Best antivirus software of 2025: security, speed, pricing
Even experienced users can fall victim to modern cyberattacks. Clicking a phishing link can compromise a device, and ransomware can lock critical data.
Comprehensive, reputable antivirus software protects all internet-connected devices and prevents data theft. Our annual review of the best antivirus software 2025 highlights the top-rated antivirus solutions, helping you determine which antivirus is best for your home setup.
Best antivirus software for 2025
We’ve reviewed the top antivirus programs for 2025 and highlighted their advantages, limitations, costs, and target customers.
MacKeeper
Top
Best for: Mac users, crypto holders, identity protection, all-in-one system cleanup + security.
Real-time protection against malware and ransomware
ID Theft Guard to alert you about account breaches
Cleans adware and removes annoying pop-ups
Built-in VPN for secure browsing
Tools to boost system performance
Smart Uninstaller and Junk Cleaner to reclaim storage
Pros & Cons
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All-in-one security + device optimization
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Strong identity protection
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Very user-friendly for beginners
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Available for Mac users only
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Premium features are unlocked with higher-tier plans.
Review
Pricing
Starts around €9.86/month (discounted annual plans available).
Why it’s good for crypto users
MacKeeper’s ID Theft Guard and real-time malware scanning help protect crypto exchange logins, seed phrases stored in encrypted files, and browser sessions from phishing or clipboard hijackers.
Norton 360
Top
Best for: Families, multi-device protection, Windows users, crypto traders needing strong anti-phishing filters.
Advanced protection against malware and hacking
VPN for private browsing
Cloud backup features
Dark Web monitoring for breaches
Password manager included
Comprehensive parental controls
Pros & Cons
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Among the best antivirus protection overall
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Strong anti-phishing
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Low performance impact
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Great for multi-device households
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Even at the top tier, you can only install it on a certain number of devices.
Review
Pricing
Around $2.50–$8.33/month depending on plan.
Why it’s good for crypto users
Norton’s Safe Web protects crypto users from fake exchange sites and wallet phishing pages. Its online identity monitoring reduces credential-stealing risks.
Bitdefender
Top
Best for: Users wanting aggressive ransomware and zero-day threat protection with minimal CPU load.
Protection and recovery from ransomware
Advanced threat detection for new and evolving attacks
Multi-layer malware defense
Secure password manager
Unlimited VPN
Safepay secure browser for banking and crypto trading
Pros & Cons
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Industry-leading threat detection
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Very lightweight
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Excellent ransomware recovery
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Identity protection
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VPN limited unless you upgrade
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Some features Windows-only
Review
Pricing
From $49.99–$139.99/year depending on devices and features.
Why it’s good for crypto users
Bitdefender’s Safepay is excellent for crypto exchanges — isolating browser sessions from keylogging, clipboard theft, and malware injections.
McAfee
Top
Best for: Users wanting strong identity theft monitoring, credit monitoring, and financial account protection.
Effective malware detection
Credit checks and alerts
Identity monitoring for compromised data
Privacy tools, including a VPN
Secure password management
Pros & Cons
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Strong identity & personal data protection
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Good malware detection
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Multi-device friendly
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Some features require account linking
Review
Pricing
Around $39.99–$94.99/year
Why it’s good for crypto users
McAfee’s identity monitoring protects against SIM-swap vulnerabilities and leaked emails often exploited to breach crypto accounts.
Surfshark One
Top
Best for: Users who want lightweight antivirus combined with privacy tools.
Real-time antivirus
Surfshark VPN
Webcam protection
Scheduled scans
Pros & Cons
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Great bundle value
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Strong privacy features
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Extremely lightweight
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Less mature antivirus engine than Norton/Bitdefender
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Limited advanced features
Review
Pricing
From €1.69-€4.19/month or cheaper with long-term plans.
Why it’s good for crypto users
Surfshark’s VPN + breach alerts help protect wallet access, crypto exchange sessions, and online privacy when trading.
Avast
Top
Best for: Users needing best free antivirus features with solid malware detection.
Free real-time protection
Ransomware Shield for extra safety
Wi-Fi Inspector to spot network issues
Password manager available in paid plans
Pros & Cons
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One of the top free antivirus programs
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Strong detection rates
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Plenty of features in free plan
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Some features require upgrade
Review
Pricing
Free version available; premium starts around $39.99/year.
Why it’s good for crypto users
Free version includes ransomware and phishing protection — useful for crypto users with limited budgets.
AVG
Top
Best for: Beginners needing a simple, effective, free antivirus.
