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The 7 Best Antivirus with a Firewall (2025 Update)
Updated: January 2025
By: Tibor Moes is the founder of SoftwareLab. He has tested 28 antivirus brands and studied Cybersecurity at Stanford. Read how we test antivirus.
Norton Antivirus
Ranked #1 of 28 antivirus
- Malware Protection 100%
- Security Features 100%
Norton has the best anti-malware protection, excellent security features, and a great price. It’s the best antivirus with a firewall of 2025.
- Malware protection: 100%. Norton stopped all 1,200 malware attacks in our test.
- Security features: 100%. Anti-phishing, firewall, VPN, password manager, and more.
- Speed impact: 100%. Norton did not slow down our test PC.
Try it risk-free, thanks to its 60-day return policy.
Avast Antivirus
Ranked #2 of 28 antivirus
- Malware Protection 100%
- Security Features 80%
Avast offers excellent protection, many bonus features, and a beautiful design. However, it lacks a password manager.
- Malware protection: 100%. Avast stopped all 1,200 malware attacks in our test.
- Security features: 80%. Avast includes a firewall, but not a password manager.
- Speed impact: 100%. Avast did not slow down our test PC.
Try it risk-free, thanks to its 30-day return policy.
The best antivirus with a firewall
In 2025, we tested 39 antivirus and their firewalls from 28 different brands. Interestingly, some of the larger brands, like TotalAV and Malwarebytes, don’t come with a built-in firewall. Luckily, Norton and Avast do.
We evaluated the anti-malware protection by subjecting our test system to 1,200 distinct malware attacks. For firewall security, we used the ShieldsUP! test to scan for potential vulnerabilities and open ports.
Additionally, we examined the performance of password managers, VPNs, anti-phishing extensions, and other security features of each product. These are the best antivirus with a firewall:
- 🥇 Norton Antivirus – The #1 in 2025
- Avast Antivirus
- Bitdefender Antivirus
- McAfee Antivirus
- Panda Antivirus
- Avira Antivirus
- TotalAV Antivirus
Scroll down for the reviews.
Norton Review
Norton is ranked #1 of 28 antivirus brands.
Norton is the best antivirus with a firewall. It has perfect anti-malware protection, no impact on the speed of your PC, all the security features you need, and an excellent price.
Buy it if you want complete protection. You will get excellent anti-malware, anti-phishing, a firewall, a password manager, and an unlimited VPN, which will protect your privacy online.
- Malware protection: 100%. Norton detected and removed each of the 1,200 malware samples in our test.
- Speed impact: 100%. Norton’s anti-malware engine is lightweight and did not slow down our test PC.
- Features: 100%. Norton includes anti-malware, anti-phishing, firewall, VPN, password manager, and more.
- Price: 100%. Compared to similar products at Bitdefender and McAfee, Norton offers more value for money.
Try it risk-free, thanks to its 60-day return policy.
Detailed Review
Norton 360 Antivirus Review: Updated for 2025
Norton remains a leader in antivirus and firewall solutions for 2025, offering robust security and privacy features across all platforms. Our extensive testing confirmed Norton’s superior protection and performance compared to other major providers.
Anti-Malware Protection
Norton achieved a perfect 100% malware protection score. Its real-time detection tool, SONAR, blocked all 1,200 malware samples and phishing attempts during testing.
Combining heuristic analysis with machine learning, SONAR excels at identifying unknown threats and zero-day attacks, going beyond traditional signature-based methods. Norton consistently ranks at the top in independent lab tests, such as AV-Test.
Smart Firewall
Norton’s Smart Firewall surpasses standard Windows and macOS firewalls by monitoring both incoming and outgoing traffic for suspicious activity. It prevents rogue software from making unauthorized outbound connections and cloaks inactive ports to protect against port scanning and network vulnerabilities.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Norton’s unlimited VPN is a highlight, offering AES-256 encryption, OpenVPN protocol, and fast, secure connections. It performed well for torrenting and accessing geo-restricted content. Features like auto-connect, kill switch, ad tracker blocking, and split tunneling enhance usability. Unlike some competitors, Norton’s VPN includes unlimited data.
Password Manager
Norton’s password manager secures credentials and simplifies autofill across apps and websites. It supports biometric authentication, making access to the password vault seamless and secure.
Pricing & Packages
Norton’s packages deliver excellent value for different needs:
- Norton Antivirus Plus (€15/$20): Antivirus, firewall, and password manager for 1 device.
