Your device's built-in antivirus software might not be enough because cyber threats continue to evolve. While a tool like Apple's XProtect offers basic protection, it often lacks essential features like scheduled scans, safe browsing, and phishing defense.
If you're looking to take full control of your cybersecurity without spending a cent, these top-rated free antivirus programs are your best bet.
Why You Still Need a Third-Party Antivirus in 2025
Despite the fact that the majority of devices today come with preinstalled antivirus software, they lack sophistication in protection and convenience. Such advanced features as scheduled scanning, anti-ransomware, anti-phishing protection, and automatic software updates are not available or very limited. Third-party utilities provide those options—and many top ones are free.
Avira Free Antivirus: Top Free Overall Protection
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Why It Stands Out: Full-featured protection with scheduling tools and a password manager
Avira Free Antivirus provides full security with the same award-winning technology found in the paid product. It includes real-time protection, anti-phishing and ransomware protection, and automated scans. In contrast to built-in products, Avira lets you schedule scans weekly or daily to have greater control over the health of your system.
Other key features are:
- Software Updater to keep your apps and drivers up to date
- Browser add-on for blocking unsafe sites and ad tracking
- Password manager for protecting your login details
While Avira excels on Windows, certain features such as the Software Updater are not on Mac or mobile. The interface can be a bit aggressive with upsells, but the core protection is still free and strong.
Pros:
- Top malware detection
- Scheduled scanning option available
- Free password and safe browsing tools
Cons:
- Few advanced tools for non-Windows users
- Occasional upgrade reminders
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition: Simple and Powerful
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Why It Stands Out: Silent, battery-friendly, and always top-recommended by unbiased reviewers
Bitdefender Free Edition is ideal for those requiring strong protection with no performance compromise. It supports real-time virus scanning, antivirus protection against phishing, and on-demand or on-schedule scanning—a significant edge over Microsoft Defender. Although initial scanning may take a while, subsequent scans will be much faster.
Bitdefender has outstanding lab test scores for protection, ease of use, and performance. If you desire extra features such as a VPN or parental controls, you can pay for a premium version, but the free version is sufficient for simple defense.
Pros:
- Light system load
- Real-time and scheduled scans
- Free technical support for users
Cons:
- Slow first-time scan
- Restricted to one device per installation
Microsoft Defender: Solid, Built-In Security for Windows
Platforms: Windows 10, Windows 11
Why It Stands Out: Built-in protection on your PC
Microsoft Defender provides real-time malware protection and automatic scanning of the system. It gets updated regularly and features such as Controlled Folder Access to block unwanted modifications. Though it excels in lab tests, it does not support manual scheduling of scans, a very important feature missing for power users.
Nevertheless, for simple protection without setup, Defender is a decent fallback. When you remove a third-party antivirus, Windows automatically re-enables Defender to maintain your system's security.
Pros:
- Pre-installed and constantly running
- Scheduled scans and real-time protection
- High AV-Test scores
Cons:
- No scheduling of scans
- Limited protection against ransomware
- May degrade performance on old devices
Originally published on Tech Times
