Best antivirus for iPhone in 2025

While iPhones are better protected than Android devices at a native level, your Apple device still needs antivirus software. Built-in iPhone antivirus protections are limited and don't offer the same real-time protection that you get from a dedicated antivirus for iPhone, particularly when it comes to web-based and phishing threats.

The best antivirus for the iPhone will guard you and your device against phishing emails and text messages, plus malicious websites that can compromise your phone. That's why I tested 20 antivirus solutions with iOS; the 5 iPhone antivirus solutions I've recommended below—Norton, TotalAV, Bitdefender, Malwarebytes, and Surfshark One Antivirus—are the best picks to keep you safe while browsing, streaming, or gaming.

Top 5 best antivirus for iPhone in 2025: ranked

1. Norton Antivirus

   overall best antivirus for iPhone in 2025
   9.1
2. TotalAV

   best antivirus protection for iPhone with a VPN
   9.7
3. Bitdefender Antivirus

   effectively removes malware from iPhone
   9.4
4. Malwarebytes

   inexpensive and reliable iPhone antivirus
   8.0
5. Surfshark Antivirus

   combined VPN and antivirus software for iPhone
   8.8

Does an iPhone need antivirus software?

In general, iPhones are more secure than other devices thanks to Apple’s strict app approval process and app sandboxing approach. However, iPhones are not immune to malware and other cyber threats. Malware can infect iOS, and new vulnerabilities appear in iOS updates fairly regularly.

Antivirus for iPhone is less important than similar software for Windows or Android, but it can still block phishing attempts, malicious websites, spyware, and adware that could compromise your device. Relevant iOS threats include the notorious Pegasus spyware and the Triangulation malware that hijacked iMessage due to vulnerabilities in the app.

In short, an iPhone antivirus is crucial for avoiding the fast-growing threat posed by phishing scams and malicious websites. This is even more relevant if you’ve jailbroken your iPhone, which bypasses Apple’s native protections.

Best iPhone antivirus software: A comprehensive review

To help you find the best iPhone antivirus, I analyzed and tested more than 20 antivirus providers. I installed each of them on my iPhone 15 Pro Max, fully assessing each feature and checking essential information like how much impact the software had on my battery life. I also looked at pricing and customer support options.

In our April 2025 update, I updated each provider’s software to make sure that I was running the latest version. I also reviewed all key facts to ensure that you have the latest information available to make the right decision when choosing an iPhone antivirus.

1. Norton - best antivirus for iPhone in 2025

Norton 360 is the best antivirus for iPhone due to 100% malware defense, real-time scans, and a reliable VPN, making it a secure all-round choice for all users.

Security features: I particularly like Norton’s iPhone-optimized features, including Web Protection and SMS Security. While you can’t run traditional scans on an iPhone, Web Protection warned me about opening potentially harmful URLs when I intentionally visited malware-infected websites. SMS Security also flagged and blocked spam texts from recruiters and my network carrier as they were identified as potential scans.

Performance impact: My in-house tests involved running Norton 360 in the background while performing different actions, including online mobile gaming and streaming in HD. Norton had no noticeable impact on my phone’s speed nor battery life. Even when I activated Norton VPN, I didn’t see any increased page load times or buffering issues during streams.

Other privacy features: Norton VPN is included in this bundle and scored favorably in my colleague’s Norton VPN review. This VPN offers full data encryption and web protection for your iPhone’s network connections so that you can use public Wi-Fi risk free. There are no data limits, so you can even use it to unblock streaming services wherever you travel. You’ll get Dark Web Monitoring functionality too, which alerted me that my email address had been included in a number of data breaches historically.

Pricing: Unfortunately, Norton 360 lacks a fully free version, though you can get a 30-day free trial across devices. Premium plans start at $29.99/year, offering full access to all features including real-time malware protection, unlimited VPN data, and identity theft monitoring. Additionally, Norton often provides exclusive coupons and seasonal discounts, which can help further reduce the overall subscription cost.

You can read more about Norton 360 in our full Norton antivirus review.

2. TotalAV - reliable iPhone antivirus for malware protection

TotalAV is the best antivirus for iPhone when you’re on a budget, with 100% malware protection and system optimization tools for iPhones.

Security features: TotalAV’s real-time scanning blocks 100% of desktop threats while offering privacy protections on iPhone. The WebShield feature automatically blocked me from attempting to visit 5 different free streaming sites that are known for malicious advertising. It also effectively blocked both email and SMS phishing scams during my in-house tests. When I used the Data Breach Monitoring feature, I saw the same warnings that I had from Norton regarding my old, compromised email address.

