Rating of free antiviruses 2020 for Windows

Don’t know which antivirus is best to install at the beginning of 2020? We present the TOP 10 programs you can trust!

Antivirus - designed to detect, prevent, remove and neutralize malicious applications or programs.

It is the most important element of protecting the device from infection, but the user must remember to update the components and operating system that he uses. At the moment, good antivirus applications block not only viruses, but also other types of malware that may be part of the threat.

Protecting personal files from ransomware is also important - vulnerabilities can lead to the capture of user data. Today's cybercriminals do not need to be professional hackers; you can unknowingly purchase or download infected software online.

How were antiviruses tested?

All applications have been tested in three aspects:

• Protection - detecting viruses not only using databases of malicious software (software), but also working with new threats and signatures that are not yet in the database. Equally important is repairing the damage caused and removing all remnants of malware.
• Efficiency - the pace of work associated with protection activities, including updating databases.
• No system crashes - how the antivirus affects opening websites, downloading files or copying, as well as installing and launching applications.

AVG Free

One of the best free antiviruses of 2020 rating for windows 8/7/10, provided completely (without any demo versions) on a free basis, forever! Features of AVG Antivirus FREE: friendly user interface will appeal to every beginner; scheduled and automatic scanning modes; 24/7 monitoring of all areas of the hard drive; anti-phishing module; algorithm is AVG’s trump card, a new feature that is designed to protect against data recovery: now no one can restore every file deleted using this utility; TuneUP undelete – helps in cases of “unintentional deletion” of files, i.e. after deletion, the program is able to restore the file back, unless it was deleted by the previous method; AVG Web TuneUP is a browser extension, a tool for analyzing the security of the site you visit.

How to choose an antivirus?

Antivirus software is key to protecting your operating system, user files, and privacy. It should protect your laptop or PC in all aspects - from unauthorized changes to system files and registry to web browsing. If the protection doesn't work, your computer is vulnerable, especially to ransomware. Extremely dangerous threats are constantly evolving to try to bypass the protection of the best programs, so it is important that they are constantly updated.

The speed at which updates and patches are released is important to protecting your computer. Leading developers release patches in less than an hour after a vulnerability is discovered. Cloud solutions play an important role - a constant connection to the server significantly speeds up the process of introducing new protective mechanisms and allows you to quickly respond to new threats.

The behavioral analysis mechanism is also no less important - thanks to it, the antivirus can recognize the effects of new threats that can be detected in newly installed software. Their danger can range from attempts to change registry keys to placement of add-ons in browsers.

BitDefender Antivirus

8th place in the ranking of free antiviruses in 2020 for windows 10/8.1/7 is occupied by BitDefender Antivirus. The program engine was written “from scratch” by the company’s specialists. The software is distributed completely free of charge for commercial and home use. Functional features: real-time scanning; B-Have set of measures - first, BitDefender checks each incoming file/open application on its own virtual machine (you won’t notice this), if the file behaves adequately in a safe environment, then the program allows you to run it in the main Windows OS environment; anti-rootkit – protects against interception of the first bytes of executable functions, prevents the possibility of capturing the call table, as well as other types of hacker methods of gaining access to the PC; HTTP protocol monitoring – will eliminate all phishing banners and check received files via the FTP protocol to protect the user from attempts by fraudsters to gain access to bank cards.

Rating of the best antivirus programs

Photo	Name	Rating	Price
#1		Kaspersky Lab Internet Security	⭐ 100 / 100 1 - voice	Find out the price
#2		Kaspersky Anti-Virus (Free)	⭐ 99 / 100	Find out the price
#3		Avast Antivirus (Free)	⭐ 98 / 100	Find out the price
#4		AVG Antivirus	⭐ 97 / 100	Find out the price
#5	AVZ	⭐ 96 / 100	Find out the price
#6		Norton Security	⭐ 96 / 100	Find out the price
#7		AviraFree Antivirus	⭐ 95 / 100	Find out the price
#8		McAfee Total Protection	⭐ 95 / 100	Find out the price
#9		Malwarebytes AdwCleaner	⭐ 95 / 100	Find out the price
#10		Trend Micro Internet Security	⭐ 94 / 100	Find out the price
#11		BitDefender Antivirus	⭐ 93 / 100	Find out the price
#12		F-Secure Safe	⭐ 93 / 100	Find out the price
#13		Comodo Antivirus	⭐ 90 / 100	Find out the price
#14		IObit Malware Fighter	⭐ 87 / 100	Find out the price
#15		360 Total Security	⭐ 85 / 100	Find out the price

What antivirus did you choose?

