Microsoft Defender, built into Windows, now scores well in independent tests. For many people that settles it: keep Windows updated, leave Defender on and spend the money elsewhere.
What paying adds
Paid suites add better web filtering, ransomware folders, parental controls and usually a VPN and password manager. If your household has children, several computers or someone who clicks on everything, that bundle is worth considering.
Who can stay on free
If you're the only user, you keep your software updated and you use a password manager, the free protection is enough. We'd rather see you pay for a backup service than a second antivirus.