- Norton 360 Standard (€30/$40): Adds VPN and dark web monitoring for 1-3 devices.
- Norton 360 Deluxe (€35/$50): Includes parental controls and privacy tools for up to 5 devices.
- Norton 360 Advanced (€40, Europe only): Adds identity theft protection, covering 10 devices.
- Norton 360 Select + LifeLock ($99, USA only): LifeLock identity theft protection for 10 devices.
Note: In some regions, Norton 360 Advanced is sold as Norton 360 Premium without identity theft protection.
Bonus Features
Norton’s suite includes valuable extras for security and privacy:
- Web Protection: Safe Web extension blocks malicious sites.
- Cloud Backup: Secure storage for important files.
- Parental Controls: Monitor and manage kids’ online activity.
- Privacy Monitor: Removes personal data from broker sites.
- Webcam Protection: Prevents unauthorized access.
- Dark Web Monitoring: Detects your data on the dark web.
- LifeLock Identity Theft Protection: U.S.-only feature for identity theft recovery.
Is Norton the Best Antivirus with a Firewall?
Norton excels in malware protection, firewall security, VPN capabilities, and privacy tools. It’s a comprehensive cybersecurity solution that goes beyond antivirus to safeguard personal data and identity. With a 60-day money-back guarantee, Norton is our top recommendation for all-around internet security.
Avast Review
Ranked #2 out of 28 Antivirus
Avast is ranked #2 of 28 antivirus brands.
Avast is one of the best antivirus. It has perfect anti-malware protection, no impact on the speed of your PC, many security features, and one of the best designs we’ve seen.
Buy it if you want excellent protection and superb design. You will get anti-malware, anti-phishing, a firewall, and a VPN. However, Avast does not include a password manager.
- Malware protection: 100%. Avast detected and removed all of the 1,200 malware samples in our test.
- Speed impact: 100%. Avast’s anti-malware engine is lightweight and did not slow down our test PC.
- Features: 80%. Avast one includes anti-malware, anti-phishing, firewall, VPN, and more. But no password manager.
- Price: 100%. Considering Avast’s excellent security features and design, its price is more than fair.
Try it risk-free, thanks to its 30-day return policy.
Detailed Review
Avast Antivirus Review: Updated for 2025
Avast Antivirus One remains a top-tier antivirus solution in 2025, competing with industry leaders like Norton and Bitdefender. It delivers robust, multi-platform protection for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Here’s an overview of its features and performance.
Anti-Malware Protection
Avast excelled in our tests, detecting and neutralizing all 1,200 malware samples, including viruses, trojans, spyware, and ransomware. Full system scans took approximately 54 minutes—reasonable for modern devices. Its real-time protection effectively blocked encrypted malware downloads.
Although its detection is comparable to Norton and Bitdefender, the free version’s frequent upgrade prompts can disrupt the user experience.
Firewall
Avast’s firewall is user-friendly for beginners and customizable for advanced users, enabling manual monitoring and blocking of suspicious network traffic.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
The free version offers 5GB of VPN data weekly—a generous inclusion compared to most free antivirus options. Paid plans include Avast’s unlimted VPN with fast speeds, AES-256 encryption, OpenVPN protocol, and a no-logs policy. The VPN supports torrenting (P2P) and features a kill switch for added security.
Bonus Features
Avast offers additional tools to enhance security and privacy:
- Browser Data Clearing: Removes cookies, cache, and browsing history.
- Software Updater: Ensures apps are patched with the latest updates.
- Password Protection: Secures browser-saved passwords.
- Ransomware Shielding: Guards sensitive files from unauthorized encryption.
- Email Security: Scans attachments and links for phishing and malware.
Some advanced features, like enhanced ransomware protection and tracking prevention, are exclusive to premium plans. Notably, Avast lacks a password manager, a common inclusion in competing suites.
Pricing & Packages
Avast offers both free and paid options tailored to different user needs:
- Avast One Essential (Free): Includes malware protection, basic VPN, firewall, ransomware protection, and select utility tools.
- Avast One Individual: Adds unlimited VPN, advanced firewall controls, tracking prevention, and ransomware shielding for one user across multiple devices.
- Avast One Family: Extends Individual plan features to multiple family members on multiple devices.
Is Avast the Best Antivirus with a Firewall?
Avast stands out as one of the best antivirus programs, offering a comprehensive suite of malware protection, online privacy tools, and identity theft safeguards. However, the lack of a password manager may deter some users—Norton may be a better fit in such cases.
