Best antivirus software in 2022

As new cyber threats, such as malware and viruses, develop every day – getting the best antivirus software for your device is crucial. Even something as simple as downloading an application or the file that your acquaintances sent via email can end up with your device getting infected.

Even though the latest operating systems, such as Windows 11 and 10, have in-built security solutions, they’re not comprehensive enough to provide all-round protection.

Aside from safeguarding your devices from threats, a high-quality antivirus can do much more. Whether it’s keeping your data anonymous with a VPN service, protecting your login credentials with a password manager, or limiting some websites with parental controls, you can get all that with a single security suite.

Here, I'll cover the best antivirus software of 2022 that offers robust virus protection. And it's not just the #1 pick which rules: these are all great options, and the perfect solution for you might just be a few floors below!

The best antivirus software of 2022

1. Bitdefender Antivirus – best all-rounded antivirus in 2022
2. Norton Antivirus – feature-loaded antivirus suite
3. TotalAV Antivirus – antivirus with fundamental security features
4. McAfee Total protection – virus removal tool for all of your devices
5. Surfshark AV – excellent antivirus and VPN package
6. Avira Antivirus – budget-friendly antivirus with a free plan
7. Trend Micro – protection software for all kinds of threats

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Now that you have already seen our short list of the best antivirus software, you might also be interested to dive into our detailed list for more information. All of our listed providers have the necessary tools to provide maximum protection and bonus features that you may find useful.

1. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus – best overall antivirus protection in 2022

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Bitdefender is our best of the best antivirus software that offers outstanding protection. The independent testing lab results show that the antivirus successfully blocks 100% of both 0-day and 4-week old malware and other cyber threats.

Meanwhile, our in-house tests revealed that Bitdefender is quite gentle with system resources. While the quick scan took around 2 minutes, the full one went on for about 14. Plus, the antivirus blocked all 10 zero-day threats that we challenged it with.

Whatever OS you’re using – Windows, macOS, iPhone, or Android – Bitdefender has apps for them all. While setting up the antivirus may take a while, the beginner-friendly apps make up for it.

Bitdefender comes as a full cybersecurity suite. You get advanced malware, ransomware, webcam, and microphone protection, a password manager and extra features, such as Antispam, SafePay, and an Anti-tracker.

What’s even better is that the Bitdefender Antivirus Plus (and other more expensive plans) includes a Virtual Private Network (VPN) with a daily data limit of 200 MB for keeping you anonymous online. Additionally, you can get some useful extras, like a file shredder or the parental control features, and protect up to 15 devices if you upgrade from Bitdefender Total Security to the Family Pack plan.

With prices starting from $23.99/year, Bitdefender has budget-friendly subscription options for anyone. There's even a Bitdefender antivirus free edition and a 30-day free trial that might help make up your mind before committing.

Visit our Bitdefender review to read more about the features.

2. Norton 360 Antivirus – premium antivirus with top security features

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Norton 360 antivirus is one of our top anti-malware programs as well. The results of independent testing labs are great – it catches 100% of zero-day malware, has minimal impact on the speeds, and detects no false positives.

During our own tests, Norton’s real-time protection feature instantly blocked all threats as soon as we released them. While the quick scan took less than a minute and didn’t have much impact on system resources, the full one was quite heavy. It’s not surprising considering how well it detects malware.

I tried all available apps (Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS), and let me tell you – the interface is organized and easy to navigate on all of them. However, some of the extra features open up in different tabs which can seem inconvenient for some.

Norton 360 antivirus offers a wide range of security features: a smart firewall, secure cloud backup, a VPN, and a password manager. Apart from that, you can get SafeCam and Dark Web Monitoring features, as well as Parental Control and School Time options for families.

What’s really unique about this protection suite is that it also provides identity restoration support if it gets stolen and monitors your social media accounts for an extra layer of security. And you can even mine cryptocurrency using Norton Crypto.

With prices starting from $19.99/year, this antivirus is a great choice for robust protection. Plus, there’s a free 7-day trial even for Norton 360 Deluxe and Premium plans.

