Best antivirus for Chromebook in 2025

Chromebooks are considered one of the most secure devices, but using the best antivirus for Chromebook, such as TotalAV or Norton, would ensure total protection. Using a reliable antivirus can enhance security by providing extra protection against various online threats, including viruses, other malware, and even phishing attempts. Additionally, solid antiviruses have real-time scans and other features, meaning your Chromebook will constantly be monitored for any intrusive threats.

Since Chromebook devices are pretty safe on their own, you need the best antivirus to enhance security on them. To find it, I tested over 15 services and found TotalAV, Norton, Bitdefender, Malwarebytes, and Surfshark AV as the best Chromebook antivirus providers. All top antiviruses successfully detect and remove various threats and offer extra features for total security. Continue reading and find the best antivirus for Chromebook and its benefits in 2025.

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Best antivirus for Chromebook: shortlist

1. TotalAV

   Best overall antivirus for Chromebook with minimal load on the CPU
   9.7
2. Norton Antivirus

   Antivirus for Chromebook that guarantees protection against malware
   9.1
3. Bitdefender Antivirus

   Secure Chromebook antivirus with a fast VPN
   9.4
4. Malwarebytes

   Easy-to-install ChromeOS antivirus with extra features
   8.0
5. Surfshark Antivirus

   User-friendly Chromebook antivirus for robust security
   8.8

Do Chromebooks need antivirus? Understanding ChromeOS security

Chromebook devices are considered safe due to robust built-in features, but it does not mean that it is immune to all threats, and using an antivirus alongside would be beneficial. ChromeOS, the operating system of Chromebooks, is layered with security, primarily because it provides built-in tools for extra protection against device infections. The tools include sandboxing to prevent cross-app interference, proprietary file formats, customizable user permissions, and verified boot, which checks for system coherence at startup. It also does not support .exe files, meaning you are less likely to download a file infected with malware.

While Chromebooks are less vulnerable to traditional viruses due to the robust built-in features, they cannot guarantee security from all threats and that is why you need a third-party antivirus. Apart from conventional viruses and malware, there are other vulnerabilities that only an antivirus can protect you from. This includes cybercriminal ransomware, unencrypted public Wi-Fi, online trackers, and scam applications. Without robust antivirus software on your Chromebook, you can also become a victim of cybercriminal attacks, such as phishing attempts, browser hijackers, or spoofing.

Even though an antivirus might seem unnecessary for Chromebooks, unlike other devices, it is beneficial to use one alongside for total protection. Advanced third-party antiviruses have important features like real-time protection, anti-phishing tools, VPNs, app scanners, and parental controls. These antivirus tools can add an extra layer of security and protect your Chromebook from advanced malware and other threats that ChromeOS cannot overcome.

Best antivirus software for Chromebook: overview

1. TotalAV – the most lightweight and reliable Chromebook antivirus of all time
2. Norton – feature-rich Chromebook antivirus with a 100% protection rate
3. Bitdefender – well-rounded antivirus for Chromebook for preserving the device's CPU
4. Malwarebytes – intuitive antivirus for ChromeOS with extra security features
5. Surfshark – user-friendly ChromeOS antivirus with necessary security measures

The Top 5 Chromebook antivirus providers demonstrated the most prowess in dealing with cyber threats. They ticked all the checkboxes of my criteria during testing. I focused on performance impact, malware protection, Android app setup & ease of use, additional features, false positives, and affordability. Thus, I present the very best.

Top 1. TotalAV – best antivirus for Chromebook with excellent protection

As of June 2025, TotalAV proved to be the best antivirus for Chromebook due to its excellent Android app compatibility with ChromeOS. I was pleased to see that the Android app imposed a minimal load on the CPU, meaning that your device will run smoothly even if TotalAV is running in the background. On top of that, the whole installation process took us only about 5 minutes, and we were greeted with a clean and linear app.

