Why Paying for Antivirus Software Is No Longer Necessary

Table of Contents

If you’re still paying for antivirus software every year, you’re definitely not alone — especially if you’re over 65. But in 2025, it might finally be time to stop.

Here’s why modern devices, built-in protection, and a few smart habits are enough for most everyday users — and why paying for extra antivirus software is often a waste of money.

Why some people still pay (and who they are)

According to a recent Security.org survey, around 46% of Americans use third-party antivirus programs instead of the free protection that comes with their devices.

Of those, just over half (around 33 million households) actually pay for it. And get this: older Americans — those over 65 — are twice as likely to pay for antivirus compared to people under 45.

Why? Mostly habit. It’s what they grew up with in the wild early days of personal computing, when viruses were everywhere and antivirus CDs were stacked at checkout counters.

Full disclosure: the author of the original report is over 65 and admits they haven’t used paid antivirus in decades. Yet millions still do — because it feels safer.

The reality: your device already protects you

Today, built-in security on your device is surprisingly good — often just as effective as the big names you see in ads.

• Windows:
  
• Microsoft Defender Antivirus (included for free) now scores between 99%–100% on independent lab tests.
• It catches nearly every known threat, and keeps improving with automatic updates.
• 
  
• macOS:
  
• Apple’s built-in XProtect quietly blocks known malware and has been doing so for over a decade.
• 
  
• iOS and Android:
  
• App stores themselves act as gatekeepers, blocking most malicious apps before they ever reach your phone.
• 
  

These free, built-in tools protect against the vast majority of malware the average person might run into.

Modern attacks aren’t targeting you

Here’s something most people don’t realize:

Cybercriminals today rarely waste time going after individual PCs or phones. Why? There’s no money in it.

Instead, they focus on big, lucrative targets:

• Major corporations
• Government agencies
• Popular third-party apps

For example:

• The SolarWinds hack targeted Microsoft and countless large businesses.
• The MOVEit breach affected thousands of major organizations.

These sophisticated attacks use specialized malware, custom exploits, and security holes in third-party tools — not the everyday threats consumer antivirus tools are built to catch.

The layers that really keep you safe

Modern devices and software now use multiple layers of protection that didn’t exist in the early 2000s:

• Automatic system updates that patch new security holes
• Smarter email filters that block suspicious attachments
• Built-in firewalls to stop dangerous connections
• App store reviews and scanning before apps go public

In other words: malware that tries to slip through today has to beat all these layers. And most don’t.

And yes — your common sense helps too

Beyond tech, the biggest protection is still you:

• Not clicking on shady links
• Downloading apps only from trusted sources
• Keeping software updated

According to recent tests, a modern antivirus app blocks about 99.2% of threats that somehow get past all those other protections. The last 0.8%? Your judgment handles that.

So, should anyone still pay for antivirus?

For most people? No.

If you’re using a personal computer, tablet, or phone with:

• Built-in security (Microsoft Defender, XProtect)
• Automatic updates turned on
• Basic safe browsing habits

… then a paid antivirus won’t add much value.

When paid tools might still help

There are cases where paid or advanced tools make sense:

• Business laptops and desktops managed by IT teams
• Specialized endpoint detection used in companies
• Older devices that can’t get security updates
• Parents who want advanced monitoring and controls

But for typical home users, letting your Norton, McAfee, or Kaspersky subscription expire won’t put you at risk.

 Conclusion

Back in 1999, buying antivirus CDs made sense. In 2025? Not so much.

Modern PCs, Macs, iPhones, and Android devices come equipped with surprisingly effective free protection — and those default tools are more than enough for most people.

So unless your job or IT department specifically requires paid antivirus, consider saving your money… and just keep your software updated, browse wisely, and let your device’s built-in security do its job.