Best free antivirus software

Check out our picks for the best free antivirus software so you can rid your system of possibly damaging adware and other malware.

We all know there are tons of impending viruses and other malware just waiting to wreak havoc on our computers. From worms to Trojans, malware saturates the software landscape. Luckily, there’s just as many free antivirus programs to combat the threat of an impending invasion. If you’re looking for protection but don’t want to shell out the money for peace of mind, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up some of the best free antivirus programs that money doesn’t have to buy.

Ad-Aware Free Internet Security

Lavosoft’s Ad-Aware is one of the most trusted spyware tools and has been a benchmark in the industry for years. The free version provides real-time anti-virus and malware protection, and the latest in emulation technology and identity protection. Also featuring a scheduler, Lavosoft is excellent at continually updating software based on user concern. It even has a silent “game mode” option to subdue those pesky pop-up notices we all know and loathe.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

Much has happened since Malwarebytes first introduced its application back in early 2008. Now boasting a whopping 200 million downloads worldwide (and counting), Malwarebytes offers quite a bit more for the nonexistent price tag. It continues to provide advanced malware protection and quick removal while utilizing Chameleon technology to get the application running on already infected systems. When malware blocks Malwarebytes from running properly, the software triggers the “mbam-chameleon” app that helps install and update the necessary drivers required for the program to run. The app then targets the processes that blocked Malwarebytes from running in the first place before scanning for other threats. Access to the knowledgeable support network and the slew of language options are an added perk to the free software. The paid version, which costs $25, opens up real-time scanning and a scheduler for updates and scans.

Microsoft Windows Defender

This software has slowly been improving over the years, and we think it’s finally worth a look. Microsoft Windows Defender offers real-time protection against spyware and pop-ups, and helps improve overall performance. Its monitoring system recommends actions when urgent attention is required, but interruptions are minimal, which helps you stay on task. The software supports 64-bit platforms, updates quickly, and sports a simple user interface.  You can also schedule your scanning and removal times to a time that’s convenient for you. Be sure to check the system requirements as Windows Defender no longer supports Windows 2000 or any other prior version of the Windows operating system.

AVG Free Anti-Virus

This popular free anti-virus software packs something extra: free anti-spyware protection built right in. It isn’t as potent an anti-virus solution as some free competitors, like Avira AntiVir Personal, but the spyware detection makes a compelling bonus, especially considering that most anti-virus companies (including Avira) only bundle that functionality into their paid packages. At $50, the paid version offers protection for instant messages, email, downloads, and identity theft, as well as phone support. A mobile version of the software with added incentives, such as a remote wipe and a phone locator, is also available for Android smartphones.

Avast Free Antivirus

Avast Free Antivirus isn’t as quick or intuitive as its paid counterpart, Avast Pro Antivirus, but it certainly does the trick on a budget. Aside from the usual virus and spyware protection, the software comes with a slew of customizable installation options that you can toggle, as well as an Auto Sandbox that places programs deemed suspicious aside so they don’t harm your computer. It also dons a visually appealing UI and contains a comprehensive remote assistance feature that allows you to establish a connection with other users when you need a bit of help. The program’s customizable options cater to the more tech-savvy crowd, but the default settings will do just fine for any beginner.

Panda Cloud Antivirus

What sets Panda Cloud Antivirus apart from its competitors is in the name: the cloud. The program primarily uses cloud computing, meaning remote servers carry the weight of scanning and carrying out various antivirus functions so your computer doesn’t have to. The software is relatively lightweight – it doesn’t require much in the way of resources – and runs off a local cache when the network is unavailable. It also provides options for Web filtering along with optimized and custom scanning to isolate specific folders and files. It doesn’t get much simpler than Panda Cloud Antivirus, but simplicity sometimes comes at a cost; the software is notorious for bogging down your system. The ad-free paid version ($30) features multilingual tech support, a community firewall, and automatic USB vaccination that helps protect against potentially harmful files found in portable storage devices.

Avira Free Antivirus

Independent tests from AV-Comparatives.org consistently place Avira near the top of the list for detection rates – and the latest software is no exception. When it comes to viruses, worms, and Trojans, Avira Free Antivirus offers solid protection and performance while maintaining a sleek user interface that is easy to navigate and customize depending on your level of expertise. Although a bit slow depending on the amount of data stored on your machine, scanning is well-optimized and hassle-free once underway. However, some aspects of the software can be overly complicated at times and the accompanying toolbar is a double-edged sword, adding greater security bundled with ads.

Comodo Antivirus Free

Comodo Antivirus Free provides a solid line of defense against typical malicious threats like viruses and other malware. It also protects against other infectious sources, including email, instant messaging, and gaming. Its built-in detection technology, Defense+, prohibits anything to run other than the most trusted software, and comes with a barrage of warning alerts. Other features include Auto Sandbox, and a firewall (even in the free version). Although the software may be a bit paranoid, upping the ante when it comes to over-the-top malware detection, it falls a bit short when it comes to disabling what it has deemed potentially hazardous. 

What do you think of our best free antivirus software list? Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below.

[Main image via Pavel Ignatov/ShutterStock]