Best Free Antivirus for Windows in 2025: Top Picks and Reviews

In 2025, cyber threats are becoming increasingly dangerous: viruses, trojans, ransomware, and phishing attacks target users every day. If you want to get free antivirus protection, you don't necessarily need to buy a premium subscription-there are antivirus solutions that rival paid products. Below, you'll find our ranking of the best free antivirus for Windows in 2025. These programs offer reliable security, a user-friendly interface, and minimal system impact.

1. Kaspersky Free

This renowned Russian antivirus offers a free version built on the same engine as its premium products, ensuring a high level of security. Kaspersky Free features a clean, intuitive interface and receives frequent updates.

• Pros:
  • Excellent protection against all major threats
  • Fully translated interface
  • Frequent database updates
  • Minimal advertising
• Cons:
  • No extra features (like parental controls)
  • Only basic level protection

Read the full review

2. Avast One Essential (Avast Free Antivirus)

One of the most popular free antivirus programs, Avast One Essential delivers powerful protection and a wide array of features: a built-in firewall, limited VPN, password manager, and vulnerability scanner.

• Pros:
  • Highly effective security
  • Rich feature set (firewall, limited VPN, password management)
  • User-friendly interface
  • "Do Not Disturb" mode for gaming
• Cons:
  • System may slow down during scans
  • Occasional prompts to upgrade
  • Officially unavailable in some regions

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3. Bitdefender Antivirus Free

This lightweight Romanian antivirus runs silently in the background and barely impacts system performance. Bitdefender Antivirus Free is a "set and forget" solution that consistently ranks among the best in independent tests.

• Pros:
  • Minimal resource usage
  • Automatic operation-no setup needed
  • High detection accuracy
• Cons:
  • No extra utilities
  • Interface only available in English
  • More difficult to download in some regions

See the full review

4. AVG AntiVirus Free

A close relative of Avast (from the same company), AVG AntiVirus Free uses the same engine to deliver strong protection. It stands out for its simple interface and quiet operation.

• Pros:
  • Excellent security-on par with paid products
  • User interface available in multiple languages
  • Low system impact
  • Gamer mode
• Cons:
  • No built-in VPN
  • Full scans may be CPU-intensive
  • Some features overlap with Avast

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5. Avira Free Security

This German antivirus offers a streamlined interface and includes a free VPN (500 MB/month), password manager, and a "smart scan" feature for optimizing Windows performance.

• Pros:
  • Good protection against viruses and phishing
  • Convenient smart scan option
  • Comes with VPN and password manager
  • Core features are fully free
• Cons:
  • VPN is limited
  • Promotional prompts for the paid version
  • Heavier on system resources during scans

Read more in our review

6. Panda Free Antivirus

An easy-to-use cloud-based antivirus, Panda Free Antivirus puts almost no load on your system. It offers a gamer mode and a free VPN (150 MB/day), along with a Rescue USB tool for system recovery.

• Pros:
  • Very low PC resource usage
  • Gaming mode (silent notifications)
  • Free VPN with daily allowance
  • Rescue USB for system restoration
• Cons:
  • Limited feature set
  • Lacks advanced phishing protection
  • Officially unavailable in some countries

See the details

7. Microsoft Defender

Built into Windows 10 and 11, Microsoft Defender requires no installation or advertising. It provides robust protection for everyday users and receives regular updates via Windows Update.

• Pros:
  • Comes pre-installed with Windows
  • Automatic updates through Windows Update
  • Good protection with no complex setup
  • No ads or limitations
• Cons:
  • Fewer features than competitors
  • System can slow down during full scans
  • Occasionally flags legitimate files as threats

Find out more

Recommendations

• Best antivirus for low-end PCs: Bitdefender Free or Panda Free Antivirus
• Best antivirus for gamers: AVG Free or Panda Free Antivirus
• Best all-in-one free antivirus: Avast One Essential
• Reliable, no-frills choice: Kaspersky Free