Best Free Alternatives to ESET NOD32 Antivirus (2026)

#1 BEST

Avast Free Antivirus

AVAST Software

Freeware v2026 694MB

4.8

4 reviews

Avast Free Antivirus is a free antivirus for Windows, Mac, and mobile. It is made by a Czech company now owned by Gen Digital (the same group behind Norton and AVG). The free version covers real-time scanning, ransomware protection, a firewall, and email scanning. The paid tiers ...

12 downloads

Windows 7/8/10/11

Official source

#2 GREAT

AVG AntiVirus FREE

AVG Technologies

Freeware v26.3 259kB

4.6

5 reviews

AVG AntiVirus FREE is a free antivirus by Gen Digital (the company behind Norton and Avast). Under the hood, it runs the same malware detection engine as Avast Free Antivirus - same virus definitions, same scan technology, different interface. If you already have Avast, installin...

28 downloads

Windows 7/8/10/11

Official source

#3 SOLID

Avira Free Antivirus

Avira GmbH

Freeware v1.1.60.26061 213MB

4.5

6 reviews

Avira Free Antivirus is a free security solution that combines traditional signature-based detection with cloud scanning technology. When Avira encounters an unknown file, it sends the file's fingerprint to its Protection Cloud for real-time analysis, which allows it to identify ...

16 downloads

Windows 7/8/10/11

Official source

#4

Windows Defender

Microsoft

Freeware v1.75.1117.0 4.9MB

5.0

5 reviews

Windows Defender (now called Windows Security) is the built in antivirus and security suite included with every Windows installation. It provides real time virus protection, a firewall, and ransomware prevention without requiring you to download or install anything extra. What it...

17 downloads

Windows 2000/XP/Vista

Official source

#5

Malwarebytes

Proprietary v5.1.4.112 265MB

4.2

5 reviews

Malwarebytes is an anti malware tool by Malwarebytes Inc. that scans for and removes malware, ransomware, and potentially unwanted programs. The free version is an on demand scanner only - no background protection. Premium costs $44.99 per year for one device and adds protection ...

16 downloads

Windows 7/8/10/11/ARM

Official source