- Free antivirus options compared
- Ten free antivirus tools to consider
- The government list one well-known brand is on
- What to check in free antivirus software
- What to do if you think your computer is infected
- Security habits that matter more than the software
- My plain advice on free antivirus
- Frequently asked questions
Free antivirus software scans your computer for viruses and other malware, and some versions also guard you in real time while you browse. Built-in protection covers most home users, while on-demand scanners are handy for a second opinion. Check where the software comes from and how it's supported where you live, because that matters as much as detection.
Most small businesses don't need a big security suite on every laptop. They need sensible built-in protection, regular updates and a trusted second scanner for the day something looks wrong.
Here are ten free antivirus options in no particular order, sorted alphabetically, from built-in tools to small specialist scanners. Each description comes from the tool's own website, re-checked today. If you're thinking about security as a career or a hire, my guide to remote cybersecurity roles explains what that work involves day to day.
One distinction is worth knowing. Real-time protection runs all the time in the background, while an on-demand scanner only checks when you run it. Running two real-time products together usually causes more problems than it solves, so pick one main product and keep any second tool for occasional checks.
Free antivirus options compared
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a free version or free plan, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated. Free versions often come with limits, so check what's included before you rely on one.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 360 Total Security | Antivirus and cleanup suite | All-in-one cleanup and protection | Yes |
| Adlice Protect | Malware removal tool | Removing stubborn malware | Yes |
| Avast Free Antivirus | Windows antivirus app | Everyday real-time protection | Yes |
| AVG AntiVirus Free | Home PC antivirus app | Simple protection for home PCs | Yes |
| Avira Free Security | Antivirus with privacy extras | Antivirus with extra privacy tools | Yes |
| Bitdefender Antivirus Free | Lightweight Windows antivirus | Light protection with few pop-ups | Yes |
| ClamAV | Open-source antivirus engine | Scanning mail servers and Linux | Yes |
| Dr.Web CureIt! | On-demand scanner | A second opinion scan | Yes |
| Emsisoft Emergency Kit | Portable malware scanner | Scanning from a USB stick | Yes |
| Microsoft Defender | Built-in Windows protection | Security that's already installed | Yes |
Ten free antivirus tools to consider
360 Total Security
Best for: Home users who want antivirus plus cleanup tools in one free Windows app.
Adlice Protect
Best for: People who suspect something nasty and want a free scanner focused on finding and removing malware for personal use.
Avast Free Antivirus
Best for: Home users who want a well-known free antivirus with real-time scanning on Windows.
AVG AntiVirus Free
Best for: Families who want straightforward free protection for a home Windows computer.
Avira Free Security
Best for: People who want free antivirus alongside a handful of privacy and update tools.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free
Best for: Windows users who want light, quiet protection that doesn't nag them with pop-ups.
ClamAV
Best for: Technical users who want an open-source engine for scanning files on Linux or mail servers.
Dr.Web CureIt!
Best for: Home users who want a free scanner to check a computer once, alongside their usual protection.
Emsisoft Emergency Kit
Best for: People who want a portable scanner they can run from a USB stick on a computer that's playing up.
Microsoft Defender
Best for: Windows users who want protection that's built in, updates itself and needs no extra download.
The government list one well-known brand is on
Here's something most buyers never check. The US Federal Communications Commission's Covered List of equipment and services deemed a national security risk includes information security products, solutions and services supplied by AO Kaspersky Lab, added to the list in 2022. Kaspersky isn't on this page for that reason.
That doesn't mean every app from abroad is risky. It means where your security software comes from, and how it's supported in your country, is part of the decision, not an afterthought.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
What to check in free antivirus software
- Real-time or on-demand: does it protect you constantly, or only when you scan?
- Updates: does it update itself automatically?
- Nagging: how often does it push you to upgrade?
- Bundled extras: does the installer try to add browsers or toolbars?
- Support: is the product sold and supported where you live?
What to do if you think your computer is infected
- Disconnect from the internet so nothing else gets sent or downloaded.
- Run a full scan with your main antivirus.
- Run a second on-demand scanner for another opinion.
- Change important passwords from a different, clean device.
- If problems continue, back up your files and get professional help.
Security habits that matter more than the software
- Update everything. Old software is the easiest way in.
- Use strong, unique passwords. One leak shouldn't open every account.
- Pause before clicking. Most infections start with a convincing email.
- Back up regularly. It's your safety net if all else fails.
A strong password for every account is the simplest fix, and my free password generator makes one in a second.
Do you make security software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on free antivirus
Keep the built-in protection switched on and updated, and add one on-demand scanner for emergencies. That's enough for most home offices.
And don't run two real-time products at once. They fight over the same files, slow everything down and can leave you less protected, not more.
Frequently asked questions
Is free antivirus good enough?
For most home users, built-in protection plus good habits covers the basics. Businesses with sensitive data may need more.
Do Macs need antivirus?
Macs have built-in protections, but malware does exist. A free scanner is a sensible extra check.
Can I run two antivirus programs?
Avoid running two real-time products together. An on-demand scanner alongside your main one is fine.
What's an on-demand scanner?
It only checks your computer when you run it, rather than watching all the time.
Does free antivirus slow down my computer?
Some do more than others. Check reviews of performance and try it for a week.
Are free antivirus downloads safe?
Only download from the maker's own site. Fake security apps are a common trick.
Do I still need to update Windows?
Yes. Antivirus doesn't replace system updates, which fix security holes.
What if my antivirus finds something?
Follow its quarantine steps, run a second scan and change passwords from a clean device.
Do I need antivirus on my phone?
Phones are locked down more tightly than computers, so the bigger risks are scam messages and fake apps. Install apps only from the official store and keep the phone updated.
Is free antivirus fine for a small business?
It can cover a sole trader's laptop. Once you have staff, client data or shared devices, look at business products with central management and support.
