Цифровая гигиена — залог того, что все ваши файлы будут в безопасности, а хакеры и мошенники не получат доступ к данным. Для полной защиты без хорошего антивируса не обойтись. И платить за него необязательно. Существует большое количество бесплатных антивирусов, которые не хуже премиальных. А иногда даже лучше.
Бесплатные антивирусы
Не работают в РФ
Как выбрать антивирус
Бесплатные антивирусы
Не работают в РФ
Как выбрать антивирус
Собрали десятку лучших антивирусов. Выбирайте тот, что подходит под ваши потребности. А раз антивирусы бесплатные, можете поэкспериментировать хоть со всеми по очереди. Единственный момент — некоторые компании официально ушли из РФ, поэтому их продуктами пользоваться несколько сложнее, так как потребуется VPN.
Лучшие бесплатные антивирусы 2025 года
В этом списке представлены лучшие антивирусы для Windows, но многие из них подходят также для Android и устройство от Apple.
Kaspersky Free
Наследник известного всем «касперского», который пугал пользователей истошными криками свиньи, когда находил вредоносное ПО на компьютере. По сути, Kaspersky Free (ранее Kaspersky 365, Kaspersky Security Cloud Free) — это урезанная версия кроссплатформенного пакета безопасности. И, пожалуй, это лучший антивирус для России в 2025 году.
Бесплатный антивирус Касперского умеет сканировать ПК на наличие угроз. Он проверяет буквально каждый байт вашего виртуального пространства. Файлы анализируются на жестком диске, сменных носителях, в интернете, электронной почте. При желании можно настроить расписание для запуска полного или упрощенного сканирования. Также бесплатная версия может обнаружить приложения, которые отслеживают ваши действия.
В комплекте с программой антивирусной защиты идет расширение Kaspersky Protection, которое устанавливается автоматически, если у вас на компьютере стоит Chrome, Firefox или Edge. Оно помечает сомнительные ссылки в поисковой выдаче, а еще блокирует кейлоггеры (программы, которые записывают все, что вы печатаете на клавиатуре).
Kaspersky Free сложно назвать самым лучшим бесплатным антивирусом, так как есть предложения и с большим количеством функций, но по уровню защиты он однозначно лидирует. Это доказывают и независимые тесты. Вдобавок он прост в освоении и не нагружает систему. Если же вам нужен, например, сетевой экран, анти-фишинг или защита при проведении платежей, то можно купить стандартную или расширенную подписку (проблем с российскими картами, разумеется, нет). Также стоит учитывать, что в бесплатной версии нет онлайн-поддержки, она предусмотрена только для владельцев подписки. Но ответы на большинство вопросов можно найти в документации на сайте (да и форумы никто не отменял).
- Регулярные обновления баз.
- Хороший уровень защиты.
- Можно оплатить подписку из РФ.
- Небольшой набор функций в бесплатной версии.
- Нет брандмауэра в бесплатной версии.
- Поддержка доступна только на платном тарифе.
AVG Antivirus Free
Если вы доверяете предыдущему антивирусу, то нет повода опасаться и AVG Antivirus Free. Дело в том, что оба решения принадлежат одной компании Avast. Да и под капотом у них одинаковые технологии для обнаружения зловредов. Поэтому и результат не отличается: практически идеальная защита гарантирована даже в бесплатной версии. Это тоже доказывают тесты разных лабораторий. Какой из этих антивирусов выбрать — дело вкуса. Правда, как и в случае с Avast, купить или скачать AVG с территории РФ вы не сможете (но и тут выручит VPN).
AVG — один из лучших бесплатных антивирусов для защиты от шпионского ПО. В базовую версию входит защита всех данных на компьютере, в интернете и почте. Есть защита от программ-вымогателей и от фишинговых сайтов (в фирменном веб-браузере, Chrome, Firefox, Edge и Opera). А премиум-подписка позволяет еще и застраховаться от хакерских атак, взлома веб-камеры, а также обезопасить сохраненные в браузере пароли.
- Много дополнительных функций.
- Хороший уровень защиты.
- Удобный и простой интерфейс.
- Довольно медленное полное сканирование.
- За некоторые функции нужно платить дополнительно.
- Приостановили обслуживание новых клиентов на территории РФ и РБ.
Microsoft Defender
«Защитник Windows» предустановлен на всех компьютерах с «виндой» 10 и выше. Причем он включен по умолчанию, так что некоторые пользователи могут даже не догадываться о его существовании. А он в это время незаметно выполняет всю грязную работу.
Почему мы включили его в список 10 лучших антивирусов? Во-первых, потому что его не нужно специально устанавливать. К тому же у него вообще нет никаких платных функций — не нужно возиться с подписками. А во-вторых, он может стать хорошей заменой/дополнением любым другим антивирусам. Как говорится, есть не просит, так что пусть живет себе спокойно на ПК под Windows.
Можно ли назвать его лучшим антивирусом для Windows? Нет, хотя у него неплохие результаты в лабораторных тестах (в каких-то категориях даже лидирует), но до конкурентов от Avast или Kaspersky он пока не дотягивает. Зато можно похвалить базовую защиту от программ-вымогателей.
Из интересных функций можно выбрать автономное сканирование. Если запустить его, приложения перезагрузит ПК и запустится до полной загрузки Windows, то есть раньше, чем любое вредоносное ПО. Так будет больше шансов обнаружить подозрительную программу в автозагрузке. Из минусов — слабое обнаружение фишинга. Да и интерфейс не самый дружелюбный, особенно если сравнивать с самыми лучшими антивирусами из этого списка.
- Полностью бесплатный.
- Хороший уровень защиты, включая программы-вымогатели и другие зловреды.
- Предустановлен на Windows.
- Уступает конкурентам по функциональности.
- Доступен только для Windows.
- Слабое обнаружение фишинга.
TotalAV Free Antivirus
Отличный защитник от разного рода вредоносных программ. Интерфейс минималистичный и понятный, все доступные функции вынесены на главный экран программы. На территории Российской Федерации антивирус официально недоступен (сайт открывается и можно даже скачать загрузчик, но при регистрации учетной записи нужен VPN).
TotalAV — один из лучших бесплатных антивирусов для сканирования компьютеров с Windows, но у него нет защиты в режиме реального времени. Грубо говоря, если на вашем ПК появилось приложение уже после сканирования системы, антивирус может не обратить на него внимания. Чем это грозит, наверное, вы представляете. И проблема решается только покупкой платной версии. В бесплатной же отдают только сканирование и защиту от фишинга.
- Отлично защищает от вредоносных программ и фишинга.
- Нет защиты в реальном времени на бесплатной версии.
- Большинство функций вроде VPN, менеджера паролей есть только в премиум-пакете.
- Официально не работает в РФ, не принимает российские карты, нет русского языка.
Malwarebytes Free
Возможно, не самый лучший и продвинутый антивирус для Windows 10 и 11 из всего нашего топа. Но если вам неохота возиться с более сложными и функциональными решениями, то на Malwarebytes Free стоит обратить внимание. Ее основное предназначение — сканировать систему на наличие зловредных файлов. Пусть программа работает вместе с Microsoft Defender — они обеспечат двойную защиту.
Как вариант, можно скачать и AdwCleaner, если вы хотите провести дополнительное сканирование системы. Пользователям из России для загрузки потребуется VPN, также не получится оплатить премиум-подписку российской картой.
В комплекте с Malwarebytes Free идут расширения для браузера, которые могут спасти от разных онлайн-угроз: загрузки вредоносных файлов, рекламы, трекеров и фишинга. Все защитные функции включаются автоматически — вам не придется даже лезть в настройки (только если не захотите их зачем-то отключить).
Еще из минусов — блокировщик рекламы работает слабенько. До программ вроде AdBlock ему далеко. К сожалению, защиты в реальном времени в бесплатной версии тоже нет, как и у конкурента выше. Но она предусмотрена в премиальной.
- Минималистичный интерфейс.
- Хорошая защита от вирусов и нежелательных программ.
- Есть расширение для браузера.
- Нет защиты в реальном времени на бесплатной версии.
- Скудный набор функций.
- Большинство настроек доступны только в премиум-версии.
- Официально не работает в РФ, не принимает российские карты.
BitDefender Antivirus Free
Бесплатный антивирус для Windows от BitDefender появился на рынке позже конкурентов. Но это не помешало ему войти в топы по всем параметрам — и по полезности, и по простоте интерфейса. BitDefender часто попадает в списки лучших бесплатных антивирусов на специализированных ресурсах. Для жителей РФ антивирус официально недоступен, поэтому потребуется VPN.
Сразу после установки можно включить полное (первое занимает около двух часов) или ускоренное сканирование системы. Из других доступных утилит — предотвращение онлайн-угроз, в том числе защиту от фишинга. Причем последняя работает даже без установки расширений в браузер. Остальные функции вроде брандмауэра, антиспама, VPN, родительского контроля и других есть только в платной версии.
- Хороший уровень защиты, подтвержденный независимыми тестами.
- Распознает подозрительное поведение и защищает от угроз нулевого дня.
- Небольшой набор функций в бесплатной версии.
- Нет брандмауэра в бесплатной версии.
- Официально не работает в РФ, не принимает российские карты.
Avira Free Security
Avira Free Security — это не только один из лучших бесплатных антивирусов для Windows 10, но и множество дополнительных утилит в комплекте (как и у предыдущего Kaspersky). Правда, часть полезных функций открывается только в платной подписке, которую нельзя официально купить из РФ, да и бесплатная версия официально в РФ не работает. Впрочем, если вы постоянно находитесь под VPN, то Avira Free Security может вам подойти.
Интерфейс простой, как три копейки — разберется даже бабушка-гуманитарий. По сути, здесь есть всего четыре пункта: «Безопасность», «Приватность» и «Производительность». А под ними находится кнопка «Умное сканирование». Нажимаете ее, и компьютер проводит интеллектуальную генеральную проверку. Она занимает час-полтора в зависимости от загруженности (и объема) ваших дисков.
Помимо поиска зловредов, Avira Free Security умеет устранять проблемы с конфиденциальностью — она анализирует настройки пользователя и говорит, что в них можно изменить, чтобы данные не утекли. ПО также ищет способы повысить производительность: оно говорит, какие файлы или программы можно удалить для быстродействия системы.
Наконец, антивирус определяет приложения, которые желательно обновить, если у них были уязвимости. Бонусом идет простенький менеджер паролей в виде расширения для браузера и VPN (правда, с ограничением 500 МБ в месяц. Безлимит только в платной версии).
- Есть приложения для Windows, Mac, Android и iOS.
- Есть бесплатный VPN и менеджер паролей.
- Официально не работает в РФ, не принимает российские карты.
- Много платных функций, которые не входят в набор Avira Free Security.
- Навязчивая реклама платных функций.
Panda Free Antivirus
Panda Free Antivirus — простой, легкий и надежный антивирус для тех, кто не готов платить деньги за защиту данных. Хоть он и менее именитый, чем описанные выше решения, у него отличная функциональность и неплохой набор дополнительных фишек.
Почему же Panda Free Antivirus занимает достойное место в списке 10 лучших антивирусов 2025 года, которые можно скачать бесплатно? Давайте обо всем по порядку. Во-первых, Panda Free Antivirus обнаруживает и блокирует большинство вредоносных программ на ПК. Некоторые пользователи в комментариях даже пишут, что он работает надежнее встроенного «Защитника Windows». Во-вторых, здесь есть полезная функция для геймеров. Она блокирует все всплывающие уведомления, если юзер «катает» в Dota, CS или любые другие игры. В-третьих, вы сможете создать аварийный носитель USB для восстановления зараженного компьютера.
Бонусом идет бесплатный и безопасный VPN с высокой скоростью соединения. Правда, много скачать с ним вы не успеете — он умеет подключаться только к одному серверу, а лимит составляет всего 150 МБ в день. Конечно, больше чем у Avira, но все еще недостаточно для комфортного просмотра Netflix. Хотя если вы используете VPN нечасто и недолго, то для рядовых задач такого объема хватит. К тому же мало какой другой бесплатный антивирус может обеспечить условия лучше.
Из минусов — у Panda Free Antivirus для Windows мало бесплатных дополнительных функций. Например, не завезли брандмауэр, защиту от фишинга, менеджер паролей и родительский контроль — они доступны только в платной версии.
- Хороший уровень защиты.
- Есть бесплатный VPN.
- Можно подготовить аварийную флешку для восстановления ПК.
- В бесплатной версии не так много функций.
- Официально не работает в РФ, не принимает российские карты.
360 Total Security
360 Total Security — последний, но явно не худший антивирус для ПК на Windows в нашем списке лучшего антивирусного ПО. Хотя бы потому что он принимает платежи по российским картам, а значит вы сможете купить премиум-подписку без лишних хлопот.
Базовая версия предлагает неплохой набор возможностей. Помимо основных функций, есть также защита веб-камеры и покупок в интернете, блокировка вымогателей, проверка сети и обновлений, очистка временных файлов и много чего еще. Еще больше функций в премиум-версии: брандмауэр, анти-трекер, обновление драйверов, блокировка рекламы, уничтожитель данных и прочие полезные утилиты.
