The best free antivirus software
A good paid Windows antivirus suite comes with numerous additional features such as parental controls, identity theft protection, a password manager, and support for Mac, Android, and iOS.However, if you’re specifically seeking antivirus software without these additional features, you might be interested in one of the top free antivirus programs. In the past, free antivirus software often provided inadequate protection and was filled with advertisements and prompts to upgrade to a paid version. However, this landscape has changed, and Kaspersky now offers a free –version with excellent malware protection. Additionally, Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows is another noteworthy free antivirus option.The collaboration between Avast and AVG resulted in a combined malware-detection engine that surpasses the capabilities of each component individually. Similarly, Microsoft –Defender Antivirus has evolved into one of the best free antivirus programs, integrated into both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
These recommended free antivirus programs stand out based on their protective capabilities, minimal system impact, user-friendly interface, –and additional features.1. Windows Defender Antivirus
SPECIFICATIONS
Email scans: No Game mode: Yes Hardened browser: Edge & IE only Password manager: Yes, with other Microsoft apps Ransomware reversal: Yes Scan scheduler: Yes Support options: 24/7 phone, email support Upsell nag factor: Nonexistent
REASONS TO BUY
+ Very good malware protection +Built right into Windows 10 and 11 +You’ll barely know it’s there
REASONS TO AVOID
– Some features work only on Microsoft products – Hard to schedule scans
Microsoft’s integrated antivirus software has become a robust contender. Although Windows Defender, also known as Microsoft Defender Antivirus, may not surpass Norton or Kaspersky in malware-protection assessments, it outperforms Avast, AVG, and most other free antivirus products while operating discreetly in the background.
While Windows Defender itself lacks many additional features, Windows 10 offers parental controls, a gaming mode, and safeguards for its Edge and Internet Explorer browsers. Although there is no built-in VPN, users are spared from incessant pop-ups attempting to promote paid antivirus software.
Regarding a password manager, a concealed one is integrated into the Microsoft Authenticator app for Android and iOS, syncing with the Edge browser when signed into the Microsoft account across all devices.
Despite our suggestion to opt for Kaspersky Security Cloud Free for its lower system impact, superior malware protection, and more beneficial extras, relying on Windows Defender as the primary antivirus solution is entirely acceptable as it adequately secures your new laptop.
2. Kaspersky Free for Windows
SPECIFICATIONS
Email scans: Yes Game mode: Yes Hardened browser: No Password manager: Limited Ransomware reversal: Yes Scan scheduler: Yes Support options: FAQs, forums Upsell nag factor: Moderate
REASONS TO BUY
+Top-notch malware protection +Tiny performance impact +Tons of useful extra features
REASONS TO AVOID
– Password manager, VPN service are just teases – Lacks phone support
Kaspersky’s free antivirus product is not extensively discussed, and locating the download page for the free software on the company’s website can be challenging. Despite this drawback, Kaspersky Free for Windows stands out as the most impressive free antivirus solution we have ever evaluated. The program offers an exceptional combination of robust protection and additional features uncommon in free antivirus software.
Featuring a user-friendly interface with vibrant visuals, ample customization options, and Kaspersky’s unparalleled malware protection, the software provides a noteworthy experience. Users can schedule scans, and the program’s impact on system performance is minimal, even enhancing the speed of our test machine.
Kaspersky’s valuable supplementary features encompass a file shredder, on-screen keyboard, and email scanner. However, the password manager and VPN service are somewhat limited unless a subscription is purchased.
3. Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition
SPECIFICATIONS
Email scans: No Game mode: No Hardened browser: No Password manager: No Ransomware reversal: No Scan scheduler: No Support options: FAQs, forums Upsell nag factor: Minimal
REASONS TO BUY
+Very good malware protection +Completely automatic interface +Truly no muss, no fuss
REASONS TO AVOID
– No extra features whatsoever – No quick scans or scan scheduling
In contrast to bulky and feature-packed premium antivirus programs, Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition can be likened to a minimalist ’60s sports car, prioritizing essentials while still delivering substantial performance.
