The choice of antivirus software is often the subject of debate. Most often, computer users are concerned about the reliability of both free and paid solutions. At the same time, high-quality protection can remain completely free. Let’s review the five best free antivirus apps that demonstrate a high level of reliability and functionality.
Avast Free Antivirus
It is a great security tool for Windows, Android, and Mac. The app works in the background and detects potential threats blocking them before they penetrate the system. Web filtering module does not let you access dangerous sites, as well as unknown files, which are automatically scanned for the latest malware.
Avast has many settings that allow you to change every parameter from the sound volume when threats are detected to the time the notifications are displayed on the screen.
Product features:
- The Smart Scan component is configured to automatically scan your computer for malware, doubtful browser extensions, and performance issues.
- Both automatic and manual updates.
- Configured selection options allow you to scan specific file types, different archive formats, folders, disks, or the entire system.
- The software updater tool is responsible for checking and installing updates of the software installed on your PC. With Avast, you will use the latest software.
- Game Mode automatically turns off Avast notifications without slowing down the gameplay. Game Mode does not just work with games; you can use it with any application which supports full-screen mode.
In September 2016, Avast Software purchased AVG Technologies. Despite this, AVG and Avast antiviruses remain separate products that have the same developers.
AVG Free Antivirus
The app offers decent protection against viruses with minimal impact on OS performance. Key features of this product include phishing protection, virus detection, email scanner, malware scanner, system performance optimization tool.
AVG stores all web pages you visit in your browser, but you can disable this feature through the Privacy section in the settings menu. Besides, antivirus has a useful bonus feature called AVG File Shredder, which allows you to securely delete files or folders with confidential information without the ability to be restored.
In conclusion, AVG is more accurate and reliable than most other free antiviruses. It is ahead of even some expensive commercial products.
Avira Free Antivirus
It is an essential product of a German company, designed to detect and block malicious software. Avira has all the basic security features to provide solid protection.
Its key features include an intuitive customer menu, a good range of settings, and free add-ons. The add-ons include a web browser with advanced privacy and a built-in VPN. The basic version offers just 500 Mb of traffic per month. If you need unlimited traffic, get an additional subscription.
Avira scans and removes all the threats that there are already in the system, as well as catches, stops, and deletes new ones in real-time. The app protects against phishing attacks, network worms, trojans, viruses, rootkits, dialers, and adware. The product guarantees proper protection, but compared to other solutions, the program is less functional.
Kaspersky Free Antivirus
It is a simplified version of Kaspersky Antivirus created by Kaspersky from Russia, which is available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. As with other free antiviruses, the list of functions covers only the essential things: real-time scanning, anti-phishing, spyware protection, e-mail control.
The home screen is a simple console with several buttons that displays the security status. The Scan button allows running several scanning options: full, fast, selective, and external disk scanning. Kaspersky Free Antivirus is a simple, problem-free, reliable antivirus that performs basic protection functions to keep your computer safe.
Bitdefender Free Antivirus
It is an amazingly simple program, with a clear and intuitive user interface. There are apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
The software protects the device in real-time against viruses, network worms, rootkits, spyware. Antivirus controls web browsing, blocks access to malicious, fraudulent, phishing sites, and provides password security.
Bottom Line
Should you use a free antivirus? If you are a cautious user and do not store too much confidential data on the device, using a free product is not a bad idea. You will still be protected without high expenses.
