I think a/v is a bit of a false economy.
Catching malware via signatures when it tries to execute is basically trying to catch it too late and is ineffective against 0 day.
The anti malware market as a whole is over hyped, people buying software based on fear.
There is very good free solutions available, especially if you run windows 10.
But I would suggest looking at "anti exploit" software. such as HMPA
Windows SRP or APPLOCKER
Run chrome with isolated tabs enabled, and in applocker mode.
Run ublock origin in the browser in advanced mode blocking 3rd party javascript by default, I would also block 1st party javascript by default on non mainstream TLDs.
Cryptoprevent, free software that makes some good default SRP rules.
If you run Windows 10 it now has EMET (anti exploit ) features built in but they disabled by default, highly worth researching on how to use. Wilders security has some good info on it.
Binisoft has an excellent front end for the windows firewall which makes outbound app filtering easy, sadly the company got sold tho and new customers can no longer get the product. But there is a couple of alternatives. It was donate once for "unlimited" activation's. Brilliant value.
There is also some exceleent free stuff from novirusthanks.
http://www.novirusthanks.org/browse-by/malware-protection-tools/
exe radar pro(similar to SRP)
OSarmor
smart object blocker
syshardener
I will try and post more later