1. Windows Defender (Built-in)

Windows Defender comes pre-installed with Windows 10/11 and has improved significantly over the years. It offers real-time protection, firewall, and anti-ransomware features.

Best For: Windows users who want built-in, hassle-free protection.

2. Avast Free Antivirus

Avast is one of the most popular free antiviruses. It provides malware scanning, phishing protection, and a Wi-Fi inspector to secure your network.

Best For: Extra features beyond basic protection.

3. Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition

Bitdefender is lightweight and provides excellent malware detection with minimal impact on performance.

Best For: Users who want a simple, set-it-and-forget-it antivirus.

4. ClamAV (Linux)

ClamAV is an open-source antivirus for Linux. It’s widely used on mail servers and Linux desktops to detect malware and viruses.

Best For: Linux users and administrators.

5. Malwarebytes Free

Malwarebytes specializes in removing spyware, adware, and advanced threats. The free version is great for manual scanning and cleanup.

Best For: Extra protection against malware not caught by traditional antiviruses.

6. Sophos Home Free

Sophos provides enterprise-level security for home users. It includes web filtering, parental controls, and remote management for up to 3 devices.

Best For: Families and small offices.