Cyber threats are ever-evolving, becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. Leaving your devices unprotected is a huge risk that could compromise your privacy and lead to untold consequences.
Cybersecurity doesn’t need to be expensive. We tested several internet security tools and created a shortlist of the six best free antivirus solutions for desktop and mobile.
- Avast Free Antivirus: Best antivirus for all-round, real-time virus protection
- Sophos Home Free: Best antivirus for remotely managing the protection of other devices
- AVG AntiVirus Free: Best third-party antivirus for Windows users
- Avira Free Security: Best antivirus for increased privacy with a VPN (virtual private network)
- Panda Free Antivirus: Best antivirus for rescuing infected and locked devices
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus: Best antivirus for less tech-savvy Windows users
Click the button below to get Avast Free Antivirus.
For more information about the best free antivirus software and answers to frequently asked questions, check out the full article below!
Using a reliable antivirus program is crucial to keep your device safe. But how do you choose a good antivirus from the many options available? We’ve compiled this list of the best free antivirus software in 2024 to make the decision easier.
Below, we outline the pros and cons of some of the best free antivirus programs and highlight their best features.
The 6 Best Free Antivirus Programs in 2024
The free antivirus software below are listed in the order of their ranking — starting with our top choice. All these providers will keep your devices safe without charging you a dime.
| Feature | Avast Free Antivirus | Sophos Home Free | AVG AntiVirus Free | Avira Free Security | Panda Free Antivirus | Microsoft Defender Antivirus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Download | Download Avast Free Antivirus | Download Sophos Home Free | Download AVG AntiVirus Free | Download Avira Free Security | Download Panda Free Antivirus | Download Microsoft Defender Antivirus |
| AV-Comparatives test score (percentage of blocked malware) | 99.7% | 98.3% | 99.7% | 99.6% | 99.7% | 99.5% |
| Operating Systems | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS (Intercept X on iOS) | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | Windows, Android | Windows, Mac |
| Number of Devices | 1 (10 with subscription) | 3 (10 with subscription) | 1 (10 with subscription) | 5 (50 with subscription) | 1 (Unlimited with subscription) | Per Windows device |
| Real-time malware protection | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Phishing protection | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ |
| Ransomware protection | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Webcam protection | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Cost of a paid upgrade | $50.28 (first year) | $44.99 (first year) | $46.68 – $79.99 (first year) | $34.99 – $59.99 (first year) | n/a | $24.99 – $54.99 (first year) |
| Money-back guarantee (paid version) | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 60 days | n/a | 30 days |
A good antivirus will defend your device from malware and other threats, but it won’t protect your data online. That’s why we recommend using a VPN alongside an antivirus for better protection.
We’ve tested dozens of VPNs, and NordVPN is our top pick. This VPN keeps your data safe with powerful security features like cutting-edge VPN protocols, a kill switch, and a solid no-logs policy. It has 5,400+ super-fast servers across the globe, so you can stream geo-restricted content and access the web freely.
NordVPN’s free trial allows you to enjoy the service for 30 days before paying for a subscription.
- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
- Perfect for privacy and streaming
- Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
If you’re on a tight budget, Surfshark is a reputable provider with many of the same great features as NordVPN but a more affordable price tag.
1. Avast Free Antivirus
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Guards your network with its security inspector and firewall | Some extra features are reserved for premium users |
| Includes browser protection | The password manager lacks key features |
| Protects you from phishing and malicious URLs | Avast Free Antivirus only supports personal, home use |
| Prevents ransomware from deleting or encrypting your files |
Why we chose Avast Free Antivirus
Avast has a proven track record; it is one of the veteran antivirus providers in the industry. Avast Free Antivirus is our top pick because it gives you more than just basic antivirus protection. It offers virus detection, spyware and malware protection, and even anti-phishing protection. Ransomware protection is, unfortunately, only available to premium users.
Avast’s Software Updater scours your device for third-party software apps, ensuring they’re updated with the latest security patches. Its Web Shield blocks unsafe downloads and web-based attacks.
