
Some take the fight to the browser, working hard to ensure you never even browse to a malware-hosting site, or get fooled into turning over your credentials to a phishing site.

All the antivirus programs in this collection offer real-time malware protection. Your antivirus should certainly have the ability to root out existing malware, but its ongoing task is to prevent ransomware, botnets, Trojans, and other types of nasty programs from getting a foothold. And since they’re free, you lose nothing by trying several before making a final decision.

Some free products beat out all but the best commercial antivirus utilities. And since the core technology is the same, paid or free, you get high-quality protection at no cost. They make money when those customers recommend the paid version for use at work, or upgrade to a full security suite. Many security companies have built their success on widespread distribution of a free product to consumers. Surprisingly, free antivirus protection doesn’t truly fit that model. You’ve heard the phrase, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” That is to say, if you get something for free, you’re paying for it somewhere else.