Performance impact: TotalAV had no noticeable effect on my iPhone’s performance, and when I checked battery usage in the iPhone’s settings, it wasn’t impacted. What’s more, it didn’t even slow down when I made use of the Device Tune-Up feature. This tool let me clear up junk files and duplicate photos, which actually had a positive effect on my phone’s performance.

Other privacy features: TotalVPN is a huge bonus that’s included with the Total Security premium plan. Our TotalVPN review awarded this provider a solid score for its low-cost subscriptions and strong encryption and web-protection features. The inclusive ad blocker was a huge boon too, reducing unwanted ads and trackers, and stopping unwanted data harvesting while I tested Safari.

Pricing: TotalAV offers a free version of its antivirus, though unfortunately this only comes with basic security scans on desktop devices. However, it has a 7-day free trial of the premium plan with full access to malware scanning, the built-in TotalVPN software, and WebShield. Should you choose to upgrade, TotalAV Premium starts at $29.00/year.

Check out our detailed TotalAV review for more information about this provider.

3. Bitdefender - advanced iOS antivirus solution

Bitdefender is the best iPhone antivirus for anti-phishing and breach monitoring tools, while offering robust cloud-based malware scanning on second devices.

Security features: Bitdefender works on iPhones by actively blocking malicious links and phishing attempts. The protections help you, even if you made a mistake – when I clicked on malicious links, I couldn’t load and visit the website. This is useful because some malware can be loaded onto your device simply by visiting a website and taking no interaction with it. It also scans for and prevents attempted SMS phishing scams.

Performance impact: Bitdefender is another iPhone antivirus that won’t cause any marked problems with your phone’s performance. There was no sign of battery stress when I checked my phone’s battery settings, and I didn’t suffer any lag during streaming tests with the app open in the background.

Other privacy features: Bitdefender’s VPN is effective at encrypting your data, though I recommend TotalAV as a better option if a VPN is the main selling point for you. Bitdefender limits you to 200 MB data per day, which isn’t enough to stream content and would defeat the benefits of being able to unblock foreign streaming libraries. The Account Privacy tool is Bitdefender’s breach-monitoring feature; this effectively identified my compromised email during my tests.

Pricing: Bitdefender doesn’t have a free version, but you can access a 7-day free trial. Its plans are also among the cheapest iPhone antivirus protection that you can get. To upgrade to premium, plans begin from $9.99/year and unblock full functionality including real-time malware protection for computers, web security, and data breach alerting tools.

For a look at the full, desktop version of Bitdefender, read our Bitdefender review.

4. Malwarebytes - effective virus protection for iPhone security

Malwarebytes is the best antivirus for iPhone for blocking phishing sites and fraud attempts, while ensuring your device runs smoothly and without lag.

Security features: Malwarebytes’ Web Protection blocks potentially harmful websites that can harbor phishing scams and malware payloads. In my tests with 10 well-known free movie streaming sites, a handful were identified as risky and thus blocked. The antivirus’ SMS filtering feature was a great addition too; when I tried to serve up a number of text messages containing links to my phone, Malwarebytes succeeded in blocking the URLs.

Performance impact: Malwarebytes is super lightweight; it didn’t slow down graphics-heavy mobile games during my tests, nor cause lag when I streamed a Marvel movie in HD. There was also no noticeable impact on my phone’s battery life in the battery consumption charts and metrics that iPhone displays in settings.

Other privacy features: Unfortunately, Malwarebytes lacks any kind of VPN functionality like the software I saw in Norton and TotalAV. That said, it does have added privacy protection via its built-in Ad & Tracker Blocker. This feature stops advertisers from harvesting your data while browsing. When I tested it with ad-heavy UK newspaper websites, it successfully prevented the vast majority of ads loading, significantly improving my browser’s response time.

Pricing: Malwarebytes offers a free version of its antivirus with basic malware scanning on desktop, as well as SMS filtering for your iPhone. If you want access to real-time malware scans and website-filtering functionality, the 14-day free trial is the perfect way to try those features for free. Malwarebytes premium plans start at $44.99/year.

5. Surfshark - affordable antivirus with VPN for iPhone

Surfshark One combines malware protection with unlimited VPN access, providing a powerful web-based defense against malware, data loss, and phishing.

Security features: Surfshark One’s web protection feature blocked my sample malicious sites, preventing me from loading the page. Similarly, Surfshark was able to stop my simulated email and SMS phishing attacks. The built-in VPN has expanded security features, including access to IP cloaking and obfuscated VPN servers.

Performance impact: Surfshark’s software apps are extremely lightweight and won’t impact your system; this applies to iPhone antiviruses and VPN clients across other devices, based on my years of experience using them on every device. When I tested Surfshark’s antivirus features on my iPhone, I never saw an increase in battery consumption, nor any lag while streaming and gaming with my phone.

