The best antivirus - free software There's no denying that the paid-for premium antivirus packages will have a particular allure for those who want the smoothest run, or the most security. Here are my picks for the best free Mac antiviruses in 2020: Sophos — #1 pick for 2020.; Avira — Comes with real-time malware protection and it’s easy to set up and use.; Bitdefender — Lightweight software. Does some great quick and easy Mac scanning. Malwarebytes — Only malware scanning and removal.; TotalAV — Great tools for cleaning and optimizing Mac performance.

Looking for the best free antivirus software?

Keeping your Laptop or PC (Windows or Mac) safe is important, so antivirus software is a must.

But when you go to any so-called free. software download sites, you quickly find out that they aren’t really free. You have to pay big bucks after using the 30-day free trial or be stuck with a “free” software that doesn’t have any of the actual features that make it useful.

What if you don’t want to part with $100s of dollars?

Well, handily enough, there are plenty of antivirus tools available for Windows and other platforms that won’t cost you a penny!

Here is a list of the best free antivirus software for this year.

1. Kaspersky Free

• Download Kapersky Free here:https://usa.kaspersky.com/free-antivirus

Kaspersky will protect your PC from viruses.

It offers a free and a paid version of its software. There are some differences between the two, which we’ll discuss below.

Pros

• Secures your PC: It uses award-winning technologies to secure your PC. It automatically receives real-time data about new threats, which helps to protect your PC from range of digital dangers. Also it offers great phishing protection.
• Blocks content: It blocks dangerous files and apps.
• Protects you against suspicious websites: It warns you about suspicious websites.
• Automatically receives updates: So your antivirus software will always be up to date.

Cons

• Certain features aren’t available in the free version: For example, the paid version gives you protection when you’re banking or shopping online. And, it also manages and stores passwords. However, you don’t get those features on the free version. So it’s a little more basic compared to the paid version.

Overall, Kaspersky is an excellent piece of software that performs incredibly well. And it’s definitely one of the best out there.

2. AVG Antivirus Free

• Download AVG Antivirus Free here:https://www.avg.com/en-us/free-antivirus-download

AVG Antivirus Free is another great piece of software that’s totally free to use.

Pros

• Protects your PC: It stops viruses, spyware, ransomware and other malware.
• Blocks things: Blocks unsafe links, downloads, and email attachments.
• Scans your PC: It also scans your PC for performance problems.
• Gives you security updates: You’ll get real-time security updates.

Cons

• Slow scanning: Some people report that it scans slower than average.

This is another one that has a paid version as well. The paid version has a few more features like an enhanced firewall that keeps hackers away, and it also helps you to avoid fake websites for safer shopping.

Overall, it offers lots of good features for free.

3. Bitdefender Free Antivirus Software

• Download Bitdefender Free Antivirus Software here: https://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/free.html

Bitdefender offers antivirus protection for Windows.

Pros

• Quick: The program is quick to install and light on computer resources so it won’t slow down your PC.
• Real-time protection: Bitdefender uses behavioral detection to closely monitor your active apps. It takes instant action when it detects anything suspicious.
• Offers virus scanning and malware removal: Its scan engines ensure that all malware from viruses to spyware are detected and removed.
• Protects against internet fraud: It protects you against phishing by blocking, by default, websites that pretend to be legit in order to steal your data. And it protects you from fraud by detecting suspicious webpage behavior and stops your financial data from being stolen.

Cons

• It’s not customizable: You cannot do quick scans or schedule scans.

Overall, for free software it’s excellent – it may have few features, but it runs so quickly, offering great protection from viruses and malware.

4. Avast Free Antivirus

• Download Avast Free Antivirus here:https://www.avast.com/en-us/free-antivirus-download

Avast offers free virus protection for Windows PC. It’s also available for MAC and Android devices.

