In situations where we download different types of files online or even collect stuff from people’s flash drives. Using an antivirus program is crucial because it’ll help neutralize all different types of threats. But when it comes to getting an antivirus program, that’s where the main issue is because most of them are paid for. There are a lot of free ones that can be downloaded, one of them being the popular Bitdefender antivirus.
Bitdefender Antivirus is one of the best antivirus for PCs and Laptops and it does an excellent job. You can download and use it for free; it does provide real-time protection, deep scanning, and all those important features. While it does work, the company has stopped giving free access to most users, and now it’s just premium only. Well, that’s nothing to worry about because other alternatives can be considered.
In this article on Naijaknowhow, we’ve made a list of the top Bitdefender alternatives to download for free on your Windows computer. If you’re on the quest for a free antivirus program, the ones listed below are perfect and work well. Whether you want to use one on your Windows 10 or Windows 11, there’s nothing to worry about. Each antivirus program listed below works the same way, but they have unique features that differ from each other. Some are lightweight and even work as an online antivirus scanner.
8 Bitdefender Alternatives for Windows
The free version of Bitdefender has been discontinued a long time ago and can’t be downloaded anymore. Right now, it’s either you’re buying the full program or you’re getting something different. Whichever way, the options below are worth giving a shot at. So without any further delays, let’s explore the free Bitdefender alternatives below.
1. Windows Defender
- Built-in Solution: Comes pre-installed with Windows 10 and 11.
- Features: Real-time protection, firewall, and deep scanning for malware and threats.
- Advantages: Lightweight, efficient, and no additional download required.
- Best For: Basic antivirus needs with no added cost.
When it comes to getting an antivirus program that works, you should look no further. Well, that’s because Windows Defender is your go-to solution for a robust antivirus program. Over the years, it has acted as a firewall program for Windows. Windows Defender comes built-in with Windows 10, and it provides baseline protection against malware and other threats. You’ll surely love it because it’ll save you the cost of getting a paid antivirus.
Windows Defender has evolved from a normal antivirus program into one of the best on the internet. It offers real-time protection, and it’ll protect your PC from online and offline threats without hassles. One of the reasons why you’ll like it is its lightweight nature and how fast it handles threats. When it comes to scanning, it offers a deep scan feature that lets you scan files in all sections of your storage.
2. Avast Free Antivirus
- Website: Avast Free Antivirus
- Features: Real-time protection, Wi-Fi inspector, password manager, and gaming mode.
- Advantages: Robust malware detection and enhanced network security.
- Unique Perk: Wi-Fi inspector ensures secure connections.
Next on the list is Avast Free Antivirus, and it has been doing an excellent job over the years. Known for its robust virus detection capabilities and user-friendly interface, Avast provides real-time protection against malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. Its comprehensive feature set includes a Wi-Fi inspector, password manager, and a gaming mode that ensures uninterrupted gameplay without compromising security.
The powerful antivirus engine from Avast has made it one of the best; it offers intelligent threat detection and a robust firewall. It is one of the free firewall programs you can use on your PC. Also, Avast Free Antivirus does offer a Wi-Fi inspection feature. In addition, the Wi-Fi inspector enhances network security, while the password manager protects your digital accounts. From your social media accounts, credit cards, and all, it protects them all.
3. AVG Antivirus Free
- Website: AVG Antivirus Free
- Features: Extensive malware detection, real-time updates, and PC performance optimization.
- Advantages: Lightweight with user-friendly features.
- Best For: Users looking for a balance between security and system speed.
Another alternative to Bitdefender that you can use for free is AVG Antivirus Free. When looking for a lightweight antivirus for your PC, you should consider this one. This program has been delivering reliable protection to users worldwide. The AVG Antivirus solution boasts an extensive malware detection database, real-time updates, and a user-friendly interface. Besides, it emphasizes more on performance optimization on PCs.
Furthermore, AVG’s features include robust malware detection, real-time updates, and a user-friendly interface. Its performance optimization tools enhance system speed, making it an ideal choice for users seeking a balance between security and performance. The fact that it offers all these features for free has even made it a recognized antivirus program in the Windows ecosystem. If you want something powerful but not expensive, you should try this one.
4. Kaspersky Security Cloud Free
- Website: Kaspersky Free Antivirus
- Features: Real-time protection, secure VPN, and password manager.
- Advantages: Excellent for online browsing security.
- Unique Perk: Combines antivirus with VPN for private browsing.
Kaspersky Security Cloud Free is the type of antivirus you’ll need for online protection. Maybe you’re always navigating through different websites on your web browser; you should consider this alternative for real-time protection. Moreover, it takes a personalized approach to cybersecurity, ensuring that you’re always protected online. Kaspersky Security Cloud offers real-time threat detection, a secure VPN for private browsing, and a password manager.