Из минусов — отсутствие в сети свежих лабораторных тестов. К тому же в бесплатной версии 360 Total Security для Windows много рекламных всплывающих окон. А при полном сканировании программа сильно нагружает ПК — система может подтормаживать.
- Можно оплатить лицензию из России.
- Много дополнительных функций и утилит.
- Много функций, которые требуют платной подписки.
- Присутствует навязчивая реклама.
- Не самый удобный интерфейс.
F-Secure
Минималистичный антивирус, который неплохо справляется со сканированием и не замедляет систему. Есть также и дополнительные функции: родительский контроль, менеджер паролей, мониторинг утечек данных. Интерфейс простой и интуитивный, к тому же переведен на русский язык, поэтому проблем с использованием возникнуть не должно.
F-Secure отличается дружелюбным к пользователю интерфейсом и процессом настройки, который начинается сразу после регистрации. Сначала вам нужно добавить устройство, которое необходимо защитить. Это может быть не только ваш компьютер или смартфон, но и устройство ребенка или любого другого человека, например, друга. атем вы выбираете тип устройства: компьютер, планшет или смартфон. В зависимости от ответа, вам будет предложено скачать соответствующую версию программы.
F-Secure — условно бесплатный антивирус, которые можно опробовать в течение 30 дней. Для создания аккаунта не требуется кредитная карта, но если вы захотите купить лицензию, заплатить напрямую с карты российского банка не получится.
- Есть версии для Windows, macOS, Android и iOS.
- Простой и удобный интерфейс на русском языке.
- Цена ниже, чем на премиальные пакеты антивирусов типа Norton
- Условно-бесплатный (пробная версия работает 30 дней).
- Не поддерживаются карты банков РФ.
- Нет некоторых функций, например, файрволла и защиты веб-камеры.
Антивирусы, которые не работают в РФ
Avast One Essential
Важно! С 29 января 2024 года антивирус не работает на территории России и Беларуси (при запуске выводится предупреждение о неподдерживаемом регионе). Тем не менее антивирус может быть полезен пользователям из других стран, поэтому мы не убираем его из подборки.
Зарекомендовавший себя антивирус, проверенный временем (а заодно и многими экспертами). Этот софт включают в списки лучших антивирусов почти все независимые лаборатории, например, AV-TEST, потому что он показывает высокие результаты в тестах. В отличие от многих конкурентов, Avast бесплатно работает не только на Windows, но и на MacOS, Android и iOS. ПО надежно защищает устройство от вирусов. Оно регулярно сканирует компьютер и даже определяет, если у вас стоит устаревшая версия программы с брешью в защите (и предлагает обновить ПО).
При первом же сканировании Avast One Essential проверяет безопасность веб-браузера и ищет ненужные файлы, которые могут захламлять ваши системные папки. А сразу после установки антивируса включается интеллектуальная защита от программ-вымогателей. Бонусом добавим легкий приятный интерфейс — разобраться с программой не составит труда. Правда, некоторые продвинутые функции работают только на премиум-тарифе или за дополнительную плату. Например, защита от фишинга — если пользователь заходит на поддельный сайт, антивирус автоматически прерывает сессию. Зато в бесплатную версию включен брандмауэр, и это может сыграть решающую роль в выборе антивируса.
Купить лицензию или скачать бесплатную версию на территории России и Беларуси не получится, так как компания приостановила обслуживание (поддержка сохраняется только для действующих пользователей). Однако загрузить установщик можно при помощи VPN (для работы он уже не требуется). Если вам нужны расширенные функции, то лучше скачать другой хороший антивирус из нашего списка.
- Много дополнительных функций.
- Хороший уровень защиты.
- Удобный и простой интерфейс.
- В прошлом был установлен факт продажи личных данных пользователей (но позже компания заявила, что прекращает сбор и передачу данных).
- За некоторые функции нужно платить дополнительно.
- Приостановили обслуживание новых клиентов на территории РФ и РБ.
Как выбрать антивирус
Не всегда можно однозначно сказать, какой антивирус лучше, ведь при этом нужно учитывать потребности пользователя. Кому-то важно наличие брандмауэра, а кому-то хватит и антивирусного сканера. Вот список советов, которые могут помочь сделать правильный выбор.
- Функциональность. Лучшие антивирусные программы предлагают дополнительные функции, такие как фаерволы, защита от фишинга, родительский контроль, VPN и др. Определите, какие из них вам нужны и нужны ли вообще. Не забывайте про бесплатные пробные версии, которые помогут оценить возможности программы.
- Совместимость и производительность. Убедитесь, что выбранный антивирус совместим с операционной системой, а также что устройство соответствует рекомендуемым системным требованиям. Особенно это касается слабых компьютеров, которые могут не потянуть современное антивирусное ПО. В этом случае лучше выбирать программы, которые не так сильно влияют на работу ПК (например, Kaspersky и Bitdefender).
- Эффективность и надежность. Выбирайте антивирус с незапятнанной репутацией, хорошими результатами обнаружения вредоносных программ и эффективной веб-защитой (фишинг, трекеры и другие угрозы). Изучите оценки и обзоры от независимых тестировщиков антивирусов, таких как AV-Comparatives, AV-Test и других.
- Стоимость. Обратите внимание, сколько устройств можно защитить одной лицензией. Также стоит учитывать, принимает ли разработчик ПО платежи российскими картами.
- Поддержка. Стоит также проверить наличие русскоязычной (если сам антивирус иностранный) службы поддержки, на случай если вам потребуется помощь.
The internet can be a dangerous place, with malware lurking around every corner. While many antivirus programs promise protection, choosing the right one can be surprisingly difficult. Which one should you download? Windows Security comes free with every Windows PC, and it’s a solid free option. Bitdefender boasts a fully loaded arsenal to protect your computer from bad actors. At the time of this writing, a subscription to Bitdefender Total Security costs $60 for a full year.
To save you time, I have compiled a list of the best antivirus apps for Windows computers. Each program in this roundup comes highly recommended. You can’t go wrong with any of them, but there is one clear winner.
What is the antivirus software for Windows right now?
ZDNET’s experts carefully test multiple antivirus programs on Windows, putting them through the ringer to provide you with the best advice on which software you should install to protect your computer.
Each of the antiviral programs on this roundup comes highly recommended. However, our pick for the best antivirus app on Windows is Malwarebytes. It has everything you could ever want in protective software: robust security, an easy-to-understand user interface, and a subscription service that builds on the free version. Read on to find out our other top picks and if certain apps better fit your needs.
Also: There’s a quiet PC boom happening — thanks to Windows 10 and the tariffs
Best antivirus software and apps for Windows
The aptly named Malwarebytes takes the top spot as the best antivirus for Windows. The app provides reliable protection against online dangers like malware, viruses, and phishing attacks. It’s also easy to install and has a user-friendly interface. Understanding the UI easily enables a fast startup, so you can quickly activate file scans without incident.
There are two versions of Malwarebytes: one is free, and the other is a paid subscription. The free version is quite solid, providing manual device and digital footprint scans without cost. However, it’s limited in what it can do. Malwarebytes premium plans offer much better protection.
Review: Malwarebytes: Solid, free protection with a user-friendly interface
The paid version gives people real-time protection against threats and automated scan scheduling. Windows users, in particular, can customize scans so that the tool focuses on specific folders and files. This is something Malwarebytes on MacOS lacks.
Other notable features include Trusted Advisor, which provides recommendations to improve protection, and Browser Guard, a browser extension that blocks threats. Malwarebytes offers a free 14-day trial to try out the subscription.
Also: Best VPN free trials
Malwarebytes features: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS support| Free and premium options available | Mobile apps | Scheduled scanning | Real-time scanning | Anti-phishing protection | Malware protection | 14-day free trial | Customer support options: live chat, AI chatbot, email,
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Bitdefender Total Security is a comprehensive antivirus program that offers multi-layered protection across different operating systems, although its functionality is more robust on Windows. The software provides essential tools like real-time scanning and malware quarantine. Users can perform full system scans to look through every file on their computer. Or, if you’re short on time, a quick scan option is available.
Review: Bitdefender Total Security: One of the top antivirus options you can buy
Unique features include Bitdefender Shield, which continuously scans apps, software patches, and files for potential threats. In addition, Traffic Light is a browser extension that actively stops phishing attempts. You even have several operation modes that let you tweak Bitdefender for specific use cases like gaming or streaming movies.
And this is just the tip of the iceberg—other notable features include a VPN, a password manager, crypto mining protection, and security against ransomware. To get the most out of Bitdefender, you will need to pay for a subscription, which can be rather expensive as it has a starting price of $60 a month. Other plans provide stronger protection.
Also: Best password generators 2025
Bitdefender Total Security features: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS support | real-time scanning | Free and premium options available | Mobile apps | Firewall | Anti-spam filtering | Wi-Fi security assessment | Multiple modes | Configurable scans | VPN | password manager | backup protection |
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TotalAV stands as one of the better budget antivirus options out there. Usually, it costs $100 for a yearly subscription to TotalAV Antivirus Pro. But right now, you can purchase the service for $30 for the first year. At that price, you’ll receive an in-depth software package capable of supporting up to five other devices.
Key protective features include real-time antiviral detection, protection against phishing scams, and defense against ransomware. Security extends to the internet, too, because TotalAV provides a VPN and an ad blocker to stop annoying advertisements. Interestingly, the company also provides a tune-up tool to clean up your system by clearing old junk folders and deleting duplicate files.
AV-Test, an independent IT security institute, praises TotalAV for its effectiveness in blocking «0-day malware attacks» while minimally affecting computer performance and being easy to understand. There aren’t any features stored behind a settings menu. Everything you want an antivirus app to do, from scheduling scans to uninstalling programs, is quickly accessible through the main screen.
I should mention that online reports have complained about the developer’s poor customer service. One Reddit user expressed frustration at how difficult it was to cancel their TotalAV subscription.
Also: Best Android antivirus apps of 2025
Total AV features: Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android support | real-time protection | anti-malware protection | disk cleaner | adblocker | VPN | password manager | phishing scam protection | system tune-up | scheduled scans | cookie blocker | data breach monitoring
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If money is not an issue and you want to turn your computer into a digital Fort Knox, I highly recommend McAfee. The security platform is famous for its powerful protection (and infamous for how often it is preinstalled in new laptops). There are two main versions of McAfee: McAfee LiveSafe and McAfee+. The former is antivirus software, while the latter offers so much more.
Also: McAfee unleashes AI deepfake audio detector — but how reliable can it be?
On top of having an antivirus, McAfee+ comes with a VPN, personal data cleanup to remove sensitive information from the internet, a password manager, a security freeze function, and identify theft coverage up to $1 million. This is just the tip of the iceberg, as a lot more is available to customers. Another big benefit of the plan is that it covers multiple operating systems, not just Windows. The service provides safety for macOS, iOS, Android, and ChromeOS devices. Your smartphone can have the same level of robust protection as your PC.
Also: McAfee’s new AI tool detects email and text scams before you fall for them
In 2024, McAfee introduced a new feature to combat future AI threats — a deepfake audio detector. Aptly named Deepfake Detector, this tool actively monitors what is playing on a computer and will alert you if the audio has been altered in some way by artificial intelligence. No third-party tools are needed. Earlier this year, the company released McAfee Scam Detector, which utilizes AI to sniff out «suspicious emails [or] flag risky messages».
McAfee+ features: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and ChromeOS support | real-time protection | antivirus protection | firewall | adblocker | VPN | password manager | identity theft coverage | phishing protection | scam detector | PC optimizer | password generator |
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As someone who plays a lot of video games, there’s nothing more annoying than getting notifications from my antivirus app that block my view. Avast One is perfect for people like me because of its Do Not Disturb mode, which stops all notifications from hitting your screen. This includes messages from Windows, other apps, and even the software itself. What’s particularly neat is that the feature is included in the free version of Avast One. Text in the app points out how it can «eliminate distractions», allowing users to experience «uninterrupted gaming sessions [and] movie marathons».
Also: The best gaming PCs you can buy
Naturally, there is more to Avast One than just its one feature. The software can cover up to six different family members in a household with 30 devices between them. It is not limited to Windows since it can protect MacBooks, Android tablets, and iPhones. You’ll receive alerts if your personal identity has been compromised online. Avast One also monitors your social media profiles, looking for any potential signs of account hacking. And the company offers up to $2 million in coverage in the event of an identity theft. That’s twice as much as what McAfee offers.
Multiple Avast One plans are on sale at the time of this writing. You can get the Silver subscription for as low as $3 a month. It has most of the same features as the high-end Platinum minus the identity theft protection and limited coverage.
Avast One features: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS support| Firewall | Antivirus | Network scanning | email protection | Do Not Disturb mode | Ransomware protection | Block trackers | PC optimization
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Initially, I hesitated to include Windows Security on this list because I assumed the first-party software wouldn’t be very good. But the more I used it, the more I realized it is a solid antivirus option that deserves a spot.
