Sooner or later, every Internet user encounters computer viruses, and if this has not happened to you yet, then there is still more to come. Not too optimistic, right?
But, nevertheless, in 2019, we are now in a more advantageous position than our predecessors, because at a time when anti-virus software was just beginning to appear on the market, computer viruses calmly and unhindered ruled computers, sometimes causing damage worth millions dollars.
Just some 5-10 years ago, the only way to get rid of viruses was formatting hard drive, which means the loss of all data stored on it. Today even the most advanced user personal computer, who has very little understanding of computer protection methods, can put up a serious fight against viruses and get rid of these malicious aliens.
Rating of the best free antiviruses of 2019 (TOP 10)
This article offers an overview of the most popular ones today in 2019 and some tips for keeping your computer safe. Naturally, to protect your PC, the first thing you need to do is find a good antivirus.
#1
Very worthy antivirus program domestically developed, which has the ability to find and deal with any threats to your computer and is one of the leaders in the CIS countries.
He responds to a threat very quickly and immediately eliminates it. This program can be automatically updated, its interface is quite simple and understandable, and management is not complicated. This program will also provide decent protection for your computer.
Its only drawback is that it loads the computer quite heavily, consuming a lot of resources.
#2
Latest versions antivirus package Avast! 2019 have a high level of virus detection efficiency. The kernel engine used in the program has been certified by ICSA, is constantly tested by Virus Bulletin and consistently receives awards.
The program has a very simple interface that is very understandable even for a beginner, which allows even a not very experienced user to configure scanning parameters. There is also a great opportunity to quickly configure appearance programs. In addition, you can set up a schedule for scanning your computer.
Avast protection! Uses a powerful module that can prevent the virus from affecting your computer before it infects it. The system is capable of updating itself. To summarize, we can say that the presence of this program on your computer makes you feel much calmer.
#3
360 Total Security is an antivirus that will help you protect and optimize the operation of your computer.
It provides protection against many threats that could steal your personal information, from malware, unnecessary files, privacy risks, viruses and much more. A simple and user-friendly interface makes using the antivirus very pleasant.
This application also allows you to get rid of applications that slow down your computer by automatic search slow startup programs and unnecessary files.
#4
NANO Security NANO AntiVirus 2019 is a relatively new product in the huge market of free antivirus programs. It offers comprehensive, state-of-the-art protection against computer viruses, Trojans, malicious and suspicious programs. It monitors web traffic, checks your email and keeps your system secure in real time.
It also scans RAM for infections and can even detect viruses in encrypted and compressed files such as archives or backups. Unlike many other free antiviruses, it does not limit the user's capabilities, but provides a full set of functions for free.
#5
This very popular Avira antivirus program allows you to protect your computer from various virus threats. Antivirus has technological possibility detect new viruses and eliminate them.
It also has the advantage of being able to update automatically and not consume large system resources. This is very effective tool virus detection that can guarantee the security of your computer.
#6
AVG Antivirus Free is constantly being improved to protect your computer even better.
It now includes real-time security updates, issue and malware and performance scanning, and even catches malicious file downloads before they reach your computer.
A very popular antivirus among PC users.
#7
Comodo Antivirus is an excellent tool for scanning and detecting Internet threats. The antivirus scans any disk or file, including unknown untrusted or suspicious email files.
If the program identifies any files as attackers, viruses or worms, the system will identify and eliminate them. Comodo Antivirus scans your system for viruses automatically so you don't have to interrupt your computer work.
#8
BitDefender Antivirus Plus 2019 has a sophisticated style of PC protection that involves simulating a computer inside a computer in which segments of programs are activated in order to get time to pre-scan for viruses and other harmful things.
Powerful search engines BitDefender Antivirus accesses the most remote and unused areas of your computer to detect any possible problems that could be there.
Viruses are removed with minimal data damage, with the ability to restore damaged documents before deleting them. Web Traffic Filter prevents malicious files from reaching your computer.
#9
Panda Antivirus combines cloud computing with an antivirus, making it an excellent solution that reduces the demands on local PC resources and creates reliable protection.
