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.

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Avast Premium Security expands the protection of the company’s already excellent free antivirus software by leaning harder into safeguarding your PC. That can be a boon for those who don’t need (or ...

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 ...

Marshall Gunnell is a Tokyo-based tech journalist and editor with over a decade of experience covering IT, cybersecurity and data storage. Alongside CNET, his work has appeared in ZDNET, Business ...

Keeping your devices safe, whether browsing online or not, should be paramount. It’s not just because of an expanding sea of dangers but also the potential for more localized issues — viruses, malware ...