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)
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