Best List of Antivirus Free Download

Gomez Quar1983 – January 31, 2022

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• Avast Free Antivirus

• AVG AntiVirus Free

• Avira Antivirus

• Bitdefender Antivirus Gratis Edition

• Kaspersky Security Cloud Gratuitous

• Microsoft Windows Defender

• Sophos Dwelling Costless

Additional options

• Adaware Antivirus Free

• Cheque Point ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus+

• Qihoo 360 Total Security

Read on for a quick summary of the best choices for costless antivirus software for 2022.

Avast Gratis Antivirus

One of the oldest antivirus companies, Avast has been protecting people since 1988 and is trusted by more 400 million users around the globe. Avast secured PCMag's coveted Editors' Pick designation in 2021.

Essential protection: Avast Free Antivirus consistently ranks extremely high for its core virus protection engine and malware removal tools. Summit antivirus examination lab AV-Comparatives named Avast Product of the Year in 2018 and Top-Rated Product in 2019 and 2020, in addition to giving Avast awards for Existent-Earth Protection and Advanced Threat Protection. Avast continues to support Windows 7, even though Microsoft has stopped updating that operating arrangement.

Features: Offer an easy-to-use interface, a secure web browser, a network security scanner, and more than, Avast has a wide range of useful bonus features. Lifewire praises its Do Non Disturb Mode, which blocks pop-ups while you watch movies or play games. Lifewire also highlights the Behavior Shield, which keeps an centre on your apps to make certain they don't start acting strangely, a potential sign of a malware infection.

Need a second opinion? TechRadar notes that "Avast has plenty of protective ability and a bunch of extras, and does a good task of keeping y'all rubber," with protection results of 99.seven% and 100% in various tests.

AVG AntiVirus FREE

1 of the pioneers of free antivirus software for Windows, AVG has consistently won awards from AV-Comparatives over the past decade — including Top-Rated Production in their most recent exam.

Essential protection: PCMag praises AVG AntiVirus Free for achieving strong scores in a variety of contained tests, and for its fantabulous protection against phishing. AVG's on-demand virus scanner searches for subconscious malware, which includes viruses every bit well every bit other sneaky malicious software such as spyware and ransomware. AVG AntiVirus FREE is simply one of the best free malware removal tools available.

AVG scans for malicious URLs, unwanted browser add together-ons, and PC performance issues. AVG protects against zero-day threats by preventing unknown (and potentially dangerous) files from opening, and then sending those files to AVG'southward Threat Labs team for deeper assay. If they're found to be malicious, a cure is created and pushed out to you lot and the entire AVG community.

It's worth noting that AVG continues to provide the best antivirus software for Windows 7, fifty-fifty though Microsoft is no longer supporting that older operating system.

Features: AVG AntiVirus Gratis offers several bonus features, including a costless File Shredder to securely delete sensitive files and prevent your personal data from being exposed. PCMag notes that although AVG scans to find junk files and ataxia that are slowing down your device, you'll demand AVG TuneUp to fix those bug.

Demand a second opinion? In its review of the best free antivirus software for PC, Mashable notes that AVG AntiVirus FREE has the nearly accurate antivirus protection and malware detection, saying, "AVG AntiVirus FREE is most flawless with its ability to detect viruses and malware. It's unlikely anything is getting through this."

Avira Antivirus

Avira has been creating antivirus applications for a long time, with the commencement ane dating dorsum to 1986.

Essential protection: While PCMag awarded Avira Antivirus a solid score in their malware blocking exam, they as well found the on-demand scan slow and cautioned that its "existent-fourth dimension protection missed some malware EXEs and identified some valid programs as malware."

Features: Tom'south Guide notes that "many of Avira's actress features are really trialware," pregnant you'll be asked to pay for them after a short trial catamenia. Plus, there's a "heavy impact on arrangement performance."

Need a second opinion? SafetyDetectives says that "Avira's gratuitous plan offers the same powerful antivirus engine as the premium version... The biggest downside is that you don't go access to email or phone customer support, only the FAQ page."

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition

Bitdefender protects millions devices effectually the world and is consistently recognized by contained exam labs like The Independent It-Security Institute.

Essential protection: TechRadar praises Bitdefender'due south "clean, lite, well constructed scanning mechanisms – which are almost universally faster than the industry average – and unrivalled virus definitions." Merely they also note that the product doesn't offer many customization options and has "a few flaws in its treatment of zero-twenty-four hour period threats."