Real-time threat protection
Ransomware defense
Email shield to catch phishing attempts
Pros & Cons
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Very lightweight
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Solid free option
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Simple interface
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Extra tools require upgrade
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Free version shows ads
Review
Pricing
Free, or $46.68/year for advanced features
Why it’s good for crypto users
Basic phishing filtering helps protect crypto login attempts.
Malwarebytes
Top
Best for: Removing active malware, crypto-stealers, adware, or PUPs.
Excellent malware cleanup
Browser Guard
Ransomware protection
Data breach notifications
Limited VPN
Pros & Cons
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Best for removing existing infections
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Very fast scans
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Great browser protection
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Not as full-featured as Norton/Bitdefender
Review
Pricing
From $22.49/year
Why it’s good for crypto users
Great at detecting stealers, which often target crypto wallets, system clipboards, and browser autofill.
TotalAV
Top
Best for: Users wanting strong first-year pricing, simple controls, and an antivirus + privacy bundle.
Protection against malware and ransomware
WebShield blocks phishing and harmful sites
VPN included
Supports both iOS and Android
Pros & Cons
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Good bundle value
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Easy to use
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Strong first-year discounts
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Renewal price jumps
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Behavior-based detection not as strong as Bitdefender/Norton
Review
Pricing
Approximately $19–$49 first year, renews $99–$149/year depending on plan.
Why it’s good for crypto users
WebShield helps block fake crypto exchange pages and wallet-phishing links, while ransomware protection guards against crypto-stealers and file-encrypting malware.
Antivirus comparison table: Best virus protection software 2025
| ANTIVIRUS | BEST FOR | PROS | CONS | PRICING |
| MacKeeper | Mac users, crypto holders, identity protection | All-in-one, strong identity protection, beginner-friendly | Mac only, premium features on higher-tier plans | From €9.86/month |
| Norton 360 | Families, multi-device, crypto traders | Excellent protection, strong anti-phishing, low performance impact | Limited device installs | $2.50–$8.33/month |
| Bitdefender | Aggressive ransomware/zero-day protection | Industry-leading detection, lightweight, excellent ransomware recovery | VPN limited unless upgraded, some features Windows-only | $49.99–$139.99/year |
| McAfee | Identity & financial protection | Strong identity protection, multi-device friendly | Some features require account linking | $39.99–$94.99/year |
| Surfshark One | Lightweight antivirus + privacy | Great bundle value, strong privacy, very lightweight | Less mature antivirus engine, limited advanced features | €1.69–€4.19/month |
| Avast | Free antivirus, solid malware protection | Strong free option, good detection, multiple features | Some features require upgrade | Free; premium $39.99/year |
| AVG | Beginners, free antivirus | Lightweight, simple interface | Extra tools require upgrade, ads in free version | Free; $46.68/year for advanced |
| Malwarebytes | Malware/crypto-stealer removal | Excellent at removing infections, fast scans | Not as full-featured as top antiviruses | From $22.49/year |
| TotalAV | First-year pricing, simple controls | Easy to use, strong first-year discounts | Renewal price jumps, behavior-based detection weaker | $19–$49 first year; $99–$149 renewal |
*Pricing info is based on rates available in December 2025
How to choose an antivirus for crypto users
Crypto holders face unique risks that need special protection. When picking good antivirus software, look for:
- Ransomware protection — crypto-targeted attacks are on the rise. Choose software with behavioral monitoring, automatic rollback, and encrypted file protection.
- Anti-phishing & safe browsing — most crypto theft comes from fake exchanges, wallet login scams, or shady DeFi platforms. Norton, Bitdefender, and Malwarebytes handle this well.
- Secure browser or VPN — essential when trading or using DeFi. Pair your antivirus with a VPN from our best VPNs guide.
- Low performance impact — crypto apps can be heavy, so pick lightweight options like Bitdefender or Surfshark.
- Multi-device support — protect your laptop, mobile wallet, hardware wallet apps, and trading phone. For complete coverage, check our crypto security guide.
FAQ
What is the best antivirus software in 2025?
Norton 360, Bitdefender, and MacKeeper offer excellent malware defense and ransomware protection, ranking among the top antivirus software today.
What is the best antivirus for PC?
On Windows, Norton 360 and Bitdefender consistently deliver reliable performance.
What is the best antivirus for Mac?
MacKeeper and Bitdefender give Mac users effective, lightweight security.
Is it safe to run a free antivirus?
Free antivirus covers the basics but usually lacks important protections like identity and ransomware safeguards.
