Best Free Antivirus [Top Free Antivirus Software ] | List of Best Virus Removal Program |

Windows PC users need a strong antivirus program to ward off malware attacks, to keep their computers running efficiently and to safeguard their online identities and personal information. Paid antivirus suites have many features to protect children online, manage security on mobile devices, and monitor a computer's firewall, software updates and other features. But some users just don't want to — or can't — pay a yearly subscription fee for those extra features.

The increased variety of devices used for browsing and working on documents has led to an increase in the demand for antivirus software. The common debate regarding antivirus software revolves between the paid and free programs. Installing a free antivirus software program allows you to have a free trial and then decide which antivirus software you would like to use permanently. The free antivirus software you use will prove to be extensively effective on your computer or device as it prevents the attack executed by viruses and several other malware types.

Given below are the top free antivirus software that will help you in choosing the perfect one for your computer or device:

Top Free Antivirus Software - List of 2018

1.    Comodo Free Antivirus

2.    Avira Free Antivirus

3.    Avast Free Antivirus

4.    AVG Free Antivirus

5.    Kaspersky Lab Internet Security

6.    Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition

7.    Sophos Home Free Antivirus

8.    Microsoft Windows Defender

Comodo Free Antivirus is considered to be a feature-rich product offering a completely free edition. Regarded as one of the strictest solutions, it ensures that all programs that are executed pass via its scanner nose. This top free antivirus software is also available with a cloud scanning option that is constantly kept updated with the most recent threats. It keeps getting better, as and when the new users keep uploading their data. All the basic and vital options are displayed in the form of big buttons on the home screen. It is also possible to opt for the advanced view in this best free antivirus featuring Viruscope, Auto-Sandbox, and Host Intrusion Prevention System.

Avira Free Antivirus has established itself as one of the most popular security solutions with millions of customers all over the world, since its launch in 1986. The complete look of the Avira home window is clean along with clear buttons for all the settings. Different options are available for malware scanning and blocking. This antivirus protects computers by actively operating in the background. The cloud protection feature offers an extra security layer by scanning the items shared by the users and then pushing the changes in the antivirus definition updates. Avira’s Pro version features the benefits of phishing and ransomware protection besides game mode for extra convenience and USB drive and email scanning.

Avast Free Antivirus has a simple installation feature but you will have to take care of the add-ons like Google Toolbar and Chrome. Besides regular malware scanning, Avast Free Antivirus software is capable of scanning all the installed programs and guaranteeing that everything is safe and fine. Based on your convenience and need, you will be able to choose either the advanced or easy setting. Avast free antivirus is also available with Browser Cleanup option, smart gaming mode, Software Updater, and Home Network Security.

AVG Free Antivirus is another a dependable choice for virus scanning and protection. You will have to keep a close watch on checkboxes during the installation process. AVG, one of the best free antivirus software presently available, does not interfere a lot with your operating system and has very less impact on the boot process. It offers a solid protection against various types of malware and also keeps a close check on websites and emails and other online activity. For Windows and Mac, this antivirus software provides a web portal for web protection and spying and data theft protection without the need for personal registration.

Kaspersky Lab Internet Security solves your security needs by offering a suite that comprises of antivirus, parental control, spam filtering, firewall, phishing protection, etc. Though not many changes in the latest edition, the main window allows you to just choose the key options of Update, Scan, etc. Enhanced features like online shopping protection, vulnerability scanner, webcam and audio protection are also available.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition has a multi-device license allowing you to select the platform you desire to have. You also obtain a central account in order to manage all the devices. This top free antivirus edition has features like malicious URL blocking, On-Demand scan, and phishing protection. Some of its noteworthy features are anti-malware and antiphishing, near-perfect malware detection rate, real-time protection, and autopilot.

Sophos Home Free Antivirus is a top free antivirus software offering enterprise-grade security for your home. This free software scans your system for deadly viruses and also keeps a close watch on your web activity. Its inbuilt web protection blocks websites that are unsafe. Unwanted apps are also blocked with the help of the app detection feature.

