Top 10 Best Antivirus Software (2025)
Let us help you find the best antivirus software for your protection needs. Protecting your computer from unwanted viruses is vitally important, however it’s not always an easy task and can be time consuming and confusing. You should use antivirus software on all your devices including smartphones & tablets. We have compared some of the best antivirus software around so you don’t have to, we have included details of each company on various criteria from ease of use to value for money. Make sure you protect your computer before its too late as unwanted viruses can infect your computer putting your personal files at risk. Browse and find your best antivirus software partner. We receive advertising revenue from some antivirus software, more information here, this may impact how and where their software is featured. Use our comparison tools to find the best antivirus protection for your security needs
TotalAV
"Editors Choice" Removes all Viruses, Malware & Adware. AV-Test Top Product Award. Built-in Internet Security.
Free Download
"Editors Choice" Removes all Viruses, Malware & Adware. AV-Test Top Product Award. Built-in Internet Security.
Free Download
1
TotalAV Pros:
Scanning and phishing protection:
The free version offers system scanning and phishing protection.
Good malware protection:
The antivirus effectively detects and removes malware.
Additional features in paid versions:
Paid versions include additional features such as real-time protection, VPN, dark web monitoring and cloud storage.
Easy to uninstall:
TotalAV application can be easily uninstalled from the system when needed.
TotalAV Minuses:
No real-time protection in the free version:
The free version does not provide continuous real-time protection against new threats.
Limited VPN:
Some VPN plans have daily data usage restrictions.
Not the best protection compared to competitors:
Norton, for example, has a wider range of advanced features and better test results.
In summary: TotalAV is a good antivirus with free and paid versions that provides good protection against malware and phishing, but has its limitations in the free and some paid versions.
2
Aura
Aura Is More Than Just An Antivirus. They Include Their Leading Identity Protection Service, VPN and Safe Browsing With Every Plan.
Aura Is More Than Just An Antivirus. They Include Their Leading Identity Protection Service, VPN and Safe Browsing With Every Plan.
Pros:
Fast performance:
Aura Antivirus quickly scans your system and performs other actions, which can be important for users who need quick protection.
Malware protection:
The antivirus blocks malware downloads, which prevents malware from infecting your system.
Multifunctionality:
Aura Antivirus includes a number of features to protect personal data and enhance device security.
Cons:
Limited protection:
Antivirus may not be effective enough to fully protect against all types of threats.
May not be the best option:
Compared to other antivirus solutions, Aura Antivirus may not be the best choice for comprehensive protection.
In conclusion: Aura Antivirus is a solid solution for protecting your device from basic threats, but for comprehensive protection, you may require more powerful software
Fast performance:
Aura Antivirus quickly scans your system and performs other actions, which can be important for users who need quick protection.
Malware protection:
The antivirus blocks malware downloads, which prevents malware from infecting your system.
Multifunctionality:
Aura Antivirus includes a number of features to protect personal data and enhance device security.
Cons:
Limited protection:
Antivirus may not be effective enough to fully protect against all types of threats.
May not be the best option:
Compared to other antivirus solutions, Aura Antivirus may not be the best choice for comprehensive protection.
In conclusion: Aura Antivirus is a solid solution for protecting your device from basic threats, but for comprehensive protection, you may require more powerful software
3
ScanGuard
Protects Against All Malware, Viruses & Adware. Recommended To Remove All Cookies, Cache & Browser History with Free Browser Cleaner & Optimizer
Protects Against All Malware, Viruses & Adware. Recommended To Remove All Cookies, Cache & Browser History with Free Browser Cleaner & Optimizer
ScanGuard Pros:
Free protection:
ScanGuard is available for free, making it attractive to those looking for basic antivirus protection without the cost.
Broader functionality than just a scanner:
ScanGuard offers not only scanning, but also anti-phishing, password manager and VPN.
Compatibility:
ScanGuard runs on a variety of operating systems.
ScanGuard cons:
Limited functionality compared to premium antiviruses:
ScanGuard may not have all the features and functions that a premium antivirus offers, such as a firewall.
Lack of firewall:
ScanGuard does not have a firewall, which may reduce the level of protection against network threats.
Reputation as a copy of TotalAV:
ScanGuard has been touted as a copy of TotalAV, which may raise doubts about the originality and quality of the product.
Overall, ScanGuard may be a good choice for those looking for a free antivirus with basic functionality and advanced features. However, for more advanced protection and additional functionality (e.g. firewall), it is better to consider paid antiviruses.
