Free vs Paid Antivirus: What’s Worth Paying For and What You Can Skip to Save Money

Antivirus is a must when you are operating a device, whether it’s your mobile or your computer. But the reality is, not many people take antivirus solutions seriously. While two-thirds of American adults (approximately 169 million people) use antivirus software on at least one device, only 1 in 3 still browse without protection. This shows that while people use antivirus solutions, the numbers are still modest.

If you want to take cybersafety seriously, there are plenty of free & paid antivirus solutions out there. In this article, we will discuss the difference between free and paid antivirus software and what you should choose (according to your needs). Let’s get into the details.

What is an antivirus software?

An antivirus solution is a software that keeps your device safe, and it usually works on two principles:

It scans programs and files entering your device and compares them to known viruses.
It scans programs that are already on your device for any suspicious behavior.

Most modern antivirus solutions deploy both of these principles to catch threats.

Over the past 5 years, interest in antivirus software has been steady, but the term saw a surge from June 10 to July 20, 2025. People usually searched for NortonLifeLock, McAfee, AVG AntiVirus, after looking for an antivirus.

What do free antivirus apps provide?

There are plenty of free antivirus apps on the internet that you can use, like AVG, Bitdefender, and more. They offer basic protection against threats like:

Malware Detection & removal: The solution detects any malware and removes it from your device.
Malware Prevention: Monitor for potential threats and remove them.
Network monitoring: If any new devices connect to your network, you will be able to detect them and take action accordingly.
File protection: Protecting your files against third-party apps that encrypt them and demand money to return them.
Protection against phishing: Get built-in web shields to protect your sensitive personal information against scammers who use fake emails and websites to fool you.

These free solutions keep you safe against most kinds of threats, but are they enough? Free antivirus apps offer basic protection and work fine if your requirements are few. But if you want to keep your info safe and get advanced cybersafety protection, you need to get a paid antivirus.

What extra protection do paid antivirus apps provide?

Paid antivirus software has advanced features that give it an edge over the free ones. Here are some of the extra protective features paid antivirus apps provide:

Prevents remote control of your device: Many hackers can control your device remotely by creating a backdoor. A paid antivirus app will keep hackers locked out.
Protection against camera hacks: Laptops often come with webcams, and all smartphones usually have a camera. Hackers can get into your camera, stalk you 24/7, and find more ways to scam you. Paid antivirus apps can block camera hacks and any such attempt to encroach on your privacy.
New app usage safely: Not all apps are reliable, so when you are using a new app, the antivirus app lets you run the new app in a “sandbox”. This way, the rest of your device is safe and unaffected.
Shred sensitive files: Deleting your files and adding them to the recycle bin doesn’t really mean your files are gone forever. Paid antivirus solutions ensure all your personal files are permanently shredded.
Automatic updates: Old versions of apps may possess security threats, so many paid anti-virus apps update the software automatically, so you don’t face any security vulnerabilities.

These are the common features of paid antivirus apps; they protect you against a much wider array of threats. Some tools even let you customize your solutions for your device. So, while both do the job, which one should you choose?

Free vs Paid Antivirus: What to Choose?

While free antivirus solutions primarily offer anti-malware protection and a few other features, paid antivirus solutions provide advanced features such as protection against camera hacks, new-app safety, and more.

Moreover, with the free apps, you can’t be sure about their authenticity. Many free antivirus apps come from reputable brands, but there are also scammers and hackers. And with paid antivirus plans, you can protect multiple devices under a single subscription. Here’s a comparison to help you choose between free and paid antivirus.

Free antivirus	Paid antivirus
Basic safety features	Advanced features (well-suited for new users)
Unsure about the authenticity and safety of apps	Authentic and reputable apps with paid antivirus solutions can be trusted
Usually, you get single-device protection	Multiple device protection under one subscription

So, if you are tech-savvy and can fend for yourself against threats, get a basic, free antivirus app, but if you have a family (especially with children and seniors), get a paid antivirus plan that covers multiple devices. In this age, when scammers are getting smarter, you need to get all the protection you can get. And if you’re upgrading your digital security setup, you can save more on premium privacy tools by looking for promo codes on Internxt on popular savings platforms.

Popularity of Free vs Paid Antivirus

In the past year, the popularity of free antivirus apps has increased. Jun and July (2025) show the highest search volume in “free antivirus” terms, whereas July, August, and October (2025) show a slight increase in search volume of “paid antivirus.” This year, the use of free antivirus software rose to 61%, while the use of paid antivirus software dropped by 36%, reflecting a preference for free tools. Many are also sacrificing protection because they believe antivirus software doesn’t generally work. However, you must do your own research, practice safe browsing, and get an advanced antivirus solution to keep your data and device safe.

FAQs

Which antivirus is totally free?

There are many antivirus software programs like Microsoft Defender, Bitdefender, Avast, AVG, etc, you can download and use for free. Internxt also has a free antivirus software you can use. Just download it from their website and follow the prompts to set it up.

Is paying for an antivirus worth it?

Yes, paying for an antivirus is absolutely worth it if you deal with sensitive information on a daily basis. Plus, if you have kids or seniors in your family, getting an antivirus plan may prevent any security risks that may come forth due to their gullibility.

Do only paid antivirus programs work?

No, free antivirus versions of apps also work. But they usually offer basic features like scanning for malware. If you want advanced features like protection against camera hacks, then getting a paid antivirus program would be better for your security.

How much do paid antivirus apps usually cost?

Paid antivirus apps usually cost $30 to $100 per year. Basic plans cost around $15.99 to $45, whereas advanced plans may go as high as $229. Shortlist the antivirus apps you like, find their costs, and choose one that is within your budget and serves your needs.