The flip side of the coin may be that a potential attack on the developer's servers could interfere with the protection of computers, however, this is highly unlikely. Thus, its advantages far outweigh its disadvantages.
#10 ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall
ZoneAlarm provides protection with flexibility for users with intermediate computer knowledge.
ZoneAlarm 2019 is an easy-to-use program that protects your computer from threats posed by viruses and other potentially harmful programs to the personal information you have stored on your computer. The free version of ZoneAlarm includes daily updates.
On top of that, there's a firewall feature that includes spyware and phishing protection; the user can manually determine which program to provide “Trust Level”.
Additional virus protection
But, in addition to having a good anti-virus program, the user must take into account a few more basic rules:
- Do not access sites if you are not sure of their reliability;
- You cannot download files you don’t need from the Internet, even from well-known sources;
- You cannot open and read letters that have come to you from unknown recipients, since it is through mail that various viruses often penetrate your computer.
A complete list of antiviruses can be seen on a separate page.
Computers make our lives much easier. With their help you can quickly find necessary information, compose a document, watch an interesting movie and much, much more. Moreover, we have only listed the tasks of ordinary users, but ATMs, robots in factories and satellites also work on the basis of the most common operating systems, albeit installed on specific equipment.
Of course, most users are aware of the threat, which is popularly called simply a “virus”. This nasty stuff includes worms, Trojan horses, spyware, banners and malware. However, these subtleties are of little interest to us, because the methods of protection are practically the same. And the first “line” of defense is your own brain. Yes, yes, in order not to catch the virus, you should remember just a few simple rules:
- Use current version operating system. Old versions have vulnerabilities, and therefore are easier to “infect”
- Use it modern browser. For example, Chrome or Firefox
- Do not click on banners or follow unknown links
- Download files only from trusted sites
But even all these precautions can fail, and therefore it is worth thinking about installing an antivirus - a program that, roughly speaking, scans files, finds infected ones and disinfects or deletes them. Our traditional rating will help you select software specifically for your requirements.
The best free antiviruses for Windows
Windows is on at the moment the most popular operating system for desktop devices. Thanks to this we have huge amount programs for it and... a lot of viruses. This is the other side of popularity. Fortunately, there are also a lot of antiviruses for Windows. First of all, let's pay attention to free software. And here it’s worth making one note - only completely free programs are included in the rating; trial versions of paid solutions are not included in the rating.
5 Microsoft Windows Defender
Basic protection for the undemanding user
Country: USA
Average price: Free
Rating (2019): 4.5
Let's start with one of the most popular antiviruses for Windows. This program has become extremely widespread not because of the sympathy of users, but due to its initial presence in the Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 operating systems. And this is the main advantage of the product. There is no need to install an antivirus, there is no need to understand hundreds of settings - it simply protects your computer from malware by default.
How good is the defense? The results of independent tests leave much to be desired: zero-day threats (previously unknown) are detected Windows Defender only in 80-85% of cases. With known threats, the situation is an order of magnitude better - about 99.7% of threats are successfully neutralized. Protection against web threats is present only in branded browsers - Internet Explorer and Edge - there are no plugins for other browsers.
Overall, the conclusion is this: this software is well suited as a basic protection for advanced users who know how to prevent exposure to malware. Or for people who don’t bother searching for and studying more advanced antiviruses.
Advantages:
- Pre-installed on the system
- Doesn't display ads, doesn't offer to upgrade to premium, etc.
- Good basic protection
Flaws:
- Threat protection is not 100%
- Only antivirus protection
4 Comodo Internet Security
The most extensive functionality
Country: USA
Average price: Free
Rating (2019): 4.6
In contrast to the previous participant, the free Comodo Internet Security provides enormous functionality. It has basic anti-virus protection, anti-rootkit, firewall, cloud scanning, sandboxing and much more. The program will protect not only from malware, but also from phishing programs and Internet attacks. If you doubt the reliability of an application, you can run it in an isolated sandbox, from which the virus cannot harm the system.
The program interface can be presented in two versions: simple - in which the user can enable only quick, full or selective scanning, and expert - for advanced users who have the knowledge and courage to manually configure all aspects of the program. From others interesting features We note the presence of a “game mode” in which notifications will be hidden in full-screen applications.