4
PC Protect
Fantastic Windows antivirus. Quick setup and simple to use. High protection level.
Fantastic Windows antivirus. Quick setup and simple to use. High protection level.
Benefits:
Effective scanning and vulnerability remediation:
PC Protect is capable of finding and removing malware and eliminating vulnerabilities in your system.
Simple interface:
The program is easy to set up and use, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Does not utilize a lot of resources:
PC Protect, like other antiviruses, may consume computer resources while running.
Disadvantages:
Lack of automatic updates:
This can leave the antivirus unprotected from new threats.
Lack of background monitoring:
PC Protect does not constantly monitor activity on the system, which can reduce its effectiveness.
Long OS scanning process:
It can take a considerable amount of time, which can be inconvenient for users.
Not for everyone:
Skillfactory media says some users may not appreciate the minimalistic interface and lack of 24/7 support
Effective scanning and vulnerability remediation:
PC Protect is capable of finding and removing malware and eliminating vulnerabilities in your system.
Simple interface:
The program is easy to set up and use, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Does not utilize a lot of resources:
PC Protect, like other antiviruses, may consume computer resources while running.
Disadvantages:
Lack of automatic updates:
This can leave the antivirus unprotected from new threats.
Lack of background monitoring:
PC Protect does not constantly monitor activity on the system, which can reduce its effectiveness.
Long OS scanning process:
It can take a considerable amount of time, which can be inconvenient for users.
Not for everyone:
Skillfactory media says some users may not appreciate the minimalistic interface and lack of 24/7 support
5
Bitdefender
Good antivirus and security, parental control. AV-Test & AV Comparatives Certification.
Good antivirus and security, parental control. AV-Test & AV Comparatives Certification.
Bitdefender pros:
Excellent detection rates:
Bitdefender is known for its high scores in malware detection tests, both online and offline.
Low system impact:
The antivirus works quite efficiently without slowing down your computer.
Comprehensive protection:
Bitdefender offers a wide range of security features, including online threat protection, web protection, anti-phishing, and anti-virus for mobile devices.
Ease of use:
Bitdefender's interface is intuitive and easy to use.
Variety of plans:
Bitdefender offers various plans, including a free version and various subscriptions with advanced features, allowing users to choose the right protection option.
Bitdefender cons:
Limitations in the free version:
The free version of Bitdefender Antivirus Free has a limited feature set.
First scan can be slow:
The first scan of the system may be slightly slower than subsequent scans.
Weak protection against zero-day attacks:
Bitdefender may have trouble defending against the latest threats known as zero-day attacks.
VPN has limitations:
Most VPN plans from Bitdefender have a limit on the amount of data that can be used per day.
False positives:
Bitdefender can produce false positives on occasion, which can be inconvenient for users.
6
Norton
Norton are a trusted brand and been in antivirus for many years. Av-test certification.
Norton are a trusted brand and been in antivirus for many years. Av-test certification.
Pros:
Effective protection:
Norton AntiVirus is known for its effective protection against malware, including viruses, spyware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
Artificial Intelligence Technology:
Norton uses artificial intelligence technology to detect fraud and protect against potential threats.
Cloud Backup:
Norton provides the ability to back up files to the cloud to protect against data loss.
Ease of use:
The Norton AntiVirus interface is intuitive and easy to use.
Protection against rootkits:
Norton helps protect against rootkits that can give unauthorized access to your computer system.
Intrusion Prevention System:
Norton 360 includes an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) that helps block malicious traffic.
Fraud Detection:
Norton uses artificial intelligence to determine the safety of links before clicking on them.
Cons:
Legal issues:
Security.org notes some legal issues in the company's history, including class action lawsuits.
Possible security vulnerabilities:
Security.org notes that Norton has had some serious security vulnerabilities.
Cost:
Fees for using Norton can be high.
Resource consumption:
Some users note that Norton AntiVirus may consume more computer resources than other antivirus programs.
Effective protection:
Norton AntiVirus is known for its effective protection against malware, including viruses, spyware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
Artificial Intelligence Technology:
Norton uses artificial intelligence technology to detect fraud and protect against potential threats.
Cloud Backup:
Norton provides the ability to back up files to the cloud to protect against data loss.
Ease of use:
The Norton AntiVirus interface is intuitive and easy to use.
