Free antivirus software is a good alternative if you’re on a tight budget but want to protect your device from the latest threats of ransomware you could try these out and malware. Free software uses the same malware-scanning algorithms as their paid counterparts. However, they do not have additional tools that provide online security, such as VPN, password manager, and parental controls.

The best antivirus software for free should offer real-time malware detection and protection. This means that the application actively detects and blocks malware when they attempt to download or sneak on your computer. In the past, this kind of protection was only available to premium subscriptions, but now it’s widespread among free antivirus.

The best free antivirus software should include a basic VPN and password manager, at least for a trial period. For instance, McAfee’s free software comes with a trial period of 30 days of its top-tier package that includes all premium features, including web protection and identity theft protection.

The best antivirus software that is free should be user-friendly. The majority of the brands that we have reviewed offer intuitive features and user-friendly dashboards. There are also mobile apps that make it easier to scan and secure your Android or iOS devices. Additionally, the top free programs are licensed for use on a single device as opposed to paid versions that offer family-friendly plans and tools for business.