If you think a good antivirus is expensive, know that you can get it for free. It’s not a scam either: many manufacturers of Software security companies offer their main virus protection for free.
Of course, they keep some advanced features or extra tools (like a password manager) locked down so that only paying customers get the full suite.
Almost all of the antiviruses in this article are available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, although you tend to see fewer features on iOS specifically. Windows users tend to get the most out of it, but since it’s all free, you can install it on as many devices as you want.
Windows comes with Defender, and you might be surprised to learn that it’s just as capable (if not better) than the protection you get from paid antiviruses.
It’s definitely the easiest option if you’re using Windows, but be aware that it lacks some of the extra features you get elsewhere, like browser add-ons that alert you to fake websites to protect you from attacks. of phishing. Phishing.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition was one of our top recommendations, but unfortunately the company no longer offers it. All you can get now is a trial of Total Security.
If you want to consider different options, we also have a guide with the best antivirus available, although many of them are paid. With this, we ask ourselves the following question: should an antivirus be free?
Should I get a free antivirus?
The problem with free antiviruses is that they don’t always offer the most comprehensive protection. It’s better than nothing, but the free versions often lack some of the advanced layers of protection you get with paid equivalents.
This is why the term “antivirus” can be misleading. Antivirus is often just one part of a good security product, which can also include specific protection against Ransomware, as well as spam filtering, parental controls, password managers, VPN, and cloud storage.
However, that’s not to say these features aren’t found in free products: you’d be surprised what you can get without paying and giving your email address.
Free antiviruses from Avast, Kaspersky, and others offer excellent virus protection, as you’ll see below.
If you want the full protection and support that comes with a paid version, you’ll find recommendations in our roundup of the best antiviruses.
Avast does not hide its free version (Unlike other antivirus), but on its main page, you will be able to see a big button through which you can get the free version of the antivirus. Good start.
Avast offers basic (and sufficient) protection against unknown threats, as well as a password manager.
With the free version of Avast, you won’t get the tool that warns you of deceptive websites, or a privacy shield or spam filter.
However, if you want to get all these additional tools, you can do so if you subscribe to one of the premium versions of Avast.
The protection offered by Avast is solid. AV test results from December 2017 showed that 100% of daily attacks were prevented thanks to Avast, i.e. 100% of malware has been detected.
Avast antivirus has a user-friendly interface that is very easy to run. Avast will ask you if you want to receive relevant offers, if you accept them, some of your information (never personal information) will be shared.
As a final conclusion, we can say that Avast is one of the best free antivirus packages available.
Kaspersky free antivirus
Kaspersky is another renowned antivirus in the world of computer protection which has recently launched its free version for PC.
We’re not surprised that, like all antiviruses, the free version doesn’t come with all the tools of the premium or paid version.
That is, you will not be able to take advantage of tools such as parental controls, online payment protection or VPN connection.
However, you’ll get the essentials: virus protection for your files, emails and website; automatic updates from Software, self-defense, quarantine system, etc.
Kaspersky was also able to detect 100% of viruses in the company’s AV-Test test last December.
Although we don’t consider it the best free antivirus, we still think AVG deserves to be on the list. This antivirus suite provides the protection needed to stop viruses and malware on your computer.
You can download it by clicking this link.
AV-Test ensured that AVG was able to detect 100% of threats, according to the December report. The performance of Software also got good scores.
AVG will be operational while you perform your tasks without you noticing, you will hardly notice its existence and at the same time you will be protected. Isn’t that exactly what we expect from an antivirus?
As a bonus, the free version of AVG antivirus will warn you about dangerous links and block harmful attachments.
If you are concerned about the issue of privacy, we recommend that you read the basics of privacy. AVG Privacy Policy. AVG does not normally share information (including non-personal information) with any other company.
Avira is another antivirus on our list for its ease of use, simple design, and excellent performance.
As a bonus, you’ll get a tool designed to detect untrustworthy web pages and an option to block advertising companies that track your information online.
Avira also has a file scanner which you can schedule to perform a quick scan every 168 hours (or even more frequently if you wish).
The AV-Test company has also verified in its tests that the Avira antivirus is able to detect 100% of the malware submitted.
We can conclude by stating that Avira does a good job and that it is even at the level of other paid antivirus services.
Microsoft Windows Defender
Windows Defender is integrated with Windows 10 and Windows 8. This may be the most convenient option for most users because it works automatically unless you have disabled it or installed another antivirus system.
Do not miss our 5 methods to make a backup in windows 10
With Windows 7 you get Defender’s processor and Security Essentials, but with Windows 8 and Windows 10 you get the latest version of Microsoft Windows Defender.
This latest version offers increased protection against rootkits Yes bootkits, which significantly improves the protection capabilities of Microsoft Windows Defender.
Independent company AV-Test found that Defender was able to detect almost all submitted malware, although it did not perform as well in terms of usability.
There are paid versions of Microsoft Windows Defender that offer better tools and more sophisticated protection.
If you don’t have time to find an antivirus and install it, and you have Windows 8 or Windows 10, don’t worry. you just have to verify that Microsoft Windows Defender Antivirus is enabled.
Are there really free antiviruses?
Yes, there are 100% free antiviruses. If you’re wondering what the profits of antivirus companies are, read on.
By installing a free antivirus you surely give up some of your information. By using said antivirus, you agree that the company may transfer your (non-personal) information to advertising agencies.
However, not all free antivirus sells your information. AVG does not share any type of data with third parties, although it reserves the right to do so.
Not all companies have the same privacy policies, some recommend not using the service if you do not want your information shared; and others ask you to agree, although they will respect your decision if you decline the request.
The best antivirus company for privacy is Bitdefender because they claim not to share any information with third parties or other companies.
At PCWorld, we believe that’s how it should be in a company that offers a Software of security. If not, we think the second best alternative is that they at least ask you.
Does the free antivirus work?
The Software Antivirus programs are designed to prevent harmful programs from infecting your PC or laptop. All the antiviruses that you will see in this article work, although it must be said that some are more effective than others.
The paid versions of these antiviruses will add additional tools such as the removal of advertisements when you browse for example.
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