Free Antivirus reviews from Reddit

Summary

We analyzed 357 Reddit reviews across 15 subreddits and 57 posts to rank the best Free Antivirus brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/antivirus, r/malwares, r/ComputerVirus, r/pcmasterrace, r/techsupport. Top-rated brands include Bitdefender (4.4/5), Kaspersky (4.3/5), Malwarebytes (4.0/5).

Stats

Reviews357

Subreddits15

Posts57

Brands45

Products15

Top communities

r/antivirus157 r/malwares140 r/ComputerVirus17 r/pcmasterrace13 r/techsupport7

357 reviews from

and

By Brand

By Product

Bitdefender

4.4

(76)

"I use Bitdefender Free Antivirus because it's the only free antivirus that has on-install scanning and because I just like having peace of mind."

"Download Malwarebytes or Bit defender"

"I'd recommend either Bitdefender or ESET"

"Bitdefender does a better job than WD overall."

"Bitdefender 100% or Kaspersky."

"Bitdefender!"

"Bitdefender from your choice."

"Bitdefender is probably the best AV you get for free."

"Bitdefender free is the best free av you can get"

"Definitely Bitdefender. The others especially free versions are just bloated nightmares"

Kaspersky

4.3

(35)

"Kaspersky on the other hand doesn't really bother you, like the low space that it uses."

"Personally, I use Kaspersky and I have zero worries about viruses and stuff."

"KASPERSKY"

"Kaspersky or Bitdefender are the best antivirus softwares, and two of the few that offers free but excellent protection."

"Kaspersky or Bitdefender, both are great free options."

"Kaspersky is known for detecting the most advanced threats that other antivirus programs do not detect."

"Kaspersky free with adguard premium is my combo"

"Kaspersky and Bitdefender are the best free ones."

"Kaspersky is definitely better at detecting and blocking threats than Malwarebytes."

"Kaspersky free if you live outside of America."

Malwarebytes

4.0

(34)

"Malwarebytes"

"Malwarebytes 100%. it hasnt let me down yet"

"Malwarebytes great for detecting miners and spy."

"Download Malwarebytes or Bit defender"

"You can use Malwarebytes with its trial, BitDefender or Sophos, which is free and very good."

"Malwarebytes or kaspersky."

"The free version works alongside Windows Defender without interfering with its functions."

"It’s free and pretty reliable."

"Try out Malwarebytes. It’s super light and focuses on just the essentials."

"It’s free and does a great job catching stuff."

Windows Defender

3.9

(30)

"Free built-in Windows Defender (realtime protection and has an "offline" scan option as well)"

"Windows defender for real time scanning"

"Windows Defender should work just fine."

"If you're on Windows, Windows Defender with regular security updates is more than enough."

"There are no good free realtime protection AV's other then windows defender."

"Windows Defender with DefenderUI (A better GUI for windows defender)."

"Windows defender is the best."

"Windows Defender. If they feel the need to download something, it's Malwarebytes."

"Windows defender and common sense to what u clicking at while browsing or downloading.."

"Defender is just fine"

Microsoft

4.3

(23)

"Windows Defender is the best of the free ones + Eset Online Scanner is a one-time virus scanner"

"Windows defender, bitdefender ou kasperseky"

"Windows Defender"

"Stick with Windows Defender (built into Windows 10/11) combined with common sense browsing habits."

"Windows Defender"

"Free built-in Windows Defender + Free OpenDNS account using their DNS servers in your network configuration(s)"

"Windows Defender + Defender UI recommended profile"

"Windows Defender is actually pretty solid nowadays."

"Windows defender and a malwarebytes spotcheck whenever you think you've downloaded something fishy."

"Free built-in Windows Defender + Free OpenDNS account using their DNS servers in your network configuration(s) or simpler like Quad9 + Free AD-Blocker in your browser(s) like UBlock Origin = Great layered protection"

Avira

3.9

(16)

"I use Avira, and I think is the best, it detects all minimal viruses."

"It's free and doesn't bog down older systems. You might find it surprisingly efficient for basic protection."

"It's lightweight and does its job without fuss."

"It’s lightweight and doesn’t mess with your PC’s speed."

"It offers decent protection while staying lightweight."

"It's light and keeps things protected without being a bother."

"It's light and keeps things secure without dragging your system down."

"Give Avira Free a shot. Lightweight and keeps your PC fast."

"It's lightweight and offers solid protection."

"It's light and works well for basic protection."

Microsoft Defender

4.1

(12)

"Of the free ones, Windows Defender (built in since Windows 8) is the best free option that provides real time protection."

"Windows Defender and an adblocker."

"The built in windows defender."

"You don’t need to install additional software if you keep that one running."

"Windows Defender."

"Windows Security should be enough if you don't blindly click on every link you find on the internet."

"Windows defender and common sense"

"Honestly man, windows defender. The others can't be trusted with your info anymore."

"I'd recommend staying with Windows Defender but Bitdefender is also a great option."

"Windows Defender, regularly updated ofcourse."

AhnLab V3

4.0

(12)

"It's super light and keeps your system running smooth without any hassle."

"It's simple, free, and light on your phone."

"It’s lightweight and does its job well."

"It does a solid job and stays out of your way."

"It works well, and won't slow down your phone."

"It's light and effective for keeping your system smooth."

"It's effective and doesn't hog resources at all."

