Top 5 Free Antivirus Programs for Windows

I tried all the Antiviruses on your list but I remained faithful to AVG, for me and my needs is the best free antivirus.

I used Avira Free before. But, I switched into Avast. The reason is simple, I like what Avast offers on its free antivirus. The features that Avira doesn't have it on its free antivirus such as p2p shield, network shield, etc.

I also experienced that Avast has quicker response than Avira on detect viruses or malicious software when I was online.

Hi Justin Germino, out of these free anti viruses, I recommend avira. Because I found it has the maximum numbers of virus definitions.

Security Essentials Research and Response team is really on the Ball.

I'm also kinda surprised Security Essentials is so far down on the list! It's what I personally use because it doesn't bog down my system. So far, I haven't had any trouble with viruses or anything else like that (although my email did get hacked recently.) I really dislike McAfee. It just seems to be a system drain.

I have heard that AVG is good...

Can a free anti-virus ever really match one that you have to buy, really?

I have been using Microsoft essentials for a while, it's worked pretty good for me. Up until that I wasn't using anything but I stay pretty much on the safe side of the internet but it has caught a few things as of recent.

Avast Home Edition - Many experts have rated Avast to be the top one among free

antivirus software. The reason is simple - it comes with superbly solid detection

rates for viruses and spywares. This has been confirmed by the antivirus test

results generated from AV-Test.org.

Dont suppose you're planning on posting a list of your favourite freeware? There is quite a bit of money to be saved. And as previous posters have remarked, it shoots down the "Its too expensive to use good software" argument.

Justin, Great advice. Often computer users say they don't get protection since it is too expensive. You have shot that argument down. Congratulations on it.

I guess I have to switch to using Avast antivirus. I had been quite happy user of Avira for more than a year. I also use Comodo - but I just its firewall capability.

I hope Avast doesn't consume much resources, as I plan to use that for my laptop.

for free vesion, i would like to recommend Avira and AVG which i think you missed in list

I just switched to a Mac after being sick of dealing with all the viruses on Windows. But this seems like a great list, I might dust out my laptop and see if I can get it running again using some of these programs. It's just a shame there are so many viruses out there, thanks Justin.

I am wondering while Norton is not included while it is probably one of the best anti-virus. Never heard of Panda Cloud ever before.

I had been using AVG free for quite a while now and do think that AVG free antivirus deserves an inclusion in this list although PC World did not not think so.

well in free version one should give a try to avira because i used it for years and never faced any problem.. i voted avira to #1.

I am currently using Avira on my desktop and MSE on my Notebook. Avira consumed a lot of resources and MSE is light on resources.

I am myself a nod32 guy (yeah I know it's not free but I am with them for a long time something like five years or so) but I know that even if it is free this antiviruses are pretty good and some like windows essential blend seemingly with windows and have a pretty simple interface that even to most tech impaired human can handle.

Nice share, at least those who can't afford a licensed AV can choose from this great list!

Great selection here Justin and ideal for those looking for an alternative to forking out their hard earned cash to protect their computers.

I have found Avast simple and easy to use and it gets updated regularly when I get online. I guess I'll have to take a look at Avira for comparison sake and then decide on the full license.

Very useful list. I use Avira and I must say it is very effective and keep Windows safe from malware websites and other virus.

Thanks Justin for another great share and list. Very useful for those who want to test out free AV before buying full license at all.

I use Kaspersky, but not in the top 5 of best antivirus, is not as good as before? Because if it is not good I'm going to change.

I always here people recommending Avast. My PC came with a year of Mcafee so when that's up i'll probably be getting one of these!

Great list. Thanks for sharing these resources. I'm always looking for new and better products.