What is the Best Free Antivirus Software?
What is the Best Free Antivirus Software? Our Top Picks for 2025
Security threats exist everywhere online. There’s no shortage of pricey, enterprise-grade security solutions to keep you and your sensitive data safe. That said, not every organization needs (or can afford) the best security solutions that money can buy.
What you can’t afford is to do nothing to protect your devices from bad actors. Cybercrime is predicted to cost $10.5 trillion globally in 2025, and a single cyberattack could be devastating for a small business. Our list of free antivirus solutions can help you protect yourself online, without breaking the bank.
Free Antivirus Software – Our Top Picks At-a-Glance
Notably, some of the big names in security, including Norton and Kaspersky aren’t included on this list. Norton offers free trial options but no truly free antivirus tools. Russian-owned Kaspersky has a free offering but is not available in the United States after being banned by the Department of Commerce for security risks. If you’re not in the United States, Kaspersky may be available, but proceed at your own risk.
It’s also important to note that most free antivirus software was created for personal use. Businesses that deal with sensitive information (such as healthcare information) may not find these tools robust enough for their needs. Despite this, free versions of antivirus software may be sufficient for very small businesses or solopreneurs hoping to secure their devices. The vendors featured on this list all have quality reputations and are a good starting point when researching paid antivirus tools.
What’s the Best Free Antivirus Software?
All free antivirus software has the same goal – to find and remove viruses from your device. These tools don’t, however, approach this in the same way. Some free tools offer proactive scanning and protection, while others require manual scans. Antivirus tools are not operating system agnostic – so it’s vital to select a product that’s compatible with your device.
In this article, we’ll explore each product’s strengths and weaknesses, and highlight features that can help you decide what free antivirus software is right for you.
Best for Mac: TotalAV
TotalAV’s free offering is compatible with multiple operating systems – meaning you can use it with both Mac and Windows devices. That said, their website is focused on Mac users, and the Windows version of the product relies heavily on Microsoft Defender for some of its real-time protection features. Due to this, it doesn’t offer much in terms of additional security for Windows users who already have Microsoft Defender by default.
TotalAV offers both a free trial of their premium, paid product, and a free version. Users who start out with the free trial might be disappointed to find that some of the features included in the free trial, such as a VPN service and cloud file scanning, aren’t actually available in the free version once the trial expires.
Pros & Cons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Top Features
In addition to offering antivirus protection, TotalAV’s scans include features that help you optimize your device’s performance and storage. The product scans for junk and duplicate files, and helps you delete them to clear out disk space. TotalAV also tracks browser cookies to alleviate any privacy concerns associated with your browsing history.
Pricing Details
In addition to their free offering, TotalAV offers 3 paid antivirus options: TotalAV Antivirus Pro, TotalAV Internet Security, and TotalAV Total Security. All of them provide more robust antivirus and malware protection than the free version, as well as coverage for multiple devices.
TotalAV Antivirus Pro provides protection for up to 5 devices, including mobile devices. As of the time of writing it is available at a promotional price of $29 for the first year, and $99/year thereafter.
TotalAV Internet Security protects up to 6 devices and also includes a VPN. This package is currently available for a promotional price of $39/year and $129/year afterwards.
TotalAV Total Security covers 8 devices, and includes a VPN and a password manager. Currently, you can purchase TotalAV Total Security at a promotional rate of $49 for the first year, and $149/year thereafter.
TotalAV’s paid options may be a good fit for small businesses with a small number of devices looking for extra security online. Given the limitations on the number of devices covered, TotalAV might not be a good fit for larger organizations. More pricing details are available here.
Best for Multiple Operating Systems: Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes offers a free version of their antivirus software for Windows, Mac, Android, and Chromebook, as well as a free ad blocker for iPhone. These specialized applications can help you to detect and remove any malware on your computer. The free version of Malwarebytes requires manual scans, rather than the proactive protection offered in the free version.
Like others on this list, Malwarebytes offers a free trial of their premium offering, in addition to an always-free version of the tool. Because it lacks this always-on protection, the free version of Malwarebytes offers limited protection against ransomware (though this is true of all free antivirus offerings that rely on manual scans alone).
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
|
|
|
Top Features
Malwarebytes excels at finding and uninstalling malware, but what sets it apart from other free tools is its speed. Malwarebytes scans are fast, meaning you can detect and remove malware faster with Malwarebytes than you could with some of the other tools on this list.
Pricing Details
Malwarebytes offers several different pricing options for individuals, families, and businesses. Their business offerings include Malwarebytes Teams and ThreatDown by Malwarebytes.
Malwarebytes Teams was designed with sole proprietors and small businesses in mind. Their sole proprietor offering starts at $119.99/year and covers up to 3 devices. The boutique business tier covers up to 10 devices at $399.99/year, and their small office tier covers up to 20 devices at $519.99/year.
These plans offer a 60-day money-back guarantee and access to priority support. Read more about Malwarebytes’ paid offerings here.
ThreatDown by Malwarebytes is a good fit for small and mid-sized organizations looking for more than just antivirus software. ThreatDown’s offerings include customizable endpoint security bundles that range in price, but start at $69 per endpoint annually. Since there’s a minimum requirement of 5 endpoints, the most basic plan costs $345.
