Best Antivirus 2025: Comprehensive Summary of Reddit Comments

Windows Defender

• Pros:
  • Built-in protection for Windows systems
  • Effective against common threats
  • Lightweight
• Cons:
  • May not catch advanced threats
  • Limited features compared to third-party options

Malwarebytes

• Pros:
  • Effective and catches what Defender might miss
  • Lightweight
• Cons:
  • Some users mention ad spam in older versions

Sentinel One

• Pros:
  • Recommended for robust protection
• Cons:
  • Not many details provided

Bitdefender

• Pros:
  • Scores high on AV tests
  • Robust protection
• Cons:
  • May have false positives
  • Paid plan recommended for comprehensive coverage

Kaspersky

• Pros:
  • Light on resources
  • Good detection rate
• Cons:
  • Setting up exclusions can be challenging
  • May have uncertainty due to past controversies

ESET

• Pros:
  • Lightweight and effective
  • User-friendly and reliable
• Cons:
  • Limited information provided

TotalAV

• Pros:
  • Effective in catching threats
  • Lighter than Norton
• Cons:
  • Free version can be hard to find
  • Not recommended by all users

Other Free Antivirus Options

• Avast, AVG, Avira, Sophos, ClamAV, Comodo, ClamWin, FortiClient, Spybot Search and Destroy, ESET's free version
• Pros:
  • Lightweight and effective for basic protection
• Cons:
  • May lack advanced features

Advice for Choosing Antivirus Software

• Consider individual system requirements, performance, and features
• Regularly update antivirus software for optimal protection
• Pair free antivirus with common sense and safe browsing habits
• Use paid versions for more comprehensive protection
• Balance between resource usage and detection rates

Reddit offers a range of opinions on the best antivirus for 2025, with Windows Defender being a popular choice for basic protection. Malwarebytes is recommended for additional scanning, while Bitdefender and Kaspersky are highlighted for robust protection. ESET is praised for being lightweight and effective. TotalAV receives mixed reviews, and various free antivirus options are suggested for users looking for basic protection. Ultimately, the best antivirus depends on individual needs, system requirements, and preferences.