Why third-party paid or free antivirus software?
Do you install any free antivirus software? A decade ago, there was no question that it made more sense to purchase third-party antivirus software.
Security is a big concern for most people and can be even more so if you are not just an average PC user.
It’s important to install antivirus software from third-party developers, which will scan your computer regularly for any threats that might try to infiltrate.
Having the best possible protection on your devices against viruses should always be one of the first priorities when managing them at home or in business as they have many ways into our system.
When comparing basic antivirus protection from Microsoft Windows with an outside developer, it’s important to note the difference in quality.
Even if that small change can be difficult for some people, there is still more room for improvement on your security system.
In today’s world where ransomware and banking Trojans are real threats against businesses and PC users alike.
Upgrading or even replacing software like this becomes crucial not just because of greater performance but also increased levels of safety too.
In contrast to having no anti-virus at all built into their computer systems – many people choose to add new third-party software programs as they set up fresh PCs running Windows 10 operating systems.
It may sound simple enough yet its importance shouldn’t be understated.
Unfortunately, some people want the best but don’t know how they’re getting their hands on this piece of tech, even if just through an alternative vendor like AVG or McAfee.
The Free AntiVirus softwares are no less inferior.
Get protection
Ransomware is one type of attack in which hackers purposefully use malicious code designed to take over devices.
The devices such as PCs, laptops became victims until they pay them off with their hard-earned money.
It doesn’t matter what operating system you run either since ransomware will do its damage regardless whether it be iOS or Android OSs.
So, we need real protection from third-party antivirus software that provides extra protection.
It became a must to install so as to keep online business or banking-related accounts safe.
The best-known commercial antivirus programs for Windows typically require a monthly or annual paid subscription.
But, some perfectly respectable names such as AVG AntiVirus also distribute free versions of their software with some limitations.
These programs include the exact same scanning engines and malware definition files as paying customers have access to, yet they come at no cost.
But, you would hardly get any kind of support. Do you know why? The answer is obvious. It’s free!
The developers over at Slack are constantly trying to convince you that their free plan isn’t enough, and you should upgrade.
You can expect frequent up-sell offers from these sneaky characters. Sometimes they’re just too tempting but most of the time it’s a headache.
All of the programs we list below are completely free and appropriate for use by non-technical users in a home setting.
But, none of these options would be suitable for business settings, which need quick access to support lines as well as centralized management and monitoring dashboards.
If you’re the unofficial IT admin for friends and family, then these are good choices because they can’t always spot a scam or phishing attempt.
#1 AVG AntiVirus Free
You may probably like upsell offers.
AVG AntiVirus was first introduced to the US market in 1991. And has since developed a solid reputation as one of the go-to free antivirus software providers.
In 2016 AVG’s parent company Avast Software acquired them for $1.3 billion.
However, their original name still rings true today with over 180 million customers worldwide who have come to trust it when it comes to protecting themselves online from threats like malware and viruses.
Surprisingly, the free offerings of Avast and AVG are nearly identical. One can’t tell them apart at first glance.
They both use a signature engine that is updated frequently with real-time protection against malware, ransomware attacks, phishing scams, and more.
A battle between two major antivirus companies (Avast and AVG AntiVirus) has been going on for quite some time.
Avast and AVG AntiVirus are both popular, but they both use the same centralized monetization strategy.
If you install the free version of either product, you will be bombarded with offers encouraging a subscription or paid upgrade from within the app itself.
In addition to that, there’s even an offer in place for Google Chrome installation if it is not already installed. This grants them money from Google.
The basic virus-scanning tools in either Avast or AVG AntiVirus Software work exactly as advertised according to many user reviews on their respective sites.
However, it would be a good decision to ignore the frequent upgrade offers.
Why is AVG AntiVirus considered by many as one of the best free antivirus software?
AVG AntiVirus FREE is considered one of the best free antivirus software/solutions because of the following reasons:
- Advanced virus and malware removal technology,
- Their ability to detect and remove harmful spyware without slowing your PC down,
- Powerful Trojan scanner
- The Wi-Fi Inspector included with AVG Antivirus helps keep hackers out by detecting their wireless signatures on your home network.
AVG AntiVirus FREE is also the world’s most downloaded and trusted antivirus engine.
- It has a range of advanced features,
- Uses the latest technology to detect threats in real-time, and
- Because it’s free, you don’t have anything to lose.
