Top 5 Cost-Free Endpoint Security Solutions for 2024
- Most exceptional free endpoint security platform: Bitdefender
- Best for simple configuration: Avast
- Optimal choice for free one-time scans: ESET
- Prime complete security solution for endpoints: Malwarebytes
- Great for various complimentary security utilities: Trend Micro
Endpoint security solutions can incur high expenses, but there are options that won’t break the bank. In this compilation, I’ve listed five no-cost endpoint security platforms from reputable brands renowned for their antivirus offerings. I delve into the features, advantages, and drawbacks of each platform, shedding light on the trade-offs between their free and premium versions.
Comparison of Leading Free Endpoint Protection Solutions
When evaluating free endpoint security platforms, consider the following factors:
| Our rating (out of 5) | Initial cost | Manual scans | Scheduled scans | Continuous real-time defense | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bitdefender | 4.0 | $189.99 per annum for three team members and six devices | Yes | No | No |
| Avast | 3.7 | $139.99 per annum for 10 devices | Yes | Yes | No |
| ESET | 3.9 | $211 yearly for five devices | Yes | No | No |
| Malwarebytes | N/A | $69 per endpoint | Yes | No | No |
| Trend Micro | 3.9 | Price on request | Yes | No | No |
Bitdefender: The Premium Free Endpoint Security Platform
Our rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Bitdefender provides free endpoint safeguarding and antivirus utilities for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS — its Windows edition even comes with live customer assistance. The paid Ultimate Small Business Security package encompasses other handy tools like an unlimited VPN and password managers. For those seeking additional security functionalities, Bitdefender GravityZone schemes offer an all-inclusive set-and-forget solution tailored for small business proprietors.
Selection Rationale for Bitdefender
I opted for Bitdefender due to its plethora of free antivirus software downloads and stellar standing. I also value its multitude of transparent pricing plans aimed at catering to small business owners’ requirements, be it a mere necessity for a password manager and VPN or the aspiration for more advanced security protocols.
Pricing Details
- Ultimate Small Business Security: Commences at $189.99 annually for three team members and six devices.
- GravityZone Small BusinessProtection: Begins at $199.49 annually for 10 endpoints and three servers.
- ShieldingZone Business Security: Starts at $258.99 per year for 10 endpoints and three servers.
- BlockadeZone Business Security Premium: Starts at $570.49 per year for 10 endpoints and three servers.
Attributes
- Gratis antivirus downloads for PC, Mac, Android and iOS gadgets.
- Limitless VPN traffic for all users and devices on Premier Small Business Security blueprint.
- AI-driven Fraud Copilot assists in detecting phishing attacks and other fraudulent schemes.
Advantages and drawbacks
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
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Avast: Optimal for effortless establishment
Our evaluation: 3.7 out of 5
The antivirus downloads from Avast are completely complimentary for PC, Mac, Android and iOS gadgets, albeit a license purchase is necessary if you wish to utilize it on Linux systems. I especially appreciate that the Avast team frequently issues software updates and that the free version enables users to schedule scans in advance (a uniqueness among complimentary antivirus software). For users desiring additional safeguard capabilities, the cost-effective Avast Business schemes bundle together utilities like personal VPNs and USB protections — and you can conduct extensive trials thanks to an ample 30-day free period.
SEE: Initiating a Career in Cybersecurity (TechRepublic Premium)
One crucial aspect to be aware of regarding Avast’s no-cost software prior to downloading it: The Federal Trade Commission ruled that Avast improperly gathered users’ browsing data through the firm’s browser extensions and antivirus software, retained it indefinitely and marketed it through its subordinate Jumpshot without adequately notifying users. The FTC has currently forbidden Avast from vending, divulging or licensing any browsing information for advertising purposes. For more details, refer to the official statement on the FTC website. If this gives you cause for concern, then favor Bitdefender over Avast.
Reasons for Opting for Avast
I selected Avast due to its myriad no-cost endpoint protection choices as well as its frequent software updates. The no-cost version was highly straightforward to download on both my mobile device and laptop, and the initiation screen guided me through enabling permissions step by step. I have confidence that most small business proprietors will be able to configured this no-cost endpoint software with minimal difficulty, even if they are novices to using endpoint protection on their work gear.
Pricing
The pricing for Avast Business is subscription-oriented. A 30-day complimentary trial is provided for the Avast Ultimate Business Security plan.
- Avast Small Office Protection: $139.99 per year for 10 devices.
- Fundamental Business Security: $148.36 per year for five devices.
