Are you looking for the best free antivirus for your computer? In this guide, we’ve listed the apps you can find on the market. Here’s all you need to know!
Looking for a list of the best free antivirus programs? In this list, we’ve put together the best free antivirus programs for you. One of the last things you want when you buy a new computer for thousands of dollars is to get a virus on your device.
Unfortunately, this is a real possibility. Even the best computers, no matter how expensive, are susceptible to viruses and malware. Regularly checking the health of your computer can save you from many negative situations in the future. The best way to protect your device and your personal information is to invest in the best antivirus software you can afford.
According to the latest data from Statcounter, Windows devices account for around 70% of laptop or desktop operating systems. Malware targeting Windows has a wider base of devices to infect. This makes these devices more attractive to cybercriminals. All of our antivirus picks on this list run on Windows. In this list, we’ve listed the best antivirus programs that offer many of their features for free. Here are the 6 best free antivirus programs…
Microsoft (Windows) Defender – Best free antivirus program
Pros
Built-in and comes by default in Windows 10 and 11
Regularly updated
Provides real-time protection
Cons
Resource intensive
No option to schedule a scan from the user interface
Basic feature set
You can avoid all kinds of attacks if you use secure computing, that is, if you keep your software up to date, use strong passwords, stay away from spam emails and don’t click on suspicious links that could be phishing attempts.
With the free Microsoft Defender Antivirus software running on your Windows PC, you have a safety net against malware in case you let your guard down. Defender is actually one of the best antivirus software options. Microsoft has renamed Windows Defender to Microsoft Defender and expanded the service to other platforms.
This free antivirus program is built into Windows. It is on by default, the antivirus engine does its job. This antivirus solution covers the basics of internet security. Microsoft releases new updates frequently. Defender also lets you set the level of protection you want, giving you control over blocking unwanted apps and protecting folders and files from ransomware attacks.
Windows 10 and 11 automatically disables its own Windows Defender antivirus when you install a third-party antivirus. If you remove the third-party protection, Windows will turn its own antivirus back on.
Avast One Essential – The best for comprehensive security
Pros
Excellent antivirus lab scores across multiple platforms
Near perfect score in our phishing test
Free protection for Android, iOS, macOS and Windows
Numerous privacy and performance features
Cons
Limited protection on Android and iOS
No advanced firewall features
Many useful features require an upgrade
Avast has been providing antivirus protection since antivirus services have existed. With Avast One Essential, you get award-winning antivirus protection and much more for free.
All four independent test labs include Avast in their reports and it passes almost every test. Other protective services include a permission-based ransomware protection system, a basic firewall, and a bandwidth-limited VPN. But Avast reserves some features for paying users.
Many free antivirus programs only work on the Windows platform. Avast has varying degrees of protection for macOS, Android, and iOS. The macOS version gets high marks from the labs, and the ransomware protection, browser trace removal, and VPN features work the same as on Windows. On Android, you get antivirus, VPN, junk removal, and privacy protection, among other features. But the anti-theft feature is conspicuously absent. As is usually the case, protection under iOS is limited. But it includes a VPN, filtering rogue and malicious websites, and extra protection for your photos.
AVG Antivirus – Best for useful features
Pros
Perfect scores from two test labs
Seamless advanced firewall
Useful bonus features
Free of charge
Cons
Full scan slower than average
Upgrade required to fix performance issues found
Malicious URL score lower than previous test
In 2016, Avast acquired AVG. Both products now use exactly the same antivirus technology at their core. When you install AVG AntiVirus Free, you get the same powerful protection you get from Avast. The two have different overall lab scores because not all labs report on AVG.
Like Avast, AVG protects against ransomware by prohibiting all unauthorized changes to protected files. Like Avast, the free version of AVG detects junk files and other performance degradation, but won’t fix any problems unless you pay. Bonus features include a beefed-up scanner, a shopping deal finder, and a simple network security checker.
Bitdefender Antivirus – The highest rated free antivirus program
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Excellent free antivirus protection
Lightweight and easy to use computer resources
Offers live customer support for free users
Cons
Free version only available on Windows
Fewer features on macOS and iOS with paid version
Unscheduled scans
If you want to take your PC security a step further without breaking the bank, Bitdefender’s free antivirus software for Windows 10 and 11 is hard to beat. The Windows security software offers real-time monitoring for viruses, malware, spyware and ransomware.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition is easy to install and won’t get in your way until you need it. The protection offered by this antivirus product is robust. Bitdefender antivirus software consistently receives top scores for antivirus protection and usability from the respected AV-Test independent testing lab.
The free antivirus version covers one Windows PC. For broader protection, you can choose Bitdefender Total Security or Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. A subscription antivirus package lets you protect five or 10 devices (Windows, MacOS, iOS and Android), set up parental controls on a child’s computer and run a VPN.
McAfee Total Protection – Good choice for those looking for a high-performance antivirus program
McAfee Antivirus has been around since the 80s but became part of Intel in 2010. Then, with Intel’s departure in 2017, they started offering antivirus services on their own again.
McAfee Total Protection has been around for a long time, producing robust and modern antivirus software that protects your PC every quarter. In recent evaluations by AV-Test, it scored high marks for both protection and performance.
McAfee Total Protection protects devices against viruses. It protects against ransomware. It also blocks malicious websites. Includes a password manager for the first year. If you agree to automatically renew your antivirus suite subscription, you get access to McAfee ID Theft Protection Essentials, which monitors identity fraud.
Eset NOD32 Antivirus – Easy setup antivirus subscription
If you’re looking for something easy to install and use, ESET NOD32 antivirus will meet your needs. It earns high marks for usability and offers solid virus protection. Five device options offer an annual subscription. There’s also a 30-day free trial.
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