10 Best Free Antivirus Software Of 2017
Due to an exponential increase in online threats like phishing,
ransomware, and other kinds of malware, the need for a solid antivirus
solution is something that can’t be ignored. But, what if you’re running
low on cash? Well, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a dependable
computer protection.
Here’ we’ve brought along a free antivirus list that features many
free computer protection solutions to help you out. We’ve evaluated
these best free antivirus software and their most useful and negative
features. Just in case you are willing to take a look at our last year’s
list, here’s the
top antivirus list of 2016.
Let’s take a look at this year’s list —
10 Best Free Antivirus Software | 2017 Edition
1. Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition
Bitdefender is a Romanian internet security software firm that knows
how to get antivirus products right. The company has a wide range of
impressive anti-virus and anti-spyware products that take care of
various threats like trojans, viruses, rootkits, worms, adware, spam,
etc. Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition is the #1 performer on our list
of top 10 best free antivirus software of 2017.
Its multidevice license helps one select the preferred platform. You
also get a central account to manage all the devices. It comes loaded
with features like On-Demand scan, malicious URL blocking, and phishing
protection. Thanks to its unobtrusive nature, you won’t even know that
some antivirus is running on your computer. It has also scored high
scores in the various independent test results. Apart from its free
version, Bitdefender also offers best virus protection with Bitdefender
Internet Security.
Best features of Bitdefender Free Antivirus:
Autopilot, anti-malware and antiphishing, real-time protection, near-perfect malware detection rate
Bitdefender is available for Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, macOS, Android
Download it here.
2. Avira Antivirus
Avira Free Antivirus is another leader in the field of PC protection
from viruses and our list of best free antivirus won’t be complete
without it. Founded in 1986, Avira has established itself as one of the
most popular security solutions with millions of customers worldwide.
Avira is one of the few solutions on this list that doesn’t continuously
bother you to upgrade to its paid version. The overall look of the
Avira home window is clean, with clear buttons for all the settings. You
get different options for malware scanning and blocking them.
Using its well-known signature-based malware scanning, Avira Free
Antivirus protects the computers by actively operating in the
background. Its cloud protection brings an extra security layer by
scanning the items shared by the users and pushing the changes in the
antivirus definition updates. Moreover, it also gels well with other
programs like web browsers and VPN clients.
Avira’s Pro version also brings along the advantage of phishing and
ransomware protection. It also brings USB drive and email scanning, and
game mode for extra convenience.
Best features of Avira Free Antivirus:
Strong protection against popular malware and zero-days, great interface, free add-on features
Avira is available for Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, macOS, Android
Download it here.
3. Avast Free Antivirus
Avast Free Antivirus is a popular name in the world of best free
antivirus software. If you wish to grab some protection for your
computer and are looking for a familiar ally, you can go for Avast Free
Antivirus. Its installation is pretty simple but you need to take care
of the add-ons like Chrome and Google Toolbar. Apart from regular
malware scanning, Avast Free Antivirus software scans all the installed
programs and makes sure that everything’s fine.
Unlike many other free antivirus solutions, Avast Free Antivirus
remains free forever. It’s available for as many devices as you want.
According to your need and convenience, you can choose the easy or
advanced setting. With Avast, you also get Home Network Security,
Software Updater, smart gaming mode, and Browser Cleanup option.
Best features of Avast Free Antivirus
Friendly interface, configurable scans, use on multiple devices, customizable settings, large user community
Avast is available for Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, macOS, Android
Download it here.
4. AVG Free Antivirus
Besides, top free antivirus software like Avast, AVG is also a
dependable choice for virus scanning and protection. It’s often regarded
as one of the few vendors that ship quality features and protection
with the free package. However, during the installation process, make
sure to keep a close eye on checkboxes. AVG, one of the best free
antivirus software around, doesn’t interfere much with your operating
system and has minimal impact on the boot process.
AVG Free Antivirus doesn’t disappoint you and provides you with a
solid protection against different kinds of malware. It also protects
your online activity by keeping a vigilant eye on emails and websites.
Its smart gaming mode makes sure that you enjoy gaming without any
disturbance. The other features offered by this free antivirus software
for Windows and Mac include spying and data theft protection, web portal
for web protection, no need for personal registration, etc.
Best features of AVG Free Antivirus
On-demand malware scan, wide customization features, website rating
AVG is available for Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, macOS, Android
Download it here.
5. Kaspersky Lab Internet Security 2017
If you’ve ever considered an antivirus software suite, Kaspersky must
have appeared in front of you, claiming to be one the best antivirus
solutions in the market. Well, Kaspersky Lab Internet Security 2017 is
here to solve all your security needs by bringing a suite that comprises
of antivirus, firewall, parental control, spam filtering, phishing
protection, etc.
