Best Free Antivirus Software in 2025, Confirmed 100% Malware Detection Rate
Our top pick is TotalAV since its free version provides excellent malware detection, data breach scanning, support for multiple platforms, and even a system tune-up tool.
&
Last Updated on Jul 30, 2025
- The free version includes excellent malware detection
- Free users get access to a system tune-up tool and data breach scanning
- Free version is available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices
- The free version includes excellent malware detection
- Free users get access to a system tune-up tool and data breach scanning
- Free version is available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices
- Has a risk-free 30-day refund policy and a free seven-day trial on mobile
- Bundles its antivirus with one of the best VPNs in 2025
- Its apps are extremely simple to install, navigate, and use
- Has a risk-free 30-day refund policy and a free seven-day trial on mobile
- Bundles its antivirus with one of the best VPNs in 2025
- Its apps are extremely simple to install, navigate, and use
- Is one of the only free antiviruses with real-time protection
- The free version includes access to high-end web protection
- Free users get access to decryption tools
- Is one of the only free antiviruses with real-time protection
- The free version includes access to high-end web protection
- Free users get access to decryption tools
We don’t normally recommend using free antivirus software. While most free services are safe to use and provide decent protection, they’re pretty limited. For example, many free antivirus tools lack real-time protection, which means they can’t protect you against malware 24/7. It’s always best to just use a paid premium antivirus. This way, you get access to real-time protection, as well as tons of other extra security tools that are helpful.
That said, if you insist on using a free service, we recommend reading through this guide. We tested over 20 free antivirus services over the course of a few weeks to see which ones provide the best experience. Ultimately, we settled on TotalAV, Surfshark Antivirus, Bitdefender, Avast, and McAfee.
>> Read More: A Complete Guide to Antivirus Protection in 2025
The Best Free Antivirus at a Glance
| System |
TotalAV Antivirus
|
Surfshark Antivirus
|
Bitdefender
|
Avast
|
McAfee
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
| Ratings | 9.3/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| Free Version | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Free Trial | Yes (7 days) | Yes (7 days on mobile) | Yes (30 days) | No | Yes (30 days) |
| Paid Version Starting Price | $29 for the first year | $72.63 for the first two years | $24.99 for the first year | $24.99 for the first year $69.48 for the first year | $29.99 for the first year |
| Refund Policy | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Real-Time Protection on the Free Version | No | N/A | Yes | No | N/A |
| Firewall | No | N/A | Yes | Yes (but it’s limited) | N/A |
| Available on | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, iOS, Android |
| Read Review | TotalAV Antivirus Review | Surfshark Antivirus Review | Bitdefender Review | Avast Review | McAfee Review |
Summary: The Best Free Antivirus Protection in a Nutshell
- TotalAV Antivirus - Best for Beginners
- Surfshark Antivirus - Best Antivirus With a VPN to Try Risk-Free
- Bitdefender Antivirus - Best for Desktop
- Avast Antivirus - Best for Android
- McAfee Antivirus - Best Free Trial
A Closer Look At Our Favorite No Cost Antivirus Software
-
1. TotalAV Antivirus - Best for Beginners
View Packages Links to TotalAV Antivirus
Product Specs
Virus Detection Yes Malware Detection Yes Firewall No Full, quick, and scheduled scans Yes Real-time protection Yes Behavior-based monitoring No
Who TotalAV Is Good for
We found TotalAV extremely easy to navigate and configure when we tested it. TotalAV is a good free option if you’re new to antiviruses. That’s because its antivirus apps are very easy to install and use. All settings and features are very easy to find, and you won’t feel overwhelmed while using the antivirus.
Pros
- Free users get access to very good malware detection
- The free version includes data breach scanning and a system tune-up tool
- TotalAV’s apps are very simple to install and use
Cons
- The free version doesn’t have real-time protection
- The antivirus lacks a firewall
- The price increases after the initial term
Free Version
When you sign up for TotalAV, you get a free trial that provides access to almost all features. After the trial expires, you’re downgraded to a free account, which still includes access to some useful features.
With a free account, you get access to quick, full and custom scans. Plus, you can also schedule malware scans. For example, when we tested TotalAV for this guide, we set it up to run a weekly scan every Friday. Our only major complaint is that you don’t get access to real-time protection. That’s a feature that allows the antivirus to run in the background, checking for malware as you surf the web and download and open files.
