Sometimes it takes an accident to get protected. Here’s the story of my co-worker, in her own words, which pushed her to get an antivirus right away: That was back in June 2005 when there was no system of text alerts or one-time passwords. She’s been paying yearly for Kaspersky Internet Security since then. And yeah, Microsoft Windows got one more paying customer. If you’re guilty of doing the same, this might be the wake-up call. Agreed, that was spyware, and most free antiviruses don’t provide online security for free. But anyway, you’ll get a solid first line of defense. So genuine Windows is a different story, but you must consider installing an antivirus. And you don’t need a credit card but only a few clicks with this list of the best free antivirus. Let’s get rolling.
Avast Free Antivirus
Avast Free Antivirus is the one I’ve been using since my first computer. Features:
Full, Targeted, & Boot-Time ScansHack Alerts for Online AccountsScans for Files, Web-Attacks,& Emails AttachmentsWiFi InspectorOnline Security Browser ExtensionNetwork FirewallRansomware ShieldDo-Not-Disturb ModeSoftware Updater
You also get a Smart Scan which checks for outdated security protocols. Add in the ransomware protection, and you have excellent free antivirus protection in Avast.
Avira
Avira is an AI-powered feature-packed free antivirus. The free-features list is so long that you might not need to pay ever. Features:
Full, Quick, and Scheduled ScansBrowser Safety ExtensionFree VPN (monthly 500 MB)Password ManagerFile Shredder (for unrecoverable deletion)Data Privacy from native OSDevice Optimizer and UpdaterBattery Saver (for laptops)Duplicate Finder, Game BoosterStart-up Optimizer
Avira has VPN and File Shredder for free, which were paid with Avast. Besides, Avira helps you to get rid of annoying and malicious adverts. But the cherry on the cake is that they don’t sell your data.
ZoneAlarm Next Gen
ZoneAlarm has revamped its user interface and now is one of the most eye-pleasing, feature-packed, free antivirus programs. Features:
Real-Time ProtectionFull, Custom & Scheduled ScansPowerful FirewallWeb SecurityAnti-RansomwareFile Quarantine
ZoneAlarm has a clean interface and doesn’t tease you with its premium offering. My brief encounter with ZoneAlarm was pleasing, with no unnecessary pop-ups hindering my routine work. Absolutely recommended.
Total AV
Total AV has been extremely generous with its free antivirus. It’s loaded with features that are otherwise absent in many other free antivirus programs. Features:
Scheduled & Instant Virus ScansFile QuarantineInternet SecurityAd BlockerData Breach CheckJunk CleanerDuplicate FinderApplication UninstallerBoot OptimizerBrowser CleanupPassword Manager
Notably, you’ll be missing VPN, real-time protection with its free version. Nevertheless, its free offering is feature-rich and should be given a try.
COMODO Free Antivirus
COMODO Free Antivirus has a very responsive user interface, and there are tons of unique free features to talk about. Features:
Full, Quick, and Custom ScansCloud Memory for Infected File ReputationAuto-Sandboxing of Suspicious AppsSpyware & Malware ScanningReal-Time Threat DetectionVirtual Container for Selected ProgramsPassword-Protected Virtual DesktopKillSwitch for Advanced System Monitoring
Conclusively, you should install this program to benefit from the advanced features which are rare in others.
AVG Antivirus Free
I installed AVG antivirus to see how it stacked against the other free options. And, I noticed an overwhelming similarity with Avast’s free offering. But that’s obvious, considering Avast’s acquisition of AVG in 2016, which later (2021) merged with Norton LifeLock. Anyways, sticking to the AVG free antivirus, these are the features you get:
Variety of ScansContinuous File MonitoringApplications Behavior ShieldRansomware ProtectionNetwork SurveillanceHack Alerts for Online AccountsEmail Attachments Scan
So this option ended up looking like a doppelgänger of Avast. But that’s okay, considering Avast is a strong antivirus program. You can try anyone and should expect comparable performance.
SOPHOS HOME
SOPHOS comes with an MIT recommendation. Its free antivirus, Sophos Home Free, is a web application. It comes as a download, but you get redirected to the web interface for every antivirus-related task. Free features:
AI Threat DetectionVirus, Malware, Ransomware ProtectionRemote ManagementWeb ProtectionParental Website Filtering
This free antivirus program can be slightly unusual at first since it’s controlled from your browser. But it can help you to safeguard remote devices, including the ones operated by your elderly and kids.
Kaspersky Security Cloud
Kaspersky is a big name in the computer security domain. But straightaway, their best features are paid. And you get just the antivirus protection and some additional perks with its free version of Kaspersky Security Cloud. Features:
Full & Custom ScansSuspicious Advert ProtectionCritically Acclaimed Malware ProtectionFree VPN (300 MB per day)Free Password Manager (15 Entries)
Honestly, the free version felt quite limited. However, it has one of the most capable malware detection engines. And should you ever think of paying for an antivirus program, this should be the first one to try.
Panda Dome
Panda Dome uses behavior intelligence to safeguard its users from digital threats. Features:
Cloud-Based AntivirusFree VPN (150 MB/day)Auto USB Malware RemovalAuto-Isolate Suspicious FilesSystem-Process Monitor
The cloud attribute will ensure minimum system slowdown. In addition, the premium versions are comparably cheaper and come with a range of functions.
Malwarebytes Free Antivirus
Malwarebytes has one of the most restricted free antiviruses. However, you get a 14-day premium trial to get a taste of the complete package. So basically, you can clean your computer from viruses and run manual scans. Besides, it can scan in real-time for unwanted programs and unnecessary modifications in the system’s settings. In addition, you can also use their Browser Guard extension to filter out malicious websites. Everything else is paid for.
Adaware
Adaware’s free version gives you essential on-device protection to get you started for free. You get malware, ransomware, spyware, & virus protection. Additionally, the free version scans your downloads for any suspicious activity. And finally, you get real-time virus protection with its free version.
Conclusion
Cutting to the chase, my personal favorites are ZoneAlarm and Avira. However, I would still recommend trying SOPHOS and COMODO free antivirus. Regardless, you can try anyone and switch if need be. And remember to install one at a time to keep them functioning at their best. You can also check out our list of Android antivirus to protect your smartphone, tablet, ChromeOS, or some of the premium antivirus software for your PC/Mac.
