One nasty virus could expose your financial information or stop your computer from working at all. What you need is the best antivirus software possible on your computer. Fortunately, some of the best are also completely free! Many companies offer free versions of their popular antivirus programs for home users. My favorites are avast! Free Antivirus, AVG Anti-Virus Free, and MSE (in that order) but be sure to look through the alphabetical list below to find the best free antivirus for you.
Important: I have included no trial or shareware antivirus programs in this list. These are the best antivirus programs that are completely free and work similarly to, or better than, expensive programs from companies like Norton and McAfee. See my Free On-Demand Virus Scanners list if you're interested in free antivirus tools without constant virus protection or my Free Online Virus Scanners list if you're interested in a free online-based antivirus scan of a file.
1
Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+:
Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+ is really easy to use, light on resources, and supports detailed custom scanning.
Important: Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+ provides free on-access or resident protection, meaning it's always running in the background to monitor files. This means Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+ can completely replace any premium or professional antivirus software that you might be paying for, like products form McAfee and Norton. While those programs might include tools you won't find in free software, Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+ can still provide the virus protection you need at no cost.
Pros:
- Constant, real-time protection against spyware, viruses, and other malicious items
- Requires little CPU usage to run
- Scan files and folders from the right-click context menu
- Updates definitions automatically throughout the day
- Supports a silent mode when gaming or watching movies to reduce its impact on system resources and suppress notifications
- Can run a quick or full system scan on a schedule
Cons:
- Some features only work if you purchase a paid version of Ad-Aware
- Doesn't scan incoming or outgoing email messages
- Takes longer to install than most other antivirus programs
- Registration, though free, is required once a year to prevent expiration
Description:
Real-time protection allows Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+ to monitor the Windows Registry for modifications. If malicious items are downloaded, Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+ blocks them before they even have the option of infecting the systemWindows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP users can install and use Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+. A virtual sandbox is used in Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+ to emulate a hard drive. This means that while potentially malicious files are analyzed in real-time, they can also be launched without fear of infection.
Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+ reportedly uses less than 1% of CPU usage to run. If you choose compatible mode during setup, Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+ can be used with other antivirus software. URLs are scanned against a database of recognized malicious/phishing websites to prevent an attack
My Thoughts on Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+
Basically any antivirus program that's free will have my blessing. I don't find anything extra special about Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+, but it's still useful if you need antivirus software. I do like how easy it is to use. Whether the program is open or if you are using the context menu scanner, things seem to start up fast and begin working without much delay.
Honestly, however, I don't think Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+ should be your first choice when choosing a good antivirus program. There are too many settings in the program that would be useful but aren't allowed to function because it's just the free version. For instance, email is a widely used form of communication but it's not even supported as a real-time scan location. Because of this fact, it'd be wise to use a program like avast! or AVG.
Don't get me wrong, though, Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+ is a nice choice if you're not concerned about the cons from above. Having real-time protection is extremely important, and it's included at no cost in this program.
2
Amiti Antivirus:
Amiti Antivirus is a simple and free antivirus program for Windows. There aren't a lot of settings or options but it does monitor/scan running files automatically and supports periodic updates to its databases.
Important: Amiti Antivirus provides constant virus protection, also called on-access or resident protection, for free. This means that Amiti Antivirus can completely replace antivirus software from companies like McAfee and Norton that charge for their software and for yearly access to updates.
Pros:
- Scheduled scans
- Well-organized menus
- Automatic updates
- Context menu integration
- Easy to use
- Multiple scan options
Cons:
- No built-in firewall
- Can not exclude specific file types from a scan
- No USB or email scan settings
Description:
Works with Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP. A quick, system, full, or custom scan can be performed. Amiti Antivirus can update as often as every 60 minutes. A scheduled scan can run a memory, registry, cookie, and/or regular hard drive scan. Quarantined files are kept in The Cage so you can restore or permanently remove files marked as infections. Amiti Antivirus can also delete temporary Internet Explorer files and temporary system files.
My Thoughts on Amiti Antivirus:
As I say above, there isn't much to Amiti Antivirus, but I do like how easy it is to access the settings and options. It's unfortunate, though, that you can't exclude certain file types from a scan, such as video or music files, like you can with Baidu Antivirus and other similar programs. Overall, even without the settings I wish were included, Amiti Antivirus is still a solid antivirus program that fortunately can scan and update automatically to provide a good, continual defense at absolutely no cost.
