Microsoft Defender isn't bad, but it's not enough to fully protect your PC. You don't have to pay extra, though—just use one of the top free antivirus apps we've tested.

With the ever-growing threat of malware, ransomware, and phishing scams, a solid security app is essential for any Windows PC, even for savvy internet users. While Windows 11 comes with built-in ...

We know, it sounds too good to be true. Security isn't free, right? Well, in some cases it is. You can get everything from anti-virus to a firewall for less than a penny. In a pinch, it's a nice ...

Both Avast and Bitdefender originally built their reputations on their high-quality, free solutions. Even though they've both grown into professional-grade security companies, they still offer ...

This is an important one. Some free antivirus software programs claim they will offer real-time monitoring when you use them. This means that as you scroll on your phone or computer, or download items ...

CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. Avira is a cybersecurity company known for its freemium ...

Avast Free Antivirus for Mac delivers on its historically strong antivirus/anti-malware tools and offers some interesting network tools. However, the inConsistent web filtering and the failure of its ...

Antivirus has become these days a catch-all term. It doesn’t just mean blocking literal computer viruses, trojans, and other bits of malicious code meant to attack your PC. When you opt to go beyond ...

Microsoft Defender isn't bad, but it's still insufficient to fully protect your PC. You don't have to pay extra, though. We’ve tested and ranked the best free antivirus apps. When the IBM PC was new, ...

In 2025, most devices feature built-in antivirus software that scans files you attempt to download, blocking anything it deems suspicious. Antivirus tools also perform automated scans to remove ...

A finger pressing a key with antivirus inscription on a keyboard - Diy13/Getty Images With the ever-growing threat of malware, ransomware, and phishing scams, a solid security app is essential for any ...

Dianna Gunn built her first WordPress website in 2008. Since then, she's poured thousands of hours into understanding how websites and online businesses work. She's shared what she's learned on blogs ...