In recent times, it has become essential to have an antivirus installed on our computer, especially if we use the Internet intensively and for most of our PC session. There are several proposals available for this security software, both paid and free. However, paying for an antivirus is not always necessary.
As most of you may already know, there are free and paid alternatives in the antivirus sector. In addition, Microsoft‘s own operating system offers a default security solution known as Windows Defender. This antivirus has gained the trust of millions of users worldwide, but some prefer to use third-party solutions.
While there are numerous antivirus options available from various developers for a price, we also have access to a wide range of excellent free alternatives. Many users prefer to rely on these free titles to protect their computers without having to spend any money, since they often fulfill their needs. It’s worth noting that paid software isn’t always superior to free options. Additionally, unnecessary functions offered by commercial titles can result in wasted money.
With that in mind, here are some reasons why a free antivirus may be all that is needed:
Don’t waste money, a free antivirus works for you
This implies that we can avoid spending money on a monthly or yearly basis for our antivirus license. Many security companies offer temporary licenses to keep their antivirus updated, but opting for a free antivirus can be sufficient for our PC. Here are some reasons why a free antivirus can be more than enough:
- Many paid antiviruses come with additional security features that we may not need, such as password managers, VPN services, purchase protection, and more. These extras can add to the cost of the software and may not be necessary for some users. In such cases, a free antivirus that offers basic protection without any additional features will suffice.
- As mentioned earlier, Microsoft’s built-in antivirus, Windows Defender, has improved over the years and gained the trust of many users. Therefore, some users might find it unnecessary to purchase a third-party antivirus solution when they already have a capable and reliable antivirus included with their operating system. If Windows Defender provides adequate protection and regularly receives updates, some users might choose to stick with it and avoid spending money on a paid antivirus.
- Free antivirus software is often more functional and straightforward as they come with fewer features than paid antivirus software. If you prefer a simple and functional solution, then free alternatives may be the best choice for you.
- If you have an old PC, it might struggle to run resource-intensive programs such as paid antivirus software, which can slow down the system. In this case, a free antivirus that only focuses on detecting and eliminating malicious code would be more suitable. These programs are typically less resource-intensive and won’t affect the performance of an older computer.
- When looking at analyses conducted by independent and specialized companies like AV-Comparatives, it is frequently observed that free antivirus solutions provide better protection than their paid counterparts.