5 Best iOS Antivirus Apps for iPhones & iPads in 2025

Sam Boyd
Updated on: September 15, 2025 Content Manager

Apple doesn’t allow iOS security apps to perform “virus scans,” so there aren’t any iOS apps that offer traditional malware protection. iOS is designed to be very secure, with each app executed in its own “sandbox.” So even if you were to download a malicious app, it wouldn’t be able to do major damage to your system.

But this doesn’t mean iOS devices are immune to threats. In 2025, smishing scams, spyware-infected apps, and QR code phishing attacks have become common, and Apple’s built-in defenses don’t always stop them. For instance, the GoldPickaxe Trojan targeted iOS users to create deepfake videos from stolen facial data, and mass SMS scams flagged by the FBI have tricked users into opening malicious links that bypass Safari’s filters.

I’ve tested dozens of internet security apps to find the ones that can protect your device. I’ve identified 5 excellent ones that fill in the gaps Apple can’t.

Try Norton for IOS

Quick Summary of the Best iOS Antivirus Apps for 2025

Editor’s Choice

🥇 Norton

Most advanced iOS security app in 2025 with scam detection and dark web monitoring.

Most of our readers choose Norton

🥈 TotalAV

Comprehensive iOS antivirus protection with cloud storage and unlimited-data VPN.

🥉 McAfee

Excellent web & phishing protections, plus a VPN and other extras tailored to iOS.

Bitdefender

Good scam protection & vulnerability scanner to identify iPhone weak spots.

Avira

Good free plan with great privacy protections, plus a fast and secure VPN.

Not sure which antivirus suits your needs?

Take a 1-minute quiz, and our experts will help you find the best option for you!

Back

What type of devices do you primarily want to protect?

Step

1

of

3

All devices

Windows PC

Mac

Android

iOS

Comparing antivirus options based on your answers...

300+ people found the right antivirus today

*This recommendation is based on our assessment; users are urged to consider individual factors before choosing a vendor.

🥇1. Norton Mobile Security — Best iOS Security App in 2025

Norton Mobile Security is the most comprehensive security app for iOS devices, offering all the essentials and more for keeping your device safe.

Its wide range of features for iPhone and iPad includes:

• Safe Web with IPS — Blocks malicious sites and online threats with real-time intrusion prevention.
• Dark Web Monitoring — Scans for leaked personal data and alerts you instantly if breaches are found.
• Genie Scam Protection — Detects scam texts, phishing links, and deepfakes.
• Secure Calendar — Flags dangerous links hidden in calendar invites.
• Unlimited-data VPN — Encrypts traffic and auto-connects on public Wi-Fi.
• Wi-Fi Security Scan — Checks networks for weak or unsafe configurations.
• Ad Blocker — Blocks pop-ups, trackers, and ad scripts in Safari.
• Device Report Card — Tracks security issues with websites and Wi-Fi history.

I really like Norton’s web protection — during my tests, it caught phishing sites that Safari failed to detect. Norton’s Secure Calendar also offers protection against suspicious iOS calendar invites, which could contain phishing links or links to other malicious websites.

Norton’s dark web monitoring tools are the best on the market — Norton continuously scans the dark web, including marketplaces, private forums, data leak sites, and other deep web sources, for your personal information such as your email address, bank account details, address, gamer tag, driver’s license, insurance documents, and even your mother’s maiden name (commonly used for identity verification). Live agents monitor these underground forums in select regions, providing an advantage over tools that rely on automated database scans.

Norton’s VPN is an improvement over Apple’s iCloud Private Relay, which only works with Safari. In addition to hiding your identity online, it supports streaming and torrenting, and it turns on automatically when it detects you’re using a public Wi-Fi network. Also, its impact on your browsing speed is much lower than iCloud Private Relay.

I also like Norton’s device security feature. Often, Apple doesn’t issue alerts about updates, and you have to check manually or enable automatic updates. With Norton, I could clearly see if I had outstanding updates, and I’d be taken to the settings menu with just a couple of taps to apply them.

Norton’s Mobile Security iOS app is intuitive — it’s a good choice for users looking for a simple solution that they can use on 1 iOS device. It didn’t use much battery in my tests either. When I checked the battery usage statistics, it suggested it was using tons — but I didn’t notice any drain. The only downside is that the VPN requires a separate download, though it syncs easily with the main app.

