Here are our top picks for the best free antivirus software available
for both Windows and Mac OS X. Also, check out picks for the best antivirus for Ma
c if you’re exclusively running Apple’s operating system, or our quick guide on how to protect your smartphone or tablet from the Heartbleed OpenSSL security bug.
1. Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+ (Windows)
Lavosoft’s Ad-Aware is one of the most trusted spyware tools and has
been a benchmark in the industry for years given it’s incredibly smooth
installation, non-intrusive notifications, and fantastic results. The
free version of the software provides real-time anti-virus and malware
protection in addition to the latest in sandbox emulation technology,
thus providing overarching protection whether you’re browsing the Web, downloading files or merely checking your email.
It also features a scheduler, an applaudable addition given
Lavosoft’s heavy reliance on user concern and constant updates, and a
less-than-intrusive gaming
mode for silently blocking pesky malware without the notorious pop-up
fanfare that became the staple in the late ’90s. There’s always going to
be room for improvement, specifically when referring to the ineffective
anti-phishing facet and the program’s subpar rootkit protection, but
all of the software’s hallmarks are still there and presented in an
impeccably streamlined way that is both attractive and relatively light
on your system’s memory. Plus, there isn’t a blatant screen nagging
users to upgrade around every corner.
Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+ (Windows)
2. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free (Windows)
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 some of the best and most
comprehensive virus-removal software available, frequently making it
one of the first go-to sources for tech
agencies and support groups alike. The program uses Chameleon
technology to get the application running on already infected systems,
triggering the “mbam-chameleon” app when necessary and helping install
and update any required drivers crucial to the software’s functionality.
Afterward, the app targets any processes that may have blocked
Malwarebytes from running in the first place before scanning for other
system threats. Access to the knowledgeable support network and the slew
of language options are also an added perk to the free software.
Malwarebytes is the premiere removal-only software on our list, but
it’s exclusively removal only; it can’t thwart incoming attacks or
provide real-time protection like AVG or Avast can. Although the paid
version ($25) opens up options for real-time scanning, scheduling, and
increased heuristic updates, the freemium version is more than
sufficient in eradicating deeply-entrenched viruses — even when
commercial products fail to do so.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free (Windows)
3. Microsoft Windows Defender (Windows)
Microsoft’s innate malware protection has slowly been improving over
the years, and we think it’s finally worth a look (albeit briefly).
Although Microsoft Windows Defender is enabled by default — offering
real-time protection against spyware and pop-ups — it can also be
disabled if Windows users want to utilize other defensive programs
instead of the one bundled with your PC. The software’s monitoring
system recommends actions when urgent attention is required, but
interruptions are minimal, helping you stay on task without having to
revert to an annoying dialogue box every five minutes.
The software still supports 64-bit platforms, updates virus
definitions quickly, and sports a easily-navigable user interface
regardless of your operating system. While Defender automatically runs
in the background, you can also manually schedule scanning and removal
times to a time that’s convenient for you or if you notice something
suspicious with your system that leaves you skeptical. Note that
software also provides the same level of malware protection as Microsoft
Security Essentials, hence the latter is not even compatible with the
newer operating system.
Microsoft Windows Defender (Windows)
4. AVG AntiVirus Free 2014 (Windows/Mac OS X/Linux/Mobile)
This popular free anti-virus software packs something extra: free
anti-spyware protection built right in. The malware detection and
removal isn’t as effective a solution as that offered by some of its
competitors, such as Malwarebytes, but the spyware detection makes a
compelling bonus, especially considering that most anti-virus companies
only bundle that functionality into their paid packages. The 2014
edition of the company’s flagship software doesn’t represent a complete
overhaul, but the build is more stable and slightly quicker at detecting
threats, while ensuring deleted files leave no lingering footprint on
your system. Additional tools for filtering incoming and outgoing email
are also available, along with components for monitoring network traffic
and activating an anti-tracking feature within your default browser.
