Best free antivirus software to download in 2025

While built-in tools like Microsoft Defender for Windows or XProtect for Mac offer basic protection, they often fall short of providing comprehensive security and may expose you to unwanted cybersecurity threats. Premium antivirus solutions like TotalAV or Norton, ranging from $19.00/year to $29.99/year, offer advanced features, however, these providers also have completely free versions of their antivirus software with limited functionalities.

In my rigorous evaluations—spanning over 20 antivirus programs using in-house tests and independent lab data—I frequently encounter limitations in free antivirus software, such as weaker protection against advanced threats and missing features like real-time updates or phishing defenses.

The selected solutions excel in malware detection, minimal performance impact, and ease of use across platforms like Windows, macOS, and Android. During testing, TotalAV, Bitdefender, and Norton stood out as the best free antivirus software in 2025 for their strong protection, usability, and extra features. Read on to get fully informed about the best free antivirus software!

Top-rated free antivirus software in 2025

1. TotalAV

   The best free antivirus software for customizable scans and strong protection
   9.7
2. Bitdefender Antivirus

   A good free antivirus app with excellent real-time threat detection
   9.4
3. Norton Antivirus

   A feature-rich free antivirus option with top-tier protection and usability
   9.1

What is a good free antivirus protection?

A good antivirus software must provide reliable malware detection, real-time protection, and safe browsing features to shield your devices from threats. Free antivirus solutions can be a smart way to test the software before upgrading to a paid version. They’re especially useful for everyday users, offering essential protection against common threats like viruses, malware, and phishing attacks—completely free of charge.

However, are free antivirus programs as good as paid ones? The short answer is no. Paid antivirus solutions deliver more comprehensive protection, including advanced threat detection, identity theft safeguards, and dedicated customer support. In the meantime, free options typically lack these premium features, focusing instead on basic security essentials.

To help you find the best free antivirus protection, I’ve tested 20+ antivirus programs, evaluating their performance, usability, and features. TotalAV stood out as the best free antivirus program for its customizable scans and user-friendly interface. However, all my recommendations in this article are free, so you can try them before committing. Additionally, you can explore the best antivirus software providers here.

Best totally free antivirus software apps: a comprehensive review

1. TotalAV Free Antivirus – best for many security components, including customizable scans and phishing protection
2. Bitdefender Antivirus Free – best for Mac and Windows protection with strong malware detection and real-time monitoring
3. Norton Free AntiVirus – best for comprehensive internet protection with features like a secure VPN and smart firewall

To identify the best totally free antivirus software, I’ve conducted rigorous in-house testing on a Windows 11 VirtualBox machine. Each program was evaluated for malware detection, system impact, and usability during both quick and full scans. I also analyzed performance data from trusted independent labs, such as AV-Comparatives and AV-TEST, which assess protection rates and system performance metrics. This combined approach ensured reliable and practical recommendations for users. Below is a detailed comparison of the top 3 free antivirus providers listed above:

1. TotalAV - overall best free antivirus software for PC, Mac & Android

TotalAV offers one of the most reliable free antivirus protection solutions for PC, Mac, and Android users. It combines high malware detection rates with essential features, making it a top choice for everyday security.

Free antivirus protection test results. In independent lab tests, TotalAV achieved a malware detection rate of 98%, effectively blocking ransomware, phishing attempts, and viruses. My in-house testing confirmed these results, as TotalAV successfully identified and neutralized over 95% of threats during quick and full scans. While not as comprehensive as its paid version, the free version offers sufficient protection for basic needs.

Free security features. The free version of TotalAV includes real-time malware detection, phishing protection, and customizable scans. These features were tested extensively: phishing protection flagged nearly all suspicious URLs, while customizable scans allowed users to target specific files or folders. However, advanced features like a VPN or password manager are only available in the paid version.

Ease of use. TotalAV Free Antivirus is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. The installation process was straightforward, taking under 5 minutes, and a quick scan was completed in just 8 minutes with no noticeable impact on system performance. For users with older devices, this efficiency is a significant advantage.

TotalAV Free Antivirus is ideal for users seeking reliable, no-cost protection on multiple devices. It’s particularly effective for Windows and Android users who want basic malware and phishing protection. Upgrading to the paid version unlocks advanced features such as a VPN, system optimization tools, and ad-blocking for $19.00/year with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper understanding, read our TotalAV review.

2. Bitdefender - free antivirus protection against viruses & other types of malware

Bitdefender Free Antivirus provides robust, no-cost protection against viruses, ransomware, and other types of malware. Its high detection rates and lightweight performance make it a standout option for users who need reliable security without slowing down their devices.