Advantages:
- Quite powerful protection
- Large quantity additional functions
- Lots of settings for advanced users
Flaws:
- Excessive firewall paranoia
- Imposition of other company products.
3 Panda Free Antivirus
Strong average
Country: Spain
Average price: Free
Rating (2019): 4.6
The top three are opened by antivirus software from programmers from Spain. Protection rates in synthetic and real tests are close to 100%, but the load on the system is quite high, which does not allow the program to become a leader. Of course, modern PCs will not slow down when using it, but owners of older systems should think about other software.
Advantages:
- Automatic “vaccination” of USB flash drives and external hard drives
- Can display information about the security of a particular Windows process
- Detects potentially unwanted programs that are not viruses
- Convenient exception setup
2 360 Total Security
The most reliable protection
Country: China
Average price: Free
Rating (2019): 4.7
A couple of years ago, a creation from the Chinese was at the top of the rankings of respected antivirus testing sites. However, 360 Total Security is now disqualified for using the Bitdefender engine (we'll talk about it below). But such “doping” only benefits us – ordinary users. While remaining free, the program shows the best results in protecting your PC from threats. The only drawback that users talk about is that the antivirus sometimes sees a threat where, in principle, there cannot be one.
Advantages:
- Using engines from more powerful antivirus systems
- There is system cleaning, startup
- Protection from ransomware
- Running suspicious programs in the sandbox
- Protect flash drives, browser and webcam
1 Avast Free Antivirus
The best combination of protection and convenience
Country: Czech Republic
Average price: Free
Rating (2019): 4.8
Avast antivirus has been on the list for several years now best antiviruses. When used in Windows 7 and Windows 8, the program shows 99% protection, in Windows 10 – 97%, which can be considered an excellent indicator for a free product. Ease of use is also excellent. Even during installation, the user can choose which protection methods and functions he needs. Also noteworthy is the very simple interface, which even the least experienced user can understand. The only drawback of the program is that it’s not the most best performance, however, to say that the computer starts to slow down after Avast installations it is forbidden.
Advantages:
- Best protection in class
- It is possible to create a rescue disk to boot from and scan the system for viruses
- There is scanning of browser extensions
- Special modes that reduce system load
- Can check Wi-Fi for security
Flaws:
- Sometimes it is too intrusive to suggest switching to paid version from the same developer
The best paid antiviruses for Windows
Everything in our world has its price. If you want to get a truly high-quality product, in the vast majority of cases you will have to pay a certain amount. The situation is similar with antiviruses. From simple viruses Both free and paid versions protect equally well, but the latter also have a huge number of additional functions that will not only increase the level of protection, but also make work easier.
5 Norton Security Deluxe
The most affordable antivirus with powerful protection
Country: USA
Average price: 1205 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6
The top 5 paid antiviruses are opened by a product from Symantec. Norton Security is one of the leaders in the field of antivirus protection. Judging by numerous independent tests, the level of protection is almost at the same level as that of industry leaders. At the same time, the cost of an annual subscription is significantly lower: for the Deluxe version for 5 devices, a Russian user will have to pay only 1,205 rubles, protecting one device will cost 649 rubles. This is more than 2 times less than competitors!
At the same time, Norton also offers a large number of additional functions: protection against spyware, against phishing (one of the best in its class), against spam, against ransomware. Among the interesting features, we note the presence of maintenance tools Windows systems. These include an application startup manager (you can disable or delay startup for more quick launch systems), cleaning temporary files, defragmenting disks.
Advantages:
- Excellent antivirus protection performance
- The most affordable price tag
- Many additional features including system maintenance tools
4 BullGuard Internet Security
Extensive functionality with fine-tuning capabilities
Country: UK
Average price: 4000 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6
BullGuard is perhaps the least known product in our selection. But this does not in any way prevent the antivirus from performing its tasks perfectly. The accuracy of threat detection is only tenths of a percent lower than that of category leaders. The functionality is comparable to other representatives of the TOP: protection against spyware, phishing, spam. But there are many additional interesting features. Please note availability backup, which almost none of the competitors offer. In this case, you can configure file types, specify specific folders and select the automatic backup time.