During my TotalAV analysis, the antivirus performed splendidly security-wise. Independent labs deduce the success rate at detecting and blocking malware is 98%. My tests match up as the antivirus detected all of the malware threats online and offline, and found 9 out of 10 of the hidden infected files. As expected, the Android app alerted me about unsafe browser extensions, WebShield for detecting suspicious activity online, Wi-Fi networks, and potentially data-mining apps.

Another strong forte of the TotalAV Android app is the feature-rich suite. You’ll benefit from real-time protection and comprehensive app scans. But the software shines through with hefty extras: a Device Tune-Up tool to declutter unnecessary files, a streaming-friendly Safe Browsing VPN, a Wi-Fi checker for safe connections, and plenty more depending on the TotalAV plan.

To unlock comprehensive protection and valuable extras, I recommend considering one of its premium plans, starting at just $19.00/year for the TotalAV Antivirus Pro tier. If you’re curious to explore the premium service, you can do so risk-free with a 7-day free trial and a trusted 30-day money-back guarantee.

Top 2. Norton – feature-rich Chromebook antivirus

Norton is an excellent antivirus software for Chromebook, boasting comprehensive protection and a feature-packed Android app. A majority of Norton’s Mobile Security features worked great on Chromebook, and the installation didn’t take longer than 7 minutes. Though the interface is rather minimalistic, I found it easy to use, straightforward, and relatively lightweight.

This Chromebook antivirus has the best malware protection rate. During the Norton AV review process, it managed to block 100% online and device-based threats like Exploit. I tested all four malware scans available and found that all infected files were detected, even the hidden ones. Malicious websites were blocked, and I was alerted about suspicious applications and emails. Overall, I can only cement the positive feedback Norton receives from users and independent labs.

Depending on your chosen plan, the Norton Android app includes LifeLock against credit fraud and identity theft. Notably, Norton’s Report Card and Privacy Report features offer valuable insights, delivering clear and actionable information with solutions about potential privacy risks posed by apps on your device. You also get additional protective features such as Safe Search to ward off online threats, Wi-Fi security for scanning your connections, real-time malware protection, and web protection for warning against dangerous websites.

You can bolster your security without further ado. Just snag Norton 360 at the starting price of $29.99/year and enjoy a worry-free experience on all things Chromebook. If you wish to test the waters of the premium service first, take advantage of the 30-day free trial and verified 60-day money-back guarantee.

Top 3. Bitdefender – good Chromebook antivirus with reliable malware removal

Bitdefender is a splendid antivirus for Chromebook because of the comprehensive security and the fastest VPNs among our picks. Anonymity enthusiasts will especially love the latter. As for your CPU, the devices I tested the antivirus on didn’t break a sweat even during the full-system scans and hours after operating in the background. Also, I set up the Android app in less than 5 minutes. The whole procedure was smooth and straight to the point.

You can navigate the waters of the web without worries if you have Bitdefender in tow. We can attest to the overall malware detection score of 98%, as determined by our Bitdefender review & independent labs. During my tests, Bitdefender dealt well with public web-based and device-based attacks, and found 8/10 of our hidden malware files. I found the Chrome extension lacking, so you’ll need different extensions for added online security.

As befits a good antivirus for Chromebook, Bitdefender offers an array of features depending on the chosen tier. Media connoisseurs can enjoy an unlimited and fast VPN for an extra charge. Reinforcing data security is a breeze with anti-theft tools and data breach scanning. Each feature performed seamlessly on Chromebook. Also, kudos to the Web protection tool, which alerted me about malicious websites before opening them.

The top-shelf Chromebook antivirus unravels its full potential with any premium plan. The most basic one comes with a $9.99/year price tag. Surely, there’s a free Bitdefender version, but it’s only good for very basic security. See for yourself what the fuss is about with the 30-day free trial and 30-day money-back period.

