Last updated: April 6, 2024
« What is the best free antivirus ? » This question comes up frequently in social media group discussions. Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to this question. If a free antivirus really dominated all the others, it would quickly become known.
No free antivirus is perfect. Some do not detect all viruses, others cause false alerts. Some applications may not update correctly, others may use a lot of system resources and cause crashes.
It is therefore more appropriate to ask “ Which free antivirus do you need ? » There are different options, from Windows Defender integrated into Windows, to Avira which offers a complete security suite.
Here is a list of the best free antiviruses for Windows. Use them to protect your computer.
Avira Free Antivirus
Avira is considered one of the best free, reliable and effective antiviruses on the market. It protects your computer against all forms of malware, such as Trojans, locks, rootkits and dialers, acting as a shield and antivirus in one.
Avira Free Antivirus also offers a new repair system that helps automatically clean the registry and system files when a virus is detected and removed. This antivirus has a cloud-based real-time scanning system that scans for unknown files anonymously with data from millions of users to protect you from emerging threats in real time.
In addition to these features, Avira also includes Phantom VPN, a VPN that anonymizes and encrypts your internet browsing with a limit of 500 MB per month. Additionally, it also includes a password manager to help you manage and protect your online credentials.
| Most | The lessers |
| Real-time virus protection | Occasional blocking of legitimate files |
| Fast real-time analysis | Daily pop-up advertising |
| Additional features such as VPN | No email scanning in the free version |
| Light, fast, and won't slow down your system | Technical Support Limitations |
Download Avira Free Free Antivirus
Avast One Essential
Avast One Essential is considered one of the best free antiviruses available. Thanks to its ease of use, it offers comprehensive protection, including features such as an anti-virus and anti-spyware engine, real-time anti-rootkit protection, and a network agent.
It also incorporates Real-Time Protection, which continuously monitors system activities to detect suspicious behavior.
Avast also comes with several other security features, such as Mail Protection, Browser Protection, Wi-Fi Security Scan, and Privacy Protection.
Additionally, Avast offers an improved password management system, a secure browser for online shopping and banking, and simplified installation.
It is important to note that the free version of Avast is only available for personal, non-commercial use.
| Most | The lessers |
| Ransomware protection for your personal files | Use of lots of system resources |
| Firewall to prevent attacks on your computer via Wi-Fi and the Internet. | Conflicts with other software |
| Protection against spammers for your mailbox | Detecting Clean Files as Infected (False Positives) |
| Real time protection | User data collection |
AVG antivirus
AVG AntiVirus Free provides comprehensive protection against all forms of malware and online threats, ranging from viruses to phishing attempts and Wi-Fi intrusions. This software is designed to detect and eliminate rootkits, block spyware and protect your files with a advanced ransomware defense.
For added online security, AVG Free AntiVirus can be combined with AVG Internet Security. With this solution, you also benefit from protection for your webcam, a firewall to secure your network and different tools to prevent computer hacking.
In sum, AVG AntiVirus Free offers reliable and comprehensive protection for users concerned about their online security.
| Most | The lessers |
| Advanced Ransomware Protection | Reduced functionality in the free version |
| Webcam Protection | Frequent updates |
| Anti-hacking tools | Impact on system performance |
| Has a firewall |
Windows Microsoft Defender
Windows Defender is free antivirus software developed by Microsoft for computers running Windows. It is integrated directly into Windows and works in the background to protect your computer from online threats.
The tool examines the registry, cookies, memory, folders and drive contents in detail. Indeed, it uses a combination of technologies such as virus signing, heuristic analysis and behavioral detection to detect and eliminate threats. If malware is detected, Windows Defender allows you to eliminate it.
Windows Defender works in the background and rarely interrupts the user. However, it also offers advanced security options to protect sensitive folders. In short, Windows Defender is a powerful solution, at no additional cost, for your IT security.
| Most | The lessers |
| Low impact on system resources | Insufficient protection against advanced threats |
| Easy to use | Interference with other security software |
| Ransomware Protection | Manual Setup Required |
| Well integrated into the system | Lack of advanced functions |
Bitdefender Antivirus Free
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition is free antivirus software developed by Bitdefender, an IT security company based in Romania. It is designed to protect personal computers from viruses, spyware, adware and other online threats.
This software provides optimal online protection by blocking dangerous websites to prevent malware infections. It can perform a full system scan to detect hidden malware and eliminate them. The user interface is designed to be easy to use, even for inexperienced users.
In addition to basic antivirus protection, Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition also includes additional protection against phishing attacks by notifying you of websites that may attempt to steal your personal information. It can also detect and block spyware that seeks to monitor your online activity.
| Most | The lessers |
| Phishing Protection | Limited customer support for the free version |
| Spyware Protection | No VPN |
| Ad blocking | Potential false positives |
| Protection against Cryptojacking | Absence of advanced functions in the free version |
Download Bitdefender Antivirus Free
