As cybersecurity risks increase in 2025, choosing the best antivirus software is crucial.
Antivirus software is a powerful tool that protects your devices from malicious threats like viruses, malware, and ransomware. It serves as the first line of defense against these growing cyber threats. This ensures that devices, networks, and personal information remain secure.
According to chief information security officers (CISO), in 2023, three out of every four companies in the United States were at risk of a material cyberattack.
Today at TechVitara, you’ll explore the best antivirus software. Moreover, you’ll comprehend how to choose the best antivirus software.
What is Best Antivirus Software?
According to a report by DataProt, over 1 billion malware programs exist currently.
The best Antivirus software protects your devices and networks from malware and cyber threats. It ensures data security and prevents systems from downtime. Furthermore, it safeguards against unauthorized access or damage.
Finding the best antivirus software is essential in 2025. However, the best virus protection software for you depends on your unique requirements, such as home use, enterprise-level security, device type, etc.
Why do you need the best Virus Protection in 2025?
You need antivirus to encounter evolved cybersecurity threats. The primary threats include:
Role of Best Antivirus Software
Antivirus software plays a crucial role in mitigating these threats:
How to Choose the Best Antivirus Software?
You must consider several factors when choosing the best antivirus software. Have a look:
1. Assess Your Security Needs
Choosing the best antivirus software to remove viruses starts with assessing your needs. Let’s explore:
2. Look for Key Features
Have a look at the key features of best virus protection:
3. Consider System Impact
4. Ease of Use
5. Free vs. Paid Options
6. Pricing and Plans
7. Trial and Refund Policies
8. Independent Lab Test Results:
9. User Reviews and Ratings:
10. Customer Support Quality:
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Best Antivirus Softwares
After assessing the potential cybersecurity threats, I decided to install the best antivirus software on my laptop. But I was stumped: what is the best antivirus software for my HP laptop?
To find the solution, I compiled a list of the best virus protection software with the top features. Take a look:
| Category | McAfee | Webroot | G Data | Sophos Home Premium | Malwarebytes | Bitdefender | Norton |
| Best antivirus for Windows 10/ Best antivirus for Windows 11 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best antivirus for Android | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best antivirus software iphone | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (via Bitdefender Mobile Security) | Yes |
| Best antivirus software for macintosh/ Best antivirus software mac | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best antivirus software for chromebook | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best antivirus software gaming pc | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best antivirus software for free | No | No | No | Yes (limited features) | Yes (limited features) | No | No |
| Price | $59.99/year (1 device) | $29.99/year | $39.99/year (1 device) | $44.99/year (10 devices) | $39.99/year (1 device) | $39.98/year (1 device) | $19.99/year (1 device) |
1. McAfee AntiVirus
McAfee is one of the best antivirus software options available. It no longer offers cross-platform protection with McAfee AntiVirus Plus. However, the basic McAfee AntiVirus is a good option for one Windows PC. It only works for a single device, and there are no discounts for multiple licenses.
Labs highly recommend McAfee for its strong malware protection. In addition to antivirus, it includes features like ransomware protection, a basic firewall, and many more. Moreover, it is one of the best antivirus software with password manager.
McAfee AntiVirus now focuses on protecting just one Windows PC, instead of offering unlimited protection on all platforms. It’s a good choice for people who only need to protect one device. Additionally, if you’ve been using Kaspersky, consider switching to McAfee, which is the best antivirus software to replace kaspersky.
Features
Have a look at its features:
Pros and Cons
Have a look its pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Almost perfect lab test scores | Some long-standing features are no longer available |
| Money-back guarantee for virus protection | Only protects one PC with no discounts for multiple devices |
2. Webroot AntiVirus
Webroot Antivirus is a lightweight, cloud-based cybersecurity solution. It is a small antivirus that can even fit on an old diskette. Most of its work happens in the cloud, not on your computer. It is one of the best antiviruses for PCs.
It quickly removes known malware. For unknown programs, it sends them to the cloud. There, the program runs in a safe space. This prevents it from harming your system. If the cloud finds the program is harmful, Webroot deletes it and undoes any changes.
This method doesn’t always perform well in lab tests. Labs prefer immediate detection. Because of this, Webroot’s lab scores can vary. Additionally, it is also considered as the best antivirus for Android.
Webroot has some advanced features that need extra knowledge. It’s useful if you’re the tech specialist for your family or friends. Even if you’re not an expert, you’ll still like its small size. The program also scans your system very quickly.
Features
Have a look at its features:
Pros and Cons
Have a look its pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Fast scans | No longer offers remote monitoring and configuration |
| Tiny size | Imperfect protection against hand-modified ransomware |
| Light on system resources | Firewall settings can be confusing |
| Can remediate ransomware damage | Advanced features require uncommon expertise |
| Advanced features | No volume discount |
3. G Data Antivirus
G Data Antivirus is a reliable and best antivirus software that keeps your devices safe. While it may not be the very first antivirus in the market, it has a strong reputation.
G Data offers many extra security features like, spam filtering, BankGuard for secure transactions, and protection against keyloggers.
Its ransomware protection detected half of the threats we tested, even when the antivirus was off. The exploit detection performed better than most competitors. Other features include It also allows detailed control over startup programs. It is the best antivirus software for macintosh.
It’s ideal for those who want a reliable, well-tested antivirus. Additionally, it is one of the best antivirus software iphones.