They also provide their customers with high-quality security from day one for all their devices. Your device could be PCs or Macs as well as mobiles such as smartphones or tablets.
With AVG Smart Scanning™ which automatically looks for malware without any user input required.
And by constantly scanning files before they execute (with its unique Cloud Protection), your data will be safe even when you share files online.
AVG AntiVirus FREE is a phenomenal product with decades of experience.
It consistently earns high praise from cybersecurity testing labs and other experts in the industry. This makes it an easy choice for anyone looking to protect their data.
Sign Up for AVG AntiVirus Free
#2 Avira Free Security
Avira Free Security is an all-inclusive antivirus program that provides basic protection but also includes a few extras.
The performance tab in the Avira console allows you to delete unnecessary files and apps, clean your registry, and even turn off telemetry.
Privacy options allow you to have more control over what information about yourself gets sent back home with every scan or update.
Avira Free Security is a good option for Windows users who want to tweak their PC settings.
If you are tech-savvy and know what you’re doing, go ahead with Avira’s software installation.
You’re going to be protected in no time with Avira Free Security. They make it easy by providing diagnosis and repair capabilities for any issues that might arise.
They also offer mobile security software as well. So if you are looking for a good deal on protection from viruses or spyware then there is no better choice than Avira antivirus.
We, therefore, kept it at the second spot of our top 6 (including Microsoft Windows 10 Defender) list of free antivirus software.
#3 Bitdefender Antivirus Free
Bitdefender, is a privately held company based in Romania that has developed some of the highest quality antivirus and firewall products on the market today.
It offers its own line of virus protection that includes both paid subscriptions as well as free. The interface is minimalist to avoid distractions while you’re browsing or doing work.
It also doesn’t have any ads or prompts aimed at pushing an upgrade down your throat like so many other providers do these days.
Bitdefender offers a free version of their most popular security software, the ANTIVIRUS FREE edition.
It is a basic antivirus program for Windows PCs that will take over malware scanning and removal functions from Microsoft Defender.
However, it does not include additional features such as ransomware protection or system optimization which are typically part of Bitdefender’s paid products.
Bitdefender’s free security software is refreshingly minimalistic with no upsells.
This promises “basic antivirus protection” with no extra bells-and-whistles so you don’t get nickel and dimed by unnecessary extras every time your PC is updated like many other companies do.
If you’re just looking for a basic level of protection, Bitdefender Antivirus has got your back.
This software shields cyber-attacks from the inside out by employing heuristic scanning and transparent file encryption.
You won’t need to worry about malware or phishing scams with this one in place.
#4 Kaspersky Security Cloud
Kaspersky’s free product includes two of the more useful extras we’ve seen in this category.
- A password manager and
- VPN service.
If someone isn’t already using a third-party password manager, then Kasperskys’ is probably worth checking out.
They also offer some pretty solid VPN capabilities that are valuable for anyone who wants casual access to their protected network without having to go through too much fuss.
Eugene Kaspersky, founder of the world’s most biologically diverse and innovative cybersecurity company feels that free protection is an integral part of his mission.
Yes, they do have to upsell offers but, by and large, those are a kinder gentler experience than what you’ll see from competitors who offer much less value.
For most users who never bought any software or downloaded anything over torrents after installing it onto your PC – all these pop-ups shouldn’t scare them away.
There aren’t high chances of getting infected with malware just because someone clicked “OK.”
For some users, Kaspersky could be the No.1 choice amongst those top 6 free antivirus software. The reason is simple. Let’s look at the following features so you’ll know why.
Kaspersky Security Cloud- Free
Kaspersky Security Cloud- Free comes with top-of-the-line security technologies.
It automatically scans real-time data on new threats to help protect your PC, mobiles, tablets including iPad from a range of dangers.
Help keep your devices secure
Kaspersky Security Cloud is a free antivirus scanner and cleaner that defends your PC and mobile devices against viruses, infected files, dangerous applications, and suspicious sites.
The software can be downloaded onto any device for easy installation. Just click the link below to get started.
Kaspersky security won’t slow you down
It is designed to protect your devices while also keeping them at the forefront of security. You’ll always have access to the most recent protection against viruses and malware.
Download Kaspersky Free Antivirus now!
