The best malware removal software you can buy
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A malware infection can have serious consequences, ranging from spam advertising to the theft of personal data or the loss of important files. Effective malware removal can help prevent these worst-case scenarios by identifying and isolating threats like adware, spyware, and ransomware before they take down your system.
What is the best malware removal software right now?
I tested the best malware removal software to find the tools that detect threats like potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) and ransomware on your device and remove them before they wreak havoc. My top recommendation is Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, which scans your device in real-time and on-demand to identify and disinfect or quarantine items compromised by malware.
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The best malware removal software of 2025
Bitdefender is well-known in the antivirus space and a solid choice for malware removal on Windows and MacOS. It typically scores well on independent lab tests for both operating systems. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus (on the Mac, it's branded as Antivirus for Mac) is the basic paid tier priced at $50 for one device or $70 for three devices, though it is frequently discounted.
Review: Bitdefender Total Security
Antivirus Plus detects all kinds of malware, including ransomware, that could compromise your files and backups, and it will either disinfect or quarantine compromised items. You can turn on real-time protection and/or run manual scans of your system, high-risk locations, or specific files.
In addition to malware removal, Bitdefender offers anti-phishing protection, an anti-tracker for maintaining your privacy as you browse, and a VPN. However, you're limited to 200 MB of traffic daily unless you upgrade several tiers to a Premium or Ultimate plan. Note that Antivirus Plus (for Windows) has a handful of additional features -- WiFI security assessments, a file shredder, and performance settings -- that add value for Windows users.
Bitdefender does have free versions available for Windows and MacOS that offer basic antivirus scanning, but they are more limited in scope.
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Bitdefender Antivirus Plus features: On-access and on-demand scanning | Live customer support | Anti-phishing and anti-tracking features
Malwarebytes is an anti-malware program that protects your system from threats like Trojans, botnets, adware, spyware, crypto-miners, and potentially unwanted programs and modifications (PUPs and PUMs). The app is available for Windows and MacOS and quarantines any threats it detects that need reviewing, deleting, or restoring. Malwarebytes' free tier allows manual scans, while its paid plans can run scheduled scans alongside real-time protection that detects and blocks threats.
Review: Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes protects against ransomware, exploits, brute force attacks, and tampering on Windows. On MacOS, it blocks apps from developers suspected of releasing malware. Users on both systems can add the Browser Guard extension to Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge to detect and block malware, third-party ads and trackers, and scams on the web. If you upgrade to the $60/year Plus plan, you also get a built-in VPN.
Malwarebytes offers a 14-day trial of Plus, after which you can downgrade to the free tier. Its paid plans are on the pricey side relative to the features offered, but the app is easy to use and performs well. Malwarebytes' free plan with on-demand scanning can also be a backup to other built-in or third-party antivirus tools.
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Malwarebytes features: On-access, scheduled, and on-demand screening | Browser Guard extension | VPN (on Plus and Ultimate plans | Multi-platform
Avast is well-known in the security industry, making it one of the top antivirus programs available to consumers. It also scores highly on independent lab tests. Avast One Essential is a free malware scanning and removal product available for Windows and MacOS that comes with a whole suite of features to keep your system clear of threats.
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Avast One scans your files on access for malware and offers options for scheduled and on-demand scans. The app quarantines any detected threats for further action. You also get a firewall, ransomware protection, network vulnerability reports, web traffic scans, and a VPN (limited to 5GB of traffic per week).
Avast's disk cleaner, which declutters junk files from your device, and its DNS hijack protection are reserved for premium plans, starting at $70 per year. Beware: Avast often attempts to upsell you within the app. Otherwise, it's an excellent choice for comprehensive protection at no cost.
Avast One Essential features: On-access, scheduled, and on-demand scanning | Multi-platform | VPN (limited)
ESET is another digital security provider that scores well on independent antivirus tests. Its Home Security software can detect threats and clean them from your system, whether you're on Windows or MacOS. You get real-time and on-demand scanning with various customization options, and ESET will identify and quarantine viruses, ransomware, spyware, and other malware threats.
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ESET isn't the best entry-level malware removal tool. It's not the most intuitive to install or use, especially with its more granular settings, and it doesn't play nicely with other anti-malware tools you may have on your machine. I tested ESET Home Security Essentials ($60 per year), packaged as ESET Cyber Security on MacOS and ESET Internet Security on Windows.
This package includes a firewall, anti-spam protection, and other advanced privacy and security features. NOD32 Antivirus is cheaper at $40 per year but includes basic antivirus for Windows. The pricey ESET Ultimate ($180 per year) is the only tier with a VPN and browser privacy features.