It’s perfectly adequate for protecting users from online threats. Windows Security provides real-time protection against malware, device monitoring, and even parental controls. Parents can «set good screen time habits» through this software. It also comes with its very own firewall courtesy of Windows Defender. This makes Windows Security one of the few free options to have a firewall. Most companies lock this feature behind a subscription cost.
I should mention that some of the tools can only be used with Microsoft Edge. One of these is Isolated Browsing, which, as the name suggests, opens an «isolated browsing environment» on Edge to actively protect you from online threats. Windows Security is an integral part of Windows 11; it’s easier on resources. Certain aspects, such as its antivirus function, utilize Microsoft’s cloud computing tech to provide constant safety.
One downside is that it lacks more robust features like scheduled scanning. However, this lightweight nature is actually a benefit, as you can use the software alongside a third-party option without a performance drop.
Windows Security features: Real-time antivirus| Manual scans | Smart App Control | Windows Firewall | Isolated browsing | Windows Hello | Parental Controls | Passkey generator | SmartScreen
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The presence of uBlock Origin on this list may seem strange. After all, it’s not an antivirus program; it’s an ad blocker. However, I would argue that this browser extension is so good at its job that it should be recognized as an antivirus tool.
Much of the extender’s effectiveness is tied to its filters. These features actively prevent malware, advertisements, spyware, and more from attacking users. The lists it utilizes can be found on the official GitHub page. One of them, the Malicious URL Blocklist, is massive. Everything on that page is constantly being stopped by the extender so you can browse the internet peacefully. It also sees frequent updates.
uBlock Origin also allows for some light customization. Users can add extra filters to the extension, letting it stop even more online threats and annoyances. Conversely, they can tweak the rules to allow certain elements or websites to pass through.
In 2024, Google «killed» uBlock Origin when it introduced Manifest V3 into its Chrome browser. That’s sort of true. Manifest V3 prevents the extension from accessing the webRequest API and stops it from working normally. There is an alternate version known as uBlock Origin Lite. It functions similarly, although the Lite version isn’t as robust. However, this variant is still a must-have browser extension for Chrome in 2025.
uBlock Origin features: Ad blocking | Third-party tracker filter | Open-source | Private search | Easy to use UI | Customizable | Data backup |
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Because it shields your online identity at an affordable price, Malwarebytes is hands-down the best antivirus program for Windows machines in 2025. Below is a brief table comparing it to the rest of the list.
| Best antivirus software | Starting price | Scheduled scanning | Phishing protection | Notable feature |
| Malwarebytes | $44.99/yr | Yes | Yes | Private VPN |
| Bitdefender Total Security | $59.99/yr | Yes | Yes | Cryptomining protection |
| TotalAV | $29.99/yr | Yes | Yes | System tune-up |
| McAfee+ | $80.99/yr | Yes | Yes | Deepfake Detector |
| Avast One | $35.88/yr | Yes | Yes | Do Not Disturb Mode |
| Windows Security | Free | Yes | Yes | Firewall |
| uBlock Origin | Free | No | Yes | Robust ad blocking |
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Finding the right antivirus app can take a surprising amount of work. You have to consider whether or not you’re happy with the free version or if you should cough up some money for a premium subscription. At that point, you have another choice to make: should you pay for an antivirus program with many features or opt for something simpler?
These are questions that must be answered. Below is a table briefly explaining each recommendation and why you should get it. The following information can help narrow down your search.
| Choose this antivirus software… | If you want… |
| Malwarebytes | The best antivirus program for Windows. It provides strong protection against malware, and the service offers security recommendations. |
| Bitdefender Total Security | The most robust antivirus for Windows. This app comes loaded with features from anti-spam filtering to a password manager. |
| TotalAV | A low-cost software. For about $30, you’ll receive real-time protection against threats, plus a VPN. |
| McAfee+ | The best AI protection. McAfee+ recently added two new features: Deepfake Detector, which can uncover audio produced by AI and Scam Detector to protect against scam emails. |
| Avast One | The best gaming antivirus. Do Not Disturb mode blocks all notifications and alerts, keeping your screen distraction free. |
| Windows Security | The best free antivirus software solution. Coming pre-installed on Windows PCs, the software comes with a free firewall, which not many programs have. |
| uBlock Origin | An ad-blocker for Windows. This is an open-source solution that lets people customize it to better suit user needs |
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When deciding on an antivirus app for your PC, you should consider the following:
- Protection: Research the antivirus program’s protection features. You’ll need to find out whether the software can protect your computer from trojans, third-party trackers, and spyware, just to name a few.
- Features: I suggest antivirus solutions with advanced features to help cover your bases. Some come bundled with a VPN, while others can have a firewall.
- Resource usage: Antiviral apps can be quite demanding on hardware, so it’s essential to check whether your computer can run the software or if it will struggle. Some are better optimized than others.
- User interface: In my experience, people don’t often think about an app’s user interface, but I find it a deeply underrated feature. A good UI means the software is easy to navigate and understand, which, in turn, bolsters device safety.
- Price: Many antivirus developers offer a free version of their software that protects users against threats but may lack robust features like firewalls. Paid plans are an option, but ensure the costs fit within your budget and be wary of any subscription hikes.
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I considered multiple factors when creating this list, and they include:
- Performance: Performance is arguably the most important aspect of an antivirus program. You need an app that actively protects you and can quickly detect malware on your system while also limiting any negative impact on your workflow.
- Features: With so many threats lurking on the internet, I looked for products with the right set of features to protect people. Real-time scanning is necessary as it actively scans your computer’s files when accessed. Other tools like firewalls and VPNs are nice additions.
- User interface: To repeat what I said earlier, good UIs are underrated. I give a lot of credit to software that is easy to use because it means the barrier of entry is lower. Being able to understand something enhances its efficacy.
- Price: Paying for a security service improves your computer’s security, but I don’t believe you should pay an arm and a leg for peace of mind. For that reason, I hunted apps with paid plans that are worth the cost. Of course, if you don’t want to pay, Microsoft’s very own Windows Security offers decent protection.
- Customer support: There’s always a chance that you’ll encounter some sort of hiccup or issue when using one of these programs. Developers with good customer support can help you troubleshoot if you do and improve your relationship with the software. It’s not uncommon to hear people uninstall apps because of bad customer service.
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Absolutely. In fact, I would argue that having an antivirus program on your computer is more important now than ever before. Technology improves over time, and unfortunately, that includes viruses, too. Bad actors are always enhancing their malware.
It’s vital that users stay vigilant. In addition to downloading an antivirus, I urge people to install Windows patches as soon as they arrive. These patches commonly include security updates to protect against new online threats.
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Windows Defender provides all the protection you’ll need to ward off malware. It comes with a firewall, Smart App Control, plus support for reputation-based protection for defending users against websites and apps known to be malicious. However, it’s not all-powerful.
The software doesn’t match up to paid services that provide better protection. I recommend downloading a third-party antivirus like Bitdefender alongside Windows Defender to provide extra security and cover your bases.
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You don’t need more than one antivirus software on your computer. Antivirus programs demand a lot of resources from the host computer, and having multiple security programs simultaneously will cause a performance slowdown.
As Asus explains on its website, installing multiple apps slows systems down and can also cause errors, leading to «protection mechanisms failing due to conflicts». In fact, Windows could become unstable, resulting in BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) errors.
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Any one of the entries on the list will be a good fit for any laptop. You can’t go wrong with any of them, although I would opt for apps that are easy on the computer’s resources. Stress on the hardware can drain the battery quickly on top of causing slowdown. I suggest sticking with Windows Security as your primary defensive software and Malwarebytes as a backup.
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No, they’re not. Free versions of antiviral programs provide basic protection against common threats, whereas paid software delivers more advanced security. Bitdefender is a perfect example of this.
Bitdefender Free Antivirus guards computers from phishing attacks and fraudsters. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus bumps up safety by adding the ability to encrypt personal files, block web trackers, and check your system for vulnerabilities. Things improve with Bitdefender Total Security because it adds a password manager and VPN.
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Other antivirus software alternatives worth considering
ZDNET Recommends
Editorial standards
Wondering which is the best antivirus software to protect your pc? The market is packed with hundreds of Best Antivirus Solutions, all claiming to offer world-class protection at the best price. Though it might seem tricky, finding a dedicated Antivirus Software for your Windows, Mac, or other devices is pretty straightforward. Wondering how? Read the complete article.
Short on Time? Here’s The Best Antivirus Software In (2024)
Systweak Antivirus is one of the best security solutions available for your PC. You can expect world-class protection with Systweak’s award-winning antivirus software. It easily gets integrated & protects it against all kinds of malware – virus, trojans, spyware, trojans & other malicious threats.
Download Now To Get 30 days free trial
Enjoy Overall Protection From Online Threats!
How I Rated The Best Antivirus For Windows 11 2024
- Easy To Use
Since most of the individuals aren’t cybersecurity professionals, it’s not easy for everyone to get well-versed with the inner workings of antivirus tools & their settings. So, we’ve tested each antivirus software thoroughly to ensure anyone can easily set them up & use it properly.
- Strong & Reliable Protection
One of the most important criteria for choosing the best antivirus software is its ability to offer complete protection. This means it should protect against multiple types of threats – viruses, trojans, worms, spyware, rootkits, adware, network attacks, ransomware & web threats.
- High-Quality Features
Having a good security program is not just about getting complete protection. It is also about featuring multiple cybersecurity features like VPN, Password Manager, Parental Controls, and other valuable tools with proactive detection capabilities to detect abnormalities.
- Performance
Well, installing Internet security solutions usually demands lots of resources to run properly. In case you are not operating the most powerful device, you should consider the performance aspect. Make sure to choose a lightweight & effective security program.
- Great Value
Choosing the best antivirus can be a huge investment. So, you must consider a package that has all the essential features. We’ve tried to compile all the relevant information, like protection features, devices covered, free trial availability, tech support, etc. for each antivirus tool. So, it becomes easy for you to choose a solution with great value.
Additionally, it’s important to choose an Internet security software that offers a broad array of support options. So, that if you have any problems with their product, you can connect via Email, Live Chat, or Call to get the service.
WeTheGeek is here to help with some great choices for the best paid & free antivirus tools in this guide. You might already be familiar with names like Norton, McAfee, Avira, and Avast – but are they worth it? Well, we’ve tested & reviewed all the latest packages – be it freemium or paid from the biggest names in Cybersecurity. Hence, you can rely on our recommendations & be confident that you’ll find the best-in-class solutions to protect & secure your devices.
Here’s a summary of the best antivirus software for 2024:
- 1. Systweak Antivirus — Best Overall Antivirus for PC (Recommended)
- 2. Norton 360 Deluxe — Good Antivirus for Mac, iOS, and Android
- 3. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus — Solid Antivirus Choice
- 4. Kaspersky AntiVirus — Ultimate Security Solution
- 5. Avast Pro — Best For Advanced Users
- Plus 10 More Antiviruses To Check out.
- Comparison of the Best Antiviruses For .
- Frequently Asked Questions About Antivirus Software.
Top 15 Best Antivirus Software for Windows 10 (Free & Paid )
Our top antivirus picks are Systweak Antivirus, followed by Norton 360 & Bitdefender. Read on below to find what they have to offer to give all-round protection to your computers & other devices.
1. Systweak Antivirus
- Overall Rating: 9.8/10
- Key Highlights: Exploit Protection and USB protection
- Platforms Supported: Windows Only
- Price: $39.95 for 1 Device/ 1-Year Subscription
- Current Offer: 50% OFF + Photo Studio (Award-Winning Photo Editor)
- Systweak Antivirus Detailed Review
Solid Antivirus Choice For Powerful Protection
Systweak Antivirus features all the essential tools that make it one of the Best Antivirus Software for Windows. Designed with advanced algorithms to efficiently minimize the risk as soon as possible to control any damage & finely eradicates the mess caused by a cyberattack. The top antivirus utility has excellent real-time protection, multiple scanning modes for comprehensive protection to detect malicious content & other exploitation links, & tools for secure web browsing. The robust PC security solution can swiftly tackle multiple types of infects that not only damages your device but also significantly slow down your system.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Easy to setup & use Antivirus program
- Multi-layered defense mechanism
- Up to date database to fight against existing & new types of online threats
- Boost system performance significantly
- Capable of finding & removing PUPs
- Offers browser extension to block ads
- Full 24/7 Technical Assistance
- 60-day money-back guarantee.