If you upgrade to Norton 360 Deluxe ($49.99 / year*), it unlocks coverage for up to 5 devices, 50 GB of cloud storage, Norton’s secure password manager, and parental controls (both require separate downloads). And if you’re in the US, you can also access Norton’s Privacy Monitor and LifeLock identity protection add-ons for more complete coverage.

33% discount on Norton Mobile Security!

Discount applied automatically at checkout.

Get Deal

Read the full Norton review here >

🥈2. TotalAV Mobile Security — Intuitive + Easy-to-Use iPhone Antivirus

TotalAV offers solid iOS protection in 2025 with an intuitive security app for iOS users — it’s a particularly good choice for beginners or non-tech-savvy users looking for a simple, user-friendly iOS antivirus with all the essentials and really useful extras.

TotalAV’s iOS app includes:

• Anti-phishing WebShield.
• VPN with unlimited data.
• Spam text filter.
• QR code scanner.
• Data breach monitoring.
• Ad blocker.
• Photo and contact cleanup tools.

TotalAV’s Smart Scan notifies you of pending iOS security updates, reminds you to set up your Touch or Face ID, and gives you security tips and suggestions. Basically, it helps you make the most out of Apple’s built-in protections.

It also uses real-time cloud definitions and Safe Search warnings to detect emerging web-based threats before they can do damage, which is especially important in 2025, as phishing scams and shady QR codes are on the rise.

TotalAV’s other features are good, too. In my tests, its anti-phishing protection performed impressively, catching nearly all phishing sites and accurately blocking a couple of fake iCloud pages I attempted to visit.

I was also impressed with TotalAV’s VPN, which provided me with encrypted access to servers around the globe. It allowed me to watch HD videos with no noticeable slowdown. TotalAV’s VPN is the best antivirus-bundled VPN in 2025, and it’s comparable to some of the best standalone VPNs out there.

I like TotalAV’s photo clean-up feature, too. It finds and deletes duplicate photos, helping to free up storage space and keep your gallery organized. Additionally, it scans for duplicate videos and contacts and lets you check each flagged file before removing it — which is great, as there’s no risk of accidentally deleting a file you don’t want to.

I also tested Total Adblock on Safari, and it successfully removed pop-ups and third-party tracking scripts from scam-heavy sites. It’s a helpful bonus for iPhone users who frequently browse or shop.

I should also mention that TotalAV didn’t drain my phone’s battery in my tests, and I liked that I could keep it running in the background without many notifications.

TotalAV has cloud storage for iOS, too (Total Drive Unlimited), but it requires downloading a separate app. It only provides 2 GB of free storage with the option to purchase unlimited storage for $99.00 / year. While it’s disappointing that TotalAV only includes 2 GB for free (matching Norton’s entry-level offering), I like that you can upgrade for unlimited storage.

There’s also an optional Identity Protection add-on (available in select regions like the US), which includes credit monitoring, breach alerts, and even identity theft insurance.

TotalAV Mobile Security is a simple security app with a good VPN — it’ll keep your device safe from hackers and web-based threats. You can also get TotalAV’s web protection with TotalAV Internet Security at $39.00 / year, which covers up to 6 devices, including Macs, PCs, and Androids.

Save 80% on TotalAV Premium!

You can save 80% if you act right now.

Get Deal

Read the full TotalAV review here >

🥉3. McAfee Mobile Security – Great Phishing Protection for iPhones + iPads

McAfee Mobile Security combines great web protection with a decent VPN. It also provides a protection score and clear tips to help you improve it. When I first installed the app, my score was low. But after enabling key features and running a few scans (including the data breach check), I raised it significantly.

During my tests, McAfee performed exceptionally well — it found security issues with my device, like outdated iOS software and anti-phishing protections that were switched off, which put my iCloud at risk. The Smart Scan tool gave me a protection score (out of 1000) and walked me through key fixes like enabling scam alerts and improving Wi-Fi security.

McAfee’s app didn’t drain my battery or slow down my iPhone (unlike some competitors), even though I kept the web protections permanently switched on. I also like how easy it was for me to use McAfee — the app is very intuitive, and all the features are easy to access.

McAfee also comes with:

• Anti-phishing monitor.
• VPN (with unlimited data).
• Wi-Fi network scanner.
• Data breach alerts.
• Text scam detector.
• Online account cleanup.
• Social privacy manager.
• Secure Media Vault (locks sensitive photos/videos).

