Best Adware Removal Tools 2025

While several top adware removal tools exist in 2025, we chose Norton Antivirus as our best pick. It provides comprehensive protection against all types of malware threats and computer viruses, including those targeting Windows PCs, Macs, iPhones, and Android devices. 

Bitdefender is another powerful antivirus solution with excellent adware removal capabilities. It has an intuitive user interface that allows you to configure settings for your scanning needs easily. Avira's extra features and powerful add-ons ensure a safe browsing experience and can stop adware before you even download it.

Keep reading to see which tool works best for you.

The best adware removal tools 2025

With malicious programs becoming more prevalent and sophisticated, it’s essential that you have access to the best tools available to protect your devices from unwanted intrusions. Adware is an array of digital clutter like pop-ups, banner ads, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), and more that blast you with tracking ads. Unsuspecting internet users typically download adware when installing free software or advertising-supported software that's bundled with the program you actually want. You can also get adware through free plug-ins, free trials, and free apps.

The bad news is that adware can do more than just collect and share your data. Sometimes, adware is an avenue for other malicious software — like spyware, ransomware, viruses, and more — to get on your devices. 

Here are some of the most effective adware removal solutions currently on the market:

• Norton Antivirus: Best for 100% adware removal
• Bitdefender: Best for PC and Android
• Avira Antivirus: Best for browser protection

Top 3 adware removal tools compared

Adware removal tool	Best Overall
Starting price	Starts at $29.99/first yr	Free or $29.99/first yr	Free or $26.99/first yr
Firewall
Phishing protection
Ransomware protection
Extras	Webcam protection, network protection, parental controls, dark web monitoring, password manager, VPN	File shredder, vulnerability assessment, webcam and microphone protection, parental controls, network protection	Password manager, VPN, system speedup tool, safe shopping browser extension
Learn more	Get Norton Antivirus Read Our Norton Review	Get Bitdefender Read Our Bitdefender Review	Get Avira Antivirus Read Our Avira Review

Norton Antivirus: Best for 100% removal of adware

Who it’s best for

Norton Antivirus is ideal for those who want the full suite of cybersecurity features. The powerful antivirus program offers robust protection against malware and viruses and added benefits such as identity theft protection, a secure VPN, parental controls, and more. In addition, Norton’s highly-rated tech support team can be relied on to help if you have any issues or questions.

Norton Antivirus fits the bill perfectly for those looking for comprehensive security on multiple devices at an affordable price. It offers an unbeatable combination of features, including real-time protection and automatic scans, which will help keep your device safe from any new threats. 

What we liked

Norton Antivirus is a comprehensive malware removal tool that protects users against all forms of malicious software. Boasting “industry-leading" technology, Norton  Antivirus protects you using a wide range of features that make it an ideal choice for protecting your data and devices from viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other cyber threats.

The suite includes its Secure VPN feature, which encrypts your browsing sessions and hides your IP address. This ensures that you have complete privacy as you surf the web or engage in any online activity. Additionally, Norton Antivirus comes with parental control options, which enable parents to monitor their children's online activities if desired.

If you use Windows, Norton Antivirus offers a comprehensive set of features, including the free Power Eraser tool, which removes malware from your device. It also includes phishing protection that is designed to protect you from identity theft or other malicious activities.

What we didn’t like

Limited Mac features: The Power Eraser tool is a malware removal tool included in Norton’s software; however, it’s only compatible with Windows operating machines. This limits its usefulness to some users who use different operating systems.

Usability: The interface of Norton Antivirus can be overly complex for novice users. The multi-tab navigation may be difficult to understand at first, making it hard to find specific settings or features without help from an expert user. 

No free plan: Norton doesn’t offer free antivirus protection — only a free trial, so you’ll have to pay for a subscription to access its services fully. The cost of these subscriptions can vary depending on the package you select.

Norton Antivirus specs

Starting price	$29.99/first yr
Free version	No
Firewall	Yes
Phishing protection	Yes
Ransomware protection	Yes
Webcam protection	Yes
Network protection	Yes
Parental controls	Yes
Extras	Password manager, VPN, dark web monitoring, identity theft protection, cloud storage
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Chrome, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox
Learn more	Get Norton Read our Norton Antivirus review

Bitdefender: Best for PC and Android 

Who it’s best for

Bitdefender is ideal for Windows and Android users who are looking for reliable, comprehensive antivirus protection. With its advanced malware detection and removal capabilities, this tool can help safeguard your device from any malicious attacks. Bitdefender Antivirus comes packed with features designed to provide maximum security against the latest threats, including firewall protection, web filtering, system optimization tools, parental control options, anti-spam settings, and more. It also offers a simple interface so you can easily switch between different settings to customize your protection level.

For budget-conscious people, the basic plan offers good value for money. You can take advantage of the basic security features without paying any additional fees. For those looking for more extensive protection, there’s the more expensive package, which comes with extra layers of protection and features such as ransomware protection and a dedicated VPN service.

