The 7 Best Anti-Malware Software (2025 Update)

Norton Anti-Malware Review: Updated for 2025

Anti-Malware Protection

Norton consistently scores a perfect 100% in malware protection, excelling in both independent and in-house tests. Its SONAR real-time defense system combines heuristic analysis and machine learning to identify threats by analyzing suspicious behavior, rather than relying solely on signatures.

Using data from AV-Test’s last 10 evaluations, Norton’s stellar performance is validated. In our tests, it blocked 1,200 malware samples and phishing attempts in real-time.

Firewall

Norton’s Smart Firewall surpasses the default Windows firewall by monitoring both incoming and outgoing network traffic to block threats. Its ability to cloak inactive ports deters hackers using port-scanning techniques. Windows’ firewall, in contrast, lacks outgoing traffic monitoring and protection against malware exfiltration.

VPN

Norton’s VPN is unlimited, unlike competitors such as Bitdefender, which impose data caps. It features AES-256 encryption, OpenVPN protocol, P2P support, and advanced privacy tools, including a kill switch, ad tracker blocking, split tunneling, and auto-connect. It’s fast, secure, and maintains a strict no-logs policy.

Password Manager

Norton’s Password Manager is intuitive, offering tools for generating strong passwords, auto-filling credentials, and accessing your vault with biometric authentication. It’s an excellent solution for secure password management across devices.

Prices & Packages

Norton offers flexible plans to suit diverse needs:

• Norton Antivirus Plus (€15/$20): Anti-malware, firewall, password manager. 1 PC or Mac.
• Norton 360 Standard (€30/$40): Adds VPN, dark web monitoring. 1 device (EU) or 3 devices (US).
• Norton 360 Deluxe (€35/$50): Adds parental controls, privacy monitor. 5 devices.
• Norton 360 Advanced (€40, EU-only): Adds identity theft protection. 10 devices.
• Norton 360 Select + LifeLock ($99, US-only): Adds LifeLock identity theft protection. 10 devices.

In some regions, Norton 360 Advanced is branded as Norton 360 Premium (without identity theft protection).

Bonus Features

Norton includes these valuable extras:

• Web protection: Block malicious websites.
• Cloud backup: Securely back up important files.
• Parental controls: Monitor and manage kids’ online activity.
• Privacy monitor: Remove personal data from data brokers.
• Webcam protection: Prevent unauthorized webcam access.
• Dark web monitoring: Check for your data on the dark web.
• LifeLock Identity Theft Protection (US-only): Recover from identity theft.

Is Norton the Best Anti-Malware of 2025?

Yes. Norton is our top pick for 2025, thanks to its unmatched malware detection, robust privacy tools, and optional identity theft protection. Its comprehensive suite and 60-day money-back guarantee make it a standout choice for cybersecurity.

Avast Anti-Malware Review: Updated for 2025

Avast One is among the top anti-malware solutions, offering detection rates comparable to Norton and Bitdefender. Its paid plans include valuable tools like an unlimited VPN and system cleanup utilities, making it an excellent choice for multi-platform security on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

Anti-Malware Protection

Avast detected all 1,200 malware samples in our tests, including ransomware, Trojans, and phishing threats. Full system scans averaged 54 minutes, a competitive time for its category.

Real-time protection effectively blocked encrypted malware and new threats, though the free version’s frequent upsell prompts may detract from the user experience.

Firewall

Avast’s firewall allows users to monitor and block suspicious network traffic. It strikes a balance between ease of use for beginners and advanced customization for experienced users.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

Avast One Essential includes a free VPN with 5GB of data per week—a generous offering for free users. Paid plans include Avast’s unlimited VPN featuring AES-256 encryption, the OpenVPN protocol, and a strict no-logs policy. It supports torrenting (P2P) and includes tools like a kill switch.

Bonus Features

Avast enhances security with a suite of tools:

• Browser cleanup: Removes tracking data and cookies for privacy.
• Software updater: Updates outdated software to reduce vulnerabilities.
• Password protection: Secures browser-saved passwords from unauthorized access.
• Ransomware shield: Protects sensitive files from ransomware.
• Email security: Detects phishing attacks and malicious attachments.

Most of these features are reserved for paid versions, with premium tools like tracking prevention offering additional privacy benefits.

Is Avast the Best Anti-Malware of 2025?

Avast excels in malware protection, online privacy, and identity theft prevention, making it a standout internet security suite. However, the absence of a password manager may disappoint some users, who might consider Norton as an alternative. Avast’s 30-day money-back guarantee provides a risk-free opportunity to explore its features.

TotalAV Anti-Malware Review: Updated for 2025

TotalAV delivers affordable, user-friendly security with strong malware protection and useful additional features, making it a great option for seamless digital safety.

Anti-Malware Protection

Powered by Avira’s robust engine, TotalAV achieved a 99.8% malware detection rate in our tests, effectively identifying ransomware and spyware. It offers Quick, System, Smart, and Custom scan options.

The System Scan, which took about an hour, had minimal performance impact. Real-time protection actively blocked malicious downloads and suspicious activity, providing continuous defense against evolving threats.

VPN

TotalVPN offers solid performance with 48 server locations, reliable speeds, and compatibility with streaming services and P2P file sharing. It includes features like a kill switch and auto-connect for secure public Wi-Fi use. While it doesn’t rival standalone VPN speeds, it’s an effective and convenient addition to TotalAV’s suite.

Password Manager

TotalAV’s Total Password Manager is secure and easy to use, employing 256-bit AES encryption and features like auto-save, auto-fill, and two-factor authentication (2FA). While it lacks advanced options like hardware-based 2FA, it covers essential functionality for most users.

Bonus Features

TotalAV adds value with:

• Identity Theft Protection by Aura: Monitors personal information and alerts users to potential risks.
• System Tune-Up Tools: Includes a Startup Manager and Junk Cleaner to optimize device performance and free up space.

Is TotalAV the Best Anti-Malware of 2025?

TotalAV provides strong, affordable malware protection, a dependable VPN, and a straightforward password manager. Though not feature-rich compared to premium alternatives, it offers a comprehensive, easy-to-use security suite. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, it’s a risk-free option for users seeking simple, multi-functional protection in 2025.

Bitdefender Anti-Malware Review: 2025 Update

Bitdefender remains a top anti-malware choice, offering outstanding protection, an extensive feature set, and low system impact.

Anti-Malware Protection

Bitdefender achieves 100% malware detection in tests, leveraging Advanced Threat Defense to identify threats through behavioral monitoring. This proactive system effectively blocks unknown threats like ransomware, spyware, and Trojans with minimal false positives.

Firewall

Bitdefender’s firewall secures both inbound and outbound traffic, blocks unauthorized connections, and defends against port scans commonly exploited by hackers.

VPN

The included VPN offers 200 MB daily, suitable for light browsing. Powered by Aura, it provides AES-256 encryption, kill switch, split tunneling, and high speeds. For unlimited data, upgrade to Bitdefender Premium VPN or Premium Security.

Password Manager

Not included in standard packages, the password manager must be purchased separately or with Premium Security. It provides secure storage, auto-fill, and two-factor authentication but may feel costly compared to bundled competitor offerings.

Prices & Packages

• Bitdefender Antivirus Plus: €15/$15; anti-malware, anti-phishing; 1–10 PCs.
• Bitdefender Internet Security: €19/$25; adds firewall, parental controls; 1–10 PCs.
• Bitdefender Total Security: €35/$40; adds multi-OS support, optimizer; 5–10 devices.
• Bitdefender Premium Security: €55/$60; includes unlimited VPN, password manager; 10 devices.

While a Free Edition is available, it’s basic. Paid versions are recommended for robust protection.

Bonus Features

Bitdefender offers extensive extras:

• Online threat prevention.
• Vulnerability scan.
• Ransomware remediation.
• Anti-spam for Outlook/Thunderbird.
• Safepay secure browser.
• Webcam/microphone protection.
• Anti-tracker browser extension.
• Parental controls.
• Anti-theft tools.
• One-click optimizer.
• File shredder.

