The Best Anti-Malware Software 2025

When we tested the top anti-malware software, we discovered that McAfee Total Protection is good for compatibility with various operating systems and devices, offering features that work on Windows, macOS, and iOS. Bitdefender Total Security is best for Windows users, while Norton 360 is another great option for the unique features it offers.

It is estimated that millions of computers within the United States have been infected with malware or viruses, which potentially gives hackers a gateway to using your personal data.[1] Anti-malware software can prevent and remedy malicious viruses and other malware threats.

We've researched the best malware removal services and have included our top three picks in this article for you.

The best anti-malware software for 2025

McAfee Total Protection: Best overall

What we liked

In-depth scanning features: We loved that the full scan of our system on over 400,000 files took less than 10 minutes, and we noticed that McAfee gave us the option to specify which files we wanted to be scanned if we needed to save time. The Total Virus Protection package ran phishing security, firewall protection, and real-time scanning protection in the background for us, which were safeguards we didn’t have to initiate or monitor. 

Browsing protection: In addition to these basic features, we appreciated the WebAdvisor feature, which blocks ransomware attacks and protects against harmful websites.

Performance: Moreover, we had no issues with our device slowing down during the scanning process, which is common with both paid and free malware removal software. Having the green checkmark light up on our main dashboard made us feel secure that the software was on and working while we were connected to the internet.

What we didn’t like

Hefty renewal price hike: The renewal price for McAfee Total Virus Protection seems to be twice as high as the original cost to get started with the platform. We noticed that multiple customers had commented on this issue on the McAfee website, with customers hoping that they could stay in the same cost bracket as first-year users.

Annoying pop-ups: Additionally, there are pop-ups from McAfee for both legitimate notifications and informative updates, but we found some of them to be annoying versus helpful.

Test results

Star rating summary

Bitdefender: Best for Windows

What we liked

In-depth scanning: Although our full scan took a bit longer to complete, we liked that we had the option to do a quick scan instead or choose files we could scan. We thought it was impressive that they insisted on doing a full scan right after setup to establish a safe environment for the software moving forward.

Rescue Mode: Bitdefender offers a “rescue environment” for Windows that will permit you to reboot your device in “rescue mode.” This mode allows the software to locate and neutralize any threats that could be hiding among legitimate-looking files.

Robust cybersecurity suite: Along with protection against phishing and ransomware, a firewall, and real-time scanning protection, Bitdefender also incorporates a Network Attack Defense module, which can detect network attacks like bots and trojans by analyzing incoming and outgoing network traffic.

Bonus features also include:

• Parental controls: This monitors your children’s safety remotely from Bitdefender Central Hub.
• File Shredder: This permanently deletes files.
• Vulnerability assessment: An additional scan to look for PC vulnerabilities.
• Premium VPN: Bitdefender VPN grants you online anonymity by encrypting all incoming and outgoing traffic on your device.

We also liked that Bitdefender’s headquarters are in Romania, as neither the malware nor Bitdefender VPN components are subject to the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, or Fourteen Eyes Alliances. These alliances allow certain countries to collect and exchange their citizens’ data as a component of their national security.

What we didn’t like

Limited features for Apple devices: There were multiple features advertised as part of a full package, but some of these features were not accessible to Apple users on iOS or macOS. Different operating systems have no price differentiation, so you're getting less functionality but paying the same price as a Windows user.

Clunky customization: Customizing your settings can be a bit confusing as a new user because you may have to go back and forth between the Bitdefender Central Hub and the antivirus application that is always running in the background.

Test results

Star rating summary

Norton 360 Antivirus: Best for unique features

Who it’s best for

What we liked

Cutting-edge software: We felt safe utilizing Norton’s virus protection, knowing that it is using emerging technology like machine learning to learn, remember, and scan which malware needed to be removed from our device. With machine learning, Norton’s artificial intelligence (AI) will keep learning about new threats over time. As viruses change and multiply, Norton’s technology will keep running in the background of your device and monitor threats.

Norton also uses AI to classify its interactions with internet applications based on their behavior, blocking applications that act suspiciously automatically for you. We also appreciated Norton's quick scanning of over 600,000 of our files within 10 minutes during our testing.

Robust cybersecurity suite: Norton comes with phishing protection and a smart firewall that prevents online threats before they reach your PC. Norton’s other unique features include:

• SafeCam: You will be alerted if someone attempts to access your webcam.
• Parental controls: This feature allows you to review your child’s online activities, including searches and video history.
• Password manager: This service manages your unique passwords in one safe location.
• VPN: Norton Secure VPN that encrypts your personal data on the internet.
• Dark web monitoring: You can receive a notice if your information is found on the dark web.
• Cloud Backup: This allows you to create a backup for only the files you choose in the cloud.
• LifeLock: This program will monitor the web for your personal information and assign a specialist to you to resolve any identity theft problems. Up to $1 million in coverage is available to assist you in restoring your identity.

What we didn’t like

No visibility into scanned files: After our Norton 360 download and initial scan were completed, our screen showed a prompt that the scan was finished as well as the number of files involved in the scan. There wasn’t a way to review the files in detail, however, because the prompt disappeared.

Doesn't work as well on macOS: Additionally, the macOS version had lighter features compared to the Windows version. For example, it was missing the proactive exploit protection feature.

Test results

Star rating summary

How we tested the best malware removal software

Before we selected our top six recommendations and narrowed that down to our top three best malware removal software, we reviewed the most recent performance results from AV-TEST. If a malware removal software received a top score of 6 out of 6, an outstanding score for malware removal and CPU functionality, we then took an in-depth look at the features of each platform.

Some of the most important features we looked for were:

• Scanning: Ideally, your software should have manual and automatic scanning features, as it is human nature to forget to consistently run scans.
• Malware detection: Per the AV-TEST, online reviews, and our own experience, how well did the software do at detecting and remedying viruses?
• CPU performance: If our device dramatically slowed down during testing, we know that it may not be the best antivirus protection software.
• Features and pricing: We want the most for our money and know you do as well. If the website stated it had a certain feature, we tried to test it on multiple operating systems to ensure it worked. If you can't use all the features promised on the website, it's likely not worth the cost.

Bottom line: The best anti-malware programs

Overall, McAfee offers better compatibility with multiple operating systems, including iOS and macOS. If you're using a standard Windows program, then Bitdefender and Norton 360 are great security options with many features. 

You really have to think about your operating system and device before purchasing a malware removal program, as not every feature listed on a vendor’s website is available to various operating systems.

Antivirus	Best Overall
Best for	Overall	Windows	Unique features
Star rating	4.9 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	5.0 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	5.0 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Price overview	$29.99–$249.99/yr	$24.99–$64.99/first yr	$29.99–$299.88/first yr
Max number of protected devices	Unlimited	25	Unlimited
EICAR test results	3/3	3/3	3/3
Malware scans	Manual and scheduled	Manual	Manual and scheduled
Real-time protection
Firewall
Phishing protection
Ransomware protection
24/7 customer support
Extras	Anti-fraud protection, VPN, and other bonus features	Parental controls, performance optimization, VPN, and more	SafeCam, parental controls, password manager, VPN, identity theft protection, and more
Compatibility	Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, ChromeOS	Windows Internet Security: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Learn more	See McAfee Pricing	See Bitdefender Pricing	See Norton 360 Pricing

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