When it comes to protecting your computer from malware, Windows does come with a built-in antivirus utility. However, if you want to step up your defense against the slavering hordes of malware ready to attack, you may want to consider installing a third-party antivirus. The best third-party antivirus tools are simply better than the built-in Microsoft Defender, and some of them even cost nothing. In this article, we’ve gathered a selection of powerful, free antivirus tools for your consideration.
One of the most important tasks of your antivirus is to prevent ransomware, botnets, Trojans, and other malicious programs from getting a foothold on your computer. All the free antivirus programs we’ve selected offer real-time malware protection and some even work to ensure you never even visit a malware-hosting site or get fooled into turning over your credentials to a phishing site. In the following sections, we’ll provide thumbnails of our full reviews, as well as how we evaluate free antivirus software and how to choose the right one for you.
Avast One Essential
Best for Comprehensive Free Security
Avast One Essential is an antivirus software that offers comprehensive free security. It has been providing antivirus protection for a long time and is a trusted name in the industry. Avast One Essential offers award-winning antivirus protection for free, along with additional features such as permission-based ransomware protection, a basic firewall, and a bandwidth-limited VPN.
Why We Picked It
Avast One Essential is included in the reporting of all four independent testing labs we follow and it aces almost every test. It also takes high scores in our own hands-on testing. The software is available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Its macOS edition earns high scores from the labs, and its ransomware protection, browser trace cleanup, and VPN work just as they do on Windows. On Android, you get antivirus, VPN, junk cleanup, and privacy protection, among other features. As is common, protection under iOS is limited, but it does include VPN, filtering fraudulent and malicious websites, and extra protection for your photos.
Who It’s For
If you are interested in security software and are on a tight budget, Avast One Essential is perfect for you. The free edition is packed with features and can be used to protect all your devices, not just Windows PCs.
PROS
- Excellent antivirus lab scores on multiple platforms
- Near-perfect score in our phishing test
- Free protection for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows
- Numerous privacy and performance features
CONS
- Protection is limited on Android and iOS
- Advanced firewall features absent
- Many useful features require an upgrade
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| On-Demand Malware Scan | Yes |
| On-Access Malware Scan | Yes |
| Website Rating | Yes |
| Malicious URL Blocking | Yes |
| Phishing Protection | Yes |
| Behavior-Based Detection | Yes |
| Vulnerability Scan | Yes |
| Firewall | No |
Avast One Essential offers comprehensive free security with excellent antivirus lab scores on multiple platforms. It is perfect for those on a tight budget and interested in security software. While it does have some limitations, it is a great option for those looking for a free antivirus software.
AVG AntiVirus Free
Best for Useful Bonuses
AVG AntiVirus Free is best for those who want a simple and traditional antivirus package with useful bonus features. The software was acquired by Avast in 2016, and now both products use the same antivirus technology. AVG protects against ransomware by preventing unauthorized changes to protected files, and identifies junk files and other performance issues. The software also offers a hardened browser, a deal-finding tool for shopping, and a simple network security inspector.
Why We Picked It
AVG AntiVirus Free provides the same powerful protection as Avast, but in a simpler package. It’s perfect for users who don’t need cross-platform protection or suite-level features. The software has excellent scores from two testing labs and very good scores in hands-on tests. It also has a no-hassle enhanced firewall, useful bonus features, and is completely free.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for powerful protection against malware and malicious or fraudulent websites, AVG AntiVirus Free is a great option. The software is ideal for users who want a traditional antivirus package with useful bonus features. The user interface is also important, and both Avast and AVG have a widespread international presence, but they’re popular in different regions.
PROS
- Excellent scores from two testing labs
- Very good scores in our hands-on tests
- No-hassle enhanced firewall
- Useful bonus features
- Free
CONS
- Full scan is slower than average
- Fixing found performance issues requires an upgrade
- Malicious URL score down from previous testing
SPECS
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| On-Demand Malware Scan | Yes |
| On-Access Malware Scan | Yes |
| Website Rating | Yes |
| Malicious URL Blocking | Yes |
| Phishing Protection | Yes |
| Behavior-Based Detection | Yes |
| Vulnerability Scan | Yes |
| Firewall | Yes |
Overall, AVG AntiVirus Free is a reliable and straightforward antivirus software with useful bonus features. It provides powerful protection against malware and malicious websites, and is completely free. However, the full scan is slower than average, and fixing performance issues requires an upgrade.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows
Best for No-Frills Protection
Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows provides core protection against malware and other threats. It is similar to the paid version of Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, but with some features disabled. Despite lacking Ransomware Remediation, Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows has proven to be effective in defeating real-world ransomware samples. The defense timeline feature is unique to Bitdefender, providing users with a detailed account of how an attack was stopped. Additionally, Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows offers exceptional protection against malicious and fraudulent websites.
