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Free Antivirus Software
Top legal & free PC/Mac protection
Updated 14 August 2020
Every computer connected to the internet is vulnerable to viruses, but you don't have to pay to stay safe while you surf. It's possible to get legal, professional-quality antivirus software and other protective programmes for free. Here's our rundown of the best free antivirus and free internet security software.
Always be careful to check any software you put on your computer is suitable and compatible with your existing set-up. No liability can be accepted for any individual problems caused by acting upon the information given.
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Five simple ways to protect yourself
Internet security software to protect your computer is a must these days. But you can boost your level of protection, without any new programs.
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With more and more of us using the web to bank online and do other sensitive tasks, coming up with solid passwords is more vital than ever.
Don't use the same login for lots of sites. If one falls into the wrong hands, your whole online life is up for grabs. Try picking one and add a few letters related specifically to each site you're logging into.
Ensure you change passwords frequently. You can use a free password generator to get a completely random (and very secure) password or create your own using Martin's method - see his How to have lots of passwords & remember them blog for full help.
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Threats to your computer come in different guises with various funky names. Collectively, they're considered malicious software, or 'malware'.
The main types are:
- Viruses. Hidden programs that wreak havoc. These are transmitted via websites, email attachments, directly over the internet or via any other removable media. They hide in applications or files and spread from computer to computer, generally wreaking havoc wherever they get the chance.
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- Trojans. Bugs within harmless-looking files. Trojan (horses) are hidden within a harmless-looking file (eg, a picture of a celebrity) or program (ironically, they're often dressed up as antivirus tools). They aim to trick the user into installing malicious software, like spyware or adware.
- Worms. Can drill in via open web connections. Worms take advantage of any open internet connection. They try to sneak in and replicate on the computer. Once loaded, they often start to send spam email from your computer without your knowledge.
Quick questions
- Who's behind malware?
It's a common misconception that producing computer viruses is the domain of angst-ridden teenage geeks with little to do, showing off to their equally reclusive peers. While there may have been some truth in this at the beginning, and of course it still happens, these days it's often about big criminal business.
- What happens with stolen information?
Cracking into your computer can reveal a breadth of information about you. It could include your bank details for ID fraud or for just directly taking your cash.
A program could grab all the emails in your address book/contacts list to find real addresses to sell to spammers. These unsuspecting people may well then be emailed from your address.
- What happens when a virus controls my computer?
Some viruses allow your computer to be controlled via a 'DDOS' (distributed denial-of-service) attack. This is where a website is closed down due to simulated, simultaneous use by millions or even billions of users. This can be for political reasons, a ransom, to hurt competitors or 'just for fun'.
Many people whose computers cause this are unaware it's happening. MoneySavingExpert.com has been hit by such an attack. Ironically, some of the people denied access for three days could've been contributing to the closure via hidden viruses on their systems.
The banks say 'if you don't have it, you could be liable'
If you're not protected and someone gets hold of your passwords, or accesses your bank account or other financial products, you may find it harder to get your money back.
The burden of proof's on the bank to show you didn't act with due care, but it's best to be safe. For more on what to do if you think you've been defrauded, read the ID Fraud Protection guide.
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Best free antivirus software
Pay for antivirus software from biggies like Norton and Kaspersky and it'll cost you £25+ 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 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.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus: Free to those with 'genuine' Windows
Microsoft Defender Antivirus comes pre-installed on all 'genuine' versions (ie, not installed on more than one computer or counterfeit) of Windows 10.
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.
Kaspersky Security Cloud Free: Simple to use, offers powerful protection
Russian software firm Kaspersky offers several well-reviewed ‘Security Cloud’ software packages which offer a suite of security and antivirus functions.
The free option appears to offer strong protection against a wide range of malware foes, particularly ransomware and phishing attacks.
It allows you to add a toolbar to your internet browser which highlights potentially dangerous links on webpages.
It’s been praised by tech site PCMag UK as a top choice for free antivirus protection.
AVG Antivirus Free: Decent protection, won't slow you down
While it's been owned by Avast since 2016, AVG Antivirus Free remains an antivirus stalwart in its own right and is seen to offer decent protection with few bells and whistles.
AVG will have little impact the performance of most systems, and while it is light on extra features it includes a file shredder that allows you to permanently destroy infected folders - plus any files you wouldn't like to see recovered by another party...
