Our verdict: Panda Dome Free gives you real-time cloud-based antivirus, USB protection and a rescue tool at no cost. The free edition is basic and the app regularly points you to the paid Panda Dome plans, so expect upgrade offers.
About Panda Dome Free
Panda Dome Free is the free Windows antivirus from Panda Security, a Spanish company that is now a brand of WatchGuard Technologies. Most of the analysis is done in Panda's cloud, so the local program stays small and does not need large signature downloads.
The free edition scans files in real time, can run scheduled or on-demand scans, scans USB drives on insertion and blocks autorun malware from them. It also includes a Multimedia/Game mode, the Panda Rescue Kit for building a bootable cleanup USB drive and a free VPN limited to 150 MB per day. Firewall, Wi-Fi protection, safe browsing, parental control and the password manager are in the paid Panda Dome editions.
What it does well
- Real-time antivirus. Cloud-based scanning of files and processes, with scheduled and on-demand scans.
- USB protection. Scans USB drives when they are plugged in and blocks malware autorun.
- Panda Rescue Kit. Creates a bootable USB drive to clean a PC that will not start.
- Multimedia/Game mode. Holds back notifications while you play or watch videos.
- Free VPN. Encrypted traffic up to 150 MB per day.
Who it is for
Good fit
Home users who want a light cloud-based antivirus with a rescue USB tool for a single Windows PC.
Look elsewhere
People who dislike upgrade offers, and anyone who needs a firewall or web protection without paying.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Real-time protection at no cost
- Small cloud-based client
- USB scanning and autorun blocking
- Rescue Kit for unbootable PCs
Cons
- Regular offers to upgrade to paid Panda Dome plans
- No firewall or web protection in the free edition
- Free VPN is capped at 150 MB per day
How to install Panda Dome Free
The download is a small online installer. Read each setup screen and untick extra offers such as the VPN if you do not want them. After installation, run a first full scan and check the notification settings to reduce promotional messages. Use the Rescue Kit option to prepare a cleanup USB drive before you ever need it.
Questions about Panda Dome Free
Is Panda Dome Free free?
Yes. The free edition protects one Windows device at no cost. Panda Dome Essential, Advanced, Complete and Premium are paid subscriptions.
Who makes Panda antivirus?
Panda Security, founded in Spain, which is now a brand of WatchGuard Technologies.
Is there a Mac version?
No. The free antivirus is available only for Windows and, as a separate app, for Android.