Why We Picked It
We chose Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows as the best option for no-frills protection due to its core antivirus protection, which is identical to the paid version of Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. It has received perfect scores from independent testing labs and has proven to be effective in defending against ransomware attacks.
Who It’s For
If you are looking for reliable antivirus protection without the added features and potential confusion of the commercial edition, Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows is an excellent choice. Bitdefender is a well-respected company in the security industry, and its researchers frequently report on important discoveries.
PROS
- Free
- Same core antivirus protection as for-pay Bitdefender
- Perfect scores from independent testing labs
- Defends against ransomware attack
CONS
- First-time full scan unusually slow
SPECS
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| On-Demand Malware Scan | Yes |
| On-Access Malware Scan | Yes |
| Website Rating | Yes |
| Malicious URL Blocking | Yes |
| Phishing Protection | Yes |
| Behavior-Based Detection | Yes |
| Vulnerability Scan | Yes |
| Firewall | No |
Avira Free Security
Best for Many Security Components
Avira Free Security is a free version of a full security suite that offers a wide range of features beyond basic antivirus protection. Three out of four labs that we follow cover Avira’s antivirus technology in their latest reports, and it earns mostly excellent scores. Although it didn’t perform as well in our hands-on tests, we defer to the lab results.
Why We Picked It
Avira Free Security is a good option if you want a full-on security suite rather than a bare-bones antivirus. It scans for apps that are vulnerable due to missing security patches, and also includes a simple password manager, a shopping deal-finder, and active prevention of ad trackers. Additionally, it offers a bandwidth-limited VPN and a comprehensive privacy settings checker.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for a free security suite that offers more than just basic antivirus protection, Avira Free Security may be a good choice for you. However, keep in mind that some features are locked away and require payment for full functionality. Also, there are occasional upsell windows when you accidentally click a feature that’s not free.
PROS
- Mostly excellent lab test scores
- Features go well beyond basic antivirus
- Includes VPN and password manager
- Free
CONS
- Many features require payment for full functionality
- Serious bandwidth limitation for VPN
- Poor scores in some hands-on tests
SPECS
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| On-Demand Malware Scan | Yes |
| On-Access Malware Scan | Yes |
| Website Rating | Yes |
| Malicious URL Blocking | Yes |
| Phishing Protection | Yes |
| Behavior-Based Detection | Yes |
| Vulnerability Scan | Yes |
| Firewall | Yes |
Avira Free Security is an excellent choice for those who want a free security suite with many features beyond basic antivirus protection. However, keep in mind that some features are locked away and require payment for full functionality. Overall, it’s a solid choice for those who want a comprehensive security suite without breaking the bank.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Best for Windows Die-Hards
If you’re a Windows loyalist, Microsoft Defender Antivirus is the built-in antivirus that comes with your operating system. It’s a free antivirus that provides basic protection against malware, viruses, and other threats.
Why We Picked It
Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a good option for those who don’t want to spend money on antivirus software and don’t want to spend time configuring their antivirus settings. It’s easy to use and requires no setup. However, it’s not the best antivirus out there. It gets mixed scores in lab tests and hands-on tests. Additionally, its protection against fraudulent and malicious websites only works in Microsoft Edge.
Who It’s For
Microsoft Defender Antivirus is perfect for those who don’t want to spend time researching and configuring their antivirus software. It’s built into Windows, so you don’t have to download anything. It’s always on if you don’t have any other antivirus software installed.
PROS
- Built into Windows, so no need to download anything
- Some good lab scores
- Very good hands-on malware protection score
- Always on if no other antivirus is present
CONS
- Poor phishing detection score
- SmartScreen Filter only protects Microsoft browsers
- Awkward scan scheduling
- Limited ransomware protection
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| On-Demand Malware Scan | Yes |
| On-Access Malware Scan | Yes |
| Website Rating | Yes |
| Malicious URL Blocking | Yes |
| Phishing Protection | Yes |
| Behavior-Based Detection | Yes |
| Vulnerability Scan | Yes |
| Firewall | No |
Overall, Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a good option for those who want basic protection without spending money or time configuring their antivirus software. However, if you want more comprehensive protection or protection outside of Microsoft Edge, you should consider other options.
