Top 13 best free antivirus software of 2025

In today’s digital era, we are exposed to a multitude of online threats. Viruses, Trojans, spyware, and other malicious software are omnipresent, waiting for the slightest security flaw to infiltrate our systems and steal our personal and confidential data. Faced with this constant threat, it is imperative not to neglect the protection of your computer. Fortunately, there are many free, effective, and reliable antivirus programs that can protect you against these dangers without straining your budget. In this article, we will explore the thirteen most popular free antivirus programs in 2025, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and main features to help you make the best choice and browse the internet safely. We will also look at the advantages of opting for a free antivirus and how they compare to paid versions.

The Evolution of Digital Threats

In recent years, the landscape of computer threats has changed considerably. Where security programs were once limited to protection against traditional viruses, they must now face a multitude of dangers. Malicious software can infiltrate in numerous ways: while browsing dubious websites, opening fraudulent email attachments, downloading programs from unreliable sources, or even due to outdated software.

The news constantly reminds us that new security vulnerabilities are discovered every week. While not all are exploited by malicious individuals, it nevertheless becomes reckless to browse the internet without adequate protection. Faced with these growing threats, modern protection tools must deploy more features to ensure optimal security, both for your computer and your privacy.

Free vs. Paid Antivirus: Understanding the Differences

To understand the differences between free and paid antivirus programs, it is essential to understand the economic model of publishers. In most cases, a free antivirus represents a lighter version of the paid solution from the same publisher. Developers seek a delicate balance: offering protection effective enough to satisfy the user while encouraging them to upgrade to the full version.

This balance generally translates into the inclusion of essential functions in the free version, while secondary (but nonetheless useful) features appear as “To Unlock” in the interface. In summary, the best free antivirus programs offer excellent quality protection in most areas but require an upgrade to access all features and all levels of protection.

The Best Free Antivirus Programs of 2025

The free antivirus market is full of high-performing options offering effective protection against digital threats. Each stands out for its specific features, level of protection, and impact on performance. Here is an overview of the best solutions available in 2025.

Avast Free Antivirus: A Reference Free Solution

Market leader with over 400 million claimed users, Avast has received numerous awards in recent years and continues to constantly improve the quality of its services. Its protection covers several types of threats:

Blocking malware (viruses, spyware) attempting to enter during browsing
Email protection against infected emails
File monitoring and analysis of running programs
“Suspicious Function Agent” feature analyzing application behavior
Blocking pop-up windows and unwanted add-ons
“Wi-Fi Inspector” module identifying security flaws in your wireless network

Its use is remarkably simple: one click is enough to launch the Smart Scan which quickly establishes the overall assessment of your computer, and another click to solve detected problems. A more thorough complete analysis is also available.

Experienced users will appreciate the many configurable settings for customized use. Avast also offers complementary modules like Software Updater, which checks that you have the latest software versions and downloads them automatically if necessary.

The paid version unlocks additional features such as “Real Site” against counterfeit sites, “Sandbox” to test files virtually, a firewall, an anti-ransomware agent, a secure file shredder, a VPN for anonymous browsing, a webcam agent, AntiTrack Premium, and a sensitive data agent.

Avast Free Antivirus is compatible with Windows 10 and 11.

AVG Free Antivirus: Effective and Light Protection

Acquired in 2016 by Avast, the Czech publisher AVG has considerably improved the quality of its products. It now benefits from the same level of excellence as its parent company in terms of threat detection and impact on performance.

Although AVG has been criticized for its privacy policy deemed too intrusive, the company has complied with the European GDPR, dispelling previous concerns. The software uses few resources and does not notably affect the computer’s speed. Virus database updates are performed in real-time, ensuring reactive and proactive protection.

Its sober and intuitive interface clearly displays the level of protection. Use is simplified to the maximum: after installation, the first analysis is launched with a click and identifies threats from browsers, viruses, and malware.

Once existing problems are resolved, AVG Free Antivirus offers real-time protection against malware, notably via the AVG Resident Shield which analyzes all added files, links, attachments, and downloads, immediately blocking dangerous elements.

