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Best for New Windows Computers
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Brings the well-loved Microsoft antivirus to other devices
Includes a firewall, parental controls, identity theft protection, and a VPN
Free for Windows users
Best for Bundled Security
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Perfect third-party test results, verifying comprehensive antivirus, ransomware, and malware protection
Includes advanced security features like a VPN, firewall, data breach alerts, privacy tools, device optimization, and more
Avast is the better choice for antivirus software due to its extensive security features, competitive pricing, and compatibility. That doesn’t mean that Microsoft Defender (formerly Windows Defender) can’t stop malware in its tracks, but it doesn’t go the extra mile to ensure well-rounded security protection.
Still, if you’ve just opened your brand-new PC, you should make sure Windows Security is active before getting on the internet.
Since both antivirus solutions offer a free tier, you may wonder which one is the best for you. We’ve tested both, so check out our side-by-side comparison below. Whether you’re a PC-only user or have multiple devices, you may find one of these offers you better protection.
With the launch of enterprise security solutions, Microsoft rebranded Windows Defender Antivirus as Microsoft Defender Antivirus, the built-in antivirus protection offered free for Windows 10 and 11. (Earlier versions of Windows 10 have Windows Defender.) Windows users can manage their Microsoft Defender Antivirus features in the Windows Security app. But here's where it can get tricky. The company also offers premium cybersecurity protection for individuals, called Microsoft Defender, which is not free and is only available with the Microsoft 365 subscription.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a free antivirus program that comes preinstalled on your Windows device. As soon as you get a new computer, you should make sure it’s active so you won’t worry about an infection.
Avast also offers a free tier, which includes a range of additional protection features, including bundled security tools. This makes it a perfect fit for anyone who wants well-rounded security on any device, not just Windows.
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 Best Overall | |
| Star rating | ||
| Starting price | Free or $9.99/mo for Microsoft Defender | Free or starts at $35.88/first yr |
| Max number of protected devices | 30 | 30 |
| Malware scans | Manual and scheduled | Manual and scheduled |
| Real-time protection | ||
| Phishing protection | ||
| Ransomware protection | ||
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Compatibility | Windows | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Learn more | Get Microsoft Defender | Get Avast |
We use our proprietary grading rubric in all of our testing, which considers ease-of-use, third-party testing scores, internal testing scores, price, compatibility, and features offered, among other metrics.
This means that our testing process is designed to ensure that the product isn't too confusing, protects as it claims, and offers you a lot for a reasonable price. We download and run each program on our own computers on home networks, just like you would. Our ratings reflect the real-world performance of the antivirus product. This ensures that we can recreate a similar experience for you and give our best advice on whether or not it's worthwhile.
To learn more about how we test, check out our full antivirus testing methodology here.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a startlingly good antivirus, considering it’s free and included with your device. While you can purchase a Microsoft 365 plan with Microsoft Defender, you don’t actually need one to enjoy the benefits. The Windows Security suite offers comprehensive device coverage, and its antivirus protection scores are solid. One drawback is that the real-time protection scans can consume a significant amount of CPU resources and negatively impact overall system performance.
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There are also some areas where Defender falls short, particularly if you’re seeking a comprehensive security suite that includes an ad blocker, VPN, performance enhancement tools, and additional features. Microsoft Defender Antivirus is really only there to keep your PC malware-free, but it does that very well.
We actually love Avast and recommend it frequently. While its free tier is impressive, the added bonuses you get from the paid plans really make Avast a full security stack. Avast checks networks for security, protects against phishing, includes anti-tracking technology, and more.
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When you sign up for one of Avast’s premium plans, you get 24/7 support included. We would love to see that on the free plan, but we understand why it isn’t. Since we find the paid plans to be well worth your investment, we don’t think this is a deal breaker. This is especially true, considering how well Avast’s third-party protection scores perform. It’s just a trustworthy system.
Avast is the better value for money, considering what you get with the paid plans. We think Microsoft 365 is a bit pricey, but Microsoft Defender Antivirus offers full protection without requiring an upgrade purchase.
Avast offers better paid plan options, and we appreciate the extras that come with them.
