Free Antivirus Softwares for Windows and Mac

 Free Antivirus Softwares 💰🤑

Antivirus: Free PC software downloads

There are plenty of free downloads available for Windows – here we look at the biggies and their key features.

Software	Key features
Microsoft Defender Antivirus	✔️ Built into Windows so no need to download and install it. ✔️ Light on resources (it won't slow your PC down). ✔️ Strong parental controls.   But... ❌ Middling performance in independent detection tests. ❌ Doesn't include a password manager. ❌ Doesn't include a virtual private network (VPN) feature.
Kaspersky Security Cloud	✔️ Performs well in independent detection tests. ✔️ Includes a limited virtual private network (VPN) feature, which allows you to hide your location and internet traffic. ✔️ Provides a basic password manager.   But... ❌ You'll have to pay if you want a more advanced password manager or VPN.
AVG Antivirus Free	✔️ Performs well in independent detection tests. ✔️ Includes a browser extension to help keep you safe when online shopping. ✔️ Scans for PC performance problems. ✔️ You can 'shred' files instead of just deleting, which it describes as 'irreversible'. But... ❌ Doesn't include a password manager. ❌ Doesn't include a virtual private network (VPN).
Avast Antivirus Free	✔️ Performs well in independent detection tests. ✔️ Includes a 'do not disturb' so you aren't pestered by pop-ups. ✔️ Scan your Wi-fi network to spot any security weaknesses with your router.   But... ❌ Doesn't include a password manager. ❌ Doesn't include a virtual private network (VPN). ❌ Can slow your computer down when running scans.
Avira Free Antivirus	✔️ Performs well in independent detection tests. ✔️ Includes a price comparison feature for online shopping. ✔️ Includes a limited virtual private network (VPN) feature, which allows you to hide your location and internet traffic. ✔️ Includes a password manager.   But... ❌ Middling performance in independent detection tests.
Panda Free Antivirus	✔️ Includes a PC recovery system, helping you to 'clean' infected computers. ✔️ Includes a limited virtual private network (VPN) feature, which allows you to hide your location and internet traffic. But... ❌ Doesn't include a password manager. ❌ Middling/poor performance in independent detection tests.

Antivirus: Free Mac downloads

There aren't as many options for macOS as there are for Windows.

Software	Key features
Sophos Home Free	✔️ Performs well in independent detection tests. ✔️ Allows parents to filter what their children can see online. ✔️ Can be used to secure several devices. But... ❌ Doesn't include a password manager. ❌ Limited browser protection (phishing sites).
AVG Antivirus Free	✔️ Performs well in independent detection tests. ✔️ Offers automatic security updates.   But... ❌ The free version doesn't come with the 'file shredder' feature found on the Windows version. ❌ Doesn't include a password manager.
Avast Antivirus Free	✔️ Performs well in independent detection tests. ✔️ Scan your Wi-fi network to spot any security weaknesses with your router. ✔️ Includes a password manager.   But... ❌ Missing some features that can be found on the Windows version, incl the 'do not disturb' feature.
Avira Free Antivirus	✔️ Performs well in independent detection tests. ✔️ Includes a price comparison feature for online shopping. ✔️ Includes a limited virtual private network (VPN) feature, which allows you to hide your location and internet traffic. ✔️ Includes a password manager. But... ❌ Middling performance in independent detection tests.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free	✔️ Quickly performs scans and blocks harmful websites. ✔️ Performs well in independent detection tests. But... ❌ Doesn't include a password manager. ❌ You can't hide your internet traffic from others.

Firewall software – do you need it?

Antivirus software isn't the only protection your computer needs. If you don't have a firewall, you're leaving all your files and sensitive information vulnerable. Effectively:

👮 Antivirus = the border patrol checking what's allowed in.

🔥 Firewall = the fence stopping it getting to the border in the first place.

So why aren't we all going firewall mad? Well, we tend to connect to the web via a router, and routers provide a hardware firewall. Make sure yours is switched on and set to a high-enough security level.

⚙️ Keep your router up-to-date and check the settings

You might also want to make sure your router is up to date with the latest firmware (fixes), as manufacturers/providers can release new updates to router models, which help keep it secure and can even improve performance. BT, for example, automatically sends updates directly to its routers overnight so it's important to never switch your router off. With other router models, you might have to do the update yourself so it's best to consult the manual or search online for the make and model number if you don't know how to check.

While you're there, check you've changed your router password from its factory-set default. You'd be surprised how many connections are hacked (and how much havoc gets wreaked) because the standard password hasn't been changed. Spend a little time to get your settings right here, as router firewalls give a higher level of protection than software ones.

If you don't always connect via a router, or you're just big on online security, here are the top firewall freebies...

Free PC downloads
Microsoft Defender Firewall	Included with Microsoft Defender Antivirus, this should be enough for most people (especially those who already have router firewalls), but make sure it's switched on and your copy of Windows is up-to-date. The firewall can be set on low, medium and high levels of protection.
ZoneAlarm	The free option from ZoneAlarm gets great write-ups from tech site Techradar, which described it as ‘the best free firewall’ for Windows users.   It’s worth noting that this free version lacks some of the options of its paid-for counterpart, such as 24/7 technical support. You’ll also have to contend with ads when using the software.
Comodo Free Firewall	Totally free and compatible with Windows XP (32-bit) and up, Comodo Free Firewall offers a good level of protection according to TechRadar. Yet it can be intrusive, providing notifications when files have been cleared as well as blocked, but these can be turned off.
Free Mac downloads
Application Firewall (built in)	Since the early days, all web-ready Macs have come with some sort of firewall as standard. Which yours offers depends on what version of OS X or macOS you're using. To turn it on/off and change the settings, go to System Preferences > Security or Security & Privacy > Firewall.   Application Firewall should provide you with adequate protection in conjunction with a decent Mac antivirus programme.