If you use a Windows or Mac PC, do you really need third-party antivirus software? For that matter, do you need to pay for the protection? 

The answer to those questions was easy a decade ago. Today, the built-in security features in Windows, including the Microsoft Defender Antivirus engine, for example, pass the "good enough" test, making the choice less clear-cut.

But for some picky PC users, replacing the basic built-in antivirus protection with software from an outside developer is just natural when setting up a new PC. Even if the difference is small, it's still an improvement. In a world where ransomware is an existential threat to businesses and banking-related Trojans and phishing attacks can drain your checking account in minutes, you want every edge.

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The best antivirus software and apps

A roundup of the best software and apps for Windows and Mac computers, as well as iOS and Android devices, to keep yourself safe from malware and viruses.

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The best-known commercial antivirus programs for Windows and Mac machines typically require an annual paid subscription, but some perfectly respectable names also distribute free versions of their software, usually for noncommercial use only. 

Typically, these programs include the exact same scanning engines and malware definition files, minus most of the fancier features and, crucially, offering minimal support options. You can also expect frequent, occasionally annoying upsell offers as the developers try to convince you to upgrade to a paid plan.

All of the programs we list here are completely free and are appropriate for use in a home setting by nontechnical users. Below, I've listed my top recommendations for free PC antivirus software.

Also: The best antivirus software and apps (and why you need to protect your devices)

AVG AntiVirus Free

Best free PC antivirus software overall

Screenshot by Charlie Osborne/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Stylish, modern look
• Quick scans
• Simple installation

Cons

• Obvious upselling
• Limited free features

More Details

Features:On-demand malware scan File shields  Quarantine Phishing and website protection Optional beta program

After nearly a quarter-century with its free product in the US market, AVG has developed a solid identity as the go-to name in free AV software. 

The AVG AntiVirus Freesolution provides a real-time malware and antivirus scan, quarantine options, a file shield exceptions whitelist, deep and targeted scans, as well as the option to check external drives for suspicious programs.

You can also opt to join the beta program in which you will have access to features in testing. 

AVG AntiVirus Freetends to do well in independent testing, but they're not shy about monetizing their customers. When you install the free product, some features will be masked in gray until you sign up for a paid plan. I personally find the "hacker attacks" protection button (a network inspector and ransomware shield on MacOS) irritating, as this could be considered a deliberate means to elicit fear in consumers.

The basic virus-scanning tools in either product work as advertised. If you can ignore the frequent upgrade offers, it's a perfectly good choice.

View now at AVG

Avira Free Security

Best feature-rich software, cleaner

Screenshot by Charlie Osborne/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Top-notch virus protection
• Useful features

Cons

• Advanced features aren't free
• Slow scans

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Features:Vulnerability scan Real-time protection System cleaner included Download protection

Avira Free Securityincludes antivirus scanning, as expected, but it also includes extra modules intended to improve performance and safeguard privacy. 

The performance tab of the Avira console includes options for cleaning up your system, uninstalling outdated apps, and deleting unnecessary files. Options on the Privacy tab include setting up a VPN and password manager.

While the software's tracking cookie cleaner is locked to paid subscriptions, the antivirus solution's junk cleaner is quick and effective. 

If you're looking for free antivirus software with notable, extra features, Avira's creation is the best option.

View now at Avira

Bitdefender Antivirus Free

Best for basic level protection

Screenshot by Charlie Osborne/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Same technology in paid software option
• Provides great basic level protection
• Customer support

Cons

• Average MacOS version reviews

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Features:Windows-based, but MacOS and Android available  Phishing protection  Malicious URL blocking  Behavior-based detection

Bitdefender, a privately held company based in Romania, has a solid reputation for its paid security products. Its free offering includes a minimalist interface, with no frills or extras, that's free of upsell offers.

Bitdefender Antivirus Freepromises to keep your "computer running clean, fast & virus-free while shielding you from the latest e-threats," and that's what you get. It takes over the malware scanning and removal functions normally assumed by Microsoft's antivirus software but doesn't include additional features such as ransomware protection, system optimization, or a virtual private network, which are part of the company's paid plans. 

There are free versions available for MacOS and Android, although the reviews for the MacOS are mid-pack, at best.

View now at Bitdefender

Malwarebytes

Best for usability

Screenshot by Charlie Osborne/ Pros & Cons Pros

• User-friendly
• Simple, quick scans
• Clean interface

Cons

• Real-time protection disabled after trial period

More Details

Features:Device scanning for malware, viruses Compatible with Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS devices  Mobile app monitoring 

Malwarebytesoffers a free tier for its reputable antivirus products. The software is compatible with Windows and Mac PCs, and there are also apps available for Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. 

