It can perform full system scans and be adjusted to search for rootkits and PUPs/PUAs as well.
Overall, Norton provides a better user experience than any other antivirus.
All of Nortons plans are covered by a 60-day money-back guarantee.
I didnt notice any slowdowns on my computer, even during full system scans.
Bitdefender also provides excellent anti-phishing protection with its free antivirus.
Out of all the brands on this list, only Bitdefender and Norton had perfect anti-phishing results.
One downside of the free version of Bitdefender is its lack of extra features.
Bitdefenders free Windows antivirus is a top-tier, no-frills solution to protect your equipment from malware and web-based threats.
It has perfect detection rates and will barely impact your devices performance.
All of its plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you might try it out risk-free.
Pandas free antivirus also comes with a secure (but limited) VPN.
All of Pandas premium plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pandas free antivirus is a good, easy-to-use antivirus, offering 100% free real-time malware protection.
The software functions inside a minimalistic, well-designed dashboard.
The VPN is pretty good in fact, its ourtop-rated antivirus-bundled VPN.
It works with all major streaming services and supports P2P file sharing on all its servers outside the US.
TotalAVs paid plans start at IDR322,140 / year to cover 5 devices.
All plans are also backed by a risk-free money-back guarantee of 30 days.
TotalAVs Windows antivirus is excellent at removing various kinds of malware.
I like that it encourages users to review their overall online security via the Privacy Advisor.
Windows doesnt provide anything like this on its own, so its a great addition.
Avast OneBasiccomes with a built-in VPN, but it isnt ideal.
You cant change servers on the free version, and the provider doesnt have a no-logs policy.
Theres also a powerful firewall thats completely free.
It monitors inbound and outbound traffic and blocks malicious connections.
I found the prefs much more intuitive than what you get with the default Windows firewall.
I did find the interface a bit cluttered though, and somewhat less intuitive than competitors likeNorton.
Note that the Avast One product line is only available in a handful of countries.
The companys other free antivirus is available worldwide.
Avast also provides credit, social media, and identity theft monitoring to Avast OnePlatinumcustomers for IDR2,032,480 / year.
All paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Avast OneBasicis a good free-forever antivirus package with a powerful scanner.
The VPN has a fairly generous data allowance, and the app is quite easy to use.
In contrast to Microsoft Defender, this makes Avira fast, lightweight, and easy on system resources.
Avira is also user-friendly its display is very easy to navigate with all features clearly listed.
It comes with many excellent and completely free extra features, too.
But unfortunately, Aviras best optimization tools are locked behind a paywall.
Plus, Avira only lets you connect to your nearest server location on the free plan.
Avira backs all yearly subscriptions with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Aviras cloud-based, free virus scanning engine is a good way to keep your PC safe.
Its lightweight, fast, has great detection rates, and is 100% free.
However, it did miss a few well-hidden files that competitors likeNortonandBitdefenderdetected.
It also blocks ads, though it isnt as effective as Aviras free extension.
You also get free dark web monitoring.
The experience was chilling, but I was genuinely impressed by the thoroughness of Malwarebytess scan.
However, the free version lacks real-time protection, so youll have to rely on Defenders somewhat lackluster protections.
MalwarebytesPlusalso adds a decent VPN for IDR1,017,090 / year.
Both of Malwarebytess premium plans are covered by a generous 60-day money-back guarantee.
MalwarebytesFreeis a minimalistic antivirus scanner with good virus detection and removal rates.
Upgrading to MalwarebytesStandardbrings you real-time protection and coverage for up to 20 devices, whereas MalwarebytesPlusalso adds a VPN.
Its pretty distinct fromAvast OneBasic, though.
The free virus scanner works well it detected 100% of the malware samples on my PC.
Whats more, you might run 5 types of scan.
The Deep Scan worked quite well, but the quick-running Smart Scan missed a few items in my test.
The boot scan is similar to Windowss Offline Scan, but worked much faster when I tested it.
As soon as a scan finishes, youll be met with upsells, which annoyed me.
AVG comes with some good features you dont normally see in free Windows antiviruses.
Namely, it comes with a firewall thats way better than Microsofts built-in firewall.
You get added protection from Behavior Shield, a tool that scans for malware that isnt listed in databases.
It actively scans apps for suspicious activity.
If any is found, the program is automatically blocked.
Unfortunately, the ransomware and web protections arent perfect.
For extra protection from phishing, spyware, and webcam hacking, theres AVGInternet Security.
This premium services starts at IDR528,980 / year.
Its also available as a 30-day free trial, and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Overall, AVGs free antivirus is a solid choice for users who want basic protection for their computer.
It also comes with free real-time protection and automatic updates, which is pretty cool.
However, it lacks extra features like a VPN, optimization tools, and a password manager.
During my tests, ZoneAlarm detected all of the malicious files I downloaded onto my PC.
The scan also slowed down my PC quite substantially.
If you have an older machine, youre probably better off with a cloud-based tool likeBitdefender.
That said, the inclusion of a firewall in the free app is ZoneAlarms best feature.
It offers inbound and outbound protection, ensuring your online grid remains safe from hackers and other threats.
It worked well when I simulated a web connection attack.
In short, if you decide to pay for web protection,Nortonis a much better choice.
ZoneAlarm is pretty good for a free antivirus.
The free malware scanner is complemented by an effective firewall and decent real-time protection.
Its lacking in web protection and only works on Windows, but its still a good security tool.
Only the antiviruses that performed in line with this methodology made this list.
Free Antivirus vs.
Paid Antivirus
Free antiviruses like Nortons Power Eraser and BitdefenderFreeare pretty good, and they offer decent protection.
you’ve got the option to read more about paid antiviruses for different operating systemshere.
These common-sense measures include:
See more tips
What Free Windows Antiviruses Should You Avoid?
Keep in mind there are lots of other bad free antiviruses out there.
Just because a product isnt on this list of free antiviruses to avoid doesnt mean its good.
Always research a product by reading reviews on trusted websites.
If theres little to no information about an antivirus online, its probably no good and best avoided.
Why should I use another free antivirus instead of Windows Defender?
Indeed, most of theproducts on this listhave substantially better free antivirus protection than Microsofts built-in antivirus.
Can Windows Defender & another antivirus run together?
Technically, youcanrun Windows/Microsoft Defender and another antivirus simultaneously.
Is it safe to use a free antivirus?
If you choose an antivirus program from a trustworthy company, then yes.
Whats the best free antivirus?
All free antiviruses have some limitations and lock most of their best features behind a paywall.
Is there a 100% free antivirus?
Yes, there areantivirus programs that are 100% free.
Is a free antivirus good enough?
It depends on your needs.
However, aside from the essentials like malware protection, free antiviruses dont usually offer much else.
What are the most common types of viruses that affect Windows computers?
Will Windows allow me to install a free antivirus?
Windows will automatically turn off Microsofts built-in virus protection when new third-party antivirus software is installed.
If you decide to uninstall your third-party antivirus, your PC will automatically reactivate the Windows/Microsoft Defender antivirus.
Can I use free antivirus software for my business?
While its technically possible to use free antivirus software for your business, its not advisable.
Quick Overview of My Top Recommendations:
