Do You Still Need Third-Party Antivirus Software in 2025?
As Windows Security continues to improve, many users are questioning whether a third-party antivirus (AV) subscription is still necessary. With Windows Security scoring among the top antivirus solutions in independent tests, is it worth paying for an extra layer of protection? Or do bundled features like VPNs and identity theft protection justify the cost of third-party AV suites?
What is Third-Party Antivirus, and How Much Does It Cost?
Third-party antivirus software is an external security solution installed on your PC. It protects against viruses, malware, phishing attacks, and online threats using features like:
✅ Firewalls
✅ File scanning
✅ Active threat monitoring
Modern antivirus suites also include additional tools like cloud storage encryption, password managers, and identity theft recovery services. However, these premium features come at a cost.
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💰 Pricing Comparison:
- The average cost of a third-party AV subscription is around $50 for the first year
- Renewal prices often double after the first year
- Example: Norton Antivirus Plus starts at $59.99/year for one device, but premium plans with extras like stolen wallet insurance can go up to $189.99/year
Meanwhile, Windows Security (formerly Windows Defender) is completely free for all Windows users. But how does it compare in performance?
Windows Security in 2025: Is It Good Enough?
According to AV-Test.org, a leading antivirus benchmarking platform, Windows Security scored a perfect 6/6 across all categories in December 2024.
💡 This puts it on par with industry leaders like:
🔹 Norton
🔹 McAfee
🔹 AVG
However, Windows Security’s protection is limited to Windows devices only. Unlike third-party AV solutions, it doesn’t offer features like:
- Cross-platform security (for Android, iOS, Chrome books, etc.)
- Bundled VPN services
- Identity theft insurance
While Windows Security can block malicious websites in Microsoft Edge, a third-party AV like McAfee extends that protection to any browser you use.
The Rise of VPN-Based Antivirus Solutions
A new wave of VPN providers like NordVPN and Surf shark are entering the antivirus space. They offer VPN + antivirus bundles that provide:
🔹 Anti-malware & anti-phishing protection
🔹 Encrypted browsing with a VPN
🔹 Threat detection for web activity
For example:
✅ Surf shark One scored 6/6 in AV testing, surpassing some traditional antivirus brands.
❌ Nord Threat Protection Pro (TPP) barely passed AV certification with 85%, compared to McAfee’s 92%.
While VPN-based AV solutions are improving, they still lag behind traditional antivirus software in security performance—and they come at a higher cost.
💰 Price Comparison (VPN-based vs. Traditional AV):
- Norton Antivirus Plus with a VPN: $29.99 first year, renews at $59.99/year
- NordVPN + Threat Protection Pro: $71.88 first year, renews at $179.88/year
- Full security suite (Norton 360 with Life Lock) vs. Nord:
- Norton: $189.99/year
- Nord: $371.88/year (fewer features)
Clearly, VPN-based AV services are not as cost-effective as traditional AV packages with built-in VPNs.
Final Verdict: Do You Need a Third-Party Antivirus in 2025?
The need for a third-party antivirus depends on your security requirements.
✔ Choose Windows Security if:
✅ You only need protection for your Windows PC
✅ You want free, reliable antivirus with top-tier detection rates
✔ Opt for a Third-Party Antivirus if:
✅ You need cross-platform protection (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS)
✅ You want extra features like VPNs, identity theft insurance, encrypted storage, and password managers
✅ You prefer an all-in-one security solution for your digital life
For many users, Windows Security is strong enough for basic protection. But if you need a complete cyber security suite for multiple devices, a third-party antivirus is still worth considering.
What’s your choice in 2025—Windows Security or a paid antivirus? Let us know in the comments!
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