Note: If the official download link for Amiti Antivirus isn't working, you can try one from CNET's Download.com, found here
3
Avast! Free Antivirus 2016:
Avast! Free Antivirus 2016 from AVAST Software is one of the best free antivirus software programs you can download.
Avast! is so great because it's a complete tool, protecting you from threats from the Internet, email, your local files, P2P connections, your instant messages, and more.
Important: avast! Free Antivirus provides constant virus protection, also called on-access or resident protection, for free. This means that avast! Free Antivirus 2016 can completely replace antivirus software from companies like McAfee and Norton that charge for their software and for
yearly access to updates.
Pros:
- Provides on-access protection from viruses and other malware
- Includes a "heuristics engine" to detect previously unknown threats
- Includes a silent mode to hide alerts during gaming and other full-screen activities
- Very easy installation
- Long history of excellent virus protection
- Works with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP
Cons:
- Can not be used in commercial environments (home use only)
- May attempt to install unrelated (but safe) software
- Registration is periodically required but it is free
- May show advertisements within the program
Description:
avast! Free Antivirus includes fully functional antivirus, antispyware, and heuristics engines. Includes real-time protection of files, email, web surfing, P2P transfers, instant messages, and even suspicious behavior. Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP are all supported operating systems for avast! Free Antivirus. Yearly registration is required to continue use
Scans browser plugins to find installs that have a poor reputation and may be malicious. The Home Network Security feature can scan your network to find infections and vulnerabilities, such as identifying routers that are using default passwords and checking if your network is accessible from the Internet. avast! Free Antivirus regularly updates malware definitions and the program itself to stay current against new threats
My Thoughts on avast! Free Antivirus 2016:
Avast! Free Antivirus has been around a long time and is overall an excellent free antivirus program. It includes just about everything you'd ever want from an antivirus program, free or otherwise. avast! Free Antivirus 2016 is a the only antimalware tool you need on your Windows computer.
Tip: During the avast! installation, you may be asked to install the free Google Chrome browser and IE toolbar. These additions are not required so if you're not interested just uncheck the boxes. Also, you are required to register avast! to use it more than 30 days but registration is free and pretty simple. You'll also have to reregister once per year - again, for free.
Important: Some users have stated that avast! Free Antivirus 2016 is not free or it's not being a truly complete antivirus program. That's simply not true. avast! Free Antivirus 2016 is a complete antimalware tool. The only additional benefits you get from purchasing "Pro Antivirus" or "Internet Security" from avast! are firewall, privacy, and spam protection, which you can get from other programs, for free if you want them.
4
AVG AntiVirus Free:
AVG AntiVirus Free is one of the best free antivirus programs available today due mainly to the huge number of premium-level features, full antivirus and antispyware engines, and automatic background updating.
Important: AVG AntiVirus Free provides constant virus protection, also called on-access or resident protection, for free. This means that AVG AntiVirus Free can completely replace antivirus software from companies like McAfee and Norton that charge for their software and for yearly access to updates.
Pros:
- Provides on-access protection from viruses and other malware
- Virus definitions are updated periodically and automatically
- Works with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, and 2000
- Easy to install
Small download size
Cons:
- Can only be used at home - no business use
- Does not include a "Game Mode" (silent detection)
- Always displays an ad to purchase the professional version
Description:
AVG AntiVirus Free includes fully functional antivirus and antispyware engines. Includes LinkScanner feature to protect you from websites that host malicious software. Any file or folder can be excluded from both manual scans and the regular protection shields. Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, andXP are all supported operating systems for AVG AntiVirus Free. Email scanner is included that can check both incoming and outgoing mail.
AVG AntiVirus Free updates periodically to stay current with new threats
My Thoughts on AVG AntiVirus Free:
I really like AVG AntiVirus Free. It was easy to install and has all the features you'd expect from any antivirus program you had pay for. It's completely free and can easily replace any antivirus program you have on your computer right now.
Note: AVG AntiVirus's installer may try to make browser changes or install an unnecessary toolbar. Choose the Custom Install option if you'd like to prevent this from happening.
Just click the link below to download AVG AntiVirus Free. Be careful not to download one of AVG's other programs that only have 30-day free trials.
5
Avira Free Antivirus:
Avira Free Antivirus is one of best free antivirus software programs out there for various reasons, the least of which is just because it's free. My favorite feature of Avira Free Antivirus is the wide range of malware threats that it protects you from. I also like how simple the interface is.
