10/04/2020
Finding free and effective antivirus software for Windows is not easy, because so much is packed with unwanted advertisements, spyware, malware and junk. A good antivirus program should not only clean your PC of threats and infections, but also prevent future infections. Here is a list of the 10 best and absolutely free antivirus programs for Windows that have been tested and verified 100% legitimate in our version.
Total AV is a free antivirus that has been proven effective in eradicating malware and increasing the performance of your computer. Although the free version may be limited, the scan is fast and reliable and there are several practical tools designed to manage your computer so that it can run better.
Feature:
Phishing Protection
Disk cleaners and system upgrades
Browser manager
Safe Site web browser extension for Chrome and Edge
What we like:
Compatible with Windows, Android and Mac devices
Find and delete duplicate files
Very fast / no impact on performance
Detects 89 percent of verified phishing samples
What we don't like:
Has no real-time malware protection
Some false positives
The bonus feature requires an increase or payment
There are no weekly scan controls, and there are no daily scan options
Reasons to switch to the paid version:
Advanced ransomware protection
Additional features such as password safes, web shields, cellphone optimizers and remote firewalls
24 hour technical support
30 day money back guarantee
Most suitable for:
Total AV Antivirus is a decent antivirus if you are just looking for fast protection, but if you are looking for more sophisticated features such as a remote firewall or password safe, you might be better off upgrading to one of the premium versions - with a 30 day money back guarantee. , You can try first before buying.
BullGuard is a leading antivirus that protects your Windows computer from almost every threat, including ransomware, insecure websites, trojans, and others. By activating the parental control feature, the scope of protection against all dangerous attacks becomes stronger.
BullGuard also offers the longest free trial period from any AV on the market - 60 days, an incredible 60-day free trial version (longer than most other antivirus trial versions). From there you need to buy the full version to continue using it.
Features offered:
24 hour support
Automatic scanning
Strong parental control settings
30 day money back guarantee
What we like:
60 day free trial version
Ultra-fast risk vulnerability scanning warning
Gamer mode that stops notifications and scanning temporarily
What we don't like:
High number of false positives
There is no password manager
The system performance is somewhat disturbed when the parental control tool is running
Most suitable for:
BullGuard protects your Windows computer from almost all types of threats, including rootkits, malware, and phishing scams. While experienced users can change features as needed, beginners can enjoy convenience just by letting the antivirus run silently in the background.
The Panda developers have made sure to "meet all the basic needs". The free version is easy to use but is still one of the most accurate anti-malware, anti-ransomware, anti-spyware and anti-Trojan programs available today.
Features offered:
Real-time scanning
Phishing Protection
Email scan
Anti-spyware protection
What we like:
Compatible with Windows 7, 8 and 10
Strong virus detection with very few false positives
Mild impact on performance
On-screen keyboard to protect from keyloggers
User friendly interface
Not too often suggest upgrading to the paid version
What we don't like:
The free version only offers basic features
There is no direct technical support
Reasons to switch to the paid version:
Privacy protection
Default VPN
Secure payment protection for shopping and banking activities
The ability to protect up to three devices
Parental control, password manager and file protection (Total Security)
Most suitable for:
For free options, Panda meets all needs. It's fast, accurate and reliable, and has gotten rid of many unnecessary and unwanted features.
One of the most recommended free antivirus software is Bitdefender, which is also one of the fastest free antivirus scanning programs, with minimal impact on your computer's performance. He consistently ranks top according to the results of various antivirus tests.
While the free version doesn't offer all the extras as the paid version, Bitdefender Free covers the basics very well.
Features offered:
Phishing Protection
Automatic scanning
Behavioral based malware detection (e.g. analyzing potential process activities before doing anything)
Digital Safe File safe, which encrypts any file you want to keep safe and prevents any changes
What we like:
Compatible with Windows 7 SP1, 8, 8.1 and 10
Fast scanning
Very easy to use
Highly accurate virus detection results (and virus definitions are constantly updated in the background)
Low system impact (does not slow down the computer while it is running)
What we don't like:
Not many advanced options
Slow initial scan
Unable to schedule or adjust scan
There are no business options (only for home use)
Below-average zero-day attack protection (protecting from known threats, but not yet able to deal with new and unknown threats)
Reasons to switch to the paid version:
Online banking protection
Permanent file destroyer
Password manager
24 hour technical support with FREE telephone calls
Advanced ransomware protection
Firewall
Parental control devices
Most suitable for:
Bitdefender is the answer for users who only want an antivirus to install it. It's a powerful antivirus that runs on autopilot, and in general only requires a little user intervention and adds a little extra "bloatware".
