Free antivirus software is ideal for anyone looking to keep their personal, noncommercial information protected. Many newer operating systems come with some kind of antivirus built-in, but you shouldn’t rely on that alone. PCMag recently listed their top free antivirus software picks for 2020, so we’re here to give you an overview and an explanation of the programs they chose and why.
Kaspersky Security Cloud Free
Chosen for its excellent lab test scores, Kaspersky Security Cloud Free offers full-scale malware protection and even comes with some features usually only found in security suites. Best of all, it’s completely free to download and use.
Avast Free Antivirus
Avast is one of the most popular names in antivirus software, and for good reason. With Avast, you get a wealth of features beyond the top-notch antivirus protection it provides.
AVG AntiVirus Free
If you want the antivirus engine of Avast without all the extra bonus features, AVG AntiVirus Free might be the perfect fit for you. This software comes with very few bells and whistles attached so you can get straight to the antivirus protection without having to navigate a range of bonus features.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition is the best in set-and-forget antivirus software. The free version still has the powerful core engine as Bitdefender Antivirus, but without the extra features included in the paid version.
Sophos Home Free
With Sophos Home Free, you can use business-level antivirus software to protect your family devices. This software is best for devices used by multiple people, and it even gives you remote management options.
Avira Antivirus
Avira Antivirus is a simple program with many companion products, and the software scores well in independent labs. Unfortunately, this antivirus software only works with Chrome and Firefox browsers.
Microsoft Windows Defender Security Center
If you’re a diehard for Microsoft Windows software, this could be the perfect antivirus engine for you. Microsoft Windows Defender Security Center protects any Windows 10 PC that doesn’t have any other antivirus software. Though past versions of this program haven’t tested well, this version stands up to the lab and hands-on testing.
Adaware Antivirus Free 12
Adaware Antivirus Free 12 recently had a complete makeover. Everything from the design to the name of the program has been changed, but the quality of protection hasn’t improved much. We recommend this program for anyone looking to install an extremely simple, no-frills antivirus software.
Check Point ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus+
ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus+ by Check Point combines powerful antivirus software with a personal firewall, making it a unique kind of antivirus. This program is best for those looking to install a firewall, but it doesn’t stand up to fraudulent websites and some of its bonus features are lacking.
Qihoo 360 Total Security 8.6
Qihoo 360 Total Security comes with a range of bonus features perfect for managed family protection, but its core antivirus engine doesn’t perform as well as other free antivirus software.
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