Best Anti-Spyware Tools for 2019
Panda Free Antivirus (Panda Dome Free)
Panda Free Antivirus is an excellent lightweight antivirus program that can prevent and remove potential security threats. It’s cloud-based so many of the features don’t even run on your computer, so it won’t slow down other processes running on your device. This also means you don’t have to manually update the program. It’s a simple program that’s easy to install and easy to use. Another perk to Panda is that it won’t bother you with tons of popup messages.
Panda Free Antivirus recently updated an improved version of its program with a new user-interface for a better experience.
AVG Free Antivirus
AVG Free Antivirus is a full anti-virus tool for both PC and Mac. The program is constantly updated so it can protect you from the most prevalent types of attacks at any time. AVG scans your system for any potential issues and then instantly quarantines any threats it identifies. This program includes an easy-to-read dashboard that will quickly explain and layout its functions and the threats it identifies. AVG Free is comparable to many paid antivirus programs, so its definitely worth checking out.
SUPERAntiSpyware
SUPERAntiSpyware is an application which detects and removes spyware, adware, trojan horses, and a number of other harmful files. SUPERAntiSpyware is made to work in conjunction with an antivirus software, not to replace it. It’s virus list and definitions are updated a few times per week and the program usually updates about once per month. In one review, the author said that a full scan took over four hours, which is much longer than most spyware scans.
SUPERAntiSpyware is easily and quickly installed and can be removed in a simple process if you decide you no longer want it.
Adaware Antivirus Free
Adaware Antivirus Free was previously known as Lavasoft. It’s a free tool that has faced some criticism in the past, but it’s latest version puts many of those claims to rest. It’s distributed with a toolbar add-on for your browser, but according to CNet, the add-on “is one of the least obnoxious things we’ve ever used among browser bundles.”
Comodo Free Anti-Malware BOClean
Comodo Free Anti-Malware BOClean detects and destroys many types of malware. BOClean runs in the background on your device and monitors your memory for any malware-related activity. Because BOClean monitors your memory activity, it can detect malware and other issues earlier than most antivirus programs. It can also remove any of the “hooks” that any malware program may inject into your system.
Spybot Search and Destroy
Spybot Search and Destroy works to fill the gap between antivirus programs and “complete protection”. It searches and destroys any spyware, adware and other unwanted programs. The free version of Search and Destroy includes anti-spyware, system immunization, startup tools and rootkit scans. Spybot makes a number of other paid products for more complete and total protection.
Free Fixer
Free Fixer is a general removal tool for getting rid of potentially unwanted software like adware, spyware, trograns, viruses and worms. It scans locations on your computer where unwanted software often tries to hide itself. Free Fixer is not like many of these tools that detect and automatically delete programs it determines to be dangerous. It will present you with a list of items it has discovered and you decide which files you want to delete and which you want to keep.
Norton Power Eraser
Norton Power Eraser is Norton’s most aggressive virus scanner. It eliminates viruses and other threats that are deeply embedded into your system or that are difficult to detect for other anti-virus and anti-spyware tools. Because Norton’s Power Eraser is so comprehensive, it may flag legitimate programs that you want as potential threats for removal. Many modern spyware and crime-ware programs are installed willingly by users who don’t notice that they are being installed or that they are security threats.
Malwarebytes Adwcleaner
Malwarebytes Adwcleaner will detect adware on your computer and remove any unwanted programs or junkware that may be hindering your computer’s processes. Adware often disguises itself as useful or necessary tools, but doesn’t often deliver the features that it promises. Adwcleaner is available for Windows operating systems.
Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit
Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit is currently in a beta version, but it’s a cutting edge tool for detecting and removing malicious rootkits. Rootkits are malicious software that lets an unauthorized user gain access to your computer and restricted areas of it software. If you unknowingly install a rootkit on your computer, you are giving complete access to your device, and this problem should be taken seriously.
Bitdefender Antivirus
Bitdefender Antivirus delivers multiple layers of protection against ransomware. It uses behavioral threat detection to prevent infections, and protects your most important documents from ransomware encryption. The free version of Bitdefender Antivirus is super fast and is loaded with bare-bones protection that are essential for any computer.
SpywareBlaster
SpywareBlaster is a tool for blocking spyware and other unwanted software from getting installed on your computer. It addresses multiple threats including ActiveX-based spyware, spying and tracking cookies and any threats from dangerous websites. It sticks to four principles that help make it a more user-friendly product:
- It must not interfere with what you do.
- It must co-exist with other software.
- It must be easy to use, powerful and effective.
- It must be free.
Avast Free Antivirus
Avast Free Antivirus scans your system for any security or performance issues and gives you directions for how to fix things instantly. In its latest version, it includes a “Do Not Disturb” mode, which will turn off notifications and popups while you’re watching a movie or playing a game on your computer. Some antivirus or anti-spyware tools just check the applications you’ve installed to see if they are flagged as viruses. Avast’s Free Antivirus scans your applications and their behavior to ensure that nothing slips through the cracks.
Free Spyware Removal Tools
There are plenty of paid antivirus and spyware removal tools and many of them work great. But our list of tools includes some options for anyone looking for a free way to get rid of spyware or viruses on your computer. These tools can prevent a lot of the same security issues as the paid options.