Published on: July 1, 2025
Short on time? Here is the best antivirus software for each device in 2025:
- Windows — TotalAV: Best overall antivirus for Windows in 2025.
- macOS — Intego: Best overall antivirus for Mac in 2025.
- Android — TotalAV: 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 — Norton: Significantly improves Chrome’s built-in protections with a good range of features.
Cybercrime is increasing, making comprehensive antivirus protection more important than ever. Hackers are constantly finding new ways to steal your information, access your data, and damage your devices. Without an antivirus program installed, you’re left with very basic protection and are vulnerable to all sorts of cyberattacks.
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, for those in a hurry, TotalAV is the best choice for Windows, Android, and iOS. Intego is the best choice for Mac, and Bitdefender is great for businesses running Linux on their endpoints. Editors' Note: Intego and this site are in the same ownership group.
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.
Most antiviruses scan the files stored on your device and compare them with an online database of known malware. When they detect a match, they’ll either quarantine it to stop it from doing any further damage or simply remove it from your device. This method doesn’t always work, however, so modern antiviruses like TotalAV also use heuristic analysis and machine learning to detect malware that’s not yet listed on any database (also known as a zero-day threat).
There are several different types of antiviruses on the market, ranging from basic programs that are usually free to premium programs offering advanced features and protection. Free antivirus programs typically provide basic protection against malware and viruses — but many don’t offer crucial features like real-time protection or email security. Premium antiviruses, on the other hand, typically provide advanced features and a higher level of protection against online threats. These programs often include real-time protection, advanced ransomware detection, anti-phishing protection, and more.
The best antiviruses go above and beyond this, however. For example, TotalAV also includes an unlimited-data VPN to mask your IP address and constantly scans the dark web for any of your leaked data. It also includes features like parental controls, a password manager, and a smart firewall, and it comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee so you can try it out risk-free.
That said, even with an antivirus, you should still practice safe habits, such as keeping your software updated, avoiding suspicious files (especially pirated content), and not clicking on any links in web browsers that you don’t fully recognize.
Do You Really Need Antivirus Software?
The short answer is yes, you really do need antivirus software. The good news is, if you’re using any modern device, PC, Mac, iOS, Android, or others, you already have an antivirus — just not a very good one. Every device comes with extremely basic protection, but it simply isn’t enough to keep up with modern threats. For that reason, you need a quality premium antivirus.
Antivirus software protects your device from online threats such as malware, viruses, and other malicious software. These threats can infect your device, steal your sensitive information (including credit card numbers and passwords), and cause significant damage to your system. Antivirus software provides real-time protection against these threats, actively monitoring your devices and preventing infections before they occur.
Cyber threats are also becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread, making having antivirus software more important than ever. Hackers and cybercriminals are constantly developing new malware and viruses that can infect your device and steal your personal information. With a quality antivirus, you’re able to avoid these potential threats.
Some of the common cyber threats that users face include:
- Viruses — programs that replicate themselves and infect other files on your device.
- Trojans — software designed to cause harm to your device whilst posing as legitimate apps.
- Phishing attacks — attempts to steal sensitive information such as passwords and credit card numbers.
- Ransomware attacks — locks your files and demands payment to unlock them.
- Spyware — tracks your online activity and steals your personal information.
There are even more threats out there — some of which we don’t know about. So the need for antivirus software is more important than ever. By protecting against potential threats and actively monitoring your device, you safeguard your personal information and prevent potential damage to your device.
Other Features Included With Antivirus Software
Antivirus software has evolved beyond just protecting your device from malware. Many top brands now offer a range of additional features in their antivirus programs — providing users with enhanced protection and functionality. Here are some of the most common additional features that come bundled with antivirus software:
- Web protection: Many antivirus programs include features like anti-phishing and anti-spam filters to protect against potential online threats.
- Parental controls: Parental control features allow parents to monitor and control their children’s online activity, including website access and social media usage.
- VPNs: Some antivirus programs include a virtual private network (VPN), which provides an additional layer of privacy and security when browsing the internet.