What we liked

We chose Bitdefender for its comprehensive range of security tools, offering some of the best protection and performance on the market. It offers an antivirus and malware scan that automatically examines running processes to detect and remove any malicious code. It also does full system scans that quickly identify threats before they can cause harm. Rescue Environment for Windows provides a secure environment in which to clean your PC from viruses or other infections without risking further damage to your data.

In addition to virus removal, Bitdefender also ensures maximum safety by providing phishing and social network protection, a firewall against malicious actions, and real-time protection against emerging threats. Its advanced threat prevention technologies detect ransomware attacks in real time and block access to malicious websites.

Finally, these features are powered by Bitdefender Advanced Threat Intelligence, which provides up-to-date threat intelligence and a secure connection to the cloud to keep all of your devices safe.

Overall, with its array of features, Bitdefender provides comprehensive protection against various threats while remaining light on system resources. It has some of the most reliable virus removal capabilities on the market today and is sure to keep your data secure.

What we didn’t like

Limited Mac features: There are a number of features, such as the Advanced Threat Defense settings and Rescue Environment, that are exclusive to Windows users. The privacy firewall feature is also exclusive to Windows products, so it could not be tested either.

Premium features are extra: In addition, you have to pay extra fees for access to premium add-ons like parental controls and multi-device protection subscriptions, unlike many other antivirus software with these features included in the basic package. 

Bitdefender specs

Starting price	Free or $29.99/first yr
Free version	Yes
Firewall	Yes
Phishing protection	Yes
Ransomware protection	Yes
Webcam protection	Yes
Network protection	Yes
Parental controls	Yes
Extras	File shredder, vulnerability assessment, microphone, and webcam protection
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
Learn more	Get Bitdefender Read our Bitdefender review

Avira Antivirus: Best for browser protection

Who it’s best for

Avira Antivirus is one of the best antivirus programs on the market today. With its advanced security technology, it's perfect for those who need additional protection and don't mind paying for it. This Premium Security Suite offers extensive protection against malware, adware, ransomware, viruses, and other cyberthreats, so you can browse the web with confidence. It provides comprehensive real-time protection and scanning capabilities to detect any malicious activity on your device. Plus, Avira offers advanced web protection with its proprietary Safe Shopping feature.

What we liked

Avira Antivirus is one of our top choices for removal of adware due to its advanced features and user-friendly interface. With its proprietary Safe Shopping extension, intuitive registry cleaner, powerful password manager, firewall for Windows systems, and additional features like phishing protection and a VPN, this program provides you with all the tools you need to protect your devices from adware or other threats.

Additionally, it comes with a powerful password manager that helps store your passwords securely and keeps them encrypted. This ensures your passwords are kept safe from adware or other threats. The program also includes a firewall designed specifically for Windows systems to protect against malware and viruses.

Besides its adware removal capabilities, Avira Antivirus has several other notable features, such as phishing protection, real-time updates on virus outbreaks, and more. It also comes with a VPN, allowing users to securely and anonymously browse the web while protecting their data from hackers and malicious actors. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a comprehensive malware removal and protection solution offering multiple security layers.

What we didn’t like

Limited Mac features: Avira has some drawbacks. The biggest one is the lack of a firewall for Mac users. The Windows version of Avira has a powerful firewall, but unfortunately, that’s not an option on Mac systems. There is also no alternative available from Avira, so if you need a firewall solution on your Mac, then this product may not be the best choice.

Cost: The price point of Avira can also make it difficult to justify compared with other products on the market. It does offer a variety of features and protection levels, but it's more expensive than most competitor products.

Avira Antivirus specs

Starting price	Free or $26.99/first yr
Free version	Yes
Firewall	Yes (on Windows)
Phishing protection	Yes
Ransomware protection	Yes
Webcam protection	No
Network protection	Yes
Parental controls	No
Extras	System speedup tool, software updater, VPN
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Learn more	Get Avira Read our Avira Antivirus review

Honorable mentions

The best way to block malicious downloads, pop-ups, and applications is to stop them before they even start. Using real-time antivirus protection with a secure browser extension and a highly rated ad blocker can help protect your devices from all kinds of malware, including adware. We'd recommend TotalAV and Surfshark One because both offer ad blockers that excelled in our independent testing. Surfshark One automatically comes bundled with a Surfshark VPN, which offers advanced privacy and security against hackers and trackers. 

FAQs

Bottom line: The best adware removal tools

We recommend Norton as the best adware removal tool. Norton Antivirus is known for its ability to detect and remove 100% of adware threats with minimal effort. In addition, it offers a wide range of features designed to protect your PC against all types of malware.

Bitdefender is also an excellent choice, offering users additional features such as real-time scanning, firewall protection, and parental control options. Finally, Avira Antivirus is a great premium option that provides comprehensive web protection against adware and other forms of malware

3 best adware removal tools 2025

	Starting price	Best for	Learn more
	$29.99/first yr	Best for 100% adware removal	Get Norton Antivirus Read Norton Antivirus review
	Free or $29.99/first yr	Best for PC and Android	Get Bitdefender Read Bitdefender review
	Free or $26.99/first yr	Best for browser protection	Get Avira Antivirus Read Avira Antivirus review