Best Cheap Antivirus Software in 2025

In the realm of cybersecurity, the importance of a reliable antivirus cannot be overstated. With the ever-evolving landscape of online threats, investing in a reputable antivirus solution is essential for safe browsing, real-time protection against malicious entities, and safeguarding sensitive data. However, the cost of antivirus services can quickly escalate, particularly when considering the range of features offered. To navigate this landscape, I meticulously evaluated 25 antivirus programs to pinpoint those that deliver exceptional value without breaking the bank. Below is a curated selection of the best affordable antivirus solutions available.

The best cheap antivirus programs: shortlist

1. TotalAV – best cheap antivirus in 2025
2. Surfshark Antivirus – robust and affordable antivirus with a VPN
3. Bitdefender – budget-friendly antivirus with a free plan
4. Norton – feature-rich antivirus at a competitive price
5. McAfee – dependable and economical antivirus

Best cheap antivirus software in 2025

After thorough testing of 25 reputable antivirus software solutions, I identified those that not only offer competitive pricing but also maintain robust security features and impressive malware blocking capabilities. Here’s a closer look at the top contenders.

1. TotalAV – best cheap antivirus overall

TotalAV stands out as the premier choice for budget-conscious consumers, with prices commencing at a mere .00/year. This package includes exceptional malware blocking capabilities and a suite of valuable features. Premium users benefit from real-time protection, advanced ransomware safeguards, and Total WebShield, which effectively blocks harmful websites during browsing.

In addition to its core features, TotalAV offers a password manager for secure credential storage and a VPN with servers in 35 countries to encrypt browsing activities. Its performance is consistently validated by independent lab tests, achieving a perfect score in blocking 100% of zero-day threats in 2025 evaluations. A free plan is available, allowing users to explore its capabilities before committing to a premium subscription.

2. Surfshark Antivirus – powerful and cheap antivirus with a VPN

Surfshark Antivirus presents an enticing option for those seeking a combination of antivirus and VPN services, with plans starting at just .49/month. This package includes essential features such as real-time protection, malware and ad blocking, and email breach alerts.

What sets Surfshark apart are its advanced privacy features, including a VPN with over 3,200 servers in 100 countries and an ad-free search engine called Surfshark Search. The service also offers an Alternative ID feature for generating fake personal data on dubious websites. In terms of protection, Surfshark successfully blocked 100% of zero-day threats in the 2025 AV-TEST evaluations, earning commendable scores for performance and usability. A free 7-day trial is available, along with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. Bitdefender – budget-friendly antivirus with a free plan

Bitdefender is another excellent option for those on a budget, offering comprehensive protection starting at .99/year. This antivirus covers all essential features, including a firewall, ransomware protection, and a VPN.

Bitdefender’s offerings include a firewall for monitoring device connections, an anti-tracker for online privacy, and a VPN with servers in 100 countries. It has consistently achieved perfect scores in independent lab tests, earning a Top Product award multiple times. A free plan is available, albeit with limited features, while the premium version comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. Norton – feature-loaded antivirus at a cheap price

Norton provides a wealth of features at an affordable price, starting at .99/year. This antivirus solution not only offers standard malware and ransomware protection but also includes additional functionalities for comprehensive device security.

Norton’s features include dark web monitoring, cloud backup for sensitive files, and SafeCam to prevent unauthorized access to webcams and microphones. It also offers optimization tools to enhance device performance. Norton has consistently scored 6/6 in independent lab tests, demonstrating its reliability. While there is no free version, a free 14-day trial and a 60-day money-back guarantee are available.

5. McAfee – cheap antivirus that’s reliable

McAfee is a straightforward and reliable antivirus solution, starting at .99/year. While it primarily offers a malware scanner and scam detector, it excels in threat detection.

With its basic plan, McAfee allows installation on up to five devices, while higher-tier plans offer unlimited installations. Notably, even the basic plan includes a scam detector, providing users with peace of mind against phishing attempts. McAfee has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness in independent tests, blocking 100% of zero-day threats in 2025 evaluations. A free plan is available for Android and iOS users, alongside a 30-day money-back guarantee.

How we selected and tested the best cheap antivirus software

My evaluation process for identifying the best affordable antivirus solutions involved a comprehensive review of numerous programs. I focused not only on pricing but also on the value offered. Here’s a breakdown of my testing criteria:

• Malware protection tests (30%): I analyzed results from various independent laboratories, including AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives, and SE Labs, ensuring that only those with robust protection scores made the list.
• Price (30%): While cost was a significant factor, I prioritized overall value, ensuring that each recommended service provided excellent malware detection capabilities.
• Security features (25%): I examined the range of features available for the price, including standard protections like ransomware safeguards and additional tools such as password managers and VPNs.
• Free plan (15%): I ensured that each antivirus program included a free plan or trial, allowing potential users to test the service before making a long-term commitment.

Best cheap antivirus compared

Choosing a budget antivirus requires careful consideration of features and protection capabilities to ensure you receive adequate value. Below is a comparative table summarizing the best cheap antivirus options.

Winner: TotalAV

Why use a cheap antivirus?

Opting for a budget-friendly antivirus solution can significantly enhance your device’s protection against cyber threats, making it a wiser choice than having no defense at all. Many affordable antivirus programs offer comparable features and malware detection rates to their pricier counterparts. By choosing a cost-effective antivirus, you can allocate funds to other security tools or select a package that includes additional services like a VPN and password manager. For instance, TotalAV provides a combined plan with a VPN for /year, equating to just .25/month. If you wish to incorporate a password manager, the total cost rises to /year, or .08/month.

Final thoughts

In today’s digital age, having an antivirus is crucial for maintaining security and privacy across devices. It acts as a barrier against malicious downloads, viruses, and various online threats, ensuring a safer browsing experience. However, the disparity in pricing among antivirus solutions can lead to overpayment for similar features. My research indicates that TotalAV is the best cheap antivirus in 2025, with prices starting at .00/year and a free plan available. This antivirus effectively blocks 100% of zero-day threats, making it a reliable choice for users seeking affordable protection.

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