Alternatives to Microsoft Defender
Built into Windows and genuinely good now
Microsoft Defender ranks #5 of 9 in Antivirus software, with an Alt Score of 82. It is proprietary, free and available on Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. 9 of 10 checklist rows are verified against a public source.
Windows users and Microsoft 365 subscribers who want built-in device protection plus broader coverage for their identity and online accounts across multiple devices.
Real-time antivirus and malware protection built into Windows (Microsoft Defender Antivirus), plus SmartScreen warnings for malicious sites and downloads. The Microsoft Defender app (included with Microsoft 365 Personal/Family) adds identity theft monitoring, security alerts across Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, and a single dashboard for family device security. Some plans include VPN-based network protection.
Antivirus protection runs automatically and continuously in the background via Windows Security, requiring no setup. The Microsoft Defender app is installed separately and signed into with a Microsoft account to link devices, view security status, and manage protections from one dashboard.
Where Microsoft Defender stands out
Verified capabilities most alternatives don't have.
Why people leave Microsoft Defender
Dashed reasons are sourced facts; the rest are opinions. Vendors can dispute.
Sign in to add a reason — new reasons go through moderation before appearing.
Ranked alternatives
Ordered by Alt Score. Click any score to see the breakdown.
Feature comparison
Rows come from the Antivirus software checklist (14 rows). Human-verified cells only. ? means the value has not been verified.
| Antivirus software checklist | Microsoft Defender | Bitdefender | Avast | ESET | Malwarebytes | Norton |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | ||||||
| Starts at | ||||||
| License | ||||||
| Platforms | ||||||
| Independent lab scores (AV-TEST) | ||||||
| Real-time protection | ||||||
| Ransomware protection | ||||||
| Performance impact | ||||||
| Free tier | ||||||
| No data selling | ||||||
| Web protection | ||||||
| Cross-platform | ||||||
| Firewall included | ||||||
| Ad-free experience |
Every fact and feature listed for Microsoft Defender is verified against its own pages. Each alternative is sourced on its own page.
-
License Proprietary verified 2026-07-10
The software is licensed, not sold. Microsoft reserves all other rights.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/legal/microsoft-365/mde-terms-windows -
Pricing model Free verified 2026-07-10
Your Windows 11 device comes with Microsoft Defender Antivirus built-in. You don't have to pay extra for this antivirus protection.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/comprehensive-security -
Platforms Windows, macOS, iOS, Android verified 2026-07-10
Microsoft Defender, our advanced security software for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, as part of your subscription.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/stay-protected-with-windows-security-2ae0363d-0ada-c064-8b56-6a39afb6a963 -
Status active verified 2026-07-10
Microsoft releases regular updates to help ensure that your devices have the latest technology to protect against new malware and attack techniques.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-endpoint/microsoft-defender-antivirus-windows -
Independent lab scores (AV-TEST) Yes verified 2026-07-10
Microsoft Defender Antivirus achieved a perfect Protection score of 6.0/6.0, with 100% in November and December. 18,870 malware samples were used.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-xdr/top-scoring-industry-tests -
Real-time protection Yes verified 2026-07-10
A next-generation protection solution that comes with Windows 11, Microsoft Defender Antivirus is real-time, always-on antivirus protection.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/comprehensive-security -
Ransomware protection Yes verified 2026-07-10
Controlled folder access (CFA) in Microsoft Defender Antivirus helps protect your valuable data from malicious apps and threats, such as ransomware.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-endpoint/controlled-folder-access-overview -
Performance impact Partial verified 2026-07-10
Microsoft Defender Antivirus, like other antivirus software, can cause performance issues on endpoint devices.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-endpoint/microsoft-defender-antivirus-windows -
Free tier Yes verified 2026-07-10
Your Windows 11 device comes with Microsoft Defender Antivirus built-in. You don't have to pay extra for this antivirus protection.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/comprehensive-security -
No data selling Yes verified 2026-07-10
Microsoft doesn't store your browsing data, history, personal details or your device's physical location.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/microsoft-defender-privacy-protection-faq-65b514b4-be3f-49bb-ae15-982bfc023854 -
Web protection Yes verified 2026-07-10
If a website, application, or download is potentially malicious and could harm your computer, SmartScreen will warn you.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/comprehensive-security -
Cross-platform Partial verified 2026-07-10
Built-in AV is Windows-only free; the cross-platform Defender app needs a Microsoft 365 subscription.
A Microsoft 365 Personal, Family or Premium subscription is required to use Microsoft Defender.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/microsoft-defender-for-individuals -
Firewall included Yes verified 2026-07-10
With Windows Firewall, unwanted traffic is blocked from entering your PC.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/comprehensive-security
FAQ
Yes. Bitdefender, Avast and Malwarebytes have a free tier or are fully free. Free-tier limits in the comparison table are verified and dated.
ClamAV — every license claim links its source.