ClamAV Review: Quick Expert Summary
ClamAV is a free open-source antivirus with decent malware detection ratings, but it’s the most difficult-to-use antivirus I’ve ever tested. It operates entirely within your command line and through PowerShell applications, giving it a steep learning curve that’s not worth committing to.
There’s no UI, so you need to manually type every line in your command prompt (cmd) or PowerShell. The user guides don’t provide enough of a tutorial; only technical experts would understand what they’re looking at. It’s a jarring experience compared to any modern antivirus, from Norton to Malwarebytes to niche options like IObit.
To set ClamAV up, you need to follow multiple complicated steps and type information into PowerShell. I immediately ran into problems: the steps in the user guide simply didn’t work.
Even after entering command lines from the user guide, I experienced error after error. Sometimes, it felt like I got a few steps forward, and then I encountered another error. At first, I thought I was doing something wrong, so I sought help from one of my colleagues. They also experienced issues installing the app, setting it up, and trying to use it.
Customer support helped me as best as they could. I have nothing but respect for the volunteer workers, but they couldn’t solve my issue.
Overall, ClamAV is simply too complicated for the vast majority of users. I really like the idea of a free open-source antivirus, so it pains me to say it, but any top antivirus (and I mean “any”) will have a more beginner-friendly UI that lets you easily access and use its features. As an example, Norton comes with a stronger malware scanner that doesn’t require manually typing lines of code for every action. Instead, you can click the scan button and analyze your device in minutes.
Better and easier-to-use choices exist if you’re after a free antivirus. Bitdefender’s free scanner consistently scores a 100% malware detection rating during our tests and comes with real-time protection and an anti-phishing browser extension. TotalAV is an excellent choice for Android phones and Mac computers and also tests very well against viruses.
ClamAV is a great choice on Linux, though. If you’re using Linux, you’re likely already familiar with power shell apps, command lines, and complex procedures. In that case, ClamAV’s reasonably high detection ratings and the fact it’s free make it a solid choice. However, for regular Windows/Mac users, many antiviruses on the market are much simpler and easier to use.
