Documented product tests and assessments are pending. We therefore currently publish no scores or test winners. Selections use recorded product features.

2026

Microsoft Defender vs Avira

Microsoft Defender and Avira compared side by side: protection, performance, pricing, and features. Which antivirus suits you better?

Microsoft Defender

Microsoft Defender comes pre-installed on every Windows PC and provides solid baseline protection against malware, phishing, and ransomware. In independent tests, Defender now performs well and is often sufficient for users with cautious browsing habits. However, anyone who needs VPN, password manager, extended web protection, or parental controls should consider a paid suite. As a free reference point, Defender is the most important comparison benchmark.

Recorded introductory priceCHF 0.00 Recorded renewal priceCHF 0.00 PlatformsWindows

Avira

Avira is a German security company with over 35 years of history. The name is best known for its free antivirus version, which already provides solid basic protection. Paid versions (Internet Security and Prime) add VPN, password manager, software updater, and system optimization. Avira Prime offers the best value with 5 devices and all features. Detection rates are high. Since 2021, Avira belongs to NortonLifeLock (Gen Digital) but continues to use its own scanning engine.

Recorded introductory priceCHF 59.90 Recorded renewal priceCHF 99.90 PlatformsWindows, Mac, Android, iPhone / iPad

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Our Verdict

Complete ratings are missing for an overall comparison.

Recorded overall rating: Microsoft Defender —/10, Avira —/10. The overall score is the average of six criteria.

Performance rating: Microsoft Defender —/10, Avira —/10. Higher points indicate a better rating for this criterion.

Prices are indicative. Check the current amount, currency, contract term and renewal conditions with the provider. Different contract terms are not directly comparable.

Feature-by-feature comparison

Listed features refer to the product range. They may require a different plan or an additional payment and may vary by platform. Check what your selected plan includes.

Criterion	Microsoft Defender	Avira
Real-time protection	In the product range	In the product range
Built-in VPN	Not confirmed	In the product range
Password manager	Not confirmed	In the product range
Anti-tracking / anti-phishing	Not confirmed	Not confirmed
Parental controls	Not confirmed	Not confirmed
Identity protection	Not confirmed	Not confirmed
Low system impact	In the product range	In the product range
Platforms	Windows	Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone / iPad
Number of devices (standard licence)	1 device	5 devices
System impact in daily use	—	—

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Frequently asked questions about Microsoft Defender vs Avira

How are Microsoft Defender and Avira rated overall?

Complete ratings are missing for an overall comparison. Recorded overall rating: Microsoft Defender —/10, Avira —/10. The overall score is the average of six criteria.

How do their performance ratings compare?

Performance rating: Microsoft Defender —/10, Avira —/10. Higher points indicate a better rating for this criterion.

What should I check when comparing prices?

Prices are indicative. Check the current amount, currency, contract term and renewal conditions with the provider. Different contract terms are not directly comparable.

Does the plan include every listed feature?

Listed features refer to the product range. They may require a different plan or an additional payment and may vary by platform. Check what your selected plan includes.