I think McAfee’s VPN is decent — it keeps you safe when you’re browsing the internet on unsecured Wi-Fi hotspots, it has a strict no-logs policy, and it works with most major streaming sites, like Netflix and Amazon Prime.

I like how most of McAfee’s tools complement Apple’s security features. For example, the Scam Detector filters suspicious messages in real time, and the Online Account Cleanup tool helps you identify and delete old accounts that may have exposed your personal info in previous breaches.

There’s also Data Broker Removal, which lets you opt out of third-party sites that collect and sell your data. That’s a rare feature that even top competitors like TotalAV don’t fully offer. McAfee can monitor up to 10 email addresses, credit cards, and phone numbers, and it sends immediate alerts if your data is leaked.

On Advanced and Ultimate plans, it also includes credit monitoring, lost wallet assistance, and up to $2 million in identity theft insurance — ideal if you’re concerned about financial fraud or stolen credentials.

McAfee Mobile Security is available for a single device for a yearly subscription, but if you want to protect multiple devices, you should consider McAfee Total Protection (starting at $39.99 / year) — it offers excellent security for either 5 or unlimited devices, including Windows, Android, and macOS devices.

Get 66% off McAfee Premium!

You can save 66% if you act right now.

Get Deal

Read the full McAfee review here >

4. Bitdefender Mobile Security – Excellent Scam Protection for iPhones

Bitdefender Mobile Security offers a good number of protective tools for iOS. It’s easy to use and didn’t slow down my iPhone in any of the tests.

Bitdefender’s iOS app includes:

• Security scanner.
• Web protection (blocks threats across browsing and apps).
• Scam alert.
• VPN.
• Account Privacy (checks email breaches).
• App misconfiguration detection.

The security scanner identifies past data breaches and highlights websites that require a password change. It works well — I could easily navigate onto a breached website, change my password, and mark the breach resolved in Bitdefender. I also like how it checks whether you’re running the latest iOS version, as well as reviewing your Wi-Fi security, account privacy, and more — all without draining your battery.

Bitdefender also detects apps that are misconfigured or requesting more permissions than necessary, helping protect against apps that leak personal data over insecure connections — something iOS doesn’t warn you about natively.

The scam alert feature scanned over 600 events in my Apple Calendar in less than a minute, flagging those containing suspicious links. It also checked my SMS/MMS inbox for dangerous messages and automatically moved any it found into my junk folder. It does the job well, though it was a little difficult to set up.

Bitdefender’s VPN, powered by Hotspot Shield, comes in two forms: a barebones version integrated into the antivirus app with a 200 MB daily data limit on most plans and a fully featured version that requires downloading a separate app. Unlike iCloud Private Relay, which only masks your IP address, the dedicated Bitdefender VPN offers a solid set of features, including a kill switch, split tunneling, multiple protocols, and a wide selection of servers. In my tests, both versions worked smoothly, but the 200 MB daily limit on most plans can be a bit restrictive when compared to Norton’s unlimited-data VPN.

Another interesting feature is Autopilot, which gives you personalized security recommendations based on your iPhone’s usage, letting you make the most of Bitdefender without having to learn its various functions. When you upgrade to Bitdefender’s Total Security suite, you also get access to more advanced tools like App Lock, Anti-Theft, and behavioral anomaly detection, which is helpful for users who want deeper privacy protections across all their devices.

Bitdefender Mobile Security, priced at $14.99 / year, covers 1 device and features everything listed above for iOS. For coverage across various platforms and access to the parental controls and password manager on iOS, Bitdefender Total Security costs $54.99 / year and protects up to 5 devices. The Premium Security option at $64.99 / year also covers 5 devices and adds the unlimited-data VPN. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full Bitdefender review here >

5. Avira Security Pro – Keep Your Siri Searches Private

Avira Security Pro comes with good features, including excellent privacy protections that ensure your private data remains secure.

I was impressed with Avira’s unique Privacy Manager feature, which uses a specially designed downloadable “iOS Profile” to prevent Apple from saving your Siri conversations on its servers.

Avira also has additional iOS security protections, like:

• VPN.
• Photo clean-up.
• Call blocker.
• Device Analyzer (tracks storage/memory usage).
• Breach monitor (Pro only).
• Anti-phishing (Pro only).
• Anti‑theft protection (device locate/lock/wipe).

