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The 7 Best Antivirus with a Free Trial (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 features, and a great price. It’s the best antivirus and offers a 7-day free trial.
- 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 7-day free trial.
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 does not include a password manager.
- Speed impact: 100%. Avast did not slow down our test PC.
Try it risk-free, thanks to its 60-day free trial.
The best antivirus with a free trial
For 2025, we thoroughly tested 39 antivirus products from 28 different brands. We infected our test PC with 1,200 malware samples to evaluate each software’s protection capabilities.
Additionally, we scrutinized essential security features such as firewalls, password managers, anti-phishing tools, VPNs, and more. These are the best antivirus with a free trial:
- 🥇 Norton Antivirus – The #1 in 2025
- Avast Antivirus
- TotalAV Antivirus
- Bitdefender Antivirus
- McAfee Antivirus
- Panda Antivirus
- Avira Antivirus
Scroll down for the reviews.
Norton Review
Norton is ranked #1 of 28 antivirus brands.
Norton is the best antivirus with a free trial. 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 Norton risk-free, thanks to its 7-day free trial.
Detailed Review
Norton 360 Antivirus Review (Updated for 2025)
Norton remains a top-tier antivirus solution across major operating systems. This review explores its key features and performance, informed by independent tests and our hands-on experience.
Anti-Malware Protection
Norton achieves a 100% malware protection score, leveraging its real-time SONAR defense system. Using heuristic analysis and machine learning, SONAR detects both known and emerging threats, including zero-day attacks.
In our tests with 1,200 malware samples, including phishing attempts, Norton blocked every threat. Independent validation from AV-Test shows it consistently earns perfect scores over the past 10 evaluations.
Firewall
Norton’s Smart Firewall surpasses the default Windows firewall by monitoring both incoming and outgoing traffic for suspicious activity. It blocks external threats and prevents compromised software from making unauthorized connections. The firewall also cloaks inactive ports to thwart port scanning by hackers.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Norton includes an unlimited VPN with all plans, featuring AES-256 encryption and the OpenVPN protocol for speed and security. With a no-logs policy, it supports torrenting and includes tools like auto-connect, a kill switch, ad tracker blocking, and split tunneling.
Unlike competitors such as Bitdefender, which impose daily VPN data limits unless upgraded, Norton’s VPN has no caps, even on basic plans.
Password Manager
Norton’s Password Manager facilitates creating, storing, and auto-filling strong passwords. It supports biometric authentication for secure access to the password vault.
Pricing and Packages
Norton offers flexible pricing to fit different needs:
- Norton Antivirus Plus: €15 (Europe) / $20 (USA). Protects 1 PC/Mac; includes antivirus, firewall, and password manager.
- Norton 360 Standard: €30 (Europe) / $40 (USA). Adds a VPN and dark web monitoring; covers 1 device (Europe) or 3 devices (USA).
- Norton 360 Deluxe: €35 (Europe) / $50 (USA). Adds privacy monitoring and parental controls; covers 5 devices.
- Norton 360 Advanced: €40 (Europe only). Adds identity theft protection; protects 10 devices.
- Norton 360 Select + LifeLock: $99 (USA only). Includes LifeLock identity theft protection; protects 10 devices.
In some regions, “Norton 360 Advanced” is marketed as “Premium,” excluding identity theft protection but offering the same core features.
Bonus Features
Norton enhances security with additional tools:
- Web protection: Blocks malicious websites via the Safe Web browser extension.
- Cloud backup: Secures files with encrypted cloud storage.
- Parental controls: Monitors and limits children’s online activity.
- Privacy monitor: Scans and removes personal data from data broker sites.
- Webcam protection: Prevents unauthorized webcam access.
- Dark web monitoring: Alerts users if their data is found on the dark web.
- LifeLock (USA only): Provides identity theft detection and restoration.
Is Norton the Best Antivirus with a Free Trial?
Yes. Norton’s blend of malware protection, privacy tools, and identity theft safeguards makes it the most comprehensive internet security suite available. Its 7-day free trial lets users try its full features risk-free.
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 Avast risk-free, thanks to its 60-day free trial.
Detailed Review
Avast Antivirus Review (Updated for 2025)
Avast Antivirus One stands out as one of the top antivirus solutions, delivering malware detection on par with Norton and Bitdefender. It offers robust, multi-platform security through both free and paid plans, featuring tools like an unlimited VPN and system cleanup. Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, Avast supports multiple devices across platforms.
