In my experience, finding a security suite that balances all those criteria without costing a fortune can be quite a task, but some free options stand out. For comprehensive protection, Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition is a solid choice for its lightweight impact and reliable malware protection. Although it might lack some advanced features in its free version, it’s a good start for minimal interference with device performance.
For additional features like a VPN or password manager, Avira Free Security is worth considering. It includes a free VPN and does well in terms of user interface and ease of use. Updates and malware definitions are frequent, ensuring you stay protected against newer threats.
For lesser-known options, I’ve found that Malwarebytes Free is excellent for on-demand scanning. Although it doesn’t offer real-time protection in its free version, it’s effective at cleaning up post-infection. Pairing it with something like Windows Defender can mitigate its limitations.
It’s often beneficial to mix a couple of tools to cover all bases, as long as they don’t interfere with each other’s operations. Always make sure to keep the software updated to cope with emerging threats efficiently. Hope this helps!