There are thousands of services available for free. However, they either come with limitations or some catch when it comes to their usage. A free antivirus app is similar. You do not get all the functionalities in the free edition.
If you don't have any specific requirements but want the basic protections a security suite should afford you, you may continue using a free antivirus app.
But if you want the best security for your devices, you need to invest in a paid antivirus application.
Is Free Antivirus Software Enough?
You probably already use Windows Defender or Apple's XProtect. While it's true that you get most of the essential protection from the default antivirus apps on Windows or macOS, there are better options.
Cybersecurity companies like Sophos, Malwarebytes, McAfee, Norton, and many others specialize in developing technologies that help protect your devices. And they all offer things not present in Windows Defender or XProtect.
You may think of them as non-essential third parties if you do not want to spend on antivirus protection. But they charge a fee to focus on protecting your devices, which has its perks. Essentially, you get what you pay for.
No matter whether you've got a free or premium antivirus, you still need to practice the best security measures to keep yourself safe.
Why Should You Pay for Premium Security?
Paying for a good antivirus program will be beneficial in the long run. But you might be uncertain about spending out unnecessarily.
Here are some of the reasons why you want to use premium security apps.
1. Unlock Advanced Features
Every day, security threats evolve, and antivirus companies come up with various methods to detect them.
With a free edition of an antivirus app, you get the fundamental abilities to detect and get rid of threats. But you may not get real-time protection or access to other advanced features of a modern antivirus app. And that means some malicious programs may evade detection.
But, if you equip the system with a specialized paid antivirus, the advanced features can help detect unknown threats, sophisticated attacks, and malicious activities on your computer.
Similarly, you can get several other features like a built-in VPN, password manager, file vault, online browsing security, and more with premium antivirus solutions (depending on individual companies).
2. Reliable Protection Network
Antivirus companies’ only focus is to protect devices from various threats around the clock. And so the possibility of getting a new signature database for your antivirus is better when it comes to a third-party paid-for antivirus app.
Some of them have the most extensive threat networks considering they work with various enterprises and individuals. With the latest databases available, you get the ability to defend against new threats faster than the operating system’s defualt security program or any other free versions.
3. All-in-One Protection
When it comes to free protection tools, you may end up using multiple services for different purposes.
If you prefer that way, that's fine, although you might come up against some difficulties. But, if you want the convenience of getting all the essential security features within a single app, a paid antivirus service should come in handy.
Not just limited to security features, many antivirus applications offer system cleaners, privacy-protection tools, and several extra features that make things easier.
4. Better Support
Many antivirus programs offer technical support options where you can either connect via chat, call, and/ or email. And some of them even provide 24/7 support.
As part of their technical support options, they often help you troubleshoot and get rid of any malware, if you are infected. In some cases, they might even end up detecting malicious software installed on your computer.
The support that comes with a paid antivirus app can save you a lot of trouble. And of course, it gives you peace of mind!
Do note that the support options can depend on your subscription as well; a company may offer separate plans to get priority support. So, without that, you might not be able to get quick help. It's worth opting for something that provide you the best support options along with good security.
5. Superior Option for Businesses
Businesses cannot rely on their employees and the in-built operating system's security to keep things secure. Ranging from enterprises to small businesses, antivirus companies offer various deals and plans to help you secure multiple systems.
You also get the chance of a consultation if the priority of your business is system security and data protection. Their offerings can even include insurance in some cases.
So, if you want to use a solid system for your business, a paid antivirus solution is a good pick.
6. Suitable for Family Protection
Premium antivirus programs often include parental controls and the ability to use licenses for multiple computers. All of that can be controlled from a single portal by you.
If you do not want to configure every system for your family, a paid antivirus suite's family network or parental control feature can help you easily manage several devices. This way, your family members stay protected, and you get to keep their systems free from malware.
Security Always Demands More
No antivirus solution can indeed guarantee 100 percent protection. It all comes down to the user and how the system is being maintained.
However, the more features you have in your arsenal to ensure comprehensive security, the better. Basic protections offered by free antivirus or built-in protections may not be enough to defend against advanced cyberattacks and unknown threats.
A specialized premium antivirus app should give you access to advanced protection features and keep your system secure against cyberattacks.