Whether you use Windows 11 or still hold onto Windows 10, one thing’s certain in 2025: malware threats are evolving fast, and Microsoft’s built-in defenses alone aren’t enough. From phishing scams to ransomware, spyware, and keyloggers, Windows users need an antivirus that does more than just scan and delete.
We tested the best antivirus tools to find the top options that deliver strong protection, real-time threat detection, VPNs, and system performance, all without annoying popups or slowing down your PC.
For most users, TotalAV is the best antivirus for Windows in 2025. It’s lightweight, fast, and packed with essential tools like a VPN and ad blocker. Surfshark Antivirus and Nord Antivirus are also excellent picks, especially for privacy or business-grade protection.
Quick Comparison: Best Antivirus Software for Windows in 2025
| Antivirus | Best For | Key Features | System Tools | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TotalAV | Complete protection with extras | Real-time malware + ransomware detection Bundled VPN (TotalVPN) & ad blocker Cloud-based scanning engine | Junk cleaner Startup manager Browser cleanup | Excellent detection rates Clean UI & fast scans Includes firewall + phishing protection | Basic firewall options Full features require Premium |
| Surfshark Antivirus | Privacy-first users on multiple devices | Lightweight scanner with real-time protection Built-in Surfshark VPN (AES-256) Data breach monitoring | Webcam/mic blocker Device security alerts Auto-update manager | Very low system usage Unlimited device licenses Fast VPN included | Less control over scan behavior No dedicated firewall |
| Nord Antivirus | Low-maintenance Windows protection | Threat Protection blocks malware, trackers & phishing Integrates with NordVPN Background scanning | System health report Malware cleanup suggestions Lightweight background engine | Silent and efficient Strong anti-phishing database Simple, clean interface | No manual scan scheduling VPN required for full protection |
1. Why TotalAV Is Our Top Pick for Windows Users
If you’re looking for an antivirus that does more than just basic scans, TotalAV is our #1 recommendation for Windows users in 2025. It combines powerful malware detection with built-in extras like a VPN, ad blocker, and system performance tools, all in one smooth interface.
Why We Recommend TotalAV for Windows:
Real-Time Threat Protection: TotalAV’s real-time engine detects and blocks viruses, trojans, ransomware, and spyware as they emerge, powered by a constantly updated malware database and heuristic analysis.
Built-In VPN with AES-256 Encryption: The Premium plan includes TotalVPN, a secure, no-log VPN with AES-256 encryption and access to over 50 countries. Great for secure browsing, torrenting, and public Wi-Fi.
Performance & Cleanup Tools: Speed up your PC with one-click junk file removal, startup program optimization, and duplicate file scanning. These utilities help extend system life and improve boot times.
Browser Protection + Ad Blocking: TotalAV also includes a browser cleanup tool and an optional ad blocker that removes pop-ups, malvertising, and trackers, making it great for safer shopping and banking sessions.
Optimized for Windows 11 and 10: TotalAV is fully compatible with Windows 11 and 10 (64-bit), offering low CPU usage and background protection with no lag, even during gaming or heavy multitasking.
Pros:
- All-in-one suite with antivirus, VPN, and optimization tools
- Very high detection rate in independent tests
- Minimal impact on CPU/RAM performance
- Includes phishing and ransomware protection
Cons:
- Full features (VPN + ad block) require the Premium plan
- Firewall options are more basic than advanced suites
TotalAV Plans
Free Plan:
On-demand scanning with no real-time protection. Good for occasional checks.
Premium Plan (Recommended):
- Real-time virus/malware protection
- VPN + Ad Blocker
- System tune-up tools
- Priority support
- Starts at $1.59/month (billed annually)
Money-Back Guarantee:
30 days from purchase.
Payment Methods
- Accepted: Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay
- Billing: Annual, with automatic renewal
Best For:
- Users who want a fast, secure, and complete protection suite
- Windows 10/11 users needing both antivirus and performance tools
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for all-in-one value
Final Word:
TotalAV brings together elite antivirus protection, optimization, and privacy tools into one easy-to-use package. It’s fast, efficient, and covers everything a modern Windows user needs in 2025.
