I think, If it's for Windows 10, you have windows defender built in, it's enough for daily proteciton, though you may add all your daily use software in the exclude list of windows defender. or you're using any older version of windows, Microsoft Essential is a option for sure, you can also use the free comodo suite or just the free comodo firewall to protect your system. well, Kaspersky have also have their free version now, you may also want to try it.
Honestly, I am trying to understand your motivation to refuse all that info. I can understand motivation and acts of US government in Kaspersky case and of course, Kaspersky will refuse all. Yes, many governments are using power of internet and we have already seen it, for example, in Ukraine.
Adwcleaner as suggested above should take care of this particular browser tab/homepage hijacker problem. I blame warez sites, nasty stuffs packed within installers.
It never worked when two separate AV's were installed on one windows install, they stopped each-others actions and made the system unusable.
You won't believe me, but in my past career as repair guy, i saw a system with 10+ Avs installed. When i asked the user "Why?!!!" , he replied "why not, in a car you use all security features? no? " .....
It's not logical You install an AV because you believe it will keep you safe. By installing another AV you admit that you believe it won't. Why install an AV you don't trust? And if you don't trust the first AV, what makes you think you can trust the second AV?