ZoneAlarm is considered the best free antivirus for web surfers, because many of its features are aimed at online protection. It also comes with a solid default firewall, easy to install and configure.
Features offered:
Anti-malware scanner
Default personal firewall
Identity protection
Online file backup
Default web security and privacy toolbar
What we like:
Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10
One of the best firewalls we tested
Its performance as an antivirus is extraordinary
Easy to use user interface
Automatic real-time security updates
Ability to schedule scans
What we don't like:
The installation tried to install some Yahoo bloatware that we had to remove
Make automatic browser changes and install the toolbar (but there is an option to skip this)
The installation is rather slow
There is no specific scan of the interface
A pop-up notification appears whenever something is blocked
Uses a lot of system memory to run
Reasons to switch to the paid version:
Strong email and web search protection
File scan
Two-way firewall
Cloud security in real-time
Chrome anti-phishing extension
Most suitable for:
Overall, ZoneAlarm performs well, but has many additional features that, in our opinion, are unnecessary. We would rank it as a slightly extraordinary antivirus, if not for its excellent firewall protection.
If you surf the web a lot and worry about your safety, ZoneAlarm is the right choice for you.
Now it offers a much smaller impact on system performance when running, and comes with a cleaner interface and is more user friendly.
What makes it stand out is its comprehensive range of protection against everything from rogue viruses to the most dangerous Trojans. In addition, the heuristic engine enables the detection of zero-day viruses (unknown threats) very well - a feature not commonly offered by free antivirus software.
This complete and versatile antivirus also has many additional features to make it even more interesting.
Features offered:
Detection of ransomware
Phishing Protection
Password manager
Free Phantom Avira VPN (1GB / month)
Browser tracking blocker
Safe search engine
Tool called Avira Safe Shopping
Tool called Avira Privacy Pal (personal assistant to protect your privacy)
What we like:
Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10, Vista, and XP, and Mac OSX
Lots of adjustments and new features
Protect from viruses and malware (excellent virus detection rating, proven to eliminate 99.7% of threats based on antivirus tests)
Accurate detection with a few false positives (virus definitions are constantly updated)
Low system impact
What we don't like:
There is no option to use a business scope (only for home use)
Pop-ups and advertisements for other Avira products that continue to appear
Trying to install the toolbar in the settings
Reasons to switch to the paid version:
Unlimited VPN browsing
Automatic software update
System optimizer tool
Premium mobile application
VIP customer support
Most suitable for:
The new and better Avira free antivirus is a fantastic versatile solution because it has many powerful features that you normally don't get in free software. However, it is equipped with advertisements and pop-ups, so for a long-term solution, maybe for you the paid version is not too annoying.
AVG Technologies is one of the biggest names in the antivirus industry and we like it because it runs constantly in the background without requiring you to do anything.
As we mentioned above, the AVG company has recently joined the Avast developer. However, even though both programs enjoy the benefits of the collaboration, it seems that AVG is at a disadvantage. Although it is still a solid antivirus, AVG is much more like a "younger brother" when compared to Avast.
However, it might be possible for a company to consider combining AVG and Avast in one package, which will offer the best of both.
Features offered:
System optimizer tool
Block unsafe links and downloads
Real-time security updates
Spam and email filters (scan incoming emails to find threats)
What we like:
Compatible with Windows 7 SP1, 8 / 8.1, 10, Vista SP2, XP SP3 (other free versions available for Mac and Android)
Very good anti-malware performance, similar to Avast
Easy to adjust and configure
Little system impact (with options for scanning PC performance interruptions)
Specific detection (warning message that appropriately mentions a threat)
What we don't like:
Fewer useful features than Avast, for example there is no browser extension (using pop-up notifications instead)
Continue to advertise the paid version along with other unrelated features
The scan is slow (slows down more computers than other antivirus programs we tested)
Phishing protection is only average
Some threats that are quarantined are not permanently deleted from the system (risk of re-infection)
Reasons to switch to the paid version:
Additional ransomware protection
Webcam Protection
AntiVirus PRO for Android ™
Improved firewall
Most suitable for:
AVG is best suited for users who want a silent and quiet antivirus without a lot of frills. The program runs transparently in the background with little effect on system performance. If the job requires you to open various e-mail attachments, the e-mail attachment scanner will be very helpful.
