Safe and Secure: The Best Free Antivirus Software for 2022

Malware and viruses can cause damage to your computer and, in some cases, can cause you to lose your PC. It’s incredibly frustrating to lose files or your entire PC due to a virus infection. Not only is it a hassle to recover your data or buy a new PC, but it can also be very costly.

You need efficient antivirus software with superb malware protection to avoid these pesky occurrences. If your PC uses the Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, or 11 OS, there is already an antivirus called Windows Defender, which is built-in. It also offers windows security, but there are extra features and tighter security provided by other antivirus programs.

The best antivirus software offers the essential services required to protect your PC against malware. Some of these services include a password manager and a free VPN. Although some of the best antivirus software packages aren’t free, numerous free antivirus app suites are available.

Best Free Antivirus Software Packages

If you search for the best free antivirus for your PC, you are right. Keep reading, and discover the best free antivirus software available today. Listed below are the best free antivirus programs:

• Avira Antivirus
• Avast Free Antivirus
• Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition
• AVG Antivirus
• Zonealarm Free Antivirus
• Kaspersky Security Cloud
• Panda Free Antivirus
• Malwarebytes Free Antivirus
• Windows Defender Antivirus

Avira Free Security for PC

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Avira Antivirus is one of the best free antivirus protection software suitable for your PC. It offers the best security features your PC needs without unnecessary bloatware. It is available for download for free on Mac, Windows, Android, and IOS. Although its free version is limited in features compared to its paid version, it still provides excellent protection from malware.

Features of Avira Free Security

• Password Manager: Avira Antivirus offers password management to protect your login credentials, and it works as a browser extension. It syncs your login credentials across devices and offers two-factor authentication. It is a handy feature for protecting your password for various accounts on the internet.
• VPN: This feature offers a 500MB monthly bandwidth. It automatically connects o the nearest server; you can’t pick a specific location. This software is quite limited and can only help visit websites. However, to remove these limitations, it will cost about $10 per month, or you can choose to pay for Avira Prime, which costs $59.99 a year and offers a 60-day money-back guarantee option.
• Privacy: Avira Free Antivirus offers several beneficial privacy features, such as Browser Safety and Safe Shopping extension. The Browser Safety extension works to steer users from phishing sites and prevents the spam of ads from malicious websites. It blocks ads effectively, compared to the features of most browsers.
• Safe Shopping: This feature provides pricing options when window shopping on merchant platforms; however, it is not a helpful feature. Avira also provides privacy settings check, which prevents unwarranted applications from gaining access to your data.
• Performance: Avira provides a performance optimization feature to improve your PC’s wellbeing. This feature contains tools such as a Battery saver and Optimizer.

These tools work on clearing junk files, shutting unnecessary processes to save battery, etc. Unfortunately, most of these tools aren’t available for the no-cost version of Avira Antivirus.

Other features include:

• Smart Scan
• File Shredder

Pros

• It offers numerous features as a free antivirus program.
• It is suitable for multiple operating systems.
• Enhances Privacy Protection
• Anti-malware

Cons

• Average performance on a hands-on test
• Unnecessary drawn-out system scans
• Some features are lacking in the free version.

VERDICT

Avira provides a software application package that offers outstanding malware protection. Its security features are suitable, and its real-time protection covers your PC. However, its full features aren’t available for the free version.

Avast Free Antivirus

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Avast Free Antivirus is known for its solid protection from malware attacks. It is one of the most popular free antivirus packages available today. Its free antivirus protection package offers real-time protection and blocks threats that can harm your PC, such as viruses, spyware, ransomware, and phishing.

One significant benefit of Avast Free Antivirus is its customizability, which allows you to set its appearance and performance to your taste.

Features of Avast Free Antivirus

• Avast Online Security: This is installed as an extension in Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, and Opera. This feature is an internet security tool that analyzes websites for ads and trackers. It efficiently blocks advertising threats on social media sites, merchant sites, and other web analytics sites.
• SafePrice: This is an add-on that is installed with Online Security. It aids in locating the best pricing options on merchant sites and provides coupons if present.
• Ransomware Shield: Ransomware Shield is a feature by Avast Free Antivirus which enables you to protect the files on your PC. It prevents ransomware from gaining access to your PC files such as Documents and Pictures. This feature protects against ransomware and presents alterations to your PC files.
• Secure Browser: This feature provides a chromium-based browser with added tools such as ad-block, anti-phishing, stealth mode, anti-tracking, anti-fingerprint, Bank Mode, VPN, and other valuable tools. Avast offering one of the best free antivirus packages, ensures you are well protected when surfing the internet with its Secure Browser feature.

