Updated Jul 27, 2024

Best Free Antivirus Software For The US in 2024

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1

TotalAV

  • Affordable subscription packages for paid options.
  • Reputable threat protection.
  • Top ratings in the industry.
  • Includes free ad-block tool.

 

  • No VPN service available on the free version.
  • Does not feature a firewall feature.
  • Free version offers no real-time antivirus protection.

 

4.5/5

Good

Compatibility

Windows Mac Android iOS
2

AVG

  • High malware detection rate.
  • Advanced threat protection and firewall.
  • Top billings in industry ratings.
  • Automatic updates and new features in one subscription.
  • Paid option for remote access protection and other extra features.
  • No VPN option available.
  • Expensive options for upgrading to a paid package.

4/5

Good

Compatibility

Windows Mac Android iOS
3

Avira

  • Outstanding malware protection.
  • Intuitive and user-friendly interface.
  • Light impact on system resources.
  • Regular updates for ongoing protection.
  • Additional security tools in the free version.
  • Frequent upsell prompts and ads.
  • Certain features reserved for the paid version.
  • Full system scans tend to be slow.

4.3/5

Good

Compatibility

Windows Mac Android iOS
4

Bitdefender Free

  • Incredibly easy to set up
  • Offers decent protection from malware
  • Free from annoying ads and pop-ups
  • Protects you from web-based threats
  • Multiple scanning options
  • Minimal impact on performance
  • Has a small software footprint
  • Lacks protection against ransomware
  • You do not get identity protection option
  • It does not offer customization options
  • Primary scanning sessions can be slower

4.3/5

Good

Compatibility

Windows Mac Android
5

Kaspersky Free

  • Very affordable subscription packages for paid options.
  • Impressive 99.2% malware detection rate
  • Reputable threat protection in the industry.
  • One free or paid account is usable on multiple devices.
  • Easily customizable application.
  • No VPN service available on the free version.
  • Does not feature a firewall either.
  • Installation and full scans take a lot of time.

 

4/5

Good

Compatibility

Windows Mac Android iOS
6

Panda

  • High malware detection rate.
  • Advanced threat protection.
  • Free VPN available.
  • Dark Web Scanner available.
  • Wide array of subscription packages for paid options.

 

  • No firewall service available on the free version.
  • Expensive options for upgrading to a paid package.
  • Most advanced packages are often only available on one device.
  • VPN data capped at 150MB per day.

 

4/5

Good

Compatibility

Windows Mac Android iOS
7

Avast One Essential

  • Easy-to-use and illustrative User Interface
  • Holistic protection for your devices
  • Many online privacy-focused features
  • Comes with a VPN service
  • Can speed up your PC
  • Straightforward pricing 
  • Built-in protection against threats
  • Limited security options
  • Limited network protection features
  • Occasional pop-ups to buy the paid version
  • VPN lets you access only one virtual location

4.2/5

Good

Compatibility

Windows Mac Android iOS

2024 Top Picks from Editor's Panel

1
TotalAV

4.5/5

Good

If you have a house that you keep your stuff in, you want to shop for a fine quality lock to keep intruders away. For a computer user, the equivalent is getting an antivirus of the highest standard to protect your device. This is a crucial step in keeping prying eyes and menacing files at bay, and it is no longer a discussion in 2023 as to if or why you should have one. 

Rather, now the question is about which of the many antivirus software on the market you should opt for. A strong candidate is TotalAV, and this review wants to see just how strong it is.

2
AVG

4/5

Good

Computers have provided a safe space for humans for decades. It has revolutionized privacy and dependability, proving to be a trusted companion and harbinger of development. However, what happens when your safe space is no longer safe? Computer viruses and malware are an evil that accompanied the development of modern computer devices, an evil we could very much do without. 

In comes counter-malware programs – antiviruses. In the grand scheme of things, having a proper antivirus software could be the difference between secure computer usage and some VERY bad situations. This review is geared towards helping you in your choice of an antivirus. To that end, let us consider one of the highest-ranked free ones out there – AVG Free Antivirus.

3
Avira

4.3/5

Good

The digital landscape is filled with threats, making a reliable antivirus solution a must for every device. Avira Free Antivirus, a product from the German cybersecurity company Avira Operations GmbH & Co. KG, is one such tool that promises effective protection without reaching into your pocket. 

Our detailed review aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the free version of Avira antivirus software. We’ll cover aspects like its features, ease of use, performance, and how it stands against competitors.

4
Bitdefender Free

4.3/5

Good

Bitdefender is one of the few names that people have always associated with computer security and antivirus software. To their credit, the company has developed some of the most popular and effective anti-malware suites for platforms like Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. In addition to being a popular choice, Bitdefender antivirus products have also managed to build a reputation on the security front.

Over the past years, the company’s products have topped independent ratings. Therefore, it is no surprise that many people turn to Bitdefender when they need an antivirus program for their PC. More importantly, Bitdefender Antivirus is one of the most popular free antivirus programs for Windows devices. Therefore, when people require a decent antivirus program without the need to spend additional money, the free package from Bitdefender seems appealing enough.

But it ultimately comes down to the question: is Bitdefender Antivirus Free good enough? Does it offer necessary protection from the growing list of threats? In this review of Bitdefender Antivirus Free, we have explored these aspects and shared our take on how this antivirus program performs.

5
Kaspersky Free

4/5

Good

Over the decades, the increasing usage of better computer devices has triggered a corresponding increase in the quantity of threats encountered. Computer viruses, malware, and hacking activities have been at a ridiculously high level, making the institution of cyber security a necessity. This often comes by way of antivirus software, a term that could be misleading considering the fact that modern ones go way past merely fighting viruses. 

They have evolved into comprehensive security suites to get the most out of the software application. There are several of these applications out there, and the aim of our journey today is to see how well the popular Kaspersky Free Antivirus measures up in key performance metrics. So let’s begin.

6
Panda

4/5

Good

In the era of increased cyber security consciousness, employing valuable defense infrastructure to protect your data has gained much traction. As a matter of fact, they have become just as important as having a computer device itself. If you are interested in selecting an arsenal of security programs for your device, a fine starting point is antivirus software. 

Antiviruses are integral to keeping malware attacks at bay, preventing them from damaging or stealing your data, as well keeping system performance at optimal level. That is why you need to consider only the finest brands, preferably the more popular names, such as Panda Antivirus.