Overall, AVG is a good solution for those who are just looking for basic malware protection without the need for advanced features, or anyone who wants to use it as a second layer of defense in addition to existing antivirus (AVG's passive mode allows it to run in the background along with other antivirus programs).
Although Kaspersky is one of the best-known antivirus brands on the market, because of a good conscience, we can no longer recommend their products because of speculation that their developers have helped state-sponsored hackers in Russia. Kaspersky has been banned by the US government, and a lot of evidence indicates that they have been mining consumer information and sending it to the Kremlin, so it becomes spyware.
Sophos is unique because it is optimized for multiple computers and runs using cloud-based protection, keeping system slowdown to a minimum. As a result, it works well for families who need protection on multiple computers.
Features offered:
Real-time protection
Phishing Protection
Parental control
Protect up to 3 PCs
Remote management
What we like:
Compatible with Windows, including 7, 8, 8.1 and 10, as well as Mac OSX, Linux, Android and iOS
Simple and easy to use
Great network, server and end user protection
Little pop-up notifications
Low system impact
Comes with a free trial of the premium version for 30 days
What we don't like:
Does not support older Windows XP or Vista computers
There is no feature to schedule a scan
Fewer options for more advanced users
Reasons to switch to the paid version:
Advanced ransomware protection
Protection for 10 more PCs
Banking protection
Advanced malware removal
Web and email filtering
Most suitable for:
Sophos is a sophisticated family antivirus because it protects up to three devices. Houses with several computers and children will enjoy the benefits of parental control and multi-PC protection on Sophos....
Avast is one of the easiest antivirus software to use, and one of the few programs that offers strong protection against zero-day attacks - unknown new threats and antivirus programs themselves have not been programmed to capture them. Impressively, Avast has managed to protect 100% of zero-day attacks in recent tests.
Since Avast joined AVG Antivirus to provide a more robust solution, both have offered very comprehensive anti-malware and virus protection with a number of useful features that are usually only available through paid services.
Features offered:
Password manager
Anti-malware network scanner
A game mode that disables notifications and reduces system load when playing
Technology and behavior analysis customization
What we like:
Compatible with a number of platforms, including Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10 as well as Windows Vista and XP SP3. He also runs on Mac and Android devices
Strong zero-day malware protection
User friendly interface
Low system impact (runs without slowing down the system)
What we don't like:
Ads and notification pop-ups that often appear
Limited password manager features (no password reset or multifactor authentication)
Other software becomes slower to run when Avast runs
Lack of privacy or ransomware protection options
Anti-phishing protection is only average, so precautions are needed
Reasons to switch to the paid version:
Browser extension for phishing protection
Spam filter
Firewall
Ransomware protection
Automatic software update
Permanent file destroyer
Protection for more devices
Most suitable for:
In particular, Avast is the best choice for gamers, because it not only offers a special game mode but also provides a free Trojan removal tool which is great if you frequently download files and games.
However, even users other than gamers will like the best zero-day attack protection and additional features that exceed what other free antivirus programs offer. For those who want to avoid annoying pop-ups and advertisements, we recommend switching to the premier version as a more suitable long-term solution.
10 Best Free Antivirus Programs for Windows:
- Total AV Free Antivirus
- BullGuard Free Antivirus
- Panda Free Antivirus
- Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition
- ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus
- Avira Free Antivirus
- AVG Antivirus Free
- Kaspersky Free
- Sophos Home Free
- Avast Free Antivirus
1. Total AV Antivirus
Total AV is a free antivirus that has been proven effective in eradicating malware and increasing the performance of your computer. Although the free version may be limited, the scan is fast and reliable and there are several practical tools designed to manage your computer so that it can run better.