Its anti-fingerprint tool prevents sites from gaining access to your data for tracking and analytics purposes. Also, its Bank mode tool creates a secure page for payment processes. It blocks the intrusion of malicious sites and ransomware from accessing your online transactions, thereby offering identity theft protection.

• Wi-Fi Inspector: Avast Free Antivirus protection provides a network security tool in Wi-Fi inspector. It scans potential networks your PC might connect to detect security issues. This program blocks harmful networks that can infect it with malware from accessing your PC.
• Performance: Avast’s free version offers performance-related tools such as Do-Not-Disturb mode, which blocks notifications from applications and temporarily suspends scheduled scans.

Pros

• Numerous features on this antivirus suite are free.
• Excellent performance on hands-on tests
• It offers customizability

Cons

• No advanced features.
• System scans can be lengthy.

VERDICT

Avast Free Antivirus provides the best tools for malware detection and protection. Its security features give the best free antivirus protection services for your PC.

Although its more advanced features are available on the paid version, its free version has some extra features that are beneficial to the safety of your PC.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition

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Bitdefender stands as one of the best antivirus packages with its free antivirus software named Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition. It provides good malware protection and excellent phishing detection. It offers what you can term a “basic protection” from malware.

Its features are the most basic, with the exemption of a password manager, schedule scans, and performance optimization. Its interface requires no interaction due to its intuitive nature. It doesn’t come with unnecessary bloatware; you can set it up and leave it to perform its work of malware protection. Bitdefender Antivirus free edition is among the best free antivirus protection software.

Features of Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition

Bitdefender provides your PC with protection from malicious sites. It blocks unnecessary URLs from accessing your browsing webpage. It also provides absolute phishing protection to prevent you from falling for fraud/scam sites.

Unfortunately, most of its features are unavailable for its free version. You will have to pay for its premium service to gain access to its full features, such as Password Manager, file shredder, Bitdefender SafePay, Anti-tracking, and optimized protection against ransomware.

Pros

• Automatic interface management
• Excellent performance on hands-on tests
• Simple and effective malware protection

Cons

• Vulnerable to ransomware attacks
• A lengthy, comprehensive system scan
• Lacks extra features

VERDICT

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition is excellent for protecting your PC from malware. It functions as essential efficient security software. However, its full features are only available on its paid version.

AVG Antivirus Free

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AVG Antivirus Free is an excellent free antivirus software package that offers malware protection, strong phishing defense, and scheduling of scans. It has unique features that provide your PC with the best defense against malware and even phishing scams when surfing the internet. It exists as one of the best free antivirus packages.

Features of AVG Antivirus

• Ransomware Protection: This feature protects programs from accessing and modifying files on your PC. It offers the option of partially (Safe Mode) or completely (Strict mode) blocking all programs for modifying files on your PC.
• Smart Scan: This feature runs an efficient scan in less than five minutes. It scans your PC for active malware and performance-related problems. It checks for system vulnerabilities on your PC.
• Deep Scan: Deep Scan also has a more balanced scanning feature, which runs a detailed scan to locate hidden malware. Its scan for performance issues detects unnecessary cache, junk files, and more. However, it only fixes performance issues in its paid version.
• Boot-Time Scan: It also provides a Boot-Time Scan that aims to eradicate stubborn malware. This software works before windows boots up and removes malware immune to regular antivirus. This scan runs for a lengthy period.
• Secure Browser: AVG Antivirus Free also offers a chromium-based Secure Browser feature (similar to chrome). It possesses Anti-Tracking, Anti-Phishing, Stealth Mode, Anti-Fingerprinting, and Password Manager tools. Its anti-fingerprint feature prevents sites from gaining access to your data for tracking and analytics purposes. Also, its password manager protects your login credentials. It is Privacy Cleaner functions as a tool that aids you in deleting your browsing history, data, and cache.
• SafePrice: This browser extension comes with Online Security. It aids in locating the best pricing options on merchant sites and provides coupons if present. It is similar to Avast SafePrice.
• Do-Not-Disturb Mode: This feature aids in suspending scheduled sans and blocks notifications.
• Network Inspector: It assesses your active network for security issues and detects security problems when connected to public networks. It is similar in function to Avast Wi-Fi inspector.
• File Shredder: This is a nifty tool for overwriting data contained in files to prevent its recovery after deletion.

