Best free security utilities from top antivirus companies

Think about free antivirus software, and what comes to mind first is probably the full-strength packages from companies like Avast and Avira. But the freebies don’t stop there.

Vendors typically offer a range of other free packages that anyone can use. Standalone on-demand antivirus scanners, rescue discs, firewalls, password managers, parental controls, system cleaners, diagnostic tools and a whole lot more.

• We’ve picked out the best antivirus software

Most of these apps can be used alongside other antivirus tools without conflict, and in many cases you don’t even need to hand over any personal information. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most interesting apps, and if you see anything that appeals, you can of course just download it and check it out for yourself.

• Also check out our list of the best VPN providers

Avast

Avast is well-known for its feature-packed Avast Free Antivirus, but the company also offers a range of free security and other apps.

Avast Passwords is a simple password manager which can collect your logins and automatically complete login forms, as well as entering credit card numbers when you’re shopping online.

Passwords is only available on Windows as a part of Avast Free Antivirus, but Android, iOS and Mac users can download and use a standalone app for free, and sync passwords between their devices. This can’t compete with the top password managers for features, but it does a decent job, and its app ratings (4.5 on Google Play and the App Store) suggest Avast is doing something right.

Avast Cleanup & Boost, Phone Cleaner, Optimizer is a one-stop system optimizer for Android. The free version clears junk files, controls resource-hungry apps, boosts battery life and can automatically identify and delete duplicate, similar, old and poor-quality photos. Well worth a look.

Avira

Avira Password Manager covers the password-handling basics, and throws in a few small extras: you can store notes as well as passwords, and the ability to add tags helps keep your logins organized.

Password Manager’s big plus is that it’s web-based. You can view and manage your passwords from a web dashboard (and even import passwords from other managers), and a combination of Android and iOS apps, and browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox and Opera, means you can use the service on almost any desktop or mobile device.

Avira Free Software Updater scans your PC for outdated software and drivers, and alerts you to any missing updates. The free version has a major catch in that it can’t automatically install the relevant updates – you must click a link to the official product page, then download each one manually – but it’s still useful to know when updates are available.

Avira’s other free tools include Browser Safety, Phantom VPN and its new Privacy Pal, and you’ll find those and other utilities on its Downloads page.

Bitdefender

Bitdefender Home Scanner is a handy Windows tool which detects all computers and smart devices connected to your network (including any intruders), scans them for vulnerabilities and suggests fixes.

The app is intended to be used alongside Bitdefender Box, the company’s smart hardware firewall, but it’s worth having all on its own.

Bitdefender TrafficLight is a Chrome, Firefox and Safari extension which uses a combination of techniques to block web dangers.

TrafficLight uses blacklists and real-time analysis to prevent access to phishing or malicious URLs, for instance. It identifies intrusive trackers, and highlights dangerous links in your search results to help you spot dubio