Take the survey

Avast Free Antivirus

Avast best free antivirus 2020 rating for windows 10/8/7 . The main feature of Avast is cloud protection technology: it sends all dangerous files to a cloud service - an isolated environment in which detailed code analysis takes place; scans the entire local network for threats; there is no need for database updates, because now there is a “single signature database for everyone” located on the Internet - all this allows you to reduce the load on the client computer, leaving the complex process of parsing and analyzing the code to the “server machine”. By the way, if a new type of virus is detected in at least one user, Avast automatically sends the file for analysis, after which all computers with Avast already know about it. Other features of Avast: game mode - reduces the activity of antivirus and third-party software products, thereby freeing up and reducing RAM resources and CPU load for a more comfortable game; scanning wi-fi networks for vulnerabilities; intelligent protection – timely detection of dangerous software, phishing pages, ransomware, etc.

Advertisements

“Cyber ​​antibiotics” of the year: the best in the treatment of active infection

Truly good antiviruses are capable of not only repelling potential threats, but also treating active infections, which means running on an infected machine without problems, cleaning out malicious objects of any type, and ideally restoring damaged operating system functions.
The AV-Test laboratory determined how standard antivirus systems and utilities designed to treat infected systems cope with this task. Each prototype passed more than 450 tests. The study was carried out for about 6 months on real computers in Windows 7. Therefore, the accuracy of the result is beyond doubt.

Based on the testing results, the following leaders were identified:

• Avira Antivirus Pro.
• Utility (USA).

• Kaspersky Internet Security and utility (another name is AVPTool ) .
• (USA).

• Avast! Free Antivirus.

As for repairing damage to Windows after infection, only Kaspersky Lab products have this ability among the leaders in this rating. They also do a good job of cleaning viruses and restoring the functionality of unbootable systems, for example, those blocked by a ransomware Trojan or with a damaged bootloader. For this purpose, the Laboratory has released a free bootable rescue disk - an image for recording on DVD or USB flash drives. The disk's toolkit includes a powerful anti-virus scanner and system recovery tools.

Review result and comparison of 3 TOP antivirus programs

All three antivirus products reviewed are truly viable alternatives to most paid programs. But still not everyone. You can significantly strengthen your computer's anti-virus protection, raising it to the high level of the best paid programs, with the help of other antivirus programs that have anti-virus scanners to scan the entire computer at the user's request.

This scanning can and should be carried out regularly, while detecting malware that may have been missed by the main antivirus due to its inactivity. But it should be noted that with an optimal personal computer protection strategy, the practical value of such scans will be small.

All antiviruses mentioned above can also be used as on-demand scanners

For this purpose, for example, during the installation of AntiVir or Avast! You need to use a custom installation, disabling real-time protection in it. If necessary, AVG Anti-Virus is switched to forced scanning mode by disabling real-time protection after installation.

Free Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool or Dr.Web CureIt! are also used as forced scanners - in fact, this is the only way they can be used. These programs are portable and do not require installation - excellent solutions for removing viruses that have already entered your computer.

The big disadvantage is that these programs are not updated at all and you always need to download a large full version of them

You can download a trial version of Kaspersky Anti-Virus from Yandex; the period of use is given for six months, after which antivirus updates stop.

TOP 15 best antivirus programs

The debate about the best antivirus never ceases. In this article, specialists from Obzor-Expert.com will present the 15 best antiviruses.