Feature:
Phishing Protection
Disk cleaners and system upgrades
Browser manager
Safe Site web browser extension for Chrome and Edge
What we like:
Compatible with Windows, Android and Mac devices
Find and delete duplicate files
Very fast / no impact on performance
Detects 89 percent of verified phishing samples
What we don't like:
Has no real-time malware protection
Some false positives
The bonus feature requires an increase or payment
There are no weekly scan controls, and there are no daily scan options
Reasons to switch to the paid version:
Advanced ransomware protection
Additional features such as password safes, web shields, cellphone optimizers and remote firewalls
24 hour technical support
30 day money back guarantee
Most suitable for:
Total AV Antivirus is a decent antivirus if you are just looking for fast protection, but if you are looking for more sophisticated features such as a remote firewall or password safe, you might be better off upgrading to one of the premium versions - with a 30 day money back guarantee. , You can try first before buying.
Download Total AV Antivirus Now
2. BullGuard Free Antivirus
BullGuard is a leading antivirus that protects your Windows computer from almost every threat, including ransomware, insecure websites, trojans, and others. By activating the parental control feature, the scope of protection against all dangerous attacks becomes stronger.
BullGuard also offers the longest free trial period from any AV on the market - 60 days, an incredible 60-day free trial version (longer than most other antivirus trial versions). From there you need to buy the full version to continue using it.
Features offered:
24 hour support
Automatic scanning
Strong parental control settings
30 day money back guarantee
What we like:
60 day free trial version
Ultra-fast risk vulnerability scanning warning
Gamer mode that stops notifications and scanning temporarily
What we don't like:
High number of false positives
There is no password manager
The system performance is somewhat disturbed when the parental control tool is running
Most suitable for:
BullGuard protects your Windows computer from almost all types of threats, including rootkits, malware, and phishing scams. While experienced users can change features as needed, beginners can enjoy convenience just by letting the antivirus run silently in the background.
Download BullGuard Free Antivirus Now
3. Panda Free Antivirus
The Panda developers have made sure to "meet all the basic needs". The free version is easy to use but is still one of the most accurate anti-malware, anti-ransomware, anti-spyware and anti-Trojan programs available today.
Features offered:
Real-time scanning
Phishing Protection
Email scan
Anti-spyware protection
What we like:
Compatible with Windows 7, 8 and 10
Strong virus detection with very few false positives
Mild impact on performance
On-screen keyboard to protect from keyloggers
User friendly interface
Not too often suggest upgrading to the paid version
What we don't like:
The free version only offers basic features
There is no direct technical support
Reasons to switch to the paid version:
Privacy protection
Default VPN
Secure payment protection for shopping and banking activities
The ability to protect up to three devices
Parental control, password manager and file protection (Total Security)
Most suitable for:
For free options, Panda meets all needs. It's fast, accurate and reliable, and has gotten rid of many unnecessary and unwanted features.
Download Panda Free Antivirus Now
4. Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition
One of the most recommended free antivirus software is Bitdefender, which is also one of the fastest free antivirus scanning programs, with minimal impact on your computer's performance. He consistently ranks top according to the results of various antivirus tests.
While the free version doesn't offer all the extras as the paid version, Bitdefender Free covers the basics very well.
Features offered:
Phishing Protection
Automatic scanning
Behavioral based malware detection (e.g. analyzing potential process activities before doing anything)
Digital Safe File safe, which encrypts any file you want to keep safe and prevents any changes
What we like:
Compatible with Windows 7 SP1, 8, 8.1 and 10
Fast scanning
Very easy to use
Highly accurate virus detection results (and virus definitions are constantly updated in the background)
Low system impact (does not slow down the computer while it is running)
What we don't like:
Not many advanced options
Slow initial scan
Unable to schedule or adjust scan
There are no business options (only for home use)
Below-average zero-day attack protection (protecting from known threats, but not yet able to deal with new and unknown threats)
Reasons to switch to the paid version:
Online banking protection
Permanent file destroyer
Password manager
24 hour technical support with FREE telephone calls
Advanced ransomware protection
Firewall
Parental control devices
Most suitable for:
Bitdefender is the answer for users who only want an antivirus to install it. It's a powerful antivirus that runs on autopilot, and in general only requires a little user intervention and adds a little extra "bloatware".