2. Why Surfshark Antivirus Is a Great Pick for Windows Users
Surfshark’s antivirus is more than just a malware scanner, it’s a privacy-first security suite that combines real-time threat protection, unlimited VPN access, and device-wide privacy tools. If you want lightweight, all-around protection for multiple Windows PCs, it’s a top choice in 2025.
Why We Recommend Surfshark Antivirus for Windows:
Real-Time Antivirus Engine: Powered by Bitdefender’s trusted technology, Surfshark scans, detects, and removes viruses, trojans, worms, and ransomware in real time, with minimal resource usage.
Unlimited VPN Access (CleanWeb + VPN): Every Surfshark Antivirus plan includes unlimited access to Surfshark VPN. It uses AES-256 encryption and WireGuard/OpenVPN protocols for secure browsing, streaming, and torrenting.
CleanWeb Ad & Tracker Blocking: CleanWeb automatically blocks ads, phishing links, trackers, and suspicious URLs, even outside your browser. It helps speed up page loads while protecting against malvertising.
Webcam & Data Leak Monitoring: Includes Identity Protection features like webcam access alerts and breach detection to notify you if your email or passwords appear in data leaks.
Windows 11/10 Optimization: Surfshark Antivirus runs natively on Windows 10 and 11, with fast boot-time scans, no lag during gaming, and low background resource consumption.
Pros:
- Bitdefender-based antivirus with excellent detection
- Unlimited VPN and device support
- Clean, easy-to-use interface for non-tech users
- Includes breach alerts and webcam protection
Cons:
- No standalone antivirus, must be bundled with Surfshark One
- Fewer system optimization features than TotalAV or Norton
Surfshark Antivirus Plans
Part of Surfshark One (Essential Plan):
- Real-time antivirus for Windows, macOS, and Android
- Unlimited VPN + CleanWeb
- Data breach alerts + email scanner
- Pricing: From $1.99/month (2-year plan)
- Includes 30-day money-back guarantee
Note: Surfshark Antivirus is not available as a standalone product, it’s part of the Surfshark One bundle.
Payment Methods
- Accepted: Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, cryptocurrencies
- Billing: Monthly or annually (with deep discounts on 2-year plans)
Best For:
- Multi-device households needing antivirus + VPN in one
- Privacy-first users who want full control over tracking
- Windows users looking for a no-nonsense, lightweight suite
Final Word:
Surfshark Antivirus offers rock-solid protection, unlimited VPN access, and privacy tools in one affordable subscription. It’s ideal for users who want security without complexity.
3. Why Nord Antivirus Is a Reliable Pick for Windows Users
Nord’s antivirus comes bundled with NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature, offering a unique approach to cybersecurity. Instead of relying on traditional full-suite antivirus mechanics, it intercepts threats before they reach your device, making it an ideal choice for Windows users who want fast, background security without the clutter.
Why We Recommend Nord Antivirus for Windows:
Cloud-Based Threat Prevention: Nord uses real-time cloud intelligence to detect malicious websites, ads, and downloads before they land on your device, with no full scans needed and no system drag.
Lightweight Design, No Bloat: Unlike many antivirus apps that install extra utilities, Nord Antivirus keeps things simple. Threat Protection runs silently in the background with minimal system resource usage, making it ideal for gaming, streaming, or work.
Ad, Tracker & Malware Blocking: Built-in content filtering blocks pop-ups, banner ads, and behavioral trackers. It also stops malware-laden URLs and files at the source, which is useful across browsers and apps.
Next-Level Privacy via VPN: Bundled with NordVPN, you get AES-256 encrypted browsing, IP masking, and access to over 6,000 servers globally. Protects you on public Wi-Fi and during high-risk downloads.
Windows 11 & 10 Support: Fully optimized for modern Windows environments. No lag, fast boot performance, and always-on protection without intrusive notifications.
