Best Free Antivirus Software for 2024

Solidity

Some particularly insidious malware is disguised as free antivirus software. You download something to protect your computer, but instead end up infecting it, leading to data theft or device lockup.

You can avoid this malware by sticking to trusted antivirus companies. Choose a company from a vetted list like this one, read the third-party tests we link to, and make sure the URL you’re downloading from is authentic.

Characteristics

Antivirus software typically offers two layers of protection:

• Scanning that search your computer and remove malware. Some programs let you schedule them yourself, while others run them automatically when your computer is idle. You should also be able to manually run scans at any time.
• Real-time protection which identifies and blocks malware, preventing it from being downloaded to your computer.

Antivirus tools can also block malicious sites and protect you from threats like phishing, but these features are usually only available in premium programs. Similarly, antivirus tools may only provide limited scan scheduling.

Free and Paid Antivirus Software

Most free antivirus programs are made by companies that also produce paid antivirus tools. They usually use the same antivirus engines as the paid versions, so you get the same level of scanning and malware protection that you would get if you bought a premium antivirus program from the company. However, this protection is often only available for one device per person, while paid antivirus tools offer packages for five, ten, or even unlimited devices.

Additionally, paid antivirus software usually offers additional benefits, such as advanced protection against ransomware and phishing. Many companies also offer full security suites that include things like VPNs and password managers alongside antivirus tools. Check out our list of the best antivirus software to learn more about these security suites.

System resource usage

The real-time protection of an antivirus tool should not interfere with regular use of your computer. Deep scanning often slows down your computer by using up RAM or CPU resources, but it should not render your computer completely unusable.

Problems with Avast

For years, Avast Antivirus for Windows has been the gold standard for antivirus, with consistently high ratings on AV-Test. Its antivirus has previously been on our list of recommended security app options.

However, in early 2024, the Federal Trade Commission fined Avast $16.5 million to settle allegations that the company sold customer web browsing information to more than 100 third parties between 2014 and 2020. The FTC said Avast allegedly collected data through browser extensions and antivirus software, then sold it through its Jumpshot subsidiary.

At the time, Avast CEO Ondřej Vlček responded to the initial 2020 reports with a statement that he understood his company’s actions raised questions about trust in his company. To address those concerns, Avast ended Jumpshot’s data collection in January 2020 and shut down operations.

Hopefully, there will be no more Jumpshot-style actions and that Avast will return to its glory as one of the best antivirus software options. Until then, we recommend using one of the other free options on this list.

Problems with Kaspersky

Kaspersky has historically been another top antivirus vendor, earning high marks and awards for its virus and malware protection from independent labs. However, in June 2024, the U.S. government announced a federal ban that prohibits Kaspersky from selling antivirus or cybersecurity software or services in the U.S. or to U.S. citizens due to alleged ties between Kaspersky and the Russian government.

“Russia has repeatedly demonstrated its ability and intent to use Russian companies like Kaspersky Lab to collect and weaponize sensitive U.S. information, and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to protect U.S. national security and American citizens,” Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in announcing the ban.

In a statement, Kaspersky said it “does not engage in activities that threaten U.S. national security and, in fact, has made a significant contribution through reporting and protection against a variety of threat actors that have targeted U.S. interests and allies.”

The Commerce Department recommends that Kaspersky users switch to replacement software from other security companies as soon as possible. To help Kaspersky customers make the transition, Kaspersky will continue to provide antivirus updates for its software until September 29, 2024, the department said.