No. 15. 360 Total Security

360 Total Security
A fresh antivirus originally from China, which, in addition to the antivirus itself, has a module responsible for accelerating and cleaning the system. The developers claim that the program uses as many as five scanning engines to help with scanning. Specifically speaking, 360 Total Security uses the following engines:

• Avira;
• Bitdefender;
• Cloud360;
• System Repair;
• QVMII.

In addition to checking files, the antivirus monitors the operation of the Internet browser, from IE and Edge to Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome, installs keyboard protection against keyloggers (malware that can remember keystrokes when entering passwords and other data), and blocks access to programs registry and webcam.

The design is user-friendly, which means you can quickly and easily get used to it and start working with it almost immediately.

System requirements:

• operating system: Windows 7, 8, 10;
• RAM: 512 MB;
• processor: 1.6 GHz;
• free disk space: 600 MB.

pros

1. User-friendly interface.
2. Virtually no load on the OS.
3. Modular system.

Minuses

1. It detects viruses poorly and may not see them.

No. 14. IObit Malware Fighter

IObit Malware Fighter
The IObit Malware Fighter antivirus program is known for being able to be used alongside your main antivirus. Thus, it turns out that you have two antiviruses that do not conflict with each other.

This antivirus, for example, directly affects the protection of the browser from various viruses, even to the point of independently replacing and installing protection against changes.

The program works not only during a specified scan, but also in real time, which allows maximum protection against viruses. In addition, the program is easy to configure as you need, thanks to its intuitive interface.

System requirements:

• operating system: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10;
• processor: 1 GHz;
• RAM: 1-2 GB, depending on the system capacity;
• free disk space: 1.5 GB.

pros

1. Protects against adware.
2. It can work with the main antivirus “in parallel” without interfering with it.

Minuses

1. Does not respond to viruses.

IObit Malware Fighter

No. 13. Comodo Antivirus

Comodo Antivirus
This antivirus will protect your PC at a basic level without putting much strain on the hardware. In addition to real-time protection, this antivirus has a preventive protection module against potentially dangerous files.

Due to communication with the cloud of the company that created the antivirus, Comodo is updated quite quickly, learns and detects new types of viruses and malware. All you need is a stable Internet connection to update the antivirus database.

System requirements:

• operating system: Windows XP (SP2), Vista, 7, 8, 10;
• RAM: 152 MB;
• free disk space: 400 MB.

pros

1. Fast learning.
2. Supports almost all possible Windows systems.
3. Very reasonable system requirements.

Minuses

1. Stable Internet connection.

Comodo Antivirus

No. 12. F-Secure Safe

F-Secure Safe
It couldn’t be simpler and yet reliable – that’s what you might think when you look at this antivirus with its User-friendly interface. It has all the necessary modules that are responsible for protecting your PC. If you wish, you can install the same antivirus on other devices (one account for all devices).

Thanks to its small “appetite”, this antivirus package will not put a lot of stress on your computer, no matter how powerful it is.

System requirements:

• operating system: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10;
• processor : 1.5 GHz.
• RAM : 1 GB or more.
• free disk space : 1.2 GB of free space.

pros

1. Relatively good PC protection from various types of threats.
2. The multiplatform nature of the program allows you to install it anywhere.
3. The ability to find through antivirus your own phone that has the same program.
4. Scanning Internet pages will prevent viruses from entering your computer.

Minuses

1. Self-defense is lame.

No. 11. BitDefender Antivirus

BitDefender Antivirus
One of the popular antiviruses, whose engine is used not only by this, but also by other antivirus programs, for example, 360 Total Security. The use of this engine indicates its high quality, which means that Bitdefender Antivirus itself can effectively protect your PC in real time from all kinds of threats, whether they are known to it or not.

There are two types of this antivirus - free and paid. The first differs from the second in the limited settings. Interestingly, the antivirus starts working as soon as it is installed on your computer.

Separately, we note the nice design of the application, as well as a potentially huge number of protection settings, which opens up the potential opportunity to create something like an “iron curtain” on your PC.