Visit our Norton 360 Antivirus review to read more about the features.

3. TotalAV – the essential free antivirus package

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With excellent malware detection rates, TotalAV earns one of the top spots on our best antivirus list. It successfully blocks 97% of zero-day and 100% of 4-week old malware attacks, guaranteeing robust protection against various cyber threats.

When testing in-house, TotalAV found 7 out of 10 malicious files during the full scan. Plus, it was quite heavy on resources and scanned for around 7 minutes. The quick scan was, well… quick. It took 14 seconds and had virtually no visible effects on resources.

In terms of the apps, the interface of both dedicated mobile (Android and iOS) and desktop (Windows and macOS) apps is well-organized and simple, just as the installation process itself.

The antivirus also has useful security features that come free of charge. Without spending a single dollar, you get a malware scanner and anti-phishing protection.

If you do get a paid subscription, your security coverage expands a great deal with real-time protection and ransomware shields. On top of that, it also includes a Cloud Scanner, a Disk Cleaner, and optimization tools. These will help you free up some space in your hard drive and make your startup more efficient.

Apart from that, TotalAV offers a VPN with unlimited data, a password manager, and an Ad Blocker to ensure safe online browsing.

Apart from the free plan, there’s also three other plans with prices starting from $19.00/year. You’re also entitled to a full refund since each plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Visit our TotalAV Antivirus review to read more about the features.

4. McAfee Total Protection – great cross-platform support with basic plan

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McAfee falls into the category of our top antivirus suites since it offers not only protection against the latest cyber threats but also provides additional security features.

Independent testing labs have examined the security capabilities of this antivirus and show that it catches 100% of both 0-day and 4-week old cyber threats. They rated its performance, protection, and usability with 6 out of 6 points.

We tested McAfee ourselves and threw 10 malicious files for it to detect. While the quick scan found none of them, the full scan blocked all threats not even halfway through the scan. This is a rare sight to see even with the best antiviruses. So, although the system resources can take a toll on your device performance, the final results are worth the wait.

What’s also worth mentioning is that McAfee supports Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android operating systems and offers pretty easy-to-use apps.

McAfee’s core package includes a VPN, a password manager, file encryption, and a file shredder, among other features.

Additionally, the antivirus provides identity theft protection and security for your network as well. The Home Network Security allows managing all devices connected to the wifi and alerts you of any intrusion attempts.

McAfee’s prices start from $39.99/year, and there’s both low-priced and more expensive tier options. However, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee for you to test all the features without the risk of committing to an unsatisfactory service.

Visit our McAfee Antivirus review to read more about the features.

5. Surfshark AV – great all-around protection with a top VPN

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Some of you might know Surfshark as a VPN provider – but its excellent antivirus suite makes it so much more. It's a great all-in-one package for all your online security needs. Fully certified by independent antivirus testing labs, Surfshark Antivirus can block 100% of threats, guaranteeing exceptional malware detection rates.

We put it to the test ourselves: a full scan was exceptionally fast, covering over 100,000 files in just over 90 seconds and finding 7 out of 10 potentially malicious files planted in the system. Additionally, real-time protection protects your system from malware, trojans, adware, and more at all times.

Data Breach Protection also checks for your personal data leaked on various internet databases – stopping hackers and identity thieves in their tracks.

There's even a secure search engine, where everything stays strictly private, and neither search history nor activity logs are collected. With all these security features, it's much more than an antivirus – it's a comprehensive protection suite, helping you avoid all sorts of online threats.

And of course, there's also the wildcard: Surfshark has one of the best VPNs in the business, keeping your privacy intact when surfing online while offering some of the best speeds in the industry.

Despite all of these features put into one package, Surfshark also offers one of the best applications we've tested. While some antivirus apps tend to be clunky and overloaded, difficult to navigate, and slowing down your phone or computer, Surfshark does an excellent job keeping it clean and simple for your Windows, macOS, and Android devices.