On the plus side, you get access to a system tune-up feature. It makes your device run faster by finding and deleting junk files and data, and optimizing startup programs. You can also check if your account email address has been compromised in a breach. However, as a free user, you won’t be able to set up breach alerts, which notify you if your email is ever compromised in the future.
Pro Tip: Since TotalAV’s free version lacks real-time protection, we strongly recommend performing regular manual scans. Since you get access to scheduled scans, it’s best to set up TotalAV to run a daily scan.
Malware Protection Tests
TotalAV’s free version was always able to detect the EICAR file in our tests. We used the EICAR malware test file to check how good TotalAV’s free version is at detecting malware. We were able to download the test file since the free version doesn’t offer real-time protection.
We then made multiple copies of the file, hiding them in different folders on our office computer. We had TotalAV run a quick scan, and it was able to detect and quarantine the EICAR files in less than two minutes.
FYI: The EICAR test file contains code that’s similar to malware. Due to that, antiviruses are able to detect and quarantine it. It’s often used to test an antivirus program’s detection rate. The file itself isn’t malicious, so it won’t compromise the system it’s downloaded on.
User Experience
TotalAV is great for covering any device, as it has an app for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. We think its apps are extremely intuitive, which makes them great for beginners. And we especially like how all settings and features have quick explanations. This way, you never feel lost or overwhelmed while using the antivirus.
TotalAV’s apps are also very lightweight. We ran several full system scans on our office PC, and our system never slowed down while we browsed the web and played online games.
Feature Highlight: TotalAV’s system tune-up tool (“Clean-Up Scan”) is excellent for optimizing your device and making it run smoother. We used the feature on our office computer, and it highlighted a few issues that needed to be fixed. After we did that, our computer’s startup time was noticeably faster.
Paid Version
TotalAV’s paid version adds real-time protection. It also includes access to other great extras, like web protection, data breach alerts, a password manager, and a VPN.
When you upgrade to the paid version, you get multiple subscription options. We personally recommend the “TotalAV Total Security” subscription. It includes access to all antivirus features, and you also get access to additional security services (a VPN and a password manager).
The “TotalAV Total Security” subscription is priced at just $49 for the first year. We think that’s very affordable and fair. TotalAV also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
-
2. Surfshark Antivirus - Best Antivirus With a VPN to Try Risk-Free
View Plans Links to Surfshark.com
Product Specs
Virus Detection Yes Malware Detection Yes Firewall No Full, quick, and scheduled scans Yes Real-time protection Yes Behavior-based monitoring Yes
Who Surfshark Antivirus Is Good for
Surfshark Antivirus is bundled with an excellent VPN, and you can also try it risk-free thanks to its refund policy. We mainly recommend Surfshark Antivirus if you’re interested in getting an antivirus that comes bundled with a VPN service. This is an online app that encrypts your web traffic and changes your IP address to protect your personally identifiable information. While Surfshark Antivirus isn’t free, it comes with a generous money-back guarantee and a week-long free trial on mobile. That is great if you suspect your device has malware and you want to get rid of it without paying for antivirus software.
>> Read More: The Best Antivirus With VPN Bundles in 2025
Pros
- Provides access to one of the best VPNs in 2025
- Offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee
- Also has a free seven-day trial on mobile
- Its real-time protection against malware is excellent
Cons
- Doesn’t have a firewall
- Lacks a tool for optimizing your device
- The prices are steep if you pay by the month
Free Version
Like we mentioned above, Surfshark Antivirus doesn’t actually have a free plan. Even so, the service has a 30-day refund policy, which is basically no questions asked. If you’re not happy with the service for whatever reason, you can just ask for your money back within 30 days. You won’t have to meet any requirements to be eligible for the refund. So, you can basically test the service risk-free this way.
Pro Tip: If you’re on mobile, you also get a free seven-day trial when you sign up for Surfshark. The service will only charge you after the free trial is over. But you can also just cancel your free trial, sign up via Surfshark’s website, and take advantage of the 30-day refund as well.