AVG also reports other potential risks such as unprotected sensitive data, vulnerable webcams, insufficient firewalls on public networks, or DNS manipulations redirecting to fake sites. To solve these problems, the user will need to upgrade to the full version AVG Internet Security, which also includes online purchase security, blocking unwanted emails, and the ability to protect Android devices.

Avira Free Antivirus: Cloud-Based and Modular Protection

Avira Free Security has replaced Avira Free Antivirus by offering a complete security suite grouping no less than 10 protection tools. Its modern, fluid, and intuitive interface allows for quick handling, with easy navigation between the three main categories of the software: Security, Privacy, and Performance.

The global analysis system is particularly appreciable, allowing for a complete health assessment of your computer. During first use, it is recommended to launch this smart scan to check the status of your system and obtain an accurate diagnosis in terms of security, privacy, and performance. The software identifies privacy issues, performance issues, viruses, outdated applications, and network threats. Some detected problems can be solved with a simple click, while others will require manual intervention or upgrading to the paid version.

In addition to the antivirus, Avira Free Security integrates a system for detecting non-updated software, which represents potential security flaws. The protection of your internet browsing is ensured by a VPN (limited to 500 MB per month) and a password manager. The latter groups all your identifiers in a digital vault accessible with a single password and can automatically fill in fields on web pages.

For the Performance part, Avira has drawn inspiration from reference solutions with a module for cleaning unnecessary files and invalid registry keys. It also analyzes programs launched at startup and allows you to manage those that are really essential, thus accelerating your PC’s startup and reducing latency times.

The free version is already quite complete, but the paid Prime version offers unlimited VPN and automation of outdated program updates. Avira Free Security is available on PC, Mac, and in mobile version for Android and iOS.

Eset: The Perfect Alliance Between Performance and Lightness

Originating from Slovakia, Eset has built a solid international reputation thanks to its balanced approach to computer security. This solution offers a free 30-day trial version allowing you to explore its features before any financial commitment.

Eset’s free 30-day trial period gives you access to all its premium features without restriction. You can thus test the real-time protection recognized for its reliability and discretion, which uses a combination of detection methods including heuristic and behavioral analyses.

Eset’s ransomware protection is fully functional during this one-month trial period. Its advanced monitoring technology detects suspicious behaviors characteristic of these attacks and can automatically block malicious processes to prevent unauthorized encryption of your personal files.

Eset also offers a free version of Eset Online Scanner, an on-demand analysis tool that allows you to detect and remove malware already present on your system. Although this tool does not provide real-time protection, it constitutes a useful complement to your digital security without requiring a subscription.

360 Total Security: Complete Multifunction Protection

360 Total Security is a powerful antivirus offering complete protection. It offers three types of analyses: quick (targeting files and folders generally targeted by viruses), complete (including system settings, ongoing processes, and registry keys), and customized (allowing you to target a partition or external device).

Beyond its real-time protection, 360 Total Security allows you to clean your hard drive by removing unnecessary files, thus freeing up space and maintaining your computer’s performance. It also optimizes performance by modifying startup configurations or when scheduling tasks.

Users benefit from a Wi-Fi network security check, an online purchase security module, and protection of Internet activity, with analysis of downloaded files, verification of e-commerce sites, and blocking of suspicious sites.

The free solution offers fewer features than the Premium edition, which adds an ad blocker, protection against fileless attacks, a file shredder, a driver update checker, a performance firewall, a cleaning scheduler, a desktop organizer, an anti-tracker, and technical assistance.

360 Total Security Premium is available as a subscription for 1, 3, or 5 PCs, with decreasing rates depending on the commitment duration.

BitDefender Free Antivirus: Robust and Intelligent Security

Designed by one of the world leaders in cybersecurity, BitDefender Free Antivirus offers robust protection against digital threats, adapting to their constant evolution. Awarded by independent testing laboratories, it offers thorough analyses accessible with one click and real-time protection against the most sophisticated attacks.

BitDefender can counter ransomware, cryptojacking, AI-based spearphishing, zero-day vulnerabilities, rootkits, and trojans, in addition to traditional viruses, malware, and exploits. About 70,000 viruses are detected and quarantined before even reaching your device.

