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 Panda Security

Microsoft Defender and Panda Security 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

Panda Security

Panda Dome Advanced takes a cloud-based approach that minimizes local system load. The suite offers solid virus protection, web protection, and a built-in VPN. The biggest advantage is pricing: at CHF 26.90 in the first year, Panda is one of the most affordable options on the market. For budget-conscious users seeking solid basic protection without extras, Panda is worth considering. The feature set falls behind premium providers.

Recorded introductory priceCHF 26.90 Recorded renewal priceCHF 49.90 PlatformsWindows, Mac, Android

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Our Verdict

Complete ratings are missing for an overall comparison.

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

Performance rating: Microsoft Defender —/10, Panda Security —/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	Panda Security
Real-time protection	In the product range	In the product range
Built-in VPN	Not confirmed	In the product range
Password manager	Not confirmed	Not confirmed
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
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 Panda Security

How are Microsoft Defender and Panda Security rated overall?

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

How do their performance ratings compare?

Performance rating: Microsoft Defender —/10, Panda Security —/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.