Free start
Free & built-in
Microsoft Defender and the serious free tiers. Honest about what free actually covers, what data the free brands collect, and when paying starts to make sense.
Tools
4
Type
Free start
From
$4.19/mo
Average
$5/mo
Our top 3 picks
No time to compare everything? These are the best choices right now.
2. Built into Windows
- Real-time protection and firewall
- Ransomware folder protection
- No upsells, no installs
3. Great alternative
- Same engine as paid tier
- Basic web protection
- Windows, Mac, Android
$5
4 of 4 tools