11 Best Antivirus Without Ads for PC [Free/Free Trial]

Choose one of the best antivirus programs and never see ads again

Reading time icon 17 min. read


Readers help support Windows Report. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Tooltip Icon

Read the affiliate disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report effortlessly and without spending any money. Read more

Key notes

  • If you’re sick of getting pop-ups ads from your antivirus, you need the best antivirus without ads.
  • Besides not running any ads and pop-ups, these apps don’t affect your system’s performance.
  • We’ve included software that has multiple price plans and trial periods for you to try.
  • All of our choices will protect your data and will keep your identity private when using the internet.

There are many great antivirus tools on the market, but many antivirus applications come with ads and nagging screens.

As you know, there are both free and paid antivirus solutions, and in order to provide their services for free, many antivirus tools come with ads.

For example, certain application tools will come with a nagging screen asking you to upgrade to the Pro version for full protection.

Some antivirus applications will change your default search engine or homepage in order to show you their ads.

Lastly, certain antivirus tools will offer various third-party applications such as toolbars or other applications in order to make revenue.

BEST ANTIVIRUS WE RECOMMEND

Why do I keep getting antivirus popups?

Pop-up notifications are employed by several antivirus software in order to serve two major purposes: alert you about threats and run advertisements.

The real-time alerts force users to take action right away and are generally useful features that can prevent cyber attacks.

The promotional pop-ups are mainly used by free antivirus software in an attempt to advertise other tools by the same developer or to convince you to upgrade to their premium software.

In many instances, you will be able to stop these pop-ups directly from the setting panel of your antivirus or from the Windows setting. Otherwise, consider switching to a less perturbing antivirus utility.

Are antivirus pop-ups harmful?

Legitimate antivirus pop-ups are not harmful. If you use a good security utility that is created by reputable developers, you should not worry.

However, cyber attackers frequently use very similar pop-ups to make download malicious apps to your computer.

Malicious web pages send messages like Your computer is at major risk in an attempt to make you download threatening applications that pose as antivirus utilities or extensions/add-ons.

Unfortunately, many users fall for this trick and get major PC infections. For this reason, we advise you always double-check every pop-up you get and make sure to only download software from legitimate websites.

How to stop antivirus pop-ups on Windows 11 and 10

Although most of us hate ads, nagging screens, and promoted software, this is the only way for antivirus companies to make money, especially if they are offering their software for free.

Many freeware and shareware apps cease displaying advertisements once you register or purchase the product. However, some apps include third-party adware tools.

Legitimate adware is created by a wide range of developers, including well-known ones. It’s a legitimate and legal way of giving users a free antivirus without pop-ups.

Note icon NOTE
We must mention that adware and add-ons are not the same things. Add-ons are smaller applications that are made to run on an Internet browser. While some software developers do try to make you get their browser add-ons by including them in the installer wizard of different applications, not all add-ons are adware.

To deactivate all types of pop-ups follow these easy steps:

  1. Type in the Search Bar Internet Options and open it.Opening Internet Options from Start menu
  2. Select the Privacy tab.
  3. Check the Pop-up blocker box.
  4. Click on Settings next to Turn on the pop-up blocker.
  5. Set the Blocking level to High: Block all pop-ups.

Today we’re going to show you security tools with a free trial and free antivirus without ads that allow you to use them without being pestered by add-ons of any type.

What is the best antivirus without ads?

Employing an adware removal tool will aid in the resolution of advertising issues such as annoying pop-ups and hidden malware.

Manual removal does not ensure that you will locate all of the components blocking your daily routine and browsing experience.

  1. ESET HOME Security Essential
  2. Bitdefender Free Antivirus
  3. TotalAV
  4. Panda Free Antivirus
  5. Kaspersky Standard
  6. Intego
  7. Guard.io
  8. Emsisoft Anti-Malware
  9. Sophos Home
  10. Avira Antivirus
  11. Windows Defender

For a dependable solution, cybersecurity software such as an antivirus without ads can assist you in cleaning anything you would not locate on your own.

To avoid any unwanted or time-consuming program, choose only the antivirus with no pop-ups on Windows 10 and 11 that we listed in this article.

ESET HOME Security Essential – Best protection and overall least intrusive

One of the greatest antivirus without ads is ESET HOME Security Essential, offering antivirus and anti-spyware protection and will protect you from various threats such as viruses, rootkits, etc.

The application also has anti-phishing features that will protect you from hackers that want to steal your online credentials.

