Top 10 Best Cheapest Antivirus Software of 2026

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a free, built-in security solution pre-installed on all modern Windows PCs, providing comprehensive real-time protection against viruses, malware, ransomware, and other threats. It leverages cloud-based intelligence for rapid threat detection and response, along with features like controlled folder access and exploit protection. As the default antivirus for Windows, it receives automatic updates and integrates seamlessly with the operating system without requiring separate installation.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition is a completely free antivirus solution that delivers robust real-time protection against viruses, malware, spyware, and phishing attacks using advanced cloud-based scanning technology. It offers automatic updates and low system impact, ensuring smooth performance without slowing down your device. Ideal for basic security needs, it lacks premium features but excels in core detection capabilities tested highly by independent labs.

Avast Free Antivirus is a robust no-cost security solution that provides real-time scanning and protection against viruses, malware, ransomware, spyware, and phishing attacks. It includes essential features like a web shield to block malicious sites, email protection, and a network security scanner to detect vulnerabilities. While it excels in core antivirus functions, it frequently promotes premium upgrades but delivers solid performance without any subscription fee.

AVG AntiVirus Free is a no-cost antivirus program from AVG Technologies that delivers core protection against viruses, malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks through real-time scanning and web shielding. It includes lightweight system optimization tools and email protection, making it suitable for everyday users without requiring payment. While it performs well in independent lab tests, the free edition pushes upgrades via notifications and lacks premium extras like a full VPN.

Avira Free Security is a robust free antivirus suite that delivers real-time malware protection, phishing defense, and ransomware shielding for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. It bundles extras like a limited VPN, password manager, browser safety extension, and system speedup tools. While effective for everyday users, it includes ads and upsell prompts to promote premium features.

Kaspersky Security Cloud Free is a robust no-cost antivirus program that provides real-time protection against viruses, malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. It includes essential features like a firewall, vulnerability scanning, a limited VPN (200MB daily), password manager, and file shredder, all accessible via an intuitive online dashboard. Independent lab tests consistently rank it among the top performers for detection rates, making it a reliable choice for basic security needs without any subscription fees.

Malwarebytes Free is a lightweight anti-malware scanner that detects and removes malware, adware, ransomware, and potentially unwanted programs through on-demand scans. It provides quick and thorough cleaning without real-time protection, making it suitable for occasional use rather than continuous monitoring. The tool is renowned for its effectiveness against stubborn infections that other software might miss.

Panda Dome Free is a completely free antivirus solution from Panda Security that delivers essential protection against viruses, malware, spyware, and ransomware using cloud-based scanning technology. It includes real-time monitoring, on-demand scans, USB protection, and a process monitor for basic security needs. While it lacks advanced features like parental controls or a VPN found in premium versions, it provides reliable core defenses without impacting system performance.

Sophos Home Free is a completely free antivirus solution from cybersecurity expert Sophos, designed to protect up to three Windows or Mac computers against malware, ransomware, and web threats. It offers real-time scanning, automatic threat removal, web filtering, and exploit prevention, all managed through an intuitive online dashboard. This makes it a straightforward choice for basic home protection without any cost or ads.

TotalAV Antivirus is a budget-friendly security suite that delivers real-time malware scanning, ransomware protection, and phishing defense through its intelligent scan engine. It bundles extras like a VPN, password manager, ad blocker, and system tune-up tools for comprehensive PC maintenance. With a sleek, intuitive dashboard, it's designed for everyday users seeking affordable all-in-one protection without complexity.