Top 10 Best Free Antivirus Software For Windows 10 And Mac

This in-depth review of the top free Antivirus Software compares their features and pricing to help you choose the Best Antivirus for Windows 10 & Mac:

Installing a quality antivirus on your desktop computer or laptop remains a necessity, especially in the light of events around the world. We are no closer to eliminating the threat of hackers and cyber-criminals that haunt the connected world than we were in the past ten years.

Cyber-attacks have only increased in the past few years, especially since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Best Free Antivirus Software

According to Statista, cybercrime has directly caused annual losses over $525 million to businesses in the United States, with most of these attacks arising from DOS and malware.

The following graph shows the losses incurred by businesses due to reported cybercrime during the period 2001-2019.

Besides DOS attacks and malware, cybercrimes that are contributing to the annual losses mentioned above include breaches of data and their implications, that have a significant impact on consumers whose credit details and personal data are being stolen.

It is an enormous threat that needs to be dealt with on a war-footing basis. While regulatory authorities and individual businesses are doing their best to overcome this problem with the help of cybersecurity agencies and professionals, individual users or small business owners may not have that luxury.

For small business owners, it is the lack of finances that prevents them from using cybersecurity agencies and professionals, while individual users are unlikely to trust a stranger with their sensitive data.

How then can these Internet users protect themselves against cyber-attacks?

They can safeguard themselves by installing one of the best antivirus available today. In the past, if you wanted a quality antivirus for your PC or laptop, you had to pay top dollar for it.

While some antivirus still costs money, you don’t have to go with them simply because there is a plethora of free antivirus with prominent features available today.

In this tutorial, we will review the best antivirus Windows 10, including the comparison of the top free software based on some key factors. We will also look at some industry/market-related statistics and frequently asked questions. We will also provide a pro-tip to choose the right option for you from the software we have reviewed in this article.

Let’s begin!!

Types of cybercrime most frequently reported during 2019:

From the above graph, we can find that Phishing is the most prevalent type of cybercrime that needs attention. Installing a good antivirus on a PC or laptop will help to prevent phishing emails from reaching your email inbox.

Additionally, a lot of other cybercrimes, such as identity theft, extortion, harassment, etc often arise because of malware compromising the network or computers of businesses and individual users to steal sensitive information. An antivirus will prevent this by dealing with all kinds of malicious software including worms, viruses, and Trojans.

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So, it is clear that an antivirus can protect phishing, malware, and other types of cybercrimes to prevent the theft of sensitive data and the loss of money.

But what is the best or most used antivirus software today? According to Statista, Symantec Corporation is leading the anti-malware market with a market share of just under 14 percent. McAfee Inc., ESET, Bitdefender, and AVAST software make up the top 5.

The below graph illustrates the Global market share held by Windows anti-malware vendors 2022:

As seen in the above image, Symantec Corporation is the most widely used anti-malware vendor today. Norton Antivirus—the antivirus program offered by Symantec Corporation—makes our list, as do the antivirus programs of McAfee, Avast, Bitdefender, and more.

List of Best Antivirus Software

Here is a list of our top picks for Free Antivirus Windows 10:

1. TotalAV Antivirus
2. Norton Antivirus
3. McAfee Free Antivirus
4. AVG AntiVirus FREE
5. LifeLock
6. Malwarebytes Anti-malware Free
7. Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition
8. Intego
9. Avast Free Antivirus
10. Sophos Home
11. Kaspersky Cybersecurity Solution
12. Windows Defender AntiVirus
13. Avira AntiVirus