Malware Protection Tests
Surfshark Antivirus performed extremely well in all of our tests. We tested Surfshark Antivirus’s real-time protection by trying to download the EICAR malware test file. We tried to download it eight times, and the antivirus stopped from doing it every time. We also disabled the real-time protection, downloaded the EICAR file, and then ran a quick scan. Surfshark Antivirus was able to find and quarantine the file almost instantly.
We also checked AV-TEST’s research on Surfshark Antivirus. AV-TEST is an independent organization that has been evaluating, testing, and rating antivirus software for over 20 years. According to AV-TEST’s research, Surfshark Antivirus has a 100 percent malware detection and prevention rate.
FYI: We also tested Surfshark’s VPN service to make sure it’s completely secure. We performed over 20 leak tests to make sure that the VPN can’t expose your real IP or DNS address. We’re happy to say that Surfshark passed all of our leak tests. We can’t say we were very surprised, as this is one of the best VPN services in 2025.
User Experience
Surfshark Antivirus is available on Windows, macOS, and Android. Unfortunately, the antivirus doesn’t cover iOS devices like TotalAV does. On the plus side, its apps are really simple to install, and we like how the antivirus and VPN are available in the same app. Also, the VPN is available on tons of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, Apple TV, and Fire TV.
We used Surfshark Antivirus on a Windows 10 PC and an Android smartphone. The service didn’t slow down our devices at all while running full system scans. The only thing we noticed was a two to three second delay when opening other apps. That was likely due to Surfshark Antivirus’s real-time protection, which was scanning the apps before they launched.
Pro Tip: Surfshark’s VPN has a huge server network, with locations in 100 countries. We think that makes it an excellent VPN for travel. It’s also a good option if you want to watch Netflix with a VPN, as Surfshark is compatible with tons of popular Netflix libraries.
Paid Version
Surfshark has three tier-based subscriptions but only the last two include the antivirus service: “Surfshark One” and “Surfshark One+.” We signed up for “Surfshark One” when we tested the service for this guide, and that’s the one we recommend getting. It includes the antivirus, the VPN, and a data breach monitoring tool. With the longest plan, the prices start at just $2.69 per month.
Surfshark One Subscription Costs 1-Month Plan $17.95/month 1-Year Plan $3.39/month 2-Year Plan $2.69/month >> Read More: How Much Does Surfshark Cost in 2025?
-
3. Bitdefender Antivirus - Best for Desktop
View Plans Links to Bitdefender Antivirus
Product Specs
Virus Detection Yes Malware Detection Yes Firewall Yes Full, quick, and scheduled scans Yes Real-time protection Yes Behavior-based monitoring Yes
Who Bitdefender Is Good for
Bitdefender provides free access to an intuitive and feature-rich desktop antivirus app. Bitdefender is a good option if you’re looking for a great free antivirus for desktop devices. Its antivirus desktop apps are very easy to install and use. And its free version is pretty feature-rich, although that makes it slightly harder to use than TotalAV.
Pros
- The free version offers real-time protection
- Free users get access to web protection and decryption tools
- Has very intuitive and feature-rich desktop apps
Cons
- The free version doesn’t include a system tune-up feature
- The price increases after the initial term
- Has a VPN, but you need to install it as a separate app
Free Version
Bitdefender is one of the only free antiviruses providing access to ransomware decryption tools. Bitdefender is one of the only free antiviruses that provides access to real-time protection. For example, TotalAV’s free version doesn’t offer this. We’re really happy to see Bitdefender offers real-time protection. It’s very convenient to have the antivirus constantly checking for malware in the background while you surf the web and use apps as usual.
Free users also get access to very good web protection. The antivirus protects you from phishing pages, warns you about dangerous search engine results, even checking how safe encrypted web pages are. We also like how the free version provides access to decryption tools, which could recover files encrypted by a few ransomware strains.
Pro Tip: Just because Bitdefender’s free version includes real-time protection doesn’t mean you shouldn’t perform manual scans at all. While you don’t need to run them very often, we still recommend performing a manual scan at least twice a month.
Malware Protection Tests
The free version’s real-time protection is extremely good. In our tests, it always stopped us from downloading the EICAR malware test file. We also performed the AMTSO phishing page test a few times — Bitdefender was always able to stop the test page from loading.
Plus, Bitdefender also consistently performs very well in the antivirus tests run by AV-TEST. We checked the latest test results for the antivirus, and they showed it has a 100 percent malware detection and protection rate.
