Microsoft Defender vs Avast One
Microsoft Defender and Avast One 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.
Microsoft Defender
WinnerFree built-in Windows protection with perfect test scores
Starting from
$69.99/yr
Avast One
Strong free tier with comprehensive paid options
Starting from
$35.88/yr
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| Starting Price | $69.99/yr | $35.88/yr |
| User Reviews | ||
| Protection | ||
| Malware Detection | 99.94% | 99.98% |
| Real-Time Protection | ||
| Ransomware Protection | ||
| Firewall | ||
| Extras | ||
| VPN Included | ||
| Password Manager | ||
| Parental Controls | Basic | |
| Coverage | ||
| Devices | Unlimited Windows | Up to 30 |
| Gaming Mode | ||
| Webcam Protection | ||
Pros & Cons Breakdown
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
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
Key Difference
The key difference: Microsoft Defender offers cloud protection while Avast One provides vpn included. This fundamental distinction shapes who each product serves best.
Which Should You Choose?
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.
Avast One
Choose Avast One if you prioritize excellent free antivirus option, want to start with a free tier, or value good malware detection.
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. While Avast One is more affordable, Microsoft Defender's advantages justify the price difference for most users. 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 Microsoft Defender better than Avast One?
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, Microsoft Defender or Avast One?
Avast One is more affordable at $0.00/mo vs $0.00/mo. Avast One offers NaN% savings.
Microsoft Defender vs Avast One: which should I choose?
Choose Microsoft Defender if you prioritize completely free with windows 10/11. Choose Avast One if you need excellent free antivirus option. Both are solid antivirus software options.
What's the main difference between Microsoft Defender and Avast One?
The main difference is Microsoft Defender offers free built-in windows protection with perfect test scores, while Avast One focuses on strong free tier with comprehensive paid options.