You can get this app on 5 devices for only $29.88/year.

Visit our Surfshark Antivirus review to read more about the features.

6. Avira Antivirus – best free plan on the market

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Avira Antivirus is one of the best antivirus software packages available in both free and premium segments that also offers outstanding protection. It showed impressive scores from independent test labs, successfully blocking 99.2% of cyber threats.

As for our initiated tests, Avira distinguished itself with a super fast full scan – it took only 3 minutes and 30 seconds. But get this – it also managed to block all 10 malicious files. Although the CPU was high the whole time, it shouldn’t be considered a drawback since it only takes a few minutes.

Avira antivirus is compatible with the most popular operating systems (Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS). However, not all features are available for macOS – email protection and download scans are for Windows users only.

As for features, without opening up your wallet, you can get a VPN, a firewall, and a password generator when most of the time you’ll be paying extra to get some or all of them.

Apart from that, this antivirus has advanced ransomware protection, web protection for safe online shopping, email protection, and a file shredder. There’s also automatic software updating feature, a tool for browser safety, and a password manager along with regular malware protection solutions.

Furthermore, what distinguishes Avira from other antiviruses is its system optimization tools. For example, you can speed up the booting of your device.

Avira’s prices start from $30.99/year, but if you turn out to be unhappy with the service, there’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Visit our Avira Antivirus review to read more about the features.

7. Trend Micro – simple and secure antivirus for online threat protection

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Trend Micro is another great antivirus software that can help you protect your devices from cyber threats. During independent lab tests, this antivirus showed the ability to catch 100% of the latest malware during the examination.

Our tests demonstrated that while there were a few spikes, the antivirus wasn’t heavy on system resources in general. The full scan managed to delete 8 threats out of 10 in under 9 minutes.

Trend Micro is compatible with all major operating systems (including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS) so that you could use it on both desktop and mobile devices, and it’s ideal for beginners. However, it does take ages to uninstall the app.

In terms of features, this antivirus uses AI technologies to scan for malware. Aside from that, Trend Micro offers PayGuard and Folder Shield for safe shopping and document protection from ransomware. You can also enjoy using Social Media Privacy Protection, Fraud Buster, Dark Web Monitoring features, and a VPN to add an extra layer of security when browsing online.

What’s even better is that Trend Micro gives the possibility to use system optimization tools and a password manager to boost your device’s performance and keep all of your credentials safe.

With this provider, you can check out their free version to see how it feels. And if you want to test out the Trend Micro Maximum Security or other premium plans (which start from $19.95/year), they include a 30-day money-back guarantee as well.

Visit our Trend Micro review to read more about the features.

8. ESET NOD32 – the best lightweight antivirus software

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ESET NOD32 is the leading Slovak cybersecurity product and falls into the category of our best antivirus software. The independent testing lab scores don’t disappoint – the antivirus is categorized as a Top Product that blocks 100% of attempted attacks.

However, we did some testing ourselves as well. While the scanning options were a bit confusing, the custom scan (which appears to be a mixture of quick and full ones) found all threats that we challenged it with. System resources weren’t affected to a point where apps would crash, so it’s a huge plus as well.

You can get ESET on Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android. Unfortunately, it’s not available on iOS, but other apps are clean and user-friendly.

With its core package, you get real-time protection against malware and ransomware. But, if you're worrying that the NOD32 Essential Protection might not be enough, you can opt for ESET Advanced Protection which includes the Safe Browsing feature to prevent harmful JavaScript injections and a network monitoring tool.

For those who want to go all-in, there's an option to pick the ESET Ultimate Protection package. It will add a password manager and encryption for personal files.

What’s really exceptional about ESET NOD32 is that it’s cloud-based and offloads most of the heavy processing to their servers. This means much less work for your device and better performance.

In terms of pricing, the basic plan starts from $27.99/year. The price of each package increases with the number of devices that you need to protect.

Visit our ESET Antivirus review to read more about the features.

