Microsoft Defender isn't bad, but it's not enough to fully protect your PC. You don't have to pay extra, though—just use one of the top free antivirus apps we've tested.

Dianna Gunn built her first WordPress website in 2008. Since then, she's poured thousands of hours into understanding how websites and online businesses work. She's shared what she's learned on blogs ...

Cassie is a former deputy editor who collaborated with teams around the world while living in the beautiful hills of Kentucky. Focusing on bringing growth to small businesses, she is passionate about ...

In 2025, most devices feature built-in antivirus software that scans files you attempt to download, blocking anything it deems suspicious. Antivirus tools also perform automated scans to remove ...

This is an important one. Some free antivirus software programs claim they will offer real-time monitoring when you use them. This means that as you scroll on your phone or computer, or download items ...

When the IBM PC was new, I served as the president of the San Francisco PC User Group for three years. That’s how I met PCMag’s editorial team, who brought me on board in 1986. In the years since that ...

The importance of anti-virus programs in safeguarding our digital experiences cannot be overstated, especially when our lives are connected to the internet more than ever. The online world has become ...

You get what you pay for. That’s what they always say, right? And while that can be true for many things, antivirus software is a little different. There are reputable free antivirus solutions out ...

CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. Avira is a cybersecurity company known for its freemium ...

Kelly is a former Editor, SMB at Forbes Advisor, specializing in starting and marketing new ventures. Before joining the team, she was a Content Producer at Fit Small Business where she served as an ...

Avira is a cybersecurity company known for its freemium antivirus softeware and safe browsing tools. Its consistently high performance in third-party testing has earned it places on both our best ...