The best paid antivirus to install today
These suites are well-known, lab-tested options with broad feature sets. Pick based on platform support, price, and which extras you’ll actually use.
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Bitdefender (Premium/Total Security)
Consistently strong lab results, lightweight engine, multi-OS support, password manager options, and a polished dashboard. Generous trials available.
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Norton 360 (Standard/Deluxe/LifeLock)
Comprehensive suite with cloud backup, password manager, parental controls, scam/deepfake protections rolling into mobile apps, and optional identity theft monitoring in LifeLock bundles.
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McAfee Total Protection / McAfee+
Multi-device plans with identity monitoring, privacy tools, and family-focused management. Straightforward “Protection Score” coaching.
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ESET NOD32 / Internet Security
Lightweight, fast scanning engine with excellent reputation among power users who want strong detection without bloat.
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Trend Micro Maximum Security
Solid phishing and web-threat protection with multi-device coverage and added privacy controls.
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Kaspersky (Standard/Plus/Premium)
Longtime high scores in independent tests; note regional restrictions in the U.S. due to a 2024 Commerce Department prohibition (consider local guidance and availability where you live).
Why these? Across 2025, AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives show multiple “top product/top rated” results for the brands above, especially under real-world protection criteria and false-positive checks. That’s where paid antivirus benefits typically appear.
The best free antivirus options
If you prefer to start free, these are mainstream picks that strike a good balance. Understand the limits so you can augment where needed.
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Microsoft Defender Antivirus (built-in on Windows 10/11)
No install required, integrates with Windows Security. A dependable baseline with constant updates.
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Bitdefender Antivirus Free (Windows)
Real-time protection with a streamlined UI and strong malware engine heritage. Great “set it and forget it” option.
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Avast One Essential (Free)
Free tier of Avast’s all-in-one app with antivirus, safe-browsing, and a limited VPN component. (As with any free tool, review data-usage terms.)
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Avira Free Security
Free antivirus bundle with extras (including a limited VPN) and an easy setup.
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AVG AntiVirus Free
Longstanding free option with real-time and web-shield features across platforms.
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Malwarebytes Free
On-demand cleaner excellent for removing infections; upgrade to Premium for real-time defense. Ideal as a second-opinion scanner beside other AV.
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Kaspersky Free
A capable free engine in many regions; availability varies and is restricted for U.S. customers per federal action. Check local policy before use.
Why not “stack” two real-time AVs? Running multiple real-time engines can conflict and hurt performance. If you use a second tool, make it on-demand (e.g., Malwarebytes Free) rather than always-on.
How to choose a simple decision framework
Use free vs paid antivirus as a budget/feature decision, then apply these filters:
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Threat model & habits
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Mostly mainstream browsing/streaming on Windows 11? Defender + one reputable free AV is fine to start.
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Handle sensitive data, shop/bank often, or want identity monitoring? A paid suite is worth it.
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Platform & devices
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Families with multiple devices (PC/Mac/Android/iOS) often save money with a multi-device paid plan (Norton/McAfee/Bitdefender).
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Extras you’ll actually use
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Need parental controls, cloud backup, or password manager? Norton and Bitdefender bundles are robust. Prefer a lightweight engine? ESET is popular for that.
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Regional considerations
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Some products have region-specific availability/policies (e.g., Kaspersky in the U.S.). Verify local guidance before purchase.
Build a safer stack: antivirus + VPN
UFO VPN - The best free VPN helps:
Antivirus focuses on malware on the device. free proxy VPN in UFO VPN focuses on privacy and transport security—especially useful on public Wi-Fi and to reduce IP-based profiling. Pairing them creates defense-in-depth.
A practical setup:
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Choose your AV from the lists above (paid suite if you want identity tools; free + on-demand cleaner if you’re budget-minded).
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Add UFO VPN for encrypted connections on hotel/airport/café networks, and to keep your IP/location private from websites and ISPs.
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Enable Smart Connect in UFO VPN to auto-pick a low-latency server; keep it on during travel and whenever you’re on shared Wi-Fi.
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Use Split Tunneling if you need local-LAN devices (printers/TVs) to stay reachable while the browser or streaming apps go through the VPN.
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Turn on a Kill Switch so your real IP isn’t exposed if the VPN connection drops mid-session.
🩵Turn VPN on in 4 Steps:
With 3000+ server in over 100 countries, UFO VPN is open to download as a free iPhone VPN, free Android VPN(with VPN APK), free Windows VPN and free Mac VPN. Install the app and sign up or log in.
Open the app, choose a free server locationwhere your desired streaming/gaming/browsing platform is available.
We recommend free USA VPN, free UK VPN and free Australia VPN.
Pro Tip
UFO VPN is compatible with popular platforms in gaming and streaming as CODM VPN, PUBG VPN, Netflix VPN and more!
After connecting, visit What is My IP tool to see your current location and ensure your real IP is visible.
With all set, visit your favorite platform and start browsing without geo-blocks or buffering!
This layering solves different problems: malware prevention/removal (AV) + traffic encryption and IP privacy (VPN). It’s the most balanced way to stay safe without changing your daily habits.
Pitfalls and smart habits (so your choice actually works)
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Don’t rely on AV alone. Keep the OS and apps updated; patching stops whole classes of exploits that no scanner can fully mitigate.
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Avoid duplicate real-time engines. Conflicts and slowdowns are common. If you want a “second opinion,” use an on-demand scanner like Malwarebytes Free.
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Public Wi-Fi needs encryption. Antivirus doesn’t protect web traffic in transit. Use UFO VPN whenever you’re off your home network.
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Check region/legal notes. Some products face local restrictions; ensure availability and support in your country.
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Review privacy terms. Free tiers sometimes include telemetry/ads; decide what’s acceptable for you, or opt for a paid plan with clearer privacy commitments.
FAQs
Is free antivirus enough?
For basic threats, yes—especially paired with Windows updates and safe habits. But if you want behavior-based defenses, identity monitoring, parental controls, or multi-device convenience, a paid suite is worth it. Lab results in 2025 show strong protection across many vendors, with suites shining in tougher scenarios.
Which paid suite is the best right now?
It depends on features: Bitdefender for a balanced, lightweight suite; Norton 360 for cloud backup/parental/identity tools (and emerging deepfake protections); McAfee for family management; ESET for a lean setup; Trend Micro for strong web-threat blocking. Evaluate trials before buying.
What’s the best free antivirus?
A practical combo is Microsoft Defender (built-in) plus Bitdefender Free or AVG/Avast/Avira Free for extra guardrails—and Malwarebytes Free as an on-demand cleaner. Don’t run multiple always-on engines simultaneously.
Should I use a VPN with antivirus?
Yes. Antivirus protects the device; a VPN like UFO VPN encrypts connections (vital on public Wi-Fi) and reduces IP-based tracking. They’re complementary, not redundant.
