Staying safe online can come with a hefty price tag. Chances are that you are using tools like VPNs, password managers, ad blockers, private search engines, and antivirus software. Therefore, it is natural to seek out ways to cut costs. However, there is no shortage of free antivirus software. And, starting with one might seem like the obvious choice. But before you jump in, it’s worth taking a closer look. Let’s break down the key differences between free and paid antivirus solutions.
Free vs paid antivirus: What is the difference
One of the significant differences between a free antivirus and a paid antivirus is that the latter comes with intuitive features. A free antivirus, on the other hand, will lack specific safety tools needed to keep you safe online. This is because they lack resources or fail to convince users to buy the premium version. Although the specifics vary by provider, here is what you can expect from basic free antivirus software.
Features of a free antivirus software
It’s no wonder that a free antivirus solution often lacks essential safety features. Still, they are not completely useless. Let’s find out the things that a free antivirus delivers.
-
Detects and removes malware
A real antivirus will detect malware and remove it in no time. An antivirus that does not recognize viruses is a scam. However, a free antivirus comes with malware detection and removal. So, you do not have to worry about getting basic protection.
-
Prevents malware threats
A free antivirus does not relieve you from old viruses only. Rather, it gives you protection against new ones as well. Almost every antivirus app will regularly scan your devices for potential threats.
-
Secure shopping and banking
To make transactions safe, banks deploy several safety measures. But you can always add an extra layer of protection. A reliable free antivirus solution protects you from vulnerabilities when shopping online or banking.
-
Monitoring the network
A simple way hackers can target you is by accessing the Wi-Fi network you are connected to. Certain free antivirus software will alert you whenever new devices are connected to the network. Keep in mind that accessing a public Wi-Fi network can compromise your online privacy and safety.
-
File protection
One of the common types of online scams that you need to stay alert to is ransomware. Hackers use techniques to encrypt your files while asking you for money to restore access. Most free antivirus solutions prevent your files from unauthorized access.
So, these are some of the good features that you get from free antivirus software. However, nothing worthwhile in life comes free of cost. And, it applies to free antivirus software, too. Ever wondered who is paying for the services that a free antivirus app offers? Well, it is your data that is on the line. Many free software programs will collect and sell your data to get going. Privacy is the price that you are paying for these free apps.
Features of a paid antivirus software
A paid antivirus program offers everything that a free antivirus program does. But they provide other features for improved privacy and security. These days, antivirus software is more than just a malware detection and removal tool. Here are the extra features that you get with a paid antivirus software.
-
Prevents camera hacks
Most devices that you use include a camera. Hackers can easily hack into cameras and take undue advantage of them. Most paid antivirus software prevents hackers from accessing your device’s camera. Besides, a premium antivirus app is likely to be equipped with webcam protection.
-
Protection against unauthorized remote access
Remotely controlling devices is a convenience not only for the users but also for the hackers. Using a reliable paid antivirus app ensures that only you can control the devices.
-
Safely use apps you do not trust
Suppose you download an app because you want to try it. However, you get a warning that installing the app might damage your device. Still, you want to try it because it has good reviews. So, what to do now? Certain paid antivirus software allows you to run an app in something called sandbox mode. This prevents the app from hurting your device while you explore its features.
-
Deleting sensitive files permanently
Some devices may hide the deleted files despite deleting them permanently. When you use a paid antivirus software, any malicious or unwanted files are thoroughly removed. In short, they will be destroyed beyond recovery. A premium antivirus software often comes with advanced deletion and shredding features that ensure harmful files are permanently erased. As such, they won’t resurface or pose a future threat to your system.
-
Auto updates apps on your system
Outdated apps can pose serious threats and compromise security. A premium antivirus updates the apps automatically on your behalf. It ensures that your system has the latest software.
-
Customer support
Whether you are finding it hard to get started or facing errors, a paid antivirus offers technical support. The dedicated team will resolve your issues, resulting in a great user experience.
So, those were the features that you can expect from a paid antivirus software. Besides, companies offer extra features depending on the needs of users. It’s clear by now that paid antivirus software provides more features and protection.
Risks associated with free antivirus software
There are two important risks associated with a free antivirus app.
-
Lacks extra safety features
A free antivirus does not include enhanced safety features, unlike a paid version. Certain features, such as firewalls, password vaults, registry cleaners, etc., are left out intentionally on free antivirus solutions.
-
Potential malware
Some free antiviruses come from reliable companies. But scammers and hackers often target unsuspecting users by promoting fake free antivirus programs with false warnings about malware infections.
Factors to consider when choosing the right antivirus
Here is what to look for when buying a reliable antivirus.
-
Basic features
A good antivirus should have real-time protection and other basic tools.
-
Company reputation
If the company has been involved in shady incidents, stay away from it.
-
Device support
There is no use in choosing an antivirus software if it has compatibility issues on your favorite devices.
-
Additional features
This is where a paid antivirus solution dominates over a free version. You should look for extra features such as ransomware protection, deep cleaning, support for multiple devices using a single account, etc.
Conclusion: Is it worth paying for antivirus software?
If you need better protection, a paid antivirus seems an obvious choice. Therefore, choose a premium antivirus software that offers robust privacy and security. Keep in mind that certain things in life are worth spending money on. And, using a paid antivirus to protect your devices is one of them.
FAQ
-
Which is better: A paid antivirus or Windows Defender?
There is no doubt that a paid antivirus is better because it comes with additional features, optimizes your system, and has extensive malware protection.
-
Are free antiviruses enough for overall safety?
Although a free antivirus app has good features, it will always stay behind the premium ones. Moreover, companies that develop free antivirus programs do not have the right resources to address issues related to the latest cyber threats. As such, it compromises your system and exposes your data to hackers.
-
Are paid antiviruses worth your investment?
A paid antivirus software is a worthwhile investment because it offers comprehensive security features that go far beyond basic malware protection. It often includes real-time threat detection, ransomware protection, firewall management, phishing prevention, secure browsing, and even identity theft monitoring. It provides you with a well-rounded defense against a wide range of online threats.
-
Is it good to use free antiviruses?
Free antiviruses have limited safety features. On the other hand, premium antiviruses come with the latest security tools. This is the reason why it is always good to choose a paid antivirus over a free one. Furthermore, some free antiviruses are scams in disguise.
-
What is the best paid antivirus software?
When it comes to choosing the best paid antivirus software, you have several options. Some of the best ones include Surfshark, Norton, Bitdefender, and Windows Defender.
