Avast is the overall winner as it offers more security-enhancing features and utilities in its security suites than Windows Defender.
Independent tests prove that both software provide excellent anti-malware security, but Avast is better than Windows Defender in terms of the impact on system performance. Since Windows Defender doesn’t have a paid upgrade, so there’s no comparison between both software in this category. Windows Defender’s interface could be improved. Avast’s interface is intuitive and straightforward everything can be accomplished with just a few clicks. Independent tests show that Avast is exceptional in terms of impact on system performance, whereas Windows Defender failed one key performance test.
Both software are neck and neck in terms of malware protection, as evidenced by two different independent evaluations. Windows Defender comes with all the essential features, but Avast’s security products – especially the high-end ones – have all the advanced features and utilities you can expect to find in modern antivirus suites. A Quick Rundown of Winners in Each Category In a hurry? Check out the summary of our comparison below to find out which antivirus product wins in each category. In this detailed article, we are comparing Windows Defender and Avast side by side using different metrics to gauge their strengths and weaknesses. So, it’s obvious that you should go for a paid security program for excellent anti-malware protection and complete peace of mind.
If you want full-on identity protection and don’t mind paying more, Norton 360 with LifeLock Select (currently at 35% off) gives those in the US a full range of identity protection features, more backup space (100GB), as well as all the above. You can cover up to 5 PCs, Macs, smartphones or tablets with this suite.
It is competitively priced and comes with almost everything you could possibly ask for, such as a firewall, a fully integrated VPN, dark web monitoring, cloud backup storage (50GB), a password manager, and parental controls. Overall, Norton 360 Deluxe (currently at 70% off) is our pick for the best antivirus suite in 2021. Its products combine top-notch security with an array of excellent security features and, best of all, offer exceptional value for money. It regularly earns perfect or near-perfect scores from independent labs and has the least impact on system performance compared to rival products. Right now, we think that Norton is the best antivirus software your money can buy. We did this so you can confidently choose the best antivirus software to protect yourself and your family. Stats from the 2021 SonicWall Cyber Threat Report shows that while the number of malware attacks dropped 43 percent year-on-year to 5.6 billion in 2020, ransomware attacks skyrocketed 62 percent to 304.6 million.ĭuring the past few months, we have ranked, rated, and reviewed 40 premium antivirus suites from the biggest names in cybersecurity. An antivirus program with a strong anti-malware engine and advanced features is a must these days if you want to protect your and your family’s data and privacy.Īlthough global malware volume has seen a sharp drop over the past year, the number of other more serious threats has reached new heights. So, more information implies a greater risk.
This data includes confidential files and documents, photos of ourselves and our loved ones, credit card numbers, etc. Every aspect of our life is connected to the internet these days and we are putting more and more of our personal data online than ever before. If you consider today’s internet a safe place, think again. Read this in-depth Windows Defender versus Avast guide to make a smart decision. Windows Defender or Avast, which antivirus software is a better option in 2021?