Microsoft Windows Defender is a free, easy to use virus detection software integrated into Windows. It prevents the need for installing any third-party software and never asks you to upgrade to a paid product. Recently, it succeeded in scoring well by killing the prevalent and widespread malware. However, based on the performance front it does not match the paid products, but things are expected to improve since Microsoft is greatly focusing on the security front in Windows 10.

Best free antivirus software

Pay for antivirus software from biggies like Norton and Kaspersky and it'll cost around £30 per year. Yet you can get free software which, while not quite as effective or full of features as paid-for programs, still keeps on top of threats. Regardless of which route you take, remember:

Hackers develop new bugs constantly. All these free antivirus programs offer regular updates, so make sure you get them.

It's not just about how up-to-date your software is though. If you're not using it, what's the point? Try to fit in a full 'on-demand' scan once a week, where the virus scanner goes through all the files on your hard drive. That should make sure nothing slips through the net.

Something to bear in mind. The software listed below will protect your computer from viruses, but it won't generally offer the same level of functionality as paid-for internet security software. While some free software does include extras, if there's a specific feature you want such as Wi-Fi protection or secure shopping, it's worth checking both free and paid-for options before making a choice.

Antivirus: Free PC software downloads

There are plenty of free downloads available for Windows – here we separate the wheat from the chaff.

Free to those with 'genuine' Windows
WINDOWS DEFENDER

Windows Defender comes pre-installed on all 'genuine' versions (ie, not installed on more than one computer or counterfeit) of Windows 8 and later.

It runs in the background and tells you when you need to take specific action. You can use it anytime to search for malware if your computer isn’t working properly, but reviews are mixed on how thorough the scans are.

Free, only available on Windows 7
MICROSOFT SECURITY ESSENTIALS

Microsoft's Security Essentials antivirus package is completely free to users of 'genuine' Windows machines, so it'll verify yours. As newer versions of Windows use Windows Defender, Microsoft Security Essentials is only for Windows 7 (XP, and more recently Vista, are no longer supported).

The software's unobtrusive and provides quick and comprehensive protection from viruses, trojans, and spyware. For casual Windows users, it feels and runs like part of the regular operating system rather than an added extra. But some experts say it's not as good as it used to be.

DOWNLOAD: WINDOWS

Feature-rich antivirus software
AVAST FREE ANTIVIRUS

The company behind Avast Antivirus Free boasts hundreds of millions of users. And because it's such a well-reviewed and feature-rich piece of software, it's leapfrogged Avira's Antivirus in our rankings.

It's also added a feature called CyberCapture, which detects unusual files based on the firm's huge database collated from its millions of users.

DOWNLOAD: WINDOWS

The techies' pick of the freebies
AVIRA FREE ANTIVIRUS 2018

The free antivirus software of choice for many techies,  Avira topped many tech publications' free antivirus round-ups by providing the most thorough and fastest protection.

If you have the know-how, it'll do everything you want it to, but it's best for those that know their way around a PC.

DOWNLOAD: WINDOWS

Robust protection and bonus features
PANDA FREE ANTIVIRUS

Panda Security's free antivirus software has been praised by reviewers for its detection rates, and has scored better than paid-for programmes in independent tests. Plus it includes features not often found in (free) antivirus software.

For example, it prevents USB drives running software automatically when inserted into your computer – as well as vaccinates your own USB sticks against infection from other PCs – and a monitoring function to highlight security information about current running applications.

DOWNLOAD: WINDOWS

Good option if you don't need support
AVG ANTIVIRUS FREE

Acquired by Avast in 2016, antivirus stalwart AVG is still available as a separate piece of software.

The protection provided by AVG AntiVirus Free, is reasonably thorough but doesn't offer any real tech support.

AVG is unobtrusive, doesn't use too many resources, and will regularly auto-update. It includes LinkScanner, a real-time threat detector which checks links out when you're surfing the web (on Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer and Operaonly), and marks unsafe threats with red flags.

