If you feel confident using your PC and initiating scans yourself, a free alternative can be a good choice to make. That's not to say that free antivirus software is always limited either. Some programs still offer tools such as phishing protection or malicious URL blocking on top of key features like a vulnerability scan or behavioral malware detection.
Just don't be surprised if technical support is a little more restrictive here. Usually, free antivirus software users need to fend for themselves, while paid solutions often provide some form of customer support over the phone. Remember though: you're only ever a Google search away from learning so if you're comfortable relying on knowledge bases or forums, then you have plenty of tech support at your fingertips.
If you're fairly technically minded and you don't need spam filters, extra firewalls, or other optional features, you can save plenty of money by opting for a free antivirus software solution. So where do you start? Here's a little introduction to some of the best free antivirus software out there. Okay with paying for a service? We've got that covered too.
Essential protection that detects, blocks and removes viruses and malware
We're using cookies to improve your experience. Click Here to find out more. Tech Software Antivirus. Like Follow. Best for multiple features. The Good. Avast Free Antivirus An impressively detailed piece of software given the non-existent price tag.
- Best Antivirus Software for Windows and Mac Computers?
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Features: Virus detection, gaming mode, password manager, malware scanner, network security inspector See Details. You get what you pay for is a concept that Avast completely ignores. Entirely free, it offers up plenty of features and a highly competent virus detection score. Reports by PCMag have shown that Avast does a fantastic job detecting viruses, as well as blocking malware, with that backed up by recent AV-Tests. It goes further than that though. Phishing protection is included, keeping an eye on unusual or suspicious links attempting to steal your valuable data.
Impressively, it came close to matching paid solutions here. Avast tops that service up with plenty of useful extras.
There's an automatic gaming mode that mutes popups and reduces system load any time you're playing a game. There's a WiFi inspector that checks your network for any security issues before reporting back, and there's a simple password manager. The latter is a little too rudimentary to recommend but it's a useful bonus and better than nothing. Avast's Online Security further adds to the light security software tools too, with it detecting unsafe websites and trackers.
It's an impressively detailed piece of software given the non-existent price tag. Best hands-off antivirus. Image: Bitdefender. Bitdefender Antivirus You get all of the antivirus aspects of the paid version, but none of the bonus features. It's limited but highly effective.
Features: Strong antivirus protection, fast scanning, cheap paid upgrade available See Details. Want great antivirus software and absolutely nothing else on top? Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition is that piece of software. It consists of the AV part of the full paid version which means it offers fast scanning and highly effective results.
Its Av-Test results are consistently great. Bitdefender has also typically been considered one of the fastest antivirus scanners out there and the free build is the same.
The only significant catch is that you can't schedule scans yourself. Instead, Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition does everything for itself automatically. If you like to tinker, you're going to be disappointed here. Despite that, it's an antivirus software that deserves to be highly recommended.
It monitors any files coming in, as well as your browsing, and any potentially malicious phishing websites. Its interface is simple and clearly laid out, with minimal settings so it's perfect for more inexperienced PC users who'd rather leave the hard work to the software. Bitdefender's hands-off approach won't appeal to everyone and it is a little frustrating not being able to scan things specifically. However, that does mean that you have one less thing to worry about when it comes to security, and it's ideal for people who aren't tech savvy.
Best for virus detection accuracy.
AVG Review
Image: AVG. It's unlikely anything is getting through this. Our Mac OS antivirus software offers the best Mac virus removal and protects your system. Scan your system at the push of a button and repair folders with just one click. Our Apple virus scan software is free. Download it now for your Mac with Mac OS For premium antivirus protection, discover the benefits of our Antivirus Pro for Mac now. Home Avira Antivirus Mac. Editors' rating:. Downloaded by millions. And trusted by the industry. Secure Convenient Light Simple. Macs also need protection Our Free Antivirus secures them by blocking thousands of threats daily, including ransomware, adware, and spyware.
Download for free. Set it and forget it Schedule your security scans: Your Free Antivirus runs silently in the background and updates your virus definition database automatically. Activity Stream: One glance is all you need Get all the pertinent security information, such as blocked threats, in one overview. Security thought differently. Simple Scan with push button convenience. Effective Repair folders with just one click. Our Apple virus scan software is free. Download it now for your Mac with Mac OS For premium antivirus protection, discover the benefits of our Antivirus Pro for Mac now.
Home Avira Antivirus Mac.
Best Antivirus Software for Windows and Mac - Consumer Reports
Editors' rating:. Downloaded by millions. And trusted by the industry. Secure Convenient Light Simple. Macs also need protection Our Free Antivirus secures them by blocking thousands of threats daily, including ransomware, adware, and spyware. Download for free. Set it and forget it Schedule your security scans: Your Free Antivirus runs silently in the background and updates your virus definition database automatically.
Activity Stream: One glance is all you need Get all the pertinent security information, such as blocked threats, in one overview. Security thought differently. Simple Scan with push button convenience. Effective Repair folders with just one click. The latest technologies. Real-Time Scanner Analyze any file the system accesses.
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