Is Bitdefender the Best Anti-Malware of 2025?

Bitdefender ranks among the best anti-malware tools of 2025, combining top-tier protection, advanced ransomware defenses, and a suite of useful extras. However, separate pricing for features like unlimited VPN and the password manager makes it pricier than competitors like Norton.

For a feature-rich security solution, Bitdefender is an excellent choice, with a 30-day money-back guarantee to try it risk-free.

McAfee Anti-Malware Review: Updated for 2025

McAfee remains a leading choice for multi-platform protection, offering unlimited device coverage, high malware detection rates, and robust features.

Anti-Malware Protection

McAfee boasts a perfect 100% malware detection score in AV-Test evaluations since April 2020. Our tests confirmed McAfee’s ability to detect and remove all online and offline threats, including ransomware, spyware, and Trojans.

The Scan Engine achieves this through:

• Signature-based scanning: Matches files to known malware.
• Sandboxing: Isolates and analyzes potentially harmful code.
• Heuristic analysis: Detects new threats via suspicious behavior monitoring.
• Code remediation: Cleans infected files.

Firewall

McAfee’s firewall effectively filters incoming and outgoing traffic, conceals open ports from hackers, and prevents unauthorized access via port scanning.

VPN

The Safe Connect VPN, included with unlimited data, uses AES-256 encryption for secure browsing. It offers servers in 45 countries and supports Netflix and torrenting. However, advanced features like a kill switch and split tunneling are not universally available. If auto-renewal is disabled, usage drops to 500 MB per day.

Password Manager

McAfee’s True Key password manager simplifies credential management with features like secure password generation, storage, and auto-fill. It supports biometric logins and competes with premium tools like Dashlane in security and usability.

Prices & Packages

McAfee offers flexible pricing:

• Basic (€30/$30): Core features for 1 device.
• Essential (Plus in Europe) (€40/$40): Protects 5 devices.
• Premium (€45/$45): Adds personal data cleanup; unlimited devices.
• Advanced (€65/$80): Includes identity theft protection; unlimited devices.
• Ultimate ($190, USA only): Expands identity theft protection; unlimited devices.

McAfee is rebranding, and older names like Total Protection may still appear in some regions.

Bonus Features

McAfee’s additional tools enhance its value:

• Secure Apps: Scans for vulnerabilities.
• App Boost: Speeds up frequently used apps.
• Browser Security: Blocks malicious sites.
• Web Boost: Stops auto-play videos.
• Tracker Remover: Deletes tracking cookies.
• ID Protection: Monitors the dark web for personal data.
• File Shredder: Securely deletes files.
• File Lock: Protects files in encrypted vaults.
• Anti-Spam: Shields email clients from spam.
• Safe Family: Offers parental controls.

Is McAfee the Best Anti-Malware of 2025?

McAfee remains a top contender in 2025, delivering perfect virus detection scores, a user-friendly interface, a high-quality password manager, and a free VPN. While some features have platform-specific limitations, its comprehensive security and 30-day money-back guarantee make it a standout choice.

Panda Dome Anti-Malware Review: Updated for 2025

Panda Dome excels in flexible pricing and robust anti-malware capabilities but falls short in some areas compared to competitors. Its feature-rich packages make it a viable choice for many users.

Anti-Malware Protection

Panda achieved a 99.9% success rate in real-world protection during our tests, though it has a higher rate of false positives compared to rivals. This performance aligns with data from AV-Comparatives, though Panda is not evaluated by AV-Test. Leveraging AI, machine learning, and big data, Panda counters both known and emerging threats like zero-day malware, ransomware, and APTs.

Firewall

The built-in firewall monitors inbound and outbound traffic, automatically setting permissions based on app risk levels. Users can customize these settings for greater control.

VPN

Panda’s VPN, powered by Aura, provides AES-256 encryption and supports torrenting. The free version is capped at 150 MB/day, while unlimited data requires upgrading to Panda Dome Premium (€50). While fast and secure, the VPN lacks advanced features like a kill switch, limiting its appeal for high-end users.

