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 Kaspersky

Microsoft Defender and Kaspersky 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

Kaspersky

Kaspersky has been among the absolute top performers in independent antivirus tests for years. The Plus suite offers excellent real-time protection, VPN, password manager, and privacy tools. The Premium version adds parental controls and identity protection. Note: Kaspersky has faced scrutiny in some countries due to its Russian origin – in Switzerland and the EU, the software remains freely available and consistently receives top ratings from independent labs.

Recorded introductory priceCHF 42.90 Recorded renewal priceCHF 79.90 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, Kaspersky —/10. The overall score is the average of six criteria.

Performance rating: Microsoft Defender —/10, Kaspersky —/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	Kaspersky
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	In the product range
Parental controls	Not confirmed	In the product range
Identity protection	Not confirmed	Not confirmed
Low system impact	In the product range	Not confirmed
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 Kaspersky

How are Microsoft Defender and Kaspersky rated overall?

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

How do their performance ratings compare?

Performance rating: Microsoft Defender —/10, Kaspersky —/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.