Pros

• It’s light: Avast’s software is light, meaning that it won’t slow down your PC.
• Blocks viruses: It detects and blocks viruses, malware, spyware, ransomware and phishing.
• It offers real-time protection: By analyzing unknown files before they get to you, Avast protects you in real-time.
• Offers extra features: Considering it’s free Avast offers tons of bonus features, like password management and the Wi-Fi Inspector tool that will detect weaknesses in your home Wi-Fi and strangers who may be using your network.

Cons

• Many features aren’t available in the free version: Avast offers a few different plans, one of which is free and the others, you need to pay for. There are also additional tools that you can pay for. For example, you won’t get the Ransomware Shield or Firewall. So with the free version you are getting a more limited selection of antivirus tools.

With the extra features, Avast is certainly one of the best out there!

5. Avira Free Antivirus

• Download Avira Free Antivirus here:https://www.avira.com/en/free-antivirus-windows

Avira provides software for Windows, and it won’t cost you a penny!

Pros

• Effective protection: Avira Free Antivirus offers malware protection, cleans adware and removes spyware.
• Repairs: It will also repair damaged files.
• It’s customizable: This is always handy!

Cons

• It impacts system-performance: Although it claims to be light, it’s pretty heavy on system resources.
• Many of its extra features are trialware. So many of its tools are actually limited trials – basically teases for paid services.

Avira is a good option, but it doesn’t offer quite as much as Kaspersky and Bitdefender do, which puts it down our list a little.

6. Sophos Home Free

• Download Sophos Home Free here:https://home.sophos.com/en-us/free-anti-virus-windows.aspx

Sophos Home is another software company offering free and paid versions of its products.

Pros

• Offers protection against a variety of things: This software protects against known viruses, malware, Trojans, worms, bots, potentially unwanted apps (PUAs), ransomware and more.
• Provides parental website filtering: This lets you control what content your kids can view online.
• Provides web protection: Using its blacklist database, Sophos Home blocks compromised or dangerous websites.

Cons

• Many of its features expire after 30 days: Sophos has a version of its software that is always free. But many of the free features advertised on the site are only available with a complimentary trial of Sophos Premium, which is the paid version of the software.

7. Panda Free Antivirus

• Download Panda Antivirus Free here: https://www.pandasecurity.com/usa/homeusers/solutions/free-antivirus/

Panda Free Antivirus offers protection for Windows and Android devices.

Pros

• Protects against all types of threats: You get protection against all types of malware and spyware. This tool claims to keep you protected at all times with free, up-to-the-minute updates.
• It’s customizable: You can schedule periodic scans and/or scan your computer whenever you want to.
• It offers USB protection as well: It scans all USB drives when you insert them into your PC, protecting you from malware.
• Offers a PC recovery system: It’s called the Panda Rescue Kit. You can run an advanced scan of your PC or create a rescue USB drive you can use to boot and clean infected PCs that won’t start – this is a great feature.

Cons

• Fewer features with the free version: As is the case with many of these no-cost tools, the free version has more limited features compared to the paid version.

8. Windows Defender

• Learn more about Windows Defender here:https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/comprehensive-security

Surprisingly, the software that comes with windows is pretty good at keeping your PC safe.

Pros

• It’s built-in: It’s already on your PC, so there’s no need to install anything. You can get started with it right away.
• Offers real-time protection: So you can keep your computer safe from viruses and malware.
• Small performance impact: It won’t slow down your PC, which is great.

Cons

• It’s pretty basic: Windows Defender, while effective at protecting your PC from malware and viruses, is pretty bare bones, offering few bells and whistles.

9. Malwarebytes Free

• Download Malwarebytes Free here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/comprehensive-security

Malwarebytes has both a free version and a paid version. When you first sign up, you get a trial of the Premium version. Once the free trial version has expired, you will stick with the free version, unless you decide you want to pay for the upgrade.

Pros

• Offers different scanning options: You can do a quick scan or a full scan if you want, depending on your needs. This is always useful! The quick scan is good when you’re in a hurry.
• Get it on multiple platforms: It’s available for a wide range of platforms, including Windows, MAC, Android, and iOS.
• Works well alongside other software: So you can use it alongside software, like Windows Defender, for example.