Anti-Malware Protection
Avast demonstrated excellent performance in our tests, detecting and removing all 1,200 malware samples scanned. Its real-time protection efficiently blocked malware downloads, including encrypted files, before infection. While a full system scan took an average 54 minutes, the free version’s frequent upsell notifications may frustrate some users.
Firewall
Avast’s firewall balances usability and customization, appealing to both novices and advanced users by enabling manual monitoring and blocking of suspicious network traffic.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Avast One Essential provides a generous 5GB of free VPN data weekly, outperforming most free antivirus options. Paid plans include Avast’s unlimited VPN with AES-256 encryption, OpenVPN protocol, a no-logs policy, torrenting support, and a kill switch.
Bonus Features
Avast enhances its suite with tools that extend beyond basic malware protection:
- Browser data clearing: Removes browsing history, cookies, and cached files for privacy.
- Software updater: Ensures apps stay current to avoid vulnerabilities.
- Password protection: Adds security for passwords, though it lacks a full password manager.
- Ransomware shielding: Guards critical files against unauthorized encryption.
- Email security: Defends against malicious attachments and phishing.
Premium users also benefit from tracking prevention and other advanced features.
Is Avast the Best Antivirus with a Free Trial?
Avast offers a comprehensive internet security suite, blending malware protection, online privacy tools, and identity theft safeguards. While its lack of a dedicated password manager may disappoint some, its features and performance place it among the best antivirus solutions. A 30-day money-back guarantee allows risk-free testing of its premium offerings. For users seeking a password manager, Norton is a strong alternative.
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.
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 TotalAV risk-free, thanks to its free version.
Detailed Review
TotalAV Antivirus Review (Updated for 2025)
TotalAV is a popular choice for affordable, intuitive, and comprehensive security. It combines robust anti-malware tools, a capable VPN, and an easy-to-use password manager, offering a solid multi-platform protection solution. Here’s what we found while testing the latest version of TotalAV.
Anti-Malware Protection
TotalAV delivers excellent malware detection, powered by Avira’s antivirus engine. It offers multiple scan options—Quick, System, Smart, and Custom. During testing, a full System Scan took about an hour, with minimal system impact.
The software detected 99.8% of threats, including ransomware, spyware, and phishing attempts, placing it among the top antivirus programs. Real-time protection effectively blocked malicious downloads instantly.
VPN (Safe Browsing VPN)
TotalVPN includes 48 global server locations, decent speeds, and P2P support. It also works with popular streaming services to access geo-restricted content.
Key features:
- Kill switch: Automatically cuts your internet if the VPN connection drops.
- Auto-connect: Activates on public networks for extra security.
While not as fast as standalone options like ExpressVPN, TotalAV’s VPN is sufficient for browsing, streaming, and torrenting.
Password Manager (Total Password)
Total Password provides secure management with 256-bit AES encryption. It includes essentials like auto-save, auto-fill, and two-factor authentication (2FA). The user-friendly vault allows easy access to stored credentials.
Though it lacks advanced features like hardware-based 2FA, it’s a reliable choice for straightforward password management.
Bonus Features
TotalAV includes additional tools that enhance performance and privacy:
- Identity theft protection (via Aura) monitors for identity theft signs and provides recovery support.
- System tune-up tools: Features like a Startup Manager and Junk Cleaner improve system performance.
- Ad-blocking extension: Blocks ads and trackers to enhance online privacy.
Is TotalAV the Best Antivirus with a Free Trial?
TotalAV offers robust anti-malware protection, a capable VPN, and a secure password manager at an affordable price. With its 30-day refund policy, users can try it risk-free. It’s an excellent all-in-one security and privacy solution for budget-conscious users.
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 Bitdefender risk-free, thanks to its 30-day free trial.
Detailed Review
Bitdefender Antivirus Review (Updated for 2025)
Bitdefender remains a top-tier antivirus provider, combining strong protection, a feature-rich suite, and lightweight performance. Here’s an overview of its latest offerings.
Anti-Malware Protection
Bitdefender achieves a 100% malware protection score, leveraging behavioral monitoring and real-time Advanced Threat Defense to block threats like ransomware and spyware. Its behavioral approach detects suspicious actions (e.g., code injection) and minimizes false positives, delivering one of the most reliable antivirus engines.
Firewall
The built-in firewall safeguards against unauthorized access by managing inbound and outbound connections and blocking port scans, providing robust network protection.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Bitdefender includes a free VPN with 200 MB/day, sufficient for light browsing but limiting for streaming or heavy use. The secure VPN (AES-256 encryption, HydraVPN) supports torrenting. Unlimited data is available with the Premium VPN or Premium Security package, which includes privacy features like a kill switch and split tunneling.
