Hackers are getting advanced and creating new viruses or malware to harm your device and gain your data. So, your PCs and Android phones are at great risk of getting spyware. Luckily, you can protect yourself using an antivirus. We hand-picked some of the best antivirus software that work in 2025.
Antivirus software is like police at the gate of your computer system, preventing threats from entering. It warns you of possible threats and deletes the malware immediately. However, multiple antivirus tools are available, making it difficult for users to select one.
Therefore, we researched and performed multiple tests to hand-pick some of the best antivirus software. Read on to discuss them in detail.
Why installing an antivirus is necessary
The real work of an antivirus is to provide virus and malware protection. If it finds one, the tool destroys it and removes it from the system.
An antivirus program is not the ideal solution to all the malware threats in your system, but it does offer good protection to the system. Installing the antivirus app and updating it occasionally with the latest measures is also important.
You cannot use any online privacy software to counter viruses. You need an antivirus tool to fight such problems, as this is its major function. As data is the most important thing in this world, every internet user should use antivirus software.
Best antivirus software for 2025 – Detailed list
We have sought out a list that covers both free and paid antivirus software, both new and old, known and unknown. So, let’s get started.
1. Kaspersky
- Visit website: www.kaspersky.com
Kaspersky is the best antivirus protection software with extra security features, parental controls, and options to lock down the webcam. You can also stop websites from stopping them to track your browsing activities. It has minimal impact on the performance of the system.
The program offers real-time protection against malware and removes malicious programs instantly.
2. Norton mobile security
- Visit website: us.norton.com
Norton Antivirus is an excellent freemium antivirus program that offers amazing security features, including ransomware protection, identity theft protection, firewall protection, malware, and virus protection in its apps. The antivirus has introduced features such as call/text blocking and contact backup for its free version.
Norton antivirus’ best-paid feature is App Advisor, which inspects installed software and the Google Play Store for security and privacy risks. The antivirus solution offers various premium plans, including Norton Antivirus Plus, Norton 360 Standard, and Norton 360 Deluxe. You can visit its website and subscribe to a plan that fits your budget.
3. Avira
- Visit website: www.avira.com
Avira is the best free antivirus software for Windows and Mac. The tool protects against common and zero-day viruses. The option-packed interface can seem daunting initially, and slower computers might experience problems with performance during the scans.
Nevertheless, the Avira free antivirus is perfect for basic use. It is efficient, has a high degree of customization, and offers a wide range of free add-on features, including a VPN client and a privacy-minded web browser offering web protection. In addition, Avira antivirus offers applications for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Therefore, you can easily use it on your devices.
4. Bitdefender security
- Visit website: www.bitdefender.com
Bitdefender antivirus is a popular Android security app that offers protection from viruses, negligible performance impact, and privacy protection features. The app also features Android Wear watches as an anti-theft device. This anti-virus software is not free, but it is well worth the expenditure.
Bitdefender antivirus has the most up-to-date features that protect your device from new threats, such as ransomware, making it the best antivirus software available. It has a good technical reputation. It has useful features that are not in a fussy style.
5. Panda Security
- Visit website: www.pandasecurity.com
Panda Security is free antivirus software that doesn’t seem to offer much, but this isn’t the case. It is the ideal solution for people who can handle their online privacy well.
Why use it?
Panda security software is easy and fun to use. It rarely impacts computer system performance, and its configuration options are adequate to convince users. The tool scans your computer system on demand and regularly. It provides extensive protection for USB drives.
However, Panda antivirus has a few drawbacks, including slow scanning, free extra features, too many ad pop-ups, and attempts to hijack your web browser settings, meaning it doesn’t offer comprehensive protection.
6. AVG
- Visit website: www.avg.com
AVG is a popular antivirus software that has enhanced its virus detection rate in the last year to compete with the top antivirus companies. AVG free antivirus software offers a wide range of configuring options and some extra features, and it does not slow your PC too much.
What is wrong with this free antivirus software?
This widely used antivirus software was turned down by its users because it continuously pushes them to upgrade to paid AVG software. However, it offers amazing antivirus features, including real-time protection against viruses, web protection, and more.
7. Avast
- Visit website: www.avast.com
Avast is one of the best antivirus software with a good interface, an unnoticeable impact on the computer system, satisfactory configuration options, and some useful extra features, including a VPN, password manager, and network scanner.
The company offers tools for complete online protection, making it a high-quality antivirus software. However, Avast free antivirus is best for users who already use other Avast products, such as Avast free mobile security for Android.
8. Microsoft Defender
- Visit website: www.microsoft.com
Microsoft Defender is a built-in antivirus software that is installed in the Windows operating system. The tool’s malware detection is improving, but its use is still unsatisfactory. Unlike other Windows antivirus software, it offers no free extra features; it greatly impacts your computer systems during scans and does not protect your computer from online malware if it is a non-Microsoft browser.
9. Malwarebytes Anti-malware
- Visit website: www.malwarebytes.com
Another antivirus software on our list is Malwarebytes. It cannot protect your PC from viruses, but it has tremendous performance in wiping out the malware already in your system. Also, it won’t interfere with the antivirus software that is already present in your computer system. Its best feature is the chameleon, which uncovers malware, making nasty programs easy to find.
Malwarebytes is not a complete antivirus software, but you can keep it as a complementary program for your free antivirus software.
10. Sophos
- Visit website: home.sophos.com
Sophos is the best antivirus software for parents who want to hide worthless content from young children. This free antivirus allows you to perform remote scans, checks, and block sites. It also has a feature that keeps logs of the banned pages when someone tries to reach them.
It is a modern antivirus with little impact on the system’s performance. It works great in removing viruses and other malicious programs from your device.
Which antivirus should I choose: Free or paid
As the modern world becomes increasingly technologically advanced, malware evolves rapidly. To tackle this situation, technological experts are working to provide users with the best antivirus programs.
We recommend using a paid antivirus rather than a free one because a premium antivirus provides better technical sustainability and more precise security features. In addition, these programs are tested in independent antivirus testing labs, making them more credible. While free antivirus software can provide paid packages, they offer a run for their money.
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About the Author
Waqas is a cybersecurity journalist and writer who has a knack for writing technology and online privacy-focused articles. He strives to help achieve a secure online environment and is skilled in writing topics related to cybersecurity, AI, DevOps, Cloud security, and a lot more. As seen in: Computer.org, Nordic APIs, Infosecinstitute.com, Tripwire.com, and VentureBeat.
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