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Free antivirus software

Top free PC/Mac protection

Chris Knight
Chris Knight | Edited by Gary Caffell
Updated 12 September 2024

Every computer connected to the internet is vulnerable to viruses, but you don't have to pay to stay safe while you're online. It's possible to get quality antivirus software and other protective programs for free. Here's our rundown of the best free antivirus and free internet security software.

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In this guide

Best free antivirus software

Best free antivirus software for PC
Best free antivirus software for Mac

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.

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.

  • 1. Keep your software up-to-date

    Even if your computer comes off the shelf with a level of protection, threats change daily. So it's imperative you keep your software up-to-date or else it's useless.

    To ensure your system is always protected with the latest security fixes, you can enable updates to happen automatically. Turning this on varies depending on which system you use...

    • Windows 10 or 11

      Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
      Click on Advanced options.
      Under "Choose how updates are installed," select Automatic (recommended).

      Sadly, Microsoft is no longer releasing updates for Windows 7, 8 or XP.

    • Apple Mac

      Go to the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
      Click on Software Update.
      Check the box for Automatically keep my Mac up to date.

  • 2. Protect your identity online

    With so much of our lives now online, it's key ensure your using solid passwords or passphrases.

    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. If you struggle to remember them all, many web browsers (such as Chrome and Safari) now have the option of saving (or even creating) your passwords for you – a bit like a free password manager. This is perfectly safe for your own personal devices.

    Also ensure you change passwords frequently. You can use a free password manager such as include LastPass, 1Password and NordPass to store them for you.

    You can also add two-step verification to many log-ins, which usually requires you to have a device, as well as a password. It's also known as two-factor or multi-factor authentication. Two-step authentication does what it says - it requires you to do two steps of passwords to log in to an account, for example, a password and a one-time passcode sent to your mobile phone via SMS. 

    The National Cyber Security Centre has loads more useful information on how best to protect yourself and your family online.

  • 3. Don't open unknown email attachments

    Most crime online still happens via email, so be on guard when checking yours. Don't open any attachments you're not expecting, or click any random links you find in the text. See the 30+ Ways to Stop Scams for more info.

    If you're unsure if a site's legit, enter the name into Google and see what comes up. It may be listed as a bad 'un.

    • How can I filter out spam?

      Most big email clients such as Google, Outlook and Yahoo! have their own filtering system to stop spam. Check your settings and make sure the filter is switched on.

      Blocking spam's not an exact science, and important emails may also be blocked. The way around this is to make sure you've added senders whose emails you'd like to receive to your 'accepted' list.

      The same goes for this site's weekly Money Tips Email - its combination of freebies, money, mortgage and debt info means it can easily get caught in spam filters. (For those that don't already get it, you can sign up here.)

    • How can I protect my email address?

      Only give out your email address to people you know. Don't post it on public internet forums (including the  MSE Forums) or chat rooms. Spammers often use software robots, or 'bots', to read forums, store any email addresses they find and then spam them.

    • Can email rules block spam?

      If you download your emails to a computer, for example using Microsoft's Outlook, you can create rules to stop common spam by entering key words, such as VIAGRA, so those emails are automatically filtered. But spammers try to beat it through mis-spelling words or using numbers in place of letters, like V14GRA, so you'll have to block out other combinations too.

  • 4. Only download software from trusted websites

    Looking for a piece of software? Find out which company makes it first and then go to its site to get it there, rather than from a third party site found via Google. For smaller, free or shareware programs, try using big sites such as CNET Download, rather than just getting them from anywhere that shows up.

  • 5. Know the main threats and where they come from

    Threats to your computer come in different guises with various funky names. Collectively, they're considered malicious software, or 'malware':

    • Viruses. Hidden programs that wreak havoc. These are malicious programs that attach themselves to legitimate files or applications. They can be transmitted via websites, email attachments, internet downloads, or removable media like USB drives. Once activated, they can spread from computer to computer, corrupting files, disrupting systems, and generally wreaking havoc.

    • Trojans. Bugs within harmless-looking files. Trojan (horses) disguise themselves as harmless files or programs, often appearing as useful software or files like images or documents. Once the user unknowingly installs the Trojan, it can open the door for other malicious software, such as spyware, adware, or even remote access tools (RATs) that allow attackers to control the infected system.

    • Worms. Can drill in via open web connections. Worms are self-replicating malware that exploit vulnerabilities in operating systems or software to spread across networks. Unlike viruses, they don't need to attach to a host file. Once a worm infects a computer, it can rapidly spread to other systems, often leading to widespread damage, network congestion, or the unauthorised sending of spam emails from the infected computer.

    • Ransomware. Encrypts your data and holds it to ransom. Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your data and demands a ransom to remove it. It can affect individuals and organisations alike, often spreading through phishing emails or exploiting system vulnerabilities. The attackers typically demand payment in cryptocurrency to unlock the encrypted files, and paying the ransom doesn't always guarantee data recovery.