Cons

• The free version is limited: For example, it doesn’t offer real-time protection, whereas the paid version does. If you use it alongside Windows Defender though, which does offer real-time protection it works great.

10. ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus

• Download ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus here: https://www.zonealarm.com/software/free-antivirus/

Another good piece of antivirus software is ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus.

Pros

• Offers protection: It blocks viruses and malware.
• Keeps you secure online: It secures your identity and online privacy.
• Keeps your PC and files safe: It shields hackers from accessing your PC, and keeps your files safe with data encryption.

Cons

• It’s a little basic: It doesn’t offer too many extra features.

Closing Thoughts

There are so many places that offer free antivirus software. So if you want to keep your PC protected you don’t have to pay anything to do so.

Of course, paid software usually does offer more bells and whistles. However, free programs can be great if you are on a budget.

Let us know about your favorite budget-friendly antivirus software in the comments section below.

If you are looking for the best free antivirus software for your windows or mac PC / laptop then this article will give you the best list of free antivirus software which you can use in 2020.

Introduction:

Almost every PC or Laptop in the world has antivirus installed in them. The danger of your PC or laptop getting infected by any malware, virus or ransomware which might leak your important information to some hacker or other 3rd party which might take advantage of that information we understand the use of best free antivirus software as we know how valuable our information and content stored in our PCs and laptops are.

But, what annoys the most is the validity completion of these antivirus programs.

Malware just needs a few seconds to enter into your PCs code and infect them, thus without a delay you can simply consider some of the best free antivirus or spyware removal tools in 2020.

Did you know a successful ransomware attack happens in just 14 seconds and the hackers try every second to breach the security of your system as well.

A research states that an average data breach of companies can cost upto $3.8 million.

Infact, cybercrime is growing significantly year after year thus, creators of antivirus try to bring out the best service in order to protect your PC.

But, these malware creators are savvy enough to come up with new ways to gain access to your PCs.

So, to protect your valuable information you can also look for top free antivirus packages and software. They not only protect your data from ransomware, and other viruses but also helps your business grow in a secure manner.

Instead of worrying about your data, with the help of these upgraded and robust antivirus programs you can rest assured and focus on new strategies for your business growth and development.

Thus, scroll down among these top free antivirus software for both PCs and laptops.

List of 14 Best Free Antivirus For Windows And Mac:

Free on-demand virus scanners and Firewall programs are available for quick and easy installation.

All these software automatically update and run continuously 24×7 to ensure that the files, folders and other important are protected from the malware.

Not all have similar features, some are absolutely different and has their own ways to perform a scan and remove malware and other virus from the PCs and Laptops.

So, let’s check them out so that you can choose the most relevant best free antivirus for your PC.

1. Avira Free Security:

With one of the brilliant features “Protection Cloud ”, Avira Free Security scans, identifies and stops threats to your PC.

The scanning method is designed in a way that when Avira’s software suite suspects a malicious file on any computer, it quickly generates a fingerprint of that file. Later, the file is scanned thoroughly and a report is generated to the user of the computer.

Avira is also an efficient threats remover that not just detects them but also stops them from affecting your PC. Avira lets you decide on which dialer, joke, or adware to enable and which to disable.

The software also contains several layers of security that force stops the trojans, spyware, and other kinds of malware from breaching in.

This free antivirus software is compatible with Windows 7,8, as well as 10. Avira is also secure and is a great antivirus for macOS as well.

With extensive features like password manager, software and driver updater, automatically repair, delete, and quarantine threats so that your PC always stays tuned up. Avira also helps reduce your PCs boot time and enhance the speed.

2. Bitdefender Antivirus Free:

A must try Antivirus program which is free from the clutters of buttons and menus. Despite its minimal designs, this software is quite preferred.

In order to run the software and scan all your files to protect them against malware you can simply drag and drop files and folders.

This antivirus lets you either scan your full system or just a single object. Bitdefender keeps history of all the scans that are running which are saved in the Events area of the settings.