Avast Free Antivirus also has a Firewall. This feature works like any firewall, monitoring and managing network traffic to block unauthorized access. This is in addition to its Network Security Inspector, which detects vulnerabilities in your home network.
Who is Avast Free Antivirus best suited for?
Avast Free Antivirus provides all-around personal antivirus protection. This software is perfect if you’re not looking for anything specific but want to bolster your device security.
You’ll be protected from general online virus threats. It also defends other entry points for malware, such as phishing emails. Protection for photos, files, and other media is a bonus. If you want antivirus protection but don’t want to fuss around with complicated software with numerous features, choose Avast Free Antivirus.
Does Avast Free Antivirus have drawbacks?
We advocate for strong password habits, so we’re pleased to see that Avast Free Antivirus includes a password manager. A free password manager is better than none, but it doesn’t have all the features you’ll get from a premium service. Some of the best password managers with considerably more functionality only cost a few dollars monthly.
You’ll need to consider an alternative to Avast if you’re running a business. The free version of this antivirus is only available for personal use. Besides, we don’t recommend a free antivirus for commercial use. Organizations need a premium antivirus solution like Norton 360.
In 2020, an investigation revealed that Avast, and its subsidiary, AVG, were selling customer data to third parties. In response, Avast canceled Jumpshot, the company it used to sell said data. This doesn’t mean that Avast no longer collects user data; it just means it no longer sells this data to other companies.
The bottom line
Sometimes, free software is sub-par. But Avast Free Antivirus gives you more than just basic protection. That’s why it’s our top choice.
If you don’t mind parting ways with a few bucks, Avast’s premium antivirus solution offers more features and considerably better performance. We detail our experience with the premium version of Avast Antivirus in our extensive review.
2. Sophos Home Free
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Allows you to remotely manage devices outside your household | Limited features, and it’s easy to circumvent the parental content filter |
| Protects you from malicious sites | Low phishing protection score |
| Three installations per user | |
| Alerts you of any unauthorized access to your webcam or mic |
Why we chose Sophos Home Free
Sophos’ free antivirus protection can block known viruses, worms, trojans, and other malware. You also get ransomware protection and web protection. Its Malicious Traffic Protection feature sweeps your network and alerts you about malicious sites, programs, and files.
We were delighted to see that Sophos offers webcam protection for free. This feature alerts you if a program tries to access your webcam or microphone without your permission, preventing cyberstalking.
Who is Sophos Home Free best suited for?
Sophos Home Free is perfect for people who prefer to have few apps on their devices. You can launch scans from your toolbar and manage Sophos through your browser.
Sophos Home Free is the best choice if you need to manage antivirus protection for people who don’t live in the same home as you. You can install a local agent on another computer and manage the settings from your primary account with Sophos’ remote management feature. We think it’s essential to educate family members — young and old — about internet security, and this antivirus is ideal for protecting a vulnerable family member’s device.
Does Sophos Home Free have drawbacks?
The main downside of using Sophos Home Free is its lack of comprehensive phishing protection. Also, the parent content filter isn’t reliable. Any teen who knows you’re monitoring their web activity could easily get around the filter with a privacy-focused web browser.
The company doesn’t make it clear enough that Sophos Home offers a free antivirus. When you try to download the software, it’s called a “Free Trial.” This message persists throughout the installation and on your dashboard. After 30 days, you’ll be asked to upgrade, but you can keep using Sophos for free if you don’t.
You’ll have to upgrade your account if you want to manage more than three remote installations. Its weak parental content filter and low phishing protection score are why we’ve awarded Sophos Home Free second place on our list of the best free antivirus solutions.
The bottom line
Sophos Home Free is a great antivirus, but some features aren’t very effective. Still, it’s a free service and can keep you safe.
The premium version of Sophos Home is, of course, much better, offering remote protection for up to 10 devices, banking protection, and artificial intelligence-driven threat detection. Our Sophos Home review contains more information about the service.