FYI: AMTSO stands for Anti-Malware Standards Testing Organization. It’s an international nonprofit that has been developing and improving anti-malware testing methodologies for over 10 years.
User Experience
Bitdefender’s free version is available on Windows and macOS. Plus, it covers up to three devices. You can also use the antivirus for free on Android if you’d like.
We tested both the Windows and macOS apps, and we were very happy with them. They’re very easy to navigate, and we like how there are separate tabs for each category of features. For example, the antivirus scans and web protection are placed in the “Protection” tab; decryption tools are in the “Utilities” tab. Bitdefender has tons of features, so this makes it very easy to find them while not feeling overwhelmed when using the app.
FYI: Bitdefender’s free version isn’t available on iOS. If that’s an issue, we recommend trying TotalAV instead. Just keep in mind that TotalAV’s free version doesn’t include real-time protection. That said, its manual scan detection rate is very good.
Paid Version
Bitdefender’s paid version includes access to tons of other useful features. The list includes cryptomining protection, a firewall, ransomware remediation, a device tune-up tool, and a system vulnerability scanner.
The price you pay depends on which subscription tier you pick, which plan length you choose, and how many devices you want to cover. If you’re only looking for an antivirus, we recommend picking the “Internet Security” subscription. If you cover just three devices and pick the one-year plan, you’ll only pay $49.99 for the first year.
In addition, Bitdefender offers a free 30-day trial. Plus, it backs all of its plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
>> Find Out More: How Much Does Bitdefender Antivirus Cost in 2025?
-
4. Avast Antivirus - Best for Android
View Plans Links to Avast.com
Product Specs
Virus Detection Yes Malware Detection Yes Firewall Yes On-demand Scanning Yes On-access Scanning Yes Behavior-based monitoring Yes
Who Avast Is Good for
Avast’s free antivirus app on Android has a good malware detection rate, and it’s pretty easy to use. We think Avast is a good free option for Android users. While the free version displays ads, it provides access to a great malware scanner. Plus, it also offers access to a few extra features.
>> Related: Avast Antivirus 2025 Review
Pros
- Free users get access to very good malware detection
- The free version lets you secure sensitive photos with a PIN
- The Android app is really easy to navigate and use
Cons
- The free version on Android has ads
- A bit pricer than other competitors
- Real-time protection not available on the free version
Free Version
The free version doesn’t include access to real-time protection like Bitdefender does, but it still let us scan all files on our devices for signs of malware. Avast also let us perform a “Deep Scan,” which checked our device’s settings, behavior, and storage for issues. It also checks how secure the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to is.
The app also lets you manually block websites you know are dangerous. This isn’t as good as Bitdefender’s automatic web protection, but it’s still a pretty nice bonus. Plus, you also get access to the “Photo Vault” feature. This tool allows you to hide sensitive photos, by locking them with a PIN, pattern or fingerprint.
Malware Protection Tests
Since the free version lacks real-time protection, we manually downloaded a malware test file on our Android smartphone. We then ran a scan with Avast to see if the antivirus would be able to find it. We’re happy to say that Avast detected the test file in under one minute.
We also checked AV-TEST’s results for Avast’s Android app. According to the organization’s research, Avast’s Android app consistently maintains a 100 percent score for the detection of widespread Android malware, as well as protection against the latest Android malware strains.
User Experience
While Avast’s free version on Android displays some ads, they’re not that intrusive. We think Avast’s free Android antivirus app is pretty intuitive. It doesn’t take more than a few seconds to perform a system or file scan. And the app design makes it pretty easy to find different features and understand how they work.
We were initially worried that the ads would be very annoying. But we’re happy to say that they’re not that bad. It shows an ad when you perform a scan, but it’s at the bottom so it’s not distracting. It also sometimes displays an unskippable video ad after the app finishes scanning your device. But the video ad only lasts for two to three seconds, so it’s quick. Also, Avast doesn’t display any ads while you’re just browsing the app.
Paid Version
Avast’s paid version removes all ads while adding access to real-time protection. In addition, it unlocks “Scam Protection,” which makes sure that the links you receive over email or SMS are safe. It also unlocks an app lock feature, which lets you lock sensitive apps with a PIN, pattern or fingerprint.
