When PCMag started reviewing antivirus programs 35 years ago, we focused on commercial products. The two dozen antivirus tools included in our 1993 roundup averaged $90 apiece, with a quarter settling on $129 as their price. Around that time, though, some security companies began to quietly release antivirus apps and services for free. More than 20 years ago we pointed out free online scans and recommended keeping free antivirus in your security toolkit.These days we keep close track of what’s available in the antivirus realm. When a new or updated antivirus comes out, commercial or free, we’re right there, putting the app through real-world tests with a strict dedication to independent and ethical journalism. We’ve evaluated a range of free antivirus solutions to help you pick the one that’s best for you and your wallet. Many of these freebies outperform the antivirus built into modern versions of Windows. Some beat all but the best commercial antivirus equivalents. And since they’re free, you can try several before settling on your favorite. Read on for our top picks, followed by how we evaluate free antivirus and how to choose the right software to protect your Windows or macOS computer.
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Avast One Basic
Best for Comprehensive Free Security
Why We Picked ItAvast has been supplying antivirus protection for as long as there’s been an antivirus industry. With Avast One Basic, you get award-winning antivirus protection for free, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Other protective services include a permission-based ransomware protection system, a basic firewall, and a bandwidth-limited VPN. All four of the independent testing labs we follow include Avast in their reporting, and it aces almost every test. It also takes high scores in our own hands-on testing.Avast does reserve some features for paying customers. For example, the free edition will scan and identify apps with missing security patches and update them at your command, but won’t keep your apps updated automatically. Getting a list of junk files and broken registry items doesn’t cost anything; cleaning up the found mess is a premium feature.Many free antivirus utilities work only on the Windows platform. Avast has varying degrees of protection for macOS, Android, and iOS. It earns high scores from the labs on its macOS version, where the ransomware protection, browser trace cleanup, and VPN work just as they do on Windows—which is often not the case. On Android, you get antivirus, VPN, junk cleanup, and privacy protection, among other features, though anti-theft is noticeably absent. As is common, protection under iOS is limited, but it does include VPN, filtering fraudulent and malicious websites, and extra protection for your photos.Who It’s ForIf a tight budget is the only reason you don’t buy a full security suite, Avast One Basic is perfect for you. The commercial Avast One Gold suite does more, naturally, but this free edition is packed with features. The fact that you can use it to protect all your devices, not just Windows PCs, is icing on the cake.
PROS
Excellent antivirus lab scores on multiple platforms
Near-perfect score in our phishing test
Free protection for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows
Numerous privacy and performance features
CONS
Protection is limited on Android and iOS
Advanced firewall features absent
SPECS
Name
Value
On-Demand Malware Scan
On-Access Malware Scan
Website Rating
Malicious URL Blocking
Phishing Protection
Behavior-Based Detection
Vulnerability Scan
Firewall
Learn More
Avast One Basic Review
AVG AntiVirus Free
Best for Useful Bonuses
Why We Picked ItIn 2016, Avast acquired AVG. Now, both products use precisely the same antivirus technology under the hood. When you install AVG AntiVirus Free, you’re getting the same powerful protection you get from Avast. The two have different aggregate lab scores because not all the labs report on AVG. Like Avast, AVG protects against ransomware by banning all unauthorized changes to protected files. And like Avast, AVG’s free edition will identify junk files and other performance drains but won’t fix any problems unless you pay. Bonus features include a hardened browser, a deal-finding tool for shopping, and a simple network security inspector.Who It’s ForNot every user wants the nearly suite-level features of Avast One Basic, and not everyone needs cross-platform protection. If your focus is on powerful protection against both malware and malicious or fraudulent websites, AVG offers the same protection as Avast but in a simpler, more traditional package. The user interface can be important, too. Both Avast and AVG have a widespread international presence, but they’re popular in different regions.
