Free antivirus comparison 2010

Protection for other platforms. Microsoft is by far the biggest target for viruses and malware. While the Mac does come under attack via side-loaded apps, it's rare, and if you download apps only from the Mac and iOS app stores and keep your guard up when clicking links and download files, you should be OK without an antivirus app on Apple devices.

CNET editors pick the products and services we write about. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Best free Windows antivirus Microsoft Defender. Jump to details. See at Microsoft. See at NortonLifeLock. See at Bitdefender. Best on-demand Windows malware removal Malwarebytes. See at Malwarebytes. Solid subscription antivirus alternative McAfee Total Protection.

See at McAfee. Another good subscription option Trend Micro Maximum Security. See at Trend Micro. See at ESET. Alternative free Windows antivirus Sophos Home. See at Sophos. Our recommendations Looking for free antivirus protection, malware protection or virus detection, willing to pay for an antivirus program that offers broad internet security coverage across all your devices, including from ransomware and phishing, or need to remove a computer virus or malware from your PC right now?

Best free Windows antivirus. Microsoft Defender. Best antivirus subscription for Windows. Norton with LifeLock Select. Best free antivirus alternative for Windows. Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition. Best on-demand Windows malware removal. Solid subscription antivirus alternative.

McAfee Total Protection. Another good subscription option. Trend Micro Maximum Security. Worthwhile subscription alternative. Top product. Advanced malware protection. Top malware protection. Best performance. Best usability. We protect you from billions of malware attacks annually, including against ransomware, Trojans, worms, viruses, and more. In addition to virus scans, our antivirus software includes advanced repair functionalities, fixing over 90 million files last year. Stronger together: every secured device is as a sensor, which detects emerging, never-seen-before attacks.

As soon as a new threat is identified, all our customers are immediately immunized against it, protecting millions within minutes. Avira has one of the smallest footprints in the industry — with virus definition updates lighter than most other antivirus products. With over 30 years of security experience, Avira offers superior detection, with additional web protection and repair capabilities. In its basic form, it brings forth one of the best antivirus engines, a VPN, and a lot of other efficient goodies that will have a big impact on protecting your privacy and even ensure that your computer is running as it should.

Detects and blocks malware viruses, ransomware, banker trojans, etc. Our automated, intelligent learning system protects you against new and evolving threats. Identifies potentially unwanted applications hidden within legitimate software. Blocks harmful websites before they load. Prevents intrusive and malicious ads, banners, and pop-ups from loading.

Stops companies from monitoring you online. Browsing the internet puts your privacy at risk. Companies want to track your behavior to create a detailed profile about you to serve personalized ads.

Browser trackers enable companies to collect a significant amount of data and track your online activities. You can easily become a victim of adware, which is not only intrusive but also slows down your device.

The security of your devices is also at risk, especially when shopping online or using cloud-based services. Cybercriminals are on the lookout for personal data, trying to steal passwords, bank details, or even hijack your computer access to use your devices for attacks against others. While there are literally billions of malware attacks reported annually, trojans and adware are consistently the most common types of malware found on Windows computers.

Trojans look like other files with extensions like. If you decide to uninstall your third-party antivirus, your PC will automatically ask you to reactivate the Windows Defender antivirus. Professional Reviews. Affiliate Commissions. Reviews Guidelines. Katarina Glamoslija Updated on: January 13, This article contains. Short on time? Download Avira Free Security for Windows here. Quick summary of the best free Windows antiviruses for 1.

Kaspersky — Free extras like a VPN, dark web monitoring, and a password manager. Malwarebytes — Minimalistic antivirus with on-demand scanning. Sophos — Good real-time scanning with remote access for 3 PCs. Comparison of the Best Free Antiviruses for Windows in Here are a few of them: Avast. While Avast — and their subsidiary antivirus company AVG — continue to offer two pieces of widely used free antivirus software Avast Free Antivirus and AVG AntiVirus Free their repeated privacy violations have caused too many concerns.

You can read more here. McAfee is one of my favorite antiviruses of Comodo Internet Security is the free, multi-layered security application that keeps hackers out and personal information in. Unlike the stripped down versions of commercial software that other software vendors offer for free, this is the full, completely functional version of the product.

Remember that free is not always free, there are hidden cost. Nothing is free, this includes Microsoft Security Essential, it is free provided that you own a genuine windows operating system. Using Microsoft Windows 7, 8 or 10 without installing any antivirus security software is like not using any protection with an escort.

Having said that, if you are still using Windows XP, you are literally asking for trouble. It is time to upgrade! For those in small business, you may like the 6 Free Corporate Antivirus Firewall Solutions For Small Business Commercial Use , they are free but comes with no support or slower antivirus updates. Works great on Microsoft Windows My primary workstation is protected by Symantec Norton Antivirus. Meaning to say, if more people use that antivirus, the chances of the antivirus to discover new malware are higher, thus the faster the security team will come out with a new solution to counter it.

Microsoft is the biggest AntiVirus software maker in the world because every Windows 7 and 10 comes pre-installed with it. However, being number 1 means being the target by hackers and virus authors. Therefore it might be a good idea to go with the 2nd or 3rd most installed free Antivirus, in this case, it is Avast or AVG.

Reason being that antivirus are now crowd based intelligence, the more antivirus installed means the better the intelligence gathering is — also known as Cloud Antivirus. Tempted not to install it at all. Or, maybe wait awhile and look again. He is a little complex, but over time we got to know him well!! It is currently on my PC!! Your email address will not be published.