So what to do? Settle for Microsoft Defender or install an antivirus?
The answer depends on your security needs. Microsoft Defender remains a simple and effective solution for basic protection. But if you frequently browse sensitive sites, receive a lot of e-mail or use online banking services, installing an antivirus becomes relevant.
Free antiviruses such as Avast or Bitdefender Free offer advanced protection against malware and phishing. Sometimes they add interesting features like protection against malicious extensions or intrusive ad blockers. However, their features are limited and some sophisticated threats or features such as parental control or VPN are only available in paid version.
Paid solutions go even further. They include specific protections for banking transactions, personal data monitoring tools and even options to protect multiple devices with a single subscription. These features are ideal for families or those who want more security.
To help you make the right choice, we’ve written a comprehensive comparison of the best free antiviruses and the best paid antiviruses. You will find the strengths and weaknesses of each solution, tailored for different uses and budgets.