Best Free Antivirus 2025

Is free protection enough? For many users, yes.

Windows Defender

Built into Windows 10/11, it allows surprisingly good protection.

• Pros: Free, no bloatware, good detection rates.
• Cons: Fewer features (no VPN/password manager usually).

Paid Options

Antivirus like Bitdefender or Norton offer extras:

• Identity theft protection
• VPN inclusion
• Better parental controls

Verdict

For distinct usage, Windows Defender + Common Sense (don't click weird links) is often sufficient. For families or businesses, a paid suite is recommended.