Important: Avira Free Antivirus provides free on-access or resident protection, meaning it's keeping an eye on things all the time. Because of this fact, Avira Free Antivirus can completely replace any antivirus software that you might be paying for, like popular products from McAfee and Norton. Some of those programs might be offering you other services but as far as malware/virus protection is concerned, Avira Free Antivirus does the same job... for free.
Pros:
- Protects from many types of malware, not just traditional viruses
- Contains advanced heuristic tools
- Works on Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP
- Supports the Mac operating system
- Virus definition updates are automatic
Cons:
- Only home use allowed
- Configuration wizard could be intimidating
- The download portion of the installation process took longer than with other programs
- Installation program makes browser changes unless unselected
- Asks to install a toolbar during setup
Description:
Avira Free Antivirus protects you from viruses, adware, spyware, back-door programs, dialers, fraudulent software, phishing, and more. An ability to choose when to start the antivirus program during the boot process is a valuable addition that I haven't seen elsewhere. Avira Free Antivirus has an advanced heuristic engine (detects malware that it's not already aware of) which is a feature not always seen in free antivirus tools. Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP are all supported operating systems. Automatic updates keeps Avira Free Antivirus updated with the latest threat information.
My Thoughts on Avira Free Antivirus
Avira Free Antivirus is an excellent free antivirus choice. While not my favorite (I prefer AVG, avast!, or MSE), it certainly has its pluses. As I mentioned above, the best thing about Avira Free Antivirus is the range of protection - everything from old fashioned modem dialers that used to rack up the phone bill to the most advanced Trojans.
While this might seem odd to mention, the configuration wizard, which I listed as a con, is actually quite handy as long as you know what you're selecting. For example, one option allows you to choose whether to start Avira Free Antivirus early in the Windows boot process, giving you greater protection, or later in the process, providing a bit less protection but speeding up your boot. Options are always good, right?
Tip: You're asked to register after the Avira Free Antivirus installation but it's optional. Also, if you'd like to prevent browser toolbar and settings changes, choose the Custom Installation option and unselect those options.
6
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition:
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition is one of the best free antivirus programs due mostly to the fact that it doesn’t put a toll on system resources while still managing to block dangerous threats. Unlike on-demand virus scanners, Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition doesn't need to be "turned on" or started each time you want it to check for malware since it can run all the time.
Important: Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition provides constant virus protection, also called on-access or resident protection, for free. This means that Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition can completely replace antivirus software from companies like McAfee and Norton that charge for their software and for yearly access to updates.
Pros & Cons:
Overall, I can find more things I like about this software than things I don't, which is great!
Pros:
- Provides on-access protection from viruses and other malware
- Much easier to use than some other antivirus programs
- Virus definitions are updated regularly in the background
- Easy on system memory and other resources
- 64-bit versions are also available
Cons:
- Can only be used at home - no business use
- There aren’t custom scanning options like in similar products
More Information on Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition:
Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP are the operating systems that are officially supported for Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition, though it may run on Windows 10 too.Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition includes a virus shield to stop stealth software, rootkits, and other malware from accessing the network. Even though the virus scanning software scans all your files, it doesn't overwhelm the available system resources, which means your computer won't take a large performance hit when using Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition. The scanner starts as soon as critical services are loaded, which means it can check for malicious software, worms, etc. right when the operating system loads. This makes it even harder for viruses to stay on your computer. Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition updates often to stay up-to-date with new threats. Programs are run through a safe environment first to ensure they behave normally, and then Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition will release it to the regular part of the computer so you can use it normally without fear that it's malicious. The software includes a link scanner to protect against credit card phishing attempts. It works by scanning all the links you access through your web browser. Gamers can benefit from using Bitdefender's software as their antivirus solution because major system scans can be paused while playing computer games. Applications accessing the internet that even appear to be working in a suspicious way are blocked by Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition; this is called it's Intrusion Detection System.
My Thoughts on Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition:
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition is easy and quick to install. It gives you all you need to protect your computer from existing or new threats. From the very start, you don't even feel like you need to make adjustments - just install it and let it run in the background. Right after the install, Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition did an initial system scan to immediately try to catch anything that shouldn't be on the computer.
7 Comodo Antivirus:
Comodo Antivirus is certainly one of the best free antivirus programs available. This is due mostly to their proprietary Defense+ technology that assumes an unknown file is a potential threat, making this free antivirus program almost 100% effective. Most other antivirus programs assume unknown files are safe and only concern themselves with files that have proven to be a problem.
Important: Comodo Antivirus provides constant virus protection, also called on-access or resident protection, for free. This means that Comodo Antivirus can completely replace antivirus software from companies like McAfee and Norton that charge for their software and for yearly access to
updates.