Other privacy features: In my opinion, Surfshark VPN is a major factor in naming Surfshark as the best antivirus for iPhone. It’s one of the top premium VPNs available, with no data limitations and unlimited device connections. Its security features, including data encryption and obfuscated VPN connections, are among the best in the industry. However, adding in the antivirus’ anti-phishing and web-protection tools is the icing on the cake.

Pricing: Surfshark One pricing starts at $50.85/month with a whole 3 extra months free. However, you can test the service for a month first with Surfshark’s 30-day money-back guarantee before you fully commit.

Read more about Surfshark and its protections in our Surfshark One antivirus review.

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Best virus protection for iPhone comparison

Looking to cut through the noise and choose the best antivirus for the iPhone currently available? Below, I’ve included a quick comparison of key features, allowing you to see how each provider stacks up against one another.

Antivirus programs excluded from the best antivirus for iPhone list

I tested 20 different antivirus programs to find the best antivirus for iPhone, so I inevitably encountered programs that I excluded for certain reasons. This was largely due to system performance impact or holes in security. Here's a rundown of programs I excluded while testing:

• McAfee antivirus: During in-house tests, I saw some slowdown on my device, which could have been attributable to the McAfee antivirus app I was running on my device. The included VPN also scored poorly in our McAfee VPN review; these problems were enough for me to discount this provider.
• AVG antivirus: AVG antivirus doesn’t do enough to differentiate itself, and while there’s a free version, it continually pushes you to upgrade to premium subscriptions. As a result, I discounted this provider from my final iPhone antivirus recommendations.
• Kaspersky antivirus: Kaspersky has attracted negative attention since 2022, when the Russia-Ukraine conflict began. Due to potentially risky data-sharing activities, the US issued an outright ban on Kaspersky software.

Get the best iPhone antivirus – Norton 360

How I tested antivirus software for iPhone

My antivirus for iPhone testing starts with a review of each provider's online presence. This is crucial to identify any potential privacy issues, such as McAfee's headache regarding a very common pop-up malware scam that has no affiliation with the company but still has a bearing on my assessment of each brand.

Once I've narrowed potential iPhone antivirus programs to a refined list, I sign up for each provider and install the app in isolation on my device, assessing one app at a time. I check whether it can be linked with my desktop version of the software in any way, as well as skimming through settings to take note of what features are available.

I then commence my full test circuit, starting with a review of my phone's battery consumption metrics, before moving onto a streaming and gaming test with the antivirus running in the background. I also serve up fake SMS phishing tests and emails, as well as checking a personal email that I know is compromised with the app's data breach monitoring software.

This narrowed the list of best antivirus for iPhone software to our final 5 results, with Norton 360 being the overall winner.

Key cybersecurity threats for iPhones in 2025

The threat landscape is changing constantly, and 2025 poses some key threats that iPhone users will need to watch out for:

• Zero-day exploits & zero-click attacks: Zero-day exploits take advantage of unknown software vulnerabilities that can be introduced with every iOS update. These are dangerous when combined with zero-click attacks that don’t require you to take any action in order to compromise your device. Pegasus spyware is one such example, which has used iMessage vulnerabilities to infiltrate iPhones without users being aware.
• Malicious applications: While Apple has strict app-vetting processes in place, malicious apps can occasionally make it onto the App Store. While iPhones are largely considered secure, you should still be on guard and only download trusted apps.
• iMessage & FaceTime exploits: These apps often encounter new zero-day vulnerabilities while being some of the most commonly used iPhone apps. Antivirus software for iPhones like Norton 360 can guard you against SMS scams.
• WebKit exploits: WebKit is the software engine that runs Safari on iPhones; it’s a common angle of attack for scammers that exploit vulnerabilities in the browser. By doing so, they can execute malicious scripts that can install malware or steal data. The best antivirus for the iPhone can block malicious sites and encrypt your data so that it can’t be stolen.

These threats highlight the importance of using robust third-party antivirus software with web and SMS protections.

How to choose the best iPhone antivirus software

Most antivirus software for iPhones share similar features, though some are better choices than others. Below, I’ve summarized the main points that you should focus on when choosing the best iPhone antivirus so that you can make the right decision.

1. Look for strong security features

An iPhone antivirus should score highly in real-time malware protection tests from independent labs like AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives. While iPhones enjoy greater native protections than android, spyware and adware can still pose a threat. Beyond that, there are key features that protect you against smartphone-specific attacks, including SMS anti-phishing protection and Safari safeguards that stop you from visiting malicious websites. These are useful safeguards that are worth considering when choosing your antivirus.