Cons:
- Lacks customization
- Available for Windows only
2. Norton 360 Deluxe
- Overall Rating: 9.5/10
- Key Highlights: Unlimited VPN access, Password manager, 10GB secure cloud storage
- Platforms Supported: Windows, Mac, Android & iOS
- Price: $49.99 for one year
- Devices Covered: Five Devices (Regardless of the platform)
- Current Offer: Up to 42% OFF
Protection For Windows, Mac, Android & iOS
Norton 360 Deluxe offers everything you could ask for from an ideal antivirus solution. With functionalities like Password Manager, Backup Utility, Parental Controls, VPN Solution, and Online Storage, Norton 360 offers three different levels of ID protection along with top-notch malware defense to become a complete security & privacy suite. What makes Norton the best antivirus software in the market? It stays up to date with the latest malware threats. Therefore, no potential existing or new virus can attack your system. Read the complete Norton 360 Antivirus Review
Pros:
- A comprehensive approach to providing overall protection
- Classic interface with lots of settings
- Two-way firewall protection
- Has the company’s Safe Web browser extension
- Gives users 50 GB of online storage
- Five simultaneous VPN connections
- 60-days satisfaction guarantee
- Full 24/7 Technical Assistance
Cons:
- Malware scanning engine uses lots of system resources
- Can get expensive with extra features
- Heavy slowdowns during complete scans
Read More: Norton 360 Antivirus Review : Is it the Best Security Software?
3. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
- Overall Rating: 9.5/10
- Key Highlights: Optional VPN, Ransomware protection/remediation & Safepay
- Platforms Supported:
- Price: $59.99 per year
- Devices Covered: Three Devices
- Current Offer: Up to 50% OFF
Feature Rich Best Antivirus Software
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is an accurate & reliable Internet security software entirely stuffed with valuable bonus features. Bitdefender extends its package with a Firewall, Spam Filter, Password Manager, VPN, Safepay, and Parental Controls. It also offers webcam protection that simply blocks unauthorized access to your webcam & microphone. It even shows you which apps & programs are accessing your microphone. With Safepay, users can block access to your desktop & any attempt to take screenshots of your screen. Such extra sparky features undoubtedly make it the best antivirus software. Read the complete Bitdefender Antivirus Plus Review
Pros:
- 30-day build trial available
- Anti-tracker extensions for Chrome/Firefox
- Has tools like Wi-Fi security scanner, banking protecting, shredder, & more
- Annual subscription includes automatic upgrades throughout the year.
Cons:
- May have some performance impact
- Minor ransomware removing issues
Get It Here
4. Kaspersky AntiVirus
- Overall Rating: 9.3/10
- Key Highlights: Automatic scanning, crypto mining infection prevention
- Platforms Supported: Windows only
- Price: $25.05 for two years
- Devices Covered: Five Devices
- Current Offer: Up to 20% OFF
Ultimate Security Solution For All-Comers
For anyone looking for more than just an excellent antivirus protection solution but not an entire security suite, Kaspersky AntiVirus is a worthy choice. Rather than focusing on additional sparky features, the Internet security software hones in on the basics of complete malware detection & protection. It focuses on web filtering, fastest threat removal, & finding malicious content before it attacks your system with smart monitoring technology. Its other versions Kaspersky Internet Security & Total Security are advanced & premium security suites with more features, available for 30-day trials. Read the complete Kaspersky Antivirus Review
Pros:
- Easy to use Antivirus solution
- Best performing security package
- Real-time protection against all viruses
- Improved advanced threat defense
- A good score in our phishing protection test
- Excellent antivirus engine
Cons:
- The full suite offers better value
Read More: Kaspersky Antivirus, Worth Trying OR a Dead Horse?
5. Avast Pro
- Overall Rating: 9.3/10
- Key Highlights: Webcam protection, Download protection, Secure browser
- Platforms Supported: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android & iOS
- Price: $69.99 per year for 1 Device/$89.99 per year for 10 Devices
Best Antivirus Software For Both Beginners & Advanced Users
Avast Pro brings a slew of features that are significant enough to make its competitors feel embarrassed, at least when it comes to its pricing models. With Avast pro, you get to enjoy basic malware protection with secure browsing, network protection & behavior monitoring. Additionally, it also offers Sandbox mode for testing suspicious files & a password manager. The Internet security software is filled with Avast extensions, including tracker blocking, extension protection, AdBlock & anti-phishing. Read the complete Avast Antivirus Review
Pros:
- Disk clean-up
- Overall PC Performance Enhancer
- Wi-Fi inspector repairs security issues
- Offers great network protection
- Scan devices on home/pubic Wi-Fi for vulnerabilities
- Packed with video tutorials
Cons:
- Weak tech support
- Little expensive than other best antivirus software mentioned here
Read More: Avast Vs AVG | Ultimate Comparison
6. McAfee Total Protection
- Overall Rating: 9.3/10
- Key Highlights: Safe web browsing, Password manager with VPN* & ID Theft Protection
- Platforms Supported: Windows, Mac, Android & iOS
- Price: $49.99 for 1 year
- Devices Covered: Ten Devices
- Current Offer: $70.00 OFF + Free benefits with auto-renewal
Best For Home Security
McAfee Total Protection is an ultimate security solution for enjoying 100% malware protection, private browsing, encrypted storage, VPN & password manager. With McAfee Total Protection shield, five devices against viruses & offers complete ransomware protection. Total Protection turns out to be 99% successful against zero-day malware attacks. McAfee gives users a wide range of features from safe browsing to delete files permanently, including PC performance optimization, a password manager & encrypted storage.
Pros:
- Cross-platform best Internet security
- Well-rounded antivirus at affordable price
- Dark web monitoring to find sensitive info
- Web boost to improve the browsing experience
- 24*7 customer support
Cons:
- Impacts system performance
- *VPN included but sold separately
Read More: Bitdefender VS McAfee: The Ultimate Comparison
7. Intego
- Overall Rating: 9/10
- Key Highlights: VirusBarrier, NetBarrier, Mac Washing Machine, Personal Backup
- Platforms Supported: Mac & iOS
- Price: $79.99 for a single Mac/$120 for five Macs
- Current Offer: 50% OFF (For 1-year coverage)
Best For Families With A Multi-OS Household
Looking for the best possible protection available? Try none other than the Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9. It offers plenty of security offerings that correctly address modern security needs without any hassles. The top antivirus software includes a dedicated collection of modules, including NetUpdate (definition updates), NetBarrier (firewall), Washing Machine (duplicate files finder) ContentBarrier (parental control) & general file system utilities.
Pros:
- Its malware protection is top-notch
- Certified for complete Mac protection
- Built-in fully featured firewall
- Offers Real-time protection
- Quickly scans files as you access them
- Anti-spyware/trojan/phishing/worm/rootkit
Cons:
- Sometimes misses detecting malicious links
- Doesn’t support USB Virus Scanning
8. Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus
- Overall Rating: 8.8/10
- Key Highlights: ID Protection, Real-Time Anti-Phishing, Firewall Monitor
- Platforms Supported: Windows & Mac
- Price: $22.09 for one device/$27.66 for three devices (both models for the first year only)
Lightweight Best Antivirus Software 2024
Although most of the top antivirus solutions claim to be the most lightweight, only Webroot is capable of living up to its claim – it’s tiny & runs exceptionally fast. It offers core protection modules, with smart behavior monitoring, accurate real-time anti-phishing, anti-ransomware protection & other additional tools. Being one of the oldest antivirus solutions in the market, Webroot has built a strong reputation in the cybersecurity business. One can easily rely on the product for the safety of devices (both at home & workplaces).
Pros:
- Quick/Deep scanning for entire protection
- Offers a Sandbox to test suspicious apps
- Potent at blocking malicious links
- Doesn’t clash with other security programs
- No time-consuming scans
- Best antivirus software to protect from latest ID Thefts
Cons:
- Certain features may be overwhelming
- Lacks in customization
9. ESET NOD32 Antivirus
- Overall Rating: 8.6/10
- Key Highlights: Basic security against hackers, Anti-phishing, Ransomware shield
- Platforms Supported: Windows only
- Price: $16.96 for one device/yearly subscription
- Devices Covered: Five devices
- Current Offer: Save up to $16.55 (on all versions)
Best For Getting Basic Protection Against
ESET NOD32 is a fantastic Internet security software to keep your computers safe from common threats without using lots of system resources. Its state-of-the-art malware detection capabilities ensure that you can enjoy gaming, surfing the web, shopping online, banking without any hiccups. What makes it stand out from other top antivirus software is its robust malware & anti-phishing protection. It’s excellent enough that Google uses it to keep Chrome safe. All the features are packed in sleek design & have straightforward UI.
Pros:
- Easy to use interface
- Affordable variety of plans
- Anti-spam features
- Scan downloads thoroughly for no threat
- Features State-of-the-art malware detection
- Doesn’t eat much of system resources
- Best antivirus software for basic protection
Cons:
- No 24-hours tech support
- Upgrades for multiple devices is costly
- Only works as an antivirus, with no extra tools
10. F-Secure Antivirus Safe
- Overall Rating: 8.6/10
- Key Highlights: Browsing & banking protection, Ransomware shield, Parental Controls
- Platforms Supported: Windows, Mac, Android & iOS
- Price: $68.12 for three devices/per year
- Devices Covered: Seven devices
Best Antivirus To Safeguard Family
F-Secure is one of the best antivirus software 2024 that holds strong potential to take the market by storm if it didn’t have high pricing models. However, if you are concerned about your device’s security, go for F-Secure Antivirus Safe. It offers decent banking protection with advanced parental control options. Its desktop UI features a small collection of useful tools including access to quarantine sections (blocked websites). F-Secure is a combination of browser extension & network-level technologies to protect from potential web threats.
Pros:
- Good user interface
- 30-days free trial
- Speedy scans
- Finder, to locate lost devices
- Tools like URL filtering, banking protection, parental controls & more
- Multi-platform best antivirus tool 2024
Cons:
- Free customer support is not worthy
11. Comodo Internet Security
- Overall Rating: 8.4/10
- Key Highlights: On-demand scanning, Effective firewall, Web protection
- Platforms Supported: Windows, Mac & Linux
- Price: Check here
- Device Covered: Unlimited Devices
Developed AI-Based Antivirus Engine
Comodo Antivirus provides an impressive set of Internet security features like Default Deny Protection, App Control (to keep an eye on legitimate programs) & cloud-based whitelisting. Similar to a lot of Best Free Antivirus Software 2024, Comodo Antivirus works on Auto Sandbox Technology to run potential suspicious files in a virtual environment without a hampering system. Apart from reliable malware protection, it includes a Game Mode to block unwanted notifications while playing.
Pros:
- Free antivirus is easy to set up & use
- Visually appealing UI & highly functional
- Effective sandbox tool
- Comes with a secure browser & firewall
- Best virus protection with free antivirus
- Effective 24*7 tech support
Cons:
- Phishing protection is below average
- Sometimes slows down the system
- Not effective ransomware protection
12. Vipre Advanced Security
- Overall Rating: 8.2/10
- Key Highlights: Award-winning antivirus protection, Email security, Firewall
- Platforms Supported: Windows & Mac
- Price: For 1 PC/Mac – $54.99, For 5 PC/Mac – $74.99 (For 1 Year)
- Current Offer: Up to 60% OFF
Best For Shopping Online
Leading in the cybersecurity industry for more than 20 years, Vipre Advanced Security is best known for a significant number of malware detections & the fewest false positives. The antivirus software features three packages suitable for both Home & Business users. With Vipre Advanced Security, you can enjoy real-time protection, Anti-threat protection, Cloud-enabled security, Ransomware protection, Anti-spam protection & so on. The top antivirus solution works with advanced algorithms to ensure no private/financial data gets leaked.
Pros:
- Highest rated protection from widely-trusted antivirus testing authorities
- Complete protection against incoming/outgoing Internet traffic
- Shields users against malicious links
- Schedule timely scanning
- Customize how patches are implemented
Cons:
- No anti-tracking feature
- No webcam & microphone blocker at such a pricing model
- No dark web scanner
13. Sophos Home
- Overall Rating: 8/10
- Key Highlights: Industrial grade security, privacy invasions, ransomware shield
- Platforms Supported: Windows, Mac, Android & iOS
- Price: Check Here
Expert Choice For Cybersecurity
You saw this coming, right? Sophos is a big name in both business & enterprise for providing top-notch antivirus & security suite solutions. Its Home edition is designed with the same algorithms & functionalities to provide a high level of security to personal users. The antivirus software gets frequent updates & with every improved version, it brings advanced protection utilities to safeguard users against keylogger blocking, exploit mitigation, ransomware, and more. It’s the best free antivirus software along with being a great PC/Mac performance booster.
Pros:
- Good score at detecting malicious URLs
- Remote management for up to 3 PCs/Macs
- Excellent at phishing protection
- AI-based predictive threat detection
- Real-time & behavioral malware detection
- Website filtering
Cons:
- Ineffective tech support
14. Trend Micro Antivirus
- Overall Rating: 7.8/10
- Key Highlights: Scans hidden files, repair registry errors, encrypt passwords
- Platforms Supported: Windows, Mac, Android & iOS
- Price: Check here
Best Free Antivirus Suite For Multi-Device Protection
This top antivirus features an easily navigable interface & ultimate protection for your Mac at just the right prices. However, some of its privacy features didn’t work out while testing; it does offer some features that make it a top antivirus. Computer security software relies on web reputation technology to instantly pick up malicious & fake websites. It immediately blocks those sites that pose to be a legitimate ones, but are not. Additionally, it includes an optimization check for PC for the best maintenance.
