The 3 Best Antivirus for iPhone & iPad (2025 Update)

Norton Mobile Security for iOS Review 2025

Norton Mobile Security for iOS is the top security app for iPhones and iPads, offering a robust set of features to enhance your online security, privacy, and identity protection.

Key Features:

• Unlimited VPN: Ensures privacy and anonymity online.
• Anti-Tracker: Blocks ad tracking.
• Web Protection: Detects and blocks harmful websites.
• Identity Protection: Monitors the Dark Web for your data.
• Device Protection: Alerts you to critical iOS updates.

Norton excels in safeguarding both security and privacy, making it the best choice for iOS users in 2025.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

Norton’s VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your internet connection, offering:

• Online Anonymity: Keeps activity hidden from ISPs, hackers, and others.
• Public Wi-Fi Security: Encrypts connections to prevent data interception.
• Censorship Avoidance: Access blocked sites like WhatsApp in Dubai or YouTube in China.

Unlike many providers, Norton offers unlimited VPN data, ensuring continuous protection.

Ad Tracker Blocker

The VPN’s Anti-Tracker feature blocks third-party cookies, preserving your privacy and reducing targeted ads.

Web Protection

This feature blocks access to malicious websites across all iOS browsers. For optimal safety, use Web Protection alongside the VPN.

Identity Protection

Norton monitors the Dark Web for compromised personal data, covering:

• Emails, home addresses, phone numbers
• Credit cards, bank accounts, insurance info
• Driver’s licenses, gaming handles, and more

This comprehensive monitoring provides peace of mind in the digital age.

Device Security

Norton ensures your iPhone or iPad stays updated with critical iOS security patches, often notifying you of updates before your device does.

Wi-Fi Security

Norton checks network encryption and password protection, automatically activating the VPN on insecure networks (with Auto-Connect enabled).

SMS Security

Filters malicious links in text messages, blocking phishing attempts.

Secure Calendar

Scans calendar invites for dangerous links, reducing phishing risks from fake events.

Is Norton Mobile Security the Best Antivirus for iPhone?

Yes. Norton stands out with a rich feature set tailored for iOS, far exceeding the benefits of most antivirus apps on Apple’s secure platform. It outperforms competitors like McAfee and Kaspersky by being more affordable and offering unlimited VPN data without requiring auto-renewal.

With superior security, privacy protection, and value, Norton is the top choice for iOS users. You can try it risk-free with a 60-day money-back guarantee.

McAfee Mobile Security for iOS Review 2025

McAfee Mobile Security for iOS is a powerful cybersecurity tool designed to navigate the complexities of today’s digital world. Its robust features make it a valuable addition to your online safety arsenal. Here’s an overview of its key components and how they enhance your protection.

Key Features:

• VPN: Protect your connection with bank-grade encryption.
• Identity Protection: Monitor personal data for potential breaches.
• Safe Browsing: Block phishing and malicious websites.
• Wi-Fi & System Scanner: Check network security and device updates.
• Protection Score: Assess and improve your online safety with personalized insights.

VPN

McAfee’s VPN encrypts your connection to safeguard personal information, even on unsecured Wi-Fi. It also allows location spoofing to access geo-restricted content. However, users face a 500 MB/day data cap if auto-renew is disabled, which feels restrictive for a paid service.

Identity Protection

McAfee monitors up to 10 data points—emails, passports, credit cards, etc.—for breaches. Alerts are sent if risks are detected, along with actionable recommendations. This feature is crucial for countering the growing threat of identity theft.

Safe Browsing

Safe Browsing blocks malicious sites and phishing attempts, while the WebAdvisor extension evaluates a site’s risk level before you visit. This proactive approach significantly reduces web-based threats.

Wi-Fi & System Scanner

The Wi-Fi scanner flags unsecured networks, encouraging safer connections. The system scanner checks for iOS updates, helping you maintain security with the latest patches.

Protection Score

This feature quantifies your online security and offers actionable tips to enhance it. It makes cybersecurity more intuitive, empowering users to take charge of their protection.

Is McAfee Mobile Security for iOS the Best Antivirus for iPhone?

McAfee delivers a well-rounded suite, including a strong VPN, comprehensive identity protection, safe browsing, and proactive system scanning. The Protection Score feature adds further value.

However, the 500 MB/day VPN data limit without auto-renew is a drawback, especially compared to Norton’s unlimited VPN access regardless of renewal settings. Norton’s privacy policy is also more transparent.

Kaspersky Antivirus & VPN for iOS Review 2025

Kaspersky Antivirus & VPN for iOS offers a robust cybersecurity solution to protect your iPhone or iPad from online threats while enhancing privacy. Here’s an overview of its standout features and performance.

Anti-Phishing

Kaspersky’s anti-phishing automatically blocks suspicious websites and emails, preventing fraud and data theft.

Unlimited VPN

Included in premium plans, the VPN encrypts internet traffic and activates automatically on unsafe networks, ideal for public Wi-Fi. Note: This feature requires the “Plus” plan or higher.

Password Management

The premium Password Manager securely stores and autofills login credentials, mitigating risks associated with weak or reused passwords.

Data Leak Checker

Monitors the web (including the dark web) for leaked personal data, providing alerts and actionable recommendations if compromises are detected.