This free version of Bitdefender focuses solely on fundamental antivirus functions. It lacks extra features such as a password manager, gaming mode, quick scans, or scan scheduling. While you can control the software through the System Tray icon, interaction with Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition is typically unnecessary post-installation.
Despite its simplicity, Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition incorporates the highly effective Bitdefender malware-detection engine, ranking just below Kaspersky and Norton in laboratory tests.
For users seeking a hassle-free security solution that requires minimal attention, this is the top choice among free antivirus software. It’s particularly useful for safeguarding the computer of an elderly relative when remote management of antivirus software is impractical.
4. Avast Free Antivirus
SPECIFICATIONS
Email scans: Separate tool Game mode: Yes Hardened browser: Separate tool Password manager: Not any more Ransomware reversal: Shield only Scan scheduler: Yes Support options: FAQs, forums Upsell nag factor: Omnipresent
REASONS TO BUY
+Wi-Fi scanner +Very customizable +Ransomware shield
REASONS TO AVOID
– Mediocre malware protection – Heavy system hit during scans
Avast Free Antivirus stands out among free antivirus programs due to its extensive range of additional features, including a fortified browser, gaming mode, Wi-Fi network scanner, and ransomware shield. Unfortunately, the unlimited password manager feature has been discontinued.
The software provides a high level of customization, allowing users to adjust its appearance and functions according to their preferences. It even offers limited access to Avast’s VPN service. However, during our testing, Avast Free Antivirus exhibited a considerable system load, and its scans were time-consuming. Additionally, there was persistent encouragement to upgrade to Avast’s paid antivirus protection, and some features appeared free but turned out to be part of a bait-and-switch strategy.
Most notably, the malware protection offered by Avast Free Antivirus falls short compared to Kaspersky and Bitdefender’s free programs. These alternatives not only had less intrusive prompts for paid upgrades but also imposed lighter loads on the system.
5. AVG AntiVirus Free
SPECIFICATIONS
Email scans: Yes Game mode: Yes Hardened browser: No Password manager: No Ransomware reversal: No Scan scheduler: Yes Support options: FAQs, forums Upsell nag factor: Inescapable
REASONS TO BUY
+File shredder +Lots of customization options +Easy to use interface
REASONS TO AVOID
– Middling malware protection – Slow full-system scans
AVG AntiVirus Free shares a competent, though not remarkable, malware-detection engine with its corporate counterpart, Avast. It distinguishes itself by imposing a lighter impact on system performance. However, when compared to Avast Free Antivirus, AVG AntiVirus Free falls short in terms of additional features. While Avast offers a comprehensive security suite with numerous features, AVG seems to be the overlooked sibling, receiving hand-me-downs.
Despite the lack of many useful extras, AVG AntiVirus Free still provides some key features such as a file shredder, system optimizer, and a user-friendly interface. On the downside, similar to Avast Free Antivirus, AVG constantly prompts users to upgrade to the paid version. Unfortunately, with its average malware detection capabilities and limited additional features, there’s little justification to prefer AVG AntiVirus Free over the more robust and integrated Microsoft Defender.
6. Malwarebytes Free
REASONS TO BUY
+Complements antivirus software +Removes adware, other unwanted software +Absolutely no downside to having it
REASONS TO AVOID
– Installs trialware of paid version – Manual definition updates
Malwarebytes Free, previously known as Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, serves as a valuable tool for eliminating malware rather than functioning as antivirus software. The distinction lies in its inability to prevent PC infections, unlike traditional antivirus programs. Nevertheless, it excels in effectively removing existing malware, including (legitimate) adware and potentially unwanted programs that are often overlooked by antivirus software.
It operates seamlessly alongside any pre-existing antivirus software without causing interference, making it safe to install alongside our recommended brands. However, caution is advised against upgrading to the paid Malwarebytes Premium, which functions as true antivirus software but performs poorly in lab tests and may conflict with other antivirus programs.
We recommend utilizing Malwarebytes Free as a supplementary tool in conjunction with the best antivirus programs, whether they are free or paid options.