Comparison of Top Free Antivirus Software

Tool Name	Best For	Features	Price	Our Ratings *****
TotalAV Antivirus	Eliminate threat of virus, Trojans, malware, etc.	• Ransomware protection • Disk cleaner • Malware, virus, Trojan protection • Zero day cloud scanning	Pro plan: $19 for 3 devices, Internet Security: $39 for 5 devices, Total Security: $49 for 8 devices, Free plan for basic scanning only.
Norton Antivirus	Protection against all kinds of threats, including ransomware, viruses, phishing, and malware.	• Anti-theft • Unlimited VPN • Backup software • Webcam protection • Firewall • Parental controls • Game mode • Password manager	Free trial: 30 days Norton Antivirus Plus: Price starts at $19.99 for the first year for one PC.
McAfee Free Antivirus	Protection against ransomware and viruses.	• Protection against phishing. • Ransomware protection. • Password manager. • Protection for up to five computers.	Free trial: 30 days 2 Yr: $55.99 for 5 devices 1 Yr: $39.99
AVG Antivirus Free	Performing scan searches for malware that is hidden and ensuing protection against phishing	• File shredder • Customization Options • Scan Scheduler • System Optimizer	Free Version Internet Security: $69.99/year. Try it for free 30 days
LifeLock	Antivirus, Anti-Spyware, and Malware & Ransomware Protection.	• Online Threat Protection, • Smart Firewall, • Parental Control, etc.	It starts at $95.88 per year. Monthly billing plans are also available.
Malwarebytes Anti-malware Free	Eliminate threats of adware and other unwanted software	Anti-malware protection, Ransomware protection, Automatic Scan, Browser Guard	Personal Plan starts at $3.75/month, Team Plan Starts at $89.98/year
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition	It’s smooth, lightweight, well-built monitoring mechanisms which perform much faster than the industry average	• Malware detection engine • Real-time virus shield • Support options	Free Edition Antivirus Plus: $29.99 Total Security: $44.99
Intego	Zero-day threat protection	• Automated and targeted scans • Automatic updates • Block malicious traffic and website	Starts at $39.99 for both Mac and Windows versions
Avast Free Antivirus	Its core protection engine that provides advanced threat protection	• Wi-Fi Network Scanner • Game Mode ·Limited access to VPN service	Free version Business solutions start at $139.99 for 1-10 devices.
Sophos Home	Remote security management for multiple PCs or laptops	• Remote management • Real-time protection • Parental controls	Sophos Home free for home use. The premium plan starts at $45 for 1 year.
Kaspersky Cybersecurity Solution	Blocking malicious URL and phishing threats	• Email Scans • Game Mode • Ransomware Reversal • Scan Scheduler • Support Options	Kaspersky Security Cloud is free. The paid plan starts at $29.99 per year for 3 PCs.

Let’s see a detailed review of these tools:

#1) TotalAV Antivirus

Best for Eliminate threat of virus, Trojans, malware, etc.

TotalAV Antivirus is a powerful anti-virus protection tool that you start using right away to perform a basic scan of your windows and mac system for free. This software leverages an up-to-date threat database library to accurately detect threats both in your system and online.

TotalAV Antivirus offers you real-time protection with robust and thorough system threat monitoring capabilities. Besides its anti-virus protection features, TotalAV Antivirus comes jam-packed with a ton of other features that optimize the functionality of your Windows and Mac devices.

For instance, the tool comes equipped with an advanced disk cleaner that can keep your PC clean and fast at all times. The software can also block ads and trackers to help you enjoy an ad-free browsing experience online.

Features:

• Ransomware protection
• Disk cleaner
• Malware, virus, Trojan protection
• Zero day cloud scanning

Verdict: Total AVAntivirus offer a ton of features that all serve to protect and optimize the overall functionality and usability of a Windows or Mac device. It is free to use if basic system scanning is all you seek. However, we would still recommend that you opt for one of its affordable subscription plans for optimal system protection.

Price: Free plan for basic scanning only, Pro plan: $19 for 3 devices, Internet Security: $39 for 5 devices, Total Security: $49 for 8 devices.

#2) Norton Antivirus

Best for protection against all kinds of threats, including ransomware, viruses, phishing, and malware.

Norton Antivirus without a doubt is the best antivirus for Windows 10 available today. It offers a level of protection that no other software can match. The only reason it does not feature in our top 5 picks is that it does not have a free version.

Instead, there is only a 30-day free trial that you can try before deciding whether you want to continue with this antivirus by paying for it.

Features:

• Anti-theft
• Unlimited VPN
• Backup software
• Webcam protection
• Firewall
• Parental controls
• Game mode
• Password manager

Verdict: Norton Antivirus has literally everything that you could ever need to ensure your protection against cyber-attacks. However, you should choose it only if you are willing to pay an ongoing fee to use it after your 30-day free trial expires.

Price: Norton offers a free trial of 30 days. Norton Antivirus Plus price starts at $19.99 for the first year for one PC.

#3) McAfee Free Antivirus

Best for protection against ransomware and viruses.

McAfee Free Antivirus defends up to five computers from viruses and provides protection against ransomware. It also fights off suspicious websites and comes with a password manager.

Features:

• Protection against phishing.
• Ransomware protection.
• Password manager.
• Protection for up to five computers.

Verdict: If you’re looking for total protection against viruses, phishing attempts, malware, and other threats that can compromise your privacy and performance of your computers, then McAfee Antivirus is a good option provided that you are ready to pay for this antivirus after the 30-day free trial expires.

Price:McAfee Free Antivirus offers a free trial of 30 days. Its 2 Years subscription for 5 devices will cost you $55.99. One Year Subscription for 5 devices is for $39.99.

#4) AVG AntiVirus FREE

Best for performing scan searches for malware that is hidden and ensuing protection against phishing.

This antivirus software, AVG, is loaded with features and allows you to update security components in real-time before any malware or other threats can disrupt your computer.