Protection against rootkits:
Norton helps protect against rootkits that can give unauthorized access to your computer system.
Intrusion Prevention System:
Norton 360 includes an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) that helps block malicious traffic.
Fraud Detection:
Norton uses artificial intelligence to determine the safety of links before clicking on them.
Cons:
Legal issues:
Security.org notes some legal issues in the company's history, including class action lawsuits.
Possible security vulnerabilities:
Security.org notes that Norton has had some serious security vulnerabilities.
Cost:
Fees for using Norton can be high.
Resource consumption:
Some users note that Norton AntiVirus may consume more computer resources than other antivirus programs.
7
McAfee
Mcafee is good quality Antivirus software, slightly expensive. Av-test certification.
Mcafee is good quality Antivirus software, slightly expensive. Av-test certification.
Pros:
Advanced protection:
McAfee Smart AI looks for patterns of suspicious behavior, including suspicious links and AI-generated content, to protect you from threats.
Real-time scanning:
Real-time scanning feature monitors your files and removes malware.
Phishing protection:
McAfee protects against phishing sites that can access your personal information.
Fraud protection:
McAfee Smart AI detects and prevents fraud, including AI fraud.
VPN:
McAfee's VPN feature encrypts your Internet connection, protecting your privacy.
On-the-go protection:
McAfee Mobile Security provides comprehensive protection against viruses, malware, and other threats on mobile devices.
Ransomware protection:
McAfee protects your devices and data from ransomware.
Cons:
Possible system load:
McAfee can consume computer resources, which can affect system performance.
Unintuitive interface:
Some users find McAfee's interface less intuitive than other antiviruses.
Uninstallation:
Uninstalling McAfee can be tricky, especially if it was pre-installed on the device.
Advanced protection:
McAfee Smart AI looks for patterns of suspicious behavior, including suspicious links and AI-generated content, to protect you from threats.
Real-time scanning:
Real-time scanning feature monitors your files and removes malware.
Phishing protection:
McAfee protects against phishing sites that can access your personal information.
Fraud protection:
McAfee Smart AI detects and prevents fraud, including AI fraud.
VPN:
McAfee's VPN feature encrypts your Internet connection, protecting your privacy.
On-the-go protection:
McAfee Mobile Security provides comprehensive protection against viruses, malware, and other threats on mobile devices.
Ransomware protection:
McAfee protects your devices and data from ransomware.
Cons:
Possible system load:
McAfee can consume computer resources, which can affect system performance.
Unintuitive interface:
Some users find McAfee's interface less intuitive than other antiviruses.
Uninstallation:
Uninstalling McAfee can be tricky, especially if it was pre-installed on the device.
8
Avast
Avast have many addon products built into the one app. VB100 & av-test certification.
Avast have many addon products built into the one app. VB100 & av-test certification.
Avast Pros:
Free version:
Offers basic protection against viruses, spyware, adware and other threats.
Wide range of features in paid versions:
Online threat protection, ransomware protection, webcam protection, anti-phishing and more.
Popularity and user loyalty:
Avast is widely popular and has many satisfied users.
Simple and easy to understand interface:
User-friendly for users of all levels.
Regular updates:
Constantly updates databases and algorithms to combat new threats.
Avast Minuses:
Possible performance issues in Russia:
After Avast was discontinued in Russia, users experienced problems with updating and using the program.
Some users have noted that Avast may miss some types of threats:
In some cases, the antivirus may not detect or remove some malicious programs in a timely manner.
The interface may seem a bit outdated:
Some users have noted that Avast's interface may look a bit outdated compared to other antiviruses.
Possible installation and activation issues:
Some users encounter problems while installing or activating the antivirus.
Free version:
Offers basic protection against viruses, spyware, adware and other threats.
Wide range of features in paid versions:
Online threat protection, ransomware protection, webcam protection, anti-phishing and more.
Popularity and user loyalty:
Avast is widely popular and has many satisfied users.
Simple and easy to understand interface:
User-friendly for users of all levels.
Regular updates:
Constantly updates databases and algorithms to combat new threats.
Avast Minuses:
Possible performance issues in Russia:
After Avast was discontinued in Russia, users experienced problems with updating and using the program.
Some users have noted that Avast may miss some types of threats:
In some cases, the antivirus may not detect or remove some malicious programs in a timely manner.
The interface may seem a bit outdated:
Some users have noted that Avast's interface may look a bit outdated compared to other antiviruses.
