Cybersecurity is crucial in 2025, with rising cyberattacks targeting individuals and businesses alike. With everything from banking to social media dependent on devices, using reliable antivirus software is essential. But what is the best antivirus to use in 2025? In this article, we’ll review the top 10 antivirus solutions to help you choose the best option for your needs.
This guide is written for both beginners and experts. We’ll answer questions like what is the best form of antivirus protection? and which antivirus software will protect you 100%? Whether you’re looking for the best antivirus software free or premium versions, we have it all covered.
What Makes an Antivirus Effective?
Not all antivirus software is created equal. Here are the most important factors to consider when choosing an antivirus in 2024:
- High Detection Rates: The antivirus must quickly detect malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
- Performance Impact: It should protect your system without slowing it down.
- Extra Features: Look for password managers, VPNs, and parental controls.
- Ease of Use: A simple interface ensures you stay protected with minimal effort.
- Compatibility: Some are optimized for Windows 10 or Windows 11, while others perform better across multiple devices.
The following section reviews 10 examples of antivirus software, focusing on protection quality, performance, pricing, and ease of use.
Top 10 Antivirus Software Reviewed: Which Offers the Best Protection in 2025?
Here is the top 10 antivirus name list and what makes each one stand out:
1. Bitdefender Total Security – Best Overall Protection
Bitdefender offers the best antivirus software 2025, excelling in both security and features. It is known for advanced malware detection and multi-layer ransomware protection.
Key Features:
- Real-time protection
- Secure VPN included
- Parental control tools
- Password manager
Pros:
- Minimal system slowdown
- Excellent phishing protection
- Works on multiple platforms (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS)
Cons:
- VPN has a limited daily data cap on free plans.
Best For: Users who need comprehensive protection across all devices.
2. Norton 360 Deluxe – Best for Families
Norton 360 Deluxe offers powerful protection, including identity theft monitoring and dark web alerts. It performs well on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Key Features:
- Ransomware and phishing protection
- 50GB of cloud storage
- Parental controls
Pros:
- Minimal impact on system performance
- Easy-to-use interface
- Identity protection included
Cons:
- Slightly expensive compared to other solutions.
Best For: Families looking for all-around security with added cloud backup options.
3. McAfee Total Protection – Best for Identity Theft Protection
McAfee Total Protection combines excellent antivirus performance with strong identity protection. It offers multi-device licenses, making it ideal for households.
Key Features:
- Secure browser
- Password manager
- VPN included
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Comprehensive protection for families
- 24/7 identity monitoring
Cons:
- System scans can be slow.
Best For: Users concerned about identity theft and secure browsing.
4. Kaspersky Internet Security – Best for Online Safety
Kaspersky provides some of the most effective antivirus software for online security. It blocks phishing attempts and offers tools for safe banking.
Key Features:
- Safe Money feature for secure transactions
- Anti-phishing tools
- Webcam protection
Pros:
- Strong protection for online activities
- Affordable plans
- Minimal resource usage
Cons:
- Limited extra features compared to competitors.
Best For: Those looking for affordable, online security-focused software.
5. Avast One – Best Free Antivirus Software
Avast One offers some of the best free antivirus 2025 solutions, making it a favorite for budget-conscious users.
Key Features:
- VPN included
- Real-time threat detection
- System cleanup tools
Pros:
- Generous free version
- Light on system resources
- Strong protection against malware
Cons:
- Data sharing policies have raised concerns.
Best For: Users seeking the best antivirus software free with essential protection.
6. ESET Smart Security Premium – Best for Tech Enthusiasts
ESET’s premium antivirus software focuses on customization and advanced features. It’s ideal for tech-savvy users.
Key Features:
- Multi-platform support
- Advanced device control
- Secure data encryption
Pros:
- Fast malware scanning
- Excellent for advanced users
- Great for protecting IoT devices
Cons:
- Interface may feel complicated for beginners.
Best For: Tech-savvy users who want customizable security options.
7. Trend Micro Maximum Security – Best for Email Security
Trend Micro excels in detecting and blocking email phishing attacks. It is optimized for both Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems.
Key Features:
- Anti-phishing and email security
- Parental control tools
- Password manager
Pros:
- Strong email security
- Good value for money
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Lacks some advanced features found in competitors.
Best For: Users focusing on email security and phishing protection.
8. AVG Ultimate – Best for System Optimization
AVG provides more than just antivirus protection. Its system optimizer improves performance by cleaning junk files and boosting speed.
Key Features:
- Web browsing protection
- System cleanup tools
- Multi-device support
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Light on system resources
- Reliable free version available
Cons:
- Ads in free version.
Best For: Users looking for antivirus with system optimization features.
9. Sophos Home Premium – Best for Multiple Devices
Sophos offers premium protection with coverage for up to 10 devices, making it perfect for large families.
Key Features:
- Parental controls
- Web filtering
- Real-time antivirus updates
Pros:
- Covers multiple devices
- Affordable pricing
- Great parental controls
Cons:
- Limited advanced features.
Best For: Families with many devices to protect.
10. Malwarebytes Premium – Best for Advanced Malware Protection
Malwarebytes is known for its strong malware and ransomware protection. It works as a complementary antivirus or as a primary solution.
Key Features:
- Real-time threat detection
- Adware and spyware removal
- Fast scanning
Pros:
- Removes stubborn malware
- Works alongside other antivirus programs
- Easy to install and use
Cons:
- Lacks some traditional antivirus features.
Best For: Users looking for extra malware protection.
Top 10 Antivirus Software at a Glance
| Antivirus Software | Key Feature | Free Version Available | Platforms Supported | VPN Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bitdefender | Multi-layer security | No | Windows, macOS | Yes |
| Norton 360 Deluxe | Identity protection | No | All devices | Yes |
| McAfee Total Protection | Identity theft monitoring | No | Windows, Android | Yes |
| Kaspersky | Secure online banking | No | Windows, macOS | No |
| Avast One | System cleanup tools | Yes | All devices | Yes |
| ESET Smart Security | IoT device protection | No | Multi-platform | No |
| Trend Micro | Email security | No | Windows, macOS | Yes |
| AVG Ultimate | System optimization | Yes | All devices | No |
| Sophos Home Premium | Multiple device coverage | No | All devices | No |
| Malwarebytes | Advanced malware removal | No | All devices | No |
What Is the Best Antivirus to Use in 2025?
The best antivirus software for Windows 10 and Windows 11 depends on your needs. If you need comprehensive protection, Bitdefender Total Security is the clear winner. For budget-conscious users, Avast One offers the best free antivirus 2025 with reliable performance.
Choosing the right antivirus can protect your personal and financial data from evolving threats. Whether you need top-tier protection or a free solution, this top 10 antivirus name list ensures you’ll find a good fit. What is the best form of antivirus protection? That depends on your priorities—be it identity theft monitoring, secure browsing, or ransomware prevention.