Microsoft Defender isn't bad, but it's not enough to fully protect your PC. You don't have to pay extra, though—just use one of the top free antivirus apps we've tested.

In 2025, most devices feature built-in antivirus software that scans files you attempt to download, blocking anything it deems suspicious. Antivirus tools also perform automated scans to remove ...

AVG remains familiar in 2026, but performance varies. This review covers protection, system impact, and comparisons with Norton and McAfee across devices.

This is an important one. Some free antivirus software programs claim they will offer real-time monitoring when you use them. This means that as you scroll on your phone or computer, or download items ...

Antivirus has become these days a catch-all term. It doesn’t just mean blocking literal computer viruses, trojans, and other bits of malicious code meant to attack your PC. When you opt to go beyond ...

Unlike your built-in laptop antivirus protection, modern antivirus software doesn’t just protect you from dodgy downloads—it can keep the kids from looking at web pages they shouldn’t or make sure ...

ZDNET tested the best antivirus software on the market, with support for multiple operating systems, VPNs, and robust protection.

Marshall Gunnell is a Tokyo-based tech journalist and editor with over a decade of experience covering IT, cybersecurity and data storage. Alongside CNET, his work has appeared in ZDNET, Business ...

Cassie is a former deputy editor who collaborated with teams around the world while living in the beautiful hills of Kentucky. Focusing on bringing growth to small businesses, she is passionate about ...

Dianna Gunn built her first WordPress website in 2008. Since then, she's poured thousands of hours into understanding how websites and online businesses work. She's shared what she's learned on blogs ...