Keeping your computer secure is essential in 2025, whether you use a Windows PC or a Mac. Below, we highlight five popular antivirus solutions for Windows PCs and five for Macs, featuring a mix of free and paid options. For each, we provide a brief overview, key strengths (like detection rates and extra features), weaknesses (such as system impact or missing features), and notable independent lab ratings from sources like AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives.
Best Antivirus Software for Windows PCs (2025)
1. Microsoft Defender (Windows Security)
Overview: Microsoft Defender Antivirus is the built-in security solution that comes with Windows 10 and 11, offering real-time, always-on protection against malware. It integrates seamlessly with the Windows Security suite, including a firewall and SmartScreen, and updates automatically via Windows Update. Being free and pre-installed, it serves as a convenient baseline defense.
Strengths:
- Built-In & Free: Pre-installed with Windows, it requires no additional download or subscription and is enabled by default with automatic updates.
- Decent Protection: It provides solid malware detection that has improved significantly over time, often catching 100% of widespread malware in recent tests and earning high marks in protection assessments.
- Seamless Integration: Scans run in the background with minimal user intervention, working alongside features like SmartScreen for web protection.
Weaknesses:
- Performance Impact: During full scans or updates, it can have a heavier system impact compared to some third-party options, occasionally slowing older PCs more than leaner alternatives.
- Lacks Extra Features: Focused on core antivirus functionality, it misses out on extras like VPNs, password managers, or file shredders that paid suites offer, with its firewall and parental controls being more basic.
- Occasional False Positives: It may flag safe files incorrectly more often than top competitors, though its accuracy remains generally good.
Lab Ratings: Microsoft Defender consistently earns perfect protection scores in late 2024 tests, meeting high standards as an approved security product, though it doesn’t always secure the top awards compared to premium alternatives.
Overview: Bitdefender is a highly regarded security provider known for its robust malware defense and rich feature set. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is its entry-level paid antivirus for Windows, while its Total Security plan extends coverage to multiple devices, including Macs and mobiles. Its engine regularly tops independent lab rankings for detection and efficiency.
Strengths:
- Excellent Detection Rates: It frequently achieves 100% malware detection, reliably stopping viruses, ransomware, and zero-day attacks with top scores in protection, performance, and usability.
- Low System Impact: Optimized to run quietly in the background, it delivers strong protection without slowing your PC, even during full scans.
- Feature-Rich: Beyond antivirus, it offers multi-layer ransomware defense, a secure browser for banking, a password manager, a file shredder, anti-phishing tools, and a limited VPN, all within a modern, customizable interface.
Weaknesses:
- VPN Limits in Base Version: The included VPN has a daily traffic cap, requiring an upgrade for unlimited use.
- Device/OS Restrictions on Some Plans: The cheapest plans are Windows-only and single-device, with Mac and multi-device support requiring higher tiers that may offer fewer features on non-Windows platforms.
- Cost After First Year: Promotional first-year pricing is attractive, but renewal rates are notably higher.
Lab Ratings: Bitdefender excels with maximum scores across protection and performance categories, earning top-tier awards for its balanced excellence in malware defense and speed.
Overview: Norton 360, from NortonLifeLock, is a well-known paid antivirus suite combining malware protection with a two-way firewall, cloud backup, a password manager, and an unlimited VPN. A veteran in the security field, it remains popular for its reliability and broad feature set across Windows, Mac, and mobile devices.
Strengths:
- Comprehensive Security Suite: It bundles antivirus with a smart firewall, 50 GB cloud backup, identity theft tools, parental controls, and an unlimited VPN, making it an all-in-one solution for security and privacy.
- High Malware Detection: Norton consistently blocks 100% of widespread malware with minimal false positives, performing well in both lab and real-world tests.
- Multi-Platform Coverage: A single license covers up to five devices across multiple operating systems, with a modern interface and 24/7 support enhancing usability.
Weaknesses:
- Performance and Consistency: While generally light, it can feel heavy on older hardware during background tasks, and its lab results are solid but not always top-tier in zero-day scenarios.