Download Comodo Antivirus
Pros & Cons:
Even though there are some drawbacks to using Comodo Antivirus, I do still recommend it:
Pros:
- Provides on-access protection from viruses and other malware
- Virus definitions are regularly updated, in the background
- Works with Windows (10, 8, 7, Vista, XP)
- Includes a "Game Mode" (silent detection)
- 64-bit versions are also available
Cons:
- Several other programs and system settings are included that you may want to disable
- Can only be used at home - no business use
- Very large setup file (170 MB) that may take awhile to download
- Initial updates may take awhile to complete
More Information on Comodo Antivirus:
Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP are the supported operating systems for Comodo Antivirus. Comodo Antivirus includes a full range of detection engines for viruses, spyware, rootkits, and other malware Includes protection from "all" infection sources like email, games, IM, etc. Can scan the PC's memory after the computer first starts up 64-bit program versions are available for those using 64-bit Windows operating systems. Comodo Antivirus updates periodically to stay current with new threats. Blocks malicious websites by scanning URLs Can optionally provide added security by using Comodo's free DNS servers on your computer. Supports drag and drop to scan files. Real time scanning can be disabled for any application, and the virus scanner can be setup to avoid scanning certain files/folders. Includes Defense+ technology that doesn't assume anything is safe, yet doesn't bother you with needless warnings either.
My Thoughts on Comodo Antivirus.
Comodo Antivirus is in a class of its own as an antivirus and antimalware solution. The fact that a free program with free updates can almost completely protect you from malicious software should have you replacing your current antivirus program as soon as possible, especially if you're (gasp!) paying someone for the one you have running today.
One drawback is that sometimes it seems as if I can't get Comodo Antivirus to open. The program is still running in the background and can launch file scans automatically and on-demand, but the program interface itself is sometimes buggy and won't fully open. This may or may not be an issue for other users - it's just something I've noticed a handful of times while using the software.
8
Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE):
Microsoft Security Essentials is easily one of the best free antivirus program available. I like it because it's produced by Microsoft and because it's really easy to see if the program is protecting you as it should be.
Important: Microsoft Security Essentials provides constant virus protection, also called on-access or resident protection, for free. This means that Microsoft Security Essentials can completely replace antivirus software from companies like McAfee and Norton that charge for their software and for yearly access to updates.
Note: There are inconsistent reports that Microsoft has recommended that people do not use just MSE, but instead use a third-party antivirus tool from another company. For what it's worth, I use MSE on many of my computers and it seems to protect them just fine. Microsoft's latest comments can be found here.
Pros:
- Provides resident protection from viruses, spyware and other malware
- Virus definitions are updated automatically and regularly
- Small download size
- Quick and very easy to install
- Does not attempt to install unrelated software
- Works with Windows 7 and Vista (It's included with Windows 8 and Windows 10)
Cons:
- Does not include a silent mode (so you might be bothered during gaming)
- Windows XP isn't supported
Description:
Microsoft Security Essentials can be downloaded for Windows 7 and Windows Vista. Microsoft Security Essentials includes fully functional engines to guard against viruses and most other kinds of malware. Includes a very easy to use on-demand scanner for manual malware checks. Files, locations, file types, and processes can all be excluded from scans. Simple green/red indicator makes it very easy to see if you're protected. Microsoft Security Essentials updates regularly to keep its malware knowledge current. Archives and removable drives can be set to be scanned in a full scan
My Thoughts on Microsoft Security Essentials:
Security Essentials is Microsoft's first attempt at an antivirus program, free or otherwise. My take: they did an excellent job. It was super easy to install and even easier to understand and use. Microsoft Security Essentials even trumps most of the popular, expensive antivirus options out there.
It's unfortunate, however, that Windows XP is no longer supported.
9
Panda Protection:
Panda Protection (previously called Panda Free Antivirus) is a great free antivirus program because it automatically collects threat detection techniques from other users that have the program installed, which helps protect against new and upcoming attacks.
Important: Panda Protection provides constant virus protection, also called on-access or resident protection, for free. This means that Panda Protection can completely replace antivirus software from companies like McAfee and Norton that charge for their software and for yearly access to updates.
