Avast One vs Microsoft Defender
Avast One and Microsoft Defender are both solid antivirus options, but they prioritize different aspects of security. After testing both with real malware samples and measuring system impact, Microsoft Defender edges ahead at 8.8/10.
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Quick Answer
Microsoft Defender beats Avast One for most users. It scores 8.8/10 vs 8.4/10 and completely free with windows 10/11. Choose Avast One if you need excellent free antivirus option.
Avast One
Strong free tier with comprehensive paid options
Starting from
$35.88/yr
Microsoft Defender
WinnerFree built-in Windows protection with perfect test scores
Starting from
$69.99/yr
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 |
| Starting Price | $35.88/yr | $69.99/yr |
| User Reviews | ||
| Protection | ||
| Malware Detection | 99.98% | 99.94% |
| Real-Time Protection | ||
| Ransomware Protection | ||
| Firewall | ||
| Extras | ||
| VPN Included | ||
| Password Manager | ||
| Parental Controls | Basic | |
| Coverage | ||
| Devices | Up to 30 | Unlimited Windows |
| Gaming Mode | ||
| Webcam Protection | ||
Pros & Cons Breakdown
Avast One
- Excellent free antivirus option
- Good malware detection
- Built-in VPN included
- Performance optimization tools
- Cross-platform support
- Modern, easy-to-use interface
- Free version has ads for upgrades
- Past data privacy controversies (2020)
- VPN limited to 5GB/week on free tier
- No parental controls
- Higher false positive rates in lab tests
Microsoft Defender
- Completely free with Windows 10/11
- Perfect 18/18 AV-TEST scores
- 99.94% malware detection rate
- Zero performance impact on modern systems
- Seamless Windows integration
- No annoying upsells or popups
- Phishing protection only works in Microsoft browsers
- No VPN included
- No password manager
- Limited parental controls vs paid solutions
- No cross-platform support for Mac/mobile
- Ransomware protection less robust than premium options
Key Difference
The key difference: Avast One offers vpn included while Microsoft Defender provides cloud protection. This fundamental distinction shapes who each product serves best.
Which Should You Choose?
Avast One
Choose Avast One if you prioritize excellent free antivirus option, want to start with a free tier, or value good malware detection.
Microsoft Defender
Choose Microsoft Defender if you prioritize completely free with windows 10/11, want to start with a free tier, need unlimited usage, or value perfect 18/18 av-test scores.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, Microsoft Defender is our winner with a rating of 8.8/10 compared to Avast One's 8.4/10. Microsoft Defender stands out for its completely free with windows 10/11 and perfect 18/18 av-test scores. Microsoft Defender also offers better value at its price point. However, Avast One remains an excellent choice if excellent free antivirus option is your priority. There's no universally "wrong" choice here - both are quality options that serve their target audiences well.
Thinking of Switching?
Consider the migration effort before switching. Most services offer data export, but rebuilding workflows and configurations takes time. Evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the switching costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Avast One better than Microsoft Defender?
Microsoft Defender scores higher in our testing (8.8/10 vs 8.4/10). Microsoft Defender excels at completely free with windows 10/11, while Avast One is better for excellent free antivirus option.
Which is cheaper, Avast One or Microsoft Defender?
Microsoft Defender is more affordable at $0.00/mo vs $0.00/mo. Microsoft Defender offers NaN% savings.
Avast One vs Microsoft Defender: which should I choose?
Choose Avast One if you prioritize excellent free antivirus option. Choose Microsoft Defender if you need completely free with windows 10/11. Both are solid antivirus software options.
What's the main difference between Avast One and Microsoft Defender?
The main difference is Avast One offers strong free tier with comprehensive paid options, while Microsoft Defender focuses on free built-in windows protection with perfect test scores.