Avast’s 30-day money-back guarantee makes it easy to test its full suite risk-free.
Bitdefender Review
Ranked #4 out of 28 Antivirus
Bitdefender is ranked #4 of 28 antivirus brands.
Bitdefender is an excellent antivirus program. It has perfect anti-malware protection, no impact on the speed of your PC, many security features, and an excellent price.
Buy it if you want outstanding protection. But keep in mind that you will get anti-malware, anti-phishing, a firewall, and a few bonus features. Not the password manager or unlimited VPN.
- Malware protection: 100%. Bitdefender detected and removed each of the 1,200 malware samples in our test.
- Speed impact: 100%. Bitdefender’s anti-malware engine is lightweight and did not slow down our test PC.
- Features: 80%. Bitdefender has anti-malware, anti-phishing, and a firewall, but it misses a password manager and a VPN.
- Price: 100%. Although Bitdefender misses a few features, it has an excellent price, which gives it good value for money.
Try it risk-free, thanks to its 60-day return policy.
Detailed Review
Bitdefender Antivirus Review: Updated for 2025
Bitdefender remains a leading name in antivirus software, offering top-tier malware protection, extensive features, and a lightweight design. With advanced ransomware defenses and compatibility across platforms, it delivers a robust, comprehensive security suite.
Here’s our updated 2025 review:
Anti-Malware Protection
Bitdefender excels in malware detection, achieving 100% protection in tests against viruses, ransomware, trojans, and phishing. Its Advanced Threat Defense uses behavioral detection to identify suspicious app activity like code injections, blocking threats in real-time with minimal false positives.
Firewall
Bitdefender’s firewall is effective at managing inbound and outbound connections, preventing unauthorized access and blocking port scanning attacks. It offers detailed customization for advanced users while remaining accessible to beginners.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
The free VPN includes 200 MB of daily data, sufficient for basic tasks but limited for streaming or large downloads. Powered by Aura VPN, it employs AES-256 encryption and HydraVPN protocols. Features like auto-connect, kill switch, and split tunneling enhance privacy.
Upgrading to Bitdefender Premium VPN offers unlimited data, but competitors like Norton include unlimited VPN in their plans at no extra cost.
Password Manager
Bitdefender’s password manager is not bundled with most packages and must be purchased separately or as part of the Premium Security suite. While secure and functional, its separate pricing makes Bitdefender less competitive compared to integrated offerings like Norton.
Pricing & Packages
Bitdefender’s tiered pricing suits various needs:
- Bitdefender Antivirus Plus (€15/$15): Basic protection for 1–10 PCs.
- Bitdefender Internet Security (€19/$25): Adds firewall and parental controls.
- Bitdefender Total Security (€35/$40): Includes system optimization and cross-platform support for up to 10 devices.
- Bitdefender Premium Security (€55/$60): Offers unlimited VPN and password manager.
A free edition provides basic protection but lacks advanced features, making it only marginally better than Microsoft Defender.
Bonus Features
Bitdefender provides a wealth of additional tools:
- Online Threat Prevention: Blocks malicious websites and phishing.
- Vulnerability Scan: Detects system and network security gaps.
- Ransomware Remediation: Restores encrypted files.
- Safepay: A secure browser for banking and shopping.
- Parental Controls, Anti-Theft, and Webcam/Microphone Protection: Enhance safety and privacy.
- One-Click Optimizer and File Shredder: Improve performance and securely delete files.
Is Bitdefender the Best Antivirus with a Firewall?
Bitdefender’s malware protection, advanced firewall, and feature set make it one of the best antivirus options in 2025. Its ransomware defenses, secure browsing, and anti-theft tools add significant value.
However, the extra cost for features like unlimited VPN and a password manager may deter some, especially when competitors like Norton offer these inclusively.
Bitdefender remains highly recommended for its top-tier malware detection and robust security. A 30-day return policy allows users to test its capabilities risk-free.
McAfee Review
Ranked #5 out of 28 Antivirus
McAfee is ranked #5 of 28 antivirus brands.
McAfee is an excellent antivirus program. It has perfect anti-malware protection, no impact on the speed of your PC, an intuitive design, and all the security features you need.
Buy it if you want complete protection. You will get anti-malware, anti-phishing, a firewall, a password manager, a VPN, and, depending on where you live, identity theft protection.
- Malware protection: 100%. Mcafee detected and removed each of the 1,200 malware samples in our test.
- Speed impact: 100%. McAfee’s anti-malware engine is lightweight and did not slow down our test PC.
