Top 20 free antivirus software

Here's what to look for. Antivirus software runs virus scans for known viruses and malware, of course, and can offer real-time protection. And it watches for shady websites and suspicious links to keep you out of trouble. It can also offer ransomware protection and monitor unexpected behavior that may be a sign of new and not-yet-identified viruses and malware. You want antivirus software that can successfully identify these unknown online threats without flagging too many false positives.

Light on system resources. You don't want antivirus software that taxes your PC's resources. If after you install the program, websites open slowly, apps download or open sluggishly or file copies take longer than expected, you may want to try another service. The good news is, all our picks offer a free trial to let you try out the antivirus program, so if your system feels sluggish after installation, you may want to keep looking.

Cost and discounts. Don't just pay the sticker price for antivirus protection. Before you buy, check for discounts on a company's website. Another way to save: The prices we list above are for 10 devices -- if the company offered that package -- but you can trim your cost with antivirus packages if you need to cover three or five devices.

You may also find discounts on an app's Amazon page. To be effective, antivirus software needs to monitor what's going on with your PC, check in with company servers about unusual behavior and should provide sound banking protection.

The companies say they anonymize this technical data as much as possible to protect your privacy. But if you want to know more, the security companies on our list post privacy policies on their websites, so read their privacy statements to learn what the companies do with the information you share. Protection for other platforms. Microsoft is by far the biggest target for viruses and malware.

While the Mac does come under attack via side-loaded apps, it's rare, and if you download apps only from the Mac and iOS app stores and keep your guard up when clicking links and download files, you should be OK without an antivirus app on Apple devices. CNET editors pick the products and services we write about. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Best free Windows antivirus Microsoft Defender.

Jump to details. See at Microsoft. See at NortonLifeLock. See at Bitdefender. Best on-demand Windows malware removal Malwarebytes. See at Malwarebytes. Solid subscription antivirus alternative McAfee Total Protection. See at McAfee. Another good subscription option Trend Micro Maximum Security. See at Trend Micro. See at ESET. Alternative free Windows antivirus Sophos Home. See at Sophos.

Our recommendations Looking for free antivirus protection, malware protection or virus detection, willing to pay for an antivirus program that offers broad internet security coverage across all your devices, including from ransomware and phishing, or need to remove a computer virus or malware from your PC right now? Best free Windows antivirus. Microsoft Defender. Best antivirus subscription for Windows.

Norton with LifeLock Select. Best free antivirus alternative for Windows. Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition. It has an attractive user interface and improved the test for blocking malicious software. This tool has a weak protection against malicious downloads and misidentification of malware as secure files. ClamWin has the following features: scan the system on a schedule, automatically update the anti-virus database via the global Internet, notification of detection of the program carriers of the virus code.

This antivirus has quite a good set of settings and a clear interface. Comodo 10 received a new look and showed an ideal level of detection in the test for blocking malware. It has the following advantage. There are excellent results in tests for blocking malicious software; automatic sandbox for suspicious programs; behavioral detection system; a virtual desktop and a secure browser; an attractive user interface; completely chargeless product.

But there are disadvantages such: the weak result in the test for blocking malicious downloads and not enough information from laboratories, weak results in laboratory tests and there is no web protection against malicious and fraudulent links. FortiClient for Windows is a chargeless antivirus that includes an effective web filter. The functions of this product are protected from malicious sites and phishing, parental control, heuristic threat analysis and vulnerability scanning.

GMET is a program for detecting and removing rootkits. Scans all areas of the system to make sure your computer is secure. This is a completely chargeless product. Immunet is a free cloud-based antivirus. Protects your computer from bots, viruses, keyloggers, Trojans, and spyware. The main advantages of this product: the ability to work with other antiviruses, compact size, high performance and current updates. Kaspersky Free. Kaspersky Anti-Virus offers you a full-featured basic anti-virus protection, which gets excellent scores in lab tests.

But there are no advanced shield features of the paid version and there is no direct technical support. Microsoft Security Essentials.

Essential features of Microsoft Essentials will provide you perfect protection from malicious programs, simply free download from Microsoft website, automatic software update, easy to use and nice. Panda Free Antivirus. Panda Free has an attractive user interface, safe Web filter marks dangerous websites and an unusual function of USB-vaccine. Sure thing it is completely free product. But it has average result in a test for blocking malicious software.

Qihoo Total Security. Besides providing all security instruments for small business, ESET Endpoint Protection provides tools that identify and block viruses, trojans, ransomware, and malware.

This is an effective antivirus that protects your PC from all kinds of spyware and virus. Not only this, the software offers good rootkit protection as well. F-Secure advanced, easy-to-use protection from viruses, trojans, and ransomware. TrendMicro software safeguards against web threats, ransomware, and other online dangers. Thanks to its antivirus- and anti-malware technologies Emsisoft Anti-Malware uses that helps detect as well as scan using the efficient combination of its scanners.

The software is non-intrusive and straightforward and offers great cloud-based control of protected devices. This software not only provides the best free protection for your PC but also provides real-time protection and download protection. To get complete protection against cyber threats, hackers, and malware, simply opt for Adaware.

This lightweight antivirus program can run as a supplement to other antivirus programs. It has a silent mode that mutes all notifications and limits the use of resources. Using Adaware, you can quickly and efficiently scan archive files, email databases, boot sectors as well as files as they move throughout the network.

Adaware Antivirus has both free and paid versions. Adaware Antivirus Pro is the paid version available for approx. To sum up, antivirus software is comprehensive and includes several layers of security to protect your computer against known and unknown, new and old threats. The best free antivirus software blocks ads and retrieves all critical information and data in case it gets lost or deleted. Quick Heal Total Security. Quick Heal AntiVirus Pro. Mcafee Antivirus. Sophos Endpoint Protection.

K7 Antivirus Premium. Quick Heal Internet Security. Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business. Kaspersky Total Security for Business. Iobit Advanced SystemCare 12 Pro. Kaspersky Total Security. Kaspersky Internet Security For Android. Quick Heal Antivirus Server Edition. Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Kaspersky Total Security for Bus Kaspersky Internet Security For Quick Heal Antivirus Server Edit Spine HRMS.

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