8 Best Free Antivirus Programs (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

Avira Free Security

Avira GmbH

Freeware v1.1.114 4MB

4.3

4 reviews

Avira Free Security is a free antivirus by Avira, which is now part of Gen Digital (the same company that owns Norton and Avast). Beyond the standard virus scanner, it bundles a VPN (limited to 500 MB/month on the free tier), a password manager, a software updater, and a junk fil...

29 downloads

Windows 7/8/10/11

Official source

#5

Panda Free Antivirus (Panda Dome)

Panda Security

Freeware v23.0 3MB

4.5

4 reviews

Panda Free Antivirus (also known as Panda Dome) is a cloud based antivirus for Windows that offloads most threat analysis to remote servers, keeping local resource usage low. The free tier includes real time protection, USB drive scanning, a basic VPN with 150 MB daily traffic, a...

13 downloads

Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/11

Official source

#6

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

#7

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

#8

AdwCleaner

Malwarebytes

Freeware v8.7.1.626 8.6MB

4.5

4 reviews

AdwCleaner is a free malware removal tool now owned by Malwarebytes. It targets adware, browser hijackers, unwanted toolbars, and PUPs (potentially unwanted programs) that sneak in with other software installations. The program is portable - no installation needed - and weighs un...

15 downloads

Windows 10/11/ARM

Official source