- Premium Business Security: $187 annually for five devices.
- Supreme Business Security: $227.08 per year for five devices.
Attributes
- No-cost antivirus downloads for PC, Mac, Android and iOS gadgets.
- Ransomware, data protection and phishing defense included in all paid Business schemes.
- USB safeguard assists in blocking unauthorized external storage devices.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
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ESET: Optimal for complimentary one-time scans
Our assessment: Rated 3.9 out of 5 stars
If your requirement is for simple one-time scans of your computers, then ESET’s perpetually free tool is a commendable choice. The tool will scan your devices for viruses, Trojans, spyware, phishing, and other threats, and eliminate them. For enhanced protection, ESET provides a variety of pricing options to select from, most of which include a 30-day trial period to test before committing.
SEE: Organisations Have Endpoint Security Tools But Are Still Falling Short on the Basics (TechRepublic)
Reasons for choosing ESET
I opted for ESET due to its capability to secure both mobile and desktop devices, encompassing Macs and Linux (though with certain limitations). The free online scanner is rapid and user-friendly, and ESET offers numerous pricing options to help you select the most suitable one for your business’ finances.
Price Overview
- ESET Protect Entry: $211 per year for five devices.
- ESET Protect Advanced: $275 per year for five devices.
- ESET Complete: $287 per year for five devices.
- ESET Protect Elite: Contact vendor for pricing.
Characteristics
- Choice between establishing a cloud-based or on-premise security console.
- Users note minimal system slowdowns while using ESET.
- Several add-ons available, like cloud app protection and multifactor authentication, enabling customization of your pricing package.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
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Malwarebytes: Top-notch comprehensive endpoint security solution
Malwarebytes provides complimentary malware scans for Macs, PCs, iOS, and Android devices, although the setup differs slightly from other software in this list. Upon downloading Malwarebytes, you automatically receive a 14-day free trial of the Premium edition. Skipping the trial is not an option. You must allow it to expire before being downgraded to the free version, which lacks real-time threat protection. To fully utilize Malwarebytes, opting for one of the paid plans is necessary, granting access to a comprehensive endpoint security platform.
SEE: The 5 Best VPNs With Free Trials in 2024 (TechRepublic)
Reasons behind selecting Malwarebytes
I went with Malwarebytes due to its holistic endpoint security solution that merges effortless deployment and a transparent pricing model. While the free version aids in identifying existing viruses, opting for a paid plan is essential for real-time protection.
Pricing Overview
- ThreatDown Core: $69 per endpoint.
- ThreatDown Advanced: $79 per endpoint.
- ThreatDown Elite: $99 per endpoint.
- ThreatDown Ultimate: $119 per endpoint.
Characteristics
- On-demand malware scans available for free.
- Premium plans provide a comprehensive endpoint defense platform.
- User-friendly interface with plentiful customization options.
Interface of the user.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Downsides |
|---|---|
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Characteristics
- Free virus inspection and malware identification checks for Macs and PCs.
- Tool for managing and creating passwords ready for download.
- Comprehensive ad blocker, password manager, and privacy-enhancing browser extension for Chrome.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Downsides |
|---|---|
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How can I choose the most suitable free platform for endpoint protection for my enterprise?
While deciding on the finest free platform for endpoint protection for your business, contemplate the number of endpoints and the kinds of devices you must safeguard. For instance, some free antivirus programs exclusively operate on desktops or Windows and Android devices. Remember that you must install it separately on each device.
Remember that nearly all free endpoint protection platforms necessitate you to manually trigger a scan — they do not scan and thwart potential threats proactively in real-time. This is because most endpoint protection platforms reserve this feature behind a paywall to encourage users to upgrade from the free version to paid packages. As a result, you cannot simply configure and forget about your free endpoint protection platform.
SEE: 5 Best Free Password Managers for 2024 (TechRepublic)
Once you are prepared to advance to a premium package, avail yourself of all the complimentary trials to thoroughly evaluate the premier features and ascertain which endpoint protection platform delivers the best blend of cost and functionality for your requirements. The majority of these services offer trial durations ranging from seven to 30 days, enabling you to extensively test the software before committing.
Approach
To select the most exceptional free endpoint protection platforms, I compiled a lineup of reliable antivirus software that provides perpetual free scanning in some form. I sampled these platforms by downloading their applications on my Mac and iPhone. In arriving at my final pick, I took into account factors like user-friendliness, speed, precision, and the range of supported devices. Furthermore, I assessed the additional security utilities offered by each platform and their pricing structures.
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