DOWNLOAD: WINDOWS

Antivirus: Free Mac downloads

There aren't as many options for OS X as there are for Windows, though the general consensus is Mac users are at less of a risk.

It's still worth protecting yourself though, as recently there's been an increasing number of viruses for Macs circulating the web.

Simple option but lacks controls
SOPHOS HOME FREE

Simple to use, Sophos Home Free runs in the background while you work, scanning files for threats whenever your Mac opens them.

It's had decent reviews in techie publications, although it has been found lacking when it comes to options and settings.

DOWNLOAD: MAC

The most-used antivirus software
AVAST SECURITY FOR MAC

Avast Security for Mac is also available for Mac users (as well as on Windows), and, given its significant market share, is definitely worth considering.

DOWNLOAD: MAC

Firewall software – do you need it?

Antivirus software isn't the only protection your computer needs. If you don't have a firewall, you're leaving all your files and sensitive information vulnerable. Effectively:

Antivirus = the border patrol checking what's allowed in.

Firewall = the fence stopping it getting to the border in the first place.

So why aren't we all going firewall mad? Well, we tend to connect to the web via a router, rather than just a modem, and routers provide a hardware firewall. Make sure yours is switched on and set to a high-enough security level. Consult the manual or search online for the make and model number if you don't know how to check.

While you're there, check you've changed your router password from its factory-set default. You'd be surprised how many connections are hacked (and how much havoc gets wreaked) because the standard password hasn't been changed. Spend a little time to get your settings right here, as router firewalls give a higher level of protection than software ones.

If you don't always connect via a router, or you're just big on online security, here are the top firewall freebies...

Firewalls: Free PC software downloads

Built-in option that should be enough for most
WINDOWS DEFENDER FIREWALL

Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 and 10 have a firewall built-in, which should be enough for most people (especially those who already have router firewalls), but make sure it's switched on and your copy of Windows is up-to-date. The firewall can be set on low, medium and high levels of protection.

If the Windows firewall is set on high, you may need to spend some time tweaking its settings in the Control Panel to stop it becoming a nuisance. By default, it'll stop you downloading files over Skype, and it'll block a whole load of programs that download from the web.

Top performer but can be intrusive
COMODO FREE FIREWALL

It's totally free but you'll need to register and activate the licence by email within 30 days of installation. While  Comodo outperforms many similar offerings, it can be intrusive, especially if you just want a firewall that does its job quietly.

DOWNLOAD: WINDOWS

Firewalls for Macs

Built-in is best
APPLICATION FIREWALL

Since the early days, all web-ready Macs have come with some sort of firewall as standard. Which yours offers depends on what version of OS X or macOS you're using. To turn it on/off and change the settings, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall.

Luckily, it's good, because as far as we can see there are no other decent free firewalls for Macs.

If you know or use any other free antivirus packages or firewall software, please share them in the free antivirus software forum discussion.

Adware and spyware

There are other types of malware you can find on your computer. Often legitimate developers will design programs that have useful functions, but they'll also provide the owner with useful information about you or try to sell you things.

·         Adware. Pop-ups that try to sell you things

Adware is malware that sneaks onto your machine and opens up pop-up windows that sell you things.

It's easy to assume these are related to the site you were visiting, yet often they aren't. If you've closed your browser, but pop-up windows still appear on your desktop, chances are you've been infected.

·         Spyware. It tracks what you do


Spyware is a more dangerous, less noticeable type of malware. It covertly grabs information from your PC and sends it back to its leader out in the cyber-ether.

Malicious spyware programs have become much more advanced in recent years, undoubtedly due to their potential for criminal money-making, so some of yesterday's top spyware removers can no longer cope.

Basic anti-adware/spyware measures:

To put your mind at rest, you'll need to download some extra software. In the meantime, there are a couple of basic ways to fight back:

·         Use a pop-up blocker

If you're being troubled by adware, use a pop-up blocker to alleviate the symptoms while you find a solution. Be aware though, that not all pop-ups are bad - some sites open new windows in this way. If you want to see them, hold down CTRL while clicking the link.