Bitdefender’s professional program and scheduled scans can keep you away from the threats. Its remarkable way to protect against viruses, worms, rootkits, spyware, and other threats give you a sense of satisfaction about your personal data protection.

Bitdefender Antivirus free edition runs seamlessly on Windows 7, 8, and the latest 10. It not just scans files on all kinds of windows but also provides protection against phishing and fraud when you’re browsing through the internet.

3. Adaware Antivirus Free:

One of the lightest and best free antivirus for pc and Windows laptops offers two ways to run the software. With the regular way you can check the threats on your data. The other way is using the primary antivirus program.

Even if the automated scanning is disabled, you can simply use the manual scan for checking the real-time threats. However, this feature can be used when your primary antivirus program fails to find hidden threats in your PC.

What makes an Adware antivirus program different from others is, it lets you choose a custom performance to use more system resources. You can also decide on the time duration of each scan occurrence.

You can get daily, weekly and even monthly scan reports about the rootkits, tracking cookies, boot sector virus, spyware, and ransomware.

Adaware offers both free and paid versions where the latter has extra features like parental controls, advanced network, web and email protection.

However, the free version offers to protect your program’s setting through PIN and suppress the notification option, deep scanning of files and folders, scans email database, archive files and, more.

Adware Antivirus for free is compatible with Windows 7.8, and 10 and won’t need any license key to run unless you purchase an Adaware antivirus Pro version.

4. Avast Free Antivirus:

One of the most preferred and trusted by millions of people, Avast Antivirus comes on the list of top Antivirus software for free for windows and macOS. This robust software has its own antivirus software for android as well.

This easy to use software can be customized as per your needs. However, Avast contains similar features to Avira with some exceptional virus shield to protect and secure the data within the device.

What’s best about this anti-ransomware is that it pops out a small description besides the buttons and the features it offers.

Thus, you do not have to go through any instruction manual or search for any terms elsewhere. Avast gives you full freedom to change the notification sound when a threat occurs, duration of the alert, number and types of files that need scanning, and more.

Apart from scanning whole system and keeping you aware of the threats, Avast has some exceptional tools like web, mail, file and behavior shield, software updater, browser cleaner, rescue disk, Wifi inspector, security & SafePrice browser extensions, password manager, junk file cleaners and game mode.

Wow, that’s a lot of features in just a single yet free antivirus software which is compatible with all kinds of device and OS!

5. Panda Dome Free Antivirus:

Unlike Avast, Panda Security has minimal designs and less features. But, this free antivirus program for PC installs in your computer in minutes.

You can find all its options in the program settings, as you won’t find them in CPU or memory hog. As Bitdefender, Panda Dome allows both automatic as well as manual scanning of your system. This antivirus seamlessly scans files through compressed folders as well as unwanted programs.

Previously learned as Panda Free Antivirus, this program also holds some exceptional features like – behavioural and analysis scanning options, asking before neutralising any virus, blocking files from running until results, warnings if the data appears harmful when obtained from the cloud.

Panda Dome lets you password protect your entire application, enable USB protection scan, monitor running processes, record every scan or program running to report, and a gaming or multimedia option inability or disability.

The minimal designs and buttons are smartly put as only the necessary appears on the front which enables you to quickly scan through data to check for threats.

Panda Dome is available and compatible with all versions of Windows to use, also Windows XP.

6. AVG AntiVirus Free:

The Best Mac Antivirus Software For Free Cnet

Another easy to use free antivirus program, AVG is a simple and robust program that effectively scans threats in archives, removes viruses right away, scans USB, and runs boot-time scans. A simple scan button is displayed in the middle of the screen to make it easier for the user to navigate.

Like other other free antivirus software for MacOS & PC, AVG’s antivirus supports Windows 7,8,10, Mac 10.10 Yosemite and above as well as Android too.

AVGs software is highly customizable, which means you can effortlessly set your scanning schedule, make changes in the settings, enable rootlet detection, enable hardcore mode, and Cybercpature that detects even the hidden files.

