More people are upgrading to Windows 10 as the July 29, 2016, deadline for a free upgrade gets closer, but some people would rather stick with Windows 8. If you’re running either of those Microsoft platforms, you do have antivirus protection built in, in the form of Microsoft Windows Defender. It’s been doing better in testing lately, but it’s still not very good. Don’t worry: Even if you don’t want to pay for better security, the best free antivirus products are far more effective. We’ve rounded up an impressive collection for you.
Independent Antivirus Lab Test Results
Around the world, researchers at independent antivirus testing labs spend their days putting antivirus tools to the test. Some of these labs regularly release public reports on their findings. I follow five such labs closely: AV-Comparatives, AV-Test Institute, Simon Edwards Labs (the successor to Dennis Technology Labs), Virus Bulletin, and MRG-Effitas. I also take note of whether vendors have contracted for certification by ICSA Labs and West Coast Labs.

If you’re interested in learning more about my testing techniques, you’re welcome to read more about how we test security software

Useful Features
Just about every antivirus product scans files on access to make sure malware can’t launch, and also scans the entire system on demand, or on a schedule you set. Once that cleaning and scheduling is done, blocking all access to malware-hosting URLs is another good way to avoid trouble. Many products extend that protection to also steer users away from fraudulent websites, phishing sites that try to steal login credentials for financial sites and other sensitive sites. A few rate links in search results, flagging any dangerous or iffy ones.

Behavior-based detection, a feature of some antivirus products, is a two-edged sword. On the one hand, it can detect malware that’s never been seen before. On the other hand, if it’s not done right, it can baffle the user with messages about perfectly legitimate programs.

One easy way to keep your PC protected is to install all security updates, both for Windows and for browsers and other popular applications. Starting with Windows 10, Windows updates aren’t optional for consumers, but there are plenty of security holes in popular apps and add-ons. Scanning for vulnerabilities in the form of missing updates is a feature most often found in commercial antivirus products, but it does turn up in some free ones. In the chart above you can see which products include these useful features.

What’s Not Here
This article reports only on free antivirus products that received at least a good rating in our reviews—three stars or better. Among those that didn’t make the cut is Microsoft Windows Defender, with 2.5 stars. All of the independent labs I follow do include Microsoft in testing, but most use it as a baseline. If a product can’t do better than the baseline, it’s got real problems.

FortiClient fans may notice that this product doesn’t appear in chart. It did get three stars, but it’s quite different from the rest. FortiClient is actually designed to work as a client for Fortinet’s network security appliance, but is incidentally available as a free standalone.

Furthermore, I’m aware that my review of Bitdefender’s Free Antivirus is getting long in the tooth, but the company simply doesn’t update its free utilities as often as its premium ones. Rest assured, I’m in close contact with Bitdefender and I’ll review its new offering when it becomes available next month.

What’s Best
Our current Editors’ Choice products for free antivirus utility are Avast Free Antivirus, AVG AntiVirus Free and Panda Free Antivirus. All three get very good scores from the independent labs, and in our own tests as well. All three include some useful bonus features. Avast in particular packs a password manager and a network security scanner in its toolkit. If you do have a little cash in your budget for security, the best paid antivirus products do tend to offer more and better protection. If not, try a few of these free tools and see which one you like best.

1. Panda Cloud Antivirus Free 2016

Platform: Windows XP or above; Android 2.3 or up

The Panda Cloud Antivirus takes Free Antivirus to a whole new level with its cloud-based scanner. The software is also lightweight and runs on a local cache when the network is unavailable. It offers effective phishing protection and impressive detection rates combined with top-notch rootkit blocking.


2. Avast Free Antivirus 2016

Free at AVAST Software Avast Free Antivirus 2016 scores high in independent lab tests and in our own tests, especially our antiphishing test. Bonus features like the new password manager and innovative router security scan make it an excellent choice for free antivirus protection.

3. AVG AntiVirus Free (2016)

Free at AVG Technologies The latest version of AVG AntiVirus Free scores high with independent testing labs, and also fares well in our hands-on tests. Once again, AVG is an Editors’ Choice for free antivirus.

4.Panda Free Antivirus (2016)
Free at Panda Security While Panda Free Antivirus doesn’t outperform the very best commercial antivirus tools, it’s way better than the rank and file of for-pay solutions. It remains our Editors’ Choice for no-fee antivirus.

5.Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition (2014)

Free at Bitdefender You’ll hardly know Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition (2014) is present on your system, unless it quashes a problem. Its tiny main window and unobtrusive style are great if you want a strong, silent, and free antivirus solution.

5.Check Point ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall 2016

Free at ZoneAlarm ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall 2016 combines most of Kaspersky’s powerful antivirus protection with a top-notch personal firewall. It’s an excellent choice if you don’t want to install a full security suite...

See more http://www.newsflashng.com/best-free-antivirus-protection-for-2016/

Thanks for the info.
I use AVG and Avast Free Antivirus but the issue is the protection is usually for a limited period, usually 30 days.
Unless one upgrades, one is not likely to get all the features. What I do is alternate between the two while waiting to renew my Bullguard.

On a side note, how would you rate Bullguard Internet Security? My subscription just expired and I am wondering whether to switch to AVG upgraded. Having been with Bullguard since 2010, I now get 60% discount. AVG will cost more .

Kaspersky recently launched a free anti virus software - really good:
https://www.themaiguard.com/2017/07/kaspersky-now-offers-a-free-antivirus-software

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