3. AVG AntiVirus Free
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Minimal impact on computer speeds | The first scan is slow to complete |
| Excellent malware protection | Conflicts with other Avast software |
| Great phishing protection |
Why we chose AVG AntiVirus Free
AVG AntiVirus Free makes our list because of its sheer functionality. It provides device, web, and email protection. You can perform a Deep Scan, Boot-Time Scan, and Performance Scan. You can also scan external media or a specific file and folder. Our advice? Stick to the Smart Scan — it’s the fastest and most useful option.
Unlike Sophos, you get a snazzy user interface to manage your scan preferences and other features. The File Shield scans any file regardless of whether you’ve just downloaded it or are simply opening a file that was downloaded before you installed AVG.
Web protection comes in the form of Web Shield, which identifies malicious websites and downloads, prompting you with a warning. Email Shield blocks email attachments marked as unsafe. We were pleased to see phishing protection included in this free antivirus. However, the best defense against phishing is to develop awareness and good habits, but mistakes can happen.
We also love the level of customization AVG AntiVirus Free offers. You can configure various options in the settings menu. For example, you can:
- Choose to be notified about adware and other potentially unwanted programs
- Opt to scan every connection online, even if it’s using HTTPS
- Add specific exceptions to a whitelist that won’t be scanned
- Receive a weekly summary of email threats detected by AVG
Who is AVG AntiVirus Free best suited for?
AVG AntiVirus Free is arguably the best free antivirus for Windows users. Its excellent security ratings, above-average phishing protection, and unmatched malware protection make it perfect for anyone using the Windows operating system on PC.
Does AVG AntiVirus Free have drawbacks?
As a subsidiary of Avast, AVG was caught up in the 2020 scandal involving customer data sold to third-party companies. Like Avast, the company still collects user data but no longer sells it to third parties.
Other limitations are relatively minor but worth mentioning. For example, the Boot-Time scan hit 90 minutes before we gave up. The Deep Scan took around 62 minutes, but Smart Scan was faster. We recommend doing a Deep Scan after installation, then sticking to Smart Scan to avoid waiting around for a long time.
The bottom line
AVG AntiVirus Free loses points for its exceptionally slow Boot-Time Scan and first-time Deep Scan. Also, there are conflict issues if you’re running other Avast software. Otherwise, it’s an excellent free antivirus with an easy-to-use interface.
The premium version of the AVG AntiVirus performed very well in our tests. You’ll find the results of our hands-on testing of this VPN in our review of AVG AntiVirus.
4. Avira Free Security
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Malware and ransomware protection | No customer service for free users |
| Support for up to 5 devices | The free version comes with ads |
| Simple password manager | Many features are paywalled |
| Free, built-in VPN |
Why we chose Avira Free Security
Avira offers different options for scanning your device — Quick Scan, Full Scan, and Custom Scan. The Quick Scan option would suit most users. Avira runs a full system scan when you first install the software. This can help you to identify issues you weren’t aware of.
For example, when we ran an initial full scan on an old Macbook, Avira picked up different tracking cookies. While tracking cookies aren’t inherently bad, they allow companies to collect data about your online activities.
Avira’s software is good at avoiding false positives. In its December 2022 tests, AV-TEST got zero false positives during its web URLs, malware, and other tests. This is better than the industry average performance.
In addition to virus protection, Avira Free Security also protects you against spyware, phishing attacks, and more. It has a built-in heuristic engine that can identify viruses the software hasn’t seen before. This is impressive for a free antivirus.
Who is Avira Free Security best suited for?
Avira is ideal for privacy-focused users. The Avira Phantom VPN is free to use alongside Avira Free Security. This VPN can help to improve your security by changing your IP address to a Dutch IP. It also encrypts your data, further protecting your online privacy.
Bear in mind that the VPN isn’t built into the Avira dashboard. When we clicked on the VPN option, we were redirected to install the VPN separately.