Password Manager
The password manager, offering AES-256 encryption, auto-fill, and cross-platform sync, is not included in most packages and requires a separate purchase or the Premium Security plan.
Prices & Packages
Bitdefender offers several tiers to suit varying needs:
- Bitdefender Antivirus Plus (€15/$15): Basic antivirus and anti-phishing for 1-10 PCs.
- Bitdefender Internet Security (€19/$25): Adds a firewall and parental controls. Covers 1-10 PCs.
- Bitdefender Total Security (€35/$40): Includes system optimization tools and multi-OS support for 5-10 devices.
- Bitdefender Premium Security (€55/$60): Offers unlimited VPN and the password manager for 10 devices.
The Free Edition provides basic protection but lacks advanced features, making paid plans more robust.
Bonus Features
Bitdefender enhances its offering with a wide range of extras:
- Online threat prevention: Anti-phishing and anti-fraud for safer browsing.
- Vulnerability scan: Identifies security gaps in systems and networks.
- Ransomware remediation: Restores files encrypted by ransomware.
- Safepay: A secure browser for online transactions.
- Anti-theft: Locate and remotely wipe lost devices.
- Anti-spam, anti-tracker, webcam/mic protection, and more.
Is Bitdefender the Best Antivirus with a Free Trial?
Bitdefender is a standout antivirus solution with advanced malware protection, a capable firewall, and versatile features.
However, its pricing can be a drawback, as essential tools like the password manager and unlimited VPN are only bundled with higher-tier plans, making competitors like Norton more cost-effective for some users.
With a 30-day free trial, Bitdefender offers a risk-free trial to assess if it meets your security needs.
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 McAfee risk-free, thanks to its 30-day free trial.
Detailed Review
McAfee Antivirus Review (Updated for 2025)
McAfee Antivirus remains a leading antivirus solution, offering unlimited device protection and advanced security features. Over time, its tools have evolved to provide robust multi-platform protection.
Anti-Malware Protection
McAfee achieves consistent 100% anti-malware scores in AV-Test evaluations since April 2020. In our tests, it effectively blocked and removed online and offline threats, including viruses, spyware, ransomware, and phishing.
This success is driven by McAfee’s multi-layered Scan Engine:
- Signature-based scanning: Matches files against a vast malware database.
- Sandboxing: Runs suspicious code in isolation to prevent harm.
- Heuristic analysis: Detects new threats by analyzing file behavior.
- Code remediation: Cleans infected files to prevent further damage.
This approach balances traditional and next-gen techniques for top-tier protection with minimal false positives.
Firewall
McAfee’s firewall offers exceptional protection, blocking unauthorized traffic and concealing open ports from hackers using port scanning techniques. It is a crucial component of McAfee’s suite, defending against network-based attacks.
VPN (Safe Connect)
McAfee’s Safe Connect VPN is included with all paid plans, providing unlimited data for browsing, streaming, and torrenting. It features:
- AES-256 encryption for secure connections.
- Servers in 45 countries for accessing geo-restricted content, including Netflix.
Limitations:
- Kill switch and split tunneling are limited to specific platforms.
- VPN data is capped at 500 MB/day if auto-renewal is off.
Despite these limitations, it is a strong bundled feature for online privacy.
Password Manager (True Key)
McAfee’s True Key offers secure and user-friendly password management across platforms, with:
- Auto-save and auto-fill for convenience.
- Biometric login for enhanced security.
- AES-256 encryption for data protection.
While it lacks advanced features seen in premium managers like Dashlane, True Key is ideal for straightforward password management.
Pricing & Packages
McAfee’s pricing tiers accommodate varying needs:
- McAfee Basic: €30/$30, protects 1 device.
- McAfee Essential (Plus in Europe): €40/$40, protects 5 devices.
- McAfee+ Premium: €45/$45, adds personal data cleanup, unlimited devices.
- McAfee+ Advanced: €65/$80, includes identity theft protection, unlimited devices.
- McAfee+ Ultimate: $190 (US only), enhanced identity theft protection, unlimited devices.
Note: Product names are transitioning; McAfee Total Protection remains synonymous with Basic and Essential in some regions.
Bonus Features
McAfee enhances its core protection with extra features:
- Secure Apps: Checks and updates vulnerable apps.
- App Boost: Improves app performance.
- Browser Security: Anti-phishing browser extension.
- Web Boost: Blocks autoplay videos.
- Tracker Remover: Deletes tracking cookies.
- ID Protection: Monitors the dark web for personal data breaches.
- File Shredder: Permanently deletes files.
- File Lock: Password-protected file vaults.