ESET also has ransomware protection as well as an exploit blocker that can detect malware that tries to evade antivirus software. There’s also a UEFI scanner feature that will protect you from hidden malware that can affect your UEFI.

It’s also worth mentioning that this tool is rather simple to use, so it’s perfect for first-time users. Of course, advanced settings are also available for any advanced users that want to customize their security settings.

ESET HOME Security Essential offers a built-in firewall and parental control if you need more security. This version also has a Home monitor feature that scans your devices for vulnerabilities.

If you frequently shop online, you’ll be pleased to know that this version offers banking and payment protection.

There’s also a webcam protection feature that will prevent malicious users from spying on you.

It’s worth mentioning that this version also has a laptop protection feature that allows you to track your laptop based on nearby Wi-Fi networks.

There’s also an anti-theft optimization that can prevent thieves from changing system settings. Lastly, there’s an activity watch feature that allows you to take screenshots and webcam pictures remotely.

Note: ESET’s default settings allow some pop-ups. To deactivate them, open the main window and press F5 to open the Advanced Setup window. Click User interface > Alerts and notifications and select Display only notifications requiring user intervention.

ESET HOME Security Essential

Enjoy the safest antivirus without worrying about ads with ESET HOME Security Essential.
Free Trial Visit Website

Bitdefender Free Antivirus – Lowest resource usage

Bitdefender is currently one of the best antivirus tools on the market without ads and is rightfully ranked so. This application offers full system protection and advanced threat defense to keep your PC safe from malware.

The free version is powered by the same antivirus engine as the commercial versions and offers real-time protection against known virus signatures. 

The free edition of Bitdefender is relatively swift and responsive, and it does not consume a lot of your system resources so you may use your computer without the anxiety of having a slow PC.

Bitdefender’s free version is exceptionally well-rated for providing great gaming and streaming experience without slowdown or scanning interruptions.

You can activate the Virus Shield and Auto Scan capabilities, sign in to an optional My Bitdefender account, and browse the Logs, which also managed Events and Quarantine lists.

The disadvantage is that it lacks customizability, choices, and additional features. Its security is adequate, and the application can scan a hard disk at record speed. It’s more of an install-and-forget program that silently works in the background.

Note: Older versions of Bitdefender may lack settings options and display more ads and pop-ups. Make sure you get the up-to-date version from a reputable source.

To turn off ads and pop-ups in the current version, head to Settings > General and deactivate the Special Offers and Recommendation notifications.

Bitdefender Free Antivirus

Get Bitdefender now on your device and add an additional level of security against malware.

Total AV – Best browsing security and system maintenance

TotalAV is antivirus software that comes with a full package of features. It will not only keep your system protected but it will also be optimized for smooth running.

As an award-winning antivirus, it protects every aspect of your PC. Don’t worry about any attempts on stealing your data when you are surfing the web.

Eliminate malware, and check installs, downloads and executables for viruses every time you access them. Moreover, with multiple-device compatibility, all data is protected across platforms.

One of the main features of TotalAV, which not many antiviruses come with, it has a VPN and an ad blocker integrated with it. You will never see ads or pop-ups again and your data will be anonymous every time you enter the web.

WebShield is another amazing feature that will make internet browsing safe for you and anyone using your computer. Search results will be verified in real time so you will know what web page to trust. Also, it will block any fraudulent site before you access it.

TotalAV takes system maintenance into consideration by providing users with tune-up tools to optimize their operative systems.

Delete junk files, and duplicate files and uninstall applications down to their last roots so your system is clean every time you use it. Clean up the browser of malicious extensions and easily manage all browsing history, cached data, and cookies.

TotalAV comes as a full first defence package against any threats that want to gain access to your private data, banking details, and any other sensitive information.

Note: TotalAV comes with 3 subscription plans, if you want all the features mentioned above, you must choose the most complete subscription plan.

Total AV

Gain a smart and powerful system assistant to aid your computer and enhance it.
Check Price Visit Website

Panda Dome Antivirus – The most transparent

router antivirus

Another solid antivirus that doesn’t come with ads is Panda Dome Antivirus without ads. The basic version offers protection for both Windows and Android devices.

The application comes with real-time protection that will automatically quarantine any suspicious application in order to protect your PC.

Panda Antivirus comes with no ads, and it’s a great antivirus in general. There are several versions available, and the most basic version is free and it offers solid protection.

You also receive a free VPN with a daily limit of 150MB to browse anonymously from a single virtual location if you connect to public Wi-Fi to make payments or utilize sensitive information.