Features:

• File shredder
• Customization options
• System optimizer

Verdict: This software is recommended for anyone looking for free antivirus for their PC or laptop. However, business users should refrain from its use if they don’t want the security of their systems compromised. They should instead go for another antivirus or the paid versions of the AVG antivirus.

Price: AVG Antivirus offers a free version. Its Internet security is $69.99 per year for one Windows PC. This version can be tried for 30 days.

Further Reading => A Simple Guide to Mac Security – Does Your Mac Need Anti Virus

#5) LifeLock

Best for Antivirus, Anti-Spyware, and Malware & Ransomware Protection.

LifeLock – Norton 360 with LifeLock Select will give all-in-one protection to your devices and identity. It protects your online privacy. It is available for Windows, Mac, smartphones, and tablets.

Suggested reading =>> Review and compare popular Antivirus for Mac

It has a password manager and a LifeLock identity alert system. It provides real-time threat protection for your device with multi-layered and advanced security.

Features:

• Online Threat Protection
• Anti-Spyware, Antivirus, Malware & Ransomware Protection.
• Smart Firewall 100% Virus Protection.
• Parental Control

Verdict: This comprehensive malware protection solution comes with multiple capabilities like cloud-backup and parental control. It contains stolen wallet protection and credit monitoring.

Price: Norton 360 offers a free trial of 30 days. Norton 360 with LifeLock has three pricing plans i.e. Select ($95.88 per year), Advantage ($179.88 per year), and Ultimate Plus ($251.88 per year). Monthly billing plans are also available.

#6) Malwarebytes Anti-malware Free

Best for eliminating the threat of adware and other unwanted software.

This is an extremely useful tool for malware removal. It has some of the finest and most robust tools for virus removal, which makes it a preferred option for many businesses and even individual users today.

Features:

• Automatic scans.
• Anti-malware protection.
• Ransomware protection.

Verdict: Malwarebytes Free is a good option to use as a supplement to a top antivirus such as the free antivirus programs of Kaspersky, Bitdefender, and Avast.

Price: Malwarebytes is available to download for free. It offers pricing plans for personal use as well as for businesses. Personal plan price starts at $39.99 per year. Business plans price start at $119.97 per year which includes 3 devices.

#7) Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition

Best for its smooth, lightweight, well-built monitoring mechanisms that perform much faster than the industry average.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition is a free and effectively safe antivirus packaged into user-friendly software. This protection program provides you with the surety that all risks have been taken care of.

Features:

• Malware detection engine.
• Real-time virus shield.
• Support options.

Verdict: Antivirus Free Edition from Bitdefender is a great option for people who are searching for an antivirus scanner that eliminates the need for them to monitor it after it has been installed.

Further Reading => Does a MacBook Need Antivirus – A Detailed Study

Price: Bitdefender offers a free edition for Antivirus. It has two paid versions, Antivirus Plus ($29.99 for the first year, 3 devices) and Total Security ($44.99 for the first year, 5 devices).

#8) Intego

Best for Zero-day threat protection

Intego is a powerful anti-virus software that does a good job of protecting both Windows and Mac devices from all sorts of threats. Once deployed, the tool works round the clock to stop threats in their tracks before they can do any harm. You have the option to either perform targeted scans or schedule automated scans to ferret out security threats.

The software periodically updates itself with new features to be effective at combatting new and emerging threats. As such, Intego is also great at zero-day protection as it can block brand-new and advanced threats.

Features:

• Automated and targeted scans
• Automatic updates
• Block malicious traffic and website
• Anti-phishing and ransomware protection

Verdict: With Intego, you get a powerful anti-virus tool that can protect macOS and Windows devices from old and new threats. The software works 24/7 to protect your systems from all sorts of threats like malware, viruses, Trojans, ransomware, adware, phishing scams, and more.

Price:

Premium Plans for Mac are as follows:

• Internet Security X9 – $39.99/ YEAR
• Premium Bundle X9 – $69.99/year
• Premium Bundle + VPN – $89.99/year

Premium Plans for Windows are as follows:

• Personal Plan: $39.99/year
• Family Plan: $54.99/year
• Extended Plan: $69.99/year.

#9) Avast Free Antivirus

Best for its core protection engine that provides advanced threat protection.

It is a lightweight, strong, globally renowned free antivirus that is known for its minimal risk and advanced threat protection. Simple to install, the antivirus checks for problems in performance and security while allowing you to know how fast you can resolve them.

Features:

• Wi-Fi network scanner
• Unlimited password manager
• Game mode
• Limited access to VPN service

Verdict: If you are looking for an antivirus program that offers the most features for threat protection, then Avast Free Antivirus is your best option.

Price: Avast offers free antivirus. It has solutions for home use as well as for businesses. It offers plans for small businesses as well as for businesses with 1-1000 devices. Small Office protection will cost you $139.99. This license is valid for up to 10 devices.

