Top 10 Free Malware Removal Software Of 2026 [TOP Selective ONLY]

A Comprehensive List of The Top Malware Removal Tools With Features & Comparison. Read This Review to Select The Best Anti-Malware Software For Your Requirements:

This review covers the Features, prices, pros, and cons of the Top Malware Removal Solutions along with their Comparison.

Today, businesses across the globe are struggling to cope with cybersecurity issues. The threat of cyberattacks is very real for businesses, as statistics show an increase in data breaches over the past few years.

Malware Attacks: Impact and Overview

A 2017 study by Accenture shows that there are more than 130 cases of large-scale, targeted data breaches in the United States every year and this number is growing by 27% each year.

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The study by Accenture also found that the costliest cyberattack types were malware and web-based attacks. The average amount that companies spent on malware and web-based attacks was $2.4 million and $2 million respectively.

From the above figure, we find malware is the costliest type of cyber-attack for businesses today. In addition to costing millions of your business, malware can also take up a lot of your valuable time. We say this because the Accenture study reports that the average time taken to resolve a malicious insider’s attack is 50 days.

Considering the impact on the costs and time of malware attacks, you’d do well to think about your vulnerability to malware and how you can thwart or minimize this risk. The very first step in this regard would be getting an understanding of malware, its types, and how to get protected against it.

We have explained all this and much more in the following section, which provides the answers to the frequently asked questions about malware and malware removal.

Currently, the biggest share of the anti-malware software market is held by Avast Software and it is closely followed by Malwarebytes and Bitdefender.

Following is an infographic that shows the different Anti-Malware Software by market size.

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While the above infographic shows the most popular Anti-Malware Software based on numbers, it is not a full and final representation of the best Malware Removal tools out there.

While the different anti-malware software programs represented in the infographic have a massive number of people searching for them, it does not mean that they all are the best malware removal software available today.

While some of the anti-malware software in the infographic may make the list of the best anti-malware solutions, and others may not.

This is because they fail to meet the criteria for the best Malware Removal Tool which includes:

• All-inclusive protection i.e. protection against all types and kinds of malware.
• Little impact on the system’s performance.
• Usability
• Customer support
• Range of features/bundled tools.
• Excellent reputation
• Affordable/Cost-effective.

The above list is not exhaustive and there are several other factors to consider while choosing a malware removal tool.

List of Best Malware Removal Tools

Listed below are the top Malware Removal Software.

• Intego
• TotalAV Antivirus
• Advanced SystemCare
• Fortect
• System Mechanic Ultimate Defense
• Bitdefender Antivirus
• Malwarebytes
• Advanced System Protector
• Norton 360
• LifeLock
• McAfee
• Norton Power Eraser
• Avast Internet Security
• HitmanPro
• Emsisoft
• Trend Micro
• Comodo
• Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool
• AVG
• Vipre

Comparing Top Malware Removal Software

DEtailed Reviews:

#1) Intego

Best for Zero-day threat protection

With Intego, you get powerful anti-virus software that can detect all forms of threats. Irrespective of whether the source of infection was online or offline, you can expect Intego to scan and identify threats like ransomware, viruses, Trojans, etc. in no time.

Users of Intego are given two options to ferret out malware affecting their desktops. You can either choose to perform a targeted scan or opt for the automated alternative. Either way, Intego will identify the threat and neutralize it before it can cause any harm. The software’s constant updates also make it capable of combatting newer, more advanced versions of malware as well.

Features:

• Advanced firewall protection
• PUA Protection
• Automated Schedule scans
• Automatic updates
• Anti-phishing protection

Verdict: Intego is a software we cannot recommend enough to Windows and Mac users. While not exactly free, you can still take the full-functioning tool for a free test drive of 14 days to gauge its mettle. It is especially great for its ability to perform real-time threat protection.

Price:

Premium Plans for Mac are as follows:

• Internet Security X9 – $39.99/year
• Premium Bundle X9 – $69.99/year
• Premium Bundle + VPN – $89.99/year

Premium Plans for Windows are as follows:

• Personal Plan: $39.99/year
• Family Plan: $54.99/year
• Extended Plan: $69.99/year.

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#2) TotalAV Antivirus

Best for real-time threat detection and elimination.

TotalAV Antivirus is a powerful feature-packed tool that can easily identify malware and other types of threats. Its real-time monitoring capabilities make it suitable for eliminating malware, Trojan, and virus threats before they can do any severe harm to your system.

The tool allows you to set up scheduled scans that are triggered at your specified date and time to ensure your system is malware-free at all times. Besides this, TotalAV Antivirus is also great at cleaning browser history, junk, and duplicate files to optimize PC performance.