System requirements:

• operating system: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10;
• processor: 1.6 GHz;
• RAM: 1 GB;
• free disk space: 1.5 GB.

pros

1. Quick installation.
2. Start of work – immediately after installation.
3. High quality PC protection.

Minuses

1. Quite high system requirements.
2. Full support for the Russian language is not implemented.

BitDefender Antivirus

No. 10. Trend Micro Internet Security

Trend Micro Internet Security
is considered a relatively good cloud antivirus for those who have problems with viruses, who want to protect themselves from them, and who have weak personal computers.

The lack of load on the PC is one of the remarkable features of this antivirus. The whole secret is in new algorithms and optimization modules, through which you can achieve fast computer performance.

The modular system is another remarkable feature of this antivirus. Along with the file protection module, there are modules for protecting email and browser from various malware.

It is impossible not to note the use of algorithms that appeared on the basis of machine learning, because it is thanks to them that this antivirus removes the most recent viruses that have not yet become too visible on the Internet.

System requirements:

• operating system: Windows 8, 8.1, 10;
• processor: 1 GHz;
• RAM: 1-2 GB, depending on the system capacity;
• free disk space: 600 MB.

pros

1. Availability of system acceleration functions.
2. No notification overload.
3. It is considered one of the cheapest antivirus programs.
4. Protection against ransomware Trojans and keyloggers.
5. Minimum load on the OS.
6. Protection of the browser, mail and files is at a high level, despite the free version of the software.

Minuses

1. No firewall.
2. Very mediocre laboratory testing results.
3. May work erroneously.

No. 9. Malwarebytes AdwCleaner

Malwarebytes AdwCleaner
To be honest, this program is not exactly an antivirus. However, this does not prevent her from being included in this rating, because only she is able to best deal with adware, since it acts as her specialization.

She can do the following.

1. Remove adware.
2. Remove potentially unwanted software.
3. Remove unwanted toolbars (panels built into the browser).
4. Remove malware scripts responsible for replacing the start page in browsers.

Important! It is recommended that you save all documents before using this program, since the computer will restart after scanning and cleaning. Afterwards, the program will provide a report on the actions performed.

System requirements:

• operating system: Windows 8, 8.1, 10;
• administrator rights.

We can confidently recommend this utility to you if you are suffering from various problems related to your Internet browser.

pros

1. It removes adware better than other programs.
2. Capable of removing scripts that are difficult to clean.
3. User-friendly interface.
4. No program installation required.
5. High speed.
6. Low load on the computer.
7. Automatic creation of backups.

Minuses

1. Not all adware is detected.
2. Extremely rare, but can delete a system file.

No. 8. McAfee Total Protection

McAfee Total Protection
The well-known American antivirus from McAfee occupies a leading position in those parts. In our country it is less known, and few people use it. However, this software will activate comprehensive protection for your PC. With this antivirus you can remove both common and more unusual virus software

Since this program has often performed well in various tests, it is worth considering this antivirus as an option for your PC in the future.

System requirements:

• operating system: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10;
• processor: 1.5 GHz;
• RAM: 2 GB;
• free disk space: 500 MB.

pros

1. Password manager inside the antivirus to protect them from theft.
2. Multiplatform – can be found not only on Windows, but also on mobile platforms iOS and Android.
3. Built-in storage in which files can be securely hidden from strangers.

Minuses

1. There is no localization into Russian.

No. 7. AviraFree Antivirus

AviraFree Antivirus
An excellent antivirus from Germany, which, after installation, is ready to provide a fairly high level of protection with a minimal appetite for the resources of the computer on which it is installed. It is so good at this that you can easily install it on a laptop and not worry that it will slow down.

This antivirus has a simple and user-friendly interface, without any problems. I just opened it and started working with it. For a novice user - just the thing!

Regarding the protection itself: Avira is well known for its testing results. It traditionally ranks high thanks to its technologies, including Protection Cloud. The essence of this antivirus feature is to analyze various files arriving from all over the world on cloud servers. In this way, the program learns to detect previously unknown malware and improves its protection to counter viruses that have just appeared.

Overall, the antivirus is very interesting, and we would recommend taking a look at it if you have weak hardware.