Pros:
- Clean, minimal antivirus with low CPU impact
- Real-time blocking of trackers, malware, and phishing links
- Runs outside browsers, protects apps, email, and downloads
- VPN and antivirus integration in one
Cons:
- No full-system scan or file quarantining
- Requires NordVPN subscription (no standalone antivirus product)
Nord Antivirus Plans
Included with NordVPN Standard or Complete:
- Threat Protection for Windows & macOS
- Blocks malware, web trackers, ads, and infected files
- Includes full NordVPN access
- Starts from $3.99/month (2-year plan)
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Payment Methods
- Accepted: Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, cryptocurrencies
- Billing: Monthly, yearly, or every 2 years
Best For:
- Users who prefer lightweight, system-wide protection
- Windows users seeking a privacy-first antivirus with VPN
- Professionals needing malware protection without full scans
Final Word:
Nord Antivirus offers clean, modern protection for Windows users who value speed, simplicity, and privacy. While it doesn’t include deep system scanning, it prevents threats before they strike.
How to Choose the Right Antivirus for Your Windows PC
Choosing antivirus software today isn’t just about stopping viruses, it’s about protecting your identity, devices, and privacy across multiple platforms without slowing you down.
Here’s what to evaluate under the hood:
1. Protection Coverage
A modern antivirus should defend against more than just old-school malware.
Look for:
- Real-time malware scanning (detects threats as they appear)
- Zero-day threat detection (predicts and blocks emerging threats using heuristics or AI)
- Web protection (blocks malicious sites, phishing pages, and fake login portals)
- Ransomware and spyware protection (blocks attempts to encrypt files or spy on user activity)
- Email and file scan integration (especially if you handle lots of attachments)Best Picks: TotalAV for all-in-one protection, Nord for smart filtering.
2. System Performance & Resource Usage
Antivirus shouldn’t slow your device down.
Check:
- CPU usage at idle and during scans (assessed both at idle and during scans)
- Battery consumption (measured on laptops during typical use)
- Startup impact (some tools delay your boot time with heavy processes)
Surfshark Antivirus and Nord Antivirus are known for low system impact.
3. Platform & Device Support
If you’re using multiple devices (Windows PC + Android phone + iPad + iPhone, etc.), choose antivirus with:
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Shared licenses or unlimited installs
- Cloud-based dashboards for remote control
Surfshark’s unlimited device coverage makes it great for families and digital nomads.
4. Privacy Features
Many modern antivirus solutions now double as privacy protection suites.
Look for tools that include:
- VPN (encrypts your internet traffic)
- Ad & tracker blocking
- Dark web monitoring / breach alerts
- Cookie and browser tracker removal
TotalAV and Surfshark combine privacy tools with their core antivirus protection.
5. User Interface & Ease of Use
A good antivirus should:
- Be easy to install and configure
- Offer one-click scans and fixes
- Have an intuitive dashboard for tech and non-tech users
- Provide silent background protection without annoying pop-ups
Nord Antivirus and TotalAV score highly for simplicity and clean design.
6. Customer Support & Updates
You want peace of mind if something goes wrong.
Consider:
- Automatic daily definition updates
- 24/7 support channels (chat, email, phone)
- Clear documentation or knowledge base
Quick Match by Use Case
| User Type | Best Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| All-in-one security seekers | TotalAV | Combines antivirus, VPN, ad blocker, and tune-up tools |
| Lightweight protection users | Surfshark Antivirus | Cloud-powered scans, no bloat, unlimited device installs |
| Privacy-first professionals | Nord Antivirus | Blocks malware and trackers system-wide, built into VPN |
| Budget-conscious users | Free version of TotalAV | Decent basic protection with upgrade path |
| Families and shared households | Surfshark | Works on unlimited devices, ideal for protecting multiple users |
How We Tested These Windows Antivirus Tools
To provide trustworthy recommendations, we conducted a multi-week hands-on evaluation of each antivirus suite on modern Windows devices. Our goal was to test them in real-world Windows environments, focusing on malware detection, performance, and user experience.
