Given the increasing number of malware attacks, it has become essential to use antivirus software to protect your devices from intrusive malware. Investing in either free or paid antivirus software is worthwhile.
With every antivirus differing in its features and characteristics, it is crucial to holistically analyze the features of each antivirus and then select the one that best fits your needs. Users often look for the best antivirus software in the UK, and some of the top options are outlined in this guide.
Top Antivirus Software in the UK 2025
Antivirus is an innovative solution for protecting your devices from sneaky, illegitimate links. Backing these antivirus programs with VPN can enhance the overall performance of the antivirus.
Some of the best paid or free antivirus 2025 in the UK are explored in this section:
Bitdefender
Bitdefender
Fast, powerful, and effortless protection trusted by millions worldwide.
Bitdefender is one of the best antivirus software programs in the UK as it provides comprehensive protection against various kinds of digital scams. Bitdefender is compatible with Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS devices. Core features of Bitdefender include scam prevention and detection of online fraud and hackers.
Bitdefender offers multi-layer ransomware and browser protection, further establishing it as a trustworthy antivirus software. Another advantage of using Bitdefender is its low battery and CPU consumption, which does not affect device performance.
Key Features
- Malware and ransomware scan
- Advanced threat defence
- VPN, spam filter,
- and parental control
- Network Security Scan
- Webcam Protection
- gaming and streaming modes
Norton
Norton is ranked among the best antivirus software. Norton is compatible with devices, including most modern Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices. It protects your devices against advanced security threats.
Key Features
- Real-time threat protection helps protect against existing and emerging threats.
- Built-in smart firewall
- Provides a secure vpn connection
- A password manager to keep your credentials strong unique and save
- Safecam for pc unauthorized access
- PC cloud backup stores files and documents
McAfee
McAfee antivirus is one of the best antivirus protection software offerings, providing comprehensive protection across multiple platforms, including Windows, iOS, Android, and Chrome. Not only does it offer an antivirus solution, but it also includes a firewall, password manager, file shredder, and unlimited VPN.
Features such as automatic protection against fake messages, deepfakes, and malware make it the top choice for users. Hence, Macfee offers VPN and antivirus services in one spot.
Key Features
- Advanced privacy features, such as personal data clean-up, help fine-tune and remove information from sites that sell it
- Secure vpn protecting you from prying eyes on public wifi
- 24/7 monitoring and alerts
- Dark web monitoring tools
Sophos Premium
Sophos Premium is a desktop-centric best antivirus protection software, compatible with both Windows and Mac, and provides a comprehensive antivirus solution. Its feature list includes real-time and on-the-spot virus protection, anti-ransomware protection, parental control, content filtering, keylogger protection, and protection against various types of phishing attacks.
Their ability to block malicious URLs, segregate legitimate websites, and provide robust protection against phishing and malware makes
Key Features
- Deep clean and scan of files for malware scan
- AI threat detection ensures protection against viruses, malware, trojans, worms, bots, unwanted apps, and more.
- Ransomware protection protects personal files and photos of users
- Web protection prevents compromised websites, such as phishing sites
- Real-time pc to spot malicious behaviour
Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes tops the list of advanced antivirus software, as it is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Chrome OS. Malwarebytes offers real-time scam protection, featuring AI-powered protection, behaviour-based detection, and protection against ransomware and exploit attacks.
Key Features
- Provides robust protection against malicious attacks
- Wide range of ransomware protection
- Data breach reporting feature
- Exploit and web protection
- Block ads, malicious content, and trackers
- Malware and antivirus scan
Avast
Avast is a well-performing antivirus software that is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices. Most notable features of Avast One include dark web monitoring, scam detection, an advanced firewall, and protection against a range of phishing attempts and malware attacks.
To make it more effective, Avast offers an antivirus powered by AI, a user-friendly interface, ransomware protection, safe browsing, and email protection. Avast is an anti-malware and antivirus service provider, too which makes it one of the best antivirus software programs for users.
Key Features
- Data leak alerts
- Web guard
- Smart scan
- Infected drive isolation
- Behavior shield
- Firewall
Trend Micro
Trend Micro Maximum Security
Smart, fast, and reliable protection designed for every UK user.
Trend Micro antivirus software is incredibly valued due to its outstanding antivirus protection features. Trend Micro software is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. One core feature of Trend Micro is the PayGuard, a tool that ensures secure online payments and keeps them out of the hands of any hackers. Features like data theft prevention and web monitoring help prevent credit card data breaches, ensuring safe and secure e-payments. Trend Micro is one of the best antivirus with a password manager, offering dual features at one spot.
Key Features
- URL blocking
- Ransomware monitoring
- Prevent phishing attacks
- Web protection
- Social media privacy scanner
- Parental control
- Antispam
MacKeeper
MACKeeper antivirus offers features such as real-time malware blocking that detect and remove viruses, worms, spyware and ransomware. With its adware-clearing feature. Macfree also help remove unwanted ads and pop ups. Its system clean-up tools, performance optimisation feature further make MacKeeper one of the most wanted antivirus.
Key Features
- Real-time monitoring
- Adware cleaner
- Malicious website blocking
- Secure VPN
FAQs
What is the Best Antivirus for UK Users in 2025?
The top choices include Bitdefender, Norton, McAfee, and Avast One, all offering strong malware protection, real-time security, and extra tools like VPNs and password managers. The “best” depends on whether you value affordability, performance, or advanced features.
Do I Need Paid Antivirus If I Already Have Microsoft Defender?
Microsoft Defender provides a decent baseline of protection, but premium antivirus software often includes additional features such as phishing protection, identity theft monitoring, VPNs, and multi-device support—essential for comprehensive online security.
Is a Free Antivirus Enough for UK Users?
Free antivirus is suitable for basic protection against common threats, especially for light users. However, for businesses, frequent online shoppers, or anyone storing sensitive data, paid antivirus software ensures stronger defences and 24/7 support.
Using advanced antivirus software is essential to keep your devices protected against phishing, malware, and ransomware threats. These viruses infiltrate users' systems and compromise personal information. Backing these antivirus best AI security tools further ensures robust protection.
Combined with the best ad blockers, including free AdBlocker for Chrome, AdBlock for YouTube, and ad blocker for Safari, these tools provide an additional layer of protection for your digital infrastructure. Using advanced solutions like Manage Engine Ransomware Protection Plus and Manage Engine Malware Protection Plus, users can enjoy more secure digital experiences.
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