Virus protection is something that every computer needs. Although virus attacks are relatively less common nowadays, thanks to improved security overall, it’s still good to have a dedicated software to protect your system and data so that you can rest easily.
The problem? Picking a lot of the best antivirus software is a fantastic money cost. Don’t worry though, there are some great options if you want the best free antivirus software for PC. Here are our picks for the best free antivirus software for PC.
See more: The best antivirus and anti-malware app for Android
The best free antivirus software for PC
The best free antivirus software for Windows PC
The best antivirus software for Mac
The best antivirus software for Windows PC
Windows Antivirus applications that don’t cost anything have historically been spammy. In recent years, this trend has changed, and we now have some difficult options. Viruses and other such threats aren’t as big a problem in Windows as they used to be, but having a level of protection is still a good idea. Here is our selection of the best free antivirus for Windows.
Microsoft Defender: The Best Free Antivirus Software For Windows
If you are looking for the best free antivirus for Windows, you do not have to go very far. Windows has improved its built-in security over the years. Microsoft Defender is a pretty good pick for free antivirus and should keep you safe in most cases. It’s part of Windows Security and has been around since 2000 and XP, but with Windows 10 and 11, it’s on par with most other free antivirus software.
You’ll find a number of features, including real-time monitoring and system-level integration with Windows user account control. One great thing about Defender is that, unlike most free options, it won’t push spam notifications or try to upgrade you to the premium version. Of course, for that extra guarantee you can pair Microsoft Defender with another free antivirus.
Malware Bytes Free: The best malware cleaner for Windows
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Malware is a big problem for PCs, so having a dedicated malware cleaner can be a great setup. Malwarebytes is the go-to solution here, and it works well when paired with Microsoft Defender. The only problem with the free version is that there is no real-time scanning. So you can only scan an already infected system. However, periodic scans will help you stay safe.
If you want to spend some money on malware protection, there is a nice premium version of MalwareByte. If not, use the free version combined with Microsoft Defender and you’ll be safe enough.
Avast Antivirus is a heavy-hitter in the space, and its free offer is great if you don’t want to rely on Windows security. The company’s new offer is called Avast One, and Avast One is an essential free version. It covers essentials and stays out of your way with Silent Mode, great if you don’t want to be bothered by notifications.
You get general virus and malware protection, a firewall, web security, a password checker and a VPN. Avast also offers performance boosters for your PC. It’s also lightweight to run, and the compatibility goes back to just like Windows 7.
AVG Antivirus Free: Another solid third-party free antivirus program for PC
Like Avast, AVG has a long-standing reputation in the antivirus business. AVG Antivirus Free is a solid antivirus program for years. Even today, it deserves a place on this list and provides a messy experience while protecting your computer.
There is no shortage of features. You get real-time scanning to protect against viruses and malware There is also an attachment / download scanner, phishing protection, a firewall and a password checker. All this is packed in a beautiful and clean user interface.
The best free antivirus software for Mac
There are also several antivirus options for MacOS. While there are some myths about how macaws cannot catch the virus, this is not true. Macs had fewer virus issues than Windows, but it’s still nice to have some protection. Here is a selection of our best free antivirus for Mac
BitDefender Virus Scanner: The Best Free Antivirus Software for Mac
BitDefender tops the list as the best free antivirus for Mac. It’s an easy option, but it covers all the basics and brings a lot to the table despite being free. Bitdefender claims that it plays the entire award-winning Bitdefender engine. This means you can expect a solid level of protection since BitDefender’s engines and definitions are some of the best in the business.
Bitdefender Virus Scanner can detect Mac malware, as well as Windows viruses and other threats. It also offers a deep system scan, which scans running apps and daemons, archives and other potential container files. The user interface is also simple, so it’s a great package all around.
Avast Security: The best free low-key antivirus for Mac
Avast’s free offers are so good that it ranks among our best free antivirus for Mac. You will find a clean, no-nonsense antivirus software that does not constantly spam you with notifications. Avast describes it as light, powerful, and designed to protect you in real-time, and it’s true.
You must get protection against viruses and malware. Avast Security also includes privacy protection using a network inspector. There is also phishing protection for better measurement All this is wrapped in an elegant user interface.
Avira Free Security is another feature rich option on our list. This free offer maintains the brand’s reputation, as Avira is a trusted name in the antivirus business. It loads this version with a free VPN with a 500MB monthly limit and a password manager, which is great for free software.
This includes real-time security, great quarantine management and cloud-based scanning. Smart Scan also checks for privacy and performance issues. Avira also throws a system cleaner, so you get a versatile package with it. You’ll also find a Dark Mode and a promise not to sell your data, which is a great addition.
Sophos Home Free: A Cloud-Based Free Antivirus for Mac
Sophos Home Free is a unique offer here. This is cloud-based antivirus software, so you get updated security on the go when you have a small footprint on your Mac. Sophos Home Free also has real-time protection, so you can rest easily.
Remote management is also an advantage of cloud-based setup. Sophos Home Free starts as a trial of the premium version for 30 days. So you get a full range of features including ransomware protection, media protection and premium support. However, when the trial expires, the free version continues to provide basic functionality, which is great.