AVG Antivirus contains some of the brilliant components which you can enable during your installation like – File Shield, Behavior Shield, Web Shield, Email Shield, Safe Price browser extension, file shredder, cleanup, and do not disturb mode.

However, when you choose to scan the file – AVG only checks and includes those that may contain danger content. Those files that use file extensions like EXE are regarded as possible threatening files for your PC or device.

Another component of AVG which could be considered is a file shredder tool. This tool is used to overwrite files which uses data destruction methods like DoD 5220.22 M, Gutmann, or Random Data.

7. COMODO Antivirus:

Another top and best free antivirus for your PC, COMODO has two different faces for different types of use. Depending upon the level of complexity, you can set your complex level of this software. COMODO also lets you select an auto-run scanning feature for different types of scans like full scan, quick scan, scan only the infected areas or customise your scan.

COMODO has in-built sandbox technology which quickly isolates the affected programs for further infection.

Other components of COMODO antivirus lets you decompress and scan archives, use and supports cloud-based scanning, automatically delete threats, enable heuristics scanning, check the running files with any threats, skip large size files, run scan for full system as well as delete PuPs and more.

COMODO antivirus program has some other interesting virtualisation features. This feature can be considered as a demo of COMODO. This feature lets you run any program on its virtual space separately, launching programs to check how exactly the antivirus works when a virus attacks.

Apart from scanning and providing advance reports of scan like HIPS and VirusScope, COMODO has other components. COMODO’s free antivirus software for PCs supports both Mac and Windows of all versions.

Some of its components that are worth checking are – password protection for program, floating desktop widget, customize HIPS rules, turn on the silent mode, force auto-containment of suspicious files, unique password for Virtual Desktop feature.

8. FortiClient:

This top free antivirus program has multiple unique features within which makes it an exceptional choice of antivirus for users.

Unlike other Antivirus software for PCs, FortiClient offers a parental control feature, manual checking for vulnerabilities, functions as a VPN client, and above all a free firewall protection shield.

Some other exceptional features when installing this software are – blocked URL and site categories that are susceptible. FortiClient scans illegal sites, bandwidth-consuming sites, content relating to hacking, erotic, games, advertisements shopping, child abuse, plagiarism, and others.

It scans the most important primary entry points for malware which is – network drive, removable drive, email attachments, and web downloads through its Sandbox feature.

FortiClient interface is easy to understand with easy to read content. The software supports all kinds of Operating systems.

Unlike other software, FortiClient is one of the preferred free antivirus for Linus, MacOS, and Windows. The software supports all versions of Windows, and contains web filtering tools and VPN access for Chromebook, Chrome Browser for iOS and Android devices as well.

9. Immunet Antivirus:

Metallic interface that reminds of old 2D bland designs, Immunet Antivirus doesn’t seem as attractive as other antivirus available for free. Do not judge its performance by its musty design, this antivirus is capable enough to detect any bot, virus, worm, trojan, keylogger, and spyware in no time.

Immunet Antivirus offers real-time protection and scans for your PC where the features can be customized as required.

An optimum choice for those looking for a free antivirus software of windows 10, Immunet has three scanning modes – Flash scan, Custom scan, and Full Scan.

The software enables you to schedule daily, weekly or monthly scan or manually scan directly from the explorer, file or folder.

Run a Flash Scan right after the installation of the software to check the running threats as well as toggle archives and packed files scanning.

Immunet free antivirus has been tested on Windows 7, 8, and 10. It also works on Windows Server 2016/2012/2008 R2.

10. Kaspersky Security Cloud Free:

If you are looking for a less complex and just limited core antivirus functionality in a software, then Kaspersky Security Cloud free antivirus for PC is a perfect solution.

From malware protection to other protection like email scans, anti-phishing, and many more that a small business needs are available within this software.

Kaspersky has lightning fast virus scanning features with smart self-protection routines that makes it an overall great virus protection software.

It has a highly intelligent firewall protection feature that secures you from the undiscovered threats. Moreover, it delays the automatic scans and reduces the display animation if the CPU runs too high.

