Windscribe
Windscribe gives free users a monthly data allowance once they confirm an email address. App platforms, free versus Pro and how to set it up.
Freemium
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- Android
- iOS
Security and Antivirus
Free antivirus, malware scanners, password managers, encryption tools and VPNs, each linked to the vendor’s official download page.
14 items
Software
Proton VPN
Proton VPN has a free plan with no data cap, no ads and a no-logs policy. Which devices it supports, what the free plan leaves out and how to install it.
Freemium
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- Android
- iOS
simplewall
Decide which Windows programs may go online. simplewall is a small open-source tool built on the Windows Filtering Platform. Install and first rules.
Open source
- Windows
ESET Online Scanner
ESET Online Scanner checks a Windows PC for malware once, alongside the antivirus you already use. Where to download it, how a scan works and what it skips.
Free
- Windows
Microsoft Safety Scanner
Suspect an infection? Microsoft Safety Scanner runs a one-off malware scan on Windows without installing anything. How to run it and why it expires.
Free
- Windows
ClamWin Free Antivirus
Prefer open-source tools? ClamWin brings the ClamAV engine to Windows with scheduled scans and Explorer integration. Know its limits before you install.
Open source
- Windows
Avira Free Security
Avira Free Security bundles a virus scanner, software updater, password manager and a small monthly VPN allowance. Install steps for Windows and Mac.
Freemium
- Windows
- macOS
- Android
- iOS
Bitdefender Antivirus Free
A quiet, Windows-only antivirus with no pop-ups and no credit card needed. What Bitdefender Antivirus Free includes and what it leaves to the paid plan.
Freemium
- Windows
AVG AntiVirus Free
Want basic real-time malware protection without a subscription? AVG AntiVirus Free checks files, links and email on Windows. Requirements and setup.
Freemium
- Windows
- macOS
- Android
- iOS
Avast Free Antivirus
Avast Free Antivirus adds real-time file, web and email shields to a Windows PC at no cost. System requirements, setup steps and the limits of the free tier.
Freemium
- Windows
- macOS
- Android
- iOS
Bitwarden
An open-source password manager whose free plan has no password or device limit. Which Bitwarden app to install first and how the master password works.
Freemium
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- Android
- iOS
- Web
KeePassXC
Download KeePassXC, the free, open-source password manager that keeps an encrypted database on your own device. Requirements and official download link.
Open source
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux