Many users look for free antivirus software. Unfortunately, this niche of products is dominated by products which do things that are not in the interest of their users. For example, some try to change your browser's homepage to a page that is monetized by your antivirus provider. Others, bundle crapware or dodgy tools that compromise your privacy. However, there are a few antivirus products that do not do that and one of them is the best free antivirus product for Windows:

Digital Citizen 2018: The Best Free Antivirus product award goes to Kaspersky

Unlike commercial antivirus products, free ones do not compete that much in offering the best protection to their users. They fight mostly in marketing and making sure they are well known and installed by as many people as possible. The more people install a free antivirus product, the more money its maker generates, through all kinds of means, including dodgy ones that put their users' privacy or security at risk. Fortunately for users, there are a few companies that stay away from shady practices and develop excellent free antivirus products.

In this year's testing, only one free antivirus product received our maximum rating of 5 out of 5. The "Best Free Antivirus 2018" award goes to Kaspersky Free Antivirus.

Why Kaspersky Free Antivirus is the Best Free Antivirus product of 2018

Until 2017, Kaspersky did not offer a free antivirus. However, when they did launch Kaspersky Free Antivirus, they did in style. Their free antivirus has none of the shady practices that others resort to. It does not install crapware you do not need, it does not change your web browser's homepage and settings, and so on. Also, it has the following characteristics which are rare in the world of free antivirus software:

• Kaspersky has an excellent antivirus engine that can protect you efficiently against malware
• It does an outstanding job at protecting you from online threats, including phishing attempts
• It has a negligible effect on your computer's performance and boot time
• The user interface is clean, easy to use and understand
• It bundles a VPN tool that can protect you when connected to public WiFi networks that you do not trust

If you cannot afford a commercial security product, Kaspersky Free Antivirus is the best choice you can make for your Windows computers and devices.

What do you think about Kaspersky Free Antivirus?

We congratulate Kaspersky for releasing an excellent free product, and for this award. Before you close this article, we would also like to know your opinion about Kaspersky products. Have you used them? What was your experience? Do you think Kaspersky Free Antivirus deserves our award?