Panda Free Antivirus

2.0 / 5 - 5 Votes

File Size: 2.05MB

Developer: Panda Security

Editors Review:

Panda Free Antivirus is one of many free antivirus programs working to distinguish itself from the herd -- and with a history stretching back to 1990, the company has a lot of experience under its belt. In recent years, its focus has shifted to enterprise security, but its home user antivirus program is worth a look.

Scores well in independent tests: In evaluating a mix of behavioral detection and virus signatures, AV-Test and AV-Comparatives indicate that Panda is very good at recognizing what is and isn't malware, to a degree that puts it in the same league as Kaspersky (Windows, Mac, Android), Norton (Windows, Android), and Avira (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS). While you can never guarantee 100 percent protection, Panda locks things down surprisingly tightly, especially for a free product.

It doesn't give you a hard sell: Free antivirus programs frequently dangle bonus features that you need to pay for to unlock, to the point of implying that your protection isn't "complete" until you do. Panda just puts a banner in the lower left corner of the main window inviting you to upgrade. (It would be nice to see both the monthly and annual subscription displayed; the annual looks like a better deal.)

Installer ignores a user preference: The installer offers "Panda Safe Web" in addition to Panda Free Antivirus; this is a browser security add-on empowered to change your browser's default search engine and default home page. If you elect to install the add-on but disable those changes, the add-on will make the changes anyway. The only way to revert them is to uninstall the add-on altogether.

It wants your email address every time you open it: You can skip the account creation step that pops up while installing Panda, but you can't stop it from continuing to ask for your email address.

Presentation could use more polish: Text in the interface is jagged, which imparts a dated feel. Icons in the main window have no labels, and only one of them has a tooltip that appears when you hover your pointer over it. The Panda logo lights up when hovered over but does nothing when clicked. The settings don't explain functions like "USB Protection" or "Process Monitor" for the less technically knowledgeable user.

Panda scores well in independent testing, but in a market as competitive as this one, the user experience could use a friendlier touch to make the software stand out.

Publisher Description:

From Panda Security: Panda Free Antivirus provides the easiest-to-use and most intuitive protection for your computer. Install it and forget about viruses, spyware, rootkits, hackers and online fraud. Real-time protection against spyware, phishing, rootkits and banker Trojans. Behavioral protection against unknown viruses. Vaccinate your USB flash drives against infections. Rescue Kit to disinfect your computer in critical situations. VPN connection for a private internet experience Chat, share photos and videos, shop online, read your favorite blogs or browse the Web with complete peace of mind. Panda Security's technologies provide an intelligent protection system based on the user community. Your computer will always be up-to- date and protected. Panda Free Antivirus is extremely light. All the work is done in the Cloud. Enjoy a new, more modern and intuitive user experience. You don't have to be an expert to use it. Panda Free Antivirus does everything for you. Install it and forget about viruses and other threats.