Also pleased with the advanced parental controls. You can create multiple profiles. There are presets for children of different ages, and you can also manually select which sites to give access to and which to block. In addition, you can set the time when your child can use the computer. Finally, there are system maintenance tools and a game mode already mentioned in the review of other antiviruses.
Advantages:
- Excellent antivirus protection
- Advanced Parental Controls
- Data backup
- Maintenance Tools
Flaws:
- High price tag without discounts.
3 BitDefender Internet Security 2017
One of the most powerful antivirus engines in the world
Country: Romania
Average price: RUB 2,099.
Rating (2019): 4.7
BitDefender is one of the recognized leaders in the field of antivirus software. Security and performance indicators are only a couple of percent lower than those of the leader in our rating, but the cost is 2 times lower! At the same time, the program has no less features. The secure password manager and system deserve special attention complete removal files. The latter will be especially important for companies or people who really don't want their files to fall into the wrong hands. It is also worth noting 24/7 technical support and cloud verification, which significantly reduces the load on the system.
The remaining functions are quite standard for this class: protection against phishing attacks and ransomware, firewall, low power mode, game mode, etc. In general, an excellent solution for your money.
Advantages:
- Low cost
- Built-in password manager
- File shredder
- Checking the security of your Wi-Fi connection
- Protection modules against phishing attacks, ransomware and encryptors
Flaws:
- Not the most user-friendly interface
2 Kaspersky Internet Security 2017
The best domestic antivirus
Country: Russia
Average price: 2,290 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
It is gratifying that the developments of domestic specialists are recognized as among the best in the world. Antivirus software from Kaspersky Lab is known to almost all PC users. The 2017 version, in addition to a high level of protection, introduced several more interesting features. First, there was VPN. Its functionality is somewhat lower than that of the leader, but for the average user it is enough. Secondly, the program manager can now update the software on your computer, because fresh programs are less susceptible to attack. It is also worth noting the traffic control function, which not only protects your device from attack, but also helps optimize costs when connecting to the Internet via 3G or 4G. Other functions are also present in competitors.
Advantages:
- Clear interface completely in Russian
- Availability of VPN
- Program manager with automatic updates
- Availability of the “Safe Payments” mode
- Protection against unauthorized access to the webcam
Flaws:
- The program for one device can be purchased for at least 2 years, or for a year, but not less than for two devices.
1 Avira Prime Total Security Suite
The most extensive functionality
Country: Germany
Average price: 4,408 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8
Like all previous solutions, Avira provides excellent antivirus protection. However, in addition to it, in the full edition the developers have added several more very interesting features. The first is device management. With this feature, you can configure the connection of only certain USB devices, while others will be blocked. The second is an advanced firewall, with user-friendly interface and clear controls. Third, built-in PC cleaning. This function will replace specialized programs to clean the system of debris, optimize and speed up. Separately, I would like to note the ability to encrypt important personal files. Finally, the maximum version has a built-in VPN with all the necessary protection systems. The only drawback of the program is its high cost - for an annual license for 1 device you will have to pay 4,408 rubles.
Advantages:
- The best antivirus protection
- Great firewall
- Built-in utility for cleaning, optimizing and speeding up the system
- Built-in VPN with multiple levels of protection
Flaws:
- Relatively high cost
People whose computers have ever been affected by various viruses are sure that an antivirus for their computer must be selected extremely carefully and very seriously.
Important warning:
you need to protect your device right now so that it does not suffer from various malware. Sometimes even real money in online wallets can be stolen similar programs. Read a useful article for beginners,
There are currently a huge number of antivirus programs, but they operate on almost the same principle. They study the computer and find the most vulnerable places in order to protect them.
There are two types of antiviruses: paid and free
There is no need to think that if the program is expensive, then it protects much better. Today there are a huge number of free offers that will help protect your computer from unwanted viruses. So, next we’ll talk in detail about the best antivirus programs for 2019.
Most likely, this antivirus is the most popular. The program functions very well, users immediately liked it, so to this day they actively use it for their own purposes.
