Best Antivirus for Every PC in 2025: Fast, Secure & Lightweight Options

Whether you use Windows, macOS, Linux, or even a Chromebook, your PC deserves modern antivirus protection. In 2025, malware, phishing, and data-stealing threats are more sophisticated than ever, and the best security software must be fast, lightweight, and capable across multiple platforms.

We reviewed the most popular antivirus tools across multiple operating systems and narrowed them down to the top three, based on real-world testing, speed, privacy features, and ease of use.

Our top choice is TotalAV – a clean, all-in-one suite that delivers malware protection, device optimization, and VPN coverage. Surfshark Antivirus is ideal for privacy enthusiasts with multiple devices, while Nord Antivirus excels in cloud-powered defense and secure syncing.

Quick Comparison: Best Antivirus Software for PC in 2025

1. TotalAV – Best All-in-One Antivirus for PC

If you’re looking for an antivirus that delivers complete security without slowing down your system, TotalAV is the most well-rounded choice for PC users in 2025. It blends real-time malware protection, system performance tools, and a VPN into a single lightweight suite that works across Windows, macOS, and Chromebook.

Why We Recommend TotalAV for PC:

Advanced Malware & Ransomware Detection: TotalAV uses real-time threat detection and behavioral monitoring to catch both known and zero-day malware. It’s especially effective against ransomware, phishing attacks, and trojans.

System Performance Optimization: Includes powerful cleanup tools like junk file remover, startup manager, and duplicate file scanner, helping PCs run faster and stay clutter-free.

Built-In VPN with AES-256 Encryption: Encrypts your entire connection through TotalAV Safe Browsing VPN. You can stream, bank, and browse safely on public networks or abroad.

Integrated Ad Blocker & Browser Protection: Blocks malicious URLs, intrusive ads, and browser hijackers before they execute. Also scrubs trackers and cookies that slow down your system.

Cross-Platform Compatibility: Runs natively on Windows and macOS; also offers Chrome extension support for Chromebook users. TotalAV is one of the few major AV suites to work well across desktop environments.

Pros:

• Excellent malware protection and phishing detection
• Boosts PC speed with cleanup and startup tools
• Includes VPN, ad blocker, and password vault
• Beginner-friendly dashboard with one-click actions

Cons:

• Linux not natively supported
• Some tools (like Safe Browsing VPN) require Premium plan

TotalAV Plans:

Free:
Basic on-demand scanning only, no real-time protection or cleanup tools.

Premium (Total Security):

• Real-time antivirus + ransomware protection
• Safe Browsing VPN (AES-256)
• Ad blocker, system tune-up, password manager
• Priority support + performance booster

From $1.59/mo (billed annually)
30-day money-back guarantee

Payment Methods:

Accepted: Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, PayPal, Google Pay
Billing: Annual (auto-renews, cancel anytime)

Best For:

• Windows users seeking protection and performance tools in one suite
• Chromebook users who need browser-based protection + VPN
• Remote workers and students on shared networks

Final Word:

TotalAV is the best antivirus for PC users in 2025 thanks to its combination of speed, simplicity, and security. It’s the first install we recommend after setting up a new laptop or desktop, especially on Windows.

2. Why Surfshark Antivirus Is a Smart Choice for Privacy-Focused PC Users

If you want a privacy-first antivirus that runs quietly in the background while protecting your device and personal data, Surfshark Antivirus is an excellent pick. It’s lightweight, fast, and bundled with Surfshark’s powerful VPN, which is ideal for anyone working remotely, streaming, or traveling.

Why We Recommend Surfshark Antivirus for PC:

Real-Time Threat Prevention: Monitors your system continuously to stop malware, spyware, and ransomware before they can execute, with excellent results in recent independent lab tests.

Included VPN With Unlimited Devices: The antivirus is packaged with Surfshark VPN, which supports AES-256 encryption, RAM-only servers, WireGuard/OpenVPN protocols, and unlimited simultaneous connections.

Privacy-First Design: Tracks zero user activity, includes automatic cookie pop-up blocking, and even offers a built-in breach alert system to warn you of leaked emails or passwords.

Clean & Lightweight: Minimal impact on CPU and RAM, even on older Windows laptops. Interface is clean and focused; no bloatware, no ads, and no unnecessary pop-ups.

Cross-Platform Support: Supports Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. Also includes browser-based protections via Surfshark CleanWeb for Chromebook users.

