pcmag.com
Neil J. Rubenking
May 9, 2017
Even if you're running Windows 10, you shouldn't rely on Microsoft's security tools. Many free third-party apps are more effective at keeping you safe. We've tested 15 no-cost AV services to help you find the right one for protecting your PC.
This article reports only on free antivirus products that received at least a good rating in our reviews—three stars or better. Among those that didn't make the cut is Microsoft Windows Defender, with 2.5 stars. All of the independent labs I follow do include Microsoft in testing, but most use it as a baseline. If a product can't do better than the baseline, it's got real problems.
Newly joining the party are a pair of free utilities devoted entirely to ransomware protection. Cybereason RansomFree and Malwarebytes Anti-Ransomware Beta exist for the sole purpose of fending off any ransomware attack that your regular antivirus misses. I include them in the blurbs below and encourage you to add one or both to your malware-fighting arsenal. They don't appear in the chart simply because they don't do the job of a full-scale antivirus utility.
There are also numerous free antivirus utilities that work solely to clean up existing malware infestations. You bring out these cleanup-only tools when you have a nasty malware infestation. When the problem's gone, they have no further use, since they offer no ongoing protection. Our Editors' Choice in this category is Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 3.0, and it's definitely one you should try if you've got a malware problem. But since they're free, you can keep trying others if the first one doesn't do the job. When the scare is over, you'll need a full-blown antivirus for ongoing protection.
Avast Free Antivirus 2017
Editors' Choice
Free at AVAST Software
Avast Free Antivirus 2017 combines a great free antivirus with a surprisingly extensive collection of bonus features.
AVG AntiVirus Free (2017)
Editors' Choice
Free at AVG Technologies
AVG AntiVirus Free has a new look, and some new technology, but our hands-on tests and independent lab tests show that it's just as reliable as ever.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition (2017)
Free at Bitdefender
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition includes precisely the same antivirus technology found in the commercial Bitdefender Antivirus, without the paid edition's many useful bonus features.
Check Point ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus+ 2017
Free at ZoneAlarm
ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus+ combines a top-notch firewall with antivirus protection licensed from award-winning Kaspersky. This free program can be a good choice if you don't want a full-scale security suite.
Cybereason RansomFree
The consequences of a ransomware attack are dire, so a second layer of defense like Cybereason RansomFree is a great idea. It's free; go ahead and install it.
Malwarebytes Anti-Ransomware Beta
Malwarebytes Anti-Ransomware Beta watches program behavior to thwart any ransomware that gets past your existing antivirus. This lightweight, free utility makes a great addition to your security arsenal.
Sophos Home
Free at Sophos
Sophos Home brings the company's sophisticated business-grade antivirus technology to the home user, for free. It scores very well with the independent labs, and in most (but not all) of our own tests.
Avira Antivirus (2017)
Free at Avira
The free Avira Antivirus gets excellent ratings from the independent labs, but in testing its scans were slow, and its browser protection only works with Chrome and Firefox.
adaware antivirus free 12
In a complete makeover, adaware antivirus free 12 has a new name and a new look. Under the hood, though, its test results aren't the best, and competing free products have much more to offer.
Comodo Antivirus 10
The free Comodo Antivirus 10 has a new look, and it aced our hands-on malware blocking test. However, it didn't do as well on other tests by PCMag or the few independent labs that have evaluated it.
Panda Free Antivirus (2017)
Free at Panda Security
Panda Free Antivirus boasts an attractive user interface and an unusual USB vaccination feature, but its scores have slipped in both our tests and independent lab tests. Read the full review
Qihoo 360 Total Security 8.6
The free Qihoo 360 Total Security 8.6 comes with a ton of bonus tools, but its core antivirus protection doesn't measure up to the best free antivirus tools.
thnx to pcmag.com for these reviews and information
Neil J. Rubenking
May 9, 2017
Code:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2388652,00.aspEven if you're running Windows 10, you shouldn't rely on Microsoft's security tools. Many free third-party apps are more effective at keeping you safe. We've tested 15 no-cost AV services to help you find the right one for protecting your PC.
This article reports only on free antivirus products that received at least a good rating in our reviews—three stars or better. Among those that didn't make the cut is Microsoft Windows Defender, with 2.5 stars. All of the independent labs I follow do include Microsoft in testing, but most use it as a baseline. If a product can't do better than the baseline, it's got real problems.
Newly joining the party are a pair of free utilities devoted entirely to ransomware protection. Cybereason RansomFree and Malwarebytes Anti-Ransomware Beta exist for the sole purpose of fending off any ransomware attack that your regular antivirus misses. I include them in the blurbs below and encourage you to add one or both to your malware-fighting arsenal. They don't appear in the chart simply because they don't do the job of a full-scale antivirus utility.
There are also numerous free antivirus utilities that work solely to clean up existing malware infestations. You bring out these cleanup-only tools when you have a nasty malware infestation. When the problem's gone, they have no further use, since they offer no ongoing protection. Our Editors' Choice in this category is Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 3.0, and it's definitely one you should try if you've got a malware problem. But since they're free, you can keep trying others if the first one doesn't do the job. When the scare is over, you'll need a full-blown antivirus for ongoing protection.
Avast Free Antivirus 2017
Editors' Choice
Free at AVAST Software
Avast Free Antivirus 2017 combines a great free antivirus with a surprisingly extensive collection of bonus features.
AVG AntiVirus Free (2017)
Editors' Choice
Free at AVG Technologies
AVG AntiVirus Free has a new look, and some new technology, but our hands-on tests and independent lab tests show that it's just as reliable as ever.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition (2017)
Free at Bitdefender
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition includes precisely the same antivirus technology found in the commercial Bitdefender Antivirus, without the paid edition's many useful bonus features.
Check Point ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus+ 2017
Free at ZoneAlarm
ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus+ combines a top-notch firewall with antivirus protection licensed from award-winning Kaspersky. This free program can be a good choice if you don't want a full-scale security suite.
Cybereason RansomFree
The consequences of a ransomware attack are dire, so a second layer of defense like Cybereason RansomFree is a great idea. It's free; go ahead and install it.
Malwarebytes Anti-Ransomware Beta
Malwarebytes Anti-Ransomware Beta watches program behavior to thwart any ransomware that gets past your existing antivirus. This lightweight, free utility makes a great addition to your security arsenal.
Sophos Home
Free at Sophos
Sophos Home brings the company's sophisticated business-grade antivirus technology to the home user, for free. It scores very well with the independent labs, and in most (but not all) of our own tests.
Avira Antivirus (2017)
Free at Avira
The free Avira Antivirus gets excellent ratings from the independent labs, but in testing its scans were slow, and its browser protection only works with Chrome and Firefox.
adaware antivirus free 12
In a complete makeover, adaware antivirus free 12 has a new name and a new look. Under the hood, though, its test results aren't the best, and competing free products have much more to offer.
Comodo Antivirus 10
The free Comodo Antivirus 10 has a new look, and it aced our hands-on malware blocking test. However, it didn't do as well on other tests by PCMag or the few independent labs that have evaluated it.
Panda Free Antivirus (2017)
Free at Panda Security
Panda Free Antivirus boasts an attractive user interface and an unusual USB vaccination feature, but its scores have slipped in both our tests and independent lab tests. Read the full review
Qihoo 360 Total Security 8.6
The free Qihoo 360 Total Security 8.6 comes with a ton of bonus tools, but its core antivirus protection doesn't measure up to the best free antivirus tools.
thnx to pcmag.com for these reviews and information