Advantages Kaspersky Free:
1. The software works very quickly.
2. The free version uses the same databases as the paid version.
3. With its help, all financial transactions are reliably protected.
4. It protects your internet connection using a VPN.
5. There is a function.
6. Compatible with Windows, Android, Mac and other OS.
7. Low license cost (BUY).
8. You can use a free trial period (1 month)
9. Do you want a Kaspersky license for a year? Then this is the place for you!
Disadvantages of Kaspersky Free:
1. Some viruses are undetectable (as with any antivirus program).
2. Many functions are not available in free version.
Even those who rarely use a computer have heard about this defender. Avast is a free, but at the same time very convenient and capable antivirus. In order to start using the program, you will first need to specify the address email and go through a short registration. The analysis shows that the antivirus is able to eliminate up to 99% of threats.
Advantages Avast Free Antivirus:
1. The program has a very nice and simple interface.
2. Lots of add-ons to customize Avast personally for yourself.
3. Protects against applications that can cause even the slightest harm to your computer.
4. Quickly check for threats.
5. Easy to update virus base thanks to direct access.
6. Cloud protection technology.
Disadvantages of Avast Free Antivirus:
1. Once a year you will need to repeat the SIMPLE registration process.
2. The free version can only be used for home devices.
The main task of this antivirus is to scan your computer for viruses, as well as delete infected files. It is worth noting that the program is not a full-fledged antivirus, but is more often used in addition to any program of this kind.
Advantages of Dr. WebCurelt:
1. It is possible not to delete infected files, but to “treat” them.
2. You don’t even have to install the program.
Disadvantages of the free version of Dr. WebCurelt:
1. trial version does not have the ability to update the database.
2. It is not possible to work in web mode.
The paid version of the application is considered the best, but free program will also be of interest to many. Despite some reduced functions, the antivirus works great.
Benefits of Bitdefender Antivirus:
1. Very nice interface.
2. Huge operating efficiency.
Disadvantages of Bitdefender Antivirus:
1. There is no Russian language.
2. Does not work well on weak computers.
The program is one of the best in the business. It detects and eliminates viruses very well. You can download the antivirus for free; to improve performance, you can download various plugins, which are also free.
Advantages of Avira Antivirus:
1. The program saves system resources very well.
2. The antivirus works stably and without any complaints.
3. Quite good protection mechanism and high working efficiency.
4. Reliable protection from threats from the Internet;
5. You can customize data processing and set filters for applications;
Disadvantages of Avira Antivirus:
1. Sometimes advertising windows pop up asking you to purchase a paid version.
2. Sometimes the program may skip Trojans.
Download 360 Total Security
This program has very good security features
And at the same time configure 360 Total Security very simple. Various subtleties in the settings are of course present, but even a “beginner” can cope with them. Even Microsoft has included the program in its list of recommended ones, so you should pay attention to this antivirus.
AVG AntiVirus Free
The program is not particularly popular, but it does its job well. The fact is that it uses the same databases as the paid version of the program.
Advantages of AVG AntiVirus:
1. Very effective protection against viruses.
2. The program is economical in consuming system resources.
Disadvantages of AVG AntiVirus:
1. The check is quite slow.
2. The program sometimes works falsely.
The first antivirus program that was able to use cloud technologies, allowing you to do a better check.
Advantages of Panda Free Antivirus:
1. The interface looks very attractive.
2. The virus database is constantly updated.
Disadvantages of free Panda Free Antivirus:
1. Not supported on weak PCs.
2. Sometimes the program works falsely.
Comodo Antivirus
Comodo antivirus is in great demand only among experienced computer users, because setting up the program is not so easy.
Comodo Antivirus
Benefits of Comodo Antivirus:
1. The program can identify potential threats.
2. The software is updated frequently.
Disadvantages of Comodo Antivirus:
1. In some cases, test results are controversial.
2. The program may conflict with some files.
An excellent application that can function both during scanning and in real time.
