Best Free Antivirus Software In Canada For May 2024

Contributor,  Editor

Updated: May 1, 2024, 10:42am

Aaron Broverman
editor

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Computer viruses designed to harm or gain access to your computer are more common than ever. Each type has an end goal in mind: To make money, whether through selling your personal data or demanding money through a ransomware attack. Luckily, there are plenty of antivirus software options available to protect your device, and many of them are free. In this roundup, we’ve done the research to find the best free antivirus software.

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The Best Free Antivirus of 2024


BEST FOR MULTIPLE PLATFORMS

Avira

Avira
4.7
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Free Download

Yes, for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS

Firewall

No, for a fee

Malware Protection

Yes

Avira
Learn More

On Avira's Website

Free Download

Yes, for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS

Firewall

No, for a fee

Malware Protection

Yes

Why We Picked It

Avira ranks high in independent tests for virus and malware protection, and it offers a wide range of features on top of that. Some of those include browser safety, a free virtual private network (VPN), password manager, tracker remover, scan optimization and junk remover.

You can use Avira’s free antivirus software on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices. The company doesn’t put any limits on how many devices you can protect with a single subscription, which is pretty generous.

Who should use it:
If you’re looking for a comprehensive security solution that can be used on multiple devices, Avira is a great option.

Pros & Cons
  • Can be used on multiple platforms
  • Comprehensive protection
  • Includes a free VPN
  • Must upgrade for a firewall
  • Aggressive upsells

BEST FOR MALWARE PROTECTION

Avast

Avast
4.2
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Free Download

Yes, for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS

Firewall

No, for a fee

Malware Protection

Yes

Avast
Learn More

On Avast's Website

Free Download

Yes, for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS

Firewall

No, for a fee

Malware Protection

Yes

Why We Picked It

Malware works by hiding on your computer and then either stealing your personal data or holding it ransom. Avast’s malware protection is some of the best in the business, and it offers a wide range of other features as well.

Its free antivirus software comes with a VPN, alerts when intruders access your Wi-Fi, anti-malware technology, and web and email shields. It not only blocks threats, but it also scans your computer for existing threats to eliminate them.

Who should use it:
Anyone who’s worried about ransomware attacks will appreciate the extra protection that Avast offers.

Read more:
Read our full Avast review.

Pros & Cons
  • Comes with a VPN
  • Includes hack alerts for online accounts
  • Available for Mac, iOS, Android and PC
  • Must upgrade for a firewall
  • Doesn’t include ransomware protection in its free plan

BEST FOR MICROSOFT

Microsoft Defender Antivirus

Microsoft Defender Antivirus
4.0
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Free Download

Yes, for Windows

Firewall

Yes

Malware Protection

Yes

Microsoft Defender Antivirus

Free Download

Yes, for Windows

Firewall

Yes

Malware Protection

Yes

Why We Picked It

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is what comes preinstalled on Windows PCs. While it’s not as feature-rich as some of the other options on this list, it does offer solid protection against viruses and malware.

Plus, it’s free to use and easy to set up. All you need to do is turn it on and it’ll start scanning your computer for threats. It comes with a real-time protection feature that’ll block new threats as they appear, and is one of the few options on this list with a firewall included.

Who should use it:
Any Windows user who’s looking for a free and easy-to-use option for virus and malware protection.

Pros & Cons
  • One of the few free antiviruses offering a firewall for free
  • Comes preinstalled on Windows PCs
  • Real-time protection
  • Can’t use it on Androids or Macs
  • Not as feature-rich as others on this list

BEST FOR VIRUS SCANNING

Bitdefender

Bitdefender
3.9
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Free Download

Yes, for Windows

Firewall

No, for a fee

Malware Protection

Yes

Bitdefender
Learn More

On Bitdefender's Website

Free Download

Yes, for Windows

Firewall

No, for a fee

Malware Protection

Yes

Why We Picked It

Bitdefender offers some of the best virus and malware protection, and it’s one of the few companies that is consistently ranked at the top by independent testing organizations. In addition to that, it offers a wide range of features, including a password manager, webcam protection, file encryption and more.