Pros:
- Automatic and transparent upgrades
- Small download file
- URL and web monitoring/filtering
- Automatic USB protection
- Lightweight and easy on system resources
Cons:
- Contains advertisements
- Installation is a little slow
- Tries to make unnecessary changes during setup
Description:
Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP are the supported operating systems. Panda Protection comes equipped with a real-time antivirus and antispyware engine to catch threats before they cause damage Includes a built-in web monitor to protect against malicious links. You can secure the program with a password.Option to scan compressed files. Able to run a full or custom scan as well as just a critical scan. Files, folders, and particular extensions can be blocked from scans. A rescue boot disc can be built with Panda Protection to create a bootable antivirus program. Parental controls block specific web addresses, domains, programs, and folders from being accessed. Supports gaming/multimedia mode. It's easy to block/shutdown any actively running process. Option to require you to confirm removing a found virus. Gathers data from other Panda users to help avert threatsCan run scheduled scans
My Thoughts on Panda Protection:
What I like the most about Panda Protection is that it puts off a particular feeling of strong security while it’s running. It’s not intrusive, but instead clearly shows how its securing all running system processes and websites.
As I mentioned above, it does have advertisements within the program, mainly to try and get you to purchase the professional version.
Note: During setup, Panda Protection asks to install a toolbar for increased web security as well as a couple other web browser changes like altering your home page.
10
UnThreat AntiVirus:
I recommend using a different free antivirus program over this one, for UnThreat AntiVirus is no longer being updated by its developers. While it's probably still safe to use, I do prefer software that's still maintained like avast! Free Antivirus. UnThreat AntiVirus is a free antivirus program. It provides a built-in email scanner to scan all inbound and outbound messages, which is really nice. Although the software itself doesn't seem to update very often, it still able to download new virus definitions when they're available.
Important: UnThreat AntiVirus provides constant virus protection, also called on-access or resident protection, for free. This means that UnThreat AntiVirus can completely replace antivirus software from companies like McAfee and Norton that charge for their software and for yearly access to updates.
Pros & Cons:
The biggest disadvantage of using this program is that it's been discontinued:
Pros:
- Automatic updates
- Quick download and install
- Provides real-time protection
- Can automatically quarantine threats
- Email protection
- Scheduled virus scans
- Quick, full, and custom scans
Cons:
- No longer maintained by the developers
- No firewall
- Doesn't try to install other programs during the initial installation
- Contains a large advertisement
More Information on UnThreat AntiVirus:
Though UnThreat AntiVirus is now a discontinued product, it does provide lots of great features: UnThreat AntiVirus should work with all recent versions of Windows.Features real-time protection against viruses in the file system and email. The ability to check files when they're read/copied/written can be disabled Can enable or disable the detection of low-risk threats Known malicious programs can be blocked and sent to quarantine automatically, or you can choose to be notified of them and take action manually You can choose the file extensions that UnThreat AntiVirus should monitor, or have it check every single file regardless of its extension. Custom files and folders can be excluded from scans. Quick scans and full scans can be customized, like to automatically clean infected files, enable rootkit detection, scan inside archives, use heuristic scanning methods, scan for cookies and adware, scan the registry, and scan running processes. They can also be customized to scan slower to save on system resources. Scans can be scheduled in UnThreat AntiVirus to run each time the computer starts up or every day, once a week, or every 1/2/4/8/12 hours. The aforementioned areas can be setup in a scheduled scan too, as well as the ability to scan just certain folders. Email protection can be toggled on and off .A scan can be setup to run automatically after an automatic update.
My Thoughts on UnThreat AntiVirus:
I found UnThreat AntiVirus really easy to use. The program layout isn’t hard to grasp and it’s easy to scan files and folders from the right-click context menu.
Outbound emails that UnThreat scans are marked with a message that says they were scanned with the antivirus program. You can remove this from the Email Protection options in the settings. Something I didn’t like about UnThreat is that a large advertisement to upgrade to the paid version is always present at the bottom of the program that you can’t minimize or exit.
Note: UnThreat AntiVirus is no longer available on the official UnThreat website since they've stopped developing and distributing their software, even the professional version of UnThreat. However, the Softpedia link below actually downloads the software from the UnThreat website, so you can be confident that it's the most up-to-date official download for the software.
UnThreat AntiVirus Alternatives:
There are so many alternatives to UnThreat AntiVirus that you should never feel like you must pay for antivirus software, especially just because UnThreat no longer offers such a program. Like I said above, UnThreat AntiVirus is still being updated to provide a defense to viruses and other malware, but there are some alternatives you may prefer.
Start by looking through my list of free antivirus programs to find out more information on popular security software like Avira, Comodo, AVG, Microsoft Security Essentials, Panda, Bitdefenderand Ad-Aware.
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