Do you really need to pay for Anti-Virus software?

Alex from DediHost · Jul 19, 2018

I personally pretty much never use any anti-virus just because for me it causes more hassle than anything. It causes some programs I use to run incorrectly or just causes more issues to arise. Luckily I have enough knowledge to take care of anything that may try to harm my computer. I mainly only recommend antivirus software to people who don't know much about computers.

fishbate · Jul 22, 2018

I haven't paid any software for subscription , i usually just go for the free one and just update it regularly. Some features of the PRO ones are more of adding more features and capability. But even without these functions most software still works fine.

Malcolmjr96 · Sep 25, 2018

I was watching a video by Linus Tech Tips and he tested various anti virus software and he made a statement saying if you know what you're clicking you don't really need one. But also stated if you are downloading or going to shady websites then use a virtual desktop.

fwh · Sep 25, 2018

I am using paid antivirus software, it is Kapersky Internet Security and I bought it for 1 year, pretty good and my PC didn't have any problems with viruses.

ForwardWeb - Branden · Sep 25, 2018

My answer is yes

A quick search will show lots of free antivirus products that claim to be able to compete with the premium options on the market. While these free options might be better than nothing (whether or not they’re better than Windows Defender Antivirus is another topic altogether…), you have to keep in mind one simple truth: there’s no such thing as a free lunch no one gives you something for nothing.

In many cases, using ‘free’ antivirus software means you’re paying with your personal data, being subjected to in-app advertisements or inadvertently installing some unwanted bundled software. After all, something has to pay for the development work, servers, company infrastructure and so on.

Cher432 · Sep 26, 2018

I think it depends on what you want to protect. If you do not have much to loose a free antivirus is fine. However, if you have highly sensitive data buying one is the way to go.

I have a few reasons for saying this. Firstly, buying an antivirus means that you have entered into a contract with a company who undertake to protect your data. A violation of their duty means you have a way to hold them accountable.

Secondly, I personally like the peace of mind that it gives me.

Lastly, you can check the track records of companies before buying their packages thus you have more confidence in what they can do for you.

Jamesfedano · Nov 4, 2018

I once asked this to a friend who at the time was studying to become a systems engineer. His response was that, honestly, Windows Defender was more than enough. Searching for my own sources through the web, I've found that the consensus among tech writers seems to be the same. Personally, I think the market is designed to produce fake needs as means to increase the proceeds of the tech industry. Ultimately, it boils down to the capabilities of these antivirus to actually decimate a real threat. As well as your personal activities online, I suppose.

ForwardWeb - Branden · Nov 7, 2018

I wont to state that windows defender does fine as a basic firewall but as fare as infection prevention detection and removal https://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/antimalware/

AlbaHost · Nov 8, 2018

Surprised noone mentioned panda antivirus free version too, used for many years works like a charm. Also from my opinion as antivirus paid or free version have the same protection for viruses or malwares, just the difference is that you wont get all of their features which paid version have like spyware, vpn, protect many devices etc.

raymondhc · Nov 8, 2018

I don't think you really need it. The newer versions of windows defender is great. I have been using my laptop for more than 5 years without any anti virus program and It's doing fine so far.

gconcha · Nov 10, 2018

I had the trial version of McAfee when I first bought my laptop. It has been expired for a couple of months now and I have been using Windows Defender on my pc. Works fine for me and I haven't had any problems.

M.m · Nov 11, 2018

You don't need to pay in any anti-virus application if you don't want to. You can download cracks in google and other website like for example, getintopc. But if you want to make 99.99% sure that your files and password on your computer is safe, go then buy anti-virus application.
If you don't want to spend money and/or time for downloading anti-virus, just be more careful on visiting website, for example, websites that aren't secure, website that don't have http:// and/or www..

Ebb · Nov 18, 2018

I've always used free antivirus and never had any problems with it.
If you working in a field where viruses might be an issue and you could be a target for it then I think you definitely should invest in one, but otherwise sensible internet usage + a few free anti-virus programs should be more than enough.

54th Hokage · Nov 30, 2018

I've never had to pay for anti-virus software well mostly cause I cant really afford it. But secondly the free antivirus software that is available works fine. Ive never had any catastrophic problems everything works fine the antivirus software checks and deletes all malware without any hustles. I dont see why I should have to pay for something that delivers what I need.

Dracindo · Dec 16, 2018

There are a couple free ones, I don't know which ones, but yeah, I don't pay for anti virus software.
My parents paid for one, and the computer it was installed on had virusses in the end, quite a lot even.
I don't see why I should pay for anti virus, when a free one secures me equally well.

Heck, I just stay away from shady websites. You don't need anti virus software if you know how to avoid virusses.

Ash · Jun 3, 2019

I've never paid for my anti-virus software and I'm pretty happy keeping it that way. I use Avast at the moment for free and it's pretty good. Never let me down (so far anyway).

AdrianG001 · Oct 7, 2019

Harry P said:
Someone think that paying for antivirus software is a waste of money when you can protect your PC with free antivirus software but some think that it's worth to pay for paid antivirus software. what about you? Do you really need to pay for Anti-Virus software? Any advantages when using paid versions?

No, not really. Windows Defender is pretty good. That’s not say, however, that you may not want alternative antivirus software. Somewhat surprisingly, Windows Defender has a pretty big system impact so if maximizing resource use is important to you

Regards,
Adrian

renardanderson · May 28, 2023

A lot of people I know have paid for Norton and McAfee and both are crappy and generally give you more viruses than they protect you from.

Terryyaki · Aug 22, 2023

Opinions about antivirus software can vary widely, and experiences with different products can differ depending on factors such as the user's behavior, the specific version of the software, and the evolving threat landscape. Norton and McAfee are two well-known antivirus software providers, but like any software, they can have both positive and negative aspects.

Do you really need to pay for Anti-Virus software?

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