Benefits of SecureAPlus:
1. Databases are updated frequently.
2. Quiet mode is included in the program.
Disadvantages of SecureAPlus:
1. It will be buggy on weak devices.
2. The program is very demanding on computer resources.
It adds up over time, although many users feel safer being protected by a third-party antivirus solution. It is generally accepted that third-party antiviruses provide much more effective protection for Windows 10.
To determine which antivirus provides the most better protection for Windows 10, the German laboratory AV-Test conducted new testing of popular antiviruses in March and April 2017. The list of test participants also included the built-in system antivirus - Windows Defender. Some results were unexpected.
The best antiviruses for Windows 10
In antivirus testing for Windows 7, which was conducted earlier this year, the undisputed leaders were Kaspersky, Bitdefender, Symantec and Trend Micro. This time, only two solutions were able to earn maximum points - Kaspersky Internet Security and AVIRA Antivirus Pro. Both products received the maximum 6 points in the Protection, Performance and Usability categories for a total of 18 points.
Trend Micro, Symantec and Bitdefender are located next to the leaders in the final table. In total, they scored 17.5 points, losing half a point in the Usability category. The protection and performance of these antiviruses was rated 6 points.
The best antiviruses in the AV-Test test series receive the "TOP PRODUCT" award:
Microsoft is still far away
A major disappointment was ESET, which scored 5.5 for protection, 4 for performance and 6 for usability. This means that the product not only missed test samples, but also seriously slowed down the performance of the Windows 10 system.
Avast earned 6 points for protection, 4.5 points for performance and 5.5 points for usability.
As for Windows Defender, it turned out to be one of the weakest products based on testing results. The system antivirus received 4.5 points for performance and protection and 6 points for ease of use. In total, Windows Defender scored 15 points.
One of the last lines of the final table went to Comodo, which received 5.5, 4.5 and 5 points for protection, performance and ease of use, respectively.
In addition to using antivirus software, Windows 10 users are strongly recommended to update regularly operating system, because known exploits can be blocked at the OS kernel level if the necessary patch has been released and installed for them. This is exactly the situation observed in the recent WannaCry attack. Windows users 10 were not affected by the ransomware thanks to a patch released by Microsoft in March 2017.
How AV-TEST tests
One of the most important assessment categories used by the independent laboratory AV-TEST when testing antiviruses is Protection. The method includes tests that use all the protective components and capabilities of the antivirus.
AV-TEST uses the Performance parameter to evaluate the impact of antivirus solutions on system performance when performing basic everyday tasks on a computer.
The AV-TEST laboratory uses the Usability criterion to evaluate the usability of an antivirus solution, which is testing for false positives.
Antivirus reviews and tests
It is unlikely that your computer will be infected with a virus, but at the same time there is a risk of infection by other types of malware and online threats. Ransomware Trojans encrypt important files and wait until a ransom is paid before unlocking access to them. Banking Trojans interfere with online transactions and try to steal cash. Infection with a botnet will make your computer a link in the chain of devices used to organize DDoS attacks. For these and many other reasons, you should protect your computer with an antivirus. No need to worry about the price. The best free antivirus programs are more effective than some commercial solutions. The Internet portal PCMag has conducted a comprehensive review of more than a dozen free antiviruses and recommends the best products for choosing.
Many of the antiviruses presented are free for non-commercial use only. If you want to protect computers in your organization, you will have to purchase a paid version. In this case, it is worth considering switching to a full-fledged comprehensive antivirus. After all, the security of your business depends on it. If you need to protect large enterprises, then SaaS solutions come to the rescue, allowing you to centrally monitor and manage the protection of all computers in the company.
Your antivirus should reliably remove malware that has taken root in the system, but its main task is to prevent new infections from ransomware, botnets, Trojan horses and other types of threats. All antiviruses presented in this rating offer real-time protection against malicious attacks. Many products offer strong web protection that blocks access to malicious sources and prevents you from entering sensitive data on fraudulent sites.
Laboratory testing
Researchers from independent laboratories spend a lot of time and effort testing antiviruses. Some organizations regularly publish reports with test results. PCMag tracks results from 5 major labs: AV-Comparatives, AV-Test Institute, Simon Edwards Labs formerly Dennis Technology Labs), Virus Bulletin and MRG-Effitas. Certification from ICSA Labs and West Coast Labs is also appreciated.
