10+ Antivirus Software for PC Free Download [2024 Best Picks]

If you are looking for the best antivirus software for PC free download, take a look at these programs. In this post, we introduce you to the top 10 antivirus software for PC free, along with an additional security measure. Check out the software and choose the one that meets your requirements.

Key Takeaways

Antivirus is a must nowadays, considering the number of malware and viruses developing daily. Be it opening an email link or casually browsing online, you are prone to getting affected. We must get the best one to secure our device offline and online. We have compiled a list of the 10 best antivirus software for PC free download based on recommendations from leading experts. 

How to Choose a Suitable Antivirus Tool That Meets Your Requirements 

Numerous antivirus programs are erupting out of nowhere and advertising themselves as the best ones. While their features are tempting, here are a few things you need to keep in mind to choose the best one for you.

• 1️⃣Constantly updating malware data: New cyber and malware threats are evolving. So, selecting a provider with regular malware database updates helps.
• 2️⃣Check the security features: Along with the malware and real-time protection, see if the product offers a password manager, anti-theft, VPN, etc.
• 3️⃣Check the antivirus reputation: An antivirus with a good reputation is always preferable.
• 4️⃣Consider the budget and take a free trial or use the free version. If you are satisfied, then move on to it.
• 5️⃣Monitor the system changes implemented: The antivirus programs will get admin access, and some alter many of them. So, check beforehand what changes it makes.

Top 10 Best Free Download Antivirus Software Review

Look at the features and applicable users to choose the best antivirus program to protect your computer.

(1)TotalAV

Ratings: 4 out of 5.

TotalAV is one of the best antivirus products on the market. With excellent malware detection rates, WebShield, and impressive perks of cybersecurity, this one ups the game. 

Key Features of TotalAV:

• Real-Time Protection: Offers real-time scans to help you navigate through potential threats.
• Ransomware Protection: You can tackle embedded documents, encrypted files, and ransomware attacks.
• WebShield Extension: A browser extension to identify phishing or scam websites online. 
• VPN: With VPN, you can remain anonymous on the web. You will get over 50+ services from 35 countries to protect your identity while browsing.
• Virus Scans: Four types of scans are available to check for vulnerabilities in your system, including Quick and System Scan.
• System Tune-Up: This feature helps you make space on your system by eliminating junk files and duplicates.

Things you may not like:

• WebShiled extension could be more user-friendly.

Best for: It is helpful for users who want to use it for usual protection. But if you want more features, you have to buy the Pro.

(2) Norton 360

Ratings: 4.7 out of 5.

The 360 security suite by Norton is one of the best programs for anyone. Norton is possibly the most feature-rich antivirus program one can get. The software lacks nothing and offers even more.

Key Features of Norton 360:

• Malware and Virus Scans: Offers various scans to find suspicious files and folders and marks files for custom scans.
• Real-Time Protection: Detects online threats like viruses, ransomware, and spyware.
• Smart Firewall: Monitors the network traffic on your systems while sending and receiving data on the device.
• PC Cloud Backup: You can save your data on the cloud with the backup.
• System Optimization: Helps remove unwanted files and clean the device for optimal performance.

Things you may not like:

• There is no free version, only a 7-day free trial.
• Some features require you to download additional apps,
• Expensive antivirus.

Best for: A premium antivirus for all kinds of users.

(3) McAfee Antivirus

Ratings: 4.5 out of 5.

McAfee has to be the one antivirus with perfect lab scores out of all its competitors. It is also a premium and a popular choice among many users.

Key Features of McAfee Antivirus:

• McAfee scans: You will get three types of scans: quick scan, full scan, and specific folders.
• Tracker Remover: This helps you remove the unwanted cookies your device collects from websites.
• WebAdvisor: It is a browser extension to scan webpages for authenticity while browsing online.
• Firewall: Filters out the processes and blocks the access of malicious programs before entering the device.
• VPN: Another essential feature while browsing, compared with the leading standalone VPN services.

Things you may not like:

• There is no iOS version.
• The pricing plans are confusing, considering the features. 

Best for: McAfee is one of the most reliable antivirus and is suitable for everyone.

(4) Avast Antivirus

Ratings: 4.6 out of 5.

Avast is one of the biggest names in the antivirus industry- a complete package to protect the device from online scams and suspicious activities.

Key Features of Avast:

• Malware and Real-Time Protection: You can secure your device from malware in real-time to reduce the effect of it.
• Firewall: This protects your network from unauthorized intrusions and apps.
• Shields: Secure your email, device, and webcam with shields before giving access to anyone.
• SecureLine VPN: A decent VPN service that comes with the suite and is helpful.

Things you may not like:

• While it offers various valuable plans, they are expensive.
• Last year, Avast admitted to selling user data.

Best for: An excellent security suite for all kinds of businesses, irrespective of size.

(5) Microsoft Windows Defender

Ratings: 4.5 out of 5.

Microsoft Defender, the inbuilt Windows antivirus, offers various features to secure your device. Threat scanners, firewalls and networks, account protection, and device security, to name a few.

Key Features of Microsoft Defender:

• Virus & Threat Protection: Windows security offers quick scan, full scan, custom scan, and offline scan to restrict invasions.
• Firewall and Network Protection: It helps you manage and disable firewalls for different networks and apps, including public and private networks.
• App & Browser control: This gives you isolated browsing options and reputation-based protection from potentially unwanted malicious activities in apps and websites.
• Device Security: Security for the core parts of the computers for the security processor, secure boot, and core isolation.

Things you may not like:

• No VPN and an unattractive interface.
• Poor zero-day threat detection compared to the professional programs.