- Features: 100%. McAfee includes anti-malware, anti-phishing, firewall, VPN, password manager, and more.
- Price: 90%. McAfee is slightly more expensive than Norton, but allows you to protect an unlimited number of devices (in the US).
Try it risk-free, thanks to its 30-day return policy.
Detailed Review
McAfee Antivirus Review: Updated for 2025
McAfee Antivirus remains a top choice in 2025, offering robust malware protection, advanced security tools, and unlimited device coverage with premium plans. Our tests confirm its comprehensive features make it a strong contender in the cybersecurity market.
Anti-Malware Protection
McAfee consistently achieves a 100% score in independent lab tests (e.g., AV-Test) since 2020. It effectively neutralizes viruses, ransomware, spyware, and other malware through:
- Signature-based detection: Matches files to known malware.
- Sandboxing: Runs suspicious files in a secure environment.
- Heuristic analysis: Detects new threats using behavioral patterns.
- File restoration: Repairs corrupted files by removing malicious code.
These techniques ensure reliable detection of both known and emerging threats.
Firewall
McAfee’s firewall is highly effective, monitoring inbound/outbound traffic and blocking suspicious activity. It hides open ports to prevent hacker reconnaissance, enhancing network security.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
McAfee’s Safe Connect VPN, included in most plans, offers:
- Unlimited data (with auto-renewal).
- AES-256 encryption and no activity logs.
- Servers in 45 countries, with support for torrenting and Netflix.
Limitations include the absence of split tunneling and kill switch features on some operating systems, and a 500 MB/day cap if auto-renew is disabled. Despite this, it provides solid privacy and browsing performance.
Password Manager
The True Key password manager secures credentials, generates strong passwords, and auto-fills forms. It supports biometric authentication for enhanced security and competes well with top solutions like Dashlane.
Pricing & Packages
McAfee offers plans for varying needs, with core features like antivirus, firewall, VPN, and password manager included across all paid tiers:
- Basic: €30/$30 – 1 device.
- Essential/Plus: €40/$40 – 5 devices.
- Premium: €45/$45 – Unlimited devices, adds personal data cleanup.
- Advanced: €65/$80 – Unlimited devices, adds identity theft protection.
- Ultimate: $190 (USA only) – Enhanced identity theft protection.
Product names may vary by region, with some overlap in features.
Bonus Features
McAfee enhances security with tools like:
- Secure Apps: Scans for vulnerabilities.
- App Boost: Optimizes app performance.
- Browser Security: Guards against phishing and malicious websites.
- Web Boost: Blocks autoplay videos.
- Tracker Remover: Deletes tracking cookies.
- ID Protection: Monitors the dark web for personal data leaks.
- File Shredder: Permanently deletes files.
- File Lock: Encrypts sensitive data.
- Anti-Spam: Filters unwanted emails.
- Safe Family: Provides parental controls for online safety.
Is McAfee the Best Antivirus with a Firewall?
McAfee offers excellent malware protection, an unlimited VPN, and a user-friendly interface. Its premium plans are ideal for families with multiple devices, though its higher-tier plans are costlier than competitors like Norton.
For comprehensive privacy, identity protection, and device coverage, McAfee is an excellent choice, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Panda Review
Ranked #6 out of 28 Antivirus
Panda is ranked #6 of 28 antivirus brands.
Panda is an excellent antivirus program. It has near-perfect anti-malware protection, no impact on the speed of your PC, all the security features you need, and flexible pricing.
Buy it if you want great protection and customization options. You will get anti-malware, anti-phishing, a firewall, a password manager, and an unlimited VPN, which will protect your privacy online.
- Malware protection: 99%. Panda detected and removed nearly all of the 1,200 malware samples in our test.
- Speed impact: 100%. Panda’s anti-malware engine is lightweight and did not slow down our test PC.
- Features: 100%. Panda Dome includes anti-malware, anti-phishing, firewall, VPN, password manager, and more.
- Price: 80%. Compared to similar products at Norton, Panda Dome is expensive. However, its flexible pricing is excellent.
Try it risk-free, thanks to its 30-day return policy.
Detailed Review
Panda Dome Antivirus Review: Updated for 2025
Panda Dome Antivirus remains a versatile antivirus solution in 2025, offering reliable malware protection, a host of extra features, and pricing plans that can scale to unlimited devices. While it shines for Windows users, strong competition from rivals offering better VPN services and cross-platform capabilities poses challenges.