During scans, Malwarebytescan automatically quarantine suspicious software or apps. The interface is clean and simple to use, and you can also see reports on when a scan last took place -- and whether or not suspicious files and software were found and removed. Furthermore, you can decide on the antivirus program's CPU usage -- high, medium, or low -- and whether or not to quarantine or skip potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).

When you install the software, there's a premium trial that only lasts for a certain number of days. After your time expires and if you choose not to purchase a license, you will lose real-time protection and the option to run scheduled scans. 

View now at Malwarebytes

What is the best free PC antivirus software?

The best free PC antivirus software is AVG AntiVirus Free since it's the go-to name in free AV software and does well in independent testing. 

Antivirus Software	Notable Features
AVG AntiVirus Free	On-demand malware scan, website and phishing protection, email checks
Avira Free Security	Vulnerability scan, a free junk cleaner, VPN
Bitdefender Antivirus Free	Phishing protection, malicious URL blocking, behavior-based detection
Malwarebytes	A clean interface, rapid scanning, useful settings and control options

Which free PC antivirus software is right for you?

Every security software package involves a trade-off between protection and convenience. The free packages I describe here add another layer to that equation, with varying degrees of advertising designed to convince you to upgrade your free program to a paid subscription. Each package also offers a mix of added features, which may or may not be of value to you.

The best way to choose is to install a package and try it out for long enough to decide whether the interface and features of the free antivirus service suit you. 

Choose this antivirus software...	If you want...
AVG AntiVirus Free	The best overall option. AVG AntiVirus Free is a solid choice for antivirus software considering the useful features and settings available in the free tier. However, more advanced features are limited unless you upgrade.
Avira Free Security	Avira's free antivirus software is best for notable, extra features, including a VPN and password manager extension. However, removing cookies and reducing your online footprint is limited to paid subscribers.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free	Basic antivirus protection. This software does what it says on the tin, so if you aren't worried about more advanced features or have any interest in upgrading to paid options, this option -- and its trusted engine -- is for you.
Malwarebytes	Antivirus software which is extremely simple and user-friendly. Granted, real-time protection is disabled after the premium trial ends, but for quick checkups, this is the best option.

How did I choose these software options?

I looked at currently available security software products for Windows and MacOS PCs, as well as mobile devices, concentrating on those with a well-established reputation and a well-tested infrastructure for delivering updates. I also investigated test results from reputable test labs.

Most importantly, the software and accompanying services have to be completely free for long-term use, with no expiration date or hidden costs. 

What is the best free antivirus software for Windows?

For most people, the built-in security features in the modern Windows operating system are good enough. That includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which is turned on automatically and updates itself continuously. It also includes a built-in firewall (which is on by default) and Microsoft Defender SmartScreen technology, which blocks malicious or unknown apps and files from the web -- even when they're downloaded from a browser other than Microsoft Edge. 

If you choose to install third-party security software, Windows automatically disables the corresponding Microsoft Defender features.

Do independent antivirus test results matter?

Well, sort of.

Security software makers pay for the privilege of participating in these tests, which use a mix of known malware samples, suspicious website behaviors, and other indicators to measure success. The difference between a 98.4% rating and a 100% rating is insignificant, especially considering how many other layers of security can prevent an executable file or script from landing on your desktop in the first place.

In addition, a 100% rating means only that the software successfully passed all the challenges it faced in that month's test cycle. It doesn't mean you'll be 100% protected from a malicious download or email attachment.

How much does effective antivirus software cost?

In researching the prices of commercial security software for use on home PCs, one thing I learned is that there's no such thing as a fixed price. If you check out the price of a product and try to navigate away from the page, chances are you'll be offered a lower price. You can also find coupons and "limited time" offers that dramatically cut the cost of a year's subscription to one of these packages.

The catch, of course, is that the discount is only good for the first year. When renewal time comes around, those discounts are much harder to find.

The overall prices vary dramatically, depending on which features are included and how many devices the subscription supports.

Are there any alternatives worth considering?

When you are looking for a free antivirus program, you have a huge market to consider -- and not every solution can make it on my top recommendations list. If none of the options above appeal to you, here are several additional services to look into:

Best price

Avast One Essential - Trusted security for Windows and MacOS

Avast One Essential offers single-device protection, for free, and also includes a limited VPN for additional protection.

View at Avast

Best price

Adaware Antivirus - Suitable for Windows machines

Adaware Antivirus is a free security offering for PCs running Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11.

View at Adaware

Best price

ESET - Great protection for Windows and MacOS

Slovak company ESET provides two tiers of antivirus protection. However, free usage is limited to a 30-day trial.

View at ESET

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