Avira Free Security is not the best free VPN, but it can be handy if you’re only planning to browse the web. You don’t have an array of servers to choose from; you get one Dutch IP. Also, you get a measly 1 GB of data per month.
Does Avira Free Security have drawbacks?
You’ll need to upgrade to the premium version of Avira’s software to access features like email attachment protection and individual file scanning. The free version also displays ads, which can be annoying. This notwithstanding, Avira’s free service can help to keep your devices secure.
The bottom line
Avira Free Security is an excellent choice if you’d like a privacy boost via a built-in VPN — although the VPN service is limited. Its antivirus software is also pretty good. Of course, the premium version of Avira’s antivirus is much better. Avira Phantom VPN performed well in our Avira Internet Security tests.
5. Panda Free Antivirus
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Includes a free, albeit limited, VPN | Doesn’t offer malicious URL web protection |
| Stunning, user-friendly interface | Poor malware protection scores |
| Above average AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives scores | |
Why we chose Panda Free Antivirus
Panda Free Antivirus offers basic antivirus protection. It defends your system against malware and allows you to run in-depth scans. In addition to real-time protection, you can schedule scans and check external storage media.
Panda Free Antivirus lets you run quick or full scans on demand. But where Panda impressed us is that it allows you to create a portable scanner by installing a bootable malware scanner directly onto a USB stick! This allows you to scan another device that doesn’t have an antivirus or isn’t connected to the internet.
Like Avira, Panda has a built-in VPN. In our opinion, this VPN might take you a little further. There’s a data limit of 150 MB per day. While the limit is smaller than Avira’s 1 GB per month, the fact it resets daily means you can reserve your data for your daily emails, banking, or other sensitive browsing sessions.
Who is Panda Free Antivirus best suited for?
Panda’s rescue USB drive feature makes this free antivirus ideal for rescuing other devices. This could allow you to help out a friend or family member whose device has been locked by malware preventing normal startup functions. This is a feature lacking in the vast majority of premium providers. So, getting it for free is a huge bonus.
Does Panda Free Antivirus have drawbacks?
Panda’s device support is limited compared to the other antivirus software on this list. It supports scanning but doesn’t offer web protection for phishing or malicious URLs. Mac users can try Panda Antivirus for Mac free for one month, but there is no Panda Free Antivirus for Apple products.
The bottom line
Panda doesn’t have a long track record but earned above-average scores in tests by AV-Comparatives and AV-TEST. While most of Panda’s other features are locked behind a paywall, it’s a great free antivirus with innovative scan options. Try Panda Free Antivirus for free today using the link below!
6. Microsoft Defender Antivirus
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comes with Windows | Lacks bonus features |
| Offers real-time protection | Bland user interface |
| Doesn’t require much technical knowledge | Scheduled scans are cumbersome |
| Browser and network protection included |
Why we chose Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Microsoft Defender is a free antivirus and security tool that comes bundled with Windows. There’s even Microsoft Defender for Endpoint on macOS.
As a built-in Windows feature, you might expect Defender to lack depth. But the opposite is true! In addition to malware protection, Microsoft Defender offers firewall and network protection, browser protection, performance and health analytics, and other useful tools.
If you install another antivirus software, Defender will hibernate to avoid conflict. It’s a useful tool, but we consider it a stopgap.
Who is Microsoft Defender Antivirus best suited for?
Microsoft Defender is designed for Windows users. It’s great for those with little technical know-how. If you’re worried about the online security of your parents or grandparents who use Windows, flick the switches in their control panel to enable real-time protection and other security tools.
Does Microsoft Defender Antivirus have drawbacks?
Microsoft Defender has some flaws that steer us toward the third-party solutions highlighted above. The interface is baked into the Windows operating system, and it’s dull. Microsoft Defender also lacks extras, like a VPN or Panda’s USB rescue functionality.
The bottom line
Many people don’t use an antivirus at all; Microsoft Defender is the perfect solution for a growing problem. It’s part of every new Windows installation and is completely free. You don’t even need to install it. Click the link below to find out more about Windows Defender!