PROS
Excellent scores from two testing labs
Very good scores in our hands-on tests
No-hassle enhanced firewall
Useful bonus features
Free
CONS
Full scan is slower than average
Fixing found performance issues requires an upgrade
Malicious URL score down from previous testing
SPECS
Name
Value
On-Demand Malware Scan
On-Access Malware Scan
Website Rating
Malicious URL Blocking
Phishing Protection
Behavior-Based Detection
Vulnerability Scan
Firewall
Learn More
AVG AntiVirus Free Review
Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows
Best for No-Frills Protection
Why We Picked ItBitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows offers basic protection that’s precisely the core of Editors’ Choice Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. In truth, it looks more like Bitdefender’s suite, but with many features disabled. In testing, lack of Ransomware Remediation made no difference because other protective layers defeated all the real-world ransomware samples. The unusual defense timeline shows exactly how Bitdefender stopped an attack, and its defense against malicious and fraudulent (phishing) websites is second to none.If you spring for the commercial antivirus, you get vastly more features, more than found in some security suite products. Among these are a hardened desktop for secure browsing, a Rescue Environment to recover from malware that disables Windows, and a Wi-Fi security analyzer. None of these come for free.Who It’s ForBitdefender has an excellent reputation in the security world, and the company’s researchers frequently report on important discoveries. Relying on such a company for antivirus protection is a smart move, but you may well be put off by the cornucopia of features in the commercial edition. In that case, try Bitdefender Antivirus Free, which gives you the full core protection without any possibly confusing trimmings.
PROS
Free
Same core antivirus protection as for-pay Bitdefender
Perfect scores from independent testing labs
Defends against ransomware attack
CONS
First-time full scan unusually slow
SPECS
Name
Value
On-Demand Malware Scan
On-Access Malware Scan
Website Rating
Malicious URL Blocking
Phishing Protection
Behavior-Based Detection
Vulnerability Scan
Firewall
Learn More
Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows Review
Avira Free Security
Best for Many Security Components
Why We Picked ItLike Avast’s freebie, Avira Free Security is a free version of a full security suite. All the features are visible, but many are locked away. Three of the four labs that we follow cover Avira’s antivirus technology in their latest reports, and Avira earns mostly excellent scores. It didn’t do as well in our hands-on tests, but when our results don’t jibe with the labs, we defer to the lab results.Avira does scan for apps that are vulnerable due to missing security patches, but leaves you to fix any found problems manually. Other features include a simple password manager, a shopping deal-finder, and active prevention of ad trackers, as well as a bandwidth-limited VPN and a comprehensive privacy settings checker.Who It’s ForDo you want a full-on security suite rather than a bare-bones antivirus? Can your nerves handle the occasional upsell windows when you accidentally click a feature that’s not free? Avira Free Security may be just the thing for you.
PROS
Mostly excellent lab test scores
Features go well beyond basic antivirus
Includes VPN and password manager
Free
CONS
Many features require payment for full functionality
Serious bandwidth limitation for VPN
Poor scores in some hands-on tests
SPECS
Name
Value
On-Demand Malware Scan
On-Access Malware Scan
Website Rating
Malicious URL Blocking
Phishing Protection
Behavior-Based Detection
Vulnerability Scan
Firewall
Learn More
Avira Free Security Review
Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Best for Windows Die-Hards
Why We Picked ItNo discussion of free antivirus software would be complete without Microsoft Defender Antivirus, formerly known as Windows Defender. If you don’t have a third-party antivirus, or if your antivirus subscription lapses, Defender takes up the banner of your protection. If you do add or revive some other antivirus, Defender quietly retreats to the sidelines.That’s not to say we’re super-enthusiastic about using Defender for your protection. It gets good scores in some lab tests, but tanks others. Likewise in our hands-on tests it earns some high scores and some very low ones. In typical Microsoft fashion, its protection against fraudulent and malicious websites only works in Edge. It’s good, but you can do better.Who It’s ForHey, you! The one who’s falling asleep reading this article. The one who deeply does not care about antivirus. This one’s for you! To take advantage of its protection, you have to do exactly nothing. For the right person, that’s an ideal solution.
PROS
Built into Windows
Some good lab scores
Very good hands-on malware protection score
Always on if no other antivirus is present
CONS
Poor phishing detection score
SmartScreen Filter only protects Microsoft browsers
Awkward scan scheduling
Limited ransomware protection
SPECS
Name
Value
On-Demand Malware Scan
On-Access Malware Scan
Website Rating
Malicious URL Blocking
Phishing Protection
Behavior-Based Detection
Vulnerability Scan
Firewall
Learn More
Microsoft Defender Antivirus Review
Avast One Basic for Mac
Best for Mac VPN and More
Why We Picked ItWe know Avast One Basic for Mac does its job well because two independent labs rigorously tested it and gave it a perfect score—a rare accomplishment. It also aced our hands-on phishing protection test with 99% detection. It recognized and eliminated almost every one of our current Windows malware samples.But this app doesn’t stop with antivirus protection. It includes a network inspector, ransomware protection, a data breach monitor, and a built-in VPN. Yes, the VPN has bandwidth limits, but that’s normal for free apps. You can check your online safety score at any time and get advice on raising it. Avast does all this with a light, airy, almost whimsical user interface.Who It’s ForYou want antivirus protection for your Mac, but you don’t want some blocky thing that will harsh your mellow? Avast’s interface, featuring line-drawing doodles of happy people, pets, and flowers, will cheer you up as it protects your security and privacy with features that go beyond mere antivirus.