Top 4. Malwarebytes – fast and intuitive antivirus for ChromeOS

Malwarebytes is another excellent choice for ChromeOS devices. It’s easy to install and provides industry-leading detection rates and additional security features. The app can be easily downloaded from the Google Play Store. The setup process took only a few seconds as it only required installing, logging in, and granting device access permissions. CPU usage fluctuated between 3% and 6% when the app was idle, but it jumped to 45% during scans.

According to AV-Test lab testing, Malwarebytes scored 4.66/6 in performance, protection, and usability metrics. When testing it with the latest Android malware, the antivirus scored 98.9%. Looking into AV-Comparatives lab testing on Android, it achieved a 99.3% protection rate with seven false positives. During my in-house tests, Malwarebytes detected and removed 8 of 10 planted malware samples. The antivirus scanned 97 apps in total, and it only took 12 seconds.

Apart from the necessary virus, malware, ransomware, and real-time protection, Malwarebytes also offers additional features. The Rootkit Protection protects you from unauthorized users gaining control of your device. You can also get a Malwarebytes VPN to encrypt your internet traffic. The Ultimate plan offers $2 Million in Identity Insurance, a Personal Data Remover, and other benefits. However, due to ChromeOS restrictions, the Safe Browsing Scanner (malicious website protection) and features related to phone calls will not work.

To protect your ChromeOS with Malwarebytes, you can get a subscription for $44.99/month, which comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee. For more security features, you can try the Plus or Ultimate plans by taking the 7-day free trial. Alternatively, you can download the free version if you only require basic antivirus security.

Top 5. Surfshark AV – easy-to-install Chromebook antivirus with robust features

Surfshark is known for its first-rate VPN, but you can also rely on the protection delivered by the next-gen antivirus solution on Chromebook. The very first thing that hit the string was the provider's beginner-friendly Android app. The setup was a breeze, taking only 4 minutes to install Surfshark AV. Also, I never experienced a buffer even during full-scope scans. Above all, the sleek design makes navigation smooth and quick, which is perfect for all levels of tech-savvy.

If you’re looking for a Chromebook antivirus that wraps robust protection in a sleek and easy-to-use app, this AV is your champ. Our Surfshark AV inspection, along with results from third-party labs, concluded a 99% malware detection rate. Online threats appeared to be a stronger suite of the software since it has no firewall. Though it’s a downside, overall protection was satisfactory as it found 8 out of 10 hidden files with malware.

Regarding the feature suite, Surfshark antivirus covers you with all the fundamentals. You can enjoy real-time protection and the convenience of scheduling scans based on item preferences and timing with the device scanning tool. Another convenience addition to the package is the secure search engine. It allows you to browse online safely as it alerts you about possible risky and malicious domains and websites.

This fresh antivirus for Chromebook can be yours for $50.85/year along with first-rate VPN, Alternative ID, ad blocker, private search engine, and other hefty extras. If you want to check out the service first, you’re in luck. Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial for their users, along with the verified 30-day money-back guarantee.

Best antivirus for Chromebook compared

How I tested antivirus software for Chromebook

There are many antiviruses available on the market, but not all of them can add extra protection for Chromebook devices. To find the best antivirus for Chromebook in 2025, I tested over 15 antiviruses. I installed each antivirus on a Chromebook device, performed scans, and conducted extensive testing considering several crucial factors:

• Compatibility with ChromeOS (30%). To ensure a user-friendly experience, I only chose antiviruses that offered a well-developed Android app compatible with Chromebook devices. I personally installed each app and evaluated its ease of use and overall quality.
• In-house tests (20%). I evaluated each provider's detection rates by placing 10 malware samples. After the testing, I decided to only include antiviruses that detected at least 8/10 malware to guarantee protection.
• Independent lab tests (20%). Before performing my own tests, I also reviewed independent lab testing results to find each antivirus’s malware removal effectiveness. For the best performance, I only selected antiviruses with detection rates above 95%.
• Additional features (20%). Advanced antiviruses include extra features for additional protection, such as VPNs, parental controls, or different scan types. That is why I checked what features each provider offers for ChromeOS.
• Price (10%). Many antiviruses are offering different prices, which is why it is important to evaluate their price for value before making a decision. I only selected affordable antiviruses that offer quality services.