- Anti-Spam: Filters spam emails.
- Safe Family: Parental controls for managing kids’ online activities.
Is McAfee the Best Antivirus with a Free Trial?
McAfee stands out with its 100% malware protection score, excellent password manager, and unlimited VPN, making it ideal for families or users with multiple devices. Although its premium pricing is higher, its robust features—especially identity protection in the US—justify the cost.
With a 30-day free trial, McAfee offers a risk-free trial to assess if it meets your security needs.
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 Panda risk-free, thanks to its free version.
Detailed Review
Panda Dome Antivirus Review (Updated for 2025)
Flexible Pricing and Features
Panda Dome Antivirus stands out for its adaptable pricing, offering packages to suit different needs and budgets. It delivers solid malware protection, an excellent password manager, and a suite of additional security features, making it a strong option for Windows PC users.
Anti-Malware Protection
Panda achieves a 99.9% malware detection rate in real-world tests, although it has a higher false positive rate compared to Norton and Bitdefender. Using AI, big data, and machine learning, Panda effectively detects threats like zero-day malware, ransomware, and API attacks. These findings are supported by internal tests and AV-Comparatives results since 2020, though Panda doesn’t participate in AV-Test evaluations.
Firewall
The firewall filters both incoming and outgoing traffic, automatically assigning permissions based on risk level. Advanced users can customize these rules, offering enhanced control.
VPN
Panda includes a free VPN with all plans, capped at 150 MB/day—suitable only for limited browsing. The VPN uses Aura’s HydraVPN technology, offering AES-256 encryption, fast speeds, and privacy (no logs), but lacks a kill switch. Upgrading to the unlimited VPN costs €50.00 and is included in the Premium plan, which may be pricey given its feature set.
Password Manager
The password manager is a standout, providing seamless password generation, storage, and auto-filling across devices. It supports two-factor authentication (2FA) and biometric login, enhancing security. Browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox mirror the mobile app design for consistent usability.
Pricing and Plans
Panda Dome offers flexibility with packages tailored to specific needs:
- Essential (€17/$24): Basic antivirus and firewall.
- Advanced (€23/$28): Adds anti-phishing and parental controls.
- Complete (€35/$43): Includes a password manager and system optimizer.
- Premium (€60/$67): Features unlimited VPN and an update manager.
All plans can be upgraded for unlimited devices, ideal for multi-device households.
Bonus Features
Panda provides a range of extras to enhance security:
- Safe browsing: Blocks malicious URLs and phishing sites.
- Dark web scanner: Detects email breaches.
- PC cleanup: Deletes cookies and unnecessary files.
- Wi-Fi protection: Improves network security.
- Anti-theft: Tracks lost or stolen devices.
- File encryptor and shredder: Enhances file privacy and permanence.
- USB protection: Scans USB devices for malware.
- Parental controls: Included in Advanced plans for managing kids’ online activity.
Is Panda the Best Antivirus with a Free Trial?
Panda provides robust protection, but Norton outperforms it in VPN access and Mac/mobile device support. Panda’s VPN limitations and higher false positive rate may deter some users, and the VPN upgrade cost is relatively high.
However, for Windows PC users not needing unlimited VPN, Panda Dome offers excellent flexibility, a strong password manager, and customizable features. Its plans are well-suited for multi-device protection and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee for risk-free trials.
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 Avira risk-free, thanks to its free version.
Detailed Review
Avira Antivirus Review (Updated for 2025)
Avira Antivirus stands out as a top antivirus solution, combining robust security and affordability. Our testing confirmed Avira provides 100% malware protection, making it an excellent choice for users seeking comprehensive security. Its free plan is among the best, and paid plans offer exceptional value with a host of advanced features.
Anti-Malware Protection
Avira’s cloud-based scanner excelled in our tests, detecting all malware samples without slowing system performance. It effectively handles viruses, ransomware, and spyware. The Smart Scan feature goes beyond malware detection, identifying privacy risks, system vulnerabilities, and performance issues, making Avira suitable for both beginners and tech-savvy users.
Firewall
Avira’s customizable firewall allows fine-tuning for application-specific security rules and uses algorithms to monitor data flow, preventing unauthorized access. Its intrusion prevention feature adds an extra layer of protection against hacking attempts.
VPN (Phantom VPN)
Phantom VPN is included in both free and paid plans, with the free version limited to 500 MB/month. Performance during basic browsing was solid, with a minimal 25-30% speed reduction. The VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption for strong security but has limited success bypassing streaming platform restrictions, which may deter users focused on streaming.