Password Manager

Panda’s password manager is a standout, offering features such as secure storage, two-factor authentication, biometric logins, and seamless functionality across browsers and mobile platforms.

Pricing & Packages

Panda Dome’s tiered pricing suits diverse needs:

• Essential (€17 / $24): Antivirus, firewall
• Advanced (€23 / $28): Adds anti-phishing, parental controls
• Complete (€35 / $43): Adds password manager, system optimizer
• Premium (€60 / $67): Adds unlimited VPN, update manager

All plans allow protection for unlimited devices, making them highly scalable.

Bonus Features

Panda offers additional tools to boost security and usability:

• Safe browsing: Blocks malicious websites.
• Dark web scanner: Detects compromised emails.
• PC cleanup: Improves system performance.
• Wi-Fi protection: Identifies network vulnerabilities.
• Anti-theft: Tracks and recovers lost devices.
• File encryptor/shredder: Secures and permanently deletes files.
• USB protection: Scans drives to prevent infections.

Is Panda the Best Anti-Malware of 2025?

Panda Dome is a solid option, particularly for Windows users, offering strong malware protection, an excellent password manager, and flexible pricing. However, its higher rate of false positives and limited free VPN hold it back from being a top-tier choice compared to competitors like Norton, which offers better Mac and mobile support and a more comprehensive VPN at a lower price.

You can try Panda risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Avira Anti-Malware Review: Updated for 2025

Avira remains a top choice in 2025, excelling in malware detection and offering excellent value across its free and paid plans. Its combination of robust features and affordability makes it ideal for comprehensive protection.

Anti-Malware Protection

Avira’s anti-malware tools deliver a flawless 100% protection score. Its cloud-based scanner efficiently detects all malware samples without affecting system performance. The Smart Scan feature not only identifies malware but also highlights privacy risks and system optimizations, making it suitable for both novice and advanced users.

Firewall

Avira’s highly customizable firewall offers strong protection, allowing app-specific rules and utilizing algorithms to monitor data flow. It includes intrusion prevention to block unauthorized attempts to access sensitive information.

VPN

The Phantom VPN provides secure browsing with 256-bit AES encryption and P2P file-sharing support. While its speeds reduce by 25–30%, it remains usable for most tasks. However, it struggles with bypassing geo-restrictions for streaming services.

Password Manager

Avira’s password manager is secure and generous, offering unlimited storage even in the free version. It uses 256-bit AES encryption and supports 2FA. The browser extension lacks a built-in password generator, which could be a limitation for some users.

Bonus Features

Avira enhances security and system performance with additional tools:

• Device Optimizer: Cleared over 1GB of space during testing.
• Startup Optimizer: Speeds up boot times by managing startup apps.
• Driver Updater: Keeps drivers updated for improved security and functionality.
• Game Booster: Allocates resources for smoother gaming.
• Battery Manager: Offers basic optimization but could benefit from tracking power-draining apps.

Is Avira the Best Anti-Malware of 2025?

Avira Antivirus Prime stands out as a top-tier anti-malware solution in 2025. It delivers comprehensive protection, performance-enhancing tools, and excellent value, making it ideal for most users. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, it’s risk-free to try.

For those seeking advanced features like parental controls, Norton 360 Deluxe offers a comparable alternative at a similar price point.

Anti-malware uses various detection methods to identify and eliminate threats:

• Signature-based detection: Identifies known malware by matching it with a database of malware signatures.
• Heuristic analysis: Detects new, unknown malware by analyzing suspicious behaviors or code patterns.
• Behavioral monitoring: Monitors real-time activity to flag unusual or harmful behaviors.
• Sandboxing: Runs untrusted programs in a controlled environment to analyze their actions before allowing them to run on your device.

For more, read our blog post on what antivirus software is.