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Best Value | |
| Price range | Free or $9.99–$12.99/mo for Microsoft Defender | $35.88-$119.88/yr (first year only) |
| Best value plan | Free plan | Basic Plan for Free |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days | Yes — 30 days |
| Learn more | Get Microsoft Defender | Get Avast |
We believe Avast’s paid plans are a better option than those included with Microsoft 365. Microsoft 365 doesn’t offer much more protection. Most of the additional features focus on storage, email, and Microsoft Copilot (which we don’t trust because it’s invasive and catalogs even sensitive data for AI purposes). The only thing you’ll really need is the free Defender, which is why we chose that option.
Avast, on the other hand, includes webcam protection, a VPN, privacy alerts, compatibility with various operating systems and browsers, and a lot more. There are even family plans that include identity theft protection. While the free Avast program is good, having the additional protection features of the paid plans is better.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus itself is free, but you can purchase a Microsoft 365 plan that includes the Microsoft Defender security package, along with additional storage, email capabilities, and more. (We do suggest disabling Copilot if you purchase 365.)
Microsoft Defender Antivirus: Free antivirus solution included with Windows. Windows Security offers real-time protection, ransomware protection, network protection, and even parental controls.
Microsoft 365 Personal: Use on up to five devices, 1 TB cloud storage, productivity apps with Microsoft Copilot, email, ID security, and data security. Also offers ID theft monitoring and insurance, and includes Microsoft Defender advanced security features like anti-phishing technology.
Microsoft 365 Family: Use on up to five devices, 6 TB cloud storage, productivity apps with Microsoft Copilot, email, ID security, and data security. Also offers ID theft monitoring and insurance, and includes Microsoft Defender advanced security features like anti-phishing technology.
Avast One Basic: This free plan includes antivirus, ransomware protection, email protection, a 5 GB a week VPN, tracking protection, data breach searches, and a privacy advisor.
Avast One Silver: Everything in Basic plus scam protection, unlimited data on the VPN, streaming support with your VPN, and performance-enhancement tools.
Avast One Gold: Everything in Silver, plus coverage for families.
Avast One Platinum: Everything in Gold plus identity theft protection, including identity theft insurance, 24/7 support, social media monitoring, lost wallet protection, and dark web scanning.
Avast not only offers better features but also provides more comprehensive protection than Microsoft.
Additionally, Microsoft has relaunched its Copilot feature with Microsoft 365 plans. Copilot wants to take screenshots of your activity, whether it’s private or not, then categorize and make the images searchable. This is a huge invasion of privacy. On the other hand, Avast attempts to protect your information with additional features, including webcam security.
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Best Features | |
| Manual and scheduled scans | ||
| Real-time protection | ||
| Phishing protection | ||
| Ransomware protection | ||
| Firewall | ||
| Device optimization tools | ||
| Parental controls | ||
| Password manager | ||
| VPN | ||
| Ad blocker | ||
| Extras | ID theft monitoring, cloud storage, Microsoft 365 apps | Tracking protection, breach monitoring |
| Learn more | Get Microsoft Defender | Get Avast |
Microsoft Defender Antivirus offers real-time threat protection, a firewall, and even parental controls, but doesn’t provide a full cybersecurity suite. Even the Microsoft Defender included with paid 365 plans doesn’t offer much more than advanced phishing protection.
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Avast includes all of those security features plus webcam protection, device optimization, tracker blocking, and a lot more.
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Data security on the web is one of the most pressing security issues faced by most Americans today. We appreciate the lengths Avast goes to in order to provide you with a comprehensive protection suite.
Avast did better in third-party testing across the board. There wasn’t a single category in which Microsoft Defender performed better than Avast. This doesn’t mean Defender isn’t good at stopping malware; it just means Avast is better.
We rely on third-party testing from sites like AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives, as well as SE Labs, because they have the resources to thoroughly test aggressive and dangerous malware, viruses, and other threats. We use EICAR, a personal testing site, which simulates viruses, malware, and other threats to assess how well each antivirus (AV) software works.