System requirements:

• operating system: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10;
• processor: 1.5 GHz;
• RAM: 2 GB;
• free disk space: 2 GB;
• administrator rights.

pros

1. In addition to the antivirus, the program includes many other modules.
2. Excellent results in the test for blocking malicious links.
3. User-friendly interface.
4. Doesn't really burden the PC with its work.
5. There is no need to pay for a product if you only need to scan and protect your PC in real time.

Minuses

1. Most of the functions become available after payment.
2. Sometimes there are omissions - the program may not notice the virus.
3. Of the browsers, only Chrome and Fox (Mozilla Firefox) protect.

Avira Antivirus

No. 6. Norton Security

Norton Security
Quite famous for its suite of antivirus programs, it is a collection of programs-in-one that can protect your system from most threats, no matter how modern they are.

Norton Security includes functionality that was previously present in standalone programs, such as:

• Norton Antivirus;
• Norton 360;
• Norton Internet Security.

It’s interesting that his “paranoia” when the maximum level of protection is turned on simply knows no bounds. It can start scanning absolutely every file while copying documents from a USB flash drive to a computer, making the process unbearable. This is the price to pay for quality protection.

The main thing that those who have already paid for this product or are planning to pay should know is that the developers are ready to return your money if the antivirus cannot protect you.

System requirements:

• operating system: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10;
• processor: 1 GHz;
• RAM: 2 GB;
• free disk space: 300 MB;
• administrator rights.

pros

1. High level of protection against various types of threats.
2. A multi-level system of protection against attacks from the Internet, including a firewall and an intrusion prevention system.
3. The multiplatform nature of the program allows you to install it anywhere.
4. The ability to find through antivirus your own phone that has the same program.

Minuses

1. High cost of the paid version.
2. High system requirements for PC.

No. 5. AVZ

AVZ
Yes, like Malwarebytes AdwCleaner, AVZ is not exactly an antivirus, but due to its functionality and features it could not be left out of this list.

Simple as a boot, but at the same time a unique utility that can work in tandem with the main antivirus, providing an unprecedented level of protection. In addition, this program can restore the system after actions caused by various malware.

The program's interface is extremely simple, but this should not confuse you. The program is multifunctional and can do many things. It is mainly used to find and remove the following types of malware:

• AdWare (adware);
• SpyWare (spyware);
• Trojans;
• network worms;
• BackDoor modules (modules for penetrating PCs through vulnerabilities);
• RootKit modules (programs for covert penetration into a PC through the OS kernel).

In general, if you want to scan your PC by launching the program, you can immediately start scanning by selecting the drives you are interested in and clicking on the “Start” button.

In addition to detecting and removing viruses, AVZ can do the following things:

• registry restoration;
• opening a blocked registry;
• patching “holes” in the OS;
• restoring the HOST file (some viruses change the structure of the file and instead of real addresses, a person ends up on phishing versions of sites and this is how logins and passwords are stolen).

System requirements:

• operating system: Windows 2003, XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10;

Important! AVZGuard, AVZPM, BootCleaner - all these technologies work only in the 32-bit OS version.

pros

1. Ideal option for advanced cases.
2. Regular database updates
3. AVZGuard module, which acts as an additional antivirus.
4. Ability to view processes for suspicious activities.
5. Availability of prepared programs for cleaning the system of debris, correcting settings and restoring functionality.

Minuses

1. You must have good computer skills.
2. Can treat, but not remove.
3. Can mark files that are not malicious as a virus.

No. 4. AVG Antivirus

AVG Antivirus
Popular not only in the West, but also in Russia, the AVG antivirus is one of the good examples of quality protection with minimal system requirements. Protects files, mail, web browser, electronic payments. In general, everything is as usual. Rootkit protection is also available.

The latest versions of the program have added cloud protection, which allows you to learn about new viruses via the Internet and promptly update the anti-virus database.

System requirements:

• operating system: 7, 8, 8.1, 10;
• processor: 1 GHz or more powerful;
• RAM: 1 GB;
• free disk space: 2 GB;
• administrator rights.

pros

• good at detecting malware and rootkits;
• large databases of viruses;
• quality check;
• no need to pay for basic functionality;
• ability to check mail and register.