Password Manager
Avira’s password manager offers unlimited storage in the free plan, secured with 256-bit AES encryption and two-factor authentication (2FA). However, it lacks a built-in password generator in the browser extension. Despite this, it meets essential password management needs effectively.
Bonus Features
Avira includes several system optimization tools:
- Device optimizer: Cleared over 1GB of space in our tests, improving performance.
- Startup optimizer: Accelerates boot times by managing startup programs.
- Driver updater: Keeps drivers updated for better performance and security.
- Game booster: Optimizes system resources for gaming.
- Battery manager: Aids battery conservation but lacks advanced app-specific insights.
Pricing & Packages
Avira offers several plans catering to diverse needs:
- Free Security: Basic protection with a free VPN (500 MB/month) and unlimited password storage.
- Antivirus Pro: Adds real-time protection, firewall control, and safe browsing.
- Internet Security: Includes advanced tools like phishing protection and software updater.
- Prime: Offers unlimited VPN, premium support, and all optimization features.
Is Avira the Best Antivirus with a Free Trial?
Avira Prime delivers exceptional malware protection, privacy tools, and optimization features, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. For additional features like parental controls or enhanced VPN streaming, Norton 360 Deluxe is a competitive alternative.
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: Scans files for known malware signatures (unique code patterns).
- Heuristic analysis: Detects new or modified malware by analyzing behavior and code similarities.
- Behavioral detection: Monitors ongoing processes for suspicious activities (like file encryption or unusual network requests).
- Cloud-based detection: Uses cloud databases to identify and block threats in real-time, leveraging large-scale data from multiple users.
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: Protects you from fake websites and emails designed to steal your personal information.
- Firewall: Blocks unauthorized access to your network and monitors incoming and outgoing traffic.
- Password Manager: Safely stores and manages your passwords, helping you use strong, unique passwords for each account.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Encrypts your internet connection, keeping your online activities private and secure, especially on public Wi-Fi.
- Identity Theft Protection: Monitors for signs of identity theft, such as unusual use of your personal information, and alerts you to potential risks.
- Parental Controls: Allows parents to manage and monitor their children’s online activity, setting content filters and screen time limits.
Using modern antivirus software not only keeps your device malware-free but also provides comprehensive protection for your online privacy and security.
What cyber threats can antivirus protect you from?
Antivirus software is designed to protect you from a wide range of malware threats, including:
- Adware: Software that displays unwanted ads, often slowing down your device or tracking your browsing habits.
- PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs): Programs that you didn’t intentionally download, which can clutter your system or change settings without your consent.
- Ransomware: Malicious software that locks you out of your files or device and demands a ransom to regain access.
- Rootkits: Stealthy malware that hides deep in your system, allowing hackers to gain unauthorized control of your device.
- Spyware: Software that secretly monitors your activities, collecting sensitive information like passwords and browsing habits.
- Trojans: Malware disguised as legitimate software, used to open backdoors for cybercriminals or steal data.
- Viruses: Malicious programs that spread by infecting other files, often damaging data or disrupting device functionality.
- Worms: Self-replicating malware that spreads across networks, often causing widespread disruption and data loss.
In addition to malware protection, modern antivirus suites include tools like anti-phishing, firewall, password manager, VPN, identity theft protection, and parental controls, offering comprehensive protection against a broad range of cyber threats.
What cyber threats can’t antivirus protect you from?
While antivirus software offers strong protection against many types of malware, it has limitations in certain areas:
- Social engineering attacks: Antivirus can’t protect you from scams that trick you into revealing personal information, like phishing emails, fraudulent phone calls, or fake websites. These rely on human manipulation rather than malware.
- Zero-day attacks: These are newly discovered vulnerabilities that haven’t been patched yet. While antivirus programs try to detect and block these threats, it’s not guaranteed they will catch every new attack immediately because the malware exploits unknown security flaws.
In short, while antivirus software is a critical defense tool, staying cautious and informed is equally important for protecting yourself from these types of threats.
How does a free trial work?
A free trial lets you download and use antivirus software without paying for a limited period, usually 7 to 30 days. This allows you to test the software’s features, performance, and ease of use before deciding to purchase. You don’t have to enter payment details upfront with some brands, while others may require this for the trial to begin.
Is a money-back guarantee the same as a free trial?
Not exactly. A money-back guarantee allows you to buy the software and use it with the option to request a full refund within a certain period (usually 30-60 days) if you’re not satisfied. While this technically functions as a free trial, you’ll need to pay upfront, unlike a traditional free trial where no initial payment is required.
In both cases, you get a risk-free way to test the software, but the process differs based on whether you pay first or not.
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.
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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