We've reviewed our recommendations and these are still the best free antivirus programs to try out. Living in a time where everything important to us exists on computers and mobile devices, it’s crucial to be well-protected. Unfortunately, premium antivirus software is expensive. But these best free antivirus software are designed to help secure your personal information, even if only at a base level.
See at Bitdefender
See at AVG
See at Malwarebytes
See at Avast
See at Avira
When you’re looking for a new free antivirus software to download, there are key factors to pay attention to. If you download just any old software, you may find yourself ill-protected from more modern malware or even possibly opening the door to malicious digital entities without realizing it.
First, you’ll want to check whether the software is completely free or just a free trial that ends after a week or month. It can be easy to get lured in by “free” and completely overlook the stipulation that the software offers limited protection. This is just a matter of paying close attention to the fine details as you download the software. If you’re required to input a credit card number at any point, you know you’re signing up for a trial.
Of course, the most important facet of any antivirus software is that it protects from malware, ransomware, and other nefarious agents. Even the best free antivirus software may have some gaps in protection, but you should pay attention to what each service offers. Along with virus protection, does it come with an enhanced firewall or a spam blocker? So long as the primary virus detection is effective, the more features, the better.
You may also want to consider how notifications are delivered and whether the antivirus software works across various devices. The former will help reduce the headache of unnecessary and intrusive notifications, and the latter will help ensure even your smartphones and tablets can be protected.
Choosing the software that will keep your computer and handheld devices safe is important in securing your personal data. To help you narrow down your options, we’ve selected five of the best free antivirus software available.
Antivirus software is a security program designed specifically to detect and remediate malicious viruses, malware, ransomware, and similar threats. The software scans your device’s files for known threats and removes them to prevent compromised data, performance loss, and identity theft.
Do I need antivirus software for my phone?
While contracting a virus on your mobile device is less likely, you can still inadvertently download malicious threats. Antivirus software for your phone is highly recommended to prevent potential infection.
Do I need antivirus software for my Mac?
Macs typically come with strong antivirus protections, but can still become infected. Antivirus software for your Mac is recommended to enhance your computer’s protection, especially from new viruses, ransomware, and malware threats.
Do I need antivirus software if I use Linux?
While Linux is less prone to viruses and comes with a high degree of protection, the OS can still become infected. Infections are rare, but if you’re running Linux, antivirus software is still recommended.
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2024 List of Best Free Antivirus Software to Download
Bitdefender Internet Security
Best Free Antivirus Software for WindowsSee at Bitdefender
AVG Antivirus Free
Best Feature-Rich Free Antivirus SoftwareSee at AVG
Malwarebytes
Best Free Antivirus Software for MacSee at Malwarebytes
Avast
Best Free Antivirus Software for Mobile DevicesSee at Avast
Avira Free Security
Best Free Antivirus/VPN ComboSee at Avira
What to Look For in Antivirus Software
There are dozens of antivirus software available on the market, each touting the same thing broad protection of your devices from the latest ransomware and malware. But you will spend a lot each month or annually for that protection. If you want to save money, you need to look for free outliers that still offer a layer of protection, though it may not be quite as rigorous.When you’re looking for a new free antivirus software to download, there are key factors to pay attention to. If you download just any old software, you may find yourself ill-protected from more modern malware or even possibly opening the door to malicious digital entities without realizing it.
First, you’ll want to check whether the software is completely free or just a free trial that ends after a week or month. It can be easy to get lured in by “free” and completely overlook the stipulation that the software offers limited protection. This is just a matter of paying close attention to the fine details as you download the software. If you’re required to input a credit card number at any point, you know you’re signing up for a trial.
Of course, the most important facet of any antivirus software is that it protects from malware, ransomware, and other nefarious agents. Even the best free antivirus software may have some gaps in protection, but you should pay attention to what each service offers. Along with virus protection, does it come with an enhanced firewall or a spam blocker? So long as the primary virus detection is effective, the more features, the better.
You may also want to consider how notifications are delivered and whether the antivirus software works across various devices. The former will help reduce the headache of unnecessary and intrusive notifications, and the latter will help ensure even your smartphones and tablets can be protected.
Choosing the software that will keep your computer and handheld devices safe is important in securing your personal data. To help you narrow down your options, we’ve selected five of the best free antivirus software available.
FAQ
What is antivirus software?Antivirus software is a security program designed specifically to detect and remediate malicious viruses, malware, ransomware, and similar threats. The software scans your device’s files for known threats and removes them to prevent compromised data, performance loss, and identity theft.
Is free antivirus protection safe?
While free antivirus programs are safe, they may not offer the same degree of protection as premium options. Verify that a free antivirus software is safe through user reviews and be sure the software you’re downloading covers your areas of concern by carefully reviewing the official website.
While free antivirus programs are safe, they may not offer the same degree of protection as premium options. Verify that a free antivirus software is safe through user reviews and be sure the software you’re downloading covers your areas of concern by carefully reviewing the official website.
Does antivirus software protect against malware?
Antivirus software can be effective in protecting against malware. If you’re downloading free antivirus software, verify that malware protection, detection, and removal are included without a premium upgrade.
Antivirus software can be effective in protecting against malware. If you’re downloading free antivirus software, verify that malware protection, detection, and removal are included without a premium upgrade.
Do I need antivirus software for my phone?
While contracting a virus on your mobile device is less likely, you can still inadvertently download malicious threats. Antivirus software for your phone is highly recommended to prevent potential infection.
Do I need antivirus software for my Mac?
Macs typically come with strong antivirus protections, but can still become infected. Antivirus software for your Mac is recommended to enhance your computer’s protection, especially from new viruses, ransomware, and malware threats.
Do I need antivirus software if I use Linux?
While Linux is less prone to viruses and comes with a high degree of protection, the OS can still become infected. Infections are rare, but if you’re running Linux, antivirus software is still recommended.