Minuses

• poor localization into Russian;
• after startup the system is buggy;
• inconvenient interface;
• the heuristics are made “so-so”.

AVG Antivirus

No. 3. Avast Antivirus (Free)

Avast Antivirus (Free)
This antivirus, which opens the TOP-3, is perhaps known to everyone. It protects quite well for a free product, and does not load the system, which is good. With the free version of the program, the user is able to control the main processes, and the antivirus, having identified a suspicious file, sends it to both local quarantine and an online laboratory for verification.

In addition, this antivirus has a home network protection module, when launched, it checks your router/router/access point for vulnerabilities that can penetrate your PC.

In addition, the developers of this antivirus have improved the Internet browser protection module while surfing and paying for online purchases.

System requirements:

• operating system: 7, 8, 8.1, 10;
• processor: 1 GHz or more powerful;
• RAM: 1 GB;
• free disk space: 2 GB;
• administrator rights.

In general, it is a high-quality product that is being improved all the time and is always up to date. We recommend that you become familiar with this antivirus.

pros

1. The presence of the SafeZone browser as part of Avast, with which online purchases become safer.
2. A sandbox inside the antivirus, which will allow you to check what kind of program or file is being opened without harming the system.
3. Checking the security of your home network is something that other programs, especially free ones, do not have.
4. Doesn't load the system.
5. Qualitative heuristics.

Minuses

1. Not all files infected with a virus can be cured.
2. Constant reminder to register, even free.

Avast Antivirus

No. 2. Kaspersky Anti-Virus (Free)

Kaspersky Anti-Virus (Free)
In second place in our TOP-15 is the free version of the most popular domestic anti-virus software - Kaspersky Anti-Virus. It can often be in one of the first three places in various tests and ratings.

The free version has all the modules for protecting files, mail, and Internet browsers. In addition, there is Internet connection protection and even its own on-screen keyboard.

Interestingly, everything in this program is done for the convenience of the user. For example, you can use your computer while your antivirus updates itself in the background.

To summarize: this antivirus is really good, very reliable, and most importantly, free. By installing it, you will definitely protect your PC from various attacks.

System requirements:

• operating system: 7, 8, 8.1, 10;
• processor: 1 GHz or more powerful;
• RAM: 1-2 GB;
• free disk space: 1.5 GB;
• Internet connection;
• administrator rights.

pros

1. High-level protection of all parts of the OS from various threats.
2. There is no need to pay for antivirus.
3. The presence of the Anti-Banner engine, which will allow you to get rid of advertising and speed up page loading, freeing up some PC resources.
4. Use of cloud technologies. Analysis of files from all over the world in cloud servers allows you to detect hitherto unseen viruses and promptly update signature databases.
5. The Watcher module, which helps to identify abnormal actions, block processes, eliminate them and restore the system to its original state.

Minuses

1. For the antivirus to work properly, you need powerful hardware. With a weak computer you will only have to wait for slowdowns and freezes.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus

No. 1. Kaspersky Lab Internet Security

Kaspersky Lab Internet Security
TOP 1 in our rating is occupied by a more sophisticated version of the well-known Kaspersky antivirus - Kaspersky Lab Internet Security. This version of the program often takes first place in AV tests. So this clearly indicates the reliability of this antivirus, so if you install it, you can assume that the computer is 100% protected from most, if not all, problems.

It is worth noting that Kaspersky Lab Internet Security works well on both powerful PCs and older ones.

We recommend installing this antivirus on your PC without any hesitation.

pros

1. Multiplatform – this program can be found everywhere.
2. High-quality protection of all parts of the OS - files, mail, Internet, etc.
3. Timely updating of databases.
4. User-friendly interface.
5. High verification speed.
6. “Anti-spam” and “Anti-banner” as part of the program block advertising and other unwanted content on websites.
7. Viruses enter Kaspersky's database much earlier than those of other competitors.

Minuses

1. High price for purchasing the program.
2. Maintaining the program is expensive.
3. During installation and scanning, the PC may slow down.

Kaspersky Lab Internet Security

What to look for when choosing