Pros

• It contains multiple features for real-time protection of your PC
• It performed excellently in hands-on tests and independent testing labs.
• The mobile app version for android has a phone tracker feature.
• It has a good connection with Google platforms.

Cons

• It constantly disturbs you to upgrade to its premium version
• Its Boot-Time Scan lasts for an extended period

VERDICT

AVG Antivirus offers an adequate malware protection engine similar to Avast Antivirus. It provides features that safeguard your PC from malware and phishing attacks. Although its full features aren’t available on its full version, it still provides enough features for a free antivirus protection package.

ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus

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ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus Software is one of the best free antivirus protection packages available for your PC today. It offers firewall protection. These features work to ensure identity theft protection and prevent data loss.

Features of ZoneAlarm

• Web Secure: This feature protects your data from phishing frauds. It erases malicious code from files. ZoneAlarm is known for its absolute efficiency in detecting phishing sites and restricting them.
• Firewall Protection: ZoneAlarm’s service of protecting your PC’s firewall offers a solid defense against port scans and web-based attacks.
• Credit Education Specialist: This is a tool that provides the option of monitoring your data. With this tool, you can track the access to your data by websites when browsing the internet.
• Cloud Backup Service: This tool offers the option of backing up your data on ZoneAlarm’s cloud service to protect your data in situations where data loss occurs.

Pros

• It offers an effective phishing protection system.
• Its Firewall defense feature is one of the best for free antivirus software.

Cons

• Its malware protection performance is average.
• It lacks good features.

VERDICT

ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus is a good software package due to its firewall defense service and efficient phishing protection. Still, its lack of features compared to other free antivirus software makes it underwhelming.

Kaspersky Security Cloud Free Antivirus

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Kaspersky Security Cloud Free Antivirus exists as one of the best antivirus programs. It is commonly known, and its effectiveness is majorly verified.

Although Kaspersky, a Russian company, might present some ethical reasons for choosing to use its antivirus due to the Ukraine war, it is still recommended as an option. It offers a cloud service that syncs all your devices for efficient malware detection and protection.

Kaspersky Antivirus provides free antivirus tools such as a file shredder, e-mail scanner, password manager, and VPN (restricted; only available for its paid antivirus software).

Features of Kaspersky Security Cloud Free Antivirus

• Protection features: Kaspersky protection tools offer several protection options, with the addition of Malware scans in files, e-mails, and even web surfing. There is also the system watcher component, which detects hidden malware.
• Network Attack Blocker: Another protection tool that limits harmful threats. Another tool called AMSI Protection acts as a platform for third-party apps and programs to send files to Kaspersky for assessment.
• Antivirus Scan Option: Kaspersky Security Council Antivirus offers scan options such as full scan (90 minutes duration), New and Files Changed Scan, Vulnerability Scan, Idle Scan (operates in the background and checks your PC system memory), Rootkit Scan (runs in the background and locates hidden malware processes).
• Browser Protection: This feature works as a Firefox and Chrome extension. It detects harmful links in internet search results.
• Secure Connection: This is a VPN feature limited to a bandwidth of 200MB per day.
• Password Manager: This version in the free Antivirus suite is limited, and it works as a browser extension for Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome. It saves your login credentials across websites and protects documents online. However, its full features as a Password Manager are only available for its Paid version.
• File Shredder: The file shredder feature for overwriting data files to prevent recovery is present in its free version.
• On-Screen Keyboard: It is a feature for securing your passwords.
• Performance Optimization: This feature provides scanning options for improving the performance of your PC. Some of the scanning options are Data Cleaner, Privacy Cleaner, and Browser Configuration Check.
• Mobile Protection: Kaspersky Security Cloud is also available on mobile devices. It offers an anti-theft feature that includes a lock and locates data wipe, SIM watch, and alarm. Finally, there is also malware protection on its mobile app.

Pros

• It offers excellent malware protection.
• High scores from performance-related tests
• Effective phishing protection service

Cons

• It lacks a direct tech support service.
• Its iOS Features are restricted.
• Limited VPN bandwidth and password manager

VERDICT

Kaspersky Security Cloud Free Antivirus has efficient malware protection and extra features for your PC’s performance and optimization.