Panda’s free antivirus is one of the best free PC antiviruses we’ve tested. It only contains real-time antivirus protection for Windows PCs and uses the same antivirus engine as the premium version.

It offers a clean, simple user interface and conducts practically all functions transparently. You also don’t have to re-register it every 12–14 months as you do with another third-party antivirus because it automatically updates itself.

Note: Make sure that your Panda Antivirus is up-to-date. To turn off pop-ups, click the 3 lines at the top, select settings, and then Turn the news off.

Panda Dome Antivirus

It uses little RAM, has robust security, can secure USB drives, and is ad-free with feature-rich customization.
Free Download Visit Website

Kaspersky Standard – Strongest Firewall technology

Next, we have yet another renowned security software that proves to be very efficient in detecting and removing malware.

This antivirus is appreciated for its simple user interface. You can find everything you need directly from the main Windows.

It follows the multi-layered protection principle, implementing various ways to fight against all sorts of cyber threats such as viruses, malware, and hackers.

The Windows application implements a Two-Way Firewall. This means that you can get a more in-depth view of every device connected to your network.

It detects both incoming and outgoing network connection activity. It also has a strong anti-ransomware monitor that uses specific algorithms to detect suspicious app behaviour.

Kaspersky Internet Security also has a Do-Not-Disturb mode, which will temporarily pause any pop-ups and notifications.

This does not mean that the antivirus stops, it will keep protecting your system in real-time, but you will be able to enjoy games and movies without interruptions as long as this feature is enabled.

The application has a powerful scanner that is able to conduct full PC scans, as well as custom and quick scans.

Note that this is the paid version of the software. Kaspersky Free, whilst still being a solid security software, does, unfortunately, load ads onto your system.

Kaspersky Standard

Web security with automated updates and no advertising or tracking of user behaviour and activities.
Free trial Visit Website

Intego – Most effective adware security

Intego Antivirus is a great trustworthy tool for advanced defence against dangerous malware out there.

This user-first antivirus comes with a plethora of benefits designed to secure your Windows or Mac PC for good.

To start with, the real-time monitoring tools keep you away from risky digital threats such as DDoS or zero-day attacks.

Besides this, your device can benefit from 24/7 virus protection and recurrent alerts every time you access malicious websites or even programs.

You should also be aware of the adware defence that blocks online compromised websites with spyware tools.

To be more specific, Intego is developed to prevent diverse virus types such as malware, phishing attempts, or hacking methods to steal your web information.

It’s worth mentioning you have a quick-speed interface and intuitive security menus. Plus, it uses fewer system resources to preserve your OS performance.

Note: If you want to disable pop-up ads on this antivirus, you can deactivate the real-time protection by going to Settings > Security and looking for Real-time protection > Turn it off.

Intego

Cover adware and spyware attacks from Windows & Mac with this valuable antivirus.
Check price Visit website

Guard.io – Best for blocking browser adware and phishing attempts

Guard.io is not your usual antivirus software, but a browser extension that uses antivirus-like technologies to keep online threats at bay.

It is capable to prevent malicious software from infecting your system by blocking it as soon as it reaches your browser.

The app blocks invasive browser notifications regardless if they come from the websites you visit or from suspicious third-party extensions.

The web is the most common place where cyberattackers harvest their malicious attacks, but this app is able to detect them with high accuracy.

Guard.io excels in anti-phishing technologies, being able to detect and alert fraudulent attempts to get your private data.

These include suspicious website forms, emails, as well as sneaky browser extensions that keep track of your online activity and can potentially hack into your private accounts.

The browser extension is very quick and easy to set up. You can download it directly from its official website, or from your browser’s respective app/extension store.

Other important benefits provided by Guardio include the fact that it checks your browser for privacy violations and monitors current data breach information.

Guardio is available for Edge, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox browsers.

Note: Some users report still getting pop-ups when browsing the web. This indicates that Guardio is not properly installed or configured. Open the dashboard and make sure that Real-Time Protection is activated for Unwanted Notifications.

Guard.io

Disable annoying ads and protect your browser against phishing attacks, malware, and more!
Free trial Visit Website

Emsisoft Anti-Malware – Best new antivirus option

Emsisoft Anti-Malware

One of the new emerging antiviruses you should check out is Emsisoft Anti-malware. With a redesigned interface, significant improvements, and a great price, it definitely stands out in the top security software.

This is a reliable tool that protects the most important parts of your system.