- Extra Features on Mac are Limited: Mac users miss out on features like cloud backup, and some tools are Windows-exclusive.
- Renewal Price & Past Bloatware: Competitive initial pricing gives way to higher renewals, and past optional add-ons like crypto-mining have drawn criticism, requiring careful installation to avoid extras.
Lab Ratings: Norton earns top marks for protection and usability, achieving 100% detection in late 2024 tests, though it ranks slightly below the very best in some advanced assessments.
Overview: McAfee Total Protection is a full-featured security suite and a household name in antivirus. It offers malware protection, a firewall, a VPN, identity theft tools, a file shredder, and a password manager. In 2025, McAfee has enhanced its performance and detection, making it a strong all-in-one choice.
Strengths:
- All-in-One Feature Set: It includes a secure firewall, VPN, web protection, and identity monitoring, appealing to users seeking a broad security package.
- Multi-Device, Cross-Platform: Subscriptions often cover unlimited devices across Windows, Mac, and mobile, ideal for households.
- Improved Performance: Recent tests show low system impact and high real-world protection, with fast scans and a user-friendly interface that ensures threats are addressed.
Weaknesses:
- Detection Not #1 in All Scenarios: It occasionally trails leaders like Bitdefender in specific tests, particularly if web protection is disabled.
- Pricey After Intro Period: Affordable introductory offers lead to steeper renewal costs, with trials requiring payment info upfront.
- Software Annoyances: Startup lag and frequent notifications can irritate, though they’re minor compared to its overall functionality.
Lab Ratings: McAfee secures top awards for real-world protection and performance, often scoring near-perfect marks and ranking among leading brands in 2024 tests.
Overview: Avast Free Antivirus is a globally popular free solution offering basic malware protection plus extras like a ransomware shield, Wi-Fi scanner, and browser protection. Sharing the same core engine as its paid products, it’s available across Windows, Mac, and mobile platforms.
Strengths:
- Free, Full-Featured Protection: It delivers robust security with real-time scanning, ransomware protection, and web/email shields, rare for a free product.
- High Malware Detection Scores: Matching paid suites, it blocks 100% of malware in tests, excelling against viruses, trojans, and zero-day threats.
- Lightweight and Low Impact: Recent versions run smoothly, minimizing interference even during scans, with quick operation and an intuitive interface.
Weaknesses:
- Privacy History: A past data-collection scandal has left some users cautious, though privacy practices have since been updated.
- Frequent Ads/Upsells: Pop-ups pushing paid upgrades can annoy, and some features like VPN are locked behind paywalls.
- Reduced Features vs. Paid Version: Lacking a firewall or advanced privacy tools, it may require full scans for thorough cleaning.
Lab Ratings: Avast ranks among the best, earning top awards in 2024 for real-world protection and performance, making it an exceptional free choice.
Best Antivirus Software for Mac (2025)
Security matters for macOS users too. While Macs have built-in protections like Xprotect and Gatekeeper, additional antivirus software enhances threat detection. Below are five popular Mac antivirus programs, including free and paid options, some tailored for macOS and others from cross-platform suites.
Overview: Intego specializes in Mac security, with its Internet Security X9 package combining VirusBarrier antivirus and NetBarrier firewall. Designed exclusively for macOS, it’s a long-standing favorite for its tailored approach.
Strengths:
- Built for Mac: Engineered natively for macOS, it efficiently catches Mac-specific threats and integrates a two-way firewall tuned for Apple’s system.
- Excellent Malware Protection: It detects nearly 100% of Mac malware and Windows threats, preventing cross-platform spread.
- Lightweight Performance: Optimized for minimal impact, it runs fast and unobtrusively on Macs.
Weaknesses:
- Mac-Only (No Multi-OS): It doesn’t support Windows or Android, requiring separate solutions for other devices.
- Limited Lab Test Participation: Less frequently tested by labs, though available results are strong.