Features:

• PUA Protection
• Phishing Scam Protection
• Ransomware Protection
• Smart Scheduled Scans
• Zero-Day cloud scanning

Price: Free plan for basic scanning only, Pro plan: $19 for 3 devices, Internet Security: $39 for 5 devices, Total Security: $49 for 8 devices.

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#3) Advanced SystemCare

Advanced SystemCare is a tool to clean and optimize your PC. It can boost the PC’s speed by up to 200%. It will keep your personal data away from unprotected programs. You can get a 50% discount from Advanced SystemCare using the link given below.

It will proactively detect and block security holes in real-time. It provides 24*7 technical support on-demand for free. It automatically updates the latest version.

By using Advanced SystemCare Pro, you will get a PC with full potential. It will prevent the privacy breach. Advanced SystemCare has two editions, Free and Pro. Advanced System Care Pro has automatic and advanced features. Enjoy the exclusive offer of a 50% discount from Advanced SystemCare.

Features: Deep Clean registry, clears online trace, optimizes browser settings to speed up the internet, Auto RAM clean.

Cons: As per the reviews, its support response is slow.

Price:

• Advanced SystemCare: Free
• Advanced SystemCare Pro: $17.69 for 3 PCs, yearly subscription. (Available at a 50% discount & it is a limited period offer)
• It offers a 60-days money-back guarantee.

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#4) Fortect

Best for Real-time malware and virus detection.

Fortect is first and foremost a PC clean-up and optimization tool. However, one cannot deny that it is quite effective in removing malware as well. Once launched, Fortect can perform a full diagnostic scan of your PC to detect malware hidden within your system. Then, it can be removed to enhance the performance of your PC.

Besides removing malware, the software will also help you detect viruses and malware during the installation and download of an external file. Just note that the software won’t help you remove the virus. Besides this, the software can also be used for registry cleaning, junk file cleanup, and fixing PC stability issues.

Features:

• Malware Removal
• Real-time malware and virus detection
• Full diagnostic scan
• Comprehensive scan reporting
• Junk file clean-up

Price: There are 3 pricing plans. The basic plan costs $29.95 for one-time use. The premium plan at $39.95 will get you unlimited 1-year use of a single license. Then there is the extended license that costs $59.95 and offers you 3 licenses for 1-year unlimited use.

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#5) System Mechanic Ultimate Defense

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense is a platform for total performance, protection, and privacy. It has a System Shield to block malware and a Malware Killer to find & destroy existing malware. Malware Killer can find and remove malware from infected computers. It makes use of Scan Cloud-based scanning and analysis.

To block Malware it deploys reactive and proactive malware detection strategies. Reactive strategy detects viruses by making use of published malware signature detection. A sophisticated behavior-monitoring technique is used by the proactive strategy. It will help with building a general sense of the file.

Features: Optimize PC performance, Protect Online privacy, securely manage passwords, Remove malware, Block malware, Erase whole drives, & Recover deleted files.

Price:

• Coupon Deal: Get a massive 60% off on System Mechanic Ultimate Defense, just $31.98!
• Coupon Code: workfromhome (New Customers Only)
• Valid From: Now
• Valid To: October 5, 2020

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#6) Bitdefender Antivirus

An award-winning malware removal tool, Bitdefender Antivirus provides powerful antivirus and anti-malware protection for Windows.

A lightning-fast antivirus tool, Bitdefender installs in seconds and offers powerful protection packed into a light solution. This anti-malware software is best for checking up on system vulnerabilities and detecting threats in real-time.

Features: Complete anti-malware protection, Multi-layer Ransomware protection, Ransomware meditation, Network threat prevention, Parental control, Comprehensive support, etc.

Cons:

• Parental controls are available only with the paid, higher-tier version.
• Slow response of support.

Price: $60 per year

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#7) Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes – Its tagline reads as ‘Like antivirus, but smart’ and we will have to agree with this. This is because Malwarebytes offers comprehensive security that blocks both malware and hackers. Compared to the traditional antivirus, this malware removal tool offers far greater protection against external threats.

The free version of the Malwarebytes software will do just fine unless you require real-time protection. If you want real-time protection, then you will have to pay a small annual fee for the premium version.

Features: Multi-Boot check feature, Reputation scan feature, Portable, etc.

Cons:

• Limited functionality and settings.
• Only in English.

Price: Free, $11.99/per month for the Premium version.

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#8) Advanced System Protector

Advanced System Protector is an ultimate security suite that will safeguard your PC. It supports Windows OS. This spyware removal tool can protect the PC against Trojans, Spyware, Adware, etc. It provides powerful scanning & cleaning. To clean quickly, it has various scan modes.

Advanced System Protector will keep credentials safe by removing password stealers. It is an extremely light application and will not consume a lot of system resources.

Features: Powerful engine to scan and remove infections & malicious files, provides complete protection, Privacy Protection, complete browsing protection, etc.