However, full access to its features requires the purchase of its paid version. It still provides real-time protection on the PC of its users, which makes it a superb free antivirus package for you.

Panda Free Antivirus

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Panda Antivirus software is known for its nature-themed aesthetic. Its UI acts as a breath of fresh air compared to the grim-looking appearance of other antivirus programs. If you assess it from its quirky name to its appearance, you might think it is all beauty and no function, yet it will prove you wrong.

It offers a free version for Android and Windows users. If you use iOS and Mac, you will have to pay for its premium version.

Features of Panda Antivirus Software

VPN: Panda offers a VPN service; however it is only a free version. It only allocates 150MB bandwidth per day which is insufficient for heavy internet surfers. You also restrict your VPN server to an automatic connection.

• USB Protection: Panda scans any USB drive inserted into your PC. Panda terms it USB vaccination; it acts as a safeguard that prevents malware intrusion into your PC files.
• Rescue Kit: This tool erases malware that prevents Windows from booting or antivirus software from installing.
• Process Monitor: This tool provides a detailed look into the processes running on your PC and those connecting to the internet. However, the average user would most likely not use this feature due to its technicality.
• Gaming Mode: This tool suspends notifications when playing a game on your PC or using a specific program.

Pros

• It protects your PC from malware-infested drives.
• It provides a VPN feature, albeit limited.
• Its natural aesthetic interface can be soothing.

Cons

• Average performance scores in hands-on and independent lab tests
• Inadequate phishing Protection

VERDICT

Panda Antivirus Software is an adequate free antivirus package. Its nature-themed interface provides an appeal not found in other antivirus packages. However, its phishing protection is average at best. It is still a great option if you don’t surf the web with your PC.

Malwarebytes Free

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Malwarebytes Free is anti-malware software. It performs the excellent task of eradicating malware from your PC system. It is known for its minimalistic features.

Malwarebytes doesn’t prevent your PC from getting a malware infection; it acts as a malware removal tool. Malware Bytes Free offers decent phishing protection, but it doesn’t provide real-time protection for your PC.

Features of Malwarebytes Free

• Malware Cleanup: Malware cleanup is a feature that functions as a tool to ensure the effective eradication of malware from your PC’s system.
• Browser Guard: This feature installs as an extension in Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. Browser Guard provides a defense against Phishing scams, malware-hosting sites, ads, and even data trackers.

Pros

• Its Browser Guard Extension is an effective tool for phishing protection.
• High-performance scores in detecting and erasing malware
• This software offers a quick system scan.

Cons

• It lacks real-time protection.
• Offers limited features

VERDICT

Malwarebytes Free is an efficient malware removal package. It aims to clear out traces of malware from your PC. Its minimalistic approach might suit some users, but its lack of real-time protection and extra features can be discouraging.

Windows Defender Antivirus

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Windows Defender Antivirus, also known as Microsoft Defender Antivirus, is a built-in software offered by Windows. It ranks among the best free antivirus software available.

This antivirus program offers malware protection and other services such as parental controls, gaming mode, and browser protection for Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer. It automatically restricts its functions once a third-party antivirus installs. One of its benefits is the lack of trigger ads for paid subscriptions.

Features of Windows Defender

• Ransomware Protection: This feature offers top-notch ransomware protection for your PC’s files.
• SmartScreen Filter: This is a Microsoft Edge tool controlled by Microsoft Defender. It offers strong phishing protection from malicious sites and data trackers.
• Device Performance & Health: The performance optimization page assesses problems with Windows Update, Storage Capacity, and device drivers.
• Parental Controls: Microsoft Defender offers the Parental Controls feature that restricts access to malicious content, limits screen time, and provides a tracking option for your children’s mobile devices.
• Gaming Mode: This feature suspends notifications while a gaming app runs or any other preferred program.
• Scan Scheduler: With Microsoft Defender, you can schedule scans for your PC. This feature enables you to work without interruptions from antivirus scans.

Pros

• Offers robust malware protection
• Built into Windows.
• Available Technical Support

Cons

• Some features are limited to the Microsoft ecosystem.
• Average phishing protection
• A tricky scan scheduling feature

VERDICT

Windows Defender is a suitable free antivirus software package for your PC. It is built-in and requires no installation of any kind. It provides adequate malware protection and other nifty features. However, it pales compared to the best-paid antivirus programs and some free software.