Possible installation and activation issues:
Some users encounter problems while installing or activating the antivirus.
9
Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes famouse for predominately fighting malware. AV-Test participant.
Malwarebytes famouse for predominately fighting malware. AV-Test participant.
Pros of Malwarebytes:
Effectiveness in malware removal:
Malwarebytes is excellent at detecting and removing various types of malware, including virus, Trojan, spyware, and other threats.
Fast scanning:
The scanning process is fast and doesn't put much load on the system
Low system load:
Malwarebytes doesn't burden the system with its databases and doesn't affect performance much, which allows it to be used as an additional defense.
Free version:
A free version is available that allows you to scan and remove malware, making it a great choice for those who want to strengthen their system's defenses without spending too much.
Reliability and security:
Malwarebytes is a proven and reliable program that will protect your computer from malware.
Minuses of Malwarebytes:
Lack of some features:
The free version of Malwarebytes lacks some features that are present in more advanced antivirus programs such as firewall, parental controls and data encryption.
Disadvantages of the free version:
The free version may have some limitations, such as bugs, ties to paid services, crashes, and lack of external volume scanning, notes Macworld.
Will require updates:
You'll need to update Malwarebytes to effectively defend against new threats.
Effectiveness in malware removal:
Malwarebytes is excellent at detecting and removing various types of malware, including virus, Trojan, spyware, and other threats.
Fast scanning:
The scanning process is fast and doesn't put much load on the system
Low system load:
Malwarebytes doesn't burden the system with its databases and doesn't affect performance much, which allows it to be used as an additional defense.
Free version:
A free version is available that allows you to scan and remove malware, making it a great choice for those who want to strengthen their system's defenses without spending too much.
Reliability and security:
Malwarebytes is a proven and reliable program that will protect your computer from malware.
Minuses of Malwarebytes:
Lack of some features:
The free version of Malwarebytes lacks some features that are present in more advanced antivirus programs such as firewall, parental controls and data encryption.
Disadvantages of the free version:
The free version may have some limitations, such as bugs, ties to paid services, crashes, and lack of external volume scanning, notes Macworld.
Will require updates:
You'll need to update Malwarebytes to effectively defend against new threats.
10
AVG
Well known virus software, AVG are reliable and relatively easy to use. VB100 & av-test certification.
Well known virus software, AVG are reliable and relatively easy to use. VB100 & av-test certification.
Pros:
Wide range of protection:
AVG AntiVirus protects against various types of malware, including viruses, Trojans, spyware, and also protects against phishing, ransomware, unsafe links and downloads.
Automatic scanning and updating:
The program automatically scans your system and updates itself to protect against new threats.
Use of Artificial Intelligence:
The use of artificial intelligence helps in detecting and blocking new malware that was not previously known.
Simple and easy to understand interface:
AVG AntiVirus has a user-friendly interface, making it easy to use for users of all levels.
There is a free version with basic protection and a paid version with advanced features such as anti-spam, Internet protection and browser cleanup.
Cons:
Some system resources:
AVG AntiVirus may require some system resources, which can slow down your computer, especially on older or weaker devices.
Potential compatibility issues:
In some cases, AVG AntiVirus may cause compatibility issues with other programs or devices.
Limited functionality in the free version:
The free version of AVG AntiVirus has more limited functionality compared to the paid version.
Possible false positives:
In some cases, AVG AntiVirus may generate false positives, which may cause concern to the user.
Wide range of protection:
AVG AntiVirus protects against various types of malware, including viruses, Trojans, spyware, and also protects against phishing, ransomware, unsafe links and downloads.
Automatic scanning and updating:
The program automatically scans your system and updates itself to protect against new threats.
Use of Artificial Intelligence:
The use of artificial intelligence helps in detecting and blocking new malware that was not previously known.
Simple and easy to understand interface:
AVG AntiVirus has a user-friendly interface, making it easy to use for users of all levels.
There is a free version with basic protection and a paid version with advanced features such as anti-spam, Internet protection and browser cleanup.
Cons:
Some system resources:
AVG AntiVirus may require some system resources, which can slow down your computer, especially on older or weaker devices.
Potential compatibility issues:
In some cases, AVG AntiVirus may cause compatibility issues with other programs or devices.
Limited functionality in the free version:
The free version of AVG AntiVirus has more limited functionality compared to the paid version.
Possible false positives:
In some cases, AVG AntiVirus may generate false positives, which may cause concern to the user.