Cons: As per reviews, sometimes the tool flags a few settings and cookies as threats.

Price:

• Free Download available.
• Available for $39.95 till March 30, 2020.
• The regular price is $69.95.
• It provides a 60-day money-back guarantee.

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#9) Norton 360

Norton 360 offers a solution to protect your devices, online privacy, and personal information. It is also called Parental Control. It can provide real-time threat protection. This solution has several features that will make the web safe for kids to browse. It will give you detailed reports on kids’ online activity.

Norton 360 is the solution with 100% virus protection and 50-100 GB cloud backup. It provides functionalities of dark web monitoring, safe scan, privacy monitoring, credit monitoring, parental control, etc.

Features: Smart Firewall, detailed reports, Secure VPN, Password Manager, Real-time threat protection, etc.

Price:

• Norton Family: $49.99 per year
• Norton 360 Deluxe: $39.99 per year for 5 devices
• Norton 360 with LifeLock Select: $9.99 per month for 5 devices.

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#10) LifeLock

LifeLock – Norton 360 with LifeLock Select will provide you with anti-spyware, antivirus, malware & ransomware protection. It offers online threat protection and a cloud backup facility. You will get smart firewall protection with this solution. It has a password manager.

Norton 360 with LifeLock Select will give you 100% virus protection. This solution provides comprehensive malware protection for 5 devices. It can protect Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Features: Malware & Ransomware Protection, Secure VPN, Parental Control, Credit Monitoring, Real-time Threat Protection to your device, LifeLock Identity Alert System, etc.

Price:

• LifeLock Standard: $7.99 per month for 1st year. (Annual billing)
• Norton 360 with LifeLock Select: $7.99 per month for 1st year. (Annual billing)
• Norton 360 with LifeLock Advantage: $14.99 per month for 1st year. (Annual billing)
• Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus: $20.00 per month for 1st year. (Annual billing)
• Free trial for 30 days.

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#11) McAfee

Best for resolve malware issues with support from certified tech experts.

With McAfee’s TechMaster, you get on-demand tech support delivered by none other than certified tech experts. These experts can be contacted via chat or phone. Once connected, they’ll work with you to solve any issue plaguing your hardware, software, or internet browsing experience. They can help you detect and remove virus and malware from your system.

They’ll even help keep your PC up-to-date and clean around the clock. The support team also helps with PC tune-up. You can schedule a PC Tune-Up with one expert to significantly boost your PC’s performance. Besides malware removal and PC optimization, the support team can also help you fix OS issues as well.

Features:

• On-demand support from tech experts
• Virus and malware removal
• PC –Tune Up
• Fix Operating System Issues

Price:

• Single Incident: $69.95
• Concierge Gold: $179.95/year
• Concierge Platinum: $209.95/year

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#12) Avast Internet Security

If you are looking for malware removal tools that provide the greatest privacy and security protection without compromising your system’s performance, then Avast Internet Security is what you need.

This Anti-Malware Software spots scam emails, Firewalls your data, helps you avoid fake websites, and prevents you from being taken hostage by Ransomware Attackers.

Features: Malware protection, Ransomware protection, Firewall, Anti-spam, Wi-Fi inspector, Intelligent antivirus, Smart scan, Sandbox, etc.

Cons:

• Limited password manager features.
• We need to purchase bonus features separately.

Price: $59.99 per year

Website: https://windscribe.com/

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#13) HitmanPro

Anti-malware software with a powerful array of security tools, HitmanPro can be used to effectively detect the different types of malware and remove the infected files. A malware removal tool that allows you to keep your PC clean and protected, HitmanPro comes with a 30-day free trial and multiple language interfaces.

Features: Ransomware protection, advanced malware removal, etc.

Cons:

• No pause/stop options for scans and deletion.
• Real-time protection is unavailable.

Price: $37.95 per year

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#14) Emsisoft

One of the best malware removal tools for urgent remediation and dealing with infected PCs, the Emsisoft anti-malware software promises to keep your computer free from malicious and unwanted software. Additionally, it can protect against Ransomware and Phishing attacks.

Features: Command-line scanner, Logs, Malware scanning, Automatic updates, Quarantine, Whitelist, etc.

Cons:

• No scan scheduler.
• Real-time protection is missing.

Price: $29.99 per year

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#15) Trend Micro

A powerful antivirus suite, Trend Micro provides a high level of protection against Ransomware attacks. Additionally, this malware removal tool uses machine learning to enhance real-time protection. There is no free version of this anti-malware tool, however, it does come with a 30-day trial period.

Features: Multi-layered ransomware protection, Parent control, Hybrid cloud security, User protection, Network defense, etc.

Cons:

• No scheduler
• No firewall

Price: $27 per PC per year.

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#16) Comodo

Boasting an exclusive line of security features, the Comodo anti-malware software provides Active Breach Protection in a single platform.