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Our Pick | |
| AV-TEST Windows score | 18/18 | 18/18 |
| AV-TEST macOS score | N/A | 18/18 |
| AV-TEST Android score | N/A | 18/18 |
| AV-Comparatives malware protection score | 99.84% | 99.93% |
| SE Labs results | 98% | 100% |
| EICAR score | 2/3 | 3/3 |
| Learn more | Get Microsoft Defender | Get Avast |
Both antivirus platforms did very well in testing. Since Defender doesn’t work on macOS or Android, there were no results for those platforms; however, it performed well in the categories where it had compatibility.
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Avast did better, however, not just because it had broader compatibility, but because its protection features were more robust.
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Avast has more compatibility and a 24/7 support option for paid subscribers, but we had an easier experience when chatting with a Microsoft representative. Still, Avast has an edge since you can use it with more devices and get access to support whenever you need it.
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Our Pick | |
| Windows | ||
| macOS | N/A | |
| Android | N/A | |
| iOS | N/A | |
| Browser extensions | N/A | Yes — Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, plus its proprietary Avast Secure Browser |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Customer support options | Online guides, chat, phone, forms | Online guides, email, phone, chat |
| Learn more | Get Microsoft Defender | Get Avast |
Both antivirus designs are user-friendly. We didn’t have issues navigating either. Obviously, Avast has more room for error, considering it is compatible with a wider range of operating systems, but it still runs smoothly on all the ones we tested.
Microsoft customer support was also helpful in clearly differentiating between Microsoft Defender and the Windows Security app.
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Yes, we think having a different antivirus is a good plan. While Microsoft Defender Antivirus (formerly Windows Defender) is a comprehensive antivirus solution that protects you from malware, viruses, and more, it doesn’t offer advanced protection features like webcam protection, dark web monitoring, and other useful tools that can help protect you online beyond a basic antivirus.
Yes, you shouldn’t run two forms of antivirus together. Sometimes, one can hinder the other, or they might create an issue when both are trying to operate your machine. It’s best to choose one antivirus solution and disable the other.
There are a variety of top-notch antivirus solutions. The best antivirus solution is one that offers a range of features and functions tailored to your specific needs. Avast is a great antivirus with proven protection scores and features, like protection from email phishing, but it may not have everything you want.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus (formerly known as Windows Defender) doesn’t come with advanced features such as device optimization tools or data breach monitoring. While Defender will stop malware, viruses, and more, it can’t help you with the ever-growing number of threats pervading the internet that can’t be caught by antivirus alone.
We think Avast is a better choice than Microsoft Defender. Avast offers advanced protection features, device optimization, a quality VPN, and more.
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Our Pick | |
| Value | ||
| Features | ||
| Test results | ||
| Compatibility & customer support | ||
| Learn more | Get Microsoft Defender | Get Avast |
Even if you only use Avast’s free version, you’ll still be getting a high-quality antivirus product with extra protection. Microsoft Defender can take you so far, but Avast will go the rest of the way.
Perfect third-party test results, verifying comprehensive antivirus, ransomware, and malware protection
Includes advanced security features like a VPN, firewall, data breach alerts, privacy tools, device optimization, and more
The best antivirus solutions align with your personal needs, but sorting through the different types may be exhausting. We think trying Avast is worth the time, especially if you start with the Basic free plan. No matter what you decide, you need to make sure you have protection. The internet is full of malware, viruses, and cybercriminals, but you don’t have to be a victim.
Since antivirus is so personal, we get it if neither Microsoft Defender nor Avast meets your needs. Below are some of our other tried and tested antivirus solutions that we love.
| Antivirus | 
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| Best for | Best overall antivirus software | All-in-one software | Comprehensive security | Best value |
| Starting price | $29.00/first yr | $35.99/first yr | $29.99/first yr | $3.39/mo (billed annually) |
| Features | Zero-day scans, anti-phishing, ransomware protection, password manager, ad blocker, TotalVPN | Antivirus protection, VPN, password manager, security for multiple devices | Antivirus, malware, ransomware, and hacking protection, cloud backup, password manager, Norton Secure VPN | Antivirus protection, Surfshark VPN, private search engine, data leak alerts, ad blocker |
| Learn more | Get TotalAV | Get Aura | Get Norton360 Antivirus | Get Surfshark Antivirus |
Perfect third-party test results, verifying comprehensive antivirus, ransomware, and malware protection
Includes advanced security features like a VPN, firewall, data breach alerts, privacy tools, device optimization, and more
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