Windows now comes with genuinely capable built-in security. Independent testing from AV-Test gave Microsoft Defender a perfect six out of six for protection in 2026, with 100% detection in both real-world attack and widespread malware tests. That is a dramatic shift from 2015, when Defender scored just 0.5 out of six. For most users, the core job of antivirus is already handled at no extra cost.
The paid antivirus industry has therefore moved toward selling broader security subscriptions rather than simple virus scanning. Companies like Norton and Malwarebytes now bundle VPNs, password managers, parental controls, cloud backup, and anti-scam warnings. Engadget notes these extras can be genuinely useful for people who are prone to falling for online scams, but the question is whether most subscribers will actually use them. Plenty of users will pay for features they never open.
There is also a real trade-off that comes with installing a third-party suite. Windows automatically disables Microsoft Defender when another real-time antivirus is active, meaning you are replacing a strong free tool rather than adding to it. Full scans can also take a performance toll; Engadget cites Tom's Guide testing in which Malwarebytes Premium dropped Cyberpunk 2077 from 87 to 75 frames per second. A free second-opinion scanner such as Malwarebytes' ad-supported app might be worth keeping around, but the subscription itself is now harder to justify. The business case for paid antivirus increasingly rests on bundling, not protection.