Why don’t I recommend Webroot?

Webroot isn’t a good Chromebook antivirus due to its limited protection against certain types of malware. In my testing, the malware protection was somewhat lacking. Also, anti-phishing and privacy monitoring tools didn’t meet my expectations either. While it’s a low-impact antivirus that doesn’t feed on your CPU, it doesn’t compensate for subpar protection compared to the top players in the industry.

Why don’t I recommend Kaspersky?

Though Kaspersky is a known name among competitors, I don’t recommend it due to the company’s alleged relationship with Russia. The company was established in Moscow, and since 2017, its products have been completely banned in the USA. This goes against my belief that antivirus solutions should protect you against outside dangers rather than being dangerous themselves.

How to keep your Chromebook protected?

Just because Chrome OS has a reputation for being one of the most secure operating systems, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be on your guard or that it’s enough. Here are tips for contributing to the safety of your device and data.

1. Get antivirus protection for Chromebook. In the theme of my topic, I must start with the obvious – getting virus protection for Chromebook. It adds layers of protection, which is further bolstered by key features like a malware scanner, regular security updates, Wi-Fi security, real-time threat protection, built-in VPN, phishing protection, etc.
2. Don’t disable Developer Mode. Tempting as it may be at times, you should keep Developer Mode enabled at all times. That’s unless you’re a veteran tech user. Otherwise, you expose your Chromebook to hackers, who won’t shy away from infiltrating the device and messing around with built-in security measures.
3. Upgrade to a newer Chromebook. All Chromebooks released prior to 2021 are unable to run the latest Chrome OS. This means that you have older protective measures on the device, which aren’t on par with the current ones. It’s always best to upgrade your Chromebook.
4. Avoid apps for third-party places. Unauthorized apps guarantee no quality or security. It’s imperative to remember that a pirated free app, which seems to do what a premium one does, is likely to have some malware injected into it or harvest user data. Stay safe by shying away from such applications.
5. Secure your Google account. Don’t get annoyed with Google prompts when securing your account. Add all the necessary information, and most importantly, enable 2FA (Two-Factor-Authentication). The feature hinders hackers from gaining access to your account in case the worst happens.

How do I run a virus scan on my Chromebook?

It’s important to run regular virus scans on your Chromebook to avoid any dangerous malware that real-time protection didn’t catch. Here’s how to do that:

1. Open an antivirus app on your Chromebook device. I recommend TotalAV, which is now 80% off.
2. In the menu, find the malware scan icon.
3. Click on it.
4. Choose the scan option between Quick and System scans.
5. Run the scan. TotalAV may take a few seconds or minutes to scan your device.

Protect your Chromebook with TotalAV

What is the best free antivirus for Chromebook?

Overall, TotalAV is the best free antivirus for Chromebook as it offers a user-friendly app with impressive malware detection rates. For Chromebooks, TotalAV and Norton have a free version. Malwarebytes also has a free option for Windows, which you can install on a Chromebook through Android apps:

• TotalAV: The provider offers a lightweight antivirus with an easy-to-navigate app for Chromebooks, which successfully detects and removes various viruses and malware. While you would get more additional features with a paid TotalAV plan, the free version still guarantees security and robust protection against various threats.
• Norton: Norton delivers reliable security for Android apps on Chromebooks. The provider guarantees robust protection against various viruses and other malware with its user-friendly app.
• Malwarebytes: You can use Malwarebytes free antivirus on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows devices, including Chromebooks through Android apps. Its easy-to-install app guarantees effective protection from viruses, ransomware, spyware, and other threats.