Best for: Works for people who wish for a good and free antivirus program. It may not be as good as a premium version, but it does the job well.

(6) 360 Total Security

Ratings: 4 out of 5.

360 Total Security is a perfect mixture of speed and security. The antivirus offers protection and performance to make your computer safe and efficient.

Key Features of 360 Total Security:

• Real-Time Protection with three modes: This feature offers three modes, namely Performance, Balanced, and Security, to prioritize different aspects of real-time scanning.
• Virus Scans: Alongside a quick and full system, you will have user-defined custom scans.
• Speed Up: This feature identifies what's holding back the system and resolves it to boost its performance.
• Toolbox: With this, you can open suspicious and risky files in the secure partition to prevent system damage.

Things you may not like:

• The programs to tackle online threats are too old to be of relevance.
• The support isn't great.

Best for: It works as a basic antivirus program but applies old algorithms to do the work.

(7) Bitdefender

Ratings: 4.9 out of 5.

Bitdefender is the top-rated antivirus program on the market. Its continuous excellence in the independent lab test results and affordable prices make it a top choice.

Key Features of Bitdefender:

• Firewall: You can monitor all the connections coming in and out from your device.
• Malware and Real-Time Protection: Provides the user with real-time scanning options and security measures.
• Anti-theft: Allows you to find your device on Maps and lock it in case of an emergency.
• Anti-Tracker and VPN: Both help divert external threats from tracking your device.

Things we don't like:

• The VPN capabilities are limited.
• It doesn't really offer features for the macOS.

Best for: Rated as the top antivirus program of the year. The affordable and safest options for anyone.

(8) AVG Free

Ratings: 4.6 out of 5.

AVG is an extraordinary antimalware solution and one of the leading products, too. You will get the free version with basic protection measures.

Key Features of AVG Free:

• Enhanced Firewall: Tracks the incoming and outgoing traffic.
• Phishing and Real-Time Protection: Protects you from phishing and continuously scans the system in real-time.
• Web and Email Shield: Shield the attacks while surfing online and receiving attachments in email.
• Webcam Protection: Controls the access to the webcam.

Things you may not like:

• Knowing for detecting quite a few false positives.
• It takes up a lot of resources to run.
• Offers incomplete protection features.

Best for: A decent antivirus program. Considering the negatives and pricing, there are better ones to choose from.

(9) Avira

Ratings: 4.2 out of 5.

Avira Antivirus is a secure antivirus program in the market right now. The program comes with a simple UI and a good bunch of features. You can use the free version for testing.

Key Features of Avira Antivirus:

• Virus Scanner: Various scanning options to scan the computer. It comes with a Quarantine feature to hold the infected files securely.
• Safe Shopping and Browsing: A browser extension that blocks trackers and ads.
• Real-Time Protection: Offers continuous scanning of the files to ensure system safety.
• Avira Crypto: An additional feature for easy and secure crypto mining.

Things you may not like:

• The free version doesn't provide the web protection features.
• Average customer support.

Best for: If you are looking for a simple and easy-to-use antivirus with all the necessary features, this one's for you.

(10) Panda

Ratings: 4.6 out of 5.

It's the prettiest-looking antivirus program of all. Comes with a super attractive UI and equally effective security programs.

Key Features of Panda Antivirus:

• Malware Scans: Offers quick and full scans and custom scams to protect the entire system.
• Real-Time offline Protection: Works both online and offline to monitor external invasions on your device continuously.
• Anti-Theft and VPN: You can lock or disable the device remotely and stay anonymous while browsing online.
• Data Shield: Data Shield helps you protect and add an extra protection layer for essential data.

Things you may not like:

• Shows vulnerability to some malware attacks.
• No Phishing protection feature.
• The full ransomware protection comes with the premium version only.

Best for: The free version is below average in terms of features and requires buying the premium. Check out the features and buy if they satisfy your needs.

Safer! Always Create a System Image to Add Extra Protection

The antivirus programs are not entirely safe to protect your data. Even the best ones have protection rates of 99.98%, so there's still a chance of external threats. While there is no antivirus with 100% protection, the best way to add another security layer is to create a system image of your data with professional backup software like EaseUS Todo backup Free.

EaseUS Todo Backup is a professional system image and disk backup software for Windows. With this, you can create and restore a system image in any emergency. Additionally, the tool offers advanced backup options, cloning, and image solutions. Irrespective of the vulnerabilities, your data is always safe and ready to restore with EaseUS. Download the software and make a system image of your device.

The Final Verdict

Choosing one antivirus software out of the plethora of available tools is exhausting. But we have narrowed them down and presented you with the best ten antivirus software for PC free download. Check out the features and cons to choose the best one according to your requirements.

The best one out of the lot has to be Total AV, as it is free and offers all the security features one needs to secure the entire device. Additionally, create a system image with EaseUS Todo Backup to add an extra layer of security.

FAQs on Antivirus Software for PC

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the 10 best antivirus software for PC free downloads. If you have similar queries, I hope this will help you.

1. Which antivirus is 100% free?

TotalAV antivirus program is 100% free and allows you to access all features. While this stands true for the free version, you have to buy the premium for advanced features.

2. Is it OK to use PC without antivirus?

No, antivirus is very important, even if you are on a PC or a Mac. At least, you will need the default ones to secure your system from continuous malware and ransomware attacks.

3. Does antivirus slow down PC?

Yes, in today's world, antivirus is a must to protect your device. The ill effect of antivirus programs is they are resource-intensive and will slow down your PC over time.