In today’s digital landscape, antivirus software is essential to safeguard devices from malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks that can compromise personal data, hijack systems, or demand ransom for encrypted files. Without robust protection, a single malicious email attachment can infect your device in seconds, exposing sensitive information and internet activity. TechRadar Pro’s team, with over 30 years of combined experience, rigorously tests antivirus solutions using EICAR files and cross-references results with industry benchmarks from AV-Comparatives and AV-TEST. Here’s our expert guide to the best antivirus software for 2025, tailored to various needs and budgets.
Why Antivirus Software Is Critical
Malware, including viruses, spyware, and ransomware, can infiltrate devices through deceptive emails, downloads, or compromised websites. These threats can steal credentials, monitor online activity, or lock critical files. A reliable antivirus provides real-time threat detection, blocks malicious files, and ensures secure browsing, protecting both personal and professional data.
Norton: malware and identity protection
Norton 360 Deluxe – Best for All-in-One Security
Key Features: 100% malware protection (AV-TEST), VPN (unlimited data), 50GB cloud backup, parental controls, webcam protection, and dark web monitoring.
Why It’s Great: Norton delivers robust defense against malware, phishing, and identity theft, with minimal system impact. Its unlimited VPN and cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS) make it ideal for multi-device users. TechRadar Pro tests confirm its reliability in blocking EICAR files and real-world threats.
Pricing: Starts at $49.99/year for 3 devices.
Deals: Up to 66% off first-year plans through Norton’s website until July 31, 2025.
Best For: Families, remote workers, and businesses needing a feature-rich security suite.
Bitdefender: antivirus protection you can count on
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus – Best Overall Antivirus
Key Features: Exceptional malware detection (100% in AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives), multi-layered ransomware protection, secure banking tools, password manager, VPN (200MB/day), and lightweight performance.
Why It’s Great: Bitdefender consistently achieves top scores in industry tests and TechRadar Pro’s EICAR-based evaluations, detecting and neutralizing threats without slowing devices. Its intuitive interface suits beginners and pros, while features like Safepay ensure secure online transactions. Supports Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
Pricing: Starts at $29.99/year for 1 device (Bitdefender Antivirus Plus) or $39.99/year for 3 devices (Bitdefender Total Security).
Deals: 50% off first-year subscriptions until August 15, 2025, via Bitdefender’s official site.
Best For: Professionals, small businesses, and individuals seeking comprehensive, user-friendly protection.
McAfee Total Protection – Best for Multi-Device Coverage
Key Features: 99.8% malware detection (AV-Comparatives), identity theft protection, encrypted storage, unlimited VPN, and support for unlimited devices.
Why It’s Great: McAfee excels in protecting multiple devices under one plan, with strong ransomware defenses and a user-friendly app. Its identity monitoring and file shredder add value for privacy-conscious users. TechRadar Pro’s testing confirms fast threat response and seamless performance across platforms.
Pricing: Starts at $39.99/year for unlimited devices.
Deals: $70 off first-year subscriptions via McAfee’s site until September 1, 2025.
Best For: Small businesses and households with multiple devices.
Avast One – Best Free Antivirus Option
Key Features: Free plan with 98% malware detection (AV-TEST), email scanning, Wi-Fi security, and basic firewall. Premium plans add VPN and advanced phishing protection.
Why It’s Great: Avast’s free tier offers solid protection for budget-conscious users, catching most EICAR test files in TechRadar Pro’s trials. Its premium version enhances security with a VPN and data breach alerts, rivaling paid competitors at a lower cost.
Pricing: Free plan available; premium starts at $29.99/year for 1 device.
Deals: 60% off Avast One premium plans through Avast’s website until August 31, 2025.
Best For: Freelancers, students, and small teams seeking cost-effective protection.
5. Malwarebytes Premium – Best for macOS Users
Key Features: 99% malware detection (AV-TEST), real-time threat protection, adware removal, and lightweight design optimized for macOS and Windows.
Why It’s Great: Malwarebytes is a top choice for Apple users, offering fast scans and effective protection against macOS-specific threats like adware and spyware. TechRadar Pro tests show it excels at cleaning infected systems, though it lacks extras like a VPN.
Pricing: Starts at $44.99/year for 1 device.
Deals: 25% off premium plans with code “MALWARE25” via Malwarebytes’ site until July 30, 2025.
Best For: Mac users and those needing targeted malware removal.
Choosing the Right Antivirus
For Comprehensive Protection: Bitdefender and Norton lead with near-perfect detection rates and rich feature sets, ideal for professionals handling sensitive data.
For Budget Users: Avast One’s free plan offers robust baseline protection, while its premium tier remains affordable.
For macOS: Malwarebytes provides specialized defense for Apple devices, complementing macOS’s built-in security.
For Multi-Device Needs: McAfee’s unlimited device coverage is perfect for businesses or large households.
Key Considerations: Look for high detection rates (98%+ in AV-TEST/AV-Comparatives), minimal system impact, and extras like VPNs or identity protection. Ensure compatibility with your devices (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS).
Testing Methodology
TechRadar Pro’s recommendations are based on:
EICAR Testing: Using standardized EICAR files to evaluate real-time threat detection and response.
Industry Benchmarks: Cross-referencing with AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives for malware detection accuracy and performance impact.
Hands-On Experience: Assessing usability, system resource usage, and feature effectiveness across real-world scenarios.
Why Invest in Antivirus in 2025?
With cyberattacks projected to cost $13.8 trillion globally in 2025 (Statista), robust antivirus software is non-negotiable. From phishing emails to ransomware, threats evolve rapidly, and even macOS users face increasing risks. Investing in a trusted solution ensures data security, productivity, and peace of mind.