Typically, antivirus developers pay for the opportunity to participate in testing. In turn, the laboratories provide vendors with detailed reports that help improve products. Thus, the number of laboratories that test a particular product is an indicator of the significance of this decision. In any case, to test an antivirus, two conditions must be met: the laboratory must consider the product important enough, and the development company must be satisfied with the cost of participation. Laboratories are not required to test free products, but many vendors include full protection in free solutions, adding only advanced features to paid products.
PCMag tests
In addition to in-depth analysis of lab test results, PCMag conducts its own amateur testing of antivirus software to block malware. Every antivirus encounters a set of malware different types, after which the product's reaction to the threat is recorded. Typically, an antivirus removes most samples at once and detects several more instances of malware when it tries to launch. Based on the test results, the product can receive between 0 and 10 points for blocking, depending on how thoroughly it protects the system from the test samples.
The test collection has been in use for months, so the malware blocking test does not provide an indication of the antivirus's ability to detect latest threats. A separate test attempts to download malware from network sources no more than a day old, provided by the MRG-Effitas laboratory. During the testing process, it is noted whether the product has blocked access to network location, cleared the malware payload during download, or ignored the threat. Norton received the highest score in this test, followed by Avira Free Antivirus in the final table.
Useful features
Each antivirus product in the collection scans files on access to prevent potential malware from running, and also scans the system on demand or on a set schedule. Blocking access to malicious links is a great way to stay out of trouble. Many products extend protection to prevent you from visiting fraudulent or phishing sites that try to steal your credentials. Some solutions assign ratings to results search results, flagging suspicious and dangerous links.
Behavioral detection is featured in some products in the collection. On the one hand, this component can detect malware, which are unknown threats. On the other hand, behavioral analysis can lead to false positives for reliable programs.
One in a simple way for maximum computer protection is to install security updates for Windows OS, browsers and other popular programs. In Windows 10, updates are mandatory and fully automated, but there are still a large number of gaps in old ones. Windows systems, popular applications and plugins. Vulnerability scanning in the form of missed updates is a feature often found in commercial antivirus products. However, some free antiviruses have similar functionality.
Who was not included in the rating
This rating contains information only about free antivirus solutions that have received at least a “Good” rating based on PCMag reviews. Among those products that were not included in this rating is Windows Defender, which was awarded 2.5 stars. Microsoft participates in tests from all monitored antivirus labs, but only for basic protection. If a product cannot exceed the basic level of protection, it is not worth considering.
Avast Free Antivirus 2017 combines highly effective antivirus protection with an extensive collection of additional tools.
AVG AntiVirus Free (2017) has received an updated interface and new security technologies. Tests from independent labs and PCMag's own tests show that protection is stronger than ever.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition includes the same antivirus protection as the paid Bitdefender antivirus, but lacks the additional functionality of the commercial version.
Kaspersky's free antivirus offers full-featured basic antivirus protection that scores excellent in lab tests.
ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus+ combines powerful antivirus protection from Kaspersky with a high-quality firewall. The product is an excellent choice for users who do not wish to install a complex solution.
Sophos Home allows you to provide the capabilities of a powerful corporate antivirus to ordinary home users absolutely free. The product performed well in independent lab tests and most of PCMag's own tests.
Avira Free Antivirus (2017)
Avira Antivirus gets excellent scores from independent labs, but in PCMag's amateur tests it was very slow to scan the test system. Additionally, web protection only works in Chrome and Firefox.
Adaware Antivirus Free 12 has a new name and a new look. However, its testing results are not the best, and competing free antiviruses offer more features.
Comodo Antivirus 10 received a new look and achieved a perfect detection rate in the malware blocking test. However, the product performed worse in other PCMag tests and in independent lab tests.
Panda Free Antivirus has an attractive user interface and an unusual USB vaccination function. However, the product didn't perform the best in independent lab tests and PCMag's own tests.
Qihoo 360 Total Security comes with a powerful set of additional tools, but its core antivirus protection can't compete with the best free antiviruses.
