Lots of posts here but in all honesty, Defender plus common sense is perfectly adequate for vast majority of users.
More infections are self inflicted these days by clicking dodgy links, downloading dodgy software etc.
No amount of software protection can protect against bad practices.
Most important thing is to regularly backup data as a minimum.
I also use the new Avast Essentials. I used Avast Free before this and did not like Essentials when it was first released. I didn't care for the GUI or how they removed some of the custom settings but I got over that. No AV is perfect, no AV will catch everything and no AV can take the place of using common sense and good online hygiene. That being said, Avast is a very good all in one AV that unlike Defender does not need any other third party apps or tweaks to do a complete job.
Jimmy
The question is about adding an additional layer of security, a vpn adds a good layer of security for computers as well as phones. My vpn also provides an AV built right into the service if you choose, it's included at no extra cost.
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