Anti-Malware Protection
Panda Dome achieved a 99.9% malware detection rate in tests, consistent with results from independent labs like AV-Comparatives. However, it generates more false positives than competitors, occasionally flagging safe software as malicious. Its advanced scanning technology employs big data, AI, and machine learning to detect known and emerging threats, including zero-day vulnerabilities and ransomware. Despite excellent malware detection, the higher rate of false positives may inconvenience users.
Firewall
Panda’s firewall filters incoming and outgoing traffic, automatically assigning risk levels and adjusting app permissions. Users can customize rules manually if desired. While effective, it lacks advanced automation and customization features available in competing solutions like Norton and Bitdefender.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Panda Dome includes a free VPN with 150 MB of daily data, sufficient only for basic browsing. Powered by Aura’s VPN technology, it offers AES-256 encryption, HydraVPN protocol, and no activity logs, making it secure and torrent-friendly. However, it lacks a kill switch, a key VPN safety feature. Unlimited VPN data requires upgrading to the Premium plan, which is costly compared to competitors like Norton, which bundle unlimited VPN access into lower-tier plans.
Password Manager
Panda’s intuitive password manager supports two-factor authentication (2FA) and biometric logins, offering secure and seamless password storage and autofill. Its design is consistent across platforms, with browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox working well alongside Android and iOS apps.
Pricing & Packages
Panda Dome offers four scalable plans to fit varying protection levels and budgets:
- Essential (€17/$24): Antivirus and firewall for one device (expandable).
- Advanced (€23/$28): Adds anti-phishing and parental controls.
- Complete (€35/$43): Includes a password manager and system optimizer.
- Premium (€60/$67): Adds unlimited VPN and an update manager, covering unlimited devices.
Bonus Features
Panda Dome provides several extra tools to enhance security and usability:
- Safe Browsing: Blocks phishing and malicious sites.
- Dark Web Scanner: Alerts users if their email appears on the dark web.
- PC Cleanup: Boosts performance by deleting cookies and temporary files.
- Wi-Fi Protection: Identifies network vulnerabilities.
- Anti-Theft: Locates and locks lost devices.
- File Encryptor & Shredder: Protects sensitive files or deletes them securely.
- USB Protection: Scans external drives for malware.
Is Panda the Best Antivirus with a Firewall?
Panda Dome offers flexible pricing, reliable malware protection, and useful bonus features, making it ideal for Windows users. However, frequent false positives and limited VPN functionality in lower-tier plans are significant drawbacks. Competitors like Norton provide better VPN access, stronger macOS/mobile support, and more features at lower price points.
For comprehensive, cross-platform protection and superior VPN functionality, Norton 360 Deluxe remains the better choice. However, Panda Dome’s flexible plans and 30-day money-back guarantee make it a solid option for Windows-focused users.
Avira Review
Ranked #7 out of 28 Antivirus
Avira is ranked #7 of 28 antivirus brands.
Avira is an excellent antivirus program. It has perfect anti-malware protection, no impact on the speed of your PC, all the security features you need, and a great design.
Buy it if you want excellent protection and intuitive design. You will get anti-malware, anti-phishing, a password manager, and a VPN. On top of that, Avira finally includes an excellent firewall.
- Malware protection: 100%. Avira detected and removed all of the 1,200 malware samples in our test.
- Speed impact: 100%. Avira’s anti-malware engine is lightweight and did not slow down our test PC.
- Features: 100%. Avira includes anti-malware, anti-phishing, firewall, VPN, password manager, and more.
- Price: 90%. Avira has a great price. But with Norton, you’ll get a few more features for the same amount of money.
Try it risk-free, thanks to its 60-day return policy.
Detailed Review
Avira Antivirus Review: Updated for 2025
After extensive testing, Avira Antivirus remains a top-tier solution in 2025, combining strong security, excellent value, and user-friendly design. It excels in malware detection, system optimization, and usability. The free plan is outstanding, while paid plans add valuable features like a VPN and advanced system tools. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Anti-Malware Protection
Avira’s cloud-based scanner impressed with 100% malware detection rates in tests, identifying threats like ransomware, spyware, and trojans. Its cloud approach minimizes system impact, maintaining performance for all user types.
The Smart Scan feature goes beyond malware, flagging privacy risks, outdated software, and performance issues. It’s easy for beginners but offers customization options for advanced users.