Modern anti-malware software often includes a full suite of security tools to protect you beyond just malware detection:

• Anti-phishing: Blocks fake websites and emails designed to steal your personal information, like login credentials and credit card details.
• Firewall: Monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic to block unauthorized access to your device.
• Password manager: Stores and manages strong, unique passwords for all your accounts, helping to secure your online identity.
• VPN (Virtual Private Network): Encrypts your internet connection, ensuring privacy and protecting your data from hackers, especially on public Wi-Fi.
• Identity theft protection: Monitors your personal information (like Social Security numbers and credit reports) for signs of theft or fraud.
• Parental controls: Allows you to manage and monitor your children’s online activities, protecting them from inappropriate content and limiting screen time.

By using anti-malware software with these added features, you can safeguard not just your devices, but also your overall digital life.

Anti-malware software shields you from a wide range of dangerous malware, including:

• Adware: Unwanted programs that bombard you with ads, often slowing down your device and compromising privacy.
• PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs): Software that may not be harmful but is often installed without your consent and can negatively impact system performance.
• Ransomware: Malicious software that encrypts your files and demands payment to restore access.
• Rootkits: Stealthy malware that gives hackers control over your device, often staying hidden from traditional security tools.
• Spyware: Software that secretly monitors your activities, collecting sensitive information like passwords and browsing habits.
• Trojans: Malicious programs disguised as legitimate software, used by hackers to gain access to your system.
• Viruses: Self-replicating code that can corrupt files, spread to other devices, and damage your system.
• Worms: Similar to viruses, but they spread automatically across networks without needing to attach to other files.

In addition to malware protection, modern antivirus suites also defend against a broader range of cyber threats thanks to features like anti-phishing, a firewall, a password manager, a VPN, identity theft protection, and parental controls.

While anti-malware software is essential for protecting against many digital threats, there are some risks it can’t fully guard against:

• Social engineering: Anti-malware software can’t stop scams that trick you into revealing personal information or clicking malicious links, such as phishing emails or fraudulent phone calls. These rely on human error, not software vulnerabilities.
• Zero-day attacks: Anti-malware isn’t guaranteed to catch every zero-day attack—new, undiscovered exploits that hackers use before a security patch is available. Since these threats are unknown at first, detection can be difficult, though anti-malware tools often release updates quickly once the threat is identified.

Staying vigilant and keeping your software up to date are essential for defending against these types of threats.

The built-in security programs in Windows 11 (Microsoft Defender) and macOS (XProtect) are quite capable at protecting against common malware threats, providing solid real-time protection and regular updates.

However, they lack many of the advanced security features found in premium anti-malware suites, such as:

• Password manager: Stores and generates strong, unique passwords for all your accounts to improve online security.
• VPN (Virtual Private Network): Encrypts your internet connection, safeguarding your privacy and protecting data on public Wi-Fi.
• Identity theft protection: Monitors personal information (like your Social Security number or credit reports) for signs of theft or fraud.
• Parental controls: Helps you monitor and manage your children’s online activity, ensuring they’re safe from harmful content.

While built-in tools offer good basic protection, premium anti-malware suites provide a more comprehensive defense.

In 2025, consumers should be aware of evolving threats like:

• AI-powered malware: Attackers will use AI to create more sophisticated and evasive malware, making detection harder.
• Ransomware 2.0: Increasingly targeted attacks, aiming at high-value organizations and critical infrastructure, may combine data theft with encryption.
• IoT attacks: With more smart devices in homes, malware targeting Internet of Things (IoT) devices will grow, exploiting weak security in connected gadgets.
• Deepfake phishing: Fake videos or audio, generated by AI, will be used in more convincing phishing schemes to trick individuals into sharing sensitive data.

Anti-Malware Protection (30%)

We evaluate how well the antivirus detects and removes various malware types like viruses, trojans, ransomware, and spyware.

• In-House Testing: Using 1,200 diverse malware samples, we conduct real-time attack simulations to assess detection and neutralization of known and emerging threats through signature-based and heuristic analysis.
• Independent Lab Results: We incorporate findings from respected institutes like AV-Test, SE Labs, and AV-Comparatives to validate our results.