#5 Sophos Home Free
Sophos Home is also one of the best free antivirus software. It offers a free tier but the installation option isn’t available.
Instead, you get a 30-day trial of Sophos Home Premium first before your account gets downgraded to the free edition. However, you don’t need to give any credit card information to get access to it.
Then, you’ll also lose all premium features such as ransomware protection, privacy controls, and some other exclusive features after 30 days.
Sophos Home is a web-based, remote management system that allows you to track activity and even launch a scan remotely.
The paid version of the software lets you keep tabs on 10 computers whereas free users can monitor up to 3 devices at once.
Sophos Home allows you to keep tabs on PCs belonging to family members outside of your immediate household.
With the free version, users are also able to block websites that fall into any more than two dozen categories with a feature for entering exceptions in false positives.
#6 Is Microsoft Defender Antivirus on Windows 10 good enough?
Windows Defender Antivirus, Microsoft’s built-in antivirus software has been tuned to work seamlessly within Windows for years now.
The antivirus itself has been updated automatically every day so you’re always protected from nasty viruses which could destroy your computer in seconds if not detected.
Alongside this are also a built-in firewall and Microsoft Defender SmartScreen technology.
It’s another great way of protecting yourself against malware as well as malicious files or programs coming onto your PC via websites like Facebook, etc.
Those malicious files may appear legitimate at first glance but can cause serious damage to your PCs or Laptops.
Microsoft Defender is a program by Microsoft to protect your computer from malware, spyware, and viruses.
However, if you choose third-party security software, Windows automatically disables the corresponding Microsoft Defender features.
This happens in order to prevent conflict with another service that may not work as efficiently or reliably on its own.
For example, Symantec’s Norton 360 includes a Firewall Protection feature while McAfee provides real-time protection against threats such as spam emails and dangerous websites so it would make sense to install just one package instead of two.
Overall, If you just want a simple, no-frills antivirus to protect your laptop from getting infected with viruses or malware, then the Windows Defender Antivirus might be just enough for you.
It’s not as robust and powerful as other antiviruses on the market today, but it is free if you have an account that runs on Windows 10.
In some cases where people are looking for more protection than this one offers though.
For example, people who do online business or financial transactions frequently. They may need something stronger which offers more features in their program.
Cost of paid antivirus software?
The prices of commercial security software are not always fixed. If you see the price and then attempt to navigate away from that page; chances are they will offer you a cheaper rate.
You can also find coupons or limited-time offers that dramatically lower the cost for one year’s subscription.
The catch with the discounts is that they are only good for one year, and when renewal time comes around it will be difficult to find any new promotions.
The prices of these subscriptions also vary dramatically depending on what features you want your service to have.
But, at least if a subscription includes multiple devices then there won’t be as many additional charges each month.
Final Thoughts
We’ve compiled a list of 6 free antivirus software (including Microsoft Defender) that we think are worth your consideration.
If you’re on a tight budget or just want only a few extra layers of protection for your system, these might work perfectly for you.
What about the downside? They all come with ads at the bottom of the screen but some aren’t too intrusive.
It probably wouldn’t hurt if you turned off those pesky pop-ups anyways. It’s hard to believe, but you can get some of the best antivirus software for free.
These six top-rated products are among the most trusted in the industry and have been lauded by both experts and customers alike.
Based on personal experience, the AVG AntiVirus Free Software is our favorite because it blocks viruses with advanced heuristics.
They’re also offering fast scanning and removal of malware from your PC or Mac device. It also won’t slow down your computer or phone with its lightweight design.
Our other top picks include Avira Free Security, Bitdefender Antivirus Free, Kaspersky Security Cloud, and so on. They offer various levels of protection that suit personal preferences.
As you can see from this list of Top 6 Free Antivirus Software/programs, there are plenty of options to choose from when looking for a protective program that doesn’t cost anything at all.
What did you think about our picks?
Let us know in the comments below if we missed any important contenders on this list. And what you use as your favorite free security software.
Thanks for reading!
Another related article
With the number of viruses and hackers on the internet, it’s a good idea to invest in some antivirus software. It could be your best line of defense against malware infection.
A recent study shows that nearly three-quarters (72%) of online consumers have experienced an email scam or virus attack over a year.
With such high prevalence rates for these types of cybercrimes, investing in anti-malware protection is not only smart but necessary as well.
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