Free antivirus protection test results. Independent lab tests ranked Bitdefender among the best free antivirus programs, with a 99% malware detection rate. Our in-house tests confirmed these findings, as Bitdefender successfully blocked almost all threats during real-time monitoring and system scans. Its free version excels in detecting and neutralizing ransomware, spyware, and Trojans, providing a solid layer of defense.

Free security features. The free version of Bitdefender includes essential tools such as real-time malware protection, anti-phishing, and anti-fraud systems. In testing, the anti-phishing feature identified nearly all malicious links, while the anti-fraud tool flagged suspicious websites effectively. However, it lacks advanced options like a firewall or parental controls, which are only available in the premium version.

Ease of Use. Bitdefender Free Antivirus is compatible with Windows and macOS, and it’s particularly lightweight, making it ideal for older systems. Installation was seamless, taking under 3 minutes, and a quick scan was completed in 7 minutes with no noticeable performance lag. The user interface is intuitive, allowing even beginners to navigate its features easily.

Bitdefender Free Antivirus is best suited for users looking for strong malware and phishing protection on Windows and macOS devices. For users seeking additional features like advanced ransomware protection, a VPN, or multi-layered security, the paid version starts at $9.99/year and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation, read our Bitdefender review.

3. Norton - free antivirus app to protect your device from all types of malware

Norton Free Antivirus offers reliable protection against various types of malware, including viruses, spyware, and ransomware. Known for its robust security features and excellent detection rates, it provides peace of mind for users seeking basic, free antivirus protection.

Free antivirus protection test results. Norton’s free antivirus version achieved a 98% malware detection rate in independent lab tests. During in-house testing, it successfully identified and blocked all common malware threats, including phishing attacks and ransomware attempts. While its free version lacks the full suite of premium features, it provides enough security to effectively protect against everyday threats.

Free security features. The free version of Norton Antivirus includes malware detection, real-time threat monitoring, and web protection tools to block malicious websites. My tests showed that the web protection feature flagged 95% of dangerous URLs, making it a strong choice for users concerned about online threats. However, it lacks advanced tools like a VPN, dark web monitoring, or a password manager, which are available in the premium plans.

Ease of use. Norton’s free antivirus app is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. Installation was straightforward, taking around 4 minutes, and a full system scan was completed in 10 minutes. The app runs efficiently without slowing down the system, and its clean, intuitive interface makes it ideal for beginners.

Norton Free Antivirus is best suited for users who prioritize web protection and real-time threat monitoring across multiple platforms. For those looking for comprehensive features like identity theft protection, a secure VPN, and parental controls, the premium plans start at $29.99/year with a 60-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation, read our Norton Antivirus review.

Completely free antivirus comparison

Choosing the right free antivirus software can be challenging with so many options available. To help you make an informed decision, I’ve compiled a comparison table of the best free antivirus solutions in 2025. This will give you a clear view of what each antivirus offers, including key features, pricing, and whether a paid plan is required for advanced protection. Check it below:

While free antivirus software offers essential protection, many advanced features such as a firewall and real-time protection are often locked behind paid plans. In my comparison,

TotalAV stands out as the best choice for free antivirus solutions, with the option to upgrade to premium plans for more comprehensive security.

How I tested and selected the best free antivirus for 2025

To ensure the most accurate and reliable results, I tested the best free antivirus software for 2025 on a range of devices, including a Windows 11 VirtualBox machine with 16GB of RAM and 4 CPU cores, as well as a MacBook Pro and Android smartphone.

I used a combination of in-house testing methods and insights from independent lab tests conducted by AV-Comparatives and AV-Test. The in-house testing focused on real-world scenarios such as malware detection, system performance, and ease of use, while the independent lab tests provided a broader perspective on protection rates and performance across different environments. Here’s how I selected the top free antivirus software:

1. Malware detection rate. The antivirus had to detect at least 85% of known malware during the tests. Based on independent lab results, solutions like Bitdefender and TotalAV scored above 85%, ensuring strong protection against common threats.
2. Protection score. I reviewed the protection scores from AV-Comparatives and AV-Test. A high protection score, ideally above 99%, was essential for inclusion. Bitdefender and Norton achieved top scores in these tests.
3. Free features. The free version had to offer core protection features, such as real-time malware detection and basic phishing protection. I tested the effectiveness of these features and ensured they provided adequate coverage.
4. Performance impact. The antivirus had to have minimal impact on system performance. The tests measured CPU usage during scans and the overall system slowdown.
5. Compatibility. I tested the software on Windows, Mac, and Android devices to ensure broad compatibility.
6. Usability. The installation process should be quick and straightforward. Additionally, the user interface needed to be intuitive, ensuring that users could easily navigate and utilize the software without frustration.

By following these criteria, I was able to select the best free antivirus options for 2025 that balance protection, performance, and usability - TotalAV, Bitdefender, and Norton.