Firewall
Avira’s customizable firewall allows app-specific rules and monitors traffic with intelligent algorithms to prevent unauthorized access. It includes intrusion prevention to block data extraction attempts. While advanced users can fine-tune settings, beginners can rely on default configurations.
VPN (Phantom VPN)
Phantom VPN is available in both free (500 MB/month) and paid plans (unlimited data). It provides AES-256 encryption and supports P2P traffic but struggled with geo-restrictions for streaming services like Netflix. The VPN’s 25-30% speed reduction is acceptable for basic tasks like browsing.
Password Manager
Avira’s password manager stands out, offering unlimited password storage in its free version. It uses AES-256 encryption and supports two-factor authentication (2FA) but lacks a password generator, requiring a separate tool for secure password creation.
Bonus Features
Avira includes several tools to enhance security and performance:
- Device Optimizer: Removes junk files; freed 1 GB in tests.
- Startup Optimizer: Speeds up boot times by managing startup apps.
- Driver Updater: Keeps drivers updated for improved security and performance.
- Game Booster: Enhances gaming performance by reducing system load.
- Battery Manager: Basic functionality but lacks detailed app-specific insights.
These features make Avira a comprehensive solution beyond basic antivirus protection.
Pricing & Packages
Avira offers competitive options with a 30-day money-back guarantee:
- Avira Free Security: Basic protection, limited VPN, password manager, and system tools.
- Avira Antivirus Pro: Adds real-time protection and safe browsing tools.
- Avira Internet Security: Includes password manager and software updater.
- Avira Prime: Premium plan with all features, unlimited VPN, and coverage for up to 5 devices.
Is Avira the Best Antivirus with a Firewall?
Avira Antivirus Prime is a leading solution in 2025, balancing robust protection with performance enhancements. The free plan is among the best, and paid plans offer excellent value.
However, users seeking features like parental controls or advanced VPN streaming support might consider alternatives like Norton 360 Deluxe. For those focused on device security and optimization, Avira remains a top choice.
TotalAV Review
Ranked #3 out of 28 Antivirus
TotalAV is ranked #3 of 28 antivirus brands.
TotalAV is one of the best antivirus. It has near-perfect anti-malware test scores, an intuitive design, no impact on the speed of your PC, and lots of security features.
Usually, it is the #3 of the 28 best antivirus software. However, as it doesn’t include a firewall, it doesn’t make it high onto this list.
Buy it if you want an easy-to-use antivirus at a great price. You will get anti-malware, anti-phishing, a password manager, and a VPN, which will protect your privacy online. But no firewall.
- Malware protection: 99.8%. TotalAV detected and removed nearly all of the 1,200 malware samples in our test.
- Speed impact: 100%. TotalAV’s anti-malware engine is lightweight and did not slow down our test PC.
- Features: 90%. TotalAV includes anti-malware, anti-phishing, VPN, and a password manager. But it doesn’t have a firewall.
- Price: 90%. TotalAV offers generous discounts in the first year, but high renewal prices in the second year.
Try it risk-free, thanks to its 30-day return policy.
Detailed Review
TotalAV Antivirus Review: Updated for 2025
TotalAV Antivirus stands out as an affordable and user-friendly antivirus offering robust protection without unnecessary complexity. During testing, it proved to be a reliable, comprehensive security solution suitable for multiple platforms. Here’s how it performs in key areas:
Anti-Malware Protection
TotalAV’s anti-malware capabilities are powered by Avira’s engine, delivering excellent results in detecting and eliminating threats like ransomware, spyware, and trojans. It offers four scanning modes:
- Quick Scan: Focuses on critical system areas.
- System Scan: A thorough device-wide check.
- Smart Scan: Balances speed and thoroughness.
- Custom Scan: Scans specific files or folders.
A full System Scan took about an hour, comparable to top-tier antivirus software, with minimal impact on system performance. TotalAV achieved a 99.8% malware detection rate in our tests. Real-time protection also performed impressively, blocking threats like malicious downloads immediately.
VPN: Safe Browsing VPN
TotalVPN, included with TotalAV, features 48 server locations and supports secure browsing, geo-restricted content access, and P2P sharing.
While not as fast as dedicated VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, it offers acceptable speeds for general use, including streaming on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Features such as a kill switch and auto-connect on public networks enhance security.
Password Manager: Total Password
Total Password provides secure password management with 256-bit AES encryption, offering:
- Auto-save and auto-fill for streamlined logins.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.
- A user-friendly vault for organizing passwords across devices.
Though it lacks advanced features like hardware-based 2FA, it covers the basics effectively and is ideal for users seeking an integrated password management solution.
