The best free PC antivirus software of 2023

Pros

Cons

Features: On-demand malware scan | File shields | Quarantine | Phishing and website protection | Optional beta program

After nearly a quarter-century with its free product in the US market, AVG has developed a solid identity as the go-to name in free AV software. 

The AVG AntiVirus Free solution provides a real-time malware and antivirus scan, quarantine options, a file shield exceptions whitelist, deep and targeted scans, as well as the option to check external drives for suspicious programs.

You can also opt to join the beta program in which you will have access to features in testing. 

AVG AntiVirus Free tends to do well in independent testing, but they're not shy about monetizing their customers. When you install the free product, some features will be masked in gray until you sign up for a paid plan. I personally find the "hacker attacks" protection button (a network inspector and ransomware shield on MacOS) irritating, as this could be considered a deliberate means to elicit fear in consumers.

The basic virus-scanning tools in either product work as advertised. If you can ignore the frequent upgrade offers, it's a perfectly good choice.

Pros

Cons

Features: Vulnerability scan | Real-time protection | System cleaner included | Download protection

Avira Free Security includes antivirus scanning, as expected, but it also includes extra modules intended to improve performance and safeguard privacy. 

The performance tab of the Avira console includes options for cleaning up your system, uninstalling outdated apps, and deleting unnecessary files. Options on the Privacy tab include setting up a VPN and password manager.

While the software's tracking cookie cleaner is locked to paid subscriptions, the antivirus solution's junk cleaner is quick and effective. 

If you're looking for free antivirus software with notable, extra features, Avira's creation is the best option.

Pros

Cons

Features: Windows-based, but MacOS and Android available | Phishing protection | Malicious URL blocking | Behavior-based detection

Bitdefender, a privately held company based in Romania, has a solid reputation for its paid security products. Its free offering includes a minimalist interface, with no frills or extras, that's free of upsell offers.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free promises to keep your "computer running clean, fast & virus-free while shielding you from the latest e-threats," and that's what you get. It takes over the malware scanning and removal functions normally assumed by Microsoft's antivirus software but doesn't include additional features such as ransomware protection, system optimization, or a virtual private network, which are part of the company's paid plans. 

There are free versions available for MacOS and Android, although the reviews for the MacOS are mid-pack, at best.

Pros

Cons

Features: Device scanning for malware, viruses | Compatible with Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS devices | Mobile app monitoring 

Malwarebytes offers a free tier for its reputable antivirus products. The software is compatible with Windows and Mac PCs, and there are also apps available for Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. 

During scans, Malwarebytes can automatically quarantine suspicious software or apps. The interface is clean and simple to use, and you can also see reports on when a scan last took place -- and whether or not suspicious files and software were found and removed. Furthermore, you can decide on the antivirus program's CPU usage -- high, medium, or low -- and whether or not to quarantine or skip potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).

When you install the software, there's a premium trial that only lasts for a certain number of days. After your time expires and if you choose not to purchase a license, you will lose real-time protection and the option to run scheduled scans.