Website: Avast Free Antivirus

Recommended Reading => Explore the Top FREE Anti Tracking Software

#10) Sophos Home

Best for remote security management for multiple PCs or laptops.

Sophos Home is an antivirus that provides real-time threat protection and allows you to stop your kids from accessing parts of the World Wide Web that you believe is not good for them.

Features:

• Remote management
• Real-time protection
• Parental controls

Verdict: If you’re looking for an effective, user-friendly free antivirus that comes with parental controls, then look no further than Sophos Home.

Further Reading => List of the TOP Sophos Alternatives to Look For

Price: Sophos Home is free for home use. Its premium version can be bought for 1 Year ($45), 2 Years ($78), and 3 Years ($99).

Website: Sophos Home

#11) Kaspersky Cybersecurity Solution

Best for blocking malicious URL and phishing threats.

Kaspersky Cybersecurity Solution is an antivirus with an impressive range of security features that perform exceedingly well in tests. Not only does it make scanning for threats easy, but it also allows you to protect your privacy through dark web scanning, a password manager, and a VPN.

Features:

• Email scans
• Game mode
• Ransomware reversal
• Scan scheduler
• Support options

Verdict: It is a great choice if you’re looking for a powerful antivirus that is free to use and makes it incredibly easy to protect your privacy.

Price: Kaspersky Security Cloud is free. This free version provides Antivirus protection on all devices. Its business solutions start at $87.50 for 5 devices and one year. The Home solutions price starts at $29.99.

Website: Kaspersky Cybersecurity Solution

#12) Windows Defender AntiVirus

Best for its malware detection capabilities.

Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus for Microsoft Windows and is included in Windows 10 for free. Over the past few years, the malware detection capabilities of Windows Defender have improved considerably, as evident in its testing.

Recommended reading => Windows Defender Vs Avast Free

Features:

• Malicious URL blocking
• Protection against phishing
• Parental controls
• Game mode

Verdict: Use Windows Defender as your primary protection software if you’re looking for a low impact antivirus and don’t want the inconvenience of having to install a third-party antivirus on your Windows 10 PC or laptop.

Price: Free

Website: Windows Defender AntiVirus

#13) Avira Antivirus

Best for its excellent protection against malware.

Avira Antivirus is free and protects against phishing scams and malicious websites. It runs efficiently on both new and old Windows PCs and fights malicious software on its own servers.

Features:

• Protection against phishing.
• Ransomware protection.
• 500 MB VPN.

Verdict: Avira Antivirus is a great option if you’re looking for powerful protection against malware but do not desire a lot of security features.

Price: Avira Antivirus is available for free download. The business solutions price starts at $38.00.

Website: Avira Antivirus

FAQs About Best Antivirus Windows 10

Conclusion

All the antivirus programs listed above have their fair share of pros and cons. Therefore, the best software will depend on your specific needs. For example, if you are looking for a program that offers the most features for threat protection, then Avast Free Antivirus is your best option.

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On the other hand, Antivirus from Bitdefender is a great option for people who are searching for an antivirus scanner that eliminates the need for them to monitor it after it is installed.

AVG Antivirus Free is recommended for anyone looking for free antivirus for their PC or laptop. However, business users should refrain from its use if they don’t want the security of their systems compromised. They should instead go for another antivirus or the paid versions of the AVG.

If you’re looking for an effective, user-friendly free antivirus that comes with parental controls, then look no further than Sophos Home. Kaspersky Cybersecurity Solution is a great choice if you’re looking for a powerful antivirus that is free to use and makes it incredibly easy to protect your privacy.

Use Windows Defender as your primary protection software if you’re looking for a low impact antivirus and don’t want the inconvenience of having to install a third-party antivirus on your Windows PC or laptop.

Norton Antivirus has literally everything that you could ever need to ensure your protection against cyber-attacks. However, you should choose it only if you are willing to pay an ongoing fee to use it after your 30-day free trial expires.

Similarly, if you’re looking for total protection against viruses, phishing attempts, malware, and other threats that can compromise your privacy and performance of your computers, then McAfee Antivirus is a good option provided you are ready to pay for this software after the 30-day free trial expires.

Further reading => How to turn off Avast Antivirus

Avira Antivirus is a great option if you’re looking for powerful protection against malware but do not desire a lot of security features. Finally, Malwarebytes Free is a good option to use as a supplement to a top antivirus such as the free antivirus programs of Kaspersky, Bitdefender, and Avast.

Our Research Process:

We spent 10 hours researching and writing this article so you can get a useful summarized list of tools with a comparison of each for your quick review. To come up with a final list of the top 10 free antiviruses, we considered and vetted 25 different options. This research process makes our recommendations trustworthy.