At $50, the paid version offers a more comprehensive feature set —
such as protection for instant messages, downloads, banking, and online
shopping — but opting for the premium version is not a necessity if
you’re simply looking for an easy-to-use, yet effective, virus
protection with a gorgeous grid-based interface to match. Installation
can be a chore, and though we aren’t huge fans of banner ads telling us
to constantly upgrade to the premium version either, the helpful 24-hour
phone support and one-time performance tuneup more than make up for any
irksome aspects of the software. It’s also one of the few antivirus
utilities to transition to a mobile platform, providing handy tools for
remote wiping and locating your Android phone in a pinch.
AVG AntiVirus Free 2014 (Windows/Mac OS X/Linux/Mobile)
5. Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition (Windows)
There’s something to be said for unobtrusive anti-virus software.
While the bulk of software on our roundup features customizable menus
and scan options, Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition revels in a
minimalist interface and lackluster design that renders it one of the
most sleek and low-maintenance of its kind. Though the application
features no configurations of any kind, it automatically scans your
machine in the background using cloud-based detection, subsequently
performing a deeper scan if it comes across any sort malicious software
or red flags. The bundled, real-time virus shield additionally blocks
malicious URL and uses behavior-based detection, protecting against
potential threats even if the application is somewhat difficult to
install on already-infected machines. Balloon notifications are also
brief and muted, appearing briefly near the system tray whenever an
issue arises or the software fixes a diagnosed issue.
Encased in a barebones window housed in the corner of your desktop,
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition keeps to itself. The interface only
offers options for toggling the virus shield and auto scan on and offer,
but it’s enough for the everyday user, and the window’s border
additional doubles as an incredibly-subtle progress bar that changes
color based on whether the software detects malware. Aside from
commendable malware blocking and removal, the lightweight program
doubles as an excellent anti-rootkit and anti-phishing utility, the
latter detecting and blocking fraudulent sites through HTTP-based
scanning. However, at the same time, the application’s lack of features
is also it’s biggest crux. Tech support is exclusively reserved for
email purposes and the program doesn’t offer any sort of in-depth
statistics, remote access, or even allow for file-based control. Still,
it’s hands-off in the best way possible.
6. avast! Free Antivirus (Windows/Mac/Mobile)
Avast Free Antivirus may not be as quick or
intuitive as its paid counterpart after more than 25 years, but it
certainly does the trick on a budget (and it does it well). Aside from
the usual virus and malware protection — along with anti-rootkit and
anti-spyware capabilities — the software comes with a slew of
customizable installation options you can toggle, as well as an Auto
Sandbox that places programs deemed suspicious aside so they don’t harm
your computer. The new UI is impeccably clean and a breeze to use,
featuring a simple navigational pane on the left-hand side and large
interface buttons, and the program even contains a comprehensive remote
assistance feature that allows you to establish a connection and
subsequently take control of a friend’s computer using a provided
permission code. Furthermore, the eight individual “shields” the
software once possessed have been condensed into three (Mail Shield,
File System Shield, and Web Shield), streamlining customization options a minimizing a once-daunting configuration process.
However, Avast Free Antivirus isn’t without
its flaws. Although the software’s new DynaGen technology does an
excellent job at blocking and removing detected malware, the program’s
dual phishing protection is poor and the detection utility has a knack
for deeming valid programs as suspicious, wrongly blocking them in the
process and making it rather difficult to mark programs as exempt from
interference. That being said, many of the program’s customization
options cater to the more tech-savvy crowd despite the arsenal of
beginner tools bundled with the software. However, the browser cleanup
utility, informative statistics panel, and the software’s innate ability
to operate in Safe Mood render it one of the most feature-rich on our
list for any level of computing experience.
avast! Free Antivirus (Windows/Mac/Mobile)
7. Panda Cloud Antivirus (Windows)
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 and
anti-spyware 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 URL and 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
and often requires a substantial amount of time when attempting to clean
an infected system.
Despite fairly impressive detection rates and top-notch rootkit
blocking, the program isn’t the most skilled when it comes to
eradicating malware on infected systems, especially during offline use.