Features: PCMag says that "Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition includes the cadre malware-fighting components of Bitdefender'south commercial edition, but without the vast drove of additional security features, and without some advanced layers of malware protection." CNET notes that "Bitdefender Antivirus Complimentary is refreshingly free of the 'extra' features and tools that make some apps unwieldy and confusing."

Need a second opinion? DigitalTrends mentions that "the application features no configurations of whatever kind," while TechNadu adds that Bitfender is "missing extras" merely "adept for those who have entry-level computers."

Kaspersky Security Cloud Gratuitous

Russian cybersecurity business firm Kaspersky has faced allegations of inappropriate connections to the Kremlin, prompting the US, the Great britain, and kingdom of the netherlands to ban the utilize of Kaspersky products across government agencies. Still, the allegations remain inconclusive, and Kaspersky is consistently a top-rated antivirus product.

Essential protection: Kaspersky Free has earned stiff marks in independent test labs, including good scores on PCMag's malware- and ransomware-blocking tests equally well equally on their phishing test.

Features: According to SafetyDetectives, "Kaspersky's gratuitous antivirus provides good real-time malware protection, but its additional features are very limited."

Need a second opinion? TechRadar says that Kaspersky is "1 of the best and most authentic antivirus engines around," simply "doesn't have the extras to match some of the competition."

Microsoft Windows Defender

Windows Defender is Microsoft's congenital-in free antivirus for Windows 10. If this app is already on your PC, you might be wondering why you should even bother with a complimentary 3rd-party antivirus solution. The short reply is that many experts say Windows Defender simply isn't every bit practiced equally the best free antivirus programs.

Essential protection: While Windows Defender traditionally ranked beneath third-party antivirus software, it's now improved plenty to claim the number 7 slot on PCMag'due south annual top ten list. Its malware detection capabilities have improved, and it performed well in hands-on testing. Still, PCMag gives it a rather lukewarm review:

Windows Defender is improving, but y'all even so shouldn't rely on Windows 10'south security tools as your sole means of protection. Many free third-party apps are more than constructive at keeping you safe. — Neil J. Rubenking, PCMag Best Free Antivirus Protection for 2021

Features: Windows Defender still lags behind in phishing protection and malicious URL blocking, and information technology can't compete with the actress security features included in most complimentary third-party security software.

Need a 2d opinion? Tom's guide says that Windows Defender offers "very good malware protection," just lacks "easy-to-schedule scans, a fair number of extra goodies, lots of customization options and a superlight system load," which you tin observe with many of the all-time gratis antivirus options for Windows 10.

Notation for Windows 7 users: Microsoft'south built-in antivirus for Windows seven is Microsoft Security Essentials. The company will continue to back up the antivirus software for the fourth dimension being, but their overall support for Windows 7 has ended, and they recommend you upgrade to Windows x. If you go along Windows 7, it's more of import than ever to protect your organisation with strong 3rd-party antivirus software.

Sophos Home Costless

Sophos Home Costless offers much of the same protection as Sophos's business products, including remote security management for up to three PCs or Macs. That means you can also install the free antivirus software on a less tech-savvy family member's computer and remotely manage their security for them.

Essential protection: PCMag reports that Sophos achieved excellent scores in their easily-on tests and excellent protection against malicious websites. But different the other major players on this list, Sophos has few independent lab test results to bear witness its efficacy. Sophos also received a poor phishing protection score from PCMag.

Features: While the remote security management tool is a unique feature in a complimentary antivirus program, Cloudwards cautions that, "The bottom line is that Sophos Home Gratis is lacking likewise many features to be worth information technology."

Demand a second opinion? According to TechRadar, "Sophos Home Free is an interesting product, simpler than most competitors and with handy key management of all your device security. It's extremely short on features, though, and we'd like to run into more coverage from the testing labs, too."

Additional options

While the other popular gratuitous antivirus programs didn't rank the highest this year, you may exist wondering how some of these other programs fared in proficient reviews. Then here are few more antivirus products to consider:

Adaware Antivirus Free

Adaware Antivirus Free comes from Adaware, formerly known every bit Lavasoft.

Essential protection: Adaware Antivirus Free has received mixed scores in past contained tests, and PCMag cautions that Adaware has no recent test scores to show. Plus, their product received low scores in PCMag'south hands-on tests, and it provides no protection confronting malicious or fraudulent URLs.

"If you're going to replace the antivirus congenital into Windows with a 3rd-party free solution, you want one that will vanquish the OS's integrated protection. Unfortunately, Adaware Antivirus Complimentary doesn't meet that standard," says PCMag.

Features: Adaware'south gratuitous antivirus lacks features found in other free products — including the company's own previous edition. TechRadar adds that "well-nigh features are very bones."

