in a single household, which could include four or more different operating systems.
The basic package supports up to 10 devices, support, secure web browsing, and antivirus. The MTP 10 Device plan is for one year for 10 devices, but also includes features such as full protection for the home network, password manager, encrypted storage, firewall booster, and identity theft protection.
The one-year basic subscription, MAV Plus, is $34.99 in the first year and then $59.99 per year. If you purchase a subscription for two years of MAV Plus, the price drops to $19.99 per year for each of the first two years, then $59.99 for a renewal. The MTP 10 Family plan is $54.99 for the first year and then $129.99 a year. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee.
PROS
- Coverage for unlimited number of devices
- Malware protection for all four main classes of devices
- Robust firewall
CONS
- Somewhat slow scanning performance
- Some features limited without autorenewal