Protecting your company from cyber threats is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. As businesses handle increasing amounts of sensitive data, the importance of investing in reliable antivirus software cannot be overstated. Whether you’re running a small startup or a growing enterprise, the right antivirus can shield you from malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and data breaches. In this guide, we present the best antivirus solutions for businesses in 2025, rigorously tested on real office devices to provide unbiased recommendations.
Why Antivirus Software Is Crucial for Businesses
Cybersecurity threats are evolving rapidly, and small businesses are increasingly becoming targets due to often lax digital defenses. Without adequate protection, your business risks financial loss, reputational damage, and legal complications. Business antivirus software not only protects against malware but also includes features like real-time scanning, firewall protection, phishing detection, VPNs, and identity theft monitoring.
Best Antivirus Software for Businesses in 2025: Quick Overview
| Antivirus Solution | Best For | Devices Supported | Security Score | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norton Small Business | Small businesses | Up to 20 devices | 9.5/10 | VPN, password manager, ID theft monitoring, scam protection |
| Bitdefender GravityZone | Medium to large businesses | Up to 100 devices | 8.7/10 | Endpoint protection, sandboxing, attack forensics |
| Surfshark One/Alert | Very small businesses | Up to 5 devices | 9.5/10 | Affordable, bundled VPN, dark web monitoring |
| Avast Business | Enterprises | Up to 999 devices | 8.5/10 | Endpoint security, patch management, ransomware shield |
| McAfee Business Protect | Dell-based businesses | Unlimited devices | 8.8/10 | Real-time protection, VPN, file shredder, identity monitoring |
Norton Small Business: Best Choice for Small Teams
Ideal For: Companies with up to 10 employees
Norton offers a robust cybersecurity suite tailored for small businesses. With support for up to 20 devices, it includes real-time malware protection, a password manager, and VPN access. Norton’s Genie Scam Protection uses AI to identify suspicious links and text messages, which is essential for phishing defense.
Pros:
- Covers a wide range of devices (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android)
- Excellent detection rates
- Easy-to-use dashboard
- 24/7 support via chat, phone, and forums
Cons:
- Not scalable beyond 20 devices
- Firewall support is device-dependent
Pricing: Starts at $149.99/year with a 30-day free trial and 60-day money-back guarantee.
Bitdefender GravityZone: Ideal for Growing Companies
Ideal For: Medium-to-large businesses needing scalable protection
Bitdefender’s GravityZone is a comprehensive business-grade antivirus platform offering endpoint protection, sandboxing, risk analytics, and root cause analysis. It supports Windows, Linux, macOS, and has mobile add-ons for Android, iOS, and ChromeOS.
Pros:
- Excellent malware detection
- Highly scalable (up to 100 devices)
- Business-focused tools like email security and full-disk encryption
Cons:
- VPN not bundled by default
- Mobile security requires separate add-ons
Pricing: Tiered plans with a 30-day free trial and money-back guarantee.
Surfshark One: Cost-Effective Antivirus for Microbusinesses
Ideal For: Local shops, freelancers, and small teams with basic needs
Surfshark combines its powerful VPN with real-time malware protection. It’s highly affordable and includes the Alert service for dark web monitoring.
Pros:
- Affordable and fast
- Includes industry-leading VPN
- Unlimited VPN connections even with the antivirus plan
Cons:
- Limited to 5 devices
- Lacks advanced endpoint management
Pricing: Starts at $2.69/month (2-year plan) with a 7-day trial via mobile and 30-day money-back guarantee.
Avast Business Security: Enterprise-Level Protection
Ideal For: Corporations needing extensive device coverage
Avast offers endpoint protection for up to 999 devices. It includes a powerful firewall, phishing protection, and patch management tools for vulnerability mitigation.
Pros:
- Excellent scalability
- Covers both server and endpoint security
- Optional SecureLine VPN and Patch Management tools
Cons:
- Limited direct business support (mostly ticket-based)
- Free trial only for top-tier plan
Pricing: Customizable based on device count and subscription length. Backed by a 30-day money-back policy.
McAfee Business Protection: Best for Dell-Centric Environments
Ideal For: Dell-based businesses seeking bundled security
McAfee Business Protection is available exclusively via Dell devices. It offers unlimited device coverage per user and includes real-time protection, Safe Connect VPN, and dark web monitoring.
Pros:
- Unlimited devices per user
- VPN and identity monitoring included
- Real-time threat detection across OS platforms
Cons:
- Only available via Dell PCs
- Doesn’t include password manager
Pricing: Must activate via Dell device. 30-day money-back guarantee available.
How We Tested
We evaluated 20 antivirus tools for businesses based on malware detection accuracy, scalability, feature set, platform compatibility, customer support, and pricing transparency. Live malware tests were conducted on real office computers using industry-standard procedures.
Key testing criteria included:
- Real-time threat blocking
- Support for endpoint protection and device management
- Ease of deployment and scalability
- Availability of business-oriented features like VPNs and identity monitoring
- Customer support access (24/7 live chat, onboarding help, documentation)
Final Thoughts: Which Antivirus Is Right for Your Business?
- Choose Norton if you’re managing a small team and want an all-in-one security suite.
- Go with Bitdefender if your business is growing and needs robust device and endpoint protection.
- Opt for Surfshark if you run a very small operation and are budget-conscious.
- Select Avast for large enterprises needing scalable, layered security.
- Use McAfee if your business is built around Dell PCs and needs unlimited device coverage.
Each of these tools brings something valuable to the table. Prioritize what matters most to your organization—whether it’s cost-efficiency, scalability, or depth of protection—and make your choice accordingly.