Best for Microsoft 365 Users on a Budget: Microsoft Defender
If you’re a Microsoft 365 user, Microsoft Defender is the easiest (and most cost-effective) antivirus option out there – because it’s already included in with Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Windows Defender can act as a solid first layer of protection for those who are more security conscious, with additional security products layered on top.
Microsoft Defender is available on Windows, Mac, and mobile devices, but the protection offered differs based on device type, meaning you aren’t getting the same protection on your Windows machines vs. your Macs.
Pros & Cons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
|
|
Top Features
Microsoft Defender includes free identity theft monitoring and identity theft insurance across all device types. This alone makes it worth downloading and activating, even if you layer additional antivirus tools on top of it.
Pricing Details
Microsoft Defender is free for anyone with a Microsoft 365 subscription, however, you must purchase a Microsoft 365 subscription to access it. Microsoft 365 subscriptions cost $99.99/year for a personal subscription and $129.99/year for a family subscription. The antivirus protection included in a family subscription covers up to 6 people, and 5 devices per person. More information on Microsoft 365’s business pricing is available here.
Best for Windows Users Looking for Strong Customer Support: Bitdefender
Bitdefender’s free version was built specifically for Windows devices. While the company does offer a free scanning tool for Mac users, it’s much less robust than Bitdefender Antivirus Free. Bitdefender differs from other free antivirus providers in that they offer live customer support for their free plan, while most other vendors require a paid subscription for this same service.
Further, Bitdefender offers a light version of their paid, always-on protection. Other free antivirus tools rely on manual or scheduled scans and thus may be slower to detect viruses or other forms of malware.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Top Features
Bitdefender offers a unique pop-up notification when it stops a malware attack and gives you the option to learn more about what happened, including an attack timeline that shows when the malware was introduced to your device. This additional insight can help you to improve your online habits (and avoid clicking any similar, suspicious links).
Pricing Details
Bitdefender offers pricing tiers for both individuals and small businesses. There are 2 small business plans – Bitdefender Ultimate Small Business Security and Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security.
Bitdefender Ultimate Small Business Security offers protection for 3 users and 7 devices, or 5 users and 12 devices. Like other vendors, Bitdefender offers a first-year discount, and the 3-user plan costs $132.99 for the first year, and the 5-user plan costs $188.99.
Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security offers a 7-device or a 12-device plan and offers a more advanced management console. This plan offers more scaleable features, allowing users to upgrade or add additional endpoints for an additional cost, though this cost is not publicly available. The 7-device plan starts at $147.69 for the first year, and the 12-device plan starts at $240.09. Read more about Bitdefender GravityZone pricing here.
Best for Extra Features: Avira Antivirus Free
Avira is part of the parent company Gen Digital, which also owns AVG, LifeLock, and Norton. Gen Digital has a large foothold in the security space, along with a quality reputation when it comes to security. Gen Digital utilizes 4 different antivirus engines across its portfolio, meaning that downloading Avira isn’t a workaround that lets you download Norton Antivirus (which has no free version) for free. Despite this, Avira holds its own as a quality option for folks seeking a free antivirus tool.
Avira antivirus free is only available for Windows 10 and 11, so Windows 7 loyalists and mobile device users should look elsewhere for their antivirus protection. Avira does offer a free version of their antivirus software for Mac users.
Pros & Cons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Top Features
Avira includes more light versions of their premium features in their free offering than others on this list. For example, Avira’s free antivirus tool includes a VPN, while this is a paid feature for most antivirus products. The VPN in the free version offers limited bandwidth, but beggars must not be choosers, right?
Avira includes a software updater feature that proactively updates your software and applications. This can help ensure that your device is up to date and has received all of the security updates/patches necessary to keep you secure. The free version also includes online protection features that can prevent malicious downloads and phishing attacks.
Pricing Details
Avira offers 3 paid antivirus options: Avira Antivirus Pro, Avira Internet Security, and Avira Prime. These options all offer a first-year discount of at least 45%, and are likely a good fit for personal use, or for sole proprietors. Avira offers flexible pricing terms, allowing users to subscribe for a month, a year or 2 years at a time. Further, the paid versions offer additional features for Mac users, helping them to free up space on their devices.
Avira Antivirus Pro offers real-time protection, and access to Avira’s customer support team. Plans can be purchased for 1, 3, or 5 devices offering some flexibility for users. The base package of 1 device for 1 year costs $26.99 for the first year, and $64.99/year afterward.
Avira Internet Security offers the same pricing terms as Avira Antivirus Pro, but also offers a password generator and manager, advanced online account protection, and the ability to remove trackers from your Mac. The base package of 1 device for 1 year costs $34.99 for the first year, and $70.99/year thereafter.
Avira Prime is the most advanced offering from Avira. This package includes coverage for either 5 or 25 devices, and gives subscribers access to Avira’s VIP support system. In addition to the capabilities included in the other packages, Avira Prime includes an unlimited VPN, data breach scans, gaming performance enhancement and premium mobile apps. The base package for 5 devices for 1 year costs $59.99 for the first year, and $109.99/year afterward.
