Cyber threats are constantly evolving. While most devices come with built-in antivirus software, these programs may not offer comprehensive protection. A dedicated antivirus program detects threats like phishing, ransomware, trojans, and worms. The service will also alert you when you visit suspicious websites, try to download or execute potentially malicious software, or if malware otherwise finds its way to your system. You can also perform regular scans to remove threats from your system with minimal effort.
The best antivirus on the market starts around $30 per year for a single consumer device with companies like Surfshark and Norton, while ESET's small business plans cost $200 or more.
What is the best antivirus right now?
My overall pick for the best antivirus is Bitdefender Total Security. This software protects your personal data such as passwords and financial details. It will handle even advanced security threats and stop them from wreaking havoc on your system, all for $60 per year.
I also recommend Norton's affordable solution for users who need a highly-scoring antivirus solution for a single device at $30 per year. ESET Protect is my pick for business customers, but this is expensive at a minimum of $211 per year.
Also: The best free antivirus software in 2025
ZDNET's security experts conduct hands-on testing to determine which software effectively detects and handles viruses and other malware without dragging down your central processing unit (CPU) or system performance. We also consider feedback from other security professionals, third-party reviewers, and customer experiences such as Trustpilot reviews, to select the best antivirus software for mitigating cyber threats.
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Best antivirus software and apps of 2025
Show less View now at Amazon Norton Antivirus Plus protects one device -- whether your PC, Mac, tablet, or phone -- in real time from threats like malware, spyware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. Why we like it: Antivirus Plus is Norton's basic antivirus solution. It includes threat protection and monitoring, threat scanning, a firewall, 2GB of cloud backup storage, and a free password manager. While AV-Test evaluations focus on Norton's premium product, Norton 360, it does earn perfect scores across the board. Who it's for: Norton Antivirus Plus is very affordable, especially if you only need to protect one device. Customers praise Norton for its reliable protection, strong security scores, and solid support, noting that the product provides a lot of value. An annual subscription costs just $30 for the first year, or you can pay $40 per year to cover five devices. Who should look elsewhere: If you want more advanced support for additional devices, including dark web monitoring, a VPN, or parental controls, you should opt for one of Norton's more robust plans: Norton 360 Standard, Norton 360 Deluxe, or Norton 360 with LifeLock Select Plus. These plans range from $40 to $100 per year. While Norton Antivirus Plus is a low-cost option upfront, some customers are less than impressed with the price increases after promotional periods. Also: Best free software uninstallers Norton Antivirus Plus features: Real-time threat protection | Firewall | Vulnerability scanning | Password manager | Cloud backup | VPN | PC and mobile compatibility | Virus protection guarantee | 60-day money-back guarantee | Trustpilot: 4.6 Pros Real-time protection
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