An important aspect to note: it’s designed to run smoothly even on computers with low specs. It is highly compatible with Windows 10 running on both x32 and x64 platforms.

Through the most notorious features, we will count dual-engine scanners, 4-layer protection, cleaning, restoration features, and user-friendliness.

The Anti-Ransomware protection layer can prevent ransomware attacks by detecting their behavioral patterns. That means your files are safe and intact from these attacks that can encrypt them.

You can enjoy this anti-malware tool without ads and for a really good price now. Check out the link below and give it a go.

Emsisoft Anti-Malware

Enjoy ad-free malware and 4-layered protection with Emsisoft Anti-Malware!
Free trial Visit Website

Sophos Home – Best choice for multi-device protection

Sophos is a well-known security provider in the antivirus industry and one of the best free antiviruses without ads. If you’re seeking a good antivirus to safeguard your computer from cyber dangers, we recommend you give it a shot.

It is an excellent choice if you have a large family because it can protect up to ten devices at the same time. Another advantage of the Sophos antivirus is its low cost, including the free trial.

It also covers numerous systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

Sophos Home is enterprise-grade software that, in addition to all of the other antivirus functions, provides for a remote checkup and remote scanning.

Sophos Home Premium goes well beyond typical antivirus to provide powerful, real-time protection against the most recent malware, viruses, ransomware, malicious software, hacking attempts, and other threats.

It also offers parental online filtering, remote administration, and mobile management for up to ten devices.

Sophos Home Trial protects up to three devices and includes all Premium features until the trial period expires in 30 days.

Note: This is a premium software. The free version of this AV does display upgrade pop-ups.

Sophos Home

One of the best security tools suited for users that want an ad-free experience, and top-notch security!
Free trial Visit Website

Avira Antivirus – Best free antivirus

best antivirus without ads for PC

Avira Antivirus is hands-down one of the best free antiviruses out there. What’s even better is that it doesn’t include any ads, it is completely free and ad-free.

Besides costing you no pennies, the software packs quite a punch when it comes to cybersecurity, being equipped with strong security features for both your PC and your network.

In addition, Avira comes with a free VPN with a really good connection speed, and another free PC cleaner meant to optimize your software.

Avira Free Antivirus protects you from viruses, adware, spyware, dialers, fraudulent programming, and phishing.

One of the finest features of Avira Free Antivirus is the breadth of coverage, which includes everything from ancient modem dialers that used to eat up your phone bill to the most advanced Trojans.

While it may look strange to mention it, the layout wizard, which we categorized as a pro, is quite useful as long as you know what you’re doing.

For example, one option allows you to choose whether to start Avira Free Antivirus right away during the Windows boot process, providing you more visible security, or later all the time, offering you slightly less protection but speeding up your boot.

Note: Older versions of Avira did run ads and pop-ups. For the current version, you can set up your notifications if you head to Settings > General > Warnings. These are, however, security-related notifications.

Avira Antivirus

Completely free and lacking any ads and pop-ups, Avira will take care of your PC and privacy.
Free Download Visit Website

Windows Defender – With free inbuilt security

Windows Defender is the default antivirus in Windows PCs and one of the best free antiviruses without ads that does a great job protecting you and your PC offline and online.

Windows Defender provides powerful malware detection capabilities, including protection against ransomware.

In addition to the ability to completely prevent the execution of known and previously unknown ransomware variants, Windows Defender AV has a ransomware-specific functionality known as controlled folder access (CFA).

CFA prevents unknown and low-reputation processes from writing to disk. Because it cannot encrypt data, this basically renders any ransomware variation ineffective. 

Windows Defender has the extra benefit of being a hassle-free solution that comes pre-installed with Windows, as well as being free.

This built-in tool from Windows Security is all you need if you only want basic protection that works. However, the added protection and privacy features provided by other third-party antivirus programs can make them quite appealing in their own right.

Your computer is protected with Windows Defender, but if you want extra peace of mind, it’s probably worth trying the top-rated antivirus engines, additional anti-ransomware capabilities, and other features.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many great antivirus tools that don’t have nagging screens or ads. In most cases, free antivirus tools will offer ads or promotions in order to earn money.

On the other hand, if you want solid protection without any ads or nagging screens, you’ll have to purchase a license. You have plenty of premium options to choose from above.

Feel free to comment about your experience with these antivirus programs and give us any suggestions in the comment section below.

More about the topics: antispam, antivirus, Cybersecurity