ESET doesn't have a fully free anti-malware program beyond its 30-day trial period, but it does offer a free on-demand scanner for Windows that detects and removes malware. While there is no real-time protection, it can back up other security tools on your system.
ESET Home Security Essential features: On-access and on-demand scanning | Multi-platform | Live customer support
I recommend the Emsisoft Emergency Kit for people wanting a fast, easy-to-use, free malware cleanup tool. The app's user-friendly design makes it abundantly clear where to conduct an on-demand scan: the main Overview tab consists of four sections, and the option at the far left lets you perform either a Quick Scan, a more in-depth Malware Scan, or a Custom Scan.
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Whatever you select, Emsisoft will immediately scan your computer's files for malicious software and quarantine suspicious files. This process can take a while, depending on how much is saved on your machine. In my experience, the longest time it took for a scan was nearly 20 minutes, but rest assured, the app is going through every nook and cranny.
It's also important to mention that the Emergency Kit doesn't require installation on your device. You could, for example, run it on a USB drive and receive the same experience. However, Emsisoft's software doesn't offer other forms of protection, such as a firewall. It's simply a scanning tool, and a good one at that.
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Emsisoft Emergency Kit features: On-demand scanning | Works from a USB | Compatible with Windows
What is the best malware removal software?
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is our pick for the best overall malware removal software because it provides comprehensive and reliable protection against threats across platforms at a reasonable price. The other four malware removal options on this list also offer excellent protection with various features worth considering.
Best malware removal software | On-access scans | Multi-platform | Free tier | Notable features |
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Anti-phishing and anti-tracking, live support |
Malwarebytes | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Ransomware protection (Windows), Browser Guard |
Avast One Essential | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Firewall, network scanner, ransomware protection |
ESET Home Security Essential | ✓ | ✓ | x | Firewall, anti-spam protection |
Emsisoft Emergency Kit | x | x | ✓ | Portable, works from a USB |
Which malware removal software is right for you?
To determine which malware removal software is the best option for you, consider the following:
Choose this malware removal software… | If you want… |
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus | All-around antivirus protection that effectively detects and removes malware. |
Malwarebytes | Effective, user-friendly malware detection and removal. |
Avast One Essential | Comprehensive protection and malware removal at no cost. |
ESET Home Security Essential | A robust, highly customizable anti-malware program. |
Emsisoft Emergency Kit | A basic scanner that can double as a backup to your other Windows antivirus/anti-malware tools. |
Factors to consider when choosing malware removal software
When selecting the best malware removal for you, we recommend comparing the following factors:
- Scan types: Some malware removal tools will automatically scan items on your device for malware each time they are downloaded, opened, or executed -- this is known as on-access scanning. Others will scan only on demand or manually. If you want real-time protection that you don't have to think about, consider a tool with on-access scans.
- Price: You don't necessarily need to pay for malware removal, as free tools like Avast One Essential and secondary scanners from Emsisoft and Malwarebytes do a solid job detecting and quarantining threats. However, a paid program may provide more features or customization options.
- Additional features: If you're just looking for malware removal, a more straightforward program or secondary scanner may be all you need. However, some software has extra features to protect your device, such as firewalls or VPNs.
How we test malware removal
To select the best malware removal tools, we identified programs from reputable security companies. We then looked at independent test results and went hands-on to compare features, performance, and user experience. We conducted most of our testing on MacOS Sequoia 15.1.1 except for Emsisoft, which we ran on Windows 11.
Note: The Windows version of most malware removal programs has additional features that are unavailable on MacOS.
FAQs on malware removal software
How does malware removal work?
Once anti-malware software has detected a threat, it attempts to stop that threat from wreaking further havoc on your system. In some cases, it can disinfect files and delete malware. In others, the software will quarantine the files until users assess and manually remove the threat.
What is the difference between antivirus and anti-malware?
Antivirus and anti-malware are two names for the same thing. Traditionally, antivirus software protects against known security threats, but as threats evolve, so do the programs that fight them. Most current antivirus software stands up to more sophisticated malware like spyware, rootkits, and ransomware, and cloud-based programs can be frequently updated as threats emerge.
Malware removal is part of anti-malware, and paid antivirus, along with some free plans, typically offers on-access or real-time protection. Alternatively, you can use an on-demand scanner that will detect and clean up any threats that are present.
Do I have to pay for malware removal?
Major operating systems have built-in protection against malware (Windows Defender, for example), which does a fine job of catching and removing threats, especially if you follow security best practices on your device. A handful of third-party antivirus alternatives with malware removal are also available for free. You can upgrade to a premium paid tier if you need or want additional features (like a firewall or VPN).
Are there any alternative malware removal software options to consider?
Many antivirus solutions on the market can detect and remove malware, so if the options listed above don't fit your needs, you can try these others below.