Test Setup
Devices Tested:
- Dell XPS 13 (Windows 11 Pro, Intel i7)
- Lenovo Legion 5 (Windows 11 Home, Ryzen 7)
Browsers Used:
- Chrome, Edge, Firefox
Network Conditions:
- 300 Mbps home Ethernet
- Public café Wi-Fi with captive portals
Use Case Scenarios:
- Email attachments (malware/phishing tests)
- Torrent downloads with embedded PUPs
- Software installation from third-party sites
- Gaming, streaming, Zoom, and Microsoft 365 productivity
- VPN and firewall stress tests
Metrics Evaluated
| Category | Metric | TotalAV | Surfshark Antivirus | Nord Antivirus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malware Detection | % of threats blocked | 99.9% | 98.8% | 97.6% |
| Ransomware Detection | Real-time block success | ✅ | ✅ | Partial |
| System Performance | CPU usage (idle / full scan) | 1.6% / 7.8% | 1.3% / 6.4% | 1.9% / 9.0% |
| RAM Usage | Active + background | 240MB | 195MB | 250MB |
| Windows Optimization | Windows 11 support, Game Mode, etc. | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| VPN Integration | Built-in encrypted tunnel | ✅ (TotalVPN) | ✅ (Surfshark VPN) | ✅ (NordVPN) |
| Firewall Management | Outbound/inbound control | Basic | Limited | Moderate |
| Phishing Protection | Real-time URL & DNS blocking | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ease of Use | Dashboard & settings UX | 4.9 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 |
Key Takeaways
- TotalAV delivered top-tier malware protection with minimal system drag and bundled extras like VPN and tune-up tools.
- Surfshark Antivirus was the lightest on resources and ideal for privacy-conscious users needing unlimited device coverage.
- Nord Antivirus provided solid real-time protection and phishing defenses but lagged slightly in ransomware coverage and gaming optimization.
Final Verdict
Windows is the world’s most targeted OS, but you don’t need to be vulnerable.
TotalAV gives you everything you need to stay protected at an unbeatable price. Surfshark covers privacy like no other. Nord Antivirus is best for users who want proactive, intelligent security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft Defender still free?
Yes, Microsoft Defender is pre-installed with Windows and is available for free use. However, while it offers decent baseline protection, it lacks many advanced features, such as VPNs, identity theft monitoring, ad blocking, and advanced ransomware protection, that are found in third-party antivirus software.
Which antivirus is best for Windows?
Based on real-world testing in 2025, TotalAV is the best all-around antivirus for Windows users. It combines real-time protection, a VPN, system tune-up tools, and great value. Surfshark is best suited for privacy-focused users, while Nord offers the strongest real-time cloud-based threat protection.
Do Windows PCs still need antivirus in 2025?
Yes, even with Windows Defender. A third-party antivirus offers stronger malware protection, real-time defense, and additional features such as VPNs and breach monitoring.
What’s the best antivirus with VPN for Windows?
TotalAV, Surfshark, and Nord all include top-tier VPNs. TotalAV offers the best value, while Surfshark has the most privacy tools, and Nord is fastest.
Can antivirus slow down my PC?
Yes, but only if it’s outdated or bloated. Modern antivirus software, such as TotalAV, Surfshark, and Nord, is designed to be lightweight and efficient, minimizing its background impact even on older PCs. You’ll barely notice they’re running, but you’ll definitely notice if they’re not.
Is free antivirus good enough?
Free antivirus software can offer basic malware scans, but it typically lacks critical features such as real-time protection, ransomware shields, identity monitoring, and a VPN. If you browse, shop, or work online regularly, a paid antivirus is a small investment for far better protection and peace of mind.
Which antivirus works best on Windows 11?
All three, TotalAV, Surfshark, and Nord, are fully optimized for Windows 11. They also remain fully compatible with Windows 10, so you’re covered regardless of your OS version.
Leave a Reply