·         Check whether you allowed the spyware

There are a couple of legit spyware programs. Google's Desktop can send info on what you've been searching back to Google, and Alexa's toolbar can do the same. In both cases these firms want to monitor your computer to help develop their products with data about searching habits.

Whether you allow this depends on how you want the information to be used. It's mostly harmless but does mean someone, somewhere has access to your searching habits.

·         Be careful when downloading

The usual way for ad/spyware programs to get on your computer is by attaching themselves to other things you download. So make sure you check the veracity of download sources before getting files.

·         Delete programs you don't use

Use the add/delete function on your Control Panel to get rid of any programs you don't need any more - they may be corrupted.

Like most antivirus tools, spyware removers work by comparing what's on your machine to a list of known offenders. As ever, the top anti-ad/spyware programs are commercial, but that doesn't necessarily mean you need to buy them. Try these first:

Ad/spyware removal: Free PC downloads

Slick option but few features for free

ADAWARE ANTIVIRUS

Adaware Antivirus quarantines malware as it finds it, rather than waiting until the end of the scan, and this new version has a pleasing user interface. On the downside, it doesn't block as much malware as previous versions, and most features are locked in the free version. If you make it your primary tool, you won't be fully protected.

DOWNLOAD: WINDOWS

Effective but no real-time protection
MALWAREBYTES FOR WINDOWS

While the free version doesn't provide real-time protection or scheduled updates, Malwarebytes for Windows is still powerful enough to make a big difference, particularly when it comes to potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).

DOWNLOAD: WINDOWS

Easy to use but slow
SPYBOT SEARCH & DESTROY

Spybot's been going for a while, and while it's easy to use and features an immunisation tool that blocks websites known to harbour malware, it's always received mixed feedback. It's fairly processor-hungry, so if your computer's already slow it'll be an unwelcome addition, and it doesn't provide much in the ways of information about threats it finds.

DOWNLOAD: WINDOWS

Ad/spyware removal: Free Mac downloads

Quick and easy to use but no real-time protection
MALWAREBYTES FOR MAC

One of our top picks for adware/spyware removal on Windows, there's also a free version of Malwarebytes for Macs.

DOWNLOAD: MAC

Free, but only for 30 days
MACSCAN 3

SecureMac's MacScan 3 software is built to detect, isolate and remove spyware apps as well as blacklisted cookies saved on your system. You can get a 30-day free trial; you'll pay $49.99 (£38) to upgrade to a full year's protection after that if you choose to. Reviews are mixed, so if it doesn't work for you, just delete it once the trial's finished.

DOWNLOAD: MAC

Free back-up options

We've all had moments of horror (even in this very office) where due to hardware failure, power cuts or just plain ol' silly mistakes, precious documents disappear. As more and more of our lives are committed to the digital domain, backing up data is becoming increasingly important. Since there are ways to do it free, you'll only have yourself to blame if you don't.

If your PC broke, what files would you miss most? These are the ones you should be backing up as a minimum.

Use hardware

If you'd rather keep more tangible copies of your files, you can store them on an external USB hard drive (or good old-fashioned CDs and DVDs if you've a CD/DVD writer). As technology marches on, the latter are getting increasingly cheap; 1TB (1,000GB) for as little as £50 if you buy online.

For a well-reviewed site where you can find storage hardware, try MyMemory* – or Amazon has plenty of options.

Use online storage

Online storage services, or 'cloud' storage services as they're also known, use a virtual hard drive that's installed on your desktop and linked directly to your online space.

There are a whole load of online storage services available, with many offering a fair few GB of free space - see Free Online Storage for a full list.

Software of the last resort: Recovery programs

If you've already lost valuable files, there may still be hope in the form of recovery programs. Freeware programs PC Inspector, Puran File Recovery, Recuva and Restoration work to recover lost files, but as you might expect, it's a lottery as to whether they actually succeed.