Pros:
- Remarkably easy to set up & use
- Pay Guard – protect personal, financial info
- A tool to make sure your privacy settings are optimized
- Social networking protection
- Modules to protect kids online
- Offers reliable data theft prevention
- Shredder utility to make files unrecoverable
Cons:
- Heavy antivirus software
- A little complex to use
15. Avira Free Antivirus
- Overall Rating: 7.6/10
- Key Highlights: Block spyware, adware, ransomware, lightweight antivirus
- Platforms Supported: Windows, Mac, Android & iOS
- Price: Check here
Most Reliable Free Antivirus Software
Last but not least in terms of consideration, Avira is best known for being a lightweight & most reliable antivirus solution for PC, Mac, Android & iOS devices. It features all the essential security features; you can expect from the Best Free Antivirus Software. After scanning with the Avira Free Antivirus version, it was capable enough to list viruses, privacy settings, junk files, & other security issues. With Avira, you can perform & schedule timely Rootkit scans, Local drive scans, external device scans & other active processes.
Pros:
- Goes beyond basic free antivirus solution to offer dozens of security-related tools
- Updated user interface
- Password manager
- Feature-limited VPN
- Spam filtering, ad blocking & more
Cons:
- Several components require payment for access to full features
- Sometimes flags valid files as malware
- Slow scanning process
Special Mention – Microsoft Defender (Best Free Windows Antivirus)
To be honest, if you regularly maintain digital hygiene – – keep all your software up-to-date, use password manager, avoid clicking on suspicious emails/attachments, turn on multi-factor authentication, review privacy & security settings on all your accounts. You can probably avoid zero-attacks & other common threats, with Microsoft Defender, acts as a safety net to guard down. The free antivirus program is enabled by default & can cover the basic protection!
Which Is The Best Antivirus Software for Windows PC 2024?
Norton 360 Deluxe is one of the best security solutions available for your PCs, Macs, Smartphones & Tablets. However, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with no extra useless features, a software that gives all-round protection & is easy to use, then undoubtedly switch to Systweak Antivirus. The top antivirus utility has excellent real-time protection, multiple scanning modes for comprehensive protection to detect malicious content & other exploitation links, & tools for secure web browsing. Plus, they are currently running an attractive discount of 50% & giving away an excellent freebie Photo Studio (a new photo editing software to transform your dull images livelier).
| Top Antivirus Solutions | Best For | Download Link |
|---|---|---|
| Systweak Antivirus | Solid Antivirus Choice For Powerful Protection | |
| Norton 360 Deluxe | All-Round Protection For Windows, Mac, Android & iOS |
Click Here |
| Bitdefender Antivirus Plus | Feature Rich Best Antivirus Software |
Click Here |
| Kaspersky AntiVirus | Ultimate Security Solution For All-Comers |
Click Here |
| Avast Pro | Best Antivirus Software For Both Beginners & Advanced Users |
Click Here |
| McAfee Total Protection | Best For Home Security |
Click Here |
| Intego | Best For Families With A Multi-OS Household |
Click Here |
| Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus | Lightweight Best Antivirus Software 2024 |
Click Here |
| ESET NOD32 Antivirus | Best For Getting Basic Protection Against Common Threats |
Click Here |
| F-Secure Antivirus Safe | Best Antivirus To Safeguard Family With Different Packages |
Click Here |
| Comodo Internet Security | Developed AI-Based Antivirus Engine |
Click Here |
| Vipre Advanced Security | Best For Shopping Online |
Click Here |
| Sophos Home | Expert Choice For Cybersecurity |
Click Here |
| Trend Micro Antivirus | Best Free Antivirus Suite For Multi-Device Protection |
Click Here |
| Avira Free Antivirus | Most Reliable Free Antivirus Software |
Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions: Antivirus Solutions 2024
Q1. Is Antivirus Necessary in 2024?
Sadly, YES! Though all the major operating systems offer decent security protection, they are certainly not enough. You need an overall security net with advanced features that support reliable malware protection along with the ability to block ID theft & protect you from new and existing threats.
Q2. Can I just use Windows Defender?
Well, if you are just looking for basic cybersecurity protection, then you can surely rely on Windows Defender. It might be a decent choice if you want to get rid of some malicious files trying to infiltrate your PC, but it would not be effective enough to protect your web browsing activities & from other potential threats.
Q3. Do Macs get viruses?
Honestly, Macs may not be as frequent targets as Windows PCs are, but they all have a fair share of threats. In fact, according to a report published by Apple Insider, during the first quarter of 2019 alone, malware on Macs increased by a whopping 60 percent. Mac machines were subjected to new types of attacks, including crypto mining.
Q4. What’s the best antivirus software for Windows 10?
After testing more than 40 antivirus utilities, we found Systweak Antivirus followed by Norton 360 and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus to offer top-notch protection with a bristling feature set to keep users protect overall on multiple devices.
Q5. What’s the best antivirus software for Mac?
Systweak Anti-Malware followed by Intego is one of the ideal solutions to consider for enjoying world-class protection on Mac machines. Both antivirus programs are easy to use and possess strong capabilities to fight against annoying malware & malicious threats.
Q6. What’s the best antivirus app for Android?
Avast has proven itself to be an ideal solution to protect your Android smartphones from all the potential threats for free. Additionally, it offers some extraordinary features like Anti-Theft to track & remotely lock device (if stolen), a junk cleaner, Wi-Fi security tools & other performance-boosting capabilities.
Q7. What’s the best antivirus app for iPhone?
Avira is a top iPhone security solution. A company with more than 30 years of experience in protecting multiple devices. The antivirus solution offers a free VPN service to keep your browsing activities hidden & your data completely safe.
Q8. How much does a good Antivirus software cost?
Typical costing of basic virus protection solution can range between $30-$50 for home computers. Systweak Anti-Virus is available for USD 39.95 and offers complete protection from malware, adware, spyware & other potential threats. It even features multiple tools to stop unwanted apps from getting installed in the background that may spread infections.
Q9. Is free antivirus software good enough?
Well, to be honest, choosing a free antivirus program might seem like a budget-friendly way to protect your computer. But not every antivirus tool can protect you from a wide variety of threats, that paid programs can easily do.
Katarina Glamoslija
Updated on: April 29, 2025
Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor
This article contains
- Quick Summary of the Best Free Windows Antiviruses for 2025
- 🥇1. Norton — Best Overall Windows Antivirus in 2025
- 🥈2. Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows — Lightweight With Advanced Malware & Web Protections
- 🥉3. Panda Free Antivirus for Windows — Good Virus Protection With Decent Extras
- 4. TotalAV — Most Intuitive Antivirus, Great for Beginners
- 5. Avast One Basic — Effective Antivirus With Nice Privacy Tools
- 6. Avira Free Security for Windows — Advanced Cloud-Based Malware Scanner With System Cleanup
- 7. Malwarebytes Free — Minimalistic Virus Scanner With a Couple of Neat Extras
- 8. AVG AntiVirus Free — Solid Malware Scanner With File Protections
- 9. ZoneAlarm — Effective Malware Scanner With a Free Firewall
- Quick Comparison Table
- Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
- Risks & Disadvantages of Using a Free Windows Antivirus
- Free Antivirus vs. Paid Antivirus
- Tips to Improve Online Safety in 2025
- What Free Windows Antiviruses Should You Avoid?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Quick Overview of My Top Recommendations:
Short on time? Here’s the best free Windows antivirus for 2025:
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🥇 Norton
: Advanced virus and malware protection with extras like webcam protection, a VPN, a password manager, parental controls, dark web monitoring, and more on the paid plans, plus a great free malware removal tool for Windows PCs. Norton’s plans come with a 60-day money-back guarantee, which gives you 2 full months to see if it’s right for you.
There are lots of free Windows antiviruses, but only a few of them are any good. I tested dozens of free antiviruses to find out which programs could defend against both Windows-based malware and other threats (including phishing and social engineering attacks). Beyond malware detection, I looked at each antivirus’s reputation for safeguarding your privacy and its ability to seamlessly integrate with all aspects of Windows, including Windows Defender.
But it’s important to know that every free antivirus has limitations. That’s why I always recommend investing a little bit into premium antivirus software that includes protection against all types of malware — with extra features like a virtual private network (VPN), dark web monitoring, and a password manager (Norton 360 has all of these features and is ranked as the best antivirus software for 2025).
That said, it’s better to use the best free antivirus than no antivirus at all! I found several good free antivirus programs that complement and improve upon Windows’s built-in protections and include features that aren’t included in Windows Defender.
Try NORTON (60 Days Risk-Free)
Quick Summary of the Best Free Windows Antiviruses for 2025
Editor’s Choice
Best Windows antivirus on the market in 2025 (with a 60-day money-back guarantee).
Most of our readers choose Norton
Advanced, lightweight antivirus engine & anti-phishing tools with low system impact.
Strong virus protection with good additional features (like a gaming mode).
Simple antivirus with an intuitive interface (good choice for beginners).
Good virus scanner with lots of extras (including cleanup tools).
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*This recommendation is based on our assessment; users are urged to consider individual factors before choosing a vendor.
🥇1. Norton — Best Overall Windows Antivirus in 2025
Norton is my favorite Windows antivirus — and while it doesn’t have a free plan, it regularly offers free trials and has a risk-free 60-day money-back guarantee, which gives you 2 months to try it out and see if it’s right for you. It has an advanced malware engine, a wide range of additional features, and affordable plans that cover all operating systems.
While Norton doesn’t have any free plans, it does offer a great free tool, Power Eraser, that can help you remove even the most stubborn malware infections from your Windows PC. It can perform full system scans and be adjusted to search for rootkits and PUPs/PUAs as well. However, while Power Eraser can save a heavily infected PC, it doesn’t offer active scans or real-time protection, so it’s not a comprehensive solution to protect your PC.
In all of my tests, Norton was able to identify every malware sample, from simple ones like viruses to sophisticated threats like rootkits. It also has excellent phishing protection, a smart firewall with tons of customization options, and online banking and shopping protection.
Norton comes with a wide range of quality extras, including:
- VPN (unlimited data) — maintains fast speeds, works with streaming sites like Netflix, and has extras like Tor support and split-tunneling.
- Password manager — generates, saves, and auto-fills logins, and audits password security.
- Parental controls — filters inappropriate content, limits device usage, and monitors YouTube and Hulu usage (Norton ranks #1 on our list of the best antiviruses with parental controls and #2 on our list of the best standalone parental control apps).
- Private browser — shields you from online threats while ensuring a safe browsing experience.
- System optimization tools — removes unwanted files from Windows and web browsers, improves boot time, and defragments hard drive.
- Dark web monitoring — scans dark web forums, data breach databases, and credit reports in real time.
Norton’s dark web monitoring diligently scans the dark web, credit reports, and breach databases to alert you when your personal information is at risk. I really like how, unlike most competitors that rely solely on database-driven breach monitors, Norton employs human agents. These agents actively delve into dark web forums, which allows Norton to uncover and alert you to data leaks that might otherwise have been missed.
Overall, Norton provides a better user experience than any other antivirus. It’s very easy to use and integrates well with Windows Defender, so you don’t have to adjust any settings. It even has a gaming mode, so you can play games without interruption while it runs in the background.
There are several plans available, but Norton 360 Deluxe is the best value — plus, with our special 58% discount, you can get it for only RUB4,130 / year. Norton also offers LifeLock plans in select countries, which start at RUB8,250 / year and add identity theft protection with up to $3M in insurance payouts and legal assistance. All of Norton’s plans are covered by a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Save 58% on Norton 360 Deluxe!
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Bottom Line:
Norton offers unparalleled malware protection, a wide range of high-end security features, and affordable plans. It also has a ton of extras, including a fast VPN, a secure password manager, and the best antivirus-bundled parental controls around. While it doesn’t have a free Windows plan, it does provide a great free malware removal tool for PCs called Power Eraser. But it’s worth picking up a paid plan, as they provide the best value on the market and come with a 60-day money-back guarantee, so you can try Norton out risk-free for 2 whole months.
Read the full Norton review here >
🥈2. Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows — Lightweight With Advanced Malware & Web Protections
Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows is one of the best free-forever antiviruses out there — its malware scanner scored a 100% detection rate during my tests, detecting viruses, trojans, ransomware, and even rootkits, which are notorious for being difficult to eradicate. Moreover, Bitdefender uses a cloud-based scanner, which means most of the detection and analysis doesn’t take place on your PC, reducing its system impact. I didn’t notice any slowdowns on my computer, even during full system scans.
Bitdefender also provides excellent anti-phishing protection with its free antivirus. During testing, it blocked many fake websites that had evaded detection from the built-in protections on the Chrome and Firefox browsers, as well as the anti-phishing tools of other antiviruses. Out of all the brands on this list, only Bitdefender and Norton had perfect anti-phishing results.
One downside of the free version of Bitdefender is its lack of extra features. It offers some of the most effective malware, web, and real-time protections on the market, plus ransomware protection that complements Windows’s Bitlocker encryption tool, but that’s about it. Bitdefender’s premium plans get you extra features, including a VPN, device optimization tools, a password manager, parental controls, and a firewall (if you use the free version, Defender’s firewall will stay on). The only downside here is that most Bitdefender plans put strict data limits on the VPN (Norton provides an unlimited-data VPN on most of its plans).
