Free antivirus software
Top free PC/Mac protection
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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'.
❌ 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. ❌ 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.
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.
❌ Doesn't include a password manager. ❌ Limited browser protection (phishing sites). |
AVG Antivirus Free | ✔️ Performs well in independent detection tests.
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. ❌ 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. Make sure yours is switched on and set to a high-enough security level.
⚙️ 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 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.
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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 machine and opens up pop-up windows that sell you things. It's basically unwanted or malicious advertising. Adware tracks your browser and download activity, and sends you ads related to that activity. It's easy to assume these are related to the site you were visiting, yet often they aren't. If you've closed your browser, but pop-up windows still appear on your desktop, chances are you've been infected. It's usually harmless, but pretty irritating, as it's often difficult to get rid of. Plus, these ads may lead you to unknowingly download more harmful types of 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.
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:
🔒 Use a pop-up blocker
If you're being troubled by adware, use a pop-up blocker to alleviate the symptoms while you find a solution. Be aware though, that not all pop-ups are bad - some sites open new windows in this way. If you want to see them, hold down CTRL while clicking the link.
🔍 Check whether you allowed the spyware
There are a couple of legit spyware programs. Google's Desktop can send info on what you've been searching back to Google, and Alexa's toolbar can do the same. In both cases these firms want to monitor your computer to help develop their products with data about searching habits.
Whether you allow this depends on how you want the information to be used. It's mostly harmless but does mean someone, somewhere has access to your searching habits.
🕵️ Be careful when downloading
The usual way for ad/spyware programs to get on your computer is by attaching themselves to other things you download. So make sure you check the veracity of download sources before getting files.
🤓 Delete programs you don't use
Use the add/delete function on your Control Panel to get rid of any programs you don't need any more - they may be corrupted.
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 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.
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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.
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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. |
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
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 has plenty of options, with well-known brands such as Seagate, LaCie, Toshiba and Western Digital (WD) receiving decent reviews.
Use online 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.
Software of the last resort: 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.
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