Best free antivirus software

Pay for antivirus software from biggies such as Norton and Kaspersky and it'll cost you £20+ per year. Yet you can get free software which, while it many not have the full features of 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.

Also, it's not just about how up-to-date your software is. 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 before we start

We’re MoneySaving experts, not antivirus experts, so this is just a compendium of free software. We're not ranking them in any particular order, we're just telling you what's out there and the key features of each. So if you're in any doubt, consult a tech exert and check review sites such as PCMag UK, Techradar and AV Test.

According to the software companies, these free versions will give you basic protection, but do know that paid-for versions will often go further in protecting you online. You wont get the bells and whistles such as parental controls and webcam protection with all of the free versions, so you'll need to weigh up your requirements.

Antivirus: Free PC software downloads

There are plenty of free downloads available for Windows – here we look at the biggies and their key features. All offer basic scans of viruses, but some include features that might be beneficial to you, including password managers and virtual private network (VPN) functions.

Free antivirus downloads for PC

Software Key features
Microsoft Defender Antivirus

✔️ Built into Windows so no need to download and install it.

✔️ Light on resources (it won't slow your PC down).

✔️ Strong parental controls.

 
But...

❌ Middling performance in independent detection tests.

❌ Doesn't include a password manager.

❌ Doesn't include a virtual private network (VPN) feature.
Kaspersky Security Cloud

✔️ Performs well in independent detection tests.

✔️ Includes a limited virtual private network (VPN) feature, which allows you to hide your location and internet traffic.

✔️ Provides a basic password manager.

 

But...

❌ You'll have to pay if you want a more advanced password manager or VPN.
AVG Antivirus Free

✔️ Performs well in independent detection tests.

✔️ Includes a browser extension to help keep you safe when online shopping.

✔️ Scans for PC performance problems.

✔️ You can 'shred' files instead of just deleting, which it describes as 'irreversible'.


But...

❌ Doesn't include a password manager.

❌ Doesn't include a virtual private network (VPN).
Avast Antivirus Free

✔️ Performs well in independent detection tests.

✔️ Includes a 'do not disturb' so you aren't pestered by pop-ups.

✔️ Scan your Wi-fi network to spot any security weaknesses with your router.

 

But...

❌ Doesn't include a password manager.

❌ Doesn't include a virtual private network (VPN).

❌ Can slow your computer down when running scans.
Avira Free Antivirus

✔️ Performs well in independent detection tests.

✔️ Includes a price comparison feature for online shopping.

✔️ Includes a limited virtual private network (VPN) feature, which allows you to hide your location and internet traffic.

✔️ Includes a password manager.
 

But...

❌ Middling performance in independent detection tests.
Panda Free Antivirus

✔️ Includes a PC recovery system, helping you to 'clean' infected computers.

✔️ Includes a limited virtual private network (VPN) feature, which allows you to hide your location and internet traffic.

But...

❌ Doesn't include a password manager.

❌ Middling/poor performance in independent detection tests.

Antivirus: Free Mac downloads

There aren't as many options for macOS as there are for Windows. This is likely to be because previously, the threat of viruses on Mac's was very small, but that's since changed.

Mac's now come with decent in-built security, but if you want to go the extra mile, we've rounded up the best, free antivirus programs.

Free antivirus downloads for Mac

Software Key features
Sophos Home (free 30 day trial)

✔️ Performs well in independent detection tests.

✔️ Allows parents to filter what their children can see online.

✔️ Can be used to secure several devices.


But...

❌ Doesn't include a password manager.

❌ Limited browser protection (phishing sites).
AVG Antivirus Free

✔️ Performs well in independent detection tests.
✔️ Offers automatic security updates.

 

But...

❌ The free version doesn't come with the 'file shredder' feature found on the Windows version.

❌ Doesn't include a password manager.
Avast Antivirus Free ✔️ Performs well in independent detection tests.

✔️ Scan your Wi-fi network to spot any security weaknesses with your router.

✔️ Includes a password manager.

 

But...

❌ Missing some features that can be found on the Windows version, incl the 'do not disturb' feature.
Avira Free Antivirus

✔️ Performs well in independent detection tests.

✔️ Includes a price comparison feature for online shopping.

✔️ Includes a limited virtual private network (VPN) feature, which allows you to hide your location and internet traffic.

✔️ Includes a password manager.

But...

❌ Middling performance in independent detection tests.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free

✔️ Quickly performs scans and blocks harmful websites.

✔️ Performs well in independent detection tests.

But...

❌ Doesn't include a password manager.

❌ You can't hide your internet traffic from others.

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, and routers provide a hardware firewall. But make sure yours is switched on and set to a high-enough security level.

  • How to keep your router up-to-date and check the settings

    You might also want to make sure your router is up to date with the latest firmware (fixes), as manufacturers/providers can release new updates to router models, which help keep it secure and can even improve performance.

    BT, for example, automatically sends updates directly to its routers overnight so it's important to never switch your router off. With other router models, you might have to do the update yourself so it's best to 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...

