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.
Documented product tests and assessments are pending. We therefore currently publish no scores or test winners. Selections use recorded product features.
Microsoft Defender vs Surfshark Antivirus
Microsoft Defender and Surfshark Antivirus compared side by side: protection, performance, pricing, and features. Which antivirus suits you better?
Surfshark Antivirus is part of the Surfshark One suite, combining virus protection with VPN, data breach alerts, and a private search engine. The antivirus detects malware in real time and protects your webcam from unauthorized access. The biggest advantage: unlimited devices at the same price. Ideal for families and shared households looking for an all-in-one security package at a top price. Pure antivirus protection is solid but not quite at the level of Bitdefender or Norton.
Complete ratings are missing for an overall comparison.
Recorded overall rating: Microsoft Defender —/10, Surfshark Antivirus —/10. The overall score is the average of six criteria.
Performance rating: Microsoft Defender —/10, Surfshark Antivirus —/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 | Surfshark Antivirus |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | In the product range |
| Low system impact | In the product range | In the product range |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows, Mac, Android |
| Number of devices (standard licence) | 1 device | Check the device limit with the provider |
| System impact in daily use | — | — |