Kaspersky’s Self-defense property blocks all attempts to change or delete the software’s processes, registry items, and installation files.

Some of its features which makes it a competitive software – delete malicious tools with rootkit detection, password protect program, schedule quick auto-scan of external drives, and many more.

Kaspersky antivirus supports and can seamlessly run on Windows 7, 8 and, 10. With an AV engine, this smart security system offers a secure VPN option which is compatible with mobile devices and MacOS as well.

11. ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus:

A mix of both antivirus software and firewall protection shield for your PC. ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus gives you the best of both as it scans threats, Trojans, malware and other ransomware and stops them from breaching in your computer to trouble your valuable content.

This brilliant all-in-one antivirus software can be set to automatically run quick scans or full scans. It not only stops real-time threats but also keeps check over the cloud-based security.

ZoneAlarm firewall protection shield blocks all the fragments, public & trusted servers and enables ARP protection. You can manually set a pop-up notification when a suspicious activity occurs.

The gamer mode is the most interesting feature of this firewall protection program which blocks the inlet of updates, alerts and other notifications during games. Password protection feature enables complex protection of the program.

In order to have a backup of your program you can enable its security backup settings and restore them later.

12. Norton Antivirus by Symantec:

Those looking for a top free antivirus for MacOS as well as business solutions, Norton antivirus is worth considering. One of the oldest AV software is mature enough to find hideous and hidden threats in your PC which makes it more reliable than any other antivirus in the market.

The brand holder Symantec is very popular and also provides endpoint security in many applications.

This feature rich antivirus is swift and lab-tested for ultimate protection of your PC and data within it. Symantec contains some advanced protection feature which makes it the most preferred choice.

Norton Antivirus by Symantec is an intelligent firewall program that brings in top-notch browsing protection, PC maintenance utilities, and a bundled backup tool with 2GB online storage.

However, as per its features you won’t find its interface as attractive but it sure has a robust anti-ransomware testing feature to stop threats from affecting your valuable files.

Additionally, like other antivirus programs Norton also has a premium version that allows you to have full control.

Moreover, it gives you a two-way firewall that helps you block applications, password management to keep accounts secure and a VPN that runs on a strict no logging policy with unlimited data.

13. McAfee Antivirus Plus:

One of the top recommendations by millions for MacOS, McAfee Antivirus plus is another reliable software to be considered.

A real-time antivirus suite that gives complete protection to your Mac from threatening malware, ransomware, trojans and other viruses.

McAfee has a brilliant feature – SiteAdvisor that can easily identify phishing sites and defeat their attempts to breach your PC. This feature of McAfee is quite close to be stated as a perfect tool to block phishing especially for Mac users.

Apart from blocking and scanning threats, this antivirus free software comes with a personal firewall. Along with it comes a license policy which can be installed and used in both Mac as well as Windows devices easily.

14. Sophos Home:

A multi-device protection created that works seamlessly on both MacOS and Windows. What sets it apart from others is its central management console, advanced ransomware protection feature and most importantly is the AI-powered threat detection feature.

With a capable antivirus engine, Sophos home is a free antivirus program designed in a way that even a novice can easily navigate to its features.

Unlike other attractive interfaces, Sophos home has a very simple design with a simple web management console to take control over the software.

This software has been testified thoroughly and comes out to be a successful robust antivirus, anti-ransomware protection.

Comparatively, its premium version gives greater value for those who wish to protect multiple devices at a time. Else this simple and limited options Sopho is worth considering firewall protection software for your PC.

To Conclude:

We know that everytime the creators of malware and viruses are up with some new ways to breach in the PCs and laptops to access your valuable content.

But, their attempts are always blocked by the robust Antivirus which you have installed in your PC or laptop. Which is why antivirus protection has been the need of the hour.

These top free antivirus software for Windows, macOS and android devices have been thoroughly tested to ensure that they never fail to stop these malware, virus and other unwanted practices to reach your PC or laptop and have a full access to your valuable information.

Best Antivirus For Mac

Try out these best free antivirus programs to keep your important information safe from hackers.