9. Malwarebytes – simple and intuitive antivirus platform

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Malwarebytes is another solid antivirus program that does the job well. It performs really well in independent lab testing, especially when it comes to detecting malware. Let it be a zero-day old recent threat or one that’s been around for more than 4 weeks, it stops 100% of them.

Malwarebytes had quite an impact on system resources during our in-house test. So we wouldn’t recommend launching any apps during full scans. Additionally, it found 7 out of 10 threats during the 6 minute scan.

You can install Malwarebytes on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android platforms. They’re very simple and allow you to set different scans, including daily threat scans.

Malwarebytes uses real-time malware protection to monitor your device activity and stop any potential cyber threats before they enter the system. Additionally, there’s a ransomware prevention feature to help you avoid file-encrypting viruses from attacking your device.

What’s also worth mentioning is that Malwarebytes includes exploit protection which is useful when stopping malware from both infecting the device and spreading further.

When it comes to extra features, Malwarebytes offers a VPN to help you encrypt your Internet traffic and protect private information when browsing online. Not only will your devices be protected from viruses, but also incoming and outgoing internet traffic and other data.

What’s worth mentioning is that there’s a free Malwarebytes version but it only offers a malware scanner. If you want full protection, the premium plans start from $33.74/year.

Visit our Malwarebytes review to read more about the features.

10. AVG Antivirus – reliable protection from a well-known company

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AVG Antivirus is a great anti-malware software which comes from one of the biggest online security companies in the world. It shows great malware detection scores, blocking 99.98% of cyber threats with approximately 10 false positives. It’s also received 6 out of 6 points in protection, performance, and usability tests.

You can install this security software on all major desktop and mobile devices and enjoy easy-to-use apps. This includes Windows, macOS, Android, and iPhone.

AVG Antivirus offers an all-around security package, including advanced scans for all the main types of online threats: viruses, spyware, ransomware, trojans, toolkits, and more.

But of course, prevention is the best medicine. AVG has a solid Enhanced Firewall feature, a dedicated VPN for secure browsing, as well as AI-based phishing threat detection. Plus, advanced webcam protection will give you peace of mind, so even the most security-conscious users can go through video calls.

You can install this security software on all major operating systems and enjoy easy-to-use apps. When it comes to mobile security, AVG has an anti-theft phone tracker, allowing you to access, lock, and locate your phone from a distance, and even take a sneaky picture of the thief.

In terms of pricing, you can get basic malware protection with AVG Antivirus Free without spending a single dollar. However, other security features are only available with AVG Internet Security and AVG Ultimate plans for $37.80/year.

Visit our AVG Antivirus review to read more about the features.

How we tested the best antivirus software

Testing the best antivirus solutions isn’t as difficult as ranking them afterwards. Our first step was to weed out all of the software that doesn’t meet our security standards. This includes programs with low malware detection rates (which is their primary job) and apps that are simply too buggy.

Here’s how our testing process looked like:

Then, we ranked the providers with careful consideration of various factors. The most important aspects to consider were malware protection rates and extra features. However, that’s not all there is to it.

So here are the main criteria we used to determine the best antivirus programs in 2022:

• Independent antivirus testing. Such labs as AV-Test Institute, SE Labs, AV-Comparatives continuously put different antiviruses to a test. This way, we evaluate how well they detect malware and other threats.
• In-house antivirus testing. This one is mostly for spyware, adware, and other types of malware. It’s one thing to launch an antivirus that scores highly and another to retain the position throughout the year.
• False positive record. Malware and other cyber threats are being constantly updated to ensure successful attacks. While even the best antivirus can’t catch it all 100% of the time, it’s important that the program doesn’t overreact too often.
• Bonus features. We checked which antiviruses offer some extra benefits, such as firewalls, spam filters, secure browsers, or other, without overpricing it.
• Supported devices. Since many top antivirus products allow connecting multiple devices simultaneously, we looked for solutions that support various devices.
• Performance. If you don’t have the latest hardware, an antivirus scan can hamper your device’s performance. We looked at providers that have as minimal effect on your resources as possible.
• Ease of use. No matter how sophisticated the best antivirus software is, any user regardless of experience should be able to scan their device effortlessly.
• Reputation. It’s hard to stay clean, but only clean antiviruses can reach the top. And that’s why you won’t see AVG or Avast at the top of our list.
• Price. Having tested dozens of providers, we made sure the ones we suggest provide you with budget-friendly options and give you your money’s worth.
• Customer support. Such customer service options as a 24/7 live chat or email are crucial for any cyber product. After all, if you run into any issues, you want to make sure you get immediate support.