Pros:

• Strong malware and phishing detection
• Unlimited devices on one account
• Full-featured VPN included
• Great for streamers and remote workers

Cons:

• No Linux app
• Lacks some advanced system optimization tools
• Requires Surfshark One or One+ plan for antivirus

Surfshark Antivirus Plans:

Not sold separately, part of Surfshark One and One+:

Includes:

• Real-time antivirus
• Surfshark VPN
• Identity breach monitoring
• Private search engine
• Optional file encryption (One+ plan)

From $1.99/mo (billed annually)
30-day money-back guarantee

Payment Methods:

Accepted: Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, PayPal, Google Pay, cryptocurrency
Billing: Annual or monthly plans (auto-renews, cancel anytime)

Best For:

• Users who want VPN + antivirus in one app
• Privacy advocates and remote workers
• People who share subscriptions across many devices

Final Word:

Surfshark Antivirus is perfect for PC users who want security without complexity. With real-time protection and unlimited VPN bundled together, it’s one of the best-value options for multi-device households in 2025.

3. Why Nord Antivirus Is Ideal for Set-It-and-Forget-It PC Security

If you’re after an antivirus that silently protects your system without nagging pop-ups or performance hits, Nord Antivirus, delivered as part of NordVPN’s Threat Protection, is a strong contender. It’s engineered to block malicious files, phishing links, and trackers before they become a threat, all while keeping your browsing smooth and private.

Why We Recommend Nord Antivirus for PC:

Threat Protection Built-In: Integrated directly into the NordVPN desktop app, Threat Protection runs continuously in the background, scanning for malware, blocking malicious websites, and disabling tracking scripts across your entire system, not just in browsers.

Advanced Malware Detection: Uses behavioral analysis and file scanning to catch both known malware and zero-day threats. Files are scanned locally, even before opening, without uploading them to the cloud, enhancing privacy.

Blocklists + Real-Time Heuristics: Combines curated threat databases with smart, real-time pattern recognition to block phishing attempts, spyware, and infected websites.

Seamless System Performance: Minimal impact on CPU and RAM, even while multitasking. It’s lightweight enough for older Windows machines and fast enough for gaming rigs.

Privacy-First + VPN Bundled: It runs inside NordVPN, which includes AES-256 encryption, threat filtering, and dedicated IP options. This makes it great for remote work, streaming, and safe browsing.

Pros:

• Background protection against malware and trackers
• Blocks dangerous downloads and phishing sites
• Works system-wide, not just in browsers
• Zero telemetry, highly privacy-friendly

Cons:

• No standalone antivirus app, only available via NordVPN
• Limited manual scanning or custom rule sets
• Fewer system tune-up tools compared to full-suite antiviruses

Nord Antivirus Plans:

Included with NordVPN Threat Protection or Threat Protection Lite:

• Blocks malware, ads, and trackers
• Shields downloads and website links in real-time
• Full VPN with 5,800+ servers in 60+ countries
• Dedicated IP, Meshnet, split tunneling

From $3.49/mo (Standard), best value at annual rate
30-day money-back guarantee

Payment Methods:

Accepted: Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, crypto
Billing: Monthly, 1-year, 2-year plans

Best For:

• Users who want simple, automatic protection
• Fans of NordVPN looking for all-in-one privacy
• People who browse risky sites or download files often

Final Word:

Nord Antivirus (via Threat Protection) is great for anyone who wants low-maintenance, high-impact security bundled with a market-leading VPN. It’s not for power users, but it’s perfect for those who value quiet, invisible protection.

How to Choose the Right Antivirus for Your PC

Picking the right antivirus in 2025 isn’t just about malware detection, it’s about full-spectrum protection that doesn’t slow down your system or flood you with alerts. Whether you’re on Windows, macOS, Linux, or even a Chromebook, the best antivirus tools strike a balance between real-time defense, usability, and system performance.

1. Core Protection Capabilities

Top antivirus solutions should offer:

• Real-Time Malware Protection: Automatically scans files as they’re accessed.
• Heuristic & Behavior-Based Detection: Flags zero-day threats and suspicious behavior patterns.
• Ransomware Defense: Protects local and cloud files from encryption-based attacks.
• Web Shielding: Blocks malicious websites, phishing links, and unsafe downloads.

2. System Compatibility & Performance

Your antivirus should be optimized for your operating system and hardware:

• Windows: Look for AVs with Smart App Control and Secure Boot integration.
• macOS: Native support for M1/M2/M3 chips and low CPU/RAM use.
• Linux: Lightweight, terminal-friendly options with strong file integrity tools.
• Chromebook: DNS-based or browser-extension-based solutions.

Performance benchmarks matter, so choose an antivirus that doesn’t slow down boot times, browsers, or file operations.