Bitdefender’s paid plans are very affordable, starting as low as RUB2,890 / year for Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. Then there’s Total Security, which includes most of Bitdefender’s features for 5 devices (it’s missing the unlimited-data VPN and a couple of minor features). It costs RUB4,540 / year. If you need the full version of the VPN, opt for Premium Security, which costs RUB5,370 / year. All plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Get 50% off Bitdefender Total Security!
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Bottom Line:
Bitdefender’s free Windows antivirus is a top-tier, no-frills solution to protect your device from malware and web-based threats. It has perfect detection rates and will barely impact your device’s performance. To get access to a bunch of extra features, however, you’ll have to upgrade to one of Bitdefender’s premium plans. All of its plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out risk-free.
Read the full Bitdefender review here
🥉3. Panda Free Antivirus for Windows — Good Virus Protection With Decent Extras
Panda Free Antivirus for Windows is lightweight, secure, and easy to use — during my tests, Panda’s free antivirus scanner detected significantly more adware, spyware, and ransomware files than Windows Defender. Panda’s real-time protection also performed really well, blocking most of the malware files I tried downloading to my PC.
One reason Panda’s free antivirus is a good choice for Windows users is its Rescue Kit, which allows you to download a bootable version of Panda to a USB drive and then use the USB drive to clean an infected PC and get it up and running again. You can download a bootable copy of Windows from Microsoft’s website and use its repair function, but in my tests, Panda was better than Windows at spotting malware on a PC that won’t start.
I like that Panda has a gaming mode in its free antivirus — whenever you’re playing a game or watching a video in full screen, Panda automatically suspends notifications. However, I still prefer Norton for gaming, as the gaming mode can actually speed up your PC (especially if you subscribe to the gamer plan).
Panda’s free antivirus also comes with a secure (but limited) VPN. It provides fast connection speeds, but it only lets you connect to 1 server and has a data limit of 150 MB per day — this is an improvement over Avira’s 1 GB per month, but it’s still not nearly enough data for streaming or file sharing. If you’re interested in unlimited streaming or torrenting, you’ll need a better VPN (check out our list of the best antiviruses with VPNs here or our list of the best free VPNs).
The Panda Dome Premium plan offers an unlimited-data VPN (and access to worldwide servers), and it also has features like a firewall, anti-ransomware protection, anti-phishing protection, advanced system tune-up tools, a password manager, and basic parental controls for RUB4,620 / year. All of Panda’s premium plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Panda’s free antivirus is a good, easy-to-use antivirus, offering 100% free real-time malware protection. With lightweight malware scanning, an automatic gaming mode, a Rescue Kit, and a VPN, Panda is an excellent free internet security product that improves on Windows’s default tools. But if you want an unlimited-data VPN and other extras like a firewall, anti-phishing, password manager, and basic parental controls — you’ll need to upgrade. Panda offers 4 pricing tiers for paid users, which start at RUB1,650 / year, so it’s easy to find the right plan for you — or you can just give Panda Free a try and upgrade later.
Read the full Panda review here >
4. TotalAV — Most Intuitive Antivirus, Great for Beginners
TotalAV provides an excellent malware scanner. During my tests, it detected and removed more malware samples (viruses, trojans, ransomware, spyware) than most other antivirus programs (including Windows Defender). As a cloud-based tool, it uses fewer resources than a lot of other programs, too, which is great!
TotalAV offers a limited free plan (you can check for and remove viruses), but it also has a 30-day money-back guarantee on its annual plans, and it regularly offers huge first-year discounts, which make it one of the most affordable antiviruses on the market. I really think it’s worth paying a few dollars for an antivirus such as TotalAV, which combines top-notch security with perfect ease of use.
The software functions inside a minimalistic, well-designed dashboard. I had no problems navigating TotalAV’s dashboard, and I found it very simple to use and test all of the provided tools. Like Norton, it integrates seamlessly with the Windows operating system, automatically turning off Defender’s real-time protection so it won’t interfere with TotalAV.
In addition to real-time malware protection, you also get useful extras like device optimization tools, an ad blocker, a secure browser, a VPN with unlimited data, a password manager, and more.
The VPN is pretty good — in fact, it’s our top-rated antivirus-bundled VPN. It works with all major streaming services and supports P2P file sharing on all its servers outside the US. While it didn’t slow down my connection too much, I don’t think it’s quite as good as standalone VPNs like ExpressVPN.
TotalAV’s paid plans start at RUB1,570 / year to cover 5 devices. But my favorite plan is TotalAV Total Security, which covers 8 devices for RUB4,050 / year and includes all of TotalAV’s features, including a solid password manager. All plans are also backed by a risk-free money-back guarantee of 30 days.
Bottom Line:
TotalAV’s Windows antivirus is excellent at removing various kinds of malware. It’s also one of the most intuitive antivirus programs on the market, which makes it an ideal choice for beginners. TotalAV has a limited free plan, but its paid Internet Security and Total Security plans are also very affordable and include real-time scanning, PC optimization tools, and a VPN with no limitations.
Read the full TotalAV review here >
5. Avast One Basic — Effective Antivirus With Nice Privacy Tools
Avast One Basic is fairly comprehensive for a free Windows antivirus. It’s actually one of two free antiviruses offered by Avast — the other, Avast Free Antivirus, is basically identical to AVG’s free antivirus. Avast One Basic comes from the company’s newest product line and offers more free features, including a VPN and PC speedup tools. I found it easy to use and was pleased to see that it detected 100% of the malware samples I tested it on.
I like that it encourages users to review their overall online security via the Privacy Advisor. The app automatically suggested I review my privacy settings on various websites and provided links and clear instructions on how to do so. Windows doesn’t provide anything like this on its own, so it’s a great addition.
Avast One Basic comes with a built-in VPN, but it isn’t ideal. You can’t change servers on the free version, and the provider doesn’t have a no-logs policy. Still, it’s nice that it operates within the same app as the antivirus and lets you use up to 5 GB of data each week (which is more than the other free VPNs on this list).
There’s also a powerful firewall that’s completely free. It monitors inbound and outbound traffic and blocks malicious connections. I found the settings much more intuitive than what you get with the default Windows firewall. Other security features on the free plan include effective web protections (it blocked almost every malicious site I visited) and Network Inspector, a tool that scans for vulnerabilities in your Wi-Fi connection. I did find the interface a bit cluttered though, and somewhat less intuitive than competitors like Norton.
Note that the Avast One product line is only available in a handful of countries. If you don’t live in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Austria, Switzerland, France, Ireland, or Germany, you can’t use Avast One. The company’s other free antivirus is available worldwide.
Avast’s premium plans start at RUB2,580 / year and include additional protections, such as webcam protection, extra online privacy features, and the ability to use Avast on 5, 10, or 30 devices. Avast also provides credit, social media, and identity theft monitoring to Avast One Platinum customers for RUB9,900 / year. All paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Avast One Basic is a good free-forever antivirus package with a powerful scanner. While it may not be the best free antivirus software out there, it has a solid firewall, good network protections, and nice privacy features that improve upon Microsoft Defender. The VPN has a fairly generous data allowance, and the app is quite easy to use. If you want unlimited data or added web protections, you’ll have to subscribe to one of Avast’s premium plans, starting at RUB2,580 / year.
Read the full Avast review here >
6. Avira Free Security for Windows — Advanced Cloud-Based Malware Scanner With System Cleanup
Avira Free Security for Windows has a solid anti-malware engine that operates fully in the cloud. In contrast to Microsoft Defender, this makes Avira fast, lightweight, and easy on system resources. During my testing, Avira’s anti-malware engine detected all of the malware files I previously downloaded to my computer, and I liked that I was able to run CPU-intensive programs during scans with almost zero slowdown.
Avira is also user-friendly — its display is very easy to navigate with all features clearly listed. It comes with many excellent and completely free extra features, too. These include:
- Firewall.
- Safe Shopping browser extension.
- Privacy & performance optimizer.
- VPN (1 GB monthly limit).
- Password manager.
- Speed booster.
- File shredder.
The Safe Shopping browser extension is really good — it blocks suspicious phishing sites, web trackers, and unwanted advertisements, and you can download it for Firefox, Chrome, Opera, and Edge. The extension also automatically recommends links to better deals when shopping online. That said, if you’re worried about shopping safely online, I recommend checking out Norton’s Private Browser, which comes with built-in protection, a privacy guard, and more, and is 100% free.
I’m also a fan of Avira’s privacy and performance optimization tools — they cleaned out my cookies and junk files and also fixed hidden privacy settings that were leaking personal information on the web. Even the free versions of the driver updater and junk cleaner are a huge improvement over Windows, which makes these essential tasks surprisingly difficult. But unfortunately, Avira’s best optimization tools are locked behind a paywall.
It’s a shame that Avira’s free VPN is limited to just 1 GB per month, which is barely enough to watch a couple of really short videos (and substantially less than Panda offers on its free plan). Plus, Avira only lets you connect to your nearest server location on the free plan.
Avira Prime offers the VPN with unlimited data and costs RUB4,950 / year — it’s a bit pricier than some competitors, but it’s one of the best antivirus suites of 2025, and it also includes multi-device support and advanced system optimization tools. Avira backs all yearly subscriptions with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Avira’s cloud-based, free virus scanning engine is a good way to keep your PC safe. It’s lightweight, fast, has great detection rates, and is 100% free. I’m also a big fan of Avira’s free Safe Shopping browser extension and privacy optimizer, both of which offer a significant improvement over Microsoft’s built-in protections. To get more advanced internet security protection, you’ll need to upgrade to one of Avira’s paid plans, which start at RUB2,230 / year.
Read the full Avira review here >
7. Malwarebytes Free — Minimalistic Virus Scanner With a Couple of Neat Extras
Malwarebytes Free is a good choice for users looking for a simple antivirus that they can install at no cost and forget about. It performed pretty well in my tests, detecting around 95% of the malware files I hid on my PC. However, it did miss a few well-hidden files that competitors like Norton and Bitdefender detected.
Apart from the scanner, you also get Browser Guard, a free browser extension that protects against a wide range of threats, including malware, ads and trackers, scams, and PUPs. Though far from perfect, it blocked 90% of the risky sites on every browser I tested, outshining the basic web protections provided by the Windows operating system. It also blocks ads, though it isn’t as effective as Avira’s free extension.
You also get free dark web monitoring. I really like this feature: I simply entered my email address, and Malwarebytes was able to show me all of my exposed passwords, usernames, and other PII linked to that email, all in the form of a visually appealing diagram. The experience was chilling, but I was genuinely impressed by the thoroughness of Malwarebytes’s scan.
However, the free version lacks real-time protection, so you’ll have to rely on Defender’s somewhat lackluster protections. What’s more, features like Wi-Fi protection, a firewall, system tune-up tools, and a password manager aren’t available even in the premium plans. If you just need the basics, Malwarebytes is fine, but it’s pretty barebones compared to top competitors like Norton and Bitdefender.
For real-time protection, you can upgrade to Malwarebytes Standard, which provides coverage for 2 devices for RUB3,720 / year (you can also increase the number of licenses up to 20 for an additional fee). Malwarebytes Plus also adds a decent VPN for RUB4,950 / year. Both of Malwarebytes’s premium plans are covered by a generous 60-day money-back guarantee. Additionally, Malwarebytes Free includes a 14-day free trial of Malwarebytes Standard, allowing you to test the paid features without any risk.
Bottom Line:
Malwarebytes Free is a minimalistic antivirus scanner with good virus detection and removal rates. It also comes with a browser extension that blocks malware, phishing sites, ads, and trackers (though the ad blocking is hit-and-miss). Upgrading to Malwarebytes Standard brings you real-time protection and coverage for up to 20 devices, whereas Malwarebytes Plus also adds a VPN.
Read the full Malwarebytes review >
8. AVG AntiVirus Free — Solid Malware Scanner With File Protections
AVG offers a solid free antivirus that’s easy to use and has some nice features. It’s basically identical to Avast Free Antivirus — they’re owned by the same company and feature more or less the same underlying technology. It’s pretty distinct from Avast One Basic, though.
The free virus scanner works well — it detected 100% of the malware samples on my PC. What’s more, you can run 5 types of scan. The Deep Scan worked quite well, but the quick-running Smart Scan missed a few items in my test. The boot scan is similar to Windows’s Offline Scan, but worked much faster when I tested it. There’s an option to run a performance scan to tune up your PC, but you can’t do anything with it on the free version. As soon as a scan finishes, you’ll be met with upsells, which annoyed me.
AVG comes with some good features you don’t normally see in free Windows antiviruses. Namely, it comes with a firewall that’s way better than Microsoft’s built-in firewall. I also really like HackCheck, a feature that immediately alerts you if your email has been compromised (though it’s nowhere near as in-depth as Norton’s data-breach alerts). On a more basic level, File Shield successfully issued a warning when I tried to open up a malware-infected file, and AVG was able to quarantine dangerous files without any issues.