While a free antivirus might sound appealing, it is not the best choice for Chromebooks, as it can only offer basic protection. Since Chromebook devices are safe on their own, to truly enhance the security, I recommend using a premium antivirus that has a free trial or a money-back guarantee. This way, you’ll be able to use all advanced antivirus features that will add an extra layer of protection on your ChromeOS. By taking advantage of the fthree trial or the money-back guarantee, you’ll be able to use premium services without any commitment.

Bolster Chromebook security with TotalAV

Conclusion

Chromebooks are reliable devices with quite effective antivirus software installed. However, they can still fall victim to malware other than just viruses: ransomware, phishing, spyware, and more. Therefore, if you want complete data and device protection, you will need a reliable antivirus solution.

TotalAV is the best antivirus for Chromebook due to its versatility, advanced protection, hefty extras, and user-friendly interface. It passed all my tests, making it a secure and reliable option for all Chromebook users. Apart from device protection, the antivirus software optimizes your device, offers a trustworthy VPN option, and has a password manager. Above all, it’s super easy to use if you’re new to antivirus solutions.

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FAQ

Do Chromebooks need antivirus protection?

Yes, while Chromebooks generally don’t need antivirus protection, some users may install it for an extra layer of security. While Chromebooks are safe on their own as they have built-in security features, they cannot protect your device from all threats. A third-party antivirus for Chromebook will protect it from various malware, ransomware, and even phishing attempts. This might be especially useful for users who regularly download files and handle private information.

How do I scan my Chromebook for malware?

To scan your Chromebook for malware, you can either use Chrome’s built-in cleanup tool or use a third-party antivirus, such as TotalAV. You can access the cleanup tool via "chrome://settings/cleanup,". The tool will scan for unwanted software that might breach Google’s policies. A third-party antivirus offers more advanced scans, including real-time protection. This guarantees that your Chromebook device is always protected from various malware and other online threats.

What free antivirus is the best for Chromebooks?

If you’re considering a free antivirus for Chromebook, the best one is TotalAV. While its paid plans are more advanced and can improve your device security much more, a free plan is still a viable option for trying the service. It works great against malicious files and offers decent antivirus protection.

Does Chromebook have a built-in antivirus?

Yes, every Chromebook has built-in security protection. After all, it's earned the reputation of being one of the most secure operating systems. However, it's strong against viruses but may falter against different kinds of malware, like ransomware or spyware. Getting an antivirus is still a good idea.

Are Chromebooks safe for online banking?

Yes, Chrome OS is just as safe for online banking as Windows 11 or macOS. That's thanks to built-in Chromebook security features. On the other hand, adding extra protection where financial details are concerned is commendable. Thus, you can get a reliable Chromebook antivirus like TotalAV.

Do you need an antivirus with a Chromebook?

Yes, you need an antivirus with a Chromebook. Chromebooks are safe on their own as they have built-in features that protect the device from viruses. However, Chromebooks are still vulnerable to other types of malware. To ensure that you are secured from advanced malware, be sure to enable all Chromebook’s features and use a third-party antivirus, which is capable of detecting and removing such malware.

Can Chromebooks get hacked?

Yes, Chromebooks can get hacked. Secure as they may be, they're not foolproof. For a hacker to gain access to your device, you simply have to visit a data-harvesting website, fall for a phishing attempt, download an unauthorized app, disable Developer Mode, or connect to an open Wi-Fi hotspot.

What’s the best antivirus for Chromebooks?

TotalAV is the best antivirus for Chromebook. TotalAV stands out from the rest of the top players as the first-rate choice that passed our tests with flying colors. Apart from near-perfect malware protection, you get a streaming-friendly VPN, password manager, data breach monitor, and other hefty extras.

Can you get viruses on a Chromebook?

Yes, you can get viruses on a Chromebook, especially if you disable Developer Mode or security measures. Chrome OS is also vulnerable to malware like phishing attempts, browser hijackers, ransomware, spoofing, malvertising, and more. Adding an antivirus solution, like TotalAV, combats that malware.