When it comes down to it, what would you prefer to take care of the security of your system: the beauty of a basic yet complete antivirus that doesn’t require installation or configuration or a beast that comes with fantastic antivirus defense and plenty of additional features such as browser protection, a network security center, or a password manager? You guessed it right, the first of these is the built-in Windows Defender, the second being the fierce multi-featured Avast. Both of these are completely free, so if you are hesitating between the two then our comparison will help you to decide for yourself.
Nov 01, 2018. Avast Free Antivirus is a product developed by AVAST Software.This site is not directly affiliated with AVAST Software.All trademarks, registered trademarks, product names and company names or logos mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.
| Main Features | Windows Defender Antivirus | Avast Free Antivirus |
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| Antivirus | ||
| Antimalware | ||
| Antispyware | ||
| Antiransomware | ||
| Antiphishing | ||
| Quarantine | ||
| Logging | ||
| Do Not Disturb Mode | ||
| Behavior Shield | ||
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| On-Demand Virus Scans | Windows Defender Antivirus | Avast Free Antivirus |
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| Utility Features | Windows Defender Antivirus | Avast Free Antivirus |
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| Data Shredder | ||
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| Automated Software Updater |
| Platforms | Windows Defender Antivirus | Avast Free Antivirus |
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| Free Antivirus Attributes | Windows Defender Antivirus | Avast Free Antivirus |
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| Number of Devices | 1 | Unlimited |
| Cheapest Upgrade | n/a | $53.33/yr ($159.99) |
| Add-ons | n/a |
| Payment Methods | Windows Defender Antivirus | Avast Free Antivirus |
| Visa | n/a | |
| Master Card | n/a | |
| American Express | n/a | |
| PayPal | n/a | |
| Wire Transfer | n/a | |
| Discover | n/a | |
| Liberty Reserve | n/a | |
| Bitcoin | n/a | |
| Amazon Payments | n/a | |
| Google Checkout | n/a |
| Customer Support | Windows Defender Antivirus | Avast Free Antivirus |
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| Company Info | Windows Defender Antivirus | Avast Free Antivirus |
| Headquarters | Washington | Czech Republic |
| Founded | 1975 | 1988 |
| AV-TEST Score | 2005.06.06 | 5.67/6 |
Windows Defender
This program comes as an integrated part of the Windows 10 operating system, and is also compatible with Windows 8. Don’t let its basic design fool you, when it comes to defense, this software is not shy. It requires minimal interaction from the user and is fitted with an automated updater, the option to perform full scans on demand or schedule them, and can be disabled whenever the real-time protection is not wanted. It provides defense for emails (so long as you are using Microsoft products), apps, and the cloud.
Unlike its competitor, Windows Defender also comes to the battle with plenty of extended protection functions, like a firewall and network protection, family management options, malware defense, antiphishing protection, and ransomware security. It can even instantly identify and block new or emerging threats since it utilizes a cloud-delivered antivirus shield. But better than all this, it is absolutely free and has no upgrades so long as you have bought the Windows 10 operating system, that is.
However, this suite lacks complete email or browser protection, something that Avast Free Antivirus does provide. As such, with Windows Defender you are only completely safe so long as you are using Microsoft’s own solutions, such as Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Office or Microsoft Outlook.
Scan Results
Windows Defender's Email Protection
Avast Free Antivirus
This full package comes in the shape of a simple, uncomplicated solution that provides a sound defense against a range of potential threats. Avast Free Antivirus comprises of several methods of PC scanning, with manual scans that can be refined according to the user’s preferences and active shields that are able to run in the background. The handiest of these antivirus scanning options is Smart Scan, which is a complete feature that defends the system from different problems like viruses, malicious browser extensions, or outdated software.
However, the real strength of this software comes from its bigger brothers, the paid solutions from Avast that give access to a wide range of extended security features, from a driver updater, data shredder, and VPN to a reinforced firewall or ransomware protection.
Still, just the antivirus alone has the upper hand in regards to the greater toolbox that it has. For instance, there is an AutoSandBox function that automatically isolates suspicious software from the OS or the remote assistance that can be used for troubleshooting peers and family members who also have Avast. These are just a couple of examples that reinforce its advantage. In addition, Avast takes only a few minutes to perform a scan and is much quicker than its counterpart.
Settings for On-Demand Scans
Inspecting the Wi-Fi With Avast
Conclusion
Windows Defender and Avast Free Antivirus both provide solid yet basic antivirus protection, which should put your mind at ease when it comes to the security of your PC. Since the former comes as an integrated part of the Windows operating system, it requires no installation, no updates, and no configuration. Even so, it brings to the table not only basic protection features but also extended functionality such as firewall and network protection, firewall configuration checking, malware defense, antiphishing protection, and ransomware security.
At the same time, Avast Free Antivirus comes with several ways of completing a scan, as well as quick scanning performance, functionalities that enable it to automatically identify and isolate any malicious program from the OS, remote assistance, and a wide range of extended protection features available through its paid upgrades. Which one should you choose? Well, that’s up to you to decide.
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