Avast has two tier-based subscriptions: “Premium Security” and “Ultimate.” “Premium Security” should be enough if you only want the antivirus. It costs $69.99 for the first year, which is pretty affordable. You should only get the “Ultimate” subscription if you want access to additional security services, like Avast’s VPN or AntiTrack (stops advertisers and hackers from tracking you). Avast also offers a 30-day refund policy.
>> Read More: How Much Does Avast Cost in 2025?
-
5. McAfee Antivirus - Best Free Trial
View Plans Links to McAfee Antivirus
Product Specs
Virus Detection Yes Malware Detection Yes Firewall Yes Full, quick, and scheduled scans Yes Real-time protection Yes Behavior-based monitoring Yes
Who McAfee Is Good for
McAfee’s free trial gives you enough time to fully test the antivirus service. McAfee is a good fit for you if you’re looking for a great antivirus free trial. The service offers a 30-day trial, which is more than enough time to make sure the service is right for you. And the free trial provides access to all of the antivirus program’s features.
Pros
- Has a free 30-day trial that provides access to all features
- Offers access to a pretty good firewall
- Has extras, like a VPN, password manager, and identity theft protection
Cons
- Full and quick scans took longer than other antivirus programs
- Doesn’t have a built-in device tune-up tool
Free Version
McAfee doesn’t exactly have a free version, but it provides access to a free 30-day trial. You need to provide your payment details when you sign up for the trial. But McAfee won’t charge you until the free trial is over.
And we like how the free trial provides access to all antivirus features, as well as some additional security services (like a VPN, for example). You can fully test McAfee until the trial is over to make sure it’s the right fit for you.
Malware Protection Tests
In our tests, McAfee instantly blocked all malware test file downloads, and it quarantined the files. McAfee’s real-time protection stopped us from downloading the EICAR malware test file every single time. We also disabled the real-time protection, downloaded the file, and ran a quick scan. McAfee managed to find the EICAR file in just a few seconds.
We also ran a few AMTSO tests while using McAfee. We tried the phishing page test, and McAfee always blocked it. Also, it was able to block drive-by malware download tests too.
FYI: McAfee also scores very high in the tests run by AV-TEST. The most recent results show that McAfee maintains a 100 percent score for protection against zero-day malware, as well as a 100 percent detection rate for widespread and prevalent malware strains.
User Experience
McAfee has apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and ChromeOS. Installing the service is pretty straightforward. Just download the installer from its site, run it, and wait a few minutes for the app to set everything up.
We also like how feature-rich McAfee is. One standout feature is its firewall, as some antiviruses don’t have this (like TotalAV or Surfshark Antivirus). There’s also “File Shredder,” which is a cool feature that protects your privacy by permanently deleting Recycle Bin and temporary internet files. Also, McAfee’s apps are lightweight, as its scans never slowed down our devices in our tests. However, we did notice that quick and full scans usually took longer with McAfee than they did with other competitors.
Pro Tip: McAfee bundles its antivirus with a VPN, and both services are available in the same app. But if you’re interested in such a combo, we recommend trying Surfshark Antivirus instead. Its VPN is much better than McAfee’s VPN.
Paid Version
McAfee has three tier-based subscriptions: “Basic,” “Essential,” and “McAfee+ Advanced.” When you sign up for the free trial, McAfee automatically picks the “Essential” subscription. The “Essential” subscription is $39.99 for the first year, which is affordable. It includes the same features as the “Basic” subscription, but it covers up to five devices. The “Basic” subscription only covers one device.
The “McAfee+ Advanced” subscription also adds pretty good identity theft protection, but it’s pretty pricey since it costs $89.99 for the first year. McAfee also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
>> Find Out More: How Much Does McAfee Cost in 2025?
Methodology: How We Chose the Best Free Antiviruses
We first made a list of over 20 free antiviruses. After that, we spent a few weeks testing them to see which ones provide the best value and experience. Here’s an overview of our testing process:
- We only ranked antiviruses that you can access for free. Some services claim to be free, but then immediately pressure or try to force you into upgrading to a paid plan after you download and install them. We decided to only cover services that genuinely have a free version. We also included some antiviruses that have a free trial or a generous money-back guarantee. Both things let you test the services risk-free.
