Free antivirus vs. paid antivirus: Which option is best for you?
Not sure whether free or paid antivirus is right for you?
If you mostly use your device for emails and web browsing, a free option might give you enough basic protection. That said, if you want extras like a password manager, a VPN, or coverage for other computers and devices, it might be worth investing in paid software.
In this guide, we'll compare the two options side by side and help you work out which one is best for you.
Key takeaways
Free antivirus protects your computer against common threats like viruses and harmful downloads. Paid antivirus adds extra tools and might cover several devices under one plan. Plans cost from around $3 a month to over $200 a year. Choose free if you use one computer for everyday tasks, and go with paid if you need the extras or want to protect the whole family.
Should you use free or paid antivirus software?
Use free antivirus if you're one person using one Windows computer for everyday things like emails and browsing. Go with paid if you want to protect several devices or you'd like tools like a VPN or password manager.
It all depends on who uses your devices and how.
Let's say you're retired and use your laptop to email the grandkids and read the news. Microsoft Defender is built into Windows and gives you enough protection. Just make sure Windows updates are switched on.
In contrast, let's say you're a family sharing one laptop, plus a couple of phones and a tablet. The kids download games without you checking. A paid plan with parental controls might make sense.
Similarly, if you do your banking on cafe Wi-Fi or use the same password for everything, paid could be the way to go. A VPN is beneficial as it encrypts the data you send over public Wi-Fi.
Free antivirus vs. paid antivirus
This table compares the differences between free and paid antivirus.
| Feature | Free antivirus | Paid antivirus | What this means for you |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0 | Around $3 a month to over $200 a year | Cheaper plans cover the basics, plus a few extras. Pricier plans add more devices and tools. |
| Virus and malware protection | Yes | Yes | You're covered for everyday threats either way. |
| Devices | Mostly one computer | Plans can cover phones and tablets too | Paid saves you using a separate app on each device. |
| Extras like a VPN, password manager, or parental controls | Few, or limited versions | Included, depending on the plan | Only pay for extras you'll use. |
| Help when something goes wrong | Online guides and forums | Phone or chat help | Handy if you're less confident with tech. |
| Upgrade pop-ups | Expect regular prompts to upgrade | Few or none | Free apps can get a bit naggy. |
What is free antivirus software?
This table compares the differences between free and paid antivirus.
Free antivirus is a program that protects your computer from viruses and other harmful software. You don't pay a cent for it, either. It scans files as you open them and blocks dodgy downloads before they can do damage.
If you use Windows 10 or 11, you already have one. Microsoft Defender is included and updates itself through Windows Update. Other popular options include Avast One Free, Bitdefender Antivirus Free, AVG AntiVirus Free, and Avira Free Security.
Pros and cons of free antivirus software
Pros
- It costs $0.
- It covers everyday threats like viruses and dodgy downloads.
Cons
- Extras are few or capped, and some brands send regular upgrade pop-ups.
- You won't get much if any one-on-one help if something goes wrong.
What is paid antivirus software?
Paid antivirus is a subscription you pay for monthly or yearly. You get the same virus scanning as the free versions, plus extra tools for your devices and accounts.
The extras are what you're paying for. Your plan can cover your laptop and your phone, for example. Some plans add a VPN for public Wi-Fi or parental controls. You can also call or chat with a human if something goes wrong.
Some of the best antivirus software in Australia includes:
- McAfee+ Premium
- Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
- Bitdefender Total Security
- Norton AntiVirus Plus
- Surfshark One
How much does antivirus software cost? Plans range from around $3 a month to over $200 a year. The price goes up with each device and extra you add.
Often, advertised deals are discounted first-year prices. Always check the renewal price, and set a reminder a few weeks before your plan expires so you can decide if it's still worth it.
Pros and cons of paid antivirus software
Pros
- One plan protects your computer(s) and phone, with extras like a VPN in the same app.
- You can get phone or chat help from a person.
- Some plans include a password manager, which creates and securely stores a different password for each account.
Cons
- You pay every year, and prices can increase at renewal.
- You might pay for tools you never use.
How to choose the right antivirus software
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you have more than one or two devices to protect?
- Do you use public Wi-Fi?
- Do the kids use your devices?
- Do you reuse passwords?
- Are you confident with tech?
If you answered no to all of these, it might be best to use Microsoft Defender. If you said yes to one or two, select the cheapest plan that covers those needs.
FAQs
Is free antivirus software good enough?
For everyday light use like browsing and email, yes. Microsoft Defender and other free options cover common threats like viruses and downloads.
What is the difference between free and paid antivirus software?
Both scan for viruses and harmful software. Paid antivirus adds extras like a VPN or password manager. Plans can also cover your phone and tablet, and you get phone or chat help if something goes wrong.
Is paid antivirus worth it?
It's worth it if you'll use the extras. A family protecting several phones and laptops gets good value from one plan. If you only browse and email on one computer, free will likely do the job.
Do I need paid antivirus if I have Microsoft Defender?
You don't need it for basic protection. Defender comes free with Windows 10 and 11 and runs in the background. Paid antivirus makes sense if you want extras Defender doesn't include, like a VPN.
Do I need antivirus if I have a Mac computer?
For everyday use, not necessarily. Macs have built-in protection called XProtect.
Book Your Virus or Malware Removal Today
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Paul Zdzitowiecki is an IT specialist and contributor at Jim’s IT, with extensive experience in computer repairs, managed IT services, and business technology solutions across Australia. Paul regularly writes about computer repairs, Wifi and internet optimisation, cybersecurity, and business IT support, delivering practical, easy-to-understand advice that helps readers solve real-world tech problems.