In today’s world of digitalization, cybercrime like hacking, injecting malware & viruses are increasing day by day, in order to protect your device from those threats you should have antivirus software installed on your system. This article is all about Windows Defender Vs Avast. Both are free to use.
Now when it comes to Antivirus, the question arises, which is the best antivirus program for Windows?
Talking about the premium one, all antivirus programs are best, have their own set of pros & cons.
Windows also features an official free antivirus known as Windows Defender, it’s a free antivirus program preinstalled in Windows that means Microsoft itself develops it, so there is no need to worry about the security, if you are on windows, you are 100% safe.
Not just limited to Windows Defender, there are tons of free antivirus applications available out there, Avast is one of the most preferred among them, we have also shared the list five best free antivirus programs for Windows.
Talking about the Avast, it is the most preferred free antivirus program; professionals prefer to go with it because of its advanced security options, instant scanning, USB scanning, real-time virus notifications & lots of other features.
The windows users who are searching for the best free antivirus program mostly get confused between Windows Defender & Avast, they are unable to choose among them. This article will answer all your questions related to Windows Defender & Avast.
Here we have compared both the best free antivirus in-depth in terms of security, features, protection.
Windows Defender Vs Avast, Deciding Best In 2020
1. Features
Winner: Avast
In terms of features & advanced security options, Avast is far away from Windows Defender; It comes with tons of advanced security options that help you to be secure from all types of threats.
You can also upgrade Avast if you want to use their premium features when you upgrade for the premium plan. There is no need to look for something else, it will offer you full protection.
With the help of its advanced feature called Sandbox Mode, you can run subspecies apps or software in a secure environment.
Talking about the Windows Defender, it comes with limited options, but the function that everyone likes in it is you can track down your computer. It will also provide you with the option to lock your laptop & erase all your data remotely.
2. Protection & Features
Winner: Tie
In all types of protections whether it is from hacking attacks, malware, or viruses; both the antiviruses are perfect; Avast features tons of advanced security options that help you to be protected from all types of threats.
Windows Defender also comes with all the necessary features, one of the best feature is tacking & erasing the data when you lose your laptop, in it, you can track your device & completely wipe it remotely.
Avast also offers you a premium plan, but you have to pay for that, that’s why we have calculated premium features here.
3. System Performance
Winner: Avast
As Windows Defender is preinstalled with all the versions of windows, there will be very low-performance loss with it.
Talking about the Avast, you will install Avast as the third party software on your system, but don’t worry. Avast is completely optimized antivirus software; there will be no impact on your system performance, which is already proved by AV-Comparatives.
In the test conducted by AV-Comparatives, Windows Defender scored 5.5-star out of 6, where Avast scored 6 stars out of 6 in the same evaluation.
That’s why Avast is a clear winner in terms of system performance; you will not face any issue even when you are working with a low configuration system.
4. User-Friendliness
Winner: Avast
Avast features a very easy to use user-friendly interface; there is no compression between Windows Defender & Avast when it comes to the user interface.
Even Avast is very easy to set up; everything will be done in just a few clicks, Avast has a clean, well-managed interface, its left-hand grouping allows you to rich various modules and operations.
Windows Defender also has a user-friendly interface, but the options are not well managed, it’s user interface can be improved variously.
Even to open Windows Defender, you need several clicks, but Avast is just one click away from you.
5. Pricing
Winner: Windows Defender
No other antivirus can beat Windows Defender when it comes to pricing, because of its entirely free with all versions of Windows, there is no premium plan.
Windows defender will offer all the necessary features at no cost, Avast is also free Antivirus, but it is not genuinely free because they have multiple premium plans to upgrade as per the requirement.
Their highest tier of the premium plan, known as Avast Ultimate, will cost you $119.99 per year for one PC that offers complete protection from all types of threats.
Windows Defender is the clear winner in terms of pricing.
According to us, windows deflected is the best free Antivirus, it is entirely free, it’s pre-installed with all versions on Windows.
Just remember when you install any third party Antivirus program on your system, Windows Defender will automatically turn off.
Top 5 Best Free Antivirus for Windows
Windows Defender & Avast are the highest rated free Antivirus by the experts, rather than those two, here are other five best free Antivirus for Windows.
1. Panda Free Antivirus
Panda Free Antivirus is among the most used free antivirus software that offers you 100% free protection. Not just limited to Antivirus, it comes with a VPN that makes you more secure when you are using the public network, but the VPN services are limited to 150 MB per day.
You can also upgrade to the premium plan if you want to need unlimited VPN access and all the other extras, including advanced malware detection, parental controls & password manager.
There is a complicated setup; Panda is straightforward to use, lightweight, security Antivirus, perfect choice for the beginners.
2. Avira Free Antivirus
Avira Free Antivirus entirely works with legendary german engineered antivirus technology. It comes with the advanced features of Avira browser safety that protect you from malicious websites and phishing scams; you have to install the free browser extension.
It will keep you more secure from all types of online threats as compared to another free antivirus because Avira’s antivirus engine operates in the cloud.
There will be no impact on your system performance if you are using an older version of Windows or have a limited system configuration. Avira is particularly lightweight as compared to any other antivirus program; this is why it will not impact your system performance.
3. Sophos Home Free
Sophos Home Free is the first choice of every parent who wants to protect their kids from seeing unwanted content on the web; offers you complete protection from viruses & harmful malware.
With the help of its advanced parental controls, you can entirely monitor how your kids use their smartphone or computer; you can also block websites that you don’t want to be visited by your child.
You can use it on three devices for free, but if you want to add more, then you have to upgrade for their premium plan; it offers you real-time protection against malware and comes with a browser extension, which keeps you secure on the internet.
4. Kaspersky Security Cloud
Kaspersky Security Cloud is advanced antivirus software that comes with tons of added features, including VPN, deep web scanning, system cleanup & password manager.
But their added feature, including VPN & password manager, will not satisfy all your needs because their VPN has 200MB of daily limit, but is better than Panda free VPN.
Talking about their password manager, it will only allow you to save 15 separate logins, which is not enough for anyone; we have hundreds of accounts on different websites.
This is the best free Antivirus in terms of additional features, highly recommended Antivirus after Windows Defender & Avast.
5. Bitdefender’s Antivirus
Bitdefender’s Antivirus is in the top list when it comes to best free, reliable antivirus software. Its advanced malware scanner will keep you secure from ransomware; also, all your files automatically scanned when you download it from the internet.
It will also alert you when you visit any suspicious website, comes with active anti-phishing and fraud protection features.
There will be no performance loss when you install it on your system; it’s very lightweight software, works entirely in the background, and will show you essential notifications in case of suspicious program activity.
Bitdefender’s Antivirus is entirely free & also available for macOS & Android.
Those are five best free antiviruses except Windows Defender & Avast.
Final Words
Both Windows Defender & Avast have their own set of pros & cons, both of them are best. We will recommend you keep using Windows Defender if you are using a legal version of Windows because, in licensed versions of windows, you will get all the latest security updates.
But if you are from those people who use pirated Windows, then Windows Defender is not for you, in this condition it better go with Avast and stays updated with security patches.
You should regularly update your windows, from time to time Microsoft provides the latest security patches through the update, the update is only possible if you have the licensed version of Windows.
We hope this article on Windows Defender Vs Avast is helpful for you. If the article is useful for you in any manner, then do share it on social media, Stay connected with us for future updates & such informative posts.
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