Published on: May 8, 2025
Short on time? Here is the best antivirus software for each device in 2025:
- Windows — Norton: Best overall antivirus for Windows in 2025.
- macOS — MacKeeper: Best overall antivirus for Mac in 2025.
- Android — Norton: Comes with great malware protection and tons of additional features for Android.
- iOS — Norton: One of the few antiviruses for iOS that improves on Apple’s built-in security.
- Linux — Bitdefender: Best for business users with multiple endpoints to protect.
- Chromebook — TotalAV: Significantly improves Chrome’s built-in protections with a good range of features.
Cybercrime is increasing, making robust antivirus protection more important than ever. That said, what an antivirus is and what it actually does can be confusing. So we’ve put together this guide to make it more clear. We’ll also explain how to install antivirus software and highlight the features to look out for.
However, if you’re in a hurry, Norton is the best choice for Windows, Android, and iOS.
What Is Antivirus Software?
Antivirus software is an essential tool to protect your devices from online threats. They’re primarily used to detect, prevent, and remove malware, but top antivirus programs can also patch vulnerabilities, hide your location, and provide real-time protection against future attacks. Norton is a great example of an antivirus — it includes features like parental controls, a password manager, and a smart firewall. It also has a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Do You Really Need Antivirus Software?
Yes, you really do need antivirus software. While every device comes with built-in security, it isn’t enough to protect against modern online threats.
Some of the common cyber threats include:
- Viruses.
- Trojans.
- Phishing attacks.
- Ransomware attacks.
- Spyware.
There are even more threats out there — some of which we don’t know about. So the need for an antivirus is more important than ever.
Other Features Included With Antivirus Software
Antivirus software has evolved beyond just protecting from malware. Many top brands like Norton and
- Web protection.
- Parental controls.
- VPNs.
- Password managers.
- System cleanup tools.
- Identity web monitoring.
- Dark web monitoring.
- Network firewall.
- And more…
How to Find the Best Antivirus for Your Device (Including Windows, Mac & Mobile)
- Choose an antivirus with a great malware scanner.
- Look for real-time protection.
- Read through the extra features.
- Make sure the antivirus is from a reputable company.
- Consider the value an antivirus offers.
How to Install Antivirus Software
Installing an antivirus is simple, but there are a few things you have to do on all platforms:
- Disable and uninstall any other antivirus on your device.
- Give your antivirus permissions when it asks.
- Restart your device or contact customer support if you’re having any problems.
Now, I’ll walk you through installing an antivirus on each operating system, using Norton, Bitdefender, MacKeeper, and TotalAV as my four examples.
Windows
- Step 1. Download Norton (navigate to the website, go through the purchasing process, and follow the instructions to initiate the download).
- Step 2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen install wizard. It will give you a couple of prompts to click on, but it’s a pretty fast installation process.
- Step 3. Open Norton and check for any additional configuration options, such as real-time protection and automatic updates. If there are no updates, you’ve already finished the process and can begin using the product.
macOS
- Step 1. Go to MacKeeper’s website, choose the package that best fits your needs, and begin the download.
- Step 2. Navigate to your download folder by clicking Go on the Finder toolbar and clicking Downloads.
- Step 3. Open the downloaded .DMG file, and in the window that appears, click Double Click to Install.
- Step 4. Once MacKeeper is installed, open it, and check for updates to ensure you’re running the latest version.
Android
- Step 1. Open the Google Play Store app and download Norton.
- Step 2. After it’s downloaded, tap Open and accept any permissions it asks for.
- Step 3. Log in to your Norton account (create an account if you haven’t already) and purchase the product.
iOS
- Step 1. Download Norton from the Apple App Store.
- Step 2. Open the app and follow the instructions to complete the setup.
- Step 3. Log into your Norton account or create an account to purchase the product.
- Step 4. Enable real-time protection and automatic updates for the best protection.
Linux
- Step 1. Install Bitdefender using the package manager or by downloading it from a trusted source.
- Step 2. Follow the instructions to complete the setup.
- Step 3. Log into your account or create one to buy a subscription.
- Step 4. Configure any additional options, such as real-time protection and automatic updates.
Chromebook
- Step 1. Install the TotalAV app from the Chrome Web Store.
- Step 2. Open the app and follow the instructions to complete the setup.
- Step 3. Purchase a subscription after you create an account and then log into your antivirus.
- Step 4. Be sure to enable real-time protection and automatic updates for the best protection.
Is Free Antivirus Software Good Enough?
Free antivirus software can provide essential protection against viruses and malware. However, when compared to premium antivirus software, there are significant differences in features and protection levels. At best, free antiviruses offer lightweight versions of a premium antivirus, and at worst, they’re malicious programs that can damage your device. Free antiviruses usually won’t include real-time protection or extra features like a firewall, a VPN, identity monitoring, or any other vital tools. There’s a few decent ones that offer basic protection, like TotalAV, but I’d always recommend a premium option like
How to Find Antivirus Software Free Trials
There are several ways to find free trials. One excellent resource is SafetyDetectives — a website that reviews and compares antivirus software, provides links to free trials, and even offers coupon codes for premium plans. Visit the site, look through the antivirus reviews, and check out any free trials or products that interest you. You can also take advantage of money-back guarantees to test a product out and make sure it works for you (make sure you read through the terms to ensure you qualify for a refund.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is having an antivirus important?
Yes, having an antivirus is important. Antiviruses protect your devices from malicious software such as viruses, trojans, and spyware that can steal your personal data. Without an antivirus program, you’re leaving yourself vulnerable to cyber attacks.
What is the best antivirus?
Norton is easily the best antivirus. It combines a massive database with artificial intelligence to catch all kinds of malware, including zero-day threats. It scored perfect malware detection and removal rates in all of my tests and comes with the best extra features on the market. It has an unlimited-data VPN, the best dark web monitoring, and much, much more. That said, if you’re on Mac,
Am I in danger without an antivirus?
Yes, you are in danger without an antivirus. Cybercriminals are constantly developing new malware and viruses that can infect and deal damage to your device, including stealing sensitive information such as credit card numbers, passwords, and personal data or even taking complete control of your device. Without an antivirus program like Norton, you leave yourself vulnerable to these threats.
What do I do if I’m getting error messages after installing a new antivirus?
Ensure you have fully uninstalled any previous antivirus to avoid conflicts. Additionally, ensure you have installed the correct version of the antivirus software compatible with your operating system. If you need help installing it, here’s an easy guide. If the problem persists, try restarting your device or contacting customer service.