The look of the latest edition of Kaspersky Lab Internet Security
hasn’t changed much. The main window has lets you simply choose the
major options of Scan, Update, etc. You also get advanced features like
webcam and audio protection, online shopping protection, vulnerability
scanner, etc. Unlike other antivirus software, its firewall doesn’t
bother you. It doesn’t show many pop-ups and intelligently blocks/allows
programs on its own. However, it’s a 30-days free trial version that
needs to be upgraded after that period.
Best features of Kaspersky Lab Internet Security
Excellent malware detection rate, firewall, parental control, frequent updates, online protection
Kaspersky is available for Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, macOS, Android, Linux
Download it here.
6. Sophos Home Free Antivirus
Sophos Home is an antivirus package that won’t end creating a burning
hole in your pocket. It’s a top free antivirus software that provides
enterprise-grade security for your home. To grab the free version, you
need to visit Sophos Free Antivirus website and create an account. Now,
log into your account on the PC that you want to protect and download
the installer file. Install the antivirus and you’re good to go.
Apart from scanning your system for deadly viruses, Sophos Home free
antivirus also keeps a close eye on your web activity. Its built-in web
protection blocks the unsafe websites. Its app detection feature takes
care of the unwanted apps too. With Sophos Home, you also get access to
an online dashboard that lets you remotely run scans and keep a close
eye on the security status. Another thing, this top free antivirus
doesn’t nag you for upgrading to a paid version.
Best features of Sophos Home
Commercial-grade security, 100% free, no frequent nagging, web activity scanner
Sophos is available for Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, macOS
Download it here.
7. Panda Free Antivirus
If you are looking for a good antivirus protection and you don’t wish
to sacrifice the resources of your computer, Panda Free Antivirus can
turn out to be a great ally. This excellent free antivirus comes
with many customization and scanning options. Its real-time protection
is able to detect even the latest malware. But, with Panda Free
Antivirus, you should remain ready to encounter a few false positives.
Also, it keeps showing notifications to upgrade to paid versions.
The major features of Panda Free Antivirus include real-time
protection from malware to knock down threats, Panda Cloud Cleaner, URL
scanning to safeguard your web browsing, and USB protection for killing
different kinds of trojans. You can also use it to create a bootable USB
drive for extra cleaning purposes. On the user-friendliness front,
Panda Free Antivirus turns out to be a good companion. All the settings
are simple and straightforward.
Best Features of Panda Free Antivirus
Great user interface, little impact on system performance, many configuration options
Panda is available for Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, macOS
Download it here.
8. Comodo Antivirus
Comodo Free Antivirus is a feature-rich product whose basic version
is completely free. In my personal experience, it’s one of the strictest
solutions around. It makes sure that all programs that are being
executed pass through its scanner nose. This top free antivirus solution
also comes with a cloud scanning option that is always updated with the
latest threats. As the new users keep uploading their data, it keeps
getting better. This is a feature that benefits all top antivirus
solutions enjoy.
The overall look of Comodo Free Antivirus looks clean and soothing to
eyes. You also have an option to switch back to the Classic theme. All
the basic and important options are shown in the form of big buttons on
the home screen. You can also opt for the advanced view in this best
free antivirus that features Auto-Sandbox, Viruscope, and Host Intrusion
Prevention System.
Best Features of Comodo Antivirus
Clean interface, strict scanning protection, auto-sandbox
Comodo is available for Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, macOS, Android, Linux
Download it here.
9. Check Point ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall
Check Point’s ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus is one of great free antivirus
solutions that comes loaded with an effective firewall. Just like many
other free virus scanning software, you need to keep a close eye on the
installation process as it might end us installing its browser toolbar.
During the installation, ZoneAlarm downloads the latest virus
definitions and antivirus signatures. On the user interface front,
ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus looks pretty pleasant.
It should be noted that the antivirus coming along with ZoneAlarm
Free Antivirus + Firewall is licensed from Kaspersky. The basic
components of ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus are enough for a regular computer
user who just needs a simple software and firewall. If you’ll go for
its paid version, you’ll get some extra features like more frequent
updates, technical support, and sandboxing.
Best Features of ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus
Effective firewall, antivirus licensed from Kaspersky, pleasant user interface
ZoneAlarm is available for Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10
Download it here.
10. Microsoft Windows Defender
Over the time, Microsoft Windows Defender has managed to improve its
ratings. This easy to use virus detection software is well integrated
into Windows and you don’t need to install any third-party software.
Also, it’ll never ask you to upgrade to a paid product and disturb you
in the middle of work.
In the recent tests, it had managed to score well by killing the
widespread and prevalent malware. Still, on the performance front,
Microsoft Windows Defender doesn’t match the paid products. But, as
Microsoft is increasingly focusing on the security front in Windows 10,
we can expect things to get better.
Best Features of Windows Defender
Absolutely free, zero nagging for paid software, no effect on performance of Windows
Windows Defender is available for Windows 8 and 10