The software integrates an AutoPilot, a personal assistant that formulates recommendations to optimize your computer’s security. Another major asset, BitDefender remains light and uses few resources, allowing you to continue your activities without notable slowdown.

Like most cybersecurity solutions, BitDefender organizes its features into three sections: Protection, Privacy, and Utilities. The free version gives access only to the analysis tools of the Protection section, the other features being reserved for paid subscriptions. Nevertheless, this version effectively protects your computer and never expires.

The free version is only available for Windows but allows you to protect up to three devices. Mac or Android device users will have to opt for Antivirus Plus, Internet Security, or Total Security versions. Antivirus Plus adds protection against ransomware, adware, and spyware, while Internet Security integrates an anti-intrusion firewall and parental control. For optimal protection, BitDefender Total Security offers a VPN, webcam protection, and performance optimization features. All these solutions can be tested for free for 30 days.

Panda Free Antivirus: Ultra-Fast Cloud Protection

Spanish publisher Panda Security offers an extremely effective free antivirus with very useful secondary features. In terms of threat detection, Panda Free Antivirus obtained the maximum score of 6/6 awarded by the AV-Test testing center, blocking 100% of threats during evaluations.

Formerly criticized for its resource consumption, the software now performs its analyses in the cloud, thus becoming practically imperceptible to the user. Panda Free Antivirus offers the expected basic functions: real-time protection against malware, manual or schedulable analyses, extension for popular browsers, and USB protection against infections by external devices.

Complementary tools enrich its offer, such as the Process Monitor which details the programs in execution and signals those not identified or not authorized. In case of serious infection, the Rescue Kit allows you to create a USB reset key, while the Cloud Cleaner cleans files inaccessible to standard analyses. A free VPN is included, but limited to 150 MB per day.

Gamers will appreciate the Multimedia/games mode which removes untimely notifications while maintaining effective protection.

Several subscription formulas exist for more complete protection, including according to the options: Wi-Fi network protection, parental control, online purchase security, ransomware protection, sensitive file encryption, password manager, performance optimization tool, and unlimited VPN.

Panda Free Antivirus is available only on PC. Mac users will need to subscribe at minimum to the Essential offer.

Intego: The Apple Ecosystem Specialist

Intego stands out for its specialization in the Apple ecosystem. While many antivirus programs seem to favor Windows, Intego has been specifically designed for macOS, thus offering optimized protection for Mac users. This solution offers a particularly generous 30-day trial version, one of the longest on the market.

During this 30-day free trial period, you have access to all of Intego’s premium features. Real-time protection, specifically calibrated to detect threats targeting macOS, is fully operational. You can also test the effectiveness of its ransomware protection, which works by creating security barriers around sensitive folders.

Although Intego does not offer a permanent free version after the trial period, these 30 days represent a substantial opportunity for Mac users. This extended duration allows for an in-depth evaluation under real-use conditions, without any functional limitation.

Intego’s free trial version uninstalls cleanly at the end of the 30 days if you choose not to continue with a paid subscription, without leaving residues on your system.

McAfee: The Complete Cross-Platform Solution

McAfee is among the historical actors in cybersecurity, with a global presence and a considerable user base. This cross-platform solution offers a 30-day free trial allowing you to test its main features before subscribing to a subscription.

McAfee’s 30-day free trial period gives access to all the features of the security suite. You can thus test the effective real-time protection against various digital threats, as well as the integrated password manager which facilitates the secure management of your online identifiers.

McAfee’s ransomware protection, based on a multi-layer approach combining behavioral analysis and file activity monitoring, is entirely available during the 30-day trial. The automatic backup system for important data is also functional, allowing you to evaluate the file restoration capability in case of a simulated attack.

McAfee also offers a more limited free version for certain OEM partners, pre-installed on certain new computers. This free version offers basic protection, but with restricted features compared to the premium version available during the trial.

F-Secure: Simplicity at the Service of Security

F-Secure, a Finnish company specialized in cybersecurity, offers an antivirus solution recognized for its simplicity and effectiveness. A 30-day free trial version is available to test all features before any commitment.