Best antivirus software compared

	Bitdefender	Norton 360	TotalAV	McAfee	SurfsharkAV	Avira	Trend Micro	ESET NOD32	Malwarebytes
Brand
Rating	4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Free version	Yes	No	Yes	Yes (Android, iOS)	No	Yes	Yes (Android and iOS)	No	Yes	Yes
Price	from $23.99/year	from $19.99/year	from $19.00/year	from $39.99/year	from $29.88/year	from $30.99/year	from $19.95/year	from $27.99/year	from $33.74/year	from $37.80/year
Customer support	FAQs, guides, phone, email, live chat	Guides, FAQs, live chat, phone	Phone, email, ticket	Guides, FAQs, live chat	FAQs, guides, video tutorials, 24/7 live chat	Phone, email, guides, FAQs	Phone, email, social media	Phone, email, guides, FAQs	Guides, FAQs, email forms	FAQs, guides, phone, live chat
Device support	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS	Windows, Android, macOS	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, Linux, Mac, Android	Windows, Android, macOS, ChromeOS, iOS	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Features	Advanced Threat Defense Profiles Ransomware remediation AntiSpam Anti-tracker File shredder Anti-webcam hijack VPN Password manager	Real-time threat protection VPN Smart Firewall Password manager Cloud backup SafeCam	Safe Browsing (VPN) WebShield extension Secure Password Vault Ad blocker System tune up	Ransomware protection QuickClean Shredder Vulnerability scanner McAfee WebAdvisor McAfee Speed Up Password manager	CleanWeb Data breach monitoring Excellent VPN included Great customer support Private search engine Real-time protection	Includes password manager Supports many operating systems Safe shopping suite Adds up to your browser protection Reliable malware removal	Most advanced antivirus on the market Great at removing malware Highly customizable Many bonus features Layered ransomware protection Sophisticated spam filter Mute mode	Anti-theft tools Password Manager Switch Protection Mode Secure browser	Real-time protection Exploit protection Browser Guard	Data breach monitoring VPN protection Secure file and media vault Wi-Fi protection Phishing protection
Review	Bitdefender review	Norton 360 review	TotalAV review	McAfee review	Surfshark AV review	Avira review	Trend Micro review	ESET NOD32 review	Malwarebytes review	AVG review

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How to choose the best antivirus software?

Choosing the best antivirus software might seem challenging at first. There are so many options offering a variety of features. So, how to decide which one suits your needs?

Here are a few simple factors that you should consider before choosing an antivirus:

• Check security features. The best antivirus solutions should include high quality security features. You can pick one of our top 5 products which are listed above – they come in an all-in-one bundle. However, if you’re already using some kind of online protection (maybe it’s a VPN or a password manager), you can get other antivirus programs that are not so feature-rich.
• Seek for all-round protection. If you’re not the only one using a computer or a mobile device, you should consider getting an antivirus that would provide extra protection. Some providers have solid parental control features while others protect your whole home network and alert about possible dangers.
• Consider your budget. Not all antivirus programs offer the same bang-for-the-buck ratio. That’s why spending less (or more) can sometimes get you many more features.
• Try the software first. Keep in mind that you have to like the software because most companies sell 1-year or longer subscriptions. Thus, you should test it before purchasing. Luckily, the majority of products offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so testing before buying will save you both time and money.

How does antivirus software work?