PROS
Perfect scores from antivirus labs
Excellent score on our phishing protection test
Includes VPN and other privacy features
Speedy scan for malware
Free
CONS
Limited VPN bandwidth
Many useful features require an upgrade
SPECS
Name
Value
On-Demand Malware Scan
On-Access Malware Scan
Website Rating
Malicious URL Blocking
Phishing Protection
Behavior-Based Detection
Vulnerability Scan
Firewall
Learn More
Avast One Basic for Mac Review
Best for Basic Mac Protection
Best for Basic Mac Protection
Why We Picked ItAVG and Avast share the same antivirus engine, so it’s not surprising that AVG AntiVirus for Mac scores just as high with the independent labs as Avast does. Both received perfect scores in the last reports from two labs, something few competitors can boast. Also like Avast, AVG aced our hands-on phishing detection test.Where Avast wields doodles and dabs of color, AVG sticks to a more simple, familiar interface. It doesn’t pile on the features, but rather focuses on doing its core task well.Who It’s ForNot everyone is thrilled to learn that Macs need antivirus protection. But you can install AVG for free, and it doesn’t confuse the issue with lots of add-on features. Its simple interface lets you see just what it’s doing and what it has done for you.
PROS
Certified by two antivirus testing labs
Excellent phishing detection
Clear, simple user interface
Free
CONS
Lacks bonus features found in competing free apps
Some recommended fixes require payment
Detection of Windows malware down since last test
SPECS
Name
Value
On-Demand Malware Scan
On-Access Malware Scan
Website Rating
Malicious URL Blocking
Phishing Protection
Behavior-Based Detection
Vulnerability Scan
Firewall
Learn More
Best for Basic Mac Protection Review
Avira Free Antivirus for Mac
Best for Thrifty Mac Users
Why We Picked ItThe independent testing labs around the world only choose a few Mac antivirus apps for testing. Avira Free Antivirus for Mac is one of them, and it gets good scores from both labs. In our hands on tests, it also gets good scores.Avira doesn’t stop at foiling malware attacks. Its Browser Safety extension fends off fraudulent and malicious sites and also blocks adds. It features a VPN, a password manager, a system cleanup tool, and more. Do note that getting full access to some of these features requires a premium upgrade. For example, the system cleanup tool will find junk on your system for free, but automatic removal is reserved for paying customers.Who It’s ForYou know you need antivirus for your Macs, but you want to minimize its impact on your life. Avira’s smart scan checks security, privacy, and performance all at once, so you can get on with your day.
PROS
Excellent scores from two independent testing labs
Decent phishing protection score in our testing
Eliminated most Windows malware in hands-on tests
Privacy and performance features
Free
CONS
Protection against malicious and fraudulent pages requires a separate download
No web-based protection for Safari
Many features require an upgrade purchase
SPECS
Name
Value
On-Demand Malware Scan
On-Access Malware Scan
Website Rating
Malicious URL Blocking
Phishing Protection
Behavior-Based Detection
Vulnerability Scan
Firewall
Learn More
Avira Free Antivirus for Mac Review
Buying Guide: The Best Free Antivirus Software for 2024
Free Antivirus vs. Paid AntivirusIf free antivirus tools are so good at protecting internet security, why should anybody pay? For one thing, many of these are free only for noncommercial use. If you want to protect your business, you must pony up for the paid edition. You should probably consider upgrading to a full security suite at that point. After all, it’s your business’s security on the line.Even for personal use, most for-pay antivirus tools offer more than their free counterparts—sometimes a lot more. For example, the paid edition of ZoneAlarm adds protection against malicious and fraudulent websites, which the free version lacks. And Panda reserves quite a few features for paying customers: firewall protection, application control, cross-platform support, and detection of insecure Wi-Fi connections.In addition, many companies don’t offer full-scale tech support for users of their free editions. The first time you need extra help digging a particularly stubborn piece of malware out of your system, you might regret the lack of support.
