herdProtect

At a glance

• Editor score
  8.1 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Free cloud-based multi-engine Windows checks
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Facts checked
  21 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Scans with 68 cloud-based anti-malware engines
  • Monitors active files, processes, drivers and auto-start points
  • Quarantines removed files and supports optional multiple-detection removal

• Where it doesn't

  • Windows desktop support only
  • Threat removal is manual, with no scheduled scans
  • The beta release is not currently being distributed

Our verdict on herdProtect

herdProtect is a free Windows desktop malware scanner for solo users and small teams seeking a second opinion alongside existing antivirus software. It performs on-demand malware and adware scans through a cloud service, rather than serving as a complete antivirus replacement. The product monitors active files, processes, modules, drivers and auto-start points, then analyzes relevant data with multiple anti-malware engines.

Its standout capability is breadth of detection: cloud-based scanning uses 68 anti-malware engines, while fuzzy matching helps identify related malware variants. Users can review detections, remove selected threats and quarantine removed files. Optional multiple-detection removal adds flexibility when several engines identify related items. Encrypted communication with herdProtect servers is also part of the documented feature set. This makes the product a focused checking and cleanup utility for Windows environments rather than a broad endpoint security platform.

The main trade-off is remediation and lifecycle coverage. Removal is manual, and the documented product does not provide scheduled scans or bootable media. It also lacks documented real-time protection in the release description. The official download page describes the release as beta and says it is not currently being distributed, with a re-release planned. Choose herdProtect for free, on-demand cloud analysis and a multi-engine second opinion on Windows. Choose an alternative if you need automated remediation, scheduled scanning, boot-based cleanup or a currently distributed full antivirus product.

Your product? Our editors can test herdProtect in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

herdProtect pricing

All 1 herdProtect plans and prices →

herdProtect fact sheet

Alternatives to herdProtect

• Microsoft Defender OfflineA free Windows scanner for persistent malware, rootkits, and offline remediation.9.4
• ESET Online ScannerA straightforward free scanner for periodic Windows malware checks and removal.9.2
• KVKaspersky Virus Removal ToolA focused free scanner for deep manual disinfection, not continuous protection.9.1

See all herdProtect alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

herdProtect is listed in our Malware Removal Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/herdprotect/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/herdprotect.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update