Best antivirus software of 2025: Features, costs, who should use them
Even experienced users can fall victim to modern cyberattacks. Clicking a phishing link can compromise a device, and ransomware can lock critical data.
Comprehensive, reputable antivirus software protects all internet-connected devices and prevents data theft. Our annual review of the best antivirus software 2025 highlights the top-rated antivirus solutions, helping you determine which antivirus is best for your home setup.
Best antivirus software for 2025
We’ve reviewed the top antivirus programs for 2025 and highlighted their advantages, limitations, costs, and target customers.
- All-in-one security + device optimization
- Strong identity protection
- Very user-friendly for beginners
- Available for Mac users only
- Premium features are unlocked with higher-tier plans.
Starts around €9.86/month (discounted annual plans available).
MacKeeper’s ID Theft Guard and real-time malware scanning help protect crypto exchange logins, seed phrases stored in encrypted files, and browser sessions from phishing or clipboard hijackers.
- Among the best antivirus protection overall
- Strong anti-phishing
- Low performance impact
- Great for multi-device households
- Even at the top tier, you can only install it on a certain number of devices.
Around $2.50–$8.33/month depending on plan.
Norton’s Safe Web protects crypto users from fake exchange sites and wallet phishing pages. Its online identity monitoring reduces credential-stealing risks.
- Industry-leading threat detection
- Very lightweight
- Excellent ransomware recovery
- Identity protection
- VPN limited unless you upgrade
- Some features Windows-only
From $49.99–$139.99/year depending on devices and features.
Bitdefender’s Safepay is excellent for crypto exchanges — isolating browser sessions from keylogging, clipboard theft, and malware injections.
- Strong identity & personal data protection
- Good malware detection
- Multi-device friendly
- Some features require account linking
Around $39.99–$94.99/year
McAfee’s identity monitoring protects against SIM-swap vulnerabilities and leaked emails often exploited to breach crypto accounts.
- Great bundle value
- Strong privacy features
- Extremely lightweight
- Less mature antivirus engine than Norton/Bitdefender
- Limited advanced features
From €1.69-€4.19/month or cheaper with long-term plans.
Surfshark’s VPN + breach s help protect wallet access, crypto exchange sessions, and online privacy when trading.
- One of the top free antivirus programs
- Strong detection rates
- Plenty of features in free plan
- Some features require upgrade
Free version available; premium starts around $39.99/year.
Free version includes ransomware and phishing protection — useful for crypto users with limited budgets.
- Very lightweight
- Solid free option
- Simple interface
- Extra tools require upgrade
- Free version shows ads
Free, or $46.68/year for advanced features
Basic phishing filtering helps protect crypto login attempts.
- Best for removing existing infections
- Very fast scans
- Great browser protection
- Not as full-featured as Norton/Bitdefender
From $22.49/year
Great at detecting stealers, which often target crypto wallets, system clipboards, and browser autofill.
- Good bundle value
- Easy to use
- Strong first-year discounts
- Renewal price jumps
- Behavior-based detection not as strong as Bitdefender/Norton
Approximately $19–$49 first year, renews $99–$149/year depending on plan.
WebShield helps block fake crypto exchange pages and wallet-phishing links, while ransomware protection guards against crypto-stealers and file-encrypting malware.
Antivirus comparison table: Best virus protection software 2025
| ANTIVIRUS | BEST FOR | PROS | CONS | PRICING |
| MacKeeper | Mac users, crypto holders, identity protection | All-in-one, strong identity protection, beginner-friendly | Mac only, premium features on higher-tier plans | From €9.86/month |
| Norton 360 | Families, multi-device, crypto traders | Excellent protection, strong anti-phishing, low performance impact | Limited device installs | $2.50–$8.33/month |
| Bitdefender | Aggressive ransomware/zero-day protection | Industry-leading detection, lightweight, excellent ransomware recovery | VPN limited unless upgraded, some features Windows-only | $49.99–$139.99/year |
| McAfee | Identity & financial protection | Strong identity protection, multi-device friendly | Some features require account linking | $39.99–$94.99/year |
| Surfshark One | Lightweight antivirus + privacy | Great bundle value, strong privacy, very lightweight | Less mature antivirus engine, limited advanced features | €1.69–€4.19/month |
| Avast | Free antivirus, solid malware protection | Strong free option, good detection, multiple features | Some features require upgrade | Free; premium $39.99/year |
| AVG | Beginners, free antivirus | Lightweight, simple interface | Extra tools require upgrade, ads in free version | Free; $46.68/year for advanced |
| Malwarebytes | Malware/crypto-stealer removal | Excellent at removing infections, fast scans | Not as full-featured as top antiviruses | From $22.49/year |
| TotalAV | First-year pricing, simple controls | Easy to use, strong first-year discounts | Renewal price jumps, behavior-based detection weaker | $19–$49 first year; $99–$149 renewal |
*Pricing info is based on rates available on December 2025
How to choose an antivirus for crypto users
Crypto holders face unique risks that need special protection. When picking good antivirus software, look for:
- Ransomware protection – crypto-targeted attacks are on the rise. Choose software with behavioral monitoring, automatic rollback, and encrypted file protection.
- Anti-phishing & safe browsing – most crypto theft comes from fake exchanges, wallet login scams, or shady DeFi platforms. Norton, Bitdefender, and Malwarebytes handle this well.
- Secure browser or VPN – essential when trading or using DeFi. Pair your antivirus with a VPN from our best VPNs guide.
- Identity theft monitoring – helps prevent SIM swaps, account takeovers, and email breaches. See our identity theft protection guide for more.
- Low performance impact – crypto apps can be heavy, so pick lightweight options like Bitdefender or Surfshark.
- Multi-device support – protect your laptop, mobile wallet, hardware wallet apps, and trading phone. For complete coverage, check our crypto security guide.
FAQ
What is the best antivirus for PC?
On Windows, Norton 360 and Bitdefender consistently deliver reliable performance.
What is the best antivirus for Mac?
MacKeeper and Bitdefender give Mac users effective, lightweight security.
Is it safe to run a free antivirus?
Free antivirus covers the basics but usually lacks important protections like identity and ransomware safeguards.