Avast Free Anitvirus: Feature-rich antivirus software
The company behind Avast Antivirus Free boasts over 400 million users, which may be due to this well-reviewed piece of software offering decent protection and a lot of features.
One of these is called CyberCapture, which detects and analyses unusual or suspicious files based on the firm's huge database collated from its users.
Avira Free Antivirus: One of the techies' favourites
The free antivirus software of choice for many techies, Avira Free Antivirus features in the top picks of tech publications like Tech Advisor and TechRadar by being thorough and offering more than just virus detection.
If you have the know-how, it has extra features you can take advantage of, but it's best for those that know their way around a PC.
Panda Free Antivirus: Beginner-friendly with bonus features
Panda Security's free antivirus has been praised by reviewers for being easy to use, though the protection it offers was found to be so-so in independent tests. Yet 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 processes currently running, which have accessed the internet and those which have been blocked.
AVG Antivirus Free: Decent protection, won't slow you down
While it's been owned by Avast since 2016, AVG Antivirus Free remains an antivirus stalwart in its own right and is seen to offer decent protection with few bells and whistles.
AVG will have little impact the performance of most systems, and while it is light on extra features it includes a file shredder that allows you to permanently destroy infected folders - plus any files you wouldn't like to see recovered by another party...
Sophos Home Free: Solid protection, simple to set up
Simple to set up, Sophos Home Free runs in the background, providing real-time protection and antivirus scans.
It's phishing protection in particular has been praised by tech site PCMag UK, although TechRadar found it lacking in terms of options and settings.
Avast Security For Mac: Good for malware, lots of features
Avast Security for Mac is available for Mac users as well as on Windows users. Tech sites PCMag UK and TechRadar both rate it for the malware protection and range of features it provides, though the former also said its phishing protection leaves something to be desired.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition: No frills, decent protection
This no frills, free offering from the Romanian software firm is a decent free option for Mac users.
It scores particularly highly in blocking ‘malware’ and potentially dangerous URLs.
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
Windows Defender Firewall: Built-in, will be enough for most
Included with Microsoft Defender Antivirus, this 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.
ZoneAlarm: Good shield, but comes with ads
The free option of this very popular firewall software gets great write-ups from tech site Techradar, which described it as ‘the best free firewall’ for Windows users.
It’s great for identifying potentially unsafe web traffic and disabling malicious software.
It’s worth noting that this free version lacks some of the options of its paid-for counterpart, such as 24/7 technical support. You’ll also have to contend with ads when using the software.
Comodo Free Firewall: Good blocker but can be intrusive
Totally free and compatible with Windows XP (32-bit) and up, Comodo Free Firewall offers a good level of protection according to Tech Advisor and TechRadar. Yet it can be intrusive, providing notifications when files have been cleared as well as blocked, but these can be turned off.
Firewalls for Macs
Application Firewall: Built-in option that does the job
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 or Security & Privacy > Firewall.
Application Firewall should provide you with adequate protection in conjunction with a decent Mac antivirus programme.
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.
Basic anti-adware/spyware measures:
To put your mind at rest, you'll need to download some extra software. In the meantime, there are four basic ways to fight back:
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
Adaware Antivirus: Easy-to-use option but few free features
Adaware Antivirus provides real-time protection, blocking malware as it finds it, rather than waiting until the end of the scan, and it's easy to use. Yet reviewers have said it isn't as powerful as it could, and that most features are locked in the free version, so advise against making it your primary tool.
Malwarebytes For Windows: Good but no real-time protection
While the free version only provides real-time protection for 14 days after you download it, Malwarebytes for Windows offers powerful on-demand infection detection. Tech publications recommend using it alongside other antivirus software.
Spybot Free Edition: Easy to use but slow
Spybot Free Edition has been around since 2000, and while it's easy to use and features an immunisation tool that blocks websites known to harbour malware, reviews indicate it's fairly processor-hungry, so if your computer isn't the quickest slow it might be an unwelcome addition. Again, should be used in conjunction with antivirus software.
Malwarebytes for Mac: Handy but no real-time protection
One of our top picks for adware/spyware removal on Windows, there's also a free version of Malwarebytes for Mac, which PCMag UK describes as being handy for use alongside an antivirus tool.
Macscan 3: Free, but only for 30 days
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
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