A yearly paid subscription is required for the most well-known commercial antivirus programs for Windows and Mac computers, however, several legitimate brands also offer free protection antivirus of their software, usually for personal use only.
These programs typically have the same scanning engines and virus definition files, but lack many deluxe features and, more importantly, provide limited support choices. As the creators aim to persuade you to switch to a subscription plan, you can anticipate many upsell offers. All programs on this list are free protection antivirus and suitable for non-technical users to use at home. Continue reading below to know the best Surfshark free protection antivirus software.
Here is a list of top free protection antivirus:
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Surfshark
Surfshark | Savewithnerds
With some intriguing capabilities crammed into its browser extension, Surfshark One mixes VPN, antivirus, and a little bit of identity protection. Although the antivirus has substantially improved since its initial release, Surfshark VPN is still the most useful component of this collection when used alone. In addition to limitless VPN installations, the Surfshark membership allows you to install antivirus protection on five Windows, macOS, or Android devices.
2. Bitdefender
The top antivirus according to TechRadar is Bitdefender, which defeated some tough competition without charging a high membership fee. It’s very astonishing how many things Bitdefender has in its arsenal. You get Safepay online banking security even if you choose the base version of Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, a secure browser that protects you from all sides. Additionally, there is a password manager, a vulnerability scanner, and a reliable VPN with a daily bandwidth restriction of 200 MB. Bitdefender is user-friendly antivirus software, having a sleek interface that works for seasoned antivirus users and newbies looking to make enhancements to the system.
3. McAfee Plus
![McAfee Plus](https://savewithnerds.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/McAfee-Plus-.jpg)
The primary distinction is that additional devices are backed at higher tiers. McAfee Plus is a straightforward antivirus program that simply safeguards one device. It uses a small portion of the resources on your PC because of its admirably modest system footprint. For a basic product, there is also a tonne of features available, and even while not all of them are of the best caliber, you still get a lot for your money. It includes a clever firewall, a built-in VPN with limitless data, a top-notch spam filter, a safe file vault, and a few choices for PC speed-up.
4. AvastOne
![AvastOne](https://savewithnerds.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/AvastOne-.jpg)
The free protection antivirus program now favors the independent testing laboratories, placing near the top of the heap in real-world malware tests and anti-phishing tasks, whether you opt to go free or upgrade. It also includes tune-up tools, ad blockers, webcam security, malicious URL blocking, and a VPN from venerable HideMyAss with a substantial 5 GB weekly capacity.
5. Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus
Most antivirus programs claim to be lightweight, however, Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus lives up to this claim. It merely takes a few seconds to install and takes up very little disc space. The program uses very little memory and stores virus definitions on the cloud. You also get a clever firewall monitoring system, precise real-time anti-phishing, fraud protection, and rapid virus scans that take no more than 20 seconds. Internet Security Complete, which adds an automatic backup tool and more online privacy protections, is the most attractive feature.
6. Malwarebytes
A free tier is available from Malwarebytes for its reliable antivirus software. Along with apps for Android and iOS mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, the program is also compatible with Windows and Mac computers. Malwarebytes can automatically isolate any questionable software or apps during scans. You may view reports on when a scan was most recently performed and whether or not illicit files and programs were discovered and eliminated on the interface, which is clear and easy to use. Additionally, you may choose whether to block or skip potentially undesirable programs (PUPs) as well as the antivirus program’s CPU use, which can be set to high, medium, or low.
7. Norton 360 Deluxe
![Norton 360 Deluxe](https://savewithnerds.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Norton-360-Deluxe-.jpg)
The Deluxe package from Norton is valuable, at least for the first year. Along with antivirus, cloud backup, a firewall, and password tracking, it costs £29.99 for a year and rises to £84.99 on renewal. It also comes with a Virtual Private Network service for up to five devices. When something goes wrong, there is always customer service available.
Norton’s protection performed flawlessly in tests conducted by the unbiased AV-Comparatives lab, with a 100% protection rate. You won’t have to switch between many app windows to run the VPN and run quick virus scans due to the software’s ease of use, speed, and streamlined UI.
8. Microsoft Defender
When there is no installed antivirus software from a third party, it launches automatically as part of Windows 10. According to AV-Test, it efficiently detects and defends against practically all assaults. Any antivirus program’s effectiveness varies from month to month, but Defender has a strong track record.
It’s also practical because it provides security for your Windows devices if you haven’t installed any other security software. Samples from suspect locations can be sent for in-depth cloud-based analysis. Additionally, Windows includes an integrated firewall, sophisticated exploit prevention, and security against malware injecting code into legitimate processes.
The Bottom Line
An all-encompassing security solution may also incorporate ransomware-specific protection, filtering out spam, parental controls, managing passwords, VPNs, and cloud storage, with free protection antivirus software. You’d be astonished at how much is available without spending a dime or revealing your email address.
These days, almost every major vendor offers a free protection antivirus, allowing you to acquire high-quality security for nothing. It isn’t in the developers’ best interests to lessen the level of security offered by the free version because doing so gives them access to more gadgets from which they may gather data and helps them advance their expertise in security platforms. For more information on free antivirus protection, you can follow the official website of Surfshark and Savewithnerds.