Avira
With a reputation for solid performance and easy-to-use tools, Avira is a great choice of antivirus. Recent antivirus tests gave the pro version a 99.9% protection rate, and the free version packs similar power.
Bitdefender
This antivirus app’s pro version got a 99.9% protection rate on recent tests and the free version of Bitdefender keeps you safe from almost every piece of malware in circulation.
The simple interface isn’t overwhelming and automation means you don’t have to actively manage it. It is also light on system resources, a bonus as some antivirus apps can be resource hogs.
Avast
Avast has a relatively low resource usage which makes it unlikely to noticeably slow down your computer. Its simple, easy-to-use interface doesn’t require you to need an instruction manual to get it set up. Avast is a good choice for anyone looking for a free antivirus
AVG
While AVG now offers unnecessary things like system clean-up and mobile antivirus apps, their core product is still one of the best, with its protection and system resource usage being great.
Lavasoft Ad-Ware
Lavasoft’s pro version of Ad-Aware focuses on anti-adware and anti-spyware features, which are especially nice. Although using a free antivirus app will be sufficient for just about everyone, the various paid levels are quite affordable, if you’re looking to upgrade to something more fully-featured.
Escan Antivirus Toolkit
This toolkit doesn’t require installation; you can just download and run it, which means it can be run from a USB drive. Since there’s no installation, there’s no real-time defense or scheduling and you probably shouldn’t use this as your main antivirus.
Trend Micro HouseCall
HouseCall can be quickly downloaded and run, so if you think your computer might be infected, it’s a great way to check. It offers a number of other free tools like the anti-ransomware toolkit, browser guard, and rootkit buster.
Malwarebytes by Anti Malware
Malwarebytes has a strong reputation for excellence, with its expertise in getting rid of adware.Unless you upgrade, you’ll get manual scan capabilities and no real-time protection.
Panda Free Antivirus
Panda offloads most of its work to the cloud, freeing up system resources. It protects well but doesn’t have phenomenal results.
ZoneAlarm AlarmFree Antivirus
ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus also packs a basic firewall and also offers some basic identity protection that will let you know if there are any unauthorized changes to your credit files.
