Best antivirus software of 2025: Features, costs, who should use them
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
All-in-one security + device optimization
Strong identity protection
Very user-friendly for beginners
Available for Mac users only
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
Among the best antivirus protection overall
Strong anti-phishing
Low performance impact
Great for multi-device households
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
Industry-leading threat detection
Very lightweight
Excellent ransomware recovery
Identity protection
VPN limited unless you upgrade
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
Strong identity & personal data protection
Good malware detection
Multi-device friendly
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
Great bundle value
Strong privacy features
Extremely lightweight
Less mature antivirus engine than Norton/Bitdefender
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
One of the top free antivirus programs
Strong detection rates
Plenty of features in free plan
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
Very lightweight
Solid free option
Simple interface
Extra tools require upgrade
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
Best for removing existing infections
Very fast scans
Great browser protection
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
Good bundle value
Easy to use
Strong first-year discounts
Renewal price jumps
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
ANTIVIRUSBEST FORPROSCONSPRICINGMacKeeperMac users, crypto holders, identity protectionAll-in-one, strong identity protection, beginner-friendlyMac only, premium features on higher-tier plansFrom €9.86/monthNorton 360Families, multi-device, crypto tradersExcellent protection, strong anti-phishing, low performance impactLimited device installs$2.50–$8.33/monthBitdefenderAggressive ransomware/zero-day protectionIndustry-leading detection, lightweight, excellent ransomware recoveryVPN limited unless upgraded, some features Windows-only$49.99–$139.99/yearMcAfeeIdentity & financial protectionStrong identity protection, multi-device friendlySome features require account linking$39.99–$94.99/yearSurfshark OneLightweight antivirus + privacyGreat bundle value, strong privacy, very lightweightLess mature antivirus engine, limited advanced features€1.69–€4.19/monthAvastFree antivirus, solid malware protectionStrong free option, good detection, multiple featuresSome features require upgradeFree; premium $39.99/yearAVGBeginners, free antivirusLightweight, simple interfaceExtra tools require upgrade, ads in free versionFree; $46.68/year for advancedMalwarebytesMalware/crypto-stealer removalExcellent at removing infections, fast scansNot as full-featured as top antivirusesFrom $22.49/yearTotalAVFirst-year pricing, simple controlsEasy to use, strong first-year discountsRenewal price jumps, behavior-based detection weaker$19–$49 first year; $99–$149 renewal
*Pricing info is based on rates available on December 2025
You might also like:
Best VPNs 2025: Top services for speed, privacy, and streaming
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.
Identity theft monitoring – helps prevent SIM swaps, account takeovers, and email breaches. See our identity theft protection guide for more.
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.
Read more:
Best identity theft protection services December 202
Todos los comentarios0Lo más recientePopular