Bonus Features
TotalAV includes additional tools to enhance security and device performance:
- Identity Theft Protection: Monitors personal data for misuse.
- System Tune-Up Suite: Features a Startup Manager and Junk Cleaner.
- Ad-Blocking: Blocks intrusive ads while browsing.
These extras add significant value for users looking to optimize and secure their devices.
Is TotalAV the Best Antivirus with a Firewall?
TotalAV does not feature a firewall, which sets it apart from competitors like Norton 360. However, it compensates with strong malware detection, a solid VPN, and a reliable password manager at a competitive price.
While missing advanced tools like parental controls, its simplicity and affordability make it a great choice for hassle-free security.
A 30-day refund policy allows you to try TotalAV risk-free, ensuring ample time to evaluate its suitability for your needs.
Specification comparison
We’ve compared the specifications of the best antivirus of 2025. To ensure a fair comparison, we selected the most affordable product from each brand that protects at least one PC with anti-malware, anti-phishing, a firewall, a password manager, and an unlimited VPN.
- Norton 360 Standard
- Avast One Antivirus
- TotalAV Total Security
- Bitdefender Internet Security with the Premium VPN
- McAfee Plus
- Panda Dome Premium
- Avira Prime
Compare the details below.
Test score comparison
We conduct in-house anti-malware tests and review the results from AV-Test, a German lab renowned for its objective evaluations. Below is the average of the last 10 AV-Test results for Windows. Their scoring criteria are:
- Protection (1-6): Effectiveness in blocking malware.
- Performance (1-6): Impact on system speed.
- Usability (1-6): Frequency of errors like false alarms.
We calculate a final score using this formula:
Final Score = 60% Protection + 20% Performance + 20% Usability.
While these results influence our choice of the best antivirus for Windows 11, other factors like privacy and identity protection also play a key role. For a similar analysis for Android or macOS, visit our other comparisons:
Note: Brands not listed in the table either do not participate in AV-Test trials or are tested too infrequently, such as Surfshark Antivirus.
Source: AV-Test (Last updated: December 2024).
Price comparison
Price matters. So, we compared the second-year prices in the U.S. for each software, rounding up for simplicity (e.g., $99.99 becomes $100). Note that some brands lack key features, affecting their overall value.
To make it a fair comparison, we looked at what it would cost us, to protect a single Windows PC with the most essential features:
- Anti-malware
- Anti-phishing (web protection)
- Firewall
- Password manager
- Unlimited VPN (no data limit).
Prices vary outside the U.S., so check the brands’ websites for your local pricing.
User reviews
We’ve compared the user reviews of all antivirus brands. We’ve used the scores and review count of TrustPilot, a leading user review platform.
We consider scores above 4.0 very good. Lower scores indicate that the brand might have a poor product or customer service. McAfee’s scores, for instance, are worrying.
Source: TrustPilot (Last updated: December 2024).
Buying Guide
Common questions about antivirus software
How does antivirus software work?
Antivirus software uses various methods to identify and remove malware:
- Signature-based detection: Compares files against a database of known malware “signatures” or code patterns.
- Heuristic analysis: Looks for suspicious behaviors or code in files that might indicate new, unknown malware.
- Behavioral monitoring: Continuously monitors your system for unusual activity, such as unexpected program actions or unauthorized data access.
- Cloud-based scanning: Sends suspicious files to a cloud server for real-time analysis and updates, ensuring fast protection against the latest threats.
For more, read our blog post on what antivirus software is.
What other features does antivirus have?
Most modern antivirus programs now include a suite of advanced security tools to protect against a wider range of online threats. These include:
- Anti-phishing protection: Blocks fake websites and emails designed to steal your personal information.
- Firewall: Monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic to prevent unauthorized access to your device.
- Password manager: Safely stores and manages your passwords, ensuring they’re strong and easily accessible.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Encrypts your internet connection, protecting your data from being intercepted, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.
- Identity theft protection: Monitors your personal information online and alerts you if your data is compromised or exposed in a breach.
- Parental controls: Allows parents to restrict access to inappropriate content and monitor their children’s online activities for safer browsing.
By offering a comprehensive package of protection features, antivirus software not only safeguards your device from malware but also shields your personal information and ensures safer browsing, shopping, and communication online.
What cyber threats can antivirus protect you from?
Antivirus software is designed to protect your computer and personal information from various malware threats. These include:
- Adware: Unwanted software that displays annoying or intrusive ads on your device, often leading to compromised websites or additional malware.
- PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs): Software that you didn’t intentionally install, which often slows down your system or collects your data without consent.
- Ransomware: Malicious software that locks you out of your files and demands payment to restore access.
- Rootkits: Stealthy malware that hides deep in your system, allowing hackers to gain control of your device without being detected.
- Spyware: Malware that secretly monitors your activities, tracking your keystrokes, browsing habits, and personal information.
- Trojans: Malicious programs disguised as legitimate software, which, once installed, can give hackers access to your system or steal data.
- Viruses: Self-replicating malware that spreads between devices, corrupting files and disrupting normal operations.
- Worms: Malware that replicates itself across networks, spreading rapidly from one device to another without any user interaction.
But that’s not all—modern antivirus suites can shield you from a wide range of cyber threats beyond just malware, thanks to features like anti-phishing protection, firewalls, password managers, VPNs, identity theft protection, and parental controls.
What cyber threats can’t antivirus protect you from?
While antivirus software is crucial for combating malware, it’s not foolproof against all cyber threats. Two key vulnerabilities include:
Social Engineering
Antivirus tools can’t counter social engineering attacks, which exploit human psychology rather than technical flaws. These schemes deceive users into revealing sensitive information or granting unauthorized access.
Zero-Day Attacks
Antivirus may struggle against zero-day attacks—newly discovered software vulnerabilities exploited by hackers before patches are released.
How does a firewall work?
A firewall acts as a security barrier between your device or network and the internet, controlling the flow of data in and out. It monitors incoming and outgoing traffic, filtering it based on predefined security rules to block unauthorized access and prevent cyberattacks.
- Inbound protection: Stops hackers, malware, and other threats from accessing your system by blocking suspicious connections.
- Outbound protection: Prevents unauthorized programs on your device from sending data out, ensuring malicious software can’t communicate with external servers.
What types of firewalls exist?
There are several types of firewalls, each providing different levels of protection:
- Packet-filtering firewall: Examines small pieces of data (packets) and allows or blocks them based on rules like IP addresses or port numbers.
- Stateful inspection firewall: Tracks active connections and evaluates packets based on the context of ongoing traffic, offering more advanced security than packet filtering.
- Proxy firewall: Acts as an intermediary between your device and the internet, hiding your network and filtering all traffic through a proxy server.
- Next-generation firewall (NGFW): Combines traditional firewall capabilities with advanced features like deep packet inspection, intrusion prevention, and application control.
- Cloud-based firewall: Hosted in the cloud, this type filters traffic for multiple devices and locations, often used for businesses with distributed networks.
Each type offers different levels of control and protection, allowing users to choose the best option for their needs.
What firewall types are included with antivirus?
Most antivirus software include firewalls as part of their security suite:
- Stateful inspection firewall: Tracks active connections and monitors traffic to allow or block it based on context. It provides straightforward, effective protection.
- Next-generation firewall (NGFW): Adds advanced features like deep packet inspection, intrusion prevention, and application control for more comprehensive security.
These firewalls work seamlessly with antivirus tools to defend against malware, hacking, and other cyber threats.
For most users, a stateful inspection firewall offers a practical balance of security and ease of use, requiring minimal setup while effectively monitoring network traffic. However, for those managing multiple devices or handling sensitive online activities, an NGFW provides enhanced protection with its advanced features.
Should you configure your firewall?
For most consumers, the default firewall settings provided by antivirus software or built-in system firewalls (like those in Windows or macOS) are sufficient and offer solid protection. These pre-configured settings are designed to balance security and usability, blocking common threats without interfering with day-to-day activities.
However, manual configuration may be beneficial if:
- You need specific access rules: For example, allowing or blocking certain apps or services.
- You use advanced home networks: If you have multiple devices, IoT gadgets, or need to set up custom network traffic rules.
- You want tighter security: Advanced users may prefer to fine-tune settings to enhance protection against specific threats.
For the average user, there’s generally no need to manually configure a firewall unless you have special requirements or advanced technical knowledge. In most cases, leaving the default settings intact ensures a good balance of security and convenience.
How do we test antivirus software?
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.
What antivirus software have we tested?
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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Author: Tibor Moes
Founder & Chief Editor at SoftwareLab
Tibor has tested 28 antivirus programs and 25 VPN services, and holds a Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate from Stanford University.
He uses Norton to protect his devices, NordVPN for his privacy, and Proton for his passwords and email.
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