Grisoft AVG AntiMalware has been a good (and free) product for many years.
When their AntiVirus and AntiSpyware (previously Ewido) were separate products they were even better.

Companies tend to want to be one-stop-shops for their customers, providing all the needs in one package, usually described as a "suite". This provides good benefit to some, since all or most of the areas of concern can be addressed by having one on-board installation. However, not all companies can have the best in every category. Plus when "suites" get packaged, they have an annoying tendency to get bloated.

There was a time that I would not have recommended Avast!. I do now, without reservation. Same with Avira.
I am hopeful that AVG will again emerge as a lighter-footprint but still comprehensive detection and removal product.

My own personal user preference is to collect my own selections for the "suite" of security tools I allow to run on my machines.

Others find it more convenient to use a commercially developed "suite". OK. That may be fine for others and meet most of their security needs with less effort and research.

I applaud you for tackling the research and seriously considering what works best for you.

Nods, and thanks Doug for info such as this and other helpful tips and tricks. Finding good folks such as yourself who tells it like it is, means a lot and really does help when facing decision of what to do. It because people such as yourself who gives good avise like in the past postings and to be honest with it. Bottom line in the long run it really helps with the headachs of making the right choise of programs to use, because as I said software mfg will paint a pretty picture of what they are selling and to only find out it was not worth it in the first place.

Plus the fact I like having talks such as this myself because it helps me to understand what is a better option to do and I like finding info such as this.