Kaspersky vs Microsoft Defender
Kaspersky 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 Kaspersky for most users. It scores 8.8/10 vs 6/10 and completely free with windows 10/11. Choose Kaspersky if you need outstanding malware detection rates (international).
Kaspersky
BANNED IN US - Still available internationally
Starting from
$27.99/yr
Microsoft Defender
WinnerFree built-in Windows protection with perfect test scores
Starting from
$69.99/yr
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 6.0/10 | 8.8/10 |
| Starting Price | $27.99/yr | $69.99/yr |
| User Reviews | ||
| Protection | ||
| Malware Detection | 100% | 99.94% |
| Real-Time Protection | ||
| Ransomware Protection | ||
| Firewall | ||
| Extras | ||
| VPN Included | ||
| Password Manager | ||
| Parental Controls | Basic | |
| Coverage | ||
| Devices | Up to 10 | Unlimited Windows |
| Gaming Mode | ||
| Webcam Protection | ||
Pros & Cons Breakdown
Kaspersky
- Outstanding malware detection rates (international)
- Safe Money protects online banking
- Low system impact
- User-friendly interface
- Good parental controls
- Competitively priced internationally
- BANNED in United States since September 2024
- Cannot receive updates for US customers
- Russian government ties led to Commerce Dept. ban
- US users auto-migrated to UltraAV
- VPN has daily data limits (300MB on Standard)
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: Kaspersky offers vpn included while Microsoft Defender provides cloud protection. This fundamental distinction shapes who each product serves best.
Which Should You Choose?
Kaspersky
Choose Kaspersky if you prioritize outstanding malware detection rates (international), or value safe money protects online banking.
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 Kaspersky's 6/10. 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, Kaspersky remains an excellent choice if outstanding malware detection rates (international) 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 Kaspersky better than Microsoft Defender?
Microsoft Defender scores higher in our testing (8.8/10 vs 6/10). Microsoft Defender excels at completely free with windows 10/11, while Kaspersky is better for outstanding malware detection rates (international).
Which is cheaper, Kaspersky or Microsoft Defender?
Microsoft Defender is more affordable at $0.00/mo vs $27.99/mo. Microsoft Defender offers 100% savings.
Kaspersky vs Microsoft Defender: which should I choose?
Choose Kaspersky if you prioritize outstanding malware detection rates (international). Choose Microsoft Defender if you need completely free with windows 10/11. Both are solid antivirus software options.
What's the main difference between Kaspersky and Microsoft Defender?
The main difference is Kaspersky offers banned in us - still available internationally, while Microsoft Defender focuses on free built-in windows protection with perfect test scores.