"It won’t slow down your system at all."

"It's free and works well without taking up much space."

"It's free and does a solid job keeping malware away."

Avast

3.4

(12)

"My recommendation is Avast if you are not going to pay."

"Avast is excellent!"

"It's lightweight and works fine on older Android versions."

"I am using avast premium for over 6 months, really like it."

"Look into Avast for free options. Their paid version offers way more bang for your buck without the hassle of refunds."

"For free AVs, I think the most complete is Avast."

"Avast: Best for Android"

"For a free option, I’d recommend using Avast or Bitdefender for Android."

"Avast is good but it loves to advertise to you."

"Kaspersky and Bit Defender Free are well rated as is Avast Free."

#10

Norton

4.0

(10)

"It's got a free version that works decent on older phones and doesn't hog resources."

"It’s surprisingly lightweight and keeps my system running smooth."

"It’s light and does a great job at keeping your system safe."

"If free is a must, try 360 Security; it’s lightweight and does a decent job."

"For free, try 360 Security. It’s lightweight and does a decent job."

"If you really want free, give 360 Security a shot."

"If you need solid protection, just go with Norton or Kaspersky. They actually know how to keep your stuff safe."

"You’re better off with something like Norton or Bitdefender for real protection."

"It's free for a trial and offers solid protection."

"Consider checking out Norton instead. It’s been more reliable for me."

#11

AVG

3.8

(9)

"It's simple, runs smoothly, and has good basic features for older Androids."

"It’s simple and keeps your system running fast without any crazy slowdowns."

"It gets the job done without being a resource hog."

"You might want to check out AVG instead. It’s got a solid free version and the paid one actually gives you extra features that are useful."

"I used it briefly and switched to AVG. Way better features and support."

"It does a decent job keeping threats at bay without being a resource hog."

"Avg is pretty good for a free one I think."

"AVG and Bitdefender lack some anti-ransomware and firewall features."

"You can try these AVG"

#12

F-Secure

3.9

(8)

"It’s a simple app that runs well on older Androids. It won’t slow anything down and does the job."

"It runs light and keeps the system responsive."

"It gives solid basic protection and runs smoothly."

"It's free and does a great job without draining your battery."

"It’s straightforward, doesn’t slow things down."

"I’d suggest you check out F-Secure instead. It’s straightforward and actually keeps your devices safe without the fuss."

"It's lightweight and offers solid protection."

"F-Secure"

#13

ESET NOD32

4.0

(7)

"It offers solid protection without slowing your system down."

"It’s lightweight and does the job without getting in the way."

"It’s quick and doesn’t mess with your system's speed."

"It's light and doesn't mess with your PC's speed."

"It won't drag down your system and does a decent job for free."

"It's lightweight and surprisingly effective for free."

"Fast and reliable for free."

#14

ESET

4.0

(7)

"I'd recommend either Bitdefender or ESET"

"ESET is quite a respectful Antivirus. It also does good in various tests."

"It's pretty light and works fine on older versions without issues."

"I used it briefly and switched to ESET. You get better features and peace of mind without the hassle."

"For real protection, go with ESET. It's straightforward and actually works without drama."

"Check out Nod32 for better protection and less hassle."

"Try ESET instead. They have a clean interface and actually protect your stuff well."

#15

Sophos

4.0

(7)

"It is actually free, no Ads, full features, good ratings on AVTEST, provided by a reputable company for free."

"Sophos InterceptX is pretty good, considering it’s completely free."

"It's simple and won't slow your phone down."

"It's light on resources and keeps things running smooth."

"It's pretty good at catching stuff and won’t slow down your system too much."

"I’d go for Sophos. Their protection is solid and way more reliable than TotalAV's offerings."

"Sophos is one option."

#16

ZoneAlarm

4.0

(5)

"It’s light and has good protection without slowing your system down."

"It’s lightweight and does the job without being a hassle."

"It's pretty reliable and light on resources."

"It has solid features and won't slow your computer down too much."

"It’s free and does a solid job at keeping threats away."

#17

Emsisoft

4.0

(5)

"It's light and does its job without any fuss."

"Give Emsisoft a shot. It's not just another name in the mix."

"It’s not heavy on resources and does a solid job of catching threats."

"It's effective and doesn’t hog your system."

"Their free version is solid for malware detection."

#18

Comodo

4.0

(5)

"Get Comodo and enable its HiPS"

"It's got a decent firewall and is pretty light on resources."

"It's free and quite effective at blocking threats."

"It has some good features like a fire wall and is pretty light on resources."

"I recommend you not to install an antivirus, instead you should install Comodo Firewall, it will help your computer to be safe from the moment your computer connects to the internet."

#19

Webroot

4.0

4.5

(2)

"It's not just lightweight but also has a decent set of features for free. I had it on an older phone and it worked without causing lag."

"Been using Panda Dome free for years, no issues."

#26

ClamAV

4.0

(2)

"It's open-source and doesn't eat up resources. Simple and gets the job done."

"It's open-source and does a good job for free."

#27

ClamWin

4.0

(2)

"It's open-source and won't bog down your system."

"It's open-source and does a decent job without slowing down your machine."

#28

Lookout

4.0

3.0

(1)

"It's cloud-based and super light."

#45

Dr. Web

3.0

(1)

"Among free alternatives you can check Dr. Web."

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