Windows 10 Antivirus Performance Test: Winners & Losers of 2025

Kenoxisav   |   16 Jun 2025

In 2025, online threats are growing more sophisticated, and your Windows 10 system remains a prime target. Whether you're browsing, working remotely, or just enjoying time online, having the right antivirus software installed is more important than ever.

Promising top notch safety with dozens of antivirus programs, we put them into the test to find out which actually distributes-and which falls less. Here is a breakdown of the top performing antivirus software for Windows 10 in 2025, based on the detection of safety, performance effects, purpose and real -world malware.

Why Performance Testing Still Matters

Most antivirus tools today offer basic protection. But how many of them offer excellent security without slowing your PC down?

That’s where performance testing becomes crucial. We tested multiple antivirus programs under real-world conditions, including:

• Full scans and background activity

• Impact on system boot time

• CPU and RAM usage

• Real-time threat blocking

• False positives on clean files

Our goal was simple: find antivirus software that balances protection with speed, without interfering with your day-to-day use.

The Winners of 2025

1. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Protection: 10/10

Performance Impact: Low

Verdict: Bitdefender continues to dominate in 2025 with its powerful malware engine and lightweight design. It blocked all ransomware and phishing attempts during our tests and caused minimal impact on boot time and system performance.

Why it stands out:

• Excellent multi-layer ransomware protection

• Built-in VPN (limited)

• Minimal false positives

• Intuitive dashboard

Best for: Everyday users and professionals who want strong security without system lag.

2. Norton 360 Deluxe

Protection: 9.5/10

Performance Impact: Moderate

Verdict: Norton remains a heavyweight in antivirus. While it uses more resources than Bitdefender, it makes up for it with added features like parental controls, dark web monitoring, and a powerful firewall.

Why it stands out:

• Real-time threat monitoring

• Secure cloud backup

• Comprehensive identity protection tools

Best for: Families and users looking for all-in-one protection.

3. Kaspersky Anti-Virus

Protection: 9.7/10

Performance Impact: Low

Verdict: Kaspersky has bounced back stronger in 2025, offering excellent detection rates with minimal impact on system speed. It consistently scored high in malware removal and URL filtering.

Why it stands out:

• Safe browsing and secure payment tools

• Light on resources

• Great value for price

Best for: Users focused on performance, security, and affordability.

4. McAfee Total Protection

Protection: 9/10

Performance Impact: Medium

Verdict: McAfee has improved its interface and background optimization tools. While it uses a bit more system memory, it offers a clean interface and helpful extras like password management and identity theft protection.

Why it stands out:

• Encrypted storage vault

• Firewall and anti-spam filters

• Cross-device support

Best for: Users who want more than antivirus—think password managers, VPNs, and file encryption.

5. Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender Antivirus)

Protection: 8.5/10

Performance Impact: Very Low

Verdict: The built-in Windows Defender continues to get better each year. While it’s not as feature-rich as third-party software, its seamless integration with Windows 10 and zero cost make it a popular pick.

Why it stands out:

• No installation needed

• Low system footprint

• Decent basic protection

Best for: Users who need basic protection without installing extra software.

The Losers of 2025

1. Avast Free Antivirus

Once a crowd favorite, Avast’s 2025 version disappoints with an increase in pop-ups, limited real-time features, and performance lag during full scans. It also recorded more false positives than other tools in our test.

Issues Noticed:

• Sluggish full-system scans

• Ads and upgrade prompts

• Below-average phishing protection

2. AVG Antivirus Free

AVG, now owned by the same company as Avast, offers similar features—and similar problems. Its core malware protection isn’t bad, but the tool feels bloated with too many reminders to upgrade and an outdated UI.

Issues Noticed:

• High RAM usage during scans

• Below-average detection of advanced threats

• User interface needs a refresh

3. Panda Dome Free

While Panda offers a beautifully designed interface, its 2025 edition performed poorly in real-time malware testing and triggered a high number of false positives. Plus, the scanning time was significantly longer than its competitors.

Issues Noticed:

• Slow scan speeds

• Weak ransomware protection

• Annoying promotional banners

What to Look For in a Good Antivirus for Windows 10

When choosing antivirus software for your PC, consider these five key factors:

1. Real-Time Protection

Make sure the antivirus catches threats as they happen, not just during scheduled scans.

2. Low System Impact

Security should never come at the cost of speed. Choose antivirus tools that don’t hog your system’s resources.

3. Update Frequency

Threats change fast. The best antivirus solutions update their malware databases multiple times a day.

4. Usability

The interface should be easy to navigate, even for non-tech-savvy users.

5. Extra Features

Look for VPNs, password managers, parental controls, and other tools depending on your needs.

Conclusions

Your Windows 10 system deserves modern, reliable security. The best antivirus software in 2025 not only protects your system from the latest hazards, but also moves quietly in the background, keeping your PC sharp and your data safe.

If you are after maximum safety with minimal recession, Bitdefender and Kaspersky are the top options. Cloud backup and VPN, Norton and McAfee offer feature-rich suites for users looking for extended extra. And if you are on a tight budget, Windows Defender is surprisingly effective for basic needs.

Don’t leave your Windows 10 PC vulnerable. Invest in antivirus software that works for your lifestyle, your devices, and your level of tech comfort.