- Few Extra Features in Base Product: Focused on malware and network protection, it lacks VPNs or password managers in the standard package.
Lab Ratings: Intego scores near-perfectly in Mac-specific tests, earning high marks for malware blockage and efficiency, making it a top choice for Mac users.
Overview: Bitdefender brings its powerful engine to macOS with a dedicated Antivirus for Mac, featuring a Mac-friendly interface, anti-phishing tools, and a limited VPN. Available standalone or in multi-device plans, it’s a paid solution with a basic free scanner option.
Strengths:
- Strong Protection: It consistently blocks 100% of Mac malware and catches Windows threats too, with few misses.
- Minimal System Impact: Lightweight and optimized for Apple chips, it runs smoothly during scans and regular use.
- Web Protection: Anti-phishing and anti-tracker extensions bolster browser safety, alongside a file vault for ransomware defense.
Weaknesses:
- No Password Manager or Comprehensive VPN: The VPN is capped, and extras like password management require additional purchases.
- Occasional Misses in Adware/PUA: It may miss some adware, and web protection can be inconsistent across browsers.
- Fewer Features Than Windows Version: Lacking tools like file shredders, it’s more basic than its Windows counterpart.
Lab Ratings: Bitdefender earns perfect scores for Mac malware detection and high marks for performance, placing it among the top Mac antivirus options.
Overview: Norton 360 Deluxe includes a Mac version, offering antivirus, a firewall, and extras like a VPN and password manager within its paid multi-device suite. It’s a comprehensive security package for Mac users.
Strengths:
- All-in-One Protection: It combines malware defense with a VPN, password manager, and web monitoring, integrating well with macOS.
- High Malware Detection: Near-perfect detection rates ensure strong protection against Mac and Windows threats.
- Firewall and Web Protection: A customizable firewall and browser extensions enhance network and online safety.
Weaknesses:
- Features Not Parity with Windows: Cloud backup and some utilities are Windows-only, limiting Mac functionality.
- Occasional Misses/Bugs: Rare misses of specific threats and minor interface glitches suggest room for refinement.
- System Impact When Idle: Background processes may briefly spike CPU usage, though overall impact is low.
Lab Ratings: Norton scores highly in Mac tests, with near-100% detection and strong performance, making it a reliable cross-platform choice.
Overview: Avast Security for Mac is a free antivirus providing real-time and on-demand scanning, plus web, email, and Wi-Fi protection. A paid upgrade adds ransomware defense, but the free version excels for basic needs.
Strengths:
- Free and Easy to Use: Simple to install and navigate, it offers robust protection at no cost with automatic updates.
- Good Malware Detection: It blocks 100% of Mac malware and most unwanted programs, matching premium solutions.
- Minimal Performance Hit: Efficiently runs in the background with little slowdown, except during full scans.
Weaknesses:
- Slow Full Scans: Deep scans can take time, especially initially.
- Upsell Notifications: Ads for premium features may disrupt the experience.
- Ransomware Shield Not in Free Tier: Advanced file protection requires upgrading.
Lab Ratings: Avast achieves perfect malware detection and high performance scores, making it a standout free option for Macs.
Overview: McAfee Total Protection extends its paid suite to macOS, offering antivirus, a firewall, and extras like a VPN and identity monitoring. It’s ideal for users securing multiple devices under one plan.
Strengths:
- One Subscription for All Devices: Covers Macs alongside PCs and mobiles with no extra cost in multi-device plans.
- Good Protection and Customization: Real-time scanning and adjustable settings provide solid defense.
- Low System Impact: Runs quietly with minimal slowdown after initial launch.
Weaknesses:
- Requires Account & Payment Info: No free trial without billing details, unlike some competitors.
- Fewer Features on Mac App: Lacks tools like file shredders compared to Windows.
- Interface Quirks: Slightly clunky design may feel less Mac-native.
Lab Ratings: McAfee delivers strong protection and performance, leveraging its top-rated engine to rank among the best for Mac in 2025.