- We made sure each antivirus provides access to malware scanning. Many services don’t provide free users with access to real-time protection. When we came across this, we wanted to make sure that it’s at least possible to run a manual malware scan.
- We tested each antivirus program’s malware detection. We spent over 10 hours testing each service’s malware detection rate. We used a catalogue of malicious files, the EICAR malware test file, and several AMTSO tests. Only the antiviruses we ranked in this article achieved a 100 percent detection rate.
- We checked out how easy to use the antiviruses are. We tested each service’s desktop and mobile apps, and we prioritized the ones that are super simple to install. We also only ranked antiviruses whose apps make it easy to run manual scans, and whose apps didn’t noticeably slow down our devices.
- We considered the overall value. We checked out the upgrade prices, and made sure they are fair and affordable. Additionally, we also looked at what extra features you get if you upgrade to a paid version. For example, TotalAV’s paid version adds real-time protection, data breach alerts, and web protection.
>> Read More: Data Security: 25 Important Facts & Statistics
Free Antiviruses vs. Paid Antiviruses
We generally recommend sticking to paid antivirus programs because free antiviruses are overall limited. For example, many free services don’t provide real-time protection. So, you’d need to regularly run scans to make sure your device is secure.
Also, free antivirus programs usually don’t include access to extra security features. For example, you might not get access to web protection or system tune-up tools.
During our research, we also noticed that free antiviruses limit the number of devices you can protect. Plus, free antivirus versions also don’t work on all operating systems — they’re often restricted to only Windows. Finally, we also saw that some free antivirus programs display in-app ads, which could be distracting or even annoying.
If you insist on using a free antivirus, we recommend trying TotalAV or Bitdefender. TotalAV’s free version provides good malware detection and even a system tune-up tool. And Bitdefender’s free version is really feature-rich. It provides real-time protection, web protection, and even decryption tools.
Can You Use a Free Antivirus for Your Business?
We don’t normally recommend this. Free services are pretty restrictive, so they might not provide enough protection for your business. Plus, they could be too time-consuming to use. For example, some free services lack real-time protection, so they can’t protect your business data 24/7. You’d need to have someone responsible for running malware scans a few times a day to make sure your organization isn’t compromised by malicious actors.
The only free service we could recommend for a business is Bitdefender. Its free version has real-time protection, web protection, and even decryption tools for recovering ransomware-compromised files. That said, it’s only ideal for a very small business, like maybe a coffee shop. That’s because it only covers up to three devices.
But we ultimately recommend using a paid antivirus for your organization. We recommend checking out our guide to the best antivirus software for businesses to see which service would be right for you.
Wrapping it Up
Free antivirus software can provide decent protection, but we ultimately still recommend getting a paid option. Free services are ultimately limited; many of them don’t even include real-time protection. So, you have to regularly run manual scans to make sure your device is safe.
That said, if you insist on using a free antivirus program, we recommend going with the ones we listed above. TotalAV, Bitdefender, and Avast have 100 percent free versions. Also, McAfee has a great free trial, and you can try out Surfshark Antivirus risk-free thanks to its no-questions-asked 30-day refund policy.
>> More Free Protection: Best Free Password Managers
FAQs
-
Is free antivirus software safe to use?
Not all free antivirus tools are safe to use. We recommend only installing free antivirus software from legitimate sources, such as the vendor’s website. Avoid downloading free antiviruses from pop-ups or ads that might say your computer is at risk or something along those lines.
-
What is the best free antivirus software?
We’ve tested dozens of free antivirus software and our highest ratings go to TotalAV, Bitdefender, Surfshark Antivirus, Avast, and McAfee. They all maintain a 100 percent malware detection rate, and they also have useful extra security tools.
-
Is free antivirus protection enough?
Most free antivirus tools are just as effective at detecting viruses and malware as their premium versions, but they may not cover all of your devices or operating systems. In addition, free services usually lack real-time protection, so you’ll need to manually run malware scans very often.
-
Do I need to provide credit card information to download free antivirus software?
If you’re downloading an antivirus that has a free version, you won’t need to share any payment information. However, if you download an antivirus with a free trial, you might need to provide a payment method if the trial is set to auto-renew.
-
Does free antivirus software work on mobile devices?
Yes, there are some free antivirus tools that have mobile apps. For example, TotalAV, Bitdefender, and Avast all have free versions available on smartphones.