Demand a second stance? AntivirusReview says, "if you lot're looking for the best possible antivirus software, then you'll be better off with a different product. We're not proverb that Adaware is worthless — far from it. Notwithstanding, objectively, information technology is non every bit potent in lab tests every bit we'd like it to be. And for an antivirus, protection should always exist the #1 concern."

Check Point ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus+

Bank check Bespeak ZoneAlarm is a costless antivirus-firewall philharmonic that licenses its antivirus engine from security behemothic Kaspersky.

Essential protection: Pairing strong antivirus prevention with a firewall can be good enough for basic calculating. But TechRadar bemoans the lack of comprehensive threat protection, noting that ZoneAlarm is missing "web and e-mail monitoring, network file scanning, and real-fourth dimension cloud protection to continue you prophylactic from the very latest threats…. These aren't restrictions nosotros've often seen in other free antivirus apps."

Features: Unfortunately, this costless cybersecurity solution is missing many features you would await to run across, such equally web-based security, protection against malicious websites, and personal data protection. "It lacks some antivirus features [and] some of its bonus features don't work," says PCMag.

Demand a 2d opinion? Cloudwards comments that "the protection you receive on the free tier is solid and reliable," simply "the best features are locked behind the paid tiers." Cloudwards too notes that ZoneAlarm is becoming outdated, and "could now desperately use an update to its interface besides every bit a new circular of security testing."

Qihoo 360 Total Security

Qihoo is a Chinese company known for its antivirus software, web browser, and mobile app store.

Essential protection: Qihoo formerly used the aforementioned core antivirus as Bitdefender and Avira, but it no longer does. Sadly, its malware protection has suffered for it. PCMag reported poor scores on their anti-malware, ransomware, and malicious URL blocking tests, and rated Qihoo'southward anti-phishing performance "terrible," calling information technology a "phishing protection failure." They besides note that Qihoo hasn't been reviewed by the major independent antivirus test labs in years, which should raise your embrows.

Features: Qihoo comes with an impressive suite of bonus features, including cleanup and tuneup utilities, an adblocker, and more.

Need a second opinion? TechRadar says, "There are loads of features on offering, simply about are beneath-par, and 360 Total Security isn't accurate enough to be your sole antivirus app."

Disqualified options

You may accept been expecting to see some large-proper name antivirus players on this list, similar Norton, McAfee, or Malwarebytes. For various reasons, they didn't make the cut. Here'southward why.

• Norton offers only paid antivirus software. Though they have a xxx-solar day gratis trial, information technology'due south not plenty to earn a spot on our best complimentary antivirus software list.

• McAfee is the same every bit Norton — a free trial, only no gratuitous version. So, they just can't compete on our best complimentary virus protection listing.

• Malwarebytes doesn't offer a traditional free antivirus. Their free protection tool is adept at detecting and removing malware from your PC, but Malwarebytes doesn't offer real-time antivirus or malware protection. You can find this in their paid products, merely why non go with a full-service free option instead?

FAQs

Why do I demand antivirus protection?

Y'all can avoid some forms of malware past practicing smart digital habits like using secure messaging apps and checking that websites are condom before you use them. But hackers are craftier than ever. Social engineering science tricks, phishing scams, malicious URLs and infected downloads… the list goes on.

Cybercriminals notice means to reach even the near careful amongst us. And with advanced cybercrime techniques similar ransomware, once you get infected information technology's besides late. That'south why you need an extra line of defense in the form of an antivirus. Brand certain to choose ane of our best security software options with robust protection confronting all kinds of online threats.

Mobile devices may also exist susceptible to malware, so protect yours with a security program that tin remove malware from your smartphone.

How should I choose the all-time antivirus?

When information technology comes to the best virus scanners and all-time anti-malware tools, there are tons of choices. Hither'south what you lot should consider before downloading your antivirus solution:

• Effectiveness: Of course, the well-nigh important factor is how effective the antivirus engine is against malware and other threats. Gone are the days when the primary internet baddie was the reckoner virus. Today, you're more than likely to face ransomware, phishing scams, malicious URLs, and other sneaky cyberspace dangers. Look for antivirus software that protects confronting the full spectrum of threats while offering real-time protection so there'due south never a lapse in your defenses.

• Touch on on organization resource: No one wants an antivirus that slows downward your PC. Check to make sure the software you're downloading has a light system load and minimal impact on your normal computer feel. This is peculiarly important if you lot're into optimizing your gaming machine.