Features
Have a look at its features:
Pros and Cons
Have a look its pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Performs well in our malware protection test | Only one recent lab test score available |
| Protects against banking Trojans, keyloggers, ransomware, and exploits | |
| Affordable price | |
| Includes a spam filter |
4. Sophos Home Premium
Sophos is a trusted antivirus brand for businesses. It offers remote management, allowing IT teams to handle security. Sophos Home Premium brings this feature also to home users. You can protect your family and friends, no matter where they are.
All installations can be managed from your computer or phone. The best part is, it’s affordable. A 10-license plan costs the same as many competitors’ 3-license options. Furthermore, it also offers a free version with limited features. This makes it the best antivirus for free.
The software provides strong protection against ransomware and exploits attacks. It also prevents webcam hijacking. There’s a basic parental control filter which makes Sophos best antivirus software with parental control if you have kids at your home. Also don’t worry about your financial transaction security, it is a watchdog for any online transactions.
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Features
Have a look at its features:
Pros and Cons
Have a look its pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable price | Limited results from testing labs |
| Strong protection against ransomware | Parental controls are not very effective |
| Can manage up to 10 PCs or Macs remotely | No mobile management or keylogger protection |
| Advanced features may need technical expertise |
5. Malwarebytes Premium Security
Malwarebytes Free is a tool for cleaning up malware. It is famous as the best antivirus for Windows 10 for free. However, the free version offers limited features. This antivirus is useful when your regular antivirus software fails. Yet, it is not meant for everyday protection.
Malwarebytes Premium offers full antivirus features. It scans on demand and on schedule. It also scans files in real-time. The software uses advanced protection methods. These include behavior-based detection and ransomware defense. It also guards against exploit attacks. It is one of the best antivirus software for chromebook.
If you’ve used Malwarebytes Free to fix issues missed by another antivirus, you’ll like Malwarebytes Premium. Even if you’ve never needed that help, it’s still a good option.
Features
Have a look at its features:
Pros and Cons
Have a look its pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Effective ransomware protection | Limited features beyond basic antivirus functions |
| Strong protection against harmful and fraudulent websites | Some scores have declined since the last review |
| Excellent results from an independent lab |
6. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus offers more than just basic antivirus protection. It has numerous additional features, such as ransomware protection and a secure browser for online transactions.
Furthermore, you also receive a VPN for secure browsing, making this the best antivirus software with a VPN. It offers options for blocking ad trackers and even detects missing security updates automatically.
Independent testing labs consistently give it top scores. It is one of the best antivirus software for windows 11. The software will seamlessly handle everything for you.
Features
Have a look at its features:
Pros and Cons
Have a look its pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Top ratings in independent lab tests | Full VPN access requires a separate subscription |
| Strong protection against phishing scams | Average performance in blocking malicious URLs |
| Multi-layer ransomware defense | |
| Secure browser for safe online banking | |
| Blocks advertisers from tracking you | |
| Extra security features | |
| Works on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS |
7. Norton AntiVirus Plus
Norton is a well-known antivirus company, and Norton AntiVirus Plus is one of their top products. It performs very well in independent tests, including detecting real-world ransomware threats. It is one of the best antivirus software for windows 11.
But it’s more than just an antivirus. It includes a firewall to stop external and internal attacks without annoying pop-ups. Additional features include a backup system to save files locally or online, a spam filter, a software updater, and more. You can use your subscription to protect devices running Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Its excellent features makes it the best antivirus software to remove trojan.
Norton has been fighting viruses and malware for many years. It started back in the MS-DOS days. If you want reliable protection, Norton AntiVirus Plus is one of the best antivirus software to remove trojan from your device.
Features
Have a look at its features:
Pros and Cons
Have a look its pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| High scores in independent lab tests | Can’t create local backups anymore |
| Includes vulnerability scan and other features | Quite expensive |
| Data Protector stops ransomware attacks | |
| Smart firewall protection |
Conclusion
In 2025, having the best antivirus software is more important than ever. Cyber threats are always increasing. Old security measures may not be enough to keep you safe.
Viruses and malware can cause damage. They can steal your data or harm your devices. It’s important to stay protected.
Investing in reliable antivirus software is essential. It will keep your devices safe in real-time. Take action now to protect your personal information. Check out the recommended antivirus software.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. What is the best antivirus software for my HP laptop?
For HP laptops, Bitdefender, Norton 360, and McAfee, are great options. Bitdefender offers strong protection with low system impact.Norton 360 has excellent security features, including a password manager. McAfee provides identity theft protection and a VPN.
Q. Which is the best antivirus software for Android?
Bitdefender Mobile Security, Norton Mobile Security, McAfee Mobile Security, and Avast Mobile Security are top choices. These apps protect against malware and phishing.
Q. Which is the best antivirus software for Mac?
Bitdefender, Intego, Norton 360, and Kaspersky are all good for Mac.
Q. What is the best antivirus software to replace Kaspersky?
Try Bitdefender, Norton 360, Trend Micro, or McAfee to replace Kaspersky.
Q. What is the best antivirus software to remove Trojans?
Malwarebytes, Bitdefender, Norton 360, and Kaspersky are great for removing Trojans.
Q. What is the best antivirus software to remove viruses?
Malwarebytes, Bitdefender, Norton 360, and Avast work well to remove viruses.
Q. What is the best antivirus software with parental controls?
Norton 360, Bitdefender, McAfee, and Kaspersky have parental controls.
Q. Which antivirus software includes a password manager?
Norton 360, Bitdefender, McAfee, and Kaspersky offer password managers.
Q. What is the best antivirus software with a VPN?
Norton 360, Bitdefender, and McAfee are the best antivirus software with VPN services.
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