2. Check performance

Antivirus software can impact your device’s performance, particularly during in-depth system scans. While this is typically less likely on iPhone, I did encounter some poorer-quality antivirus apps during my tests, which had an impact on system resources while performing high-intensity tasks like streaming. To choose the best antivirus for iPhone, I recommend that you choose an antivirus with minimal battery drain. Consider looking at Apple’s built-in battery settings that show individual app battery usage while using your free trial or money-back guarantee.

3. Prioritize privacy and extra features

As a final point, I recommend looking at any bonus privacy features included with the iPhone antivirus. Several of the best antivirus for iPhone come with VPNs included, though my tests covered a thorough assessment of the software. Some VPNs, like Surfshark with its unlimited data, are better than others, like Bitdefender with a 200 MB data limit. I also recommend considering data breach monitoring software, as it can help you avoid a more significant impact on your security if your details are leaked in a breach.

Is there any free antivirus for iphone?

While you can get a free antivirus for iPhone from providers like TotalAV and Bitdefender, I don't recommend opting for the free version alone. These unpaid accounts commonly lack the full range of features that you'll get from premium subscriptions, including real-time spyware and adware protection, and anti-phishing protection.

I personally recommend choosing a free trial from a reputable provider instead, allowing you to test its full functionality without limitations. For example, TotalAV is one of the best free antivirus for iPhone, but only paid plans get access to the VPN too. Fortunately, you can get a free trial for both the VPN and antivirus, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you full access to every feature and complete data encryption, and you can always change your mind for a full refund within that period.

Protect your iPhone with TotalAV free trial

How to protect your iPhone from virus without antivirus software?

If you aren’t using an antivirus for iPhone, you can improve your device security by following certain best-practice tips. Here’s how you can protect your iPhone from a virus without an antivirus app:

• Keep iOS up to date: Update your device OS software every time Apple releases a new version. This ensures that you quickly patch any vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers.
• Avoid jailbreaking: Jailbreaking an iPhone disables a lot of your iPhone’s native security protections, making it more likely your phone can be infected with malware.
• Avoid suspicious links: Don’t click on any links that you receive in text messages, emails, or messages on other platforms. They could lead you to a malicious website.
• Create strong passwords: Creating strong passwords with a password manager reduces the chances your account is breached. Using unique passwords adds cross-platform protection; one breached password can’t unlock all of your accounts.
• Enable 2FA: Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds extra protection to your online accounts by asking you to prove your identity via a second method when logging into your accounts.
• Connect with a VPN: Protect your internet connection with a VPN to encrypt your data and block ads and trackers.

Conclusion: protect your iPhone with the best antivirus solution

The best antiviruses for iPhone offer full device protection on mobile without impacting on your device’s performance or draining your battery. While iPhones enjoy more native protections against malware than Android devices, spyware and adware still pose a threat, and jailbroken iPhones are more exposed. What’s more, iPhone antivirus software adds enhanced protections against phishing scams, malicious sites, and invasive tracking.

Currently, the best antivirus for the iPhone is Norton 360, with no noticeable impact on your device’s speed or battery and full phishing and malicious website protections.

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iPhone antivirus FAQ

Does iPhone have a built-in antivirus?

No, iPhone's don't have a built-in antivirus, though users are protected by Apple's app sandboxing requirements that stops apps from interacting with core OS functions. Still, iPhone antivirus software adds huge privacy and security benefits, with VPN data encryption and phishing scam protection among the biggest benefits.

Do I need a virus cleaner for my iPhone?

While iPhones don’t strictly require an antivirus scanner, jailbroken iPhones are at greater risk. What’s more, iPhone antivirus software includes critical protections against phishing and SMS scams, which are two of the biggest and fastest-growing scams in 2025. That’s why I recommend using Norton 360 free for 30 days to see these protections for yourself, risk free.

What is the best antivirus for the iPhone?

Norton 360 is the best antivirus for the iPhone, with no noticeable system impact and robust web and SMS protections to actively block scams and malware. I was impressed with the 90-day free-use period – starting with a 30-day free trial of Norton 360, in addition to a 60-day money-back guarantee.

What is the best app to protect your iPhone from hackers?

Norton 360 is the best app to protect iPhones from hackers, with built-in anti-phishing and web-protection features that block scam attempts. The web-protection tools will block malicious sites before they can load, while SMS protection stops phishing links from taking you to risky websites.

Is there a free anti-spy for iPhone?

Yes, you can use Norton 360 for access to anti-spyware and antivirus for iPhone features when you start with their 30-day free trial. After that, you’ll also get a longer 60-day money-back guarantee for the best-value solution, giving you 90 days to decide if the software is for you.