Many top antivirus programs have free versions that are as effective as their paid counterparts at stopping malware. Most antivirus programs have a basic, low-end program with limited features, a midrange program that adds more security tools and high-end products with all of the bells and whistles.
AVG Antivirus Free version provides excellent security against malware with minimal impact on the system. The free program also has many other useful tools, such as junk files cleanup, RAM optimization and Wi-Fi network scanners. It is also ad-free and doesn’t ask you to upgrade to premium features.
Microsoft Defender is the default anti-malware program that comes with Windows systems. Although it’s not the best at stopping malware files from downloading on your computer, the free version comes with a variety of additional tools, including performance and health analysis and parental controls that aren’t found in paid versions of other antivirus software.
Bitdefender’s suites, which include antivirus software, are among the most well-known on the market. The free version is just as powerful and efficient as the paid versions. It’s ad-free and has no limit on how many devices it can scan and includes a robust range of anti-theft tools, such as the ability to locate, lock or wipe a stolen Android device.
Sophos Home Free is a great choice for those who have to manage antivirus protection for the computer of a family member who isn’t in the same household. It has excellent malware detection scores but a weaker score for phishing protection.