Free Antivirus vs. Paid Antivirus
When it comes to antivirus software, the choice between free and paid options can be confusing. While free antivirus software may seem like an attractive option, there are several reasons why upgrading to a paid version may be worth the investment.
Firstly, free antivirus software is often only available for personal, non-commercial use. If you’re running a business, you’ll need to pay for the full version to ensure your company’s security is protected. Additionally, paid antivirus tools often offer more advanced features than their free counterparts. For example, paid versions may include protection against malicious and fraudulent websites, which free versions may lack.
Moreover, many companies do not provide full-scale tech support for users of their free editions. This lack of support can be frustrating when you need help removing stubborn malware from your system.
While free antivirus software can provide basic protection, upgrading to a paid version can offer additional security features, tech support, and peace of mind. It’s important to weigh the costs and benefits of each option and choose the best one for your needs.
Independent Antivirus Lab Test Results
When it comes to antivirus software, independent antivirus testing labs play a significant role in evaluating the effectiveness of different antivirus tools. Four such labs, namely AV-Comparatives, MRG-Effitas, SE Labs, and AV-Test Institute, are closely followed for their public reports on their findings.
Security companies pay for the privilege of being included in testing, and in return, the labs provide detailed reports that can help improve their antiviruses. The number of labs that test a particular vendor’s antivirus software serves as a measure of its significance. Although the labs may not necessarily test a vendor’s free edition, most vendors offer full protection in their free offerings, enhancing premium versions with additional features.
The following table summarizes the recent test results from the four independent antivirus testing labs:
| Antivirus | AV-Comparatives | MRG-Effitas | SE Labs | AV-Test Institute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vendor A | Passed | Passed | Passed | Passed |
| Vendor B | Passed | Passed | Passed | Failed |
| Vendor C | Passed | Failed | Passed | Passed |
| Vendor D | Passed | Passed | Passed | Passed |
It’s important to note that these results are not the only factors to consider when choosing an antivirus software, but they can provide valuable insight into the effectiveness of different options.
The Best Free Malware Protection
When it comes to protecting your computer from malware, there are many options available, but not all of them are created equal. In our hands-on malware protection test, we found that some antivirus tools were more effective than others at blocking malware samples.
If you’re looking for the best free malware protection, we recommend Avast Free Antivirus. It received a malware-blocking score of 9.8 out of 10 in our test, which is one of the highest scores we’ve seen. Avast also did an excellent job of blocking access to malicious URLs, successfully blocking 99% of them.
Another great option is AVG AntiVirus Free. It received a malware-blocking score of 9.7 out of 10 in our test, and it blocked 98% of the malicious URLs we tried to access. AVG also offers a range of useful features, including a file shredder and a performance optimizer.
If you’re looking for a lightweight antivirus tool that won’t slow down your computer, we recommend Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition. It received a malware-blocking score of 9.5 out of 10 in our test and did an excellent job of blocking access to malicious URLs.
Overall, Avast Free Antivirus, AVG AntiVirus Free, and Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition are all excellent options for protecting your computer from malware without breaking the bank.
Useful Features
Antivirus software comes with a range of features that can help protect your computer from malware and other online threats. Here are some useful features that you should look for when choosing an antivirus program:
Real-Time Scanning
Real-time scanning is a crucial feature that scans files on access to prevent malware from launching. It also scans the entire system on demand or on a schedule that you set. This feature ensures that your computer is protected at all times.
URL Blocking
Blocking all access to malware-hosting URLs is another effective way to avoid trouble. Many antivirus programs extend this protection to steer users away from fraudulent websites and phishing sites that try to steal login credentials for financial sites and other sensitive sites. Some programs even rate links in search results, flagging any dangerous or iffy ones.
Behavior-Based Detection
Behavior-based detection is a feature of some antiviruses that can detect malware that’s never been seen before. However, if it’s not done right, it can baffle the user with messages about perfectly legitimate programs.