The way antivirus programs work is they scan your device, detect known malicious threats, and remove or quarantine them. They also regularly update themselves so they could also detect newly emerged threats. The so-called heuristic scan tries to detect unknown malware by looking at the way your programs behave.

There are two types of scans that are usually available. The background scan provides real-time protection by actively checking the programs that are currently opened.

In contrast, a full system scan checks every file on your hard drive. It’s recommended to run one after installing the antivirus and after the real-time scan finds an infection.

Video review: Best antivirus software of 2022

Best antivirus based on your OS

Different antivirus programs support different operating systems. Yet, each OS works best with specifically customized antivirus software. After lots of testing, we have picked Bitdefender as the best AV option. It’s versatile, secure, and adapted for various operating systems.

You can find our full lists of the best antivirus services for different OS down below:

• Antivirus for Windows. Many antivirus providers claim to offer all the most important features for security, as well as great protection scores. However, the programs may still lack development. Thus, we have done the testing for you and listed the top antivirus programs for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
• Antivirus for Mac. Many antivirus programs for Mac were ported from Windows AV programs. Therefore, most of them lack personalized features. The application ends up as incomplete and not as safe as the built-in security options. So, we have tested and picked the best antivirus fully customized for Mac.
• Antivirus for Chrome. It is said that Chromebooks are incredibly safe and immune to malware. Thus, many people skip fully securing their Chrome devices. The remained gap omits viruses and malware. Moreover, the AV for this OS must be compatible with Android, as Chrome OS and Android are basically the same. That’s why researched the most suitable antivirus programs for Chrome OS.
• Antivirus for Android. Even though Android devices have Google’s built-in security, they are not as protected as they should be. The built-in security may overlook malware and detect false positives. To secure your mobile even more, you can choose the best antivirus software for Android from our list.
• Antivirus for iOS. It’s a pity how most of the antivirus providers skip developing applications for iOS. This causes their apps to have low-quality security without real-time protection. So, we have chosen for you the best antivirus options specifically for iOS devices.

Why do I need antivirus?

No matter what level of IT skills and online browsing habits you have, an antivirus is a necessary addition to your cybersecurity posture.

Here are some of the reasons why you’d benefit from investing in an antivirus:

• You often end up on suspicious websites. Unreliable websites are the primary source of various cyber threats that can infect your devices. Premium antivirus tools can block malicious sites and intrusive ads to help you avoid malware.
• You shop online regularly. If you’re entering your credit card details nearly every day, it would be wise to use an antivirus that puts your transactions in an encrypted secure browser screen.
• Your kids use your device. If you have children, making sure they stay safe is even more important. With the parental control features, such as webcam blocking, you can protect your children even while not at home. Chances are there are more than a few devices connected to your home wifi. An antivirus can protect all of them at once, saving the hassle of catering to each separately.
• You don’t have all-round protection. Whether you’re using a password manager, a VPN service, or a secure email as separate products or not, you can benefit from a quality antivirus suite. Nowadays, they incorporate most of these cybersecurity tools, so it’s significantly easier to use them and ensure all-round security of your device.

As the years go by, it’s less about viruses and malware but about cybersecurity in general. Keep in mind that great antivirus solutions are feature-rich and come cheaper than getting a file encryptor or a VPN separately.

Free vs. paid antivirus: should you pay?

Although free antivirus solutions can offer basic protection against malware and fulfill simple needs, you should pay if you want reliable and all-rounded security.

There’s one thing to remember – companies need to make money: either from premium plans or from your personal data. This means that an unreliable antivirus company can sell your information to the wrong hands.

Not to mention that some free antivirus software can include pop-up ads or even malicious programs that can infiltrate you with malware (the last thing you want from an antivirus).

So, if you still want to get a free service, look at serious and legitimate companies that offer the best and tested free antivirus services. They’re still interested in you eventually paying for premium plans, but at least they won’t do you harm.

However, expect fewer features and serious limitations as you go. Often, free plans will let you run simple system scans. But features like custom scanning, ransomware protection, and advanced firewalls are usually only available when purchasing a premium plan.

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