View all Security Alternatives
Best Free Alternatives to Bitdefender Total Security
Stop paying $40/yr. Discover professional-grade tools that won't break your budget.
Category: SecurityVerified for 2025
Top Recommended Replacements
Avast One Basic
FREEBest Overall Free Suite
Why we like it
Includes a built-in firewall, VPN (5GB/week), and data breach monitoring for free; covers multiple platforms including Windows, Mac, and Mobile.
Keep in mind
The free version is ad-supported with frequent upsell notifications; limited VPN server selection.
Microsoft Defender
FREEBest System Integration
Why we like it
Seamlessly built into Windows 10/11; excellent real-time protection; zero impact on system boot times; no third-party accounts required.
Keep in mind
Lacks the advanced privacy features (like a VPN or anti-theft) found in third-party Total Security suites.
AVG AntiVirus Free
FREEBest for Phishing Protection
Why we like it
Solid real-time monitoring; includes a 'Software Updater' to patch vulnerabilities; high-rated 'Web Shield' to block malicious URLs.
Keep in mind
Identical engine to Avast (owned by the same company); can be intrusive with system speed-up 'offers'.
Avira Free Security
FREEBest for Low-End PCs
Why we like it
Extremely lightweight; cloud-based scanning reduces CPU load; includes a free (limited) password manager and system cleaner.
Keep in mind
The free VPN is highly limited (500MB/month); Mac version is less feature-rich than the Windows version.
ZoneAlarm Free Firewall + Antivirus
FREEBest Dedicated Firewall
Why we like it
The gold standard for free firewall protection; 'hides' your PC from hackers on public Wi-Fi; stops spyware from 'phoning home'.
Keep in mind
User interface feels dated; the antivirus engine is licensed from Kaspersky/Bitdefender but updated less frequently.
ClamWin
Best for Manual Scans
Why we like it
Completely open source; no background services to slow down your PC; excellent as a 'second opinion' scanner to run alongside Defender.
Keep in mind
Lacks real-time protection; you must manually scan files to find viruses; not a complete suite.
TotalAV Free Antivirus
FREEBest for Modern UI
Why we like it
Very clean, modern dashboard; includes a system tune-up tool that clears disk space; strong malware detection rates.
Keep in mind
The 'Free' version is mostly a scanner; real-time protection is often a 'trial' that reverts to manual scans after 7 days.
TinyWall
FREEBest Firewall Supplement
Why we like it
Enhances the built-in Windows Firewall; zero pop-ups; effectively blocks unauthorized internet access without being annoying.
Keep in mind
Not an antivirus; must be used in conjunction with Microsoft Defender.
Malwarebytes (Free)
FREEBest for Remediation
Why we like it
The best tool for removing 'PUPs' (Potentially Unwanted Programs) and adware that other suites miss; non-intrusive.
Keep in mind
Free version has no real-time protection; it only cleans a system after it's been infected.
GlassWire (Free Tier)
FREEBest for Network Monitoring
Why we like it
Visualizes your network traffic in beautiful graphs; alerts you when a new app connects to the internet; high transparency.
Keep in mind
Free version is 'view-only' for many advanced firewall blocking features.
Sophos Home Free
FREEBest for Remote Management
Why we like it
Allows you to manage security for up to 3 devices (including parents/children) from a single web dashboard; business-grade security.
Keep in mind
Requires a web-based account for almost all settings; limited local control.
Bitdefender Free Antivirus
FREEBest Lightweight Protection
Why we like it
Uses the same award-winning engine as Total Security; set-and-forget simplicity; very low impact on gaming performance.
Keep in mind
Limited to 1 device per account; lacks the firewall, anti-theft, and file shredder of the paid version.
Need more options?
Explore our full directory of Security software alternatives.
Browse the Security Hub