Microsoft Security Essentials AlternativesAnti-Virus Apps like Microsoft Security Essentials

Microsoft Security Essentials is described as '(MSE) is an antivirus software product that provides real-time protection against different types of malicious software such as viruses, spyware, rootkits and Trojan horses' and is a leading Anti-Virus app in the security & privacy category. There are more than 25 alternatives to Microsoft Security Essentials for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, Linux and iPhone apps. The best Microsoft Security Essentials alternative is Avast Free Antivirus. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try Clam AntiVirus or Bitdefender Antivirus. Other great apps like Microsoft Security Essentials are Windows Security, ESET NOD32 Antivirus, Avira Antivirus and Kaspersky AntiVirus.

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Microsoft Security Essentials alternatives are mainly Anti-Virus Apps but may also be Anti-Malware Apps or Firewalls.  Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Microsoft Security Essentials.
Microsoft Security Essentials iconMicrosoft Security Essentials
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Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) is an antivirus software product that provides real-time protection against different types of malicious software such as viruses, spyware, rootkits and Trojan horses.

More about Microsoft Security Essentials
More about Microsoft Security Essentials
Microsoft Security Essentials alternatives page was last updated Jun 10, 2019
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Alternatives
  1. Avast Free Antivirus icon

    Avast Free Antivirus

     811 likes
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    Avast Free Antivirus a the free for non-commercial and home usage antivirus solution from AVAST Software.

    147 Avast Free Antivirus alternatives

    License model

    • Free Personal • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • CZ flagCzechia
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Avast Free Antivirus screenshot 1
    Avast Free Antivirus screenshot 2
    Avast Free Antivirus screenshot 3

    Avast Free Antivirus Features

    1.  No Tracking
    2.  Malware Analysis
    3.  Browser Protection
    4.  Run file in a Sandbox
    5.  Zero-Day Protection
    6.  Heuristic Detection

    Avast Free Antivirus VS Microsoft Security Essentials

     
    Comments about Avast Free Antivirus as an Alternative to Microsoft Security Essentials
    Guest
    Positive •Jan 22, 2017
    0

    more features, more customisable

    Microsoft Security Essentials Icon
    Avast Free Antivirus icon

    • Most users think Avast Free Antivirus is a great Microsoft Security Essentials alternative.

    • Avast Free Antivirus is the most popular Windows, Android, Mac & iPhone alternative to Microsoft Security Essentials.

    • Avast Free Antivirus is the most popular free alternative to Microsoft Security Essentials.

    • Avast Free Antivirus is Free Personal and ProprietaryMicrosoft Security Essentials is Free and Proprietary
  2. Clam AntiVirus icon

    Clam AntiVirus

     244 likes
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    Clam AntiVirus is an open source (GPL) anti-virus toolkit for UNIX, designed especially for e-mail scanning on mail gateways. It provides a number of utilities including a flexible and scalable multi-threaded daemon, a command line scanner and advanced tool for automatic...

    102 Clam AntiVirus alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    ClamAV GUI

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Ad-free
    2.  No Tracking
    3.  Graphical User Interface
    4.  Block Trackers
    5.  Dark Mode
    6.  Malware Analysis

    Clam AntiVirus VS Microsoft Security Essentials

     

    • Clam AntiVirus is the most popular Linux alternative to Microsoft Security Essentials.

    • Clam AntiVirus is the most popular Open Source alternative to Microsoft Security Essentials.

    • Clam AntiVirus is Free and Open SourceMicrosoft Security Essentials is Free and Proprietary
    • Clam AntiVirus is Lightweight and Privacy focusedMicrosoft Security Essentials is not according to our users
  4. Windows Security icon

    Windows Security

     157 likes
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    Windows Security (known as Windows Defender Antivirus before Windows 10 May 2020 Update, Windows Defender before Windows 10 Creators Update, or Microsoft Defender Antivirus before Windows 11) is an anti-malware component of Microsoft Windows.

    110 Windows Security alternatives

    License model

    • Free Personal • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Windows Security screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Ad-free
    2.  Real-time protection
    3.  Bundled with Windows
    4.  Zero-Day Protection
    5.  Malware Analysis
    6.  Works Offline
    7.  Dark Mode
    8.  Ransomware Protection

    Windows Security VS Microsoft Security Essentials

     
    Comments about Windows Security as an Alternative to Microsoft Security Essentials
    Guest
    Positive •Jun 10, 2019
    1

    Windows Defender antivirus is same as Microsoft Security Essentials,but more protection,scan more new viruses,new engine,but only available in Windows 10

    Microsoft Security Essentials Icon
    Windows Security icon

    • Most users think Windows Security is a great Microsoft Security Essentials alternative.

    • Windows Security is Free Personal and ProprietaryMicrosoft Security Essentials is Free and Proprietary
    • Windows Security is LightweightMicrosoft Security Essentials is not according to our users
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    McAfee Total Protection icon
    McAfee Total Protection

    Offers comprehensive antivirus with VPN, identity monitoring, AI-driven malware defense, and unlimited device coverage. Features privacy enhancements like Personal Data Cleanup and Secure VPN for public Wi-Fi, with up to $2 milli...

    https://www.mcafee.com
    Learