Sure, there is free NTFS read/write software that is suited for you. I recommend iBoysoft NTFS for Mac, which can freely mount your Windows NTFS volumes in a read-write mode without formatting.
iBoysoft NTFS for Mac works as a Mac NTFS mounter to mount and unmount your Windows NTFS drives in Mac's desktop, Finder and Disk Utility. As a Mac NTFS reader, it allows you to view and copy files from an NTFS formatted drive on Mac.
With it, you will have complete read-and-write control over the Windows NTFS file system in macOS without formatting it with a Mac-compatible file system.
Furthermore, it supports kinds of operating systems, including macOS High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey, and Ventura; and it also supports ARM-based Apple Silicon M2, M1, M1 Pro, and M1 Max Mac models.
You can take the following ways to use iBoysoft NTFS for Mac.
Step 1: Free download and launch iBoysoft NTFS for Mac
Step 2: Double-click the box in the middle of the pop-up named installer.
Step 3: Enter your password and click Continue Installation.
Step 4: Connect the read-only NTFS drive to your Mac and it will work automatically.