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Free anti-spyware software
- Free
- Now includes antivirus software
- Quick installation
- Doesn't conflict with other popular security programs
- Doesn't remove all rootkits
- Cluttered interface
- No telephone support
Feb. 2012: A new version of this software is available. Please see our review of Ad-Aware Free Internet Security 9.5 (Free).
Lavasoft has an excellent reputation for its anti-spyware software, and reviewers say that trend continues with the latest version, Ad-Aware Free Internet Security 9.0. This free software does a very good job of detecting and removing spyware in tests. It now includes antivirus software as well, so the program protects against viruses, Trojans and other malware in addition to spyware. Reviewers say Ad-Aware Free runs unobtrusively in the background, and the installation process is quick and easy. Users also report that Ad-Aware doesn't conflict with other popular security software -- a frequent complaint for stand-alone programs. However, experts say Ad-Aware struggles when it comes to removing rootkits, which can be used by spyware or malware to escape detection. We also saw some complaints that the interface is too cluttered. Ad-Aware Free Internet Security 9.0 is still considered the best choice for free anti-spyware software, but reviewers recommend using it in connection with commercial antivirus software for the best protection against rootkits and other malware.
PCMag.com, CNET and PC World all review Ad-Aware Free. Although most reviewers focus on the software's antivirus capabilities, there are important notes about usability and system impacts. Unlike PCMag.com and CNET, PC World doesn't rate the software. Download sites like Softpedia.com and Softonic.com have decent editorial reviews, and they also host a large number of user ratings.
Our Sources
1. PCMag.com
Ad-Aware Free 9.0 earns an Editors' Choice award from PCMag.com. Neil J. Rubenking mainly focuses on the software's antivirus capabilities, but he says it performs better than any other free solution. However, it removes fewer rootkits than some competitors.
Review: Ad-Aware Free Internet Security 9.0, Neil J. Rubenking, Dec. 9, 2010
2. Download.com
Seth Rosenblatt gives Ad-Aware Free 9.0 a 4-star rating. Rosenblatt says Ad-Aware has a good reputation for its anti-spyware software but he thinks it lacks some important features, including a gaming mode, advanced rootkit removal and a scan progress toolbar.
Review: Ad-Aware Free Internet Security 9.0, Seth Rosenblatt, Dec. 6, 2010
3. PC World
PC World doesn't rate Ad-Aware Free, but Preston Gralla gives it a positive review. "It's simple to use, does an excellent job of detecting and killing spyware, and stays out of your way as much as possible," says Gralla.
Review: Ad-Aware Free, Preston Gralla
4. Softonic
Softonic.com gives Ad-Aware Free 9.0 a high overall rating. Although she regrets that some features are only available in the paid versions, Elena Santos likes the "eye-catching interface" and low computer impact.
Review: Ad-Aware Free Internet Security 9.0, Elena Santos
Softpedia.com gives Ad-Aware Free 9.0 a 4-star rating. The software scores above 90 percent in malware-detection tests, which is good but not the best. "Its detection rate is not too shabby for a product that only recently has converted to a complete malware fighter," says Ionut Ilascu.
Review: New Free Ad-Aware Surfaces, Ionut Ilascu, Dec. 7, 2010
Donna Buenaventura says Ad-Aware Free 9.0 is easy to use and doesn't have a large impact on system performance. It also detects 96 percent of malware samples in her test.
Review: Ad-Aware 9 Review, Donna Buenaventura, Dec. 23, 2010