The company also offers a free trial of its paid software, which includes all of the features mentioned above plus real-time scanning of websites for malicious content. What’s more, it’ll scan and remove threats from your computer.

Who should use it:
Anyone who’s looking for comprehensive protection from viruses and malware.

Read more:
Read our full Bitdefender review.

Pros & Cons
  • Scans and removes threats
  • Fraud prevention
  • Behavioral app detection
  • Must pay for firewall
  • Free version only for Windows

BEST FOR SPYWARE

AVG

AVG
3.2
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Free Download

Yes, for iOS, Android, Windows and PC

Firewall

No, for a fee

Malware Protection

Yes

AVG
Learn More

On AVG's Website

Free Download

Yes, for iOS, Android, Windows and PC

Firewall

No, for a fee

Malware Protection

Yes

Why We Picked It

AVG offers excellent protection against spyware, which is a type of malware that’s designed to track your personal data and activities. In addition to that, it offers a wide range of features. It blocks viruses, unsafe links, downloads, email attachments, ransomware and malware. It’ll scan your device for performance problems and give real-time security updates.

Who should use it:
Anyone who’s worried about spyware and other types of malware.

Pros & Cons
  • Works for iOS, Android, Windows and PC
  • Updates automatically
  • Hack alerts sent to your email
  • Protects email accounts by blocking dangerous attachments and links
  • No phishing protection in its free plan

Forbes Advisor Ratings


Company Forbes Advisor Rating Free Download Firewall Malware Protection LEARN MORE
Avira Yes, for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS No, for a fee Yes View More
Avast
Yes, for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS No, for a fee Yes Learn More On Avast’s Website
Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Yes, for Windows Yes Yes View More
Bitdefender
Yes, for Windows No, for a fee Yes Learn More On Bitdefender’s Website
AVG
Yes, for iOS, Android, Windows and PC No, for a fee Yes Learn More On AVG’s Website

How to Choose the Right Free Antivirus Software

The most important feature of any antivirus is protection from a wide range of threats. These include viruses, malware, ransomware, spyware and phishing. Of course, the best free antivirus software will be available for all of your device types, so you are protected whether you are using your Windows desktop or your iPhone. Additionally, it’s also worth considering the price for premium antivirus plans in case you decide you want to further increase your security in the future. Those with affordable feature-rich plans will be your best bet to easily grow with.


Methodology

When analyzing the best free antivirus software options, Forbes Advisor  Canada considered many factors. We looked at dozens of data points, such as the various features each option offers, as well as how easy they are to use. Real user experiences were taken into account, too, to see if marketing promises match actual experiences.

After taking all of these factors into consideration, we came up with our top five picks for the best free antivirus software.


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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are free antiviruses any good?

Free antiviruses are good at protecting your devices from a wide range of threats. However, they typically don’t include some of the more advanced features that come with paid options.

Do all of my devices need antivirus software?

All devices that connect to the internet are vulnerable to viruses and other threats. That’s why it’s important to have some form of antivirus protection on all of your devices—even Apple products.

Can I get a virus from opening an email?

Yes, you can. That’s why it’s important to be careful about which emails you open and never click on any links or attachments unless you’re sure they’re safe.

Do I need an antivirus if I have a Mac?

While Macs are less likely to be affected by viruses than PCs, they’re not immune. That’s why it’s important to have some form of antivirus protection on your Mac, in addition to other security measures.

Is antivirus software enough to protect me?

While today’s leading antivirus services offer helpful features, the truth of the matter is that it’s not enough to keep you fully protected. Human error is responsible for a large number of security breaches for both private individuals and businesses. Using common sense when it comes to password usage, deciphering phishing scams and other tools are essential when it comes to keeping your information secure.

Can antivirus software stop hackers?

No, antivirus software cannot stop hackers. However, it can detect and remove any malicious software that hackers may have installed on your computer without your knowledge. In addition, antivirus software can also help to protect your computer from being hacked in the first place by identifying and blocking any suspicious activity.


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