However, it works rather well at preventing infections once
installed on a clean system, while additionally offering a wealth of
tools should Panda Cloud Antivirus prove feeble at ridding your system
of potential threats. The ad-free premium version ($15) offers a bevy of
enhanced features for those seeking advanced security features,
multilingual tech support, a community firewall, and automatic USB
vaccination that helps protect against potentially harmful files found
in portable storage devices. Not too shabby for the cheapest pro
offering on our list.
Panda Cloud Antivirus (Windows)
8. Avira Free Antivirus (Windows/Mac/Mobile)
Independent tests from AV-Comparatives.org
consistently place Avira near the top of the list for detection and
blocking rates — and the latest software is no exception. Clad in a
somewhat cluttered interface and built with the same technology as the
premium Avira packages, the freemium offering touts solid protection
when it comes to viruses, worms, Trojans, and all manners of malware
that may potentially infiltrate your system. The software might be a bit
slow when it comes to installation and execution depending on the
amount of data stored on your machine, but the scanning is
well-optimized and hassle-free once underway, providing quick and
seamless threat detection that ranks among the best. Additionally, the
software provides blocking for spyware and tracking cookies, and
intercepts harmful websites should you opt for the bundled Avira
toolbar.
Once-premium tools like Avira’s
SocialShield parental monitoring program are also included in the free
software, giving users an intuitive way to monitor their children’s
social media habits — assuming they cooperate that is. The bundled 5GB
of online storage is a nice touch as well, along with the complimentary
mobile app for Android and iOS,
but they hardly makes up for the nonexistent tech support and the
program’s relatively large memory footprint. All in all, Avira Free
Antivirus boils down to a competent malware detection and removal
program, but one that will essentially leave you helpless if anything
goes wrong.
Avira Free Antivirus (Windows/Mac/Mobile)
9. Comodo Antivirus Free (Windows/Mac/Linux/Mobile)
Finding a quality security suite that
serves as both an antivirus and firewall is like winning the lottery,
only there’s no money involved with Comodo Antivirus Free. The freemium
software provides a solid line of defense against typical malicious
threats like viruses and other malware, while offering sublime firewall
protection that alerts the user whenever an unknown program attempts to
access the Internet among other actions. The software 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, but comes with a
barrage of warning alerts that often need your attention. Other features
include an Auto Sandbox, cloud-based scanning and behavioral analysis,
and the Chromium-based Dragon browser with Comodo’s SecureDNS service
for added security and privacy while surfing the Web.
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. It also
occasionally flags valid programs as potential threats when you least
expect it. Nevertheless, Comodo has certainly stepped up its game in the
world of free antivirus software, fleshing out a fledgling product’s
capabilities with its latest release and severely toning down the sheer
abundance of ads once littering the interface. Be sure to check out the mobile version of the software for Android phones if you’re looking for privacy, anti-theft, and virus protection on the move.
Comodo Antivirus Free (Windows/Mac/Linux/Mobile)
10. Emsisoft Emergency Kit Free (Windows)
While Emsisoft’s kit won’t protect malware from infecting your system
in the first place, the software collection does a nice job of cleaning
up malware-seeped machines that are unable to install some of the more
robust antivirus software elsewhere on our list. The intuitive kit has
little trouble working working alongside other antivirus software and is
designed for experts and novice alike, incorporating both an automatic
and a manual commandline scanner catered to more advanced users and
those looking to do batch jobs. It’s also entirely installation-free,
meaning users can quickly run the program off a portable drive when
installing antivirus software on an already-riddled system is out of the
question. And though it doesn’t handle rootkits, it does an excellent
job of removing most malware without placing unnecessary strain on your
system.
It’s not the most extensive program when it comes to functionality
and elaborate features, but Emsisoft Emergency Kit Free is still great
little tool for the worst case scenario, especially when combined with
the included HiJackFree and BlitzBank software that provides
considerably more control over your system. We recommend extracting the
software contents to a portable flash drive so you’ll be better prepared
just in case the worst does befall on you.
Emsisoft Emergency Kit Free (Windows)
What do you think of our top picks for the best free antivirus
software on the market? Do you have another recommendation for combating
the viral legions of malware? Let us know in the comments below.
