If you’re on a limited budget, but want to protect your devices from the most recent malware and ransomware, free antivirus software is a good option. Free programs usually use the same malware scanning engines as paid versions, however, they do not have extra tools that provide complete online security, including a virtual private network (VPN) as well as a password manager and parental controls.

The top antivirus programs for free should provide real-time malware identification and protection. This means that the application actively detects and blocks malware trying to download or sneak on your computer. In the past, this kind of protection was only available with premium subscriptions, but it’s now popular among free outliers.

The best free antivirus software should include an easy my explanation VPN and password manager, at a minimum for a trial time. For instance, McAfee’s no-cost software gives you a 30 day trial of its top tier program that comes with all premium features, including web security and identity theft protection.

Lastly, the best free antivirus software must be simple to use. The majority of the brands on our top picks come with user-friendly dashboards, easy-to-use features, and good customer support. Certain brands also have mobile apps that make it easier for users to scan and secure Android or iOS devices. The best free programs can be used on more than one device. Paid versions offer families-friendly plans as well business tools.