5 Best Free Internet Security Suites For Windows PC 2023

There are hundreds of free antivirus software around, but a free Internet Security Suite is a rare find.
  1. An Internet Security Suite is everything you genuinely need to secure your digital life.
  2. We extensively tested the free Internet Security Suites available in the market to come up with the best.
  3. Kaspersky Security Cloud Free topped the list, closely followed by Avira Free Security Suite. Take a look.

5 Best Free Internet Security Suites

Antivirus vs. Internet Security Suite – An antivirus software offers the basic security essential for your Windows PC. Whereas, an Internet Security Suite not only offers protection but is enhanced by a number of other useful tools that make your digital life comfortable.

How We Tested? We evaluated each free Internet Security software for ease of use, performance, and reliability on our test system running Windows 10. We then sourced the data from popular antivirus testing labs like AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives, and SE Labs to come up with the top free Internet Security software list.

OS Compatibility – Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.

Important! Most free security suites pester you to upgrade to their paid software, while some of them try getting you to install free toolbars or browser extensions. So, keep an eye out when you’re downloading and installing these antivirus applications and avoid the unwanted toolbars and extensions.

1. Kaspersky Security Cloud Free

Kaspersky Security Cloud Free

This is the first free security suite from the stables of the cyber-security giant Kaspersky Labs.

  • It uses the same award-winning antivirus engine as the company’s premium products.
  • It scored a staggering 100% in tests conducted at the AV-TEST labs.
  • Features the new patented adaptive technology that adjusts to your life, delivering the right protection.
  • Automatically blocks malicious websites, files & applications.
  • Scans emails and Instant Messages for dangerous attachments and phishing messages.
  • Full, quick, and custom scan modes. Can schedule scans to run based on your preferences.
  • It has a backup functionality for creating backups of your important files.
  • Kaspersky provides a Password Manager and Secure VPN with limited features.
  • There is a File Shredder to delete files securely and an on-screen Virtual Keyboard.
  • You get personalized security alerts about system threats and unsafe settings.
  • The program requires you to have a Kaspersky account to start using it. The features are limited in the free version.
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2. Avira Free Security Suite

Avira Free Security Suite

With more than 500 million users, Germany based Avira is a popular and reputable name in the PC security industry.

  • It is an excellent free Internet Security Suite for protection, privacy, and performance.
  • Independent testing labs rate it at the highest levels as some of its commercial counterparts.
  • Makes use of cutting-edge cloud technologies to provide real-time protection and on-demand scans.
  • Can detect and block ransomware before it encrypts your files.
  • It blocks malicious sites, dangerous downloads, and potentially unwanted programs.
  • Alerts you about outdated software and helps you patch vulnerabilities.
  • Optimizes over 200 privacy settings in just a few clicks to safeguard your privacy.
  • Features a Password Manager that creates and remembers passwords for all your online accounts.
  • It comes with a System Speedup tool to perform basic memory, privacy, and performance tweaks.
  • Simple user interface. Lots of configuration options for expert users to tinker.
  • Many components often require the pro version for full functionality.
  • Safe Shopping feature seems to have troubled some users. Download, installation, and scans take some time.
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3. 360 Total Security

360 Total Security

360 Total Security takes security to a whole new level, thanks to its various power tools.

  • It uses multiple antivirus engines, including Bitdefender and Avira. (Aren’t enabled by default. Do surely enable either Bitdefender or Avira antivirus engine from settings.)
  • Uses AI and Cloud technologies to provide real-time protection against the latest malware and ransomware variants.
  • It comes with browser protection and online shopping protection.
  • 360 Total Security prevents unauthorized access to your webcam.
  • It performs checks on the password and DNS security of your Wi-Fi router.
  • The Speedup function optimizes your system services and boot up.
  • Multiple layered protection in 360 Total Security guarantees a secure and peaceful digital experience.
  • Clean and Speed Up tools must be used with care.
  • The program raised many false alarms.
  • Turning on all antivirus engines uses a lot of system resources and RAM.
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4. Avast Free Antivirus

Avast Free Antivirus

Avast Free is one of the most popular and fully-featured antivirus suites for your Windows PC.

  • Uses cloud and machine learning technologies to fend off viruses, malware, spyware, and ransomware in real-time.
  • With hundreds of millions of users, Avast boasts of the largest threat-detection network. It achieved top-notch scores from independent testing labs.
  • Behaviour Shield keeps an eye on your installed software to make sure they don’t suddenly go rogue.
  • It ensures secure web browsing with the unique Web Shield technology.
  • Features a simple built-in password manager to handle your password woes.
  • The Wi-Fi Inspector can detect security issues in your home Wi-Fi and strangers piggybacking on your network.
  • A built-in Software Updater scans your computer and reports any out-of-date software it finds.
  • The Do Not Disturb Mode blocks distracting popups/alerts when you’re gaming or watching movies.
  • Tries to install unnecessary third-party programs, but they can be skipped during installation by choosing the “Custom Installation” option.
  • You’ll have to register once each year, but again, this is free.
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5. Comodo Free Internet Security Suite

Comodo Free Internet Security Suite

It represents an all-in-one package for those who are looking for the most effective means to protect their system against potential threats.

  • Uses prevention-based security to restrict the entry of malicious programs before they could even access the computer.
  • Cloud-based behavior analysis system detects zero-day malware quickly.
  • It features an Integrated Firewall that controls which programs are allowed to access the Internet.
  • Secure Shopping feature isolates your browser inside a secure container that cannot be hacked, tracked, or viewed by others.
  • A proprietary Auto Sandbox Technology runs unknown files in an isolated environment causing no damage to your system.
  • Game Mode suppresses operations that could interfere with a user’s gaming experience, such as alerts and more.
  • Parental controls allow you to restrict or block access to certain parts of the Internet.
  • The insistent pop-up prompts are annoying.
  • Comodo quite aggressively flags files.
  • It typically takes a while to configure this free security suite.
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Ever-Growing Threats!

With the ever-growing variety of threats out there, both in number and complexity, running a comprehensive Internet security suite on any computer is mandatory.

Do you prefer just a simple antivirus or a complete security suite? Let us know in the constructive comments below.

Author: Nik is an experienced author with 14 years in software and tech, holding an IT Engineering degree and a Data Science Master's from Liverpool University. Disclaimer: This website's content is created by humans and refined by AI for better grammar, flow, and clarity.

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