The website claims that it provides 100% safe apps to download. However, it is advisable to use a reliable VPN and strong antivirus software while downloading any content from the site.
Over the past few years, there have been a lot of questions regarding the safety of Softonic. It is a popular freeware website that allows you to download free games, movies, software, and other applications.
But is Softonic safe to use in 2024? If you are bothered by this question, you have come to the right place.
In this article, we will provide you with a detailed answer to your query. Plus, you will get to know the best tips and alternatives to using Softonic. So, get ready to learn about the safety and legality of the platform.
Before we get into the safety of using Softonic, let’s understand the platform first. This freeware website was launched in 1997 called Shareware Intercom.
The Barcelona-based company allows its users to download various software and applications without charging anything. It has around 100 million active users every month, which makes it one of the largest companies in this category.
The website offers a wide range of software applications for all operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. All the apps can be downloaded for free from Softonic, but it does not mean that you can use the paid apps for free.
It redirects you to the official website to purchase the license of a paid app. You can find free, free (General Public License), free with ads, trial versions, demos, and paid apps on the website.
Is Softonic a safe website? The short answer is ‘Yes’, but this case is much more complex. Most of the content is free third-party apps, free video games, and open-source software. Softonic claims that all the files, apps, and games on its platform are free of any kind of viruses and malware.
After conducting our research, we found that these claims are true. We could not find any malware or virus on the website. However, similar to any other third-party app store, Softonic is not 100% secure.
If you go to Trustpilot and Reddit, more than 75% of reviews were negative because of the user’s experience with malicious files. So, let’s take a look at some of the major risks of using this freeware website.
These risks and concerns are worth considering in this digital age. Although the officials claim the Softonic website safe, it is advisable to be cautious about using the site.
Softonic is a legal website and has been on the scene for more than two decades. It is a registered company in Spain, providing free downloading services.
However, the question is not about its legality. What surprises us is that after so many years, you can still find a lot of negative reviews accusing the site of various safety issues.
Here are some reviews questioning the credibility of the site:
- It’s a virus for real; it’s a virus for every app I download from them, it sells free (nonlicensed products); and more. Don’t trust them, If you delete this review, you are such a bot… 🙁 [Source: Trustpilot]
- Had so much trouble with Softonic before, installing stuff on my PC without permission, malware and takes forever to figure out how to get it off. Takes over your browser, and always leaves some unknown process running in the task manager.[Source: Trustpilot]
- This website is a virus farm that will completely destroy your computer and litter it with so many viruses and Trojans. You will have to either get your whole computer fixed or get a new one.[Source: Sitejabber]
The Internet is filled with these kinds of reviews, which can not be taken lightly. A single malware can hamper your time, cost, and data. That is why it is important to learn the tips to safely access the website.
Now that we have answered your query, ‘Is Softonic a safe site?’, you are now aware of the dangers of downloading apps from the site. Here are the tips to keep in mind to effectively download apps without compromising your safety:
These are the best tips to follow while downloading an app from the site. It is always a better option to exercise caution than to cry about it later. We can’t underestimate the importance of security and consulting in today’s digital age.
If you are scared of Softonic’s safety issues, you can explore many other options that are considered safe for downloading softwares. However, we will still recommend you use the safety tips provided above to access these platforms.
Here are some of the best alternatives to Softonic:
These websites are good, but if you want the best option, consider downloading apps only from the official app stores. Google Play Store, Apple’s App Store, and Microsoft Store are the safest options. If you are a gamer, Steam is also a great choice for safely downloading games.
Finally, is Softonic safe or not? Well, it is a safe choice, as long as you choose to download the popular apps only and follow the other best practices mentioned in the article.
However, we can’t underestimate the importance of user reviews. Most of them are negative and raise concerns about its credibility. So, the site contains both safe applications and those which should be avoided. It is advisable to be cautious or use any other alternative for downloading software.
The website claims that it provides 100% safe apps to download. However, it is advisable to use a reliable VPN and strong antivirus software while downloading any content from the site.
Yes, it is a legal website, providing its services since 1997. Most of the content available on the site is copyrighted and does not break any law or regulation.
It does scan files for viruses. They claim to use tools and manual checks to make sure that all the apps on the site are free from malware and security threats. However, you should also use your own antivirus to scan the files.
Yes, downloading software from the site is completely free. However, you may have to purchase a license from the official site for a paid program.
Internet Writer
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