Further Reading => How to Disable Microsoft Defender on Windows 10/11

With this malware removal tool, you get Endpoint security, Network security, and Managed Detection & Response. Free to use, the Comodo anti-malware software provides anti-malware and anti-spyware protection against common threats.

Features: Scanning, Scheduler, and Disinfection.

Cons:

• No Privacy Security Tools.
• No Tech Support is available.

Price: Free Malware Removal Tool

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#17) Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool

The Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool is a solid antivirus program that comes bundled with updates for Windows.

However, it can detect and protect against a few specific types of malware only and that puts it at a disadvantage when compared to the other malware removal tools on our list. Nevertheless, it is a good anti-malware software application to install on your PC if you are looking for a free and easy to use the malware removal tool.

Features: Three types of scans, Basic Windows interface, portable, etc.

Cons:

• No Self-protection.
• No Signature Auto-update.

Price: Free

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#18) Sparta Antivirus

Sparta Antivirus is the latest technology available combating internet threats and protecting your online experience. Their previous experience led to the development of this state of the art technology with absolute performance in the privacy and protection fields.

The smart algorithm combined with AI is going to keep your passwords safe, your e-wallets and create a piece of mind for its user. While keeping the internet a safe place, Sparta Antivirus will help your machine running at its optimum speed and any stability issues.

Features:

• Detecting dangerous IP addresses and blocking them.
• Provide Malware protection
• Providing reports
• Full Privacy protection

Cons: System available only in English.

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#19) CyberGuard

Best for Fast threat detection.

CyberGuard relies on several effective techniques to accurately detect threats like malware and viruses. It does an excellent job of blocking these threats before they even have a chance of harming your device. The software can scan process behavior in runtime for suspicious activity. It can also scan file signatures in a bid to evaluate trust level.

The software performs all of its monitoring and blocking tasks at the kernel level. The software does a good job of checking or reading your files for suspicious activity. If noticed, that access is immediately blocked. The software serves as a great deterrent to remote access Trojans, Trojan downloaders, hacker intrusions, ransomware, and other types of threats.

Features:

• Behavior Scanner
• Static Scanner
• Files Access Scanner
• Kernel Level System Wide Monitoring
• Anti-Ransomware

Price: CyberGuard is available for free with limited features. The paid version will cost you 49 euros.

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#20) AVG

If you’re looking for anti-malware software with advanced protection against thieves, spyware, and viruses, then look no further than AVG. This is because AVG is an all-in-one anti-malware solution.

The AVG malware removal tool is loaded with safety features and it is designed with simplicity in mind. This makes it one of the best malware removal tools out there.

Features: Ransomware Protection, Webcam Protection, Enhanced firewall, AI-Based real-time protection, etc.

Cons:

• Slower than average initial scan.
• Poor performance in anti-phishing.

Price:

• AVG Antivirus: Free
• AVG Internet Security: $99.99 per year.

Recommended Reading => Explore the List of  FREE Anti Tracking Software

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#21) Vipre

Vipre offers antivirus software and internet security solutions for malware, spyware, and ransomware detection and removal. It can perform a real-time scan. It has cybersecurity solutions for professional and personal use.

Its cloud-based email and endpoint security provides business protection. Along with that, it provides employee training that will help with defending organizations from zero-day cyber-attacks.

Features:

• Vipre’s business solution makes use of AI technology for real-time threat tracking.
• Vipre home products have features of behavioral analysis.
• It has 25 years of experience in providing malware protection and cybersecurity.
• It can provide endpoint protection against today’s online threats.
• Vipre gives you the flexibility of choosing the optimal suite of protection capabilities as per your business requirements.

Cons:

• No such cons to mention.

Website: https://vipre.com

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FAQs About Malware and Malware Removal

Enlisted below are the most commonly asked questions on Malware and Malware Removal.

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Conclusion

All malware removal tools that we have listed above come with their fair share of pros and cons. While some of them are great for features, security, and privacy, others have the edge in pricing.

Suggested reading => How to disable Avast Antivirus

If you’re looking for all-inclusive protection, then your best options would be AVG, Malwarebytes, and Avast Internet Security. If you’re looking for a malware removal tool that has little impact on your system’s performance, then you should go for Avast Internet Security or Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool.

The best options in terms of usability would be Bitdefender antivirus and Trend Micro. If you’re looking for a malware removal tool that comes with a range of features or bundled tools, then go for HitmanPro, Avast Internet Security, or AVG. For real-time protection, the best options are Trend-Micro, Emsisoft, and HitmanPro.

Further reading =>> Cell Phone Spy Apps For Android And iPhone

Finally, if you want a malware removal tool that doesn’t put too much strain on your finances, then choose Norton Power Eraser. Indeed taking this cybersecurity measure will do you a world of good.