It’s Surprisingly Easy to Be More Secure Online
Independent Antivirus Lab Test ResultsAround the world, researchers at independent antivirus testing labs spend their days putting antivirus tools to the test. Some of these labs regularly release public reports on their findings. We follow Windows antivirus test results from four such labs closely: AV-Comparatives, MRG-Effitas, SE Labs, and AV-Test Institute. AV-Test and AV-Comparatives also put Mac-specific antivirus apps to the test.Security companies typically pay for the privilege of being included in testing. In return, the labs supply detailed reports that can help improve their antiviruses. The number of labs that include a particular vendor serves as a measure of significance. In each case, the lab considered the program important enough to test, and the vendor felt the price was worthwhile. The labs don’t necessarily test a vendor’s free edition, but most vendors pack full protection into the free offering, enhancing premium versions with additional features.The Best Free Malware ProtectionIn addition to carefully perusing results from the independent labs, we also run our own hands-on malware protection test. We expose each antivirus to a collection of malware samples, including a variety of different malware types, and note its reaction. Typically, the antivirus will wipe out most of the samples on sight and detect some of the remaining ones when we try to launch them. Based on how thoroughly the antivirus protects the test system from these samples, we derive a malware-blocking score from 0 to 10 points.Since we use the same samples month after month, the malware-blocking test doesn’t measure an antivirus tool’s ability to detect brand-new threats. In a separate test, we attempt to download malware from 100 very new malicious URLs supplied by London-based testing lab MRG-Effitas, typically less than a few days old. We note whether the antivirus blocked all access to the URL, wiped out the malicious payload during download, or did nothing. If you’re interested in learning more about our testing techniques, you’re welcome to read more about how we test security software.Useful FeaturesJust about every antivirus scans files on access to make sure malware can’t launch, and it also scans the entire system on demand or on a schedule you set. Once cleaning and scheduling are done, blocking all access to malware-hosting URLs is another good way to avoid trouble. Many extend that protection to steer users away from fraudulent websites and phishing sites that try to steal login credentials for financial sites and other sensitive sites. A few rate links in search results, flagging any dangerous or iffy ones.Behavior-based detection, a feature of some antiviruses, is a two-edged sword. On the one hand, it can detect malware that’s never been seen before. On the other hand, if it’s not done right, it can baffle the user with messages about perfectly legitimate programs.Any antivirus should eliminate spyware along with other types of malware, but some include features designed specifically for spyware protection. Features like encryption to protect your sensitive data and webcam control to prevent remote peeping show up in commercial editions, not free ones. But some free editions include features like a simple on-screen keyboard to foil keyloggers.One easy way to keep your PC protected is to install all security updates, both for Windows and for browsers and other popular applications. Windows 11 makes it easier than ever to stay up to date, but there are plenty of security holes in older Windows versions, in popular apps, and in add-ons. Scanning for vulnerabilities in the form of missing updates is a feature most often found in commercial antivirus tools, but it does turn up in some free ones. In the list below, you can see which programs include these useful features.What’s Not Here?Numerous free utilities devoted entirely to ransomware protection have emerged in the last few years. Alas, many of those have fallen by the wayside, including Bitdefender Anti-Ransomware, Cybereason RansomFree, CyberSight RansomStopper, and Heilig Defense RansomOff. In any case, these are useful companion utilities, but they don’t do the job of full-scale antivirus utilities.
Recommended by Our Editors
There are also numerous free antivirus utilities that work solely to clean up existing malware infestations. You bring out these cleanup-only tools when you have a nasty malware problem. When the malware’s gone, they have no further use since they offer no ongoing protection. Our favorite in this category is Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, and it’s one you should try if you’ve got a malware problem. But since they’re free, you can keep trying others if the first one doesn’t do the job. You’ll still need a full-blown antivirus for ongoing protection when the scare is over.Editors’ Note: Based on the increasing censure and criticism of Kaspersky by US government agencies, foreign agencies, and informed third parties, we can no longer recommend its products. However, we continue to evaluate these products on their merits and report on them for those who wish to decide for themselves.The Top Free Antivirus SoftwareAvast One Basic was known until recently as Avast One Essential—it got a new name with the introduction of the mid-level suite Avast One Silver. Regardless of the name, it remains an Editors’ Choice for free antivirus utility. It appears in lab reports from all four labs we follow with almost universally perfect scores, and it includes many suite-level features. AVG Antivirus Free uses the same antivirus engine as Avast and provides its own collection of useful bonus features. It, too, is an Editors’ Choice. If you do have a little cash in your budget for security, the best paid antivirus software does offer more and better protection. If not, try a few of these free tools and see which one you like best.Worried you might already be infected? Check out our article on the signs you have malware.And hey! Mac users needn’t feel left out. We haven’t declared an Editors’ Choice specifically for free Mac antivirus, but you’ll find some familiar names with top ratings. Take a look at Avast One Basic for Mac or AVG AntiVirus for Mac if you need protection for your Macs at no cost.