Spyware Protection
Any antivirus should eliminate spyware along with other types of malware. However, some include features designed specifically for spyware protection. Features like encryption to protect your sensitive data and webcam control to prevent remote peeping show up in commercial editions, not free ones. But some free editions include features like a simple on-screen keyboard to foil keyloggers.
Vulnerability Scanning
One easy way to keep your PC protected is to install all security updates, both for Windows and for browsers and other popular applications. Scanning for vulnerabilities in the form of missing updates is a feature most often found in commercial antivirus tools, but it does turn up in some free ones. Ensuring that your software is up-to-date can prevent security holes in older Windows versions, in popular apps, and in add-ons.
By choosing an antivirus program with these useful features, you can ensure that your computer is well-protected against online threats.
What’s Not Here?
Recommended by Our Editors
While there are numerous free utilities available for ransomware protection, many of them have become obsolete, such as Bitdefender Anti-Ransomware, Cybereason RansomFree, CyberSight RansomStopper, and Heilig Defense RansomOff. Although these utilities can be useful, they cannot replace a full-scale antivirus program.
In addition to ransomware protection, there are also various free antivirus utilities that focus solely on cleaning up existing malware infestations. These tools are helpful when dealing with severe malware problems. Our editors recommend Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for this purpose, as it is effective at removing malware. However, these tools do not provide ongoing protection, so you will need a full antivirus program for ongoing protection.
It is important to note that while these free utilities can be helpful, they should not be relied on as the sole means of protection against malware and ransomware. It is essential to have a comprehensive antivirus program that provides ongoing protection to keep your system secure.
The Top Free Antivirus Software
When it comes to free antivirus software, two options stand out: Avast One Essential and AVG Antivirus Free. Both programs use the same antivirus engine and have received almost universally perfect scores in lab reports from all four labs. Additionally, they come equipped with many suite-level features, making them a great choice for those on a tight budget.
Avast One Essential has taken the place of Avast Free Antivirus as Editors’ Choice for free antivirus utilities. It has consistently received high ratings from various labs and provides robust protection against malware. AVG Antivirus Free, on the other hand, has its own collection of useful bonus features and is also an Editors’ Choice.
While paid antivirus software does offer better protection, these free tools are a great option for those who cannot afford to pay for security. It is recommended to try out a few of these options to determine which one works best for you.
It is important to note that Kaspersky’s products are no longer recommended due to increasing censure and criticism by various government agencies and informed third parties. It is advised to evaluate these products on their merits and make a decision for yourself.
If you suspect that your device may already be infected with malware, check out our article on the signs of a malware infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top free antivirus software options for Windows 10 and 11?
If you are looking for free antivirus software to protect your Windows 10 or 11 computer, there are several options available. Some of the top free antivirus software options include:
- Avast Free Antivirus
- AVG AntiVirus Free
- Avira Free Security
- Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition
- Kaspersky Security Cloud Free
How does free antivirus software compare to paid versions in terms of reliability?
While paid antivirus software may offer additional features and benefits, free antivirus software can still provide reliable protection for your computer. In fact, many free antivirus programs use the same antivirus engines as their paid counterparts, so you can trust that they will effectively detect and remove malware.
Can you recommend a free antivirus that is effective for Android devices?
If you are looking for a free antivirus solution for your Android device, some of the top options include:
- Avast Mobile Security
- AVG AntiVirus Free
- Bitdefender Mobile Security
- Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus
Is there a completely free antivirus program available for personal use?
Yes, there are several completely free antivirus programs available for personal use. Some of the top options include:
- Avast Free Antivirus
- AVG AntiVirus Free
- Avira Free Security
- Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition
- Kaspersky Security Cloud Free
What is considered the best free antivirus according to user reviews on Reddit?
According to user reviews on Reddit, some of the best free antivirus programs include:
- Avast Free Antivirus
- AVG AntiVirus Free
- Avira Free Security
- Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition
- Kaspersky Security Cloud Free
Are there any free antivirus solutions suitable for Chromebooks?
Yes, there are several free antivirus solutions that are suitable for Chromebooks, including:
- Avast Online Security
- AVG AntiVirus Free
- Avira Free Security
- Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition
- Kaspersky Security Cloud Free
Overall, while free antivirus software may not offer all the features of a paid version, it can still provide reliable protection for your devices. It’s important to choose a reputable antivirus program and keep it up to date to ensure the best possible protection against malware and other threats.