Top 5 antivirus free download

I was ultimately able to find 5 free downloads that each offer free virus protection alongside a decent set of free internet security tools.

That said, every free antivirus is going to include a few frustrating limitations. I tested and ranked each free antivirus listed here for malware detection, ease of use, and additional cybersecurity features. Read the full Norton review here. Plus, Windows Defender consistently ranks below the top antivirus scanners in our independent lab testing. The free downloads on this list are from top-notch cybersecurity companies that are offering their premium antivirus protection for free.

And some of the free programs on my list also include additional cybersecurity protections. Free antiviruses like Avira and TotalAV are pretty good, but their paid versions are way better — to begin with, they come with all of the internet security protections you need to stay as safe as possible online.

Together with a malware scanner, these tools are crucial to building a good online defense against hackers, scammers, and predators. Here are a few of them:. Avira Free Security for Windows is my favorite free Windows antivirus in — it has one of the best anti-malware engines on the market, includes more free features than any other competitor, and is really easy to use.

Paid programs like McAfee and Norton are equally effective at detecting malware, but their full disk scans will slow down your system much more than Avira will. The Safe Shopping browser extension for Firefox and Chrome is really good — it blocks suspicious phishing sites, web trackers, and unwanted advertisements. The extension also automatically recommends links to better deals when shopping online.

Download Avira Free Now. Another thing that makes Panda a good choice for Windows users is the Rescue Kit feature, which allows you to download a bootable version of Panda to a USB drive and then use the USB drive to clean an infected PC and get it up and running again. With lightweight malware scanning, an automatic gaming mode, a Rescue Kit, and a VPN, Panda is an excellent free internet security product. Download Panda Free Now. Top malware protection. Best performance.

Best usability. We protect you from billions of malware attacks annually, including against ransomware, Trojans, worms, viruses, and more.

In addition to virus scans, our antivirus software includes advanced repair functionalities, fixing over 90 million files last year. Stronger together: every secured device is as a sensor, which detects emerging, never-seen-before attacks. As soon as a new threat is identified, all our customers are immediately immunized against it, protecting millions within minutes. Avira has one of the smallest footprints in the industry — with virus definition updates lighter than most other antivirus products.

With over 30 years of security experience, Avira offers superior detection, with additional web protection and repair capabilities. In its basic form, it brings forth one of the best antivirus engines, a VPN, and a lot of other efficient goodies that will have a big impact on protecting your privacy and even ensure that your computer is running as it should.

Detects and blocks malware viruses, ransomware, banker trojans, etc. Our automated, intelligent learning system protects you against new and evolving threats. Identifies potentially unwanted applications hidden within legitimate software.

Blocks harmful websites before they load. Prevents intrusive and malicious ads, banners, and pop-ups from loading. Stops companies from monitoring you online. Browsing the internet puts your privacy at risk. Companies want to track your behavior to create a detailed profile about you to serve personalized ads.

Browser trackers enable companies to collect a significant amount of data and track your online activities. You can easily become a victim of adware, which is not only intrusive but also slows down your device. The security of your devices is also at risk, especially when shopping online or using cloud-based services. Cybercriminals are on the lookout for personal data, trying to steal passwords, bank details, or even hijack your computer access to use your devices for attacks against others.

Keyloggers, rootkits, spyware, Trojans, and worms are just some of the malware types that can attack your system. To keep your system secure and protect your privacy, you need to install an antivirus software, designed to detect and remove malware.

A quick Google search will return results with lots of people testifying to its legitimacy, but the truth is, sites that offer pirated software are very likely to contain malware. This website uses cookies for website functionality, traffic analytics, personalization, social media functionality and advertising. Our Cookie Notice provides more information and explains how to amend your cookie settings.

Cybersecurity free download Product Review softonic. All rights reserved. Learn how ransomware works and block hackers from holding your files hostage. How do you report identity theft? If you think your identity has been stolen, find out how to report it to the FTC, the police, or the government. Find out which one is the most suitable for you. Worldwide English.

In order to view this page correctly, you must have a JavaScript-enabled browser and have JavaScript turned on. We apologize for any inconvenience. Learn how to enable it. No slowdowns or interruptions. Easy to install, effortless to use. Get essential antivirus protection.

Avast Free Antivirus scans Windows devices, like your laptop or desktop PC, for privacy, security, and performance issues, then tells you how to fix things instantly. Over million users worldwide trust Avast. Join them. Intelligent Antivirus Detect and block viruses, malware, spyware, ransomware and phishing.

We use smart analytics to stop threats before they affect you. CyberCapture Automatically send suspicious files for analysis in the cloud, and push a cure to all Avast users if it's a threat. Wi-Fi Inspector Automatically detect weaknesses in your home Wi-Fi and strangers piggybacking on your network. Smart Scan Find all those cracks which allow malware to slip in, from unsafe settings and passwords to suspicious add-ons and out-of-date software.