A note on Kaspersky and Norton
Kaspersky was listed among the best free antivirus programs in a previous version of this article. We decided to remove Kaspersky from the list due to recent controversies. Most notably, in March 2022, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) labelled Kaspersky a “national security risk.”
Norton 360 isn’t also on this list because it isn’t free. Instead, it offers a two-month, money-back guarantee.
How We Picked the Best Free Antivirus Programs
There are several factors to consider when choosing the best free antivirus software.
These are the key things we looked at during our hands-on testing of these programs:
- How well the antivirus software blocks malware and other threats
- The features available to free users
- The app’s ease of use
- How the software protects users’ privacy
- Test results from independent organizations like AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives
Throughout the article, we’ve referenced AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives. These independent organizations objectively test and report on the performance of antivirus and other software. These test results contribute to the yardstick we used to gauge different free antivirus programs.
Why Antivirus Programs are Important
An antivirus can protect your device from potentially dangerous programs and files. Antivirus programs are designed to identify various threats, including viruses, trojans, spyware, ransomware, and adware.
A reliable antivirus program will safeguard your data and provide identity theft protection. This is especially important if you store personal information like banking details on your device. Using an antivirus can ultimately extend the lifespan of your device.
Is It Safe to Use a Free Antivirus Program?
There are some risks to using free antivirus software, especially if it’s from an obscure brand. Cybercriminals often disguise malware as antivirus software.
In 2021, researchers revealed that cybercriminals spread malicious Android apps through fake sites. One of these apps was named “Kaspersky Free Antivirus.”
To avoid this risk, we recommend only downloading software from trusted sources — app stores or the company’s official website.
The developers of free programs are known to harvest and sell user data to third parties for profit. Even some top brands, like Avast, have been embroiled in scandals involving the sale of user data.
Paid vs. Free Antivirus Programs
In most cases, the biggest difference between paid antivirus software and a free one is the features available to users. This is especially true when considering a free version of an otherwise premium antivirus program. For example, the premium version of Bitdefender has several features that are missing from the Bitdefender antivirus free edition.
Most providers offer basic antivirus protection for free. But you’ll need to pay for other features like ransomware protection, web protection, and parental controls. You may also need to subscribe to access customer support and escape ads.
Are you trying to choose between paid and free antivirus software? Think about what you need. Premium antivirus programs are important for people who need extra features. A free antivirus may suffice if you want basic protection for a device.
Conclusion
Protecting your device safe while browsing the internet and downloading files doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. There are affordable antivirus solutions, like Norton 360 and Bitdefender. Our article on the best antivirus software contains more options.
Looking for an antivirus for a particular device? You’ll find our top picks in the articles below:
- Best Antivirus for Mac in 2024
- The Best Antivirus for PC in 2024
- The Best Antivirus for Chromebook in 2024
- The Best Antivirus for Gaming in 2024
Do you have questions about the best free antivirus software for your device? Check out the FAQ section below for answers! If we haven’t answered the question on your mind, feel free to drop us a message in the comment section.
Avast Free Antivirus is the best free antivirus for all-round protection. It provides basic antivirus protection, keeping your computer safe while you browse the web and download files. You’ll find more information our article on the best free antivirus programs.
Sophos Home Free is arguably the best free antivirus for Android devices. In addition to basic antivirus protection, it also offers ransomware and phishing support.
AVG AntiVirus Free is the best free antivirus for Windows 10 and other devices running on the operating system. This antivirus does an excellent job of protecting your device and safeguarding your data. Microsoft Defender is a great alternative to AVG for Windows users who aren’t tech-savvy.
A good free antivirus should be able to provide you with basic malware and virus protection. Some free antivirus programs come with additional features, which can be a big plus. Click here to see our top picks.
While some free antivirus software can be dangerous, there are trustworthy options. We recommend only downloading apps from trusted app stores and official websites. This article highlights some of the best free antivirus software available today.
