ZoneAlarm Antivirus Review 2025: Is Your Digital Life Fortified?

ZoneAlarm Antivirus leaves much to be desired, delivering sluggish scan speeds and only middling third-party test scores. With its most recent evaluations from AV-TEST and SE Labs dating back five years, we're not confident about how well ZoneAlarm's malware detection and protection. 

ZoneAlarm does include some unique features to block keylogging and filter inappropriate content. It's affordable because its features are almost exclusively focused on antivirus, so it's not the best option for a security suite. 

We did a deep-dive review to see if ZoneAlarm can stand with the best antivirus software on the market. 

At a glance

Price	$35.95–$44.95/first yr
# of devices protected	1 - 5
Malware scans	Manual and scheduled
Real-time protection	Yes
EICAR results	2/3
Firewall	Yes
Phishing protection	Yes
Compatibility	Free, Pro: Windows Premium: Windows, Android, iOS
Extras	Anti-keylogger, content filtering
24/7 customer support	Yes
Learn more	Get ZoneAlarm

We last tested ZoneAlarm Antivirus On April 24, 2025.

Our experience

Our experience with ZoneAlarm was okay, but it wasn't without hiccups. Luckily, the antivirus didn't crash our computer during install this time around. 

The main dashboard is nice, with a clear button to press to get a scan started. There are also clearly labeled sections so you can easily explore all its features.

Clicking the "Scan" button will immediately start its quick scan. This quick scan took about six minutes and scanned over 94,000 files. The best antivirus we've tested typically takes one minute or less with a quick scan, so we wouldn't call ZoneAlarm fast. 

We also would've liked to see a better ending screen with a summary of the scan results. Even a checkmark saying "Scan complete! Your system is clean" or something similar would've felt better than the bland end screen you get.

The full scan wasn't much better, though we're glad the scan didn't glitch or kill our computer during this round of testing. However, it still took over an hour to scan over 400,000 files.

ZoneAlarm did detect and block us from downloading the malware test files, at least. But with a lack of recent third-party test results and our lackluster experiences, we're not confident in how well this antivirus works.  

Who is ZoneAlarm best for?

• Recommended for individuals who want an affordable firewall for their PC.

ZoneAlarm is best suited to individuals seeking a comprehensive and cost-effective security solution. It’s a superb choice for those who want more than just antivirus protection. It comes with a variety of additional features like phishing protection and a robust firewall.

ZoneAlarm offers flexible pricing based on your specific needs and the number of covered devices. This makes it attractive for a wider number of people.

ZoneAlarm cost

ZoneAlarm offers three tiers: a free version, a pro version at $35.95/first yr, and a premium version at $44.95/first yr.

This pricing is reasonable compared to other antivirus programs, especially considering the number of devices you can protect with the Pro and Extreme Security NextGen plans. However, unlike some other options, ZoneAlarm does not offer VPN services or parental controls, which may detract from value, depending on your needs. 

	ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus	ZoneAlarm Pro Antivirus + Firewall	ZoneAlarm Extreme Security NextGen
Price	Free	$35.95/first yr	$44.95/first yr
# devices supported	1	5	5
Compatible with	Windows	Windows	Windows, Android, iOS
Manual and auto scan
Firewall
Phishing protection
Real-time protection
Ransomware protection
Content filtering
Anti-keylogger
Learn more	View plan	View plan	View plan

ZoneAlarm features

ZoneAlarm offers some decent features, like its robust firewall. While it checks off many essential boxes, ZoneAlarm falls short if you're seeking frills with your antivirus program. 

Learn more about the features ZoneAlarm does offer below. 

Malware and antivirus scan

ZoneAlarm offers a couple of scanning options, ranging from manual to scheduled scans, so you can decide when and how to review your device. 

Once we started a scan, ZoneAlarm had a pop-up showing its progress as a percentage along with the number of files that have been scanned so far. We just wish it was more clear when the scan is done. The pop-up goes to 100% but never shows a scan complete message. 

The moment ZoneAlarm identifies a suspicious or potentially harmful file, the software autonomously relocates it to a secure quarantine zone. This ensures not just the safety of your device but also delivers a truly seamless and worry-free user experience.

Phishing protection

ZoneAlarm Web Secure, its anti-phishing extension, was automatically added to our Chrome browser after we downloaded the desktop app. Along with anti-phishing, Web Secure blocks unsafe sites, scans your downloaded files, and removes threats from email attachments and downloads.

Unfortunately, ZoneAlarm Web Secure failed to prevent a harmful page in our testing, and we couldn't get it to flag anything beyond the malware test files despite numerous attempts.

Firewall

ZoneAlarm includes a firewall. You can view the settings by selecting the Firewall button on the main dashboard. The firewall is automatically enabled when you download the software. 

ZoneAlarm allows you to adjust your firewall settings from high security to no security for your public zone and trusted zone. 

Real-time protection

When it comes to real-time protection, ZoneAlarm has you covered across multiple fronts. This includes web browsing, email filtering, and file downloads. 

ZoneAlarm reviews file signatures against its cloud-based databases. That way, you can remain protected against the latest cyberthreats. 

 

Ransomware protection

ZoneAlarm offers industry-standard ransomware protection that operates discreetly in the background. Although we didn't encounter any specific ransomware attacks, the software's proactive nature assures it is ever-ready to tackle such threats head-on.