Download Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition Now
5. ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus
ZoneAlarm is considered the best free antivirus for web surfers, because many of its features are aimed at online protection. It also comes with a solid default firewall, easy to install and configure.
Features offered:
Anti-malware scanner
Default personal firewall
Identity protection
Online file backup
Default web security and privacy toolbar
What we like:
Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10
One of the best firewalls we tested
Its performance as an antivirus is extraordinary
Easy to use user interface
Automatic real-time security updates
Ability to schedule scans
What we don't like:
The installation tried to install some Yahoo bloatware that we had to remove
Make automatic browser changes and install the toolbar (but there is an option to skip this)
The installation is rather slow
There is no specific scan of the interface
A pop-up notification appears whenever something is blocked
Uses a lot of system memory to run
Reasons to switch to the paid version:
Strong email and web search protection
File scan
Two-way firewall
Cloud security in real-time
Chrome anti-phishing extension
Most suitable for:
Overall, ZoneAlarm performs well, but has many additional features that, in our opinion, are unnecessary. We would rank it as a slightly extraordinary antivirus, if not for its excellent firewall protection.
If you surf the web a lot and worry about your safety, ZoneAlarm is the right choice for you.
Download ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus Now
6. Avira Free Antivirus
Now it offers a much smaller impact on system performance when running, and comes with a cleaner interface and is more user friendly.
What makes it stand out is its comprehensive range of protection against everything from rogue viruses to the most dangerous Trojans. In addition, the heuristic engine enables the detection of zero-day viruses (unknown threats) very well - a feature not commonly offered by free antivirus software.
This complete and versatile antivirus also has many additional features to make it even more interesting.
Features offered:
Detection of ransomware
Phishing Protection
Password manager
Free Phantom Avira VPN (1GB / month)
Browser tracking blocker
Safe search engine
Tool called Avira Safe Shopping
Tool called Avira Privacy Pal (personal assistant to protect your privacy)
What we like:
Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10, Vista, and XP, and Mac OSX
Lots of adjustments and new features
Protect from viruses and malware (excellent virus detection rating, proven to eliminate 99.7% of threats based on antivirus tests)
Accurate detection with a few false positives (virus definitions are constantly updated)
Low system impact
What we don't like:
There is no option to use a business scope (only for home use)
Pop-ups and advertisements for other Avira products that continue to appear
Trying to install the toolbar in the settings
Reasons to switch to the paid version:
Unlimited VPN browsing
Automatic software update
System optimizer tool
Premium mobile application
VIP customer support
Most suitable for:
The new and better Avira free antivirus is a fantastic versatile solution because it has many powerful features that you normally don't get in free software. However, it is equipped with advertisements and pop-ups, so for a long-term solution, maybe for you the paid version is not too annoying.
Download Avira Free Antivirus Now
7. AVG Antivirus Free
AVG Technologies is one of the biggest names in the antivirus industry and we like it because it runs constantly in the background without requiring you to do anything.
As we mentioned above, the AVG company has recently joined the Avast developer. However, even though both programs enjoy the benefits of the collaboration, it seems that AVG is at a disadvantage. Although it is still a solid antivirus, AVG is much more like a "younger brother" when compared to Avast.
However, it might be possible for a company to consider combining AVG and Avast in one package, which will offer the best of both.
Features offered:
System optimizer tool
Block unsafe links and downloads
Real-time security updates
Spam and email filters (scan incoming emails to find threats)
What we like:
Compatible with Windows 7 SP1, 8 / 8.1, 10, Vista SP2, XP SP3 (other free versions available for Mac and Android)
Very good anti-malware performance, similar to Avast
Easy to adjust and configure
Little system impact (with options for scanning PC performance interruptions)
Specific detection (warning message that appropriately mentions a threat)
What we don't like:
Fewer useful features than Avast, for example there is no browser extension (using pop-up notifications instead)
Continue to advertise the paid version along with other unrelated features
The scan is slow (slows down more computers than other antivirus programs we tested)
Phishing protection is only average
Some threats that are quarantined are not permanently deleted from the system (risk of re-infection)
Reasons to switch to the paid version:
Additional ransomware protection
Webcam Protection
AntiVirus PRO for Android ™
Improved firewall
Most suitable for:
AVG is best suited for users who want a silent and quiet antivirus without a lot of frills. The program runs transparently in the background with little effect on system performance. If the job requires you to open various e-mail attachments, the e-mail attachment scanner will be very helpful.