Jailbreak Detection

Detects if your iOS device has been jailbroken, which could expose it to malware, and offers guidance to restore security.

Secure QR Scanner

Protects against malicious QR codes by checking for hidden threats before interaction.

Personalized Alerts

Delivers activity-based security tips, warnings, and updates to keep you informed of potential risks.

Family Sharing

Allows remote security management for family devices, ensuring comprehensive protection across multiple users.

Remote Management

A centralized interface enables easy monitoring and adjustment of security settings, even remotely.

Automatic Updates

Ensures your device is consistently protected with the latest security patches.

Social Privacy

Assists in optimizing privacy settings on social media platforms to enhance online privacy and reduce tracking.

Is Kaspersky the Best Antivirus for iPhone?

Kaspersky Antivirus & VPN for iOS offers a wide range of features, from anti-phishing and data leak alerts to VPN protection and jailbreak detection. Its secure QR scanner and social privacy tools add unique value.

However, premium features like Unlimited VPN and Password Manager are locked behind the “Plus” plan, making it pricier than competitors like Norton, which offers similar features at a lower cost.

Antivirus for iOS is software designed to protect iPhones and iPads from various security threats. While iOS is known for its strong built-in security, no system is entirely immune. Antivirus apps for iOS have evolved beyond just virus protection, offering a broad range of security features that safeguard against other risks like phishing attacks, data breaches, and online privacy threats.

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

Apple’s iOS system is built with strong security measures, including a tightly controlled App Store, sandboxing (which isolates apps from one another), and regular security updates. These features make traditional viruses rare on iOS. However, cybercriminals still target iOS users through methods like phishing scams, unsafe Wi-Fi networks, and identity theft.

Antivirus software for iOS can defend against various malware threats, helping keep your device and data secure. Here are the key malware threats it can protect you from:

• Adware: Unwanted software that displays intrusive ads and can track your browsing habits.
• PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs): Software that you didn’t intentionally install, often bundled with other downloads, which can be annoying or risky.
• Ransomware: Malicious software that locks your device or encrypts your data, demanding payment to regain access.
• Rootkits: Hidden software designed to give attackers unauthorized control over your device.
• Spyware: Malicious programs that secretly monitor and steal your personal information.
• Trojans: Disguised as legitimate software, these programs grant hackers access to your device.
• Viruses: Self-replicating malware that can spread from file to file and corrupt data.
• Worms: Malware that spreads across networks without needing user action, often causing widespread damage.

In addition to malware protection, modern antivirus suites include tools like anti-phishing, a firewall, a password manager, a VPN, identity theft protection, and parental controls, providing comprehensive security against a variety of cyber threats beyond just malware.

While antivirus software for iOS is essential for protecting against malware, it can’t defend against every type of threat. Here are two major risks it may not fully protect you from:

• Social Engineering: Antivirus can’t prevent attacks that trick you into revealing personal information, such as phishing scams or fraudulent phone calls. These attacks exploit human behavior rather than software vulnerabilities.
• Zero-Day Attacks: These are new, previously unknown vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit before a fix is available. While antivirus software may offer some protection, it’s not guaranteed to catch every zero-day attack immediately.

For full protection, it’s important to stay vigilant and practice good cybersecurity habits, in addition to using antivirus tools.

The built-in security features in iOS are strong and offer excellent protection for most users, but they do have limitations. Apple’s closed ecosystem, regular updates, and focus on privacy make iOS one of the most secure mobile platforms available.

Key Built-In Security Features in iOS:

• Face ID/Touch ID: Biometric authentication for unlocking the device, apps, and making payments.
• App Store Security: Apple vets apps before they’re allowed in the App Store, reducing the risk of malware and unsafe apps.
• End-to-End Encryption: iMessage and FaceTime are encrypted by default, so only you and the recipient can see the content.
• Find My iPhone: A built-in tool to locate lost devices and remotely wipe data if necessary.
• Security Updates: Regular, automatic updates to patch vulnerabilities and keep devices protected.

For users seeking more comprehensive protection, additional tools beyond what iOS provides may be necessary.

What iOS lacks:

• Cross-OS Password Manager: iCloud Keychain is built into iOS but works mainly within the Apple ecosystem. A third-party solution may be better if you use multiple platforms.
• VPN: iOS doesn’t come with an integrated VPN service. A VPN can help encrypt your internet traffic and protect your privacy on public Wi-Fi.
• Identity Theft Protection: iOS lacks dedicated identity monitoring services that help track and respond to potential breaches of personal information.
• Advanced Parental Controls: While iOS has basic parental controls (Screen Time, app restrictions), it lacks some of the more granular features found in dedicated apps for monitoring online activity.

iOS offers a high level of built-in security, but for a more robust, cross-platform approach, you may want to supplement it with additional tools such as a password manager, VPN, or identity protection service.

AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) will likely enable more convincing and personalized social engineering attacks, such as highly tailored phishing messages that are harder to distinguish from legitimate communication. Attackers may also use AI to automate the discovery of vulnerabilities, making zero-day attacks more common. Additionally, AI-generated deepfake content could be used to manipulate users or bypass biometric security systems like Face ID.

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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