Bitdefender Antivirus Free
Lightweight, zero-intrusion, high-rated free antivirus
- Using the same malware engine as the paid version, the lab test detection rate has been in the first echelon for a long time.
- The interface is minimalist and requires almost no configuration, making it suitable for novices and users who don’t want to be disturbed.
- It has minimal impact on system performance and is suitable for old machines or gamers to stay there for a long time.
- Focus on core protection, no redundant pop-ups and promotions, and very few ads.
💰 Completely free for individuals (mainly Windows, Mac/Android free version available in some areas).
Avast One Basic
One of the most comprehensive free security suites
- Obtained high scores in independent laboratory Windows, macOS, and Android tests and has real-time protection capabilities.
- The free version integrates anti-virus, firewall, malicious website blocking, privacy and system optimization and other modules.
- The interface is modern and supports unified management of multiple platforms, making it suitable for home users with multiple devices.
- The disadvantage is that the installation wizard and main interface have certain upgrades and paid functions.
💰 The free version covers multiple devices, and the paid premium version unlocks additional features such as VPN.
AVG AntiVirus Free
Free antivirus with rich features and extra tools
- Using the same malware engine as Avast, it has a protection rate close to perfect scores in multiple tests.
- Provides additional functions such as email scanning, malicious link blocking, and basic performance optimization.
- The interface is clear and easy to use, suitable for users who want to "install and use with one click".
- There are also certain frequency upgrade promotions and payment reminders.
💰 Free personal version; premium Internet Security Premium subscription provides additional firewall and privacy protection.
Microsoft Defender
Windows 11 built-in, zero-cost basic protection
- Integrated into Windows Security Center, no additional installation is required, and updates are automatically pushed through the system.
- The malware detection rate in independent laboratory tests has improved significantly in recent years, and is sufficient to handle general home use scenarios.
- Deeply integrated with the system, it has less impact on performance and does not occupy too many additional resources.
- The disadvantage is that it is weaker than professional security suites in terms of phishing protection, additional privacy tools, etc.
💰 Available as Windows 11/10 built-in antivirus for free with no subscription fees.
Avira Free Security
The classic free plan of cloud scanning + system cleaning
- Cloud-based malware engine with detection rates close to or reaching 100% in multiple reviews.
- It has low resource usage and has little impact on the foreground application during scanning, making it suitable for scanning while working.
- The free version includes browser security extensions and basic privacy optimizations to enhance online shopping and browsing security.
- Premium unlocks more comprehensive network security modules and VPN features.
💰 Core antivirus and some tools are free forever, and advanced Internet security packages start at about $20–30 per year.
TotalAV Free
Free version known for system cleaning and ease of use
- It scores high in multiple reviews for its good malware detection rate and easy-to-use interface.
- It focuses on system cleaning, startup item management and browser junk cleaning, and is suitable for users who need to "increase speed".
- The free version offers on-demand scanning and basic protection, but features like real-time protection and VPN come at a cost.
- There are many prompts for paid upgrades during installation and use, so you need to pay attention to your choices.
💰 The free version provides basic functions; the paid version often has a first-year promotional price as low as about $20–30.
💲 Cost-effective and low-price antivirus software
TotalAV Antivirus Pro
Paid antivirus with the highest overall rating and extremely low first-year price
- It was rated as the "Best Cheap Antivirus" by many media and independent reviews due to its high detection rate and rich functions.
- Built-in real-time protection, ransomware protection, ad blocking, system optimization tools and other integrated packages.
- Some plans include a built-in VPN and password manager for “one-stop security” needs.
- Suitable for users who value cost-effectiveness and want a complete security suite at a low price.
💰 The first-year promotional price is usually around US$25-30 and renewals are charged at the official regular price.
Norton 360 Standard
Classic plan with VPN and cloud backup
- It has maintained high scores in independent laboratory testing and performance tests for a long time, and is especially good at web and network threat protection.
- It includes real-time protection, firewall, password manager, VPN and cloud backup, suitable for daily Internet surfing and online banking payment protection.
- There are mature clients for both desktop and mobile terminals, supporting cross-platform protection of multiple devices.
- The interface has many functions, and it will take some time for novices to get familiar with it when using it for the first time.
💰 Common first-year discount prices are about US$25–30 and renewal prices are higher, but there are often event discounts.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
Extremely high protection score + low price starter kit
- It has won multiple "Product Awards" and perfect protection scores from AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives and other laboratories.
- Includes tools such as web protection, anti-phishing, online payment protection and password vault.
- The interface is simple and the default configuration can achieve a high security level, which is suitable for users who do not want to adjust parameters frequently.
- After installation, it takes up less resources and is suitable for gaming and heavy office use.
💰 In some regions, the first-year price is as low as about US$10/year, and subsequent renewals are based on regional official pricing.
Surfshark One/Antivirus
Security suite integrated with top VPNs
- The lightweight antivirus module combined with the highly-reputed Surfshark VPN is suitable for users who value privacy and cross-region access.
- The interface is modern and novice-friendly, and supports protecting multiple devices with one subscription.
- It performs well in malware detection tests, but its deep scanning speed is slightly slower than that of traditional major manufacturers.
- Suitable for users who require "VPN + antivirus + anti-tracking" integration.
💰 The long-term plan is discounted to about US$2-3/month, including VPN and additional security features, which is very cost-effective.
Malwarebytes Premium
A lightweight solution focused on blocking malware and ransomware
- Performs well in tests against adware, potentially unwanted programs, and ransomware.
- The client is very lightweight and suitable for use as a "second line of defense" or for deployment with other antivirus.
- The interface is simple and the policy rules are clear, making it easy to conduct targeted investigation.
- The paid version unlocks real-time protection and ransomware protection, while the free version only offers on-demand scanning.
💰 The annual fee is usually $35–45, and there are often promotions such as buying a year and getting a few months free.
💡 Selection and usage suggestions
Prioritize laboratory results:Combine the latest reports from AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives to see the comprehensive performance of detection rate and false alarm rate.
Free + system strategy:The average user can cover most risks by pairing Microsoft Defender with a reputable free antivirus.
Low-priced subscription alternatives to flagships:If you have online banking, cross-border payment and remote working needs, it is recommended to choose low-priced annual fee plans such as TotalAV, Norton or Bitdefender.
Avoid multiple antivirus conflicts:Having two real-time protection software installed on the same device at the same time can easily lead to lags and conflicts. It is recommended to keep one as the main one and only scan the others on demand.
Safety habits are equally important:Only by regularly updating your system and browser, and not running unknown attachments and cracked software at will, can anti-virus software be most effective.