Overall, AVG is a good solution for those who are just looking for basic malware protection without the need for advanced features, or anyone who wants to use it as a second layer of defense in addition to existing antivirus (AVG's passive mode allows it to run in the background along with other antivirus programs).
Download AVG Antivirus Free Now
8. Kaspersky Free
Although Kaspersky is one of the best-known antivirus brands on the market, because of a good conscience, we can no longer recommend their products because of speculation that their developers have helped state-sponsored hackers in Russia. Kaspersky has been banned by the US government, and a lot of evidence indicates that they have been mining consumer information and sending it to the Kremlin, so it becomes spyware.
Download Kaspersky Free Now
9. Sophos Home Free
Sophos is unique because it is optimized for multiple computers and runs using cloud-based protection, keeping system slowdown to a minimum. As a result, it works well for families who need protection on multiple computers.
Features offered:
Real-time protection
Phishing Protection
Parental control
Protect up to 3 PCs
Remote management
What we like:
Compatible with Windows, including 7, 8, 8.1 and 10, as well as Mac OSX, Linux, Android and iOS
Simple and easy to use
Great network, server and end user protection
Little pop-up notifications
Low system impact
Comes with a free trial of the premium version for 30 days
What we don't like:
Does not support older Windows XP or Vista computers
There is no feature to schedule a scan
Fewer options for more advanced users
Reasons to switch to the paid version:
Advanced ransomware protection
Protection for 10 more PCs
Banking protection
Advanced malware removal
Web and email filtering
Most suitable for:
Sophos is a sophisticated family antivirus because it protects up to three devices. Houses with several computers and children will enjoy the benefits of parental control and multi-PC protection on Sophos....
Download Sophos Home Free Now
10. Avast Free Antivirus
Avast is one of the easiest antivirus software to use, and one of the few programs that offers strong protection against zero-day attacks - unknown new threats and antivirus programs themselves have not been programmed to capture them. Impressively, Avast has managed to protect 100% of zero-day attacks in recent tests.
Since Avast joined AVG Antivirus to provide a more robust solution, both have offered very comprehensive anti-malware and virus protection with a number of useful features that are usually only available through paid services.
Features offered:
Password manager
Anti-malware network scanner
A game mode that disables notifications and reduces system load when playing
Technology and behavior analysis customization
What we like:
Compatible with a number of platforms, including Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10 as well as Windows Vista and XP SP3. He also runs on Mac and Android devices
Strong zero-day malware protection
User friendly interface
Low system impact (runs without slowing down the system)
What we don't like:
Ads and notification pop-ups that often appear
Limited password manager features (no password reset or multifactor authentication)
Other software becomes slower to run when Avast runs
Lack of privacy or ransomware protection options
Anti-phishing protection is only average, so precautions are needed
Reasons to switch to the paid version:
Browser extension for phishing protection
Spam filter
Firewall
Ransomware protection
Automatic software update
Permanent file destroyer
Protection for more devices
Most suitable for:
In particular, Avast is the best choice for gamers, because it not only offers a special game mode but also provides a free Trojan removal tool which is great if you frequently download files and games.
However, even users other than gamers will like the best zero-day attack protection and additional features that exceed what other free antivirus programs offer. For those who want to avoid annoying pop-ups and advertisements, we recommend switching to the premier version as a more suitable long-term solution.
Download Avast Free Antivirus Now
Feature Comparison Chart
Note: graphics only refer to the free version of each software for each Windows version. The Pro version might offer additional features.
Conclusion
If you want to deal with threats from your PC or device quickly, these free antivirus programs offer a reliable solution.
However, many programs are full of advertisements and pop-ups, so if you are looking for a long-term solution, you might consider upgrading to a full and paid version of antivirus. Want our recommendations? We have tried testing 47 antivirus programs available on the market.