• Costs and discounts: This isn't a list of the best paid antivirus software, and for good reason: there are a great many high-quality gratis antivirus programs that tin continue your PC and your sensitive personal data protected. There'southward no better disbelieve than free, correct? We recommend starting with one of the strongest best free internet security options above.

• Privacy: Antivirus programs need admission to all parts of your motorcar to properly protect it. That means you lot should cull a program from a reputable programmer with a reasonable and transparent privacy policy.

• Protection for other platforms: You lot'll find many options for the all-time Windows 10 antivirus above. But y'all probably have additional devices, right? Malware, phishing, and other threats also bear on Macs, Androids, and even iPhones. Some companies offering multi-device subscriptions so y'all can hands protect yourself with complimentary antivirus software for Mac, cybersecurity for Android, and mobile security for iOS.

Why is costless protection enough? Free vs. paid antivirus software

Equally they say, at that place's no such affair as a gratuitous luncheon… simply there is such a affair as quality costless antivirus software, and our list is total of them. Almost companies offer avant-garde features, add-ons, and customization options in their paid products. Merely our above list of the best complimentary programs contains options for excellent virus and malware protection — and many include great features in their complimentary versions, too. Free antivirus protection is ideal for those who want to stay protected, but don't necessarily desire to tinker around with advanced settings or tons of extras.

Why isn't Microsoft's Windows Defender practiced enough?

Microsoft has put resources into trying to brand its built-in solution the best gratuitous antivirus for Windows 10. Only while it has improved by leaps and bounds in contempo years, Windows Defender is still not as adept every bit many third-party options out there, similar AVG, Avast, Kaspersky, and BitDefender. Windows Defender's results from independent examination labs, while expert, don't e'er attain the level of those antivirus mainstays.

Beyond test results, in that location may be other issues with relying solely on Windows Defender. In multiple instances, Microsoft's own updates have acquired bugs and/or disruptions in Defender'south antivirus protection. But should you skip Microsoft's updates to make sure its antivirus can run unhampered? Absolutely not.

Product and Bone updates often include patches that plug security holes. Ignoring security updates tin make you far more than vulnerable to malware. Just ask the hundreds of thousands of people who got infected with WannaCry, despite Microsoft issuing a security update that would've fixed the trouble weeks before the infamous attack hit.

And while Windows Defender protects confronting phishing attacks when using Microsoft Edge, information technology won't cover you in other browsers. With these persistent limitations to Defender, about AV experts still recommend yous opt for ane of the all-time free anti-malware software options on our list to a higher place.

How are antivirus programs tested?

At that place are four major independent institutes that conduct antivirus testing and report contained exam results: AV-Comparatives, AV-Test Plant, SE Labs, and MRG-Effitas. These labs take the resources to test thousands of real, active malware samples of all kinds (viruses, worms, ransomware, zero-day exploits, Trojans, botnets, backdoors, and more) and to perform the aforementioned tests on different antivirus software simultaneously to guarantee accurate comparisons.

These labs are certified by independent auditors, and many work with universities to ensure country-of-the-art testing methodology. Independent examination labs charge the antivirus companies to participate in these tests. Major AV brands consider this a necessary expense in society to verify the efficacy of their product. So when a company has no recent test results to show, it might understandably arouse suspicion.

Well-known reviewers, such as Neil J. Rubenking of PCMag, use a combination of contained examination results, their own hands-on testing, and their personal experience with a product's usability and bonus features to judge the all-time antivirus software.

How volition antivirus software affect the performance of my Windows figurer?

A good antivirus solution will non slow downwardly your computer. The meridian free antivirus software is designed to minimize its impact on your system. Make sure to select a programme with lite system load so yous tin can stay protected but still use your figurer exactly as y'all unremarkably would.

Note that an antivirus program'south impact on your arrangement isn't the same every bit how many notifications the program sends you. If yous also don't desire to be disrupted with notifications, consider an antivirus with flexible options, such as AVG AntiVirus Gratis's Do Not Disturb manner. It'll silence all notifications while you're busy gaming, watching a picture show, or using other apps that require your focus.

Protect yourself now with an antivirus trusted by millions

Don't wait until it's besides late to secure your PC against viruses and malware. These days, it'south more important than e'er to guard confronting viruses, cybercrime, and other emerging threats. Protect your sensitive personal information and your Windows PC with a strong antivirus tool.

With AVG AntiVirus FREE, you'll go existent-time security updates and 24/7 protection, and so you can stay safe while browsing, emailing, and downloading files. Get the all-time free antivirus for Windows today for an impenetrable layer of defence against malware and other invasive digital threats.

DOWNLOAD HERE

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