trustworthiness
Some particularly insidious malware disguises itself as free antivirus software. You download something to protect your computer, but instead end up infecting it, resulting in data theft or a locked device.
You can prevent this malware by sticking to trusted antivirus companies. Choose a company from a verified list like this one, read the third-party reviews we link to, and make sure the URL you’re downloading from is authentic.
Features
Antivirus software typically offers two levels of protection:
- Scanning that scan your computer and remove malware. Some programs allow you to schedule them yourself, while others run them automatically when your computer is idle. You should also be able to run a scan manually at any time.
- Real-time protection that detects and blocks malware so that it cannot be downloaded to your computer.
Antivirus tools can also block malicious websites and protect you from threats like phishing, but these features are usually only included in premium programs. Likewise, antivirus tools may only offer limited scan scheduling.
Free vs. paid antivirus software
Most free antivirus programs are developed by companies that also offer paid antivirus tools. They usually use the same antivirus engines as the paid versions, so you get the same level of scanning and malware protection as you would with a premium antivirus program from the company. However, this protection is often only available for one device per person, while paid antivirus tools offer packages for five, ten, or even an unlimited number of devices.
Additionally, paid antivirus software usually offers additional benefits, such as advanced protection against ransomware and phishing. Many companies also offer complete security packages that include VPNs and password managers in addition to the antivirus tools. For more information about these security packages, see our list of the best antivirus programs.
Use of system resources
The real-time protection of an antivirus tool should not interfere with normal use of your computer. While deep scans often slow things down because they use up RAM or CPU resources, they should not render your computer completely unusable.
Problems with Avast
For years, Avast Antivirus for Windows was the gold standard in antivirus protection, consistently scoring highly in AV-Test. We’ve previously included it in our list of recommended security apps.
However, in early 2024, the Federal Trade Commission fined Avast $16.5 million to settle allegations that the company sold customer browser information to more than 100 third parties from 2014 to 2020. The FTC alleges that Avast allegedly collected the data through browser extensions and antivirus software and sold it through its subsidiary Jumpshot.
Avast’s then-CEO Ondřej Vlček responded to the initial reports in 2020 by saying he understood that his company’s actions raised doubts about trust in his company. To address these concerns, Avast stopped collecting data from Jumpshot and ceased operations in January 2020.
We hope there won’t be any more Jumpshot-style activity and that Avast will return to its glory as one of the best antivirus software options. Until then, we recommend using one of the other free options on this list.
Problems with Kaspersky
Kaspersky has consistently been another top antivirus vendor, receiving high ratings and awards from independent labs for its virus and malware protection. However, in June 2024, the U.S. government announced a federal ban prohibiting Kaspersky from selling antivirus or cybersecurity software or services in the U.S. or to U.S. citizens due to alleged ties to the Russian government.
“Russia has demonstrated time and again that it is able and willing to exploit Russian companies like Kaspersky Lab to collect and weaponize sensitive U.S. information. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to protect the national security of the United States and the American people,” said Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo in the official announcement of the ban.
Kaspersky said in a statement that the company “has not been involved in any activities that threaten U.S. national security and has, in fact, made a significant contribution through its reporting and protection against a wide range of threat actors targeting U.S. interests and allies.”
The Commerce Department recommends that anyone using Kaspersky software switch to replacement software from other security companies as soon as possible. To help Kaspersky customers make the transition, Kaspersky is permitted to provide antivirus updates for its software until September 29, 2024, the department said.