Free firewall downloads for PC and Mac

Free PC downloads
Microsoft Defender Firewall
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

The free option from ZoneAlarm gets great write-ups from tech site Techradar, which described it as ‘the best free firewall’ for Windows users.
 

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

Totally free and compatible with Windows XP and up, Comodo Free Firewall offers a good level of protection according to TechRadar. Yet it can be intrusive, providing notifications when files have been cleared as well as blocked, but these can be turned off.
Free Mac downloads
Application Firewall (built in)

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 program.

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.

  • Adware. Pop-ups that try to sell you things. Adware is malware that sneaks onto your device and displays unwanted pop-up ads. It tracks your browsing and download activity, sending ads based on that data. If pop-ups continue after closing your browser, you likely have adware. While typically harmless, adware is irritating, hard to remove, and can lead to downloading more dangerous malware.

  • Spyware. It tracks what you do. Spyware is a more dangerous, less noticeable type of malware. It covertly grabs information from your PC and sends it back to its leader out in the cyber-ether. It records the keystrokes you make on the device, allowing the cyber-attacker to work out your usernames, passwords, and get your personal and financial data. Spyware often leads to identity theft and fraud.

Malicious spyware programs have become much more advanced in recent years, undoubtedly due to their potential for criminal money-making, so some of yesterday's top spyware removers can no longer cope.

Ad/spyware removal: Free PC and Mac downloads

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:

Free ad/spyware removal software for PC and Mac

Free PC downloads
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 be, and that most features are locked in the free version, so advise against making it your primary tool.
Malwarebytes for Windows (1)
Offers powerful on-demand infection detection. Tech publications recommend using it alongside other antivirus software.
Spybot Free Edition
Easy to use and features an immunisation tool that blocks websites known to harbour malware, but reviews indicate it's fairly processor-hungry, so if your computer isn't the quickest it might be an unwelcome addition. Again, should be used in conjunction with antivirus software.
Free Mac downloads
Malwarebytes for Mac 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 (2) Built to detect and remove spyware and adware. Offers decent protection against Malware threats and providers automatic tracking cookie removal.
 

(1) Malwarebites for Windows Free version only provides real-time protection for 14 days after you download it; (2) MacScan 3 only offers a 30-day free trial, after which you'll pay $49.99 (£40ish) to upgrade to a full year's protection after that if you choose to.

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 an external hard drive or similar hardware 

If you'd rather keep more tangible copies of your files, you can store them on an external USB hard drive. As technology marches on, storage space is getting increasingly cheap with 1TB (1,000GB) for as little as £40 if you buy online.

For a well-reviewed site where you can find storage hardware, try eBuyer or Amazon, with well-known brands such as Seagate, LaCie, Toshiba and Western Digital (WD) receiving decent reviews.

You can use online, or 'cloud' storage

Online storage services, or 'cloud' storage services as they're also known, use a virtual hard drive that's installed on your desktop and linked directly to your online space.

There are a whole load of online storage services available, with many offering a fair few GB of free space - see Free Online Storage for a full list.

Recovery programs

If you've already lost valuable files, there may still be hope in the form of recovery programs. If you're running Windows 10 or 11, Microsoft now has its own free Windows File Recovery program you can download. It's a bit "techy" as you have to enter some code, but HelpDeskGeek has provided instructions on how to use it.

If you want something that's easier to use, freeware programs Disk Drill, PC Inspector, Puran File Recovery, Recuva and Restoration work to recover lost files, but as you might expect, it's a bit of a lottery as to whether they're able to succeed.

Anti-virus FAQ

  • Do I need antivirus if I have Windows Defender?

    Windows Defender provides decent protection for most users, offering real-time threat detection and regular updates. However, alternatives offer users advanced malware detection, phishing protection, or more comprehensive scans. If you frequently download files from the internet, visit unfamiliar websites, or handle sensitive data, adding another layer of security could be worthwhile

  • Can antivirus software slow down my computer?

    Yes, antivirus software can slow down your computer, especially if it's running scans or performing real-time protection in the background. The impact varies depending on the software and your computer's specifications. To minimise slowdown, schedule scans during times when you’re not actively using your computer.

  • How often should I run antivirus scans?

    It's recommended to run a full antivirus scan at least once a week to ensure your system is free of malware. Most antivirus programs offer real-time protection, which continuously monitors for threats in the background.

  • What are the signs of a virus on my device?

    Simple things like a significant slowdown in performance and programs freeze or close unexpectedly might be a sign you have a virus on your computer. If you have adware or malware, you might see unusual pop-up ads, even when you're not browsing the web.

  • Do I need multiple antivirus programs?

    No, you generally don't need multiple antivirus programs. In fact, according to experts, running more than one can cause conflicts, slow down your computer, and reduce the effectiveness of each program. It's recommended to stick to one antivirus programme that provides comprehensive protection and regularly update it to ensure you're protected against the latest threats.

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