There’s a lot more to enjoy from Kaspersky Security Cloud, which is why it is one of the most recommended antivirus programs on the internet. While using this program, you’ll get real-time threat detection and more. Furthermore, it has a powerful scan that’ll let you find all types of threats on your PC. Whether you want to use quick scan or deep scan, it got you covered always.
5. Avira Free Security
- Website: Avira Free Security
- Features: Comprehensive virus scans, threat quarantine, and lightweight design.
- Advantages: All-in-one solution for basic threat protection without heavy resource usage.
You should also consider Avira Free Security a comprehensive solution to online and offline threats. The ability of this antivirus program goes beyond mere antivirus protection. It does have a powerful antivirus engine that’ll help keep your PC protected always. It is an all-in-one solution for those who need a simple way to stay protected. Despite having robust features, it comes as a lightweight program and doesn’t consume resources.
In Avira Free Security, you’ll get a full virus scan; it’ll scan your entire PC for threats. Also, it features protection options alongside a powerful quarantine. In addition, the quarantine will let you repair or delete unsafe files on your PC. This alternative is one of the strongest firewalls you’ll come across on any free antivirus program on Windows. Lastly, it does have a friendly interface, which makes it very easy to configure.
6. Sophos Home Free
- Website: Sophos Home Free
- Features: Advanced threat prevention, ransomware protection, and centralized management.
- Advantages: Allows management of multiple devices from one dashboard.
- Best For: Families or users needing multi-device security.
Sophos Home Free is one of the known McAfee alternatives that offer real-time malware protection. If you’re looking for an antivirus program with advanced features but in a friendly way, you should consider this one. With advanced threat prevention capabilities, this antivirus solution goes beyond traditional virus detection, offering protection against ransomware and sophisticated malware.
Besides, its intuitive dashboard allows users to manage security for multiple devices from a central location. Sophos Home Free’s features include advanced threat prevention, ransomware protection, and a centralized dashboard for managing security across multiple devices. Its enterprise-level cybersecurity brings next-gen protection to home users. When looking for an antivirus that focuses on advanced threat protection, here’s your go-to option.
7. Comodo Free Antivirus
- Website: Comodo Free Antivirus
- Features: Containment algorithm, anti-malware protection, gaming mode, and firewall.
- Advantages: Isolates threats effectively and provides smooth gaming performance.
Undoubtedly one of the best when it comes to free malware protection on Windows. Comodo Free Antivirus is another program you’ll surely want to use. If you don’t want to spend money on getting Bitdefender, then you should consider getting this one. One of the cool features is its containment algorithm, which it uses in isolating threats away from the PC. This approach combines with traditional antivirus features, making it stand out.
Comodo Free Antivirus leaves no room for threats; it does come with a lot of features. Using this program, you’ll get features like anti-malware protection, full scans, quick scans, a firewall, gaming mode, and more. Moreover, it uses its full-strength mode to detect and eliminate all unwanted threats away from your PC. In terms of the gaming mode, it’ll help you experience smooth gameplay. Whether you’re playing online multiplayer games or offline games, it got you covered.
8. ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus
- Website: ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus
- Features: Two-way firewall, anti-phishing protection, and real-time antivirus.
- Advantages: Enhanced online threat protection and user-friendly interface.
Rounding up the list, ZoneAlarm free antivirus is another ultimate solution. ZoneAlarm is known for focusing on real-time protection against online threats. It is known for its firewall capabilities; this antivirus solution goes beyond virus detection, providing a two-way firewall for enhanced security. You’ll surely get to love how ZoneAlarm works in real time.
The features of this antivirus include a two-way firewall, antivirus protection, and a user-friendly interface. Its firewall capabilities enhance security by preventing unauthorized access and dealing with potential threats. In terms of online activities, it does offer anti-phishing protection against online fraud; it eliminates threats. ZoneAlarm might not be as popular as Bitdefender, but it is one of the recommended alternatives to it.
Conclusion
The Bitdefender free version did offer something unmatched during its time; now it’s no more. On the official website, you can go for the lifetime premium version, but if you still want to stick to something free, using any of the mentioned free antivirus programs isn’t bad. Despite being free, they offer some of the best antivirus protection systems on the internet. You just have to decide the one that meets your demand for a free antivirus program.
- Recommended for Beginners: Windows Defender (pre-installed and easy to use).
- Best for Advanced Users: Kaspersky Security Cloud or Sophos Home Free.
- Gaming Optimization: Avast Free Antivirus or Comodo Free Antivirus.
