ESET vs Microsoft Defender
ESET 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, ESET edges ahead at 9.2/10.
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Quick Answer
ESET beats Microsoft Defender for most users. It scores 9.2/10 vs 8.8/10 and av-comparatives product of the year 2024. Choose Microsoft Defender if you need completely free with windows 10/11.
ESET
WinnerAward-winning protection with minimal system impact
Starting from
$49.99/yr
Microsoft Defender
Free built-in Windows protection with perfect test scores
Starting from
$69.99/yr
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| Starting Price | $49.99/yr | $69.99/yr |
| User Reviews | ||
| Protection | ||
| Malware Detection | 100% | 99.94% |
| Real-Time Protection | ||
| Ransomware Protection | ||
| Firewall | ||
| Extras | ||
| VPN Included | Ultimate only | |
| Password Manager | ||
| Parental Controls | Basic | |
| Coverage | ||
| Devices | Up to 10 | Unlimited Windows |
| Gaming Mode | ||
| Webcam Protection | ||
Pros & Cons Breakdown
ESET
- AV-Comparatives Product of the Year 2024
- Perfect 6/6 AV-TEST scores across all categories
- Extremely lightweight - minimal system resource usage
- Multi-platform support (Windows, macOS, Android)
- Advanced threat detection with low false positives
- 30-day money-back guarantee and free trial
- No iOS support available
- VPN only included in Ultimate tier
- Interface less modern than some competitors
- Identity protection requires Ultimate plan
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: ESET offers password manager while Microsoft Defender provides cloud protection. This fundamental distinction shapes who each product serves best.
Which Should You Choose?
ESET
Choose ESET if you prioritize av-comparatives product of the year 2024, or value perfect 6/6 av-test scores across all categories.
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, ESET is our winner with a rating of 9.2/10 compared to Microsoft Defender's 8.8/10. ESET stands out for its av-comparatives product of the year 2024 and perfect 6/6 av-test scores across all categories. While Microsoft Defender is more affordable, ESET's advantages justify the price difference for most users. However, Microsoft Defender remains an excellent choice if completely free with windows 10/11 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 ESET better than Microsoft Defender?
ESET scores higher in our testing (9.2/10 vs 8.8/10). ESET excels at av-comparatives product of the year 2024, while Microsoft Defender is better for completely free with windows 10/11.
Which is cheaper, ESET or Microsoft Defender?
Microsoft Defender is more affordable at $0.00/mo vs $49.99/mo. Microsoft Defender offers 100% savings.
ESET vs Microsoft Defender: which should I choose?
Choose ESET if you prioritize av-comparatives product of the year 2024. Choose Microsoft Defender if you need completely free with windows 10/11. Both are solid antivirus software options.
What's the main difference between ESET and Microsoft Defender?
The main difference is ESET offers award-winning protection with minimal system impact, while Microsoft Defender focuses on free built-in windows protection with perfect test scores.