Avira also makes backing up and restoring your contacts super easy, letting you send all of your contacts to your email address, Dropbox account, or Google Drive. In comparison, Apple offers contact backup and recovery in iCloud, but you can’t send your contacts outside of iCloud or restore your contacts onto an Android device (although Windows is supported).

I like Avira’s VPN — it’s one of the fastest VPNs I’ve used, enabling me to securely browse the web and stream video without noticeable speed drops. However, Avira’s free plan comes with a limited version of the VPN (100 MB per day). Also, I couldn’t get it to work with many popular streaming sites, which I was consistently able to do with TotalAV.

I also tested the call‑blocking feature in Avira Mobile Security — it effectively filtered out scam numbers and unsolicited texts during high-traffic smishing campaigns.

Avira Mobile Security Pro adds a VPN with unlimited browsing data as well as anti-phishing protections and data breach monitoring, all of which provide an extra layer of security online. Pro users also get remote anti‑theft controls via the Avira web dashboard. You can get it as a standalone app, but it also comes bundled with Avira’s best-value internet security package, Avira Prime, which starts at $26.99 / year and covers up to 5 devices across all operating systems.

Read the full Avira review here >

Quick Comparison Table

Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria

In analyzing and ranking these antiviruses, I relied on our standard methodology. This involved extensive tests looking into every aspect of each product. Here’s an outline of what I did:

• I tested the web protections. I purposely visited dozens of sketchy websites, tapping on pop-ups and downloading suspicious files. As I went through each product, I kept diligent notes on how many threats were blocked and how many got through. Only the antiviruses that blocked most threats made it onto this list. Norton was particularly good in this area.
• I considered pricing. I looked up how much each antivirus costs, noting international price variations. Then, I compared the price with other similar antiviruses to see whether it was reasonable. Naturally, I also considered extra features that might justify a higher price. I only included reasonably priced iOS antiviruses on this list.
• I analyzed each antivirus app for user-friendliness. I ensured that core features and extras were easy to set up, tinker with, and use. I’m pleased to report that every tool on this list is easy to use, even for new users.
• I looked for advanced scam protection and real-world performance. With QR phishing, smishing, and stalkerware rising, I prioritized apps that could filter malicious calendar invites, scam SMS links, and insecure QR codes. I also tested for battery drain and app behavior monitoring — lightweight antiviruses like TotalAV and Bitdefender stood out for their efficiency and ability to detect misconfigured or privacy-invasive apps.
• I considered the customer support options. Each antivirus program listed provides multiple contact methods to ensure you can easily reach a support agent if you have questions about the application.

Do iOS Devices Need an Antivirus?

The short answer is yes, but not for the reasons you might expect. iPhones and iPads don’t get viruses like a computer or Android device does. The iOS operating system is built in a way that doesn’t allow traditional malware to spread throughout the system. But that doesn’t mean iOS users are safe. Most modern threats come from scams that trick you into giving up access. Antivirus apps for iOS are designed to stop these real-world dangers, including:

• Scam SMS and iMessage, and WhatsApp messages. These sometimes appear in your inbox and can trick you into revealing personal information or tapping on malicious links . In 2025, smishing attacks are often disguised as delivery updates, tax notices, or fake Apple ID alerts, with AI enhancing their personalization and realism.
• Email phishing attacks. Fraudulent emails that appear legitimate and attempt to steal sensitive information. Often, they’re from scammers posing as businesses you’ve dealt with in the past, so always look closely at who is sending the email you receive.
• Malicious iOS calendar invites. Unsolicited calendar invites containing links to harmful websites. Usually, these come from an account added to your iPhone’s settings that you need to delete.
• Phishing websites. Unlike email phishing attacks, these are entire sites designed to deceive you into providing personal data. They’re where you’ll likely end up after tapping on a link in a phishing email, links in scam texts, or QR codes.
• Zero-day attacks. Exploits targeting unknown vulnerabilities in iOS. This is a huge reason why having outdated software on your iPhone is risky. Developers often release updates to patch zero-day threats, such as CVE-2025-43300, which allowed memory corruption via malicious images in targeted attacks.
• Device theft. Physical loss or theft of your device can lead to data breaches. Some antivirus programs provide anti-theft features to help you track down or lock a stolen device.
• And more…

Apple frequently releases updates to patch vulnerabilities in iOS devices. Despite these prompt updates, installing third-party antivirus protection is a wise move, as it can complement Apple’s built-in defenses.

