Is softonic safe? Softonic is a popular website that offers a wide range of software downloads for various platforms. However, its safety has been a subject of debate among users and cybersecurity experts. Here are some key points to consider:
Pros:
- Wide Range of Software: Softonic offers a vast library of software, making it a convenient source for finding various applications.
- User Reviews and Ratings: The platform includes user reviews and ratings that can help you make informed decisions about the software you are downloading.
Cons:
- Adware and PUPs: In the past, Softonic has been criticized for bundling adware and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) with its downloads. This can lead to unwanted software being installed on your computer.
- Installer Issues: Softonic often uses its own installer, which can include additional software or offers that you might not want.
- Safety Concerns: There have been reports of malware being distributed through some of the software available on Softonic, although this is not always the case.
Tips for Safe Downloading:
- Use Antivirus Software: Ensure you have up-to-date antivirus software installed on your computer to scan any files you download.
- Read Reviews: Pay attention to user reviews and ratings to gauge the safety and reliability of the software.
- Choose Official Websites: Whenever possible, download software directly from the official website of the developer or trusted sources.
- Custom Installation: During the installation process, always choose the custom installation option to deselect any additional software that may be bundled with the main program.
There are countless websites on the internet that offer free software applications, and Softonic is among the largest and oldest among them. But just because a website has been around for a long time and is used by millions of people every day doesn’t guarantee that it’s also safe to use. In our Softonic review, we’re taking a closer look at this download service to provide a definitive answer to everyone who is concerned about downloading malicious software.
What Is Softonic?
Before diving straight into the Softonic review, let’s briefly talk about the basics. The Softonic download service is a website that allows its users to download millions of software applications and games free of charge. It’s used by over 100 million users every month, making it one of the largest of its kind.
The website was launched in 1997 as a file-oriented download service called Shareware Intercom. Initially, it was owned and operated by a Spanish provider of internet services and selected as one of the best places to work in Spain.
In 2015, Softonic changed leadership when industry veteran and Download.com co-founder Scott Arpajian was appointed as its CEO. Today, the download service delivers more than 4 million software applications per day and has a revenue of between $25 and $50 million.
What Does Softonic Offer?
Softonic offers a broad selection of software applications and games for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The available applications are subdivided into the following categories:
- Browsers
- Security & Privacy
- Business & Productivity
- Internet & Network
- Multimedia
- Development & IT
- Education & Reference
- Lifestyle
- Personalization
- Social & Communication
- Travel & Navigation
- Utilities & Tools
While all applications offered by Softonic can be downloaded for free, the applications themselves are not always free, depending on their license. Here are the most common license types that you may encounter on the website:
- Free: You can use these applications for free without any restrictions.
- Free (GPL – General Public License): You can not only use these applications for free, but you can also study their code, modify them, and distribute them.
- Free With Ads: Ad-supported applications can be used for free, but they will display ads.
- Trial Version: Applications of this kind can be used free of charge only for a limited amount of time.
- Demo: These are limited versions of full applications that don’t provide access to all features.
- Paid: Such software can be used only after purchasing a valid license.
In practice, this means that clicking the download button when attempting to download an open source software application like VLC results in the download of an installation file, while clicking the download button on, let’s say, the Microsoft Word page redirects you to Microsoft’s website, where you can purchase a license.
Why Do Some People Doubt Softonic?
Softonic has been offering software applications for more than two decades, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it has both fans and critics. In fact, it doesn’t take much effort to find a whole host of negative reviews that accuse the website of distributing dangerous malware.
Just take a look at these examples:
- This website is a virus farm which 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)
- 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 task manager. (Source)
- I downloaded a software here and got a virus. Contacted them on twitter, they said everything was checked by over 30 antiviruses. I Trusted them, they lied. (Source)
Reviews like these are not to be taken lightly because a single malware infection can cost you hours and hours of valuable time, not to mention your data. That’s why it’s important to investigate whether they’re based on facts or fiction.
Is Softonic Safe?
On its website, Softonic claims to be the safest software destination on the internet, offering Clean and Safe guarantee to ensure a totally safe user experience.
During our Softonic review and thorough testing, we were pleased to discover that the platform doesn’t package software installers inside custom wrappers configured to download additional software and display annoying ads. When an application wasn’t available on Softonic’s servers, the site promptly redirected us to its official download page.
Conclusion:
While Softonic can be a convenient source for software downloads, it is essential to exercise caution. Be mindful of the potential risks and take steps to protect your computer by using antivirus software and carefully reviewing the installation process. For critical software, it’s often best to download directly from the official website of the software developer.