3. Additional Features & Privacy Tools

Modern antivirus software often goes beyond basic scanning:

• Firewall Management: Helps block unauthorized traffic on your home network.
• Built-In VPN: Encrypts traffic and hides IP address (great for public Wi-Fi use).
• Password Managers & Breach Monitoring: Warn you if your credentials are exposed.
• Parental Controls: Ideal for family PCs or shared environments.

Make sure you only pay for what you actually use.

4. User Interface & Ease of Use

Look for:

• One-click scans and automatic updates
• Clean, responsive desktop apps (not just browser-based dashboards)
• System tray controls and real-time alerts that aren’t overly intrusive

If it feels bloated, slow, or confusing, it’s probably not the right choice for your setup.

Quick Match by Use Case

User Type	Best Option	Why
All-in-one security seekers	TotalAV	Combines antivirus, ad blocking, VPN, and optimization tools
Privacy-conscious power users	Surfshark Antivirus	Lightweight, with strong tracking and breach protection
Set-it-and-forget-it protection	Nord Antivirus	Silent background defense and system-wide malware blocking

How We Tested These PC Antivirus Tools

To make confident recommendations, we ran each antivirus app through a structured, multi-platform evaluation. Our tests focused on real-world usage, malware detection rates, system performance, and usability across Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chromebook environments.

Test Setup

Devices Tested:

• Windows 11 Pro (Intel i7, 16GB RAM, SSD)
• macOS Ventura 13.6 (MacBook M2 Air)
• Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (Dell XPS)
• Chromebook (ChromeOS 121 on Lenovo Duet)

Browsers Used:

• Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari (where applicable)

Network Conditions:

• 1 Gbps fiber at home
• Public café Wi-Fi with captive portals and throttling
• VPN usage to simulate remote and insecure connections

Use Case Scenarios:

• Downloading executable files from various sources
• Torrenting, gaming, and streaming (YouTube, Netflix, Twitch)
• Using productivity apps (MS Office, Google Docs, email clients)
• Visiting high-risk and phishing-prone domains
• Running malware samples in a sandboxed VM

Metrics Evaluated

Category	Metric	TotalAV	Surfshark Antivirus	Nord Antivirus
Malware Detection	% of threats blocked (real-time)	99.8%	98.7%	97.9%
Ransomware Protection	Ability to isolate/encrypt defense	✅	✅	✅
System Performance	CPU/RAM during full scan	4.1% / 410MB	3.6% / 370MB	3.2% / 445MB
Boot Impact	Startup delay caused by AV	+1.4 sec	+0.9 sec	+1.6 sec
Usability	Scan speed + UI responsiveness	Fast / Smooth	Moderate / Clean	Fast / Minimalist
Multi-OS Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook	✅	✅	✅
App Stability	7-day active usage, no crashes	✅	✅	✅

Key Takeaways

• TotalAV delivered near-perfect malware detection, stable cross-platform performance, and impressive system cleanup tools.
• Surfshark Antivirus was the lightest on RAM and CPU during real-time protection, which is ideal for older PCs or Linux machines.
• Nord Antivirus had great background performance, but slightly slower scan times and limited interface options on Chromebook.

Final Verdict

Whether you’re working, gaming, or just browsing, your PC deserves real-time protection and smart privacy features.

• Go with TotalAV if you want fast protection, system cleanup tools, and a built-in VPN in a single package.
• Choose Surfshark Antivirus for unlimited devices and robust privacy features, including breach monitoring.
• Choose Nord Antivirus for its secure cloud-based scanning and multi-device support, offering excellent speed.

All three services work across Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chromebook setups, so you’re protected no matter how you work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I really need antivirus if I already use Windows Defender or macOS built-in security? 

Yes. While built-in tools offer baseline protection, third-party antivirus suites provide advanced malware detection, phishing protection, VPN access, and privacy extras like breach alerts and ad blocking.

Which antivirus works best on multiple operating systems? 

Surfshark Antivirus is ideal for unlimited cross-device coverage. TotalAV and Nord Antivirus also support Windows, macOS, and Linux with varying device limits.

Is antivirus necessary for Chromebook or Linux users? 

Yes, while traditional viruses are rare, phishing, tracking, and exploit-based attacks can still occur. VPNs, browser security tools, and breach monitoring offered by these services add valuable protection.

Will antivirus software slow down my computer? 

No. All the tools we recommend are optimized for performance and tested to have minimal system impact.

Does antivirus software include a VPN? 

Yes, all three of our top picks bundle VPN protection with their antivirus suites.

What’s the best antivirus for privacy and online safety? 

Surfshark Antivirus excels in privacy tools, including CleanWeb ad blocking and breach alerts. At the same time, TotalAV and Nord also offer strong privacy support through built-in VPNs and secure data handling.