With the increasing number of cyber threats, choosing the right antivirus software is essential for protecting personal and business devices. Antivirus programs offer more than just malware detection—they include firewalls, phishing protection, virtual private networks (VPNs), password managers, and more. However, not all solutions perform as advertised.
To help users make an informed decision, this antivirus software comparison evaluates the top solutions based on security, features, pricing, and system performance. Here are the best antivirus software options in 2025.
Key Features:
- AI-powered malware detection (100% detection rate)
- Secure firewall and phishing protection
- Unlimited VPN access
- Dark web monitoring and identity theft protection
- Password manager and parental controls
- Cloud storage (up to 500 GB)
Norton 360 is one of the most comprehensive antivirus software solutions available. Its advanced scanning engine, powered by heuristic analysis and machine learning, detects and removes all types of malware. During testing, Norton consistently outperformed competitors, blocking both known and emerging threats.
The phishing protection feature provides real-time alerts for malicious websites, making online banking and browsing safer. Norton also includes Wi-Fi security alerts for Android and iOS, ensuring safe connections in public spaces.
Norton’s VPN, included in all plans, provides unlimited data and secure browsing with AES-256 encryption. The password manager is another useful tool, although it lacks advanced features like password sharing.
Pricing:
- AntiVirus Plus (1 device) – $39.99/year
- 360 Deluxe (5 devices) – $49.99/year (Best Value)
- 360 with LifeLock Select (Identity Theft Protection) – $99.99/year
Pros:
✓ High malware detection rates
✓ Strong phishing protection
✓ Unlimited VPN access
Cons:
✗ Slightly expensive compared to some competitors
✗ Password manager lacks sharing feature
Bitdefender Total Security
Key Features:
- Cloud-based malware scanning
- Anti-phishing and ransomware protection
- System optimization tools
- Password manager and webcam protection
- Secure browser for online transactions
- VPN (200 MB daily limit on most plans)
Bitdefender’s cloud-based malware scanner offers high detection rates with minimal system impact. In tests, it successfully detected all types of malware while consuming just 21% CPU during full scans.
The phishing protection tool blocked harmful websites, outperforming built-in browser protections. Bitdefender’s multi-layer ransomware protection prevents unauthorized file encryption, providing an additional security layer.
Bitdefender’s VPN offers excellent speed and security, but most plans impose a 200 MB daily limit, which may not be enough for streaming or browsing.
Pricing:
- Antivirus Plus (Windows only) – $29.99/year
- Internet Security (Windows, 3 devices) – $39.99/year
- Total Security (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, 5 devices) – $49.99/year
- Premium Security (Unlimited VPN, AI Scam Protection) – $79.99/year
Pros:
✓ Cloud-based scanning with low system impact
✓ Strong ransomware protection
✓ Secure browser for online transactions
Cons:
✗ VPN has a daily data limit (except on Premium plans)
✗ Limited features on lower-tier plans
TotalAV
Key Features:
- Real-time malware detection (99.6% success rate)
- Web protection and phishing filters
- Performance optimization tools
- Secure VPN and password manager
- System cleanup and ad blocker
TotalAV’s user-friendly interface makes it a great option for beginners. It provides excellent malware detection, with a near-perfect 99.6% success rate in tests. The WebShield feature blocked most phishing websites, while the TotalAV Secure Browser enhances security by preventing trackers and malicious ads.
The performance optimizer cleaned up more junk files than most competitors, improving system speed. The VPN offers fast and secure browsing, but the password manager lacks advanced features like secure sharing.
Pricing:
- Antivirus Pro (5 devices) – $29.99/year
- Internet Security (VPN included, 8 devices) – $49.99/year
- Total Security (Password Manager & Ad Blocker, 8 devices) – $59.99/year
Pros:
✓ Intuitive and beginner-friendly
✓ Strong malware detection
✓ VPN included in mid-tier plans
Cons:
✗ Lacks advanced customization options
✗ Password manager lacks sharing functionality
McAfee Total Protection
Key Features:
- Advanced malware detection (100% success rate)
- Identity theft protection with up to $1 million coverage
- Parental controls and location tracking
- Unlimited VPN access
- Dark web monitoring
McAfee’s identity theft protection makes it a standout option, especially for families. It includes parental controls with real-time location tracking, making it one of the best security solutions for families with children.
The VPN has no data restrictions, offering unlimited secure browsing. McAfee’s phishing protection outperforms browser-based security, blocking most malicious sites.
Pricing:
- Essential (5 devices) – $39.99/year
- Premium (Unlimited devices, parental controls) – $59.99/year
- Advanced (ID theft coverage, $1M protection) – $99.99/year
Pros:
✓ Unlimited VPN access
✓ Excellent parental controls
✓ Identity theft protection with financial coverage
Cons:
✗ Full system scans may slow down performance
✗ Some features require higher-tier plans
Intego
Key Features:
- Real-time malware protection (100% detection rate)
- Mac system cleanup and optimization tools
- Advanced firewall and network security
- Customizable parental controls
- External drive scanning for macOS and iOS
Intego is the best antivirus software for Mac, offering enhanced security and optimization tools beyond Apple’s built-in protections. It detected all test malware and features a firewall that adjusts based on network location.
The Mac optimization tools clean junk files and enhance system performance, making it a valuable addition for Mac users.
Pricing:
- Mac Internet Security X9 – $39.99/year
- Mac Premium Bundle X9 (Includes optimization & parental controls) – $59.99/year
Pros:
✓ Best antivirus for Mac users
✓ Fast malware detection and removal
✓ Strong parental controls and firewall
Cons:
✗ More expensive than Windows-focused competitors
✗ Limited features for Windows devices
Final Thoughts
- Best Overall Antivirus: Norton 360
- Best Lightweight Antivirus: Bitdefender Total Security
- Best for Beginners: TotalAV
- Best for Families: McAfee Total Protection
- Best for Mac Users: Intego
Choosing the right antivirus software depends on your specific security needs. Whether you need advanced malware protection, VPN access, or identity theft prevention, this comparison provides insights into the best security solutions available in 2025.
Elly Nguyen is a skilled freelance writer with extensive expertise in medicine, science, technology, and automotive topics. Her passion for storytelling and ability to simplify complex concepts allow her to create engaging content that informs and inspires readers across various fields.
