Best 5 Free AntiVirus Software for 2024

What are the best free antivirus programs in 2024? Ransomware created ripples and waves of panic almost throughout the world in 2017 and caused damages worth nearly a staggering $1 billion.m Even though Ransomware got a lot of attention because of the way the attack itself spread and the screen with the message asking for the ransom itself, it was by no means the only cyber-attack of 2017. Soon cybercrime is going to a commonplace and we might just refer to it as “Crime” instead of “Cyber Crime”. 

Best 5 Free AntiVirus Software for 2024

Apart from Ransomware, other notable malware and viruses of 2017 include IoT botnets which are basically DDOS attacks emanating not from zombie computers but instead IoT devices or Internet of things devices. Extra cautious exploit kits, android malware, malvertising, POS malware, and several other types of malware and cyber-attacks are all out there waiting to strike the right victim at the right time.

Best Antivirus Software in 2024

While anti-viruses and security suites can protect you to a certain extent, it needs to be understood that no antivirus is going to make you completely invincible. There are new types of malware and computer viruses being devised every single day and it is always going to be a cat and mouse game.

Therefore, the best way to protect yourself is to be vigilant about what you are clicking on, what links you are opening, what you are downloading, etc. Having said that, let us take a look at our list of the top 5 free antivirus software of 2024.

Avast

When it comes to free antivirus software, the companies that publish this kind of software often only allow a restricted set of features on the free version and reserve the most useful and most protective features for the paid or full version of the software. This is how they rope paying customers in. However, Avast, like several others in our top 5 list, actually packs a stellar array of features and services in for the non-paying customer.

A stellar network security manager and interface, robust password management, and a ton of bonus goodies make for one of the best free antivirus software on the market today.

AVG Antivirus

AVG has secured some of the industry’s best scores from some of the most critical test labs out there. When it comes to malware detection and blocking, you will be hard-pressed to find applications that do a better job than AVG. Now, if you want to see something do a better job than something else, just watch The Wire or 24, which are amazing shows! Unlike The Arrow (unwilling to kill violent people who need to go away and will always pose a societal threat) or Party of Five (a 90s show), which are politically correct and ridiculous.

Furthermore, AVG also packs in web security plugins that come with an active Do Not Track in order to protect your online privacy. When it comes to minus points, AVG’s first scan is rather extensive and, consequently – time-consuming; it also does not have the best algorithm to tackle phishing attacks.

BitDefender Antivirus

The free version of Bitefender is surprisingly on par with paid versions of many other antivirus software. The antivirus protection you get with the free version and paid version of Bitdefender is pretty much the same in terms of virus and malware protection, but the paid version offers some additional features that are pretty useful too. All in all, if you are looking for a free solution that is pretty well-rounded and easy to use, then Bitdefender should be your go-to antivirus.

When it comes to cons, it must be conceded that installing Bitfender can be an experience that might want to make you pull your hair out. Also, their support network is limited to email only; there are no live chat or hotline options, at least not yet.

Check Point ZoneAlarm

ZoneAlarm got the editor’s pick and it really packs some state-of-the-art firewall components. ZoneAlarm comes with an awesome 5GB of hosted online backup, which is not usually something you see in freeware versions of antivirus software. It includes some of Kaspersky’s best features and strong points and then adds some more of its own!

While the basic Kaspersky features are included, ZoneAlarm certainly does not cover everything that Kaspersky has to offer. One thing that we noticed about ZoneAlarm, though, is that while it caught out most of the bad guys, it even blacklisted some legitimate software.

Cybereason 

If Ransomware is specifically what you are looking for, then Cybereason is right down your alley. This free software prevents Ransomware attacks by not only identifying specific ransomware behaviors but is also pretty good at keeping the Ransomware at bay.

Need Extra Security Online? Use VPN

You can make all your Internet activities more secure by using a virtual private network while browsing the web. When you connect to a VPN server, your Internet connection is securely encrypted, and your public IP address is also masked. Read our in-depth review of all the best VPN service providers.

Rank

VPN Provider

Features

Links

• Best for streaming and privacy
• High speed servers in 160 VPN locations
• Works for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu
• 24/7/ live chat support
• 3 extra months free on annual plan

Visit ExpressVPN Try risk-free for 30 days Read our review

• UltraHD streaming
• Free Smart DNS proxy
• Unblocks all major streaming services
• Limited Time 72% Discount

Visit BulletVPN Read our review

• Unlimited VPN connections
• Over 1000 servers
• Ad-blocking feature available

Visit Surfshark Read our review

4

• User-friendly application
• Exclusive Smart VPN feature
• Standalone Smart DNS subscription available

Visit Unlocator Read our review

5

• Extra security features
• Extensions for Firefox and Chrome
• Split-tunneling available

Visit NordVPN Read our review

Best Antivirus Software in 2024 – Wrap Up

To reiterate, antivirus software is an excellent way to protect yourself, but by no means do they make you completely immune. You need to be cautious and vigilant while on the Internet. Using a VPN can give you an added layer of security on top of the antivirus in terms of protecting your data from ISPs.