- Password managers: Password managers help users generate and store strong passwords for their various online accounts, increasing their security.
- System cleanup tools: System cleanup tools help to optimize and speed up your device by removing unnecessary files and registry entries.
Top antivirus brands will offer most of these additional features. For example, TotalAV includes various additional features such as a firewall, online backup, and webcam protection. Its VPN offers unlimited data, even on its cheaper plans, its parental controls work really well, and its system optimization tools gave me a noticeable boost to my performance — especially on my older laptop.
When choosing an antivirus program, it’s important to consider your needs, too. Consider what extra features would benefit you most and choose a program that provides you with everything you need in one package. Doing so can ensure that you’re getting the best value for your money and that your device is protected from potential threats.
How to Find the Best Antivirus for Your Device (Including Windows, Mac & Mobile)
- Choose an antivirus with a great malware scanner. A reliable malware scanner that combines a massive database with heuristic analysis and artificial intelligence is the most important thing to look for in an antivirus suite. After all, if an antivirus can’t detect malware on your device, it simply isn’t worth your money. I recommend using antiviruses with a 99-100% malware detection rate, like TotalAV or Intego.
- Look for real-time protection. Some antiviruses come with reliable malware scanners but lack real-time protection. Without real-time protection, malware will stay on your device until you manually initiate a malware scan. This means it can take months for you to realize you have a malware infection, and in that time, you could have your data stolen or worse.
- Read through the extra features. Most of the top competitors have pretty good malware scanners, meaning what sets them apart is their extra features. Look for an antivirus with a solid VPN, a good firewall, parental controls, and some kind of identity monitoring — especially if you’re in the US. TotalAV offers all these features and more.
- Make sure the antivirus is from a reputable company. It’s dangerous to download an antivirus program from a company you’ve never heard of — especially without doing your research. Many cybercriminals create fake antivirus programs and will use them to scam or trick you into downloading malware onto your device.
- Consider the value an antivirus offers. Every antivirus product provides you with different features and benefits. They’ll also cover different amounts of devices and have varying prices. Make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck. Antiviruses like Intego and TotalAV offer many extra features for affordable costs. You should also look for free trials and money-back guarantees so you can test the products for yourself.
Editors' Note: Intego and this site are in the same ownership group.
How to Install Antivirus Software
Installing an antivirus is simple, but there are a few things you need to pay attention to. For example, no matter what operating system you’re using, if you’re installing a new antivirus, you should uninstall your old one first. Even your native antivirus can (and probably will) cause issues with other antivirus suites you’ve installed.
It’s also important to give your antivirus the permissions required to protect your device (especially on mobile). As long as the antivirus is from a reputable cybersecurity company, you can safely give it the permissions it asks for. However, I’d always advise getting someone that’s tech-savvy to read through the permissions to ensure there’s nothing suspicious.
Usually, this will be enough to resolve any issues. Therefore, if you follow this guide and continue to have problems installing your antivirus, contact your chosen antivirus’s customer support team for further assistance.
Now, I’ll walk you through installing an antivirus on each operating system, using Norton, Bitdefender, Intego, and TotalAV as my four examples.
Windows
- Step 1. Download TotalAV (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 Intego’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 on the button that says Double Click to Install.
- Step 4. Once Intego is installed, open it, and check for updates to ensure you’re running the latest version.
Android
- Step 1. Open your phone’s Google Play Store app, then download the TotalAV app.
- Step 2. After it’s finished, 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.
- Step 4. You’re good to go; since it’s a mobile app, downloading and installing it is much easier than it is on a PC or Mac.
iOS
- Step 1. Download TotalAV 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. Be sure to enable real-time protection and automatic updates for the best protection.
Note: iOS has the best built-in security of all major operating systems and has strict permissions on how software can alter files. Because of that, many antivirus programs for iOS (including Norton) don’t include a malware scanner and focus on extra features to round out your cybersecurity toolset.
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.
