Best Antivirus Software 2025: Complete Protection Guide
With cyber threats evolving daily, reliable antivirus protection is essential. We tested the top security suites to find the best protection for your devices.
Best Antivirus Software 2025
1. Norton 360 - Best Overall
- Malware detection: 100% in recent tests
- Features: VPN, password manager, cloud backup
- Price: $49.99/year (first year)
- Devices: Up to 10
2. Bitdefender - Best Value
- Excellent malware protection
- Low system impact
- Price: $29.99/year (first year)
- Multi-layer ransomware protection
3. McAfee - Best for Families
- Unlimited device protection
- Identity theft protection included
- Price: $39.99/year (first year)
- Parental controls
4. Kaspersky - Best Performance
- Minimal system slowdown
- Advanced threat detection
- Price: $29.99/year
Antivirus Comparison
| Antivirus | Price/Year | Detection Rate | System Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norton 360 | $49.99 | 100% | Moderate |
| Bitdefender | $29.99 | 99.9% | Low |
| McAfee | $39.99 | 99.8% | Moderate |
| Kaspersky | $29.99 | 99.9% | Very Low |
| Windows Defender | Free | 99.5% | Low |
Do You Need Antivirus in 2025?
Yes, despite built-in protection:
- Ransomware attacks increased 105% in 2024
- Phishing sites at all-time high
- Zero-day threats require advanced detection
- Banking trojans target financial data
Features to Look For
- Real-time malware protection
- Ransomware protection
- Phishing protection
- Firewall
- VPN (bonus feature)
- Password manager