How to choose the best free antivirus

There are factors to consider when selecting the best antivirus protection package that is free and works effectively for your PC. Here are very crucial factors to consider:

• The best-paid antivirus software offers top-notch malware protection, but free antivirus suites also provide adequate protection against malware.

You have to pick an antivirus program that detects malware or threats to you and offers protection against malware-dependent lab tests run by AV-TEST or AV-comparatives to assess the best security suites.

• Malware Detection: We know the best antivirus programs efficiently defend your PC system against threats, but it is also necessary to detect them accurately. With an accurate malware detection feature, your antivirus pick will locate hidden issues such as Trojans, spyware, etc.
• Scan Time: If your antivirus pick takes a lot of time to scan your PC system thoroughly, you might get frustrated and search for another one. You have to ensure your potential antivirus scan time isn’t lengthy.
• Features: The best antivirus deals come with all the extra features that make them truly effective. Most free antivirus software lacks some features that might come in handy, but Avast and Avira offer more features than the average free antivirus software. Features you should always look out for are parental controls and internet security.
• Practicality: You should always consider the ease of using the antivirus software you plan to use. It should be convenient and practical in its use.

What to look for in a free antivirus software package

There are things to look out for in selecting your preferred antivirus software. Although we’ve mentioned most of the best software above, here is a summary:

• Parental Controls
• Real-time protection
• Identity theft protection
• Password Manager
• Free Antivirus App
• Cloud Backup Service

Read More: Internet Safety Tips To Keep Hackers Away

How to test the antivirus software

There are various methods of testing your security suite. You don’t have to infect your PC with malware; a simple test will suffice.

EICAR test file method

There is a test called the EICAR Test File. It is not malware, just a simple line of code that antivirus software recognizes as a virus. This feature is an easy-to-use method of testing the malware protection of your antivirus software.

You can download the EICAR test file from the EICAR WEBSITE to start the test and create your EICAR test file. You will have to paste the EICAR test code into a text editor; the notepad program will suffice. Here is the EICAR test code:

X5O!P%@AP[4PZX54(P^)7CC)7}$EICAR-STANDARD-ANTIVIRUS-TEST-FILE!$H+H*

After pasting the code, you will have to save it as a text file. Immediately after the file saves, your antivirus program will respond like a virus response. This result will prove your malware protection.

Software Updates

Another method of assessing your antivirus software is to ensure it updates with the latest security software/patches. Most Antivirus software has an update feature; it can be automatic or manual. This method ensures your antivirus has up-to-date latest malware protection in fighting against malware.

Conclusion

At this point, you know all you need to know about picking the best free antivirus software. This article carefully detailed the best free antivirus software’s features, cons, and pros.

Most free antivirus software will perform the function of eradicating malware at an average level; the best-paid antivirus will perform this task with excellent quality. However, some free antivirus software offers the best protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the best antivirus free?

No, not all the best antivirus software packages offer free protection. Some of them are paid-for-services. Although free versions are available, the best features require a premium free.

Are our free antivirus software packages effective?

Some of the free antivirus packages are effective. However, they are usually limited in the quality of their features. Sometimes, they only offer rudimentary virus protection services, putting your PC at risk of malware infections. Some gain access to your data and use it for commercial purposes.

Are our free antivirus software packages safe?

If you pick an antivirus software package from a trusted company, you won’t have to worry about the safety of your data. Your antivirus software will be truly safe, and no occurrence of data theft is allowed.

Am I allowed to install a free antivirus on windows?

Yes, Windows allows the installation of third-party antivirus apps without any hitch. It automatically disables windows defender when you install a third-party antivirus. If you uninstall the third-party antivirus, Windows will recommend reactivating Windows Defender.

Can I keep using Windows Defender?

Yes, you can keep using the built-in Microsoft Defender Antivirus package. However, there are more effective free antivirus software packages like Avast Antivirus. They have more features, controls, and even better security upgrades. Unlike the best antivirus software, Windows Defender offers poor phishing protection.

What potential effects can the lack of an antivirus software package lead to?

If you don’t have an antivirus package protecting your PC, you are more likely to experience the following harmful effects:

• Potential loss of data resources
• Risks of identity theft
• Damage to your PC’s operating system
• Your activities are at the risk of being monitored through spyware.

There are more harmful effects of an absence of an antivirus protection package on your PC. It is best to pick one that suits your taste and offers protection.