Antivirus Software Guide: Basics, Software, Comparisons and Features

Choosing the right antivirus software is essential for protecting your devices and personal data. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which software fits your needs. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive resource to help you explore, compare and understand various antivirus solutions. Our guides, reviews and rankings cover the full spectrum of antivirus software, including detailed analyses of features, performance and compatibility. Whether you’re looking for robust malware protection, lightweight solutions, or specialized tools for specific devices, this page has you covered.

Below, you’ll find articles grouped into logical categories, making it easier to find what you’re looking for. Each section includes highly relevant content to ensure you have all the information needed to make informed decisions about your cybersecurity.

Popular Antivirus Software Reviews

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of individual antivirus programs is key to choosing the right solution. This section provides in-depth reviews of some of the most popular antivirus tools, covering their features, pricing and overall effectiveness.

Free and Budget-Friendly Antivirus Solutions

Not all antivirus software requires a premium price tag. This section highlights free and affordable options that provide reliable malware detection and system security without compromising quality.

Specialized Antivirus Comparisons

Choosing between two powerful options can be challenging. These side-by-side comparisons provide detailed insights into how top antivirus solutions stack up against each other, helping you identify the best fit for your needs.

Antivirus for Specific Devices

Every operating system has unique requirements for antivirus software. This section focuses on solutions optimized for specific devices, including Mac android and Windows.

Practical Guides and Tutorials

Understanding how to use your antivirus software effectively is critical for maintaining system security. These practical guides provide step-by-step instructions for common tasks and troubleshooting.

Looking for More?

If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, check out our article archives where we list all of our published articles organized by topic.

The 10 Best Antivirus for Mac: Do You Need Protection for Your Apple in 2025?

While Macs have been seen as less vulnerable to malware than Windows devices in the past, cyber threats are constantly evolving, with 11% of macOS detections on MalwareBytes in 2023 classifying as malicious.3 As new threats emerge, the best antivirus for Mac can offer an extra layer of defense. Some of the best antivirus software...

By Mindy Born — 03 Jun'24 Last Updated: 31 Mar'25
Facts checked by Goran Nikolić

Bitdefender vs McAfee 2025: Which Antivirus Software Is Best for You?

Bitdefender vs McAfee is a tough comparison. Both stand out for their protection, features and support. Bitdefender and McAfee have each established themselves as leaders in the field. Although McAfee has been around longer and has a bigger reputation, we consistently prefer Bitdefender here at Cloudwards, putting it atop our list of the best antivirus...

By Mindy Born — 25 Apr'24 Last Updated: 16 Jan'25
Facts checked by Simona Ivanovski

The Best Antivirus for Android Devices in 2025: 7 Top Free & Paid Options

There are plenty of threats to Android device security, from phishing scams to malware and ransomware. A good antivirus app is an easy way to stay protected. We’ve put together a list of antivirus apps with strong security features. Read the full article to find out which antivirus software is best for Android and why.

By Mindy Born — 13 Feb'24 Last Updated: 14 Mar'24

The Best Antivirus Software for 2025: Top 5 Malware Protection Alternatives

Antivirus software keeps you protected from adware, spyware and many other types of malware. It can be difficult to choose from the many providers on the market, so we’ve put together a list of the best antivirus software out there — selected based on our hands-on testing, with help from industry experts. Malicious software is...

By Mindy Born — 02 Feb'24 Last Updated: 17 Jan'25
Facts checked by Igor Kurtz

How to Turn Off Antivirus Protection in 2025: Disable Windows Defender & More

Key Takeaways: How to Turn Off Antivirus Sometimes it is necessary to disable antivirus protection in order to install software or troubleshoot issues. If you want to turn off your antivirus permanently or temporarily, you can do it through the antivirus app, your device or your browser. In this guide, we will walk you through...

By Mindy Born — 24 Jan'24 Last Updated: 08 Dec'24
Facts checked by Eugenie Tiu

How to Run an Antivirus Scan: How to Check For Viruses in 2025

If you’ve downloaded antivirus software for the first time, this article will show you how to run an antivirus scan. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions on how to check for viruses.

By Mindy Born — 15 Jan'24 Last Updated: 27 Feb'25
Facts checked by Jasna Mishevska

The 5 Most Secure Antivirus Services in 2025: Free & Paid Antivirus Software

While there are certainly factors like usability and price that impact your choice of antivirus, none of them matter as much as the actual security the service provides. We’ve reviewed the five most secure antivirus providers, and here’s how they all compare.

By Andrej Hadji-Vasilev — 23 Nov'22 Last Updated: 19 Feb'24
Facts checked by Jasna Mishevska

Best Free Antivirus for 2025: How to Protect Your PC and Phone for Nothing

Antivirus software doesn’t need to cost a fortune to provide protection. There are free providers that do an excellent job at keeping your device safe from malware without costing a dime. Not all of them do the job, which is why we reviewed the five best free antivirus providers.

By Andrej Hadji-Vasilev — 13 Nov'22 Last Updated: 24 Jan'25
Facts checked by Jasna Mishevska

The Best Antivirus With VPN Protection in 2025

A VPN safeguards your identity and data online, while an antivirus shields your device from software threats. Using the two together offers comprehensive digital security in a one-stop package. However, it can be difficult to choose the best antivirus with VPN features, or the best VPN with antivirus features. Key Takeaways: We took a deep...

By Samson Kiarie — 02 Apr'22 Last Updated: 20 Aug'24
Facts checked by Eugenie Tiu

Webroot vs Avast: Two Different Approaches to Antivirus in 2025

Avast Pro and Webroot SecureAnywhere are two of the most popular antivirus solutions out there, but which will fit your needs better? Join us for this Webroot vs Avast antivirus battle and find out.

By Ben Stockton — 12 Nov'19 Last Updated: 05 Feb'25