Note: Linux is generally considered less vulnerable to viruses and malware, but that’s mostly because there are fewer malware developers targeting Linux — not necessarily because the native security is better. However, it’s still essential to have antivirus software installed for additional protection.
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.
Note: Only install apps from the Google Play Store or Chrome Web Store to minimize risks of getting malware on your Chromebook.
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 themselves that can damage your device.
Free antiviruses won’t usually offer advanced features like real-time protection, email security, or a firewall. Additionally, free antivirus programs often come with limited technical support, which can be frustrating if you’re experiencing issues with the software.
On the other hand, premium antivirus software typically offers advanced features and a higher level of protection against potential threats. This includes real-time protection, advanced malware detection, and additional features such as parental controls, VPNs, and password managers. They also typically come with a higher level of technical support, making resolving issues much easier.
That said, there are decent free antiviruses on the market. TotalAV offers a free antivirus with a great malware scanner. During our tests, it caught as much malware as the premium scanner (99.6%), though it lacks many extra features like real-time protection, ransomware protection, and a VPN.
Ultimately, choosing free and premium software will depend on your needs. A free antivirus program will only be sufficient if you use your device for basic tasks and don’t store sensitive information on it. However, if you use your device for work, store sensitive data on it, or want the highest level of protection available, a premium antivirus program like TotalAV is the better choice. That said, as with any software choice, it’s important to do your research and choose a program that meets your specific needs, providing you with the necessary level of protection.
How to Find Antivirus Software Free Trials
There are several ways to find free trials if you’re considering purchasing antivirus software. 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. Simply visit the site, look through the antivirus reviews, and check out any free trials or products that interest you.
Another option for trying out an antivirus is to look for money-back guarantees. While they’re not technically free trials, money-back guarantees allow you to try out the software and get a full refund if you’re unsatisfied with it. Most antivirus providers have a guarantee between 14 and 30 days — but some, like TotalAV, have a 60-day money-back guarantee.
When looking for a money-back guarantee, read the terms and conditions carefully. Some providers may have restrictions on refunds, such as needing you to provide a reason for the refund or limiting the number of refunds per household. However, if you find an antivirus program that offers a money-back guarantee, it’s a great way to try out the software and make sure it meets your needs before committing to a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is having an antivirus important?
Yes, having an antivirus is incredibly important. Antivirus software protects 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, and it’s only a matter of time before your device becomes infected.
Most antivirus programs offer advanced features such as real-time protection, malware removal, and internet security features like phishing protection, email protection, and more. These features help to ensure that your device is always protected from potential risks. While your device will always have some kind of native antivirus software, it’s simply not enough to protect you from the kind of complex attacks that hackers use today.
What is the best antivirus?
TotalAV is easily the best antivirus in most situations. It combines a massive database with advanced artificial intelligence to catch all kinds of malware, including zero-day threats. It scored perfect malware detection and removal 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 on the market, and much, much more.
That said, if you’re a Mac user, Intego is the best solution. It’s custom-built for Mac and improves on macOS’s native security (which is already pretty good). It also has a firewall, data backup tool, and decent parental controls.
Am I in danger without an antivirus?
Yes, you are in danger without an antivirus program. Cybercriminals are constantly developing new malware and viruses that can infect and deal significant 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 TotalAV, you leave yourself vulnerable to these threats.
While your device comes with its own native antiviruses, they’re typically easy to exploit for advanced criminals who know what they’re doing. Companies like Intego and Norton both offer flawless malware scanners that go above and beyond what built-in antiviruses offer.
What do I do if I’m getting error messages after installing a new antivirus?
Firstly, ensure you have fully uninstalled any previous antivirus to avoid conflicts. Additionally, ensure you have installed the correct version of the antivirus software that’s compatible with your operating system. If you need help installing it, here’s an easy guide. If the problem persists, try restarting your device.
If none of these steps solve the issue, consult the antivirus’s website for troubleshooting tips or contact their customer support team for assistance. Most antivirus software providers have a dedicated support team that can help you resolve any technical issues that you may be experiencing.
Editors' Note: Intego and this site are in the same ownership group.
