Best free antivirus 2025: Keep your PC safe without spending a dime

Here is a 200-word summary of the news article: The article discusses the top free antivirus solutions for PCs in 2025. While premium antivirus suites often get the most attention, free options can provide solid protection as well. Many free versions contain the same core antivirus engines as their paid counterparts, though with fewer extra features. The article highlights four top free antivirus programs: Avast One, Bitdefender, Avira, and Microsoft's built-in Windows Security. Each offers basic malware scanning and real-time protection, with varying additional features like VPNs and password managers. Avast One is praised for its flexible tools, while Bitdefender is noted for its strong detection rates. Avira splits its focus across a wider range of utilities, and Windows Security provides effective protection out-of-the-box. The article cautions that free antivirus solutions may lack advanced features like email protection, ransomware defense, and identity monitoring found in paid suites. However, for users seeking essential malware protection without cost, these free options can suffice. The article emphasizes that while antivirus software may have some impact on system performance, other factors are often more significant in affecting PC speed.