Ditch your PC’s free trial—these 3 antivirus options are way better

Using the antivirus trial that came with your PC? Or perhaps you’ve just been sitting it out with Windows Security? You may be able to do better.

Why only may do better? It all depends on your needs—factors like your household, level of tech savvy, and willingness to directly manage your protection. You could work in tech but might not have time to constantly monitor your family’s fleet of devices, for example. Or maybe you’re an individual with interest and time to stay abreast of the latest security news.

With that in mind, these three antivirus recommendations are the ones I most often suggest. They cover a broad range of situations, no matter your circumstances or budget.

Option 1: Windows Security

This may be the option you’ve already got—or perhaps you don’t know it exists. Either way, Microsoft’s built-in security can be an adequate defense against threats, if you already practice good security habits. (Not installing software from questionable sources or purposely hitting up sketchy sites, etc.)

You will, however, have to play with the settings to get the most out of the app. Ransomware protection may not automatically be on by default, for example. The same goes for blocking unwanted apps by turning on reputation-based protection in Windows Security’s App & browser control settings. If you’re on a fresh PC, I recommend also turning on Smart App Control while in the App & browser control settings, for an extra boost.

(Note: These settings can mildly interfere with select apps, but most people won’t notice.)

By the way—if your PC has a free trial for another antivirus service already installed, you’ll need to disable it (or better, uninstall it) to allow Windows Security to take over.

• Pros: Free, unobtrusive
• Cons: Bare-bones user interface with minimal explanations. Management of passwords and privacy must be done separately.

Option 2: Full-featured antivirus suite

Paid antivirus subscriptions may not be needed by everyone, but they do offer some advantages over Windows Security and other free options. Good ones have three key strengths: First, they’re more proactive about guarding users from dangers. For example, plans may include screening tools in the apps to detect scam language or links in messages. Second, they make understanding features and notifications much easier, by giving context and explanations in the interface and alerts.

Finally, they simplify management of online security by offering a more comprehensive set of services. At minimum, I like to see a password manager, VPN, and basic data breach monitoring. But more robust subscriptions will include features like parental controls, cloud storage to help back up vital files (as extra protection against ransomware), or PC utilities that scan for outdated drivers.

Currently, our top pick for best paid antivirus is Norton Deluxe 360, as this particular plan ticks these boxes. But there are plenty of other options that could be equally (or better) fits for your circumstances—our roundup of the best antivirus suites has multiple recommendations.

• Pros: Broader, centralized protection that’s easier to understand
• Cons: Such suites require a regular subscription fee

Option 3: Free antivirus

Perhaps you don’t want to pay for antivirus, but you would like higher protection, more information, or even additional features than found in Windows Security. Fortunately, you have options—and some of them are excellent.

Want some of the strongest offline and online safeguards? Bitdefender’s free version is no-frills, but its antivirus engine consistently gets high marks across the board from independent testing organizations. Or perhaps you’d like strong defense and more features? You can lean on Avast One’s no-cost plan, which also can monitor your email and browser activity.

These free plans rely on the same scanning engines as paid subscriptions, so you’re not compromising on protection. The main catch is that advanced features and services will require upgrading–and some apps will nag you periodically to consider forking over that money. But with some tweaks, you usually can make the software leave you in peace.

• Pros: Free, but with stronger security or more features than Windows Security (or both)
• Cons: Still limited feature sets. Periodic notifications about upgrading to paid plans.