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Best Malware removal tools in 2026
Malware removal software is designed to detect and delete malicious programs on devices or servers. This list is for people who want a tool that fits their budget and setup.
- 31 apps
- Research read 16 Oct 2026
- How the order is worked out
- 1
ClamAV
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+2ClamAV provides scanning tools, frequent database updates, and coverage across several operating systems and file formats.
- 2
Certo AntiSpy
by Certo AntiSpyFree plan AndroidiPhoneMac+1Choose the free AntiSpy plan for spyware detection, threat removal, and a privacy audit on a supported Android device.
- 3
BitNinja
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+4BitNinja brings file scanning, HTTP filtering, and shared IP threat information together for Linux servers. Review the stated root-level access terms and geographic restrictions before choosing it.
- 4
Comodo Internet Security
by Comodo Internet SecurityFree plan AndroidExtensioniPhone+1Comodo Internet Security pairs core protection with isolated browsing and application use. Check the listed Windows-version limits before choosing it for an older PC.
- 5
Microsoft Quick Assist
Free plan MacWebWindowsChoose Quick Assist for free, attended computer help when the person sharing the device can approve the connection and any control request.
- 6
Dr.Web LiveDisk
Free plan LinuxWindowsLiveDisk combines malware cleanup and file copying in bootable recovery media. Before using USB, check the drive space and confirm the computer can boot from a USB HDD device.
- 7
Advanced Policy Firewall
by Advanced Policy FirewallFree plan LinuxSelf-hostedAPF provides a broad set of firewall controls for Linux servers under a GPL license, with no paid editions.
- 8
ESET Mobile Security for Android
Free plan AndroidChoose ESET Mobile Security for Android if you want free antivirus and real-time scanning, or need Premium tools such as Payment Protection and Anti-Theft.
- 9
Spybot – Search & Destroy
by Spybot – Search & DestroyFree plan WindowsSpybot’s Free Edition covers spyware scanning, rootkit checks, and System Immunization for private, non-commercial use. Use caution with Startup Tools because they can make system changes.
- 10
Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
Free plan LinuxWindowsKaspersky Virus Removal Tool offers a free, portable way to scan selected areas or a whole system on demand.
- 11
Malwarebytes Premium
by Malwarebytes PremiumFree plan AndroidExtensioniPhone+2Malwarebytes Premium Security combines ongoing threat prevention with browser and scam tools.
- 12
Adlice Protect
Free plan WindowsAdlice Protect offers a free personal-use plan and two paid tiers, with added protection features in Premium and technician tools in Technician.
- 13
Dr.Web CureIt!
Free plan WindowsChoose the free Dr.Web CureIt! utility for a one-time Windows malware scan when manual downloads for current definitions are acceptable.
- 14
Malwarebytes AdwCleaner
Free plan WindowsChoose AdwCleaner if you need a free Windows cleaner focused on adware, PUPs, browser hijackers, or unwanted preinstalled software.
- 15
Panda Cloud Cleaner
Free plan WindowsChoose Panda Cloud Cleaner if you need free malware scanning and disinfection on a supported Windows PC, including a rescue USB route for a system that will not boot.
- 16
Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool
by Windows Malicious Software Removal ToolFree plan WindowsPick MSRT if you want a free Windows tool for periodic cleanup of prevalent malware, with background delivery or an on-demand standalone scan.
- 17
herdProtect
Free plan WindowsChoose herdProtect if you want a free, on-demand Windows second-opinion scanner that can quarantine threats.
- 18
MalCare
Free plan Self-hostedWebMalCare offers a free detection tier and paid plans with cleanup and more frequent scans. Check the cleanup and scan limits of each tier before choosing one.
- 19
Virusdie
Free plan APIWebVirusdie combines malware cleanup, firewall controls, and vulnerability management for websites.
- 20
SpyDllRemover
Free plan WindowsSpyDllRemover offers portable Windows scanning, threat checks, and reporting at no listed cost.
- 21
SUPERAntiSpyware
by SUPERAntiSpywareFree plan WindowsSUPERAntiSpyware offers free on-demand detection and removal, with ransomware protection specified for Professional X. The paid edition is listed at $19.99 a year for three PCs.
- 22
NoBot
Free plan WindowsNoBot lists threat detection and removal alongside performance monitoring, with plans for personal and business use.
- 23
Spy Emergency
by Spy EmergencyFree plan WindowsSpy Emergency combines broad stated threat coverage with signature and behavioral scanning. Its Windows-only, single-computer licensing should be considered before choosing it.
- 24
Windows Security
by Windows SecurityFree plan WindowsWindows Security provides built-in antivirus, firewall, account, and device-security features at no cost.
- 25
Xcitium Cleaning Essentials
Free plan WindowsCCE provides portable malware scanning, process control, startup analysis, and command-line operation at no cost.
#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price
Compare free plans, trial periods and paid prices before choosing. Review the licence if you need code access or modification, and verify support for the Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS or self-hosted environment you use.
Questions
Are malware removal tools available for free?
Free plans are listed for ClamAV, Dr.Web LiveDisk, Dr.Web CureIt!, Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool and Microsoft Quick Assist.
Which tools have a free trial?
BitNinja offers a seven-day trial, whereas ESET Mobile Security for Android offers a 30-day trial.
Do free tools have paid plans too?
Yes. BitNinja's paid plans start at $8 per month, and Adlice Protect's start at $15 per year.
Can I choose an open-source malware removal tool?
Open-source code is available from some tools in this category. Check the licence for the tool you are considering to confirm what you may read, change or share.
Which platforms are covered?
Tools in this category run on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS or as self-hosted software. Check the individual tool's platform support.