Free vs paid antivirus software

The main difference between free and paid antivirus software lies in the level of protection and features provided. While free antivirus software offers essential protection against common threats like viruses and malware, paid versions typically include more advanced security features, such as real-time protection, a built-in VPN, and enhanced customer support. Paid antivirus programs also provide more comprehensive protection against complex threats, such as ransomware and identity theft, and often come with additional tools like a firewall, password manager, and online privacy features. Here’s a comparison:

Paid antivirus software generally offers more robust protection against a wider range of threats. Features like real-time protection, a built-in VPN, and a firewall ensure a higher level of security for your devices and personal data. Moreover, paid versions often come with additional tools that enhance your overall online safety, such as a password manager and identity theft protection. Customer support is another advantage of paid antivirus programs, ensuring that you can get assistance when needed.

However, free antivirus software can be enough for light users who only need basic protection against common threats. For those on a budget or who don’t need advanced features, free antivirus programs like TotalAV can offer a solid level of protection without any cost. TotalAV’s free version provides essential malware detection and is a great starting point for anyone looking to protect their devices.

Get TotalAV

Which free antivirus software didn't make the list?

While I carefully selected the best free antivirus solutions for 2025, some programs didn’t meet my criteria for top performance, malware detection, or features. Here are a few notable free antivirus programs that didn’t make the cut:

1. Avira Free Antivirus. Avira offers basic protection but lacks key features like real-time protection and advanced web security. It also falls short in performance and usability, making it less competitive compared to other free options.
2. AVG AntiVirus Free. AVG provides decent malware detection, but its free version lacks real-time protection, which is essential for preventing threats. It also has a noticeable impact on system performance during scans.
3. Panda Free Antivirus. Panda offers basic protection but lacks advanced features such as a firewall or VPN. Its malware detection rates are lower than top contenders like TotalAV and Bitdefender, making it less reliable.
4. Kaspersky Security Cloud Free. Kaspersky’s free version provides good malware protection but limits access to advanced features like VPN and cloud storage. While effective, it doesn’t offer the same comprehensive protection as other free antivirus solutions.

For better overall security, I recommend considering options like TotalAV or Bitdefender, which offer more robust and reliable free protection.

Final thoughts: what is the best free antivirus software in 2025?

While paid antivirus programs do offer more comprehensive protection, including advanced features like VPNs, identity theft protection, and enhanced support, some free antivirus apps come close in terms of essential security. After testing over 20 antivirus providers, TotalAV emerged as the best free antivirus software in 2025 due to its high malware detection rates, minimal system impact, and ease of use. It provides robust protection against common threats like viruses, ransomware, and phishing without compromising system performance.

In conclusion, while free antivirus software can offer solid protection for everyday users, especially those on a budget or just testing the waters, it’s important to recognize its limitations compared to paid versions. If you're looking for complete peace of mind and advanced features, upgrading to a paid antivirus program like TotalAV is worth considering.

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FAQ

Is there a 100% free antivirus?

Yes, there are free antivirus programs available, but none offer 100% protection. Free antivirus software, like TotalAV or Bitdefender, provides basic protection against common threats, but they lack advanced features found in paid versions, such as identity theft protection or real-time customer support. Free antivirus can help safeguard your devices but isn't foolproof.

Is free virus protection enough protection?

It depends on your needs. Free virus protection can offer basic security against common threats like malware and viruses, making it suitable for light users. However, for more comprehensive protection, including real-time threat detection, ransomware defense, and privacy features, a paid antivirus solution is recommended.

Should I install a free antivirus on Windows 10?

Yes, installing free antivirus on Windows 10 can provide additional protection. While Windows Defender offers decent built-in security, a third-party free antivirus like TotalAV or Bitdefender can enhance your protection against malware and other cyber threats. Just ensure the free antivirus you choose doesn’t conflict with Windows Defender.

Which free antivirus slows down computers the least?

Bitdefender Free Antivirus is known for its minimal system impact. It offers solid protection without significantly slowing down your computer. In comparison to other free antivirus software, Bitdefender is lightweight and runs quietly in the background, making it an excellent choice for users concerned about performance.

Which free antivirus is better than Windows Defender?

TotalAV Free Antivirus is often considered better than Windows Defender due to its higher malware detection rate and more advanced features. While Windows Defender is decent, TotalAV offers more comprehensive protection against various threats with minimal system impact, making it a superior choice for users seeking better security.

What's the best app to get rid of viruses for free?

TotalAV is one of the best free apps for virus removal. It provides a powerful free antivirus scan that can detect and remove malware, ransomware, and other types of viruses. The app also offers essential features like real-time protection and a user-friendly interface, making it a top choice for free virus protection.