Learn more about Avira Antivirus pricing here.
Best for Europe: Avast One
Avast One offers a free antivirus option for Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone/iPad. While most of the companies on this list are based in the United States, Avast is based in the EU, which means it comes with strong privacy protections built in. Avast’s free offering was built with personal use in mind, and those looking to use the product in a business setting may want to evaluate their paid options.
Pros & Cons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
|
|
Top Features
Avast doesn’t have bells and whistles in the form of VPNs or password managers, but it does offer more advanced features than some of the products on this list. For example, Avast offers browser protection in addition to a network inspector that evaluates your entire network for vulnerabilities.
Pricing Details
Avast offers a few paid options aimed at small businesses. Their small and home office plans cover up to 10 devices, while their small business solutions can protect up to 100 devices.
Avast Small and Home Office Plans provide coverage for 1-10 devices. The base plan starts at $139.99/year for up to 10 devices and can be purchased for a 1, 2, or 3-year term. This plan includes data protection features, IT support, and ransomware protection features.
Avast Essential Business Security includes the same protection as the small and home office plan, as well as an online management platform that allows users to monitor all of their devices at once. Coverage is available for up to 10 devices, and can be purchased for a 1, 2 or 3-year term. Currently, you can purchase 1 year of protection for 10 devices at a discounted price of $296.72 (normally $370.90)
Avast’s Small Business plans include Essential, Premium, and Ultimate pricing tiers, which can provide coverage for up to 100 devices each. These tiers include an online management platform, additional endpoint protection, phishing protection, and ransomware protection. The Premium and Ultimate tiers include web controls, a VPN, and USB protection. Only the Ultimate tier includes automated patch management. For 10 devices, the Essential tier costs $296.72/year, Premium costs $374/year and Ultimate costs $454.16/year.
To protect more than 100 devices, you’ll need to contact the vendor for a quote. Get more details on Avast’s paid offerings here.
Best for Set it and Forget it: AVG AntiVirus Free
AVG also falls under the Gen Digital umbrella, which has a stellar reputation when it comes to their security offerings. Unlike Avira, AVG’s free antivirus offering is available across multiple operating systems and protects PCs, Macs, Android devices, and iPhones.
Pros & Cons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Top Features
AVG’s website highlights the auto-update feature, which ensures your device receives necessary security updates automatically, making this a good option for those who don’t want to spend a bunch of time monitoring their antivirus tool. AVG offers real-time protection and browser protection in the free plan, making it more robust than other free antivirus tools.
Pricing Details
AVG offers 2 paid antivirus options – AVG Internet Security and AVG Ultimate. They also offer several additional products, such as a VPN, identity protection, data breach protection, etc. at an additional cost.
AVG Internet Security offers protection for up to 10 devices at a discounted price of $59.88 for the first year and $99.99/year thereafter. Beyond the antivirus protection offered in the free version, AVG Internet Security provides additional wifi network protection (good for those who like to work in public places) and more advanced phishing protection.
AVG Ultimate also covers up to 10 devices and is available for $59.88 for the first year, and $139.99/year afterward. AVG Ultimate includes a VPN, device tune-up, and anti-tracking features in addition to what’s included in the more basic tier.
Read more about AVG’s paid offerings here.
Antivirus FAQs
What is Antivirus Software?
Antivirus software prevents, detects, and removes viruses, and other forms of malware, from devices. These viruses can steal sensitive data, reduce device performance, or even use your device’s resources for nefarious purposes. Antivirus software scans your device for the malicious software and removes it whenever possible.
How Does Free Antivirus Software Work?
Free Antivirus products have the same end goal as paid products – to find and eliminate malware from your device. Free software is often more limited in feature set, and may lack in some areas, such as proactive scans, or more advanced features. Free antivirus software often lacks sufficient ransomware protection, so if you believe your organization might be at risk of a ransomware attack, consider a paid option.
Do Macs Need Antivirus Software?
Yes. Popular knowledge suggests that Macs are impenetrable to computer viruses. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are smart and this is no longer the case. Antivirus designed with Macs in mind can help keep your device secure, and protect against other forms of malware too.
Is Antivirus Software the Only Product I Need to Stay Safe From Malware?
No. While viruses are the most common type of malware, there are many other types. Antivirus software can protect you from some, but not all, online threats. Learn more about different kinds of malware, and how to protect yourself, here.
TrustRadius Methodology
TrustRadius is committed to helping software buyers make the best software purchases possible. This list was compiled by the TrustRadius research team and includes only vendors that provide a truly free antivirus software product. No free trials or signup gimmicks allowed. Where possible, we have included information on these vendors’ paid offerings in case free coverage is not sufficient.
Read more about our Promise to Buyers here.
How to Choose the Best Free Antivirus Software for You
In this article, we’ve explored several free antivirus software options that can help keep you safe online. Many free antivirus software were designed for personal use cases, and may not provide sufficient protection for your business. Never fear – we’ve gathered real user feedback that can help you select the right security tech stack for your business. Check out our security categories to start your research today.