Bonus features

While ZoneAlarm may not dazzle with bells and whistles like device optimization or a file shredder, it compensates by delivering a focused, no-nonsense cybersecurity suite at an affordable price.

• Enhanced Threat Emulation: Integrated within the Web Secure browser extension, this feature scrutinizes every download and email attachment in a secure, virtual sandbox in the cloud, providing an added layer of defense against elusive zero-day attacks.
• Advanced Threat Extraction: Also included in the Web Secure extension, Threat Extraction eliminates potential hazards from email attachments and web downloads, offering you a cleaner, safer digital experience.
• Agile real-time security updates: ZoneAlarm stays ever-vigilant against emerging threats by delivering timely security updates, courtesy of its real-time DefenseNet, ensuring your digital realm is always under the watchful eye of updated security protocols.

ZoneAlarm test results

When it comes to antivirus software, the proof is always in the pudding — or, in this case, the tests. We put every antivirus we review through a series of in-house tests, as well as reference trusted third-party test results to get the full picture of its capabilities.

Here's how ZoneAlarm stood up in testing.

Scan speed

• Result: Slow

While a great antivirus can have slow scans, good scan speeds make the software more convenient and less cumbersome for your daily life.

ZoneAlarm came in with very middling results, taking over six minutes to complete a quick scan. The fastest antiviruses we've tested can complete a quick scan in as little as 30 seconds.

Scan type	Time spent
Quick scan	6 minutes, 6 seconds
Full scan	1 hr, 15 minutes, 39 seconds

Our full scan was significantly longer, taking one hour and 15 minutes to scan over 401,000 files. We expect full scans to fall into the 10 to 20 minute range, so this result was incredibly disappointing. 

EICAR test results

• Result: 2/3

EICAR stands for the European Institute for Computer Antivirus Research. It provides users with downloadable standardized test files, allowing them to evaluate how well antivirus software works.

Test	ZoneAlarm score
Malware detection	Pass
Drive-by malware downloads	Pass
Phishing pages detection	Fail

Test results as of 07/30/2025.

ZoneAlarm had a mixed performance in our EICAR tests. It excelled at detecting malware, successfully blocking both "malicious" downloads before they could fully reach our computer.

Unfortunately, ZoneAlarm and its browser extension wasn't able to detect the fake phishing website.

AV-TEST results

• Result: 16.5/18

To supplement our testing, we also examined third-party evaluations, specifically from AV-TEST, a highly respected antivirus testing organization. The following data pertains to the ZoneAlarm consumer version tests, not business or enterprise versions.

Test type	Windows score	macOS score	Android score
Protection	6/6	N/A	N/A
Performance	4.5/6	N/A	N/A
Usability	6/6	N/A	N/A
Total	16.5/18	N/A	N/A
Date	December 2019	N/A	N/A
Link to test	Link	N/A	N/A

ZoneAlarm scored well in protection and usability but lagged a bit in performance. There were no false positives noted in the third-party testing.

It's worth mentioning that these scores are dated, given that the last test was in 2019. We wish ZoneAlarm would undergo testing on an annual basis, as it's hard to trust results from several years ago now. 

SE Labs results

• Result: 97%

SE Labs is another trusted third-party antivirus tester, publishing quarterly security reports for consumers and enterprises.

The last time ZoneAlarm was tested by SE Labs was in the fourth quarter of 2020, which gave it middling results. It had a perfect 100% legitimate accuracy rating, but this was brought down by the 90% protection accuracy rating. 

Test type	Home Anti-Malware Protection
Protection accuracy rating	90%
Legitimate accuracy rating	100%
Total accuracy rating	97%
Date	2020 Q2
Link	Link

ZoneAlarm compatibility

ZoneAlarm primarily focuses on Windows platforms, supporting Windows 11, 10, and 7. However, Mac users will have to look elsewhere, as ZoneAlarm does not offer macOS compatibility.

For those looking for mobile protection, the company offers a specialized solution — ZoneAlarm Extreme Security NextGen — that extends its security features to Android and iOS phones.

There is also a Web Secure extension available for added web security.

ZoneAlarm customer support

ZoneAlarm has a fairly straightforward approach to customer service. The brand offers online tutorials and guides, which are well-written and easy to follow. If you need more personalized assistance, you can reach out to their customer service via live chat, email, or a web form.

While some antivirus services require a premium subscription for enhanced customer support, ZoneAlarm doesn't appear to have such limitations; all users seem to have equal access to support options. Based on our experience, the customer service team was efficient, providing helpful and easy-to-understand answers in a timely manner.

Unfortunately, we could not find any phone support. This may be a drawback for users who prefer to speak with another person directly. 

Top alternatives

If you find that ZoneAlarm doesn't quite meet your needs, there are several other antivirus solutions on the market that offer a variety of features and price points. Here are a few alternatives worth considering:

ZoneAlarm FAQs

Bottom line: Is ZoneAlarm good?

ZoneAlarm provides a good array of antivirus features, such as real-time protection and a two-way firewall, but its lackluster performance left us disappointed. It failed our phishing test, and both scans were incredibly slow. 

Given the results, ZoneAlarm would best serve users who place high value on customizable firewall settings and a straightforward user interface and are willing to supplement it with other security measures for a comprehensive protective suite.

For individuals or businesses that prioritize ironclad malware and phishing protection, exploring the best antivirus software that excels in these areas might be advisable.