Free Antivirus, VPN and Privacy Software
Security freeware is the most marketing-polluted corner of software: free antivirus installers that bundle browsers, VPN "free plans" that log your traffic. This page separates the genuinely useful free tools from the upsell machines, with an honest note on what each free tier really includes.
10 free apps in Security and privacy
Popular choices. Room for discovery.
How we order apps
Popularity reflects interest in this catalogue, not a review or a safety rating. We count installer transfer starts and visits to official download websites or web apps equally. We cannot confirm downloads completed on another website.
The last 30 days inform the order, with recent activity carrying more weight. Repeat actions count once per app and UTC day, using a protected network fingerprint where available, or an anonymous browser identifier. Shared networks may be undercounted. Known bots, privacy opt-outs and unusually broad activity are excluded.
Discovery gives some earlier positions to new and less-seen apps. Popularity keeps the strict interest order; A–Z lets you browse by name. Lists update hourly, show the same order to everyone, and retain an editorial fallback when data is unavailable. No paid placement is included.
KeePass
A free, open-source password manager that keeps your passwords in one encrypted file on your own computer.
ProtonVPN
A VPN service with official desktop clients, a no-cost plan, and separately priced paid plans.
OpenVPN Community
Install the OpenVPN Community client for Windows and reach any standards-based VPN with a certificate profile, a virtual adapter and the bundled GUI.
Avast Free Antivirus
A proprietary Avast One free edition that provides antivirus and online-scam protection on supported devices.
Aster Mail
Encrypted email with a free 10 GB account, one custom domain and five aliases. Open-source desktop and web clients; external email protection varies.
Malwarebytes
A malware scanner with a free version that finds and removes infections already on your PC, and paid real-time protection.
VeraCrypt
Free, open-source encryption software for protected file containers, encrypted USB drives and full-disk encryption.
ClamAV
Scan files and folders on Windows with Cisco Talos's open-source antivirus engine, updated signature databases and a command-line scanner.
Bitwarden
An open-source password manager that syncs an encrypted vault across browsers, phones and computers, with a free plan.
HOL Guard
An open-source local security layer that reviews supported AI coding-agent actions, with approval prompts, policy controls and decision history.
Freeware Antivirus: What Actually Works
On modern Windows, the built-in Microsoft Defender already covers baseline real-time protection. A third-party freeware antivirus adds value in two cases: a second opinion scanner for suspicious files, or a feature-complete suite for a non-Windows machine.
| Tool | Job | Free tier reality |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Defender | Real-time protection | Built into Windows, free |
| Malwarebytes | On-demand scanning | Free manual scans; real-time is paid |
| Avast Free Antivirus | Real-time protection | Free core; upsells extras during install |
| Bitwarden | Password manager | Full core features free forever |
| KeePass | Password manager | 100% free and offline, open source |
| ProtonVPN | VPN | Truly free unlimited tier, no logs |
| VeraCrypt | Disk encryption | Open source, free forever |
The Tools
Malwarebytes: the second opinion scanner
Malwarebytes' free tier runs manual scans that catch what real-time engines miss. It coexists with Defender and is the standard "did I just download something bad?" checker.
Bitwarden: passwords, honestly free
Bitwarden's free tier includes unlimited passwords, unlimited devices and sync. Open source and audited, it is the default recommendation for anyone moving off browser password storage.
KeePass: offline and paranoid-friendly
KeePass stores passwords in a local encrypted database with no cloud component at all. Less convenient, maximum control; plugins add sync if you want it.
ProtonVPN: a VPN with a real free tier
Most free VPNs sell your traffic. ProtonVPN's free plan is unlimited, no-logs, and financed by its paid plans, the exception that proves the rule.
VeraCrypt: encrypt disks and containers
VeraCrypt creates encrypted volumes and hidden containers. Open source and audited, it is the standard tool for whole-disk and file-level encryption.
Good to know
What is the best freeware antivirus?
For most users the built-in Windows Defender plus Malwarebytes for manual second-opinion scans beats any bundled free suite.
Is free antivirus enough?
For careful users on Windows, yes. Add an ad blocker in the browser; it blocks more real-world threats than any antivirus signature pack.
What is the best free password manager?
Bitwarden for cloud sync, KeePass for fully offline storage. Both free, both open source.
Is there a free VPN that is safe?
ProtonVPN's free tier is unlimited and no-logs. Avoid "free VPNs" that finance themselves with data collection.