You get added protection from Behavior Shield, a tool that scans for malware that isn’t listed in databases. It actively scans apps for suspicious activity. If any is found, the program is automatically blocked.
Unfortunately, the ransomware and web protections aren’t perfect. The Web Shield only blocked some of the phishing sites I tested, and ransomware protection did nothing when I ran a ransomware simulator.
For extra protection from phishing, spyware, and webcam hacking, there’s AVG Internet Security. This premium services starts at RUB2,580 / year. It’s also available as a 30-day free trial, and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can bundle Internet Security with AVG’s tune-up tool, anti-tracking tool, and an unlimited-data VPN by getting the Ultimate plan for RUB4,620 / year.
Bottom Line:
Overall, AVG’s free antivirus is a solid choice for users who want basic protection for their computer. While it does have some limitations, its ease of use and the inclusion of a firewall make it an excellent option for users who just need the essentials. To access the more advanced features like webcam protection and upgraded ransomware protections, you have to upgrade to AVG Internet Security (plans start at RUB2,580 / year).
Read the full AVG review here >
9. ZoneAlarm — Effective Malware Scanner With a Free Firewall
ZoneAlarm offers a free and effective antivirus solution complete with a firewall. It’s easy enough to use and has good customer support options, even if you don’t have a premium subscription. It also comes with free real-time protection and automatic updates, which is pretty cool. However, it lacks extra features like a VPN, optimization tools, and a password manager. On the plus side, it works right out of the box on Windows computers, automatically replacing Windows Defender features.
During my tests, ZoneAlarm detected all of the malicious files I downloaded onto my PC. The scan took about an hour and provided a report about the threats it neutralized — however, it wasn’t nearly as detailed as I’d like it to be. The scan also slowed down my PC quite substantially. If you have an older device, you’re probably better off with a cloud-based tool like Bitdefender.
That said, the inclusion of a firewall in the free app is ZoneAlarm’s best feature. It offers inbound and outbound protection, ensuring your network remains safe from hackers and other threats. It worked well when I simulated a network attack.
Unfortunately, the free version doesn’t come with any web protection, meaning you will still be vulnerable to phishing attempts and other web-based threats. I tested the premium product, and to be honest, it failed to block multiple dubious websites I visited. In short, if you decide to pay for web protection, Norton is a much better choice.
ZoneAlarm Pro Antivirus + Firewall costs RUB2,060 / year on 1 PC (the same plan can cover up to 50 devices for an additional fee). For mobile security and ransomware protection, you need ZoneAlarm Extreme Security NextGen, which goes for RUB2,890 / year for 1 device license. I think these are pretty decent deals, but if you’re in the market for a premium product, there are better options on this list.
Bottom Line:
ZoneAlarm is pretty good for a free antivirus. The free malware scanner is complemented by an effective firewall and decent real-time protection. It’s lacking in web protection and only works on Windows, but it’s still a good security tool. For more features, you’ll need to get Pro Antivirus + Firewall or the Extreme Security NextGen plan, which adds mobile support and a few other features.
Read the full ZoneAlarm review here
Quick Comparison Table
| Antivirus | Malware Detection Rating |
Real-Time Protection on the Free Plan | Web Protection on the Free Plan | Additional Features on the Free Plan | Paid Version (Starting Price) | Money-back guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.🥇 Norton | 100% | ❌ | ❌ | PUP/PUA protection | RUB2,480 / year | 60 days |
| 2.🥈 Bitdefender | 100% | ✅ | ✅ | / | RUB2,890 / year | 30 days |
| 3.🥉 Panda | 95% | ✅ | ❌ | Rescue kit and basic VPN | RUB1,650 / year | 30 days |
| 4. TotalAV | 99% | ❌ | ❌ | / | RUB1,570 / year | 30 days |
| 5. Avast | 100% | ✅ | ✅ | Basic VPN | RUB2,580 / year | 30 days |
| 6. Avira | 100% | ✅ | ✅ | Basic system tune-up, VPN, and password manager | RUB2,230 / year | 60 days |
| 7. Malwarebytes | 90% | ❌ | ✅ | Browser Guard, basic breach monitoring | RUB3,720 / year | 60 days |
| 8. AVG | 100% | ✅ | ✅ | Hack alerts, firewall | RUB2,580 / year | 30 days |
| 9. ZoneAlarm |
100% | ✅ | ❌ | Firewall | RUB2,060 / year | 30 days |
Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
To compile this list, I used our tried-and-true testing methodology. This means I ran rigorous tests of each antivirus’s security, speed, features, value, and customer support. Only the antiviruses that performed in line with this methodology made this list. Here are the exact areas I tested:
- I tested each antivirus’s malware detection rates. I ran full system scans on each of the antiviruses above, as well as their other scans. I recorded malware detection rates, how long each scan took, and whether they slowed down my computer. I made sure to only include programs that identified both known and new malware, including trojans, spyware, ransomware, rootkits, and keyloggers. All of my top choices have perfect or near-perfect malware detection rates.
- I looked for products that don’t cause too much slowdown. I tried running intensive apps while each antivirus was open. I also checked each antivirus’s impact in my computer’s task manager. I didn’t notice any slowdown, and all the antiviruses on this list had minimal impact, with Bitdefender being the most lightweight of all.
- I checked for extra features. Each of the antiviruses on this list went above and beyond in terms of extra features in my tests. For example, Avira has a basic free password manager, and Panda has a free VPN (150 MB/day).
- I tested how each antivirus interacts with Windows. A good antivirus (even a free one) will deploy by itself and Windows will react accordingly, detecting which aspects of Defender should be shut off to make way for the third-party software. Each item on this list works right out of the box, complementing the Windows operating system.
- I made sure the software was genuinely free. Many cybersecurity brands are shady when it comes to free apps and trials. Some don’t provide any warning when the free trial period is ending, and others issue you with ads when you try to access features you think are free. I’ve personally checked all of the brands listed here, and they all offer free protection. TotalAV doesn’t have an entirely free plan or product, but it does have a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can use it for free for a month.
- I checked the upgrade prices. It might be that after using a free product for a while, you opt to upgrade to the paid version. There are some products out there that charge extortionate amounts at this point, but all the brands on my list offer very reasonably priced premium plans.
Risks & Disadvantages of Using a Free Windows Antivirus
Free antivirus software can be an effective way to protect against malware and online threats, but only if you’re using a trusted free antivirus like the ones on this list. Most free antivirus programs are unsafe as they are either missing important security features (like real-time protection, anti-phishing tools, dark web monitoring, and firewalls), they’re badly designed, or they’re malware disguised as legitimate software — this kind of disguised malware predominantly affects Windows users.
Yes, Windows comes with its own free antivirus (Windows/Microsoft Defender), which does a good job of protecting your PC from malware. However, its malware protections aren’t always as fast or effective as those offered by premium antiviruses like Norton, and it’s also missing many important features.
The best premium antiviruses include everything you need to secure your PC, including anti-malware engines that use AI and machine learning to detect both known and unknown viruses, as well as malicious website protection and identity theft monitoring tools.
Premium antiviruses can also come bundled with extras like a VPN to secure your browsing activity (TotalAV offers a great VPN), a password manager (Norton’s password manager is decent), and PC optimization tools to ensure your computer is running efficiently (Avira’s PC optimization tools are great!).
Free Antivirus vs. Paid Antivirus
Free antiviruses like Norton’s Power Eraser and Bitdefender Free are pretty good, and they offer decent protection. But free antivirus software doesn’t come with all of the extra features needed for complete online protection — you’ll need a premium antivirus to stay 100% safe.
Premium antiviruses are way better, as they come with all of the internet security protections you need to stay as safe as possible online. And I’m not just talking about anti-malware protection here — extras like a VPN (to ensure you’re anonymous online), a password manager (to protect your sensitive data, including financial information), and parental controls (to make sure your child is protected on the internet) all contribute to complete cybersecurity protection.
Together with a malware scanner, these tools are crucial to building a good online defense against hackers, scammers, and predators — it’s incredibly difficult to achieve the same level of security only using free antivirus software.
See more reasons why you may want to upgrade
Top antiviruses like Norton even offer up to $1 million in insurance coverage for cases of identity theft (US customers only), making it worth the relatively low yearly cost of a paid subscription.
What’s more, paid antiviruses also include better customer support, so you know you can get help removing malware, accessing a feature, or solving any other issue with your antivirus at all times. Free antiviruses, on the other hand, don’t include live chat and phone support (ZoneAlarm is a notable exception), so the only way to get assistance is to read a knowledge base, post a question on a forum, or send a ticket.
Overall, if you want complete online protection, consider a paid antivirus (most of which are low cost, especially with our promotional coupons and discounts). You can read more about paid antiviruses for different operating systems here.
| Features and User Experience | Free Antiviruses | Premium Antiviruses |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time protection | Often not included. | Frequently updated and fully integrated. |
| Web protection | Available in the form of additional apps and extensions, if available at all. | Advanced and often included in all-in-one apps. |
| VPNs | If provided at all, comes with very small data limits and a single available server. | Unlimited data, full set of extra features, lots of server options, and often included in a unified app. |
| Compatible devices | Often Windows only. | Provides coverage for all device types. |
| Password managers | Seldom included and severely limited in terms of features. | Feature-rich with fewer limitations than free versions. |
| Cloud backup | Almost never provided. | Up to 500 GB of safe storage. |
| Customer support | Often limited to FAQs and knowledge bases. | Extensive options including phone and email support, live chat, and more. |
Tips to Improve Online Safety in 2025
You should always make sure to follow the best online safety practices, even if you decide to invest in a premium antivirus — but especially if you don’t. These common-sense measures include:
- Update software regularly. Software updates patch any software vulnerabilities hackers can exploit to gain access to your system. Premium antiviruses like Avira have vulnerability scanners that flag out-of-date software and even offer to update it for you, but you can also manually update any program on your device.
- Download files responsibly. Only download programs or files from websites you trust, and only open email attachments if you’re sure they’re safe. If you’re not 100% sure a download link is safe, don’t click on it. If you’ve received an email attachment from a sender you trust but you weren’t expecting an attachment, contact the sender to confirm they intentionally sent you the attachment. All premium antiviruses have real-time protection that prevents you from downloading suspicious files, but if you have a free program without real-time protection, you need to be careful about what you download — and from where.
- Only use HTTPS sites. Sites that use HTTPS encrypt all of the data that is sent and received between the user and the site. Sites that use an HTTP connection (no S at the end!) don’t encrypt any data, meaning that anyone who intercepts the data you’re sending and receiving from the site can see all of the data. Brands like Norton include excellent web protections that check the security of each site you’re visiting and block you from accessing malicious and suspicious sites.
See more tips
- Avoid using unsecured networks. If you have to use one, use a VPN to encrypt your data and shield you from potential hackers who might attempt to steal your information. The top antivirus-bundled VPNs are TotalAV or Norton.
- Use a VPN. Even if you are using a secure network, VPNs provide an extra layer of protection by anonymizing your web traffic. This is great in terms of privacy and also makes it harder for criminals and corporations to learn intimate details about your web usage and personal information. Most free VPNs are fairly limited, but there are excellent premium options.
- Generate secure passwords for your online accounts. Instead of using the same login for all or most sites, you should create unique, complex passwords for each online account. You can check out our recommendations for the best free password managers here.
What Free Windows Antiviruses Should You Avoid?
- Wolfram Antivirus. This one is nothing more than a scam. It’s a recent variant of a well-known piece of software that masquerades as a free antivirus. It will not only infect you with malware but also try to get you to pay for the privilege.
- Total Antivirus 2020. Total Antivirus 2020 isn’t effective and might even do harm to your PC. It simply isn’t safe and uses scare tactics and other means to try to convince users to hand over money for the “premium” version.
- Spybot Search & Destroy. I used to really like Spybot Search & Destroy, but these days, it isn’t any good. It really feels like a relic from the past. First of all, its malware detection rates are abysmal in 2025. What’s more, the interface is tricky, and it’s hard to install as various features are spread out across different apps.
- ClamAV. Though it’s a good choice for Linux users, I can’t recommend ClamAV for anyone with a Windows PC. It’s light on features and difficult to use. This can become a significant problem as support options for Windows users are quite limited.
Keep in mind there are lots of other bad free antiviruses out there. Some are ineffective, others are simply annoying because they bombard you with ads and bogus messages, while the worst take the “anti” out of “antivirus”, leaving you with plain old malware. Just because a product isn’t on this list of free antiviruses to avoid doesn’t mean it’s good. Always research a product by reading reviews on trusted websites. If there’s little to no information about an antivirus online, it’s probably no good and best avoided.
Top Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut
You may be surprised to see that some of the top antivirus brands didn’t make the top 10. Here are a few of them:
- McAfee. McAfee is one of my favorite antiviruses of 2025. It comes with an advanced anti-malware engine, excellent web protection, and a VPN with unlimited data. But unfortunately, McAfee doesn’t have a free plan. However, if you need a high-quality antivirus, McAfee’s low-cost internet security packages are some of the best on the market.
- Heimdal. The premium version of Heimdal is actually a pretty decent antivirus, but its free plan is nothing more than a software updater. It’s a handy tool to have on your PC — but it won’t protect you from malware.
- Sophos. Sophos used to have a good free plan, but it’s been discontinued, so I had to remove it from my list. That said, Sophos’s paid version provides great cybersecurity protection at a decent price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the catch with free antiviruses?
There is no such thing as a truly free antivirus. You‘re always going to “pay” with something. Most antivirus companies limit the free version of their software to only offer basic protection. This leaves a lot of holes in your computer’s cybersecurity defense. The antivirus company hopes you’ll recognize you’re not well protected, and they’ll try to get you to upgrade to the paid plan by sending you a ton of notifications and advertisements.
If you’re only using your device for simple online browsing or word processing, you’re probably fine with a free antivirus (and the ones on this list are the best free antiviruses out there). But, in general, if you store any kind of sensitive information on your Windows device, it’s always better to invest in a full-featured internet security suite than it is to trust a free antivirus.
Why should I use another free antivirus instead of Windows Defender?
Windows Defender, or Microsoft Defender as it’s called in the newer versions of Office 365, is not a bad antivirus — it even ranks better than many third-party free antiviruses. But it just can’t compete when top cybersecurity companies like Bitdefender are handing out excellent free antivirus software, which offers free protection against threats Windows Defender doesn’t protect against (like phishing sites, malicious web trackers, data breaches, etc.).
Indeed, most of the products on this list have substantially better free antivirus protection than Microsoft’s built-in antivirus.
Can Windows Defender & another antivirus run together?
Technically, you can run Windows/Microsoft Defender and another antivirus simultaneously. But having two anti-malware engines running at the same time can cause interference, meaning malware and other threats could potentially go undetected. That’s why most third-party antiviruses will automatically turn off Defender (or portions of it) when you install them — and you shouldn’t stop them from doing that.
Is it safe to use a free antivirus?
If you choose an antivirus program from a trustworthy company, then yes. All of the brands on this list here are perfectly safe to use — the only difference between their free and paid versions is that the paid software includes additional features, like a VPN, a password manager, and parental controls, as well as better customer support options.
What’s the best free antivirus?
All free antiviruses have some limitations and lock most of their best features behind a paywall. While a free antivirus can be a decent temporary solution, I strongly recommend that you get a premium antivirus like Norton. It has perfect malware detection rates, more extras than almost all competitors, and easy-to-use apps for all operating systems. Starting at just RUB2,480 / year, Norton is also very affordable, and all of its paid plans are backed by a risk-free 60-day money-back guarantee — this gives you 2 months to try it out and see if it’s the right product for your needs.
But if you absolutely do not want to pay for antivirus protection, I recommend you take a look at Bitdefender, which has a cloud-based malware scanner plus web and real-time protection.
Is there a 100% free antivirus?
Yes, there are antivirus programs that are 100% free. However, while decent free antiviruses can offer full virus protection, they are usually missing important features that are offered by premium antiviruses to fully protect your PC and personal information, like identity theft protections, VPNs, password managers, and more.
Sure, top free antiviruses like Bitdefender’s free version come with solid malware scanning and real-time protection, which may be good enough for some users who only need basic protections. But if you want to ensure your PC and data are protected in the best possible way, you should consider investing in a premium antivirus suite.
Most top premium antiviruses have extended money-back guarantees, meaning you can try them before committing to a premium plan.
Is a free antivirus good enough?
It depends on your needs. In most cases, a trusted free antivirus will do a decent job of protecting your PC against malware and other internet security threats.
However, aside from the essentials like malware protection, free antiviruses don’t usually offer much else. For instance, some top free antiviruses come with great malware scanning capabilities as well as real-time malware detection, but they lack extra features like ID theft protections, advanced web protections, and more.
If you need complete protection for your PC and personal data, it’s best to try a premium antivirus suite, like Norton. That said, if you only need basic malware protection, a good free antivirus will do the job pretty well.
What are the most common types of viruses that affect Windows computers?
Trojans and adware are consistently the most common types of malware found on Windows computers — though there are literally billions of malware attacks of all kinds reported annually.
Trojans look like other files with extensions like .exe and .doc — but once downloaded, they can initiate a backdoor attack to steal user data, to incorporate a Windows device into a botnet, to give a hacker direct access to a computer, or to simply crash and erase the entire OS.
Because hackers are constantly developing new malware for Windows, it’s crucial that your antivirus uses a malware database that’s consistently updated. Norton’s malware database is always up-to-date, with no need for users to worry about downloading or installing database updates.
Will Windows allow me to install a free antivirus?
Absolutely! Windows will automatically turn off Microsoft’s built-in virus protection when new third-party antivirus software is installed. If you decide to uninstall your third-party antivirus, your PC will automatically reactivate the Windows/Microsoft Defender antivirus.
That said, if you’re going to replace Defender, you should consider investing a little bit into premium cybersecurity protection. Free antivirus software just isn’t as good as paid antivirus software — you really do get what you pay for, and when it comes to keeping all of your devices and digital data safe, a paid antivirus like Norton 360 is definitely worth the investment.
If you’re looking for advanced protection and a lot of other great cybersecurity features, check out this list of the best premium antivirus products on the market.
Can I use free antivirus software for my business?
While it’s technically possible to use free antivirus software for your business, it’s not advisable. Free antivirus solutions often come with serious limitations, such as lack of real-time protection, fewer features, and no customer support, which is a deal-breaker for a business environment. Premium business-oriented antiviruses like Bitdefender offer more comprehensive protection, centralized control, and dedicated support to ensure the security and smooth operation of your business networks and systems.
Quick Overview of My Top Recommendations:
About the Author
Updated on: April 29, 2025
About the Author
Katarina Glamoslija is the former Lead Cybersecurity Editor at SafetyDetectives. She has more than a decade of experience researching, testing, and reviewing cybersecurity products and investigating best practices for online safety and data protection. Before joining SafetyDetectives, she led several tech websites, including one about antiviruses and another about VPNs. She also worked as a freelance writer and editor for tech, medical, and business publications. Outside of work, she can be found traveling (and writing about it on her small travel blog), playing with her cats, and binge-watching crime dramas.
В материале далее — лучшие бесплатные антивирусы 2025 года согласно сводному анализу результатов тестов независимых антивирусных лабораторий: AV-test, AV-Comparatives, AVLab, Virus Bulletin, SE Labs.
Как и в предыдущих версиях рейтинга, обращаю ваше внимание на то, что он никоим образом не опирается на моё личное мнение или субъективные предпочтения, только на мета-анализ результатов тестов, а с недавних пор — на доступность антивирусных продуктов в России.
Тесты антивирусов
Методологии, системы оценок и варианты тестов различных антивирусных лабораторий отличаются, также могут тестироваться разные продукты. Далее наибольший вес будет отдаваться тестам, анализирующим:
- Real-Word Protection (защита в реальных условиях)
- Потребительские версии антивирусов для обычных пользователей.
Также следует учитывать, что различные вендоры антивирусов могут поставлять как платные, так и бесплатные версии своих продуктов для анализа. Если тестировался и набрал высокую оценку платный продукт, но есть его же бесплатная версия без «урезанных» функций, имеющих непосредственное отношение именно к защите от вирусов, он также будет включен в обзор.
Сводные последние результаты теста от февраля-марта 2025 в графическом виде от AV-Comparatives представлены ниже:
Результаты последнего теста от AV-Test (февраль 2025):
Схожие результаты, но пересекающиеся не по всем антивирусным продуктам можно найти на AVLab.pl, SELabs.uk и VirusBulletin.com
На сайте Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization можно получить информацию по датам публикации и результатам проводимых тестов большинства независимых антивирусных лабораторий с возможностью поиска по платформе, сектору (корпоративный, потребительский) и другим параметрам.
Бесплатные антивирусы, доступные в России
С недавних пор выбор антивирусов в РФ сузился и многие из продуктов, тестируемых упомянутыми лабораториями, официально недоступны в стране. Однако, небольшой выбор все же есть.
Повторно отмечу, что несмотря на доступность некоторых антивирусов, таких как 360 Total Security в стране и хорошее отношение к ним со стороны пользователей, они не включены в список, поскольку не тестируются в указанных лабораториях, а список основывается только на результатах этих тестов.
Kaspersky Free
Антивирусные лаборатории тестируют платные версии антивируса Касперского, однако его бесплатный вариант — Kaspersky Free использует ровно тот же «движок» для обнаружения угроз, а её отличие от платного продукта — отсутствие некоторых модулей, не связанных напрямую с защитой от вирусов. В течение продолжительного времени антивирус Касперского занимает одно из первых двух мест в большинстве тестов, конкурируя лишь с BitDefender.
Одно из опасений пользователей, связанных с антивирусом Касперского — его влияние на производительность системы, однако это, скорее, опыт от работы с ним 10 и более лет назад, чем что-то актуальное сегодня: системных ресурсов ему требуется не больше, чем другим популярным антивирусам. Пользователям доступны и другие продукты Касперского для удаления вирусов, не требующие установки и работы антивируса на компьютере — KVRT и Kaspersky Rescue Disk.
Скачать Kapersky Free можно с официального сайта.
Microsoft Defender
Результаты встроенного в Windows 11 и 10 антивируса Microsoft Defender разнятся от лаборатории к лаборатории: от отличных, до очень хороших, превосходящих некоторые платные аналоги.
Если вы не хотите «заводить» новое стороннее ПО и службы на своём компьютере или ноутбуке с Windows, при этом не относитесь к той группе пользователей, для которых ежедневная загрузка ПО из сомнительных источников — норма, встроенного Microsoft Defender (Защитник Windows) вполне может быть достаточно.
Среди основных претензий к Microsoft Defender — его негативное отношение к нелегальным играм и программам и их компонентам, об этом подробнее в статье: Что делать, если Windows 11 или Windows 10 сама удаляет файлы.
AhnLab V3 Lite
Южнокорейский антивирус AhnLab V3 Lite малоизвестен российскому пользователю, но является бесплатным, показывает одни из лучших результатов в тестах и удобен в использовании. С одной оговоркой: интерфейс на русском языке в нём отсутствует. Использование из России доступно и, если вас не смущает англоязычный интерфейс — можно смело использовать.
Антивирус включает в себя и дополнительные модули, которые в других продуктах обычно предоставляются только в платных версиях, например, связанные с задачами оптимизации системы:
Официальная страница для загрузки доступна (на момент написания материала) только на корейском языке но переводится средствами браузера ли вы можете просто нажать по кнопке слева под заголовком «V3 Lite» для скачивания установщика (он запустится на английском языке.
Официально не работающие в РФ
Большинство тестируемых антивирусов недоступны на официальных сайтах, а компании-разработчики не предоставляют услуги в России. Однако, имеет смысл их перечислить:
Некоторые из этих антивирусов могут работать и из России, если найти путь их загрузки и регистрации учетной записи. Однако, я бы рекомендовал использовать те, где каких-либо ограничений для использования нет.
Мнение пользователей
Перед публикацией статьи я разместил опрос в группе сайта в Telegram, указав известные бесплатные антивирусы и добавив пункт «Другое» с возможностью оставить своё мнение в комментариях. Вы тоже можете проголосовать, посмотреть или оставить комментарии и присоединиться к группе. Голоса распределились следующим образом:
По опросу мнения почти те же, что и в тестах, за исключением отдельных моментов:
- Microsoft Defender — на первом месте. Основная причина, думаю, в том, что он уже установлен и не требует установки стороннего ПО на компьютере.
- В комментариях несколько раз отметили упомянутый выше AhnLab V3 Lite.
- Также в комментариях был отмечен Comodo. В статье выше его нет, так как в последние годы он не участвует в наиболее известных тестах (но антивирус хорош).
Кроме этого там же в комментариях присутствовали положительные отзывы об антивирусных продуктах, не являющихся бесплатными, в частности — Malwarebytes Antivirus и ESET NOD32.
Несмотря на то, что во многих антивирусных продуктах реализованы функции борьбы не только с вирусами как таковыми, но и вредоносными или потенциально нежелательными программами, расширениями, подменой ярлыков браузеров и не только, с этой задачей до сих пор лучше справляются специальные программы (например, AdwCleaner), разрабатываемые именно для этих целей. Они не конфликтуют с антивирусами при работе и позволяют удалить те нежелательные вещи, которые ваш антивирус «не видит». Подробнее о таких программах — Лучшие средства удаления вредоносных программ с компьютера.
Этот рейтинг антивирусов обновляется раз в год и за предшествующие годы в нем накопилось много комментариев с пользовательским опытом по использованию различных антивирусов и других средств защиты ПК. Рекомендую ознакомиться с ними ниже, после статьи — вполне возможно, найдете новую и полезную информацию для себя.
И, завершая, ещё раз уточню, поскольку комментарии из года в год повторяются: если в списке нет антивируса, который вы лично считаете самым лучшим, наиболее вероятно, что причина не в моей предвзятости, а в одном из: он не бесплатный либо не тестируется сразу во многих антивирусных лабораториях.