During this 30-day free trial period, you can evaluate F-Secure’s real-time protection, characterized by its speed and precision. The analysis engine, which uses constantly updated databases and artificial intelligence techniques, is entirely functional to detect and neutralize threats before they can damage your system.

Ransomware protection, a strong point of F-Secure, is accessible during the 30-day free trial. Its DeepGuard technology constantly monitors the behavior of applications and can instantly block any unauthorized attempt to encrypt your personal files.

F-Secure also offers F-Secure Safe Browser, a free and permanent secure browsing solution that protects against phishing and malicious sites. Although this solution does not replace a complete antivirus, it constitutes an interesting free security complement.

G Data: German Expertise with Dual Engine

G Data, a German company founded in 1985, benefits from long experience in the field of computer security. This solution offers a 30-day free trial version allowing users to evaluate its performance before subscribing.

G Data’s 30-day free trial period gives you access to all premium features, including its dual engine technology which combines two different analysis engines for more complete threat detection. This approach allows for effective identification of both known malware and new variants not yet listed.

In terms of ransomware protection, G Data excels thanks to its behavioral monitoring system which analyzes the activities of applications in real-time. This feature is entirely available during the one-month trial period, allowing you to evaluate its effectiveness against these particularly harmful threats.

G Data also offers G Data USB Keyboard Guard, a free and permanent tool that protects against attacks via malicious USB devices. Although this solution does not constitute a complete antivirus, it offers complementary free protection against a specific attack vector.

Norton: The Premium Antivirus Par Excellence

Norton is among the pioneers of cybersecurity and remains an essential reference in the field. This solution offers a free trial version for 14 days, allowing users to test all features before any commitment. This period is sufficient to evaluate the effectiveness and compatibility of the software with your system.

Norton’s temporary free version gives access to all premium features during the 14-day trial period, without restriction. You thus benefit from particularly robust real-time protection, which uses advanced artificial intelligence technologies to detect recent threats. The integrated password manager is also available during this period, allowing you to test this essential feature for the security of your online accounts.

Ransomware protection, a crucial element against these growing threats, is fully functional during the free trial period. Norton monitors suspicious behaviors and automatically blocks any unauthorized attempt to encrypt your files.

Although Norton does not offer a permanent free version, this 14-day trial period without a credit card allows you to evaluate whether the investment in a paid version is justified for your security needs.

Microsoft Defender: Native and Discreet Protection

Microsoft Defender is integrated as standard on all computers running Windows 10 and 11. Successor to Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE), this security suite protects against malware, viruses, spyware, ransomware, exploits, and other threats. The program also blocks malicious websites and phishing attempts.

Easily accessible via the Start menu or downloadable from the Microsoft Store, Microsoft Defender performs regular scans to detect and neutralize malware before it causes damage. Manual scans can be launched at any time for additional verification.

A major advantage of Microsoft Defender lies in its lightness, not affecting the computer’s performance. The program benefits from regular updates to counter new threats. Its Cloud protection, based on artificial intelligence and machine learning, collects data from the various threats encountered to anticipate their behavior and optimize protection.

Completely free, Microsoft Defender can be complemented by other Microsoft tools such as Family Safety, the free parental control module, for complete protection of your files and your privacy. Microsoft 365 subscribers can also use the Microsoft Defender mobile application on their Android or iOS devices.

In the end, faced with the multiplication of digital threats, having an effective antivirus has become essential. The free solutions presented in this article offer solid basic protection for the majority of users. While some advanced features remain reserved for paid versions, these free antivirus programs nevertheless constitute an effective first rampart against the dangers of the web.

The choice of your antivirus will depend on your specific needs, the configuration of your device, and your internet usage. For optimal protection, don’t forget to complement your antivirus with good digital practices: regular updates of your software, vigilance against suspicious emails, use of robust passwords, and frequent backups of your data.

Cybersecurity being a constantly evolving field, stay informed of new threats and adapt your protection accordingly. A well-protected system is the first step towards a serene and secure digital experience.