Scams? I wouldn't say that. Certainly not in the "snake oil" sense.
More like unnecessary unless their marketing teams can convince prospective customers otherwise---which they can do successfully in enough cases to stay in business.
I wouldn't do a lot of agonizing over the issue. If you feel better using brand X, go with brand X.
"Windows Defender SmartScreen helps to provide an early warning system against websites that might engage in phishing attacks"
Benefits of Windows Defender SmartScreen
Competition helps to make Windows Defender better, until the last year, it was not really good enough.
Viruses evolve and so do products to be able to detect them. Currently fileless malware is on the rise.
Warning: Fileless attacks are on the rise - Plesk Security
By the way, if you decide to use Windows Defender, do not forget to install.
Windows Defender Browser Protection - Chrome Web Store
Leo Laporte has some very interesting opinions on this subject. He gets to the points about antivirus programs at the 3:10 minutes mark in the video.
(1) Is Anti-Virus Necessary? - YouTube
Another video by Leo Laporte, similar content
(1) Do I Still Need Anti-Virus on Windows? - YouTube
He spells it out. Bottom line, if you follow safe, common sense computing practices, Windows Defender on it's own does a competent job of protection.
No antivirus program can detect 100% of malware out there. Personally, I would recommend the built-in Windows Defender Antivirus as it is light on system resources and is a good AV. Anti-malware programs (such as Malwarebytes) can run alongside it for an added layer of protection,
I Agree with the layered approach. Windows Defender is solid, but nothing is infallible. A "second opinion AV" is simply insurance. They, too, are not infallible. But with checks and balances from both, along with common sense, you'll be about as safe as you can be. Unfortunately, there are millions of users who are click-happy. That's where education and training comes in to help fill the void.
Particularly if you enable Defender PUA (aka PUP) detection.
Enable or Disable Windows Defender PUA Protection in Windows 10
In addition to another second opinion AV, as a second line of defense. Nothing is perfect. Software develops glitches. Definitions to AVs develop glitches. Leaving your entire system at the sole discretion of one protecting AV is not as safe as layered, however you implement it.
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