Security and Privacy Features (30%)

We assess additional tools that enhance cybersecurity:

• Web Protection: Testing the software’s ability to block phishing sites and web-based threats by accessing known malicious websites.
• Firewall: Evaluating effectiveness using intrusion simulations and the ShieldsUP! test to secure network ports and monitor traffic.
• Password Manager: Assessing capabilities to generate, store, and auto-fill complex passwords, plus features like two-factor authentication and biometric login.
• VPN: Evaluating security protocols, encryption, speed, server locations, data limits, and support for streaming and peer-to-peer sharing while hiding IP addresses.
• Parental Controls: Testing screen time management, content filtering, location tracking, and resistance to bypass attempts to protect children.
• Identity Theft Protection: Assessing monitoring of personal info and responsiveness to potential identity theft alerts.
• Secure Cloud Storage: Evaluating capacity, security, usability, and features like file encryption and secure sharing.
• Anti-Ransomware: Simulating attacks to test detection and blocking of unauthorized encryption via behavioral detection and exploit prevention.
• Dark Web Monitoring: Checking effectiveness in scanning the dark web for personal info and providing timely alerts.

System Performance Impact (10%)

We measure how the antivirus affects device performance during everyday tasks:

• Resource Usage: Monitoring CPU and memory during scans and real-time protection.
• Performance Tests: Evaluating impact on launching apps, downloading files, browsing websites, and copying data, aligned with AV-Test criteria.

False Positives (10%)

Accuracy is crucial to avoid interruptions:

• False Positive Detection: Assessing how often legitimate applications or files are incorrectly flagged.
• Usability Tests: Referencing AV-Test evaluations to gauge false positive frequency for effectiveness and user-friendliness.

Price and Value (10%)

We analyze overall value by comparing features to cost:

• Cost Analysis: Considering subscription prices, device coverage, and multi-year plans.
• Feature Evaluation: Assessing if included features justify the price compared to competitors.

Ownership and Reputation (10%)

Trust is essential in cybersecurity providers:

• Company Background: Researching history, industry track record, mergers, or acquisitions.
• Privacy Policies: Examining data handling, privacy commitment, and compliance with regulations.
• Ethical Conduct: Investigating past unethical behavior, data breaches, or controversies.

Sources and tools

Below are the sources and tools we’ve used to test the antivirus software:

• Apple Platform Security
• AV-Comparatives Consumer
• AV-Test Android
• AV-Test macOS
• AV-Test Windows
• GRC Firewall Test
• Microsoft Defender
• SpeedTest VPN
• Trustpilot Security Software

Read more about how we test antivirus software.

We have tested 39 antivirus software from 28 brands. These range from free antivirus programs, to entry-level paid antivirus programs, mid-range paid antivirus software, and full-featured internet security suites.

These are the programs we recommend:

• Norton Antivirus Plus
• Norton 360 Standard
• Norton 360 Deluxe
• Norton 360 Advanced
• Norton 360 for Gamers
• Norton Antivirus for Mac
• Avast Antivirus One
• TotalAV Antivirus
• Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
• Bitdefender Internet Security
• Bitdefender Total Security
• Bitdefender Premium Security
• McAfee Antivirus LiveSafe
• McAfee Total Protection
• Panda Dome Antivirus
• Avira Antivirus Prime
• Surfshark Antivirus
• Intego Antivirus
• Kaspersky Antivirus Standard
• Kaspersky Antivirus Plus
• Kaspersky Antivirus Premium
• AVG Antivirus

We believe that Norton Antivirus Plus is the best entry-level antivirus software and Norton 360 Deluxe the best antivirus all around.

If you have a specific operating system that you would like to protect, we probably have a dedicated antivirus comparison for it:

• The best antivirus of 2025 – For all OS.
• The best antivirus for Windows 11 – For Microsoft’s latest desktop OS.
• The best antivirus for macOS – For Apple’s desktop OS.
• The best antivirus for Android – For Google’s mobile OS.
• The best antivirus for iPhone – For Apple’s mobile OS.
• The best antivirus with a VPN – For both security and privacy.
• The best antivirus with a Firewall – For a focus on network security.
• The best VPN of 2025 – For a dedicated privacy solution.

Click the links to be taken to your comparison of choice.

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