15 Best Free Antivirus Protection 2023 – An antivirus is a software that protects a computer and other mobile devices from viruses, malware, trojans, and other potential threats. It functions by scanning a device’s hard drive, detecting problematic files, and blocking harmful websites/files. The majority of today’s antivirus comes as part of an online security suite. Some of the best free antivirus protection in 2023 include:
1. TOTAL AV:
This antivirus is also known as the ultimate antivirus. It can be downloaded for free at totalav.com. It blocks malware and phishing websites while ensuring internet security. It functions well on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS platforms. It is completely safe to download this software online. It provides real-time spyware removal and provides 100% safety from online threats. This antivirus protects identity and at the same time monitors data breach with its remote firewall. It has about 25 million active subscribers.
2. KASPERSKY SECURITY CLOUD FREE ANTIVIRUS:
This antivirus can easily be one of the best free antivirus available in the market. It has excellent malware protection, fast-schedule and quick scan options. It has a small system-performance impact thus ensuring a computer operates faster. This antivirus program is a perfect combination of top-notch protection and extra features such as file shredder and email scanner. It has a bright, comprehensible interface and high customization potential.
3. PC PROTECT:
This antivirus is also known as the essential antivirus. It secures web browsing thus ensuring that dangerous sites are immediately blocked. It also provides a system boost that instantly improves computer’s boot time, control apps and hinders unnecessary operations. Installation of this antivirus is quick and easy. It offers free download for Windows, Mac, iphone, ipad and Android. It offers a free 24/7 customer support thus ensuring that customers’ requests and complaints are attended promptly.
4. AVIRA ANTIVIRUS PRO:
This antivirus blocks infected sites. It offers real-time protection from malware and provides regular system updates. It is free to download for Mac, Windows and Android devices. It ensures a user’s password is well managed and provides Virtual Private Network (VPN) services. Avira antivirus provides security from trackers, scammers and hackers. It cleans one’s computer and optimizes performance. It further secures and anonmizes browsing.
5. SCANGUARD:
This antivirus is quick and easy to install. It offers real-time malware protection, identity protection and advanced firewall protection. It can be downloaded freely and is compatible with Windows, Mac and Android devices. Scanguard features include security, privacy and performance browser management. Its performance management specializes in increasing battery life by stopping unwanted programs and applications running in the background.
6. PANDA FREE ANTIVIRUS:
This is one of the leading antiviruses in the market. It offers real-time malware protection. This antivirus can be downloaded for free on Windows and Android devices. It functions by scanning external drives and USB to confirm they are safe for use. It performs routine checks on the devices in which it is installed. The protection levels on this antivirus are high compared to other free antiviruses.
7. BITDEFENDER ANTIVIRUS FREE EDITION:
This antivirus protection does not offer any specialized service as it provides only the basics. It offers no password manager and scan scheduling. However, it has an excellent bitdefender malware detection engine which is just below Kaspersky and Norton in rankings. It is the best free antivirus software for a security solution that can be set up and totally forgotten about without worrying about effectively managing. This antivirus automatically scans one’s machine in the background using cloud-based detection, subsequently performing a deeper scan if it comes across any red flags. It also has an excellent anti-rootkit and anti-phishing utility.
8. INTEGO ANTIVIRUS:
This antivirus is the best PC protection money can buy. It has an excellent scanning engine for quick malware removal. It is compatible and works well with both Windows and Mac Operating System. It comes with a 7-day free trial period after which the customer can unsubscribe or make payment.
9. WINDOWS DEFENDER ANTIVIRUS:
This antivirus program is built right into windows 8.1 and 10. It operates at the background with little extra features. It ensures parental control and offers a gaming mode. Moreover, it offers good protection against malware for its edge and internet explorer browsers. It further schedules scans and has a 24/7 email and phone support option. It however lacks a built-in password manager or VPN.
10. AVAST FREE ANTIVIRUS:
This is an effective free security product. It offers a variety of browser app analysis covering anti-theft. It has a wifi network scanner, game mode, hardened browser, ransomware shield, scan scheduler and unlimited password manager. This system however, has a heavy system load in testing and its scan takes time. The support options on this antivirus are the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and forums.
11. MALWAREBYTES ANTI-MALWARE FREE:
This antivirus has an anti malware that protects against and removes malware with automatic scans. It also has an anti ransomware that helps shields files from ransomware attacks. Additionally, malwarebytes uses chameleon technology to get the application running on already-infected systems that might block deployment.
12. AVG ANTIVIRUS FREE:
This antivirus program has a decent malware-detection engine. It offers email scans, file shredder, game mode and scan scheduler. It has a wide range of customization options however, it constantly bugs the user to upgrade to paid antivirus software. It also lacks a ransomware reversal and a password manager. AVG has two major selling points which includes an impressively broad reach and an affinity with Google platforms.
13. SOPHOS ANTIVIRUS:
Sophos is a decent antivirus with a free version that offers protection for three windows PC and a 30-day trial. It is not the best in terms of protection from phishing but it is good in malware protection. Sophos antivirus works well with Windows, Mac, iOS and Android platforms. It offers parental website filtering and remote management.
14. ZONE ALARM FREE ANTIVIRUS:
This antivirus provides firewalls and antivirus scanning in addition to theft identification and data loss. It goes a step further to provide cloud backup service for backing up data and encrypting for online protection. It is however important to note that during installation, Zone alarm tries to set Yahoo as default search engine.
15. PC MATIC:
This antivirus provides a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. It is an excellent software offering automated PC maintenance and superior security. It further offers an avant garde whitelisting approach to malware detection and light impact on system load. It functions not just as an antivirus but also as a system optimization tool capable of boosting performance by eliminating junk and cleaning up tasks.