How Apple Protects iOS Devices

While I believe Apple’s built-in security isn’t enough to fully protect your iPhone, Apple does take security seriously. Here are some key measures they use:

• Device Access Protection. Apple lets you unlock your iPhone with a passcode, fingerprint, or face ID. It also offers “Find My iPhone” to locate, lock, or erase your device if it’s lost. You can even track other people’s iPhones with their consent. However, unlike third-party antiviruses, it doesn’t offer remote alerts if SIMs are swapped or vaults to hide sensitive files locally.
• Password Management. iCloud Keychain stores and manages your passwords, generates strong ones, and supports two-factor authentication. Apple’s Passwords app builds on this by making password handling even easier with a dedicated interface for secure storage, autofill, and credential management across devices. That said, third-party password managers like those bundled with Norton or Bitdefender offer broader cross-platform compatibility, better breach alerts, and secure sharing features.
• Email and Web Protection. Mail Privacy Protection hides your IP from senders, and “Hide My Email” generates random addresses. However, Apple’s built-in filters in Mail and Safari can’t reliably catch phishing scams, fake QR codes, or dangerous links sent via SMS. This is where apps like TotalAV help, offering real-time scam detection and link filtering across email, browsers, messages, and calendar invites.
• VPN. Apple offers iCloud Private Relay, which functions like a basic VPN, but it only works in Safari and doesn’t let you choose your location. Top antivirus apps like Norton and Bitdefender include full-featured VPNs that work across all apps, support streaming and torrenting, and include key tools like a kill switch and Wi-Fi auto-connect.
• Software Security. Apple must approve iOS apps; all software is code-signed to prevent malicious code. All apps on the App Store undergo a rigorous review process to ensure they meet Apple’s security and privacy guidelines. That said, threats like GoldPickaxe have shown that bad actors can still slip through. Bitdefender and Norton include app misconfiguration checks and real-time behavior monitoring to flag shady apps that Apple may have missed.
• Operating System Protection. iOS uses strong encryption for data, including hardware-based encryption for data stored on the device and secure transmission protocols for data sent over the internet, and isolates apps through sandboxing, limiting damage from compromised apps. But sandboxing doesn’t block zero-click spyware or phishing payloads — both of which are now common. Antivirus apps help by detecting the symptoms and alerting users early.
• Security Updates. Apple regularly releases security updates for all devices at once. Additionally, iOS devices can automatically install security updates, ensuring that users are protected without requiring manual intervention. Some antiviruses, like TotalAV, can help you keep up with security updates, too, as they issue notifications about any pending iOS patches.
• User Privacy. iOS gives users control over app permissions, requires apps to request tracking consent for cross-app and website activity (like ad tracking), and includes privacy labels on apps, helping users make informed choices. However, it doesn’t flag shady apps that request excessive access or fail to encrypt user data. Apps like Bitdefender can detect these misconfigurations and help you fix them.

How to Install an Antivirus on iOS

• Pick your antivirus and purchase a subscription using our links above.When you use our links, you’ll get a better money-back guarantee (like Norton’s 60-day money-back guarantee). Apple App Store purchases will be subject to Apple’s refund process.
• Open the App Store on your iOS device, find the icon on your home screen, and tap it. Search for your chosen antivirus (I recommend Norton, as it offers the best iOS features, but TotalAV and McAfee are good choices, too). Tap the cloud icon or Get to download it. You might need Face ID, a password, or a quick double-tap on the side button to confirm; listen for the chime!
• Activate Your Subscription. Launch the app, then tap Redeem or Sign In (wording varies, Norton uses “Sign In,” TotalAV has “Redeem Code”). Enter the activation code from your email to unlock your pre-purchased plan. Follow the prompts to finish setup, and you’re protected.
• Start using your antivirus. That’s it! You’re now ready to start using your antivirus. Explore some of the available features and enable any permissions needed for them to run correctly. Most antiviruses, including Norton, will instruct you on how to enable the proper permissions when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Overview of My Top Recommendations:

Our Rank

Provider

Our Score

Best Deal

1

9.8

save 58%

Visit Website

2

9.7

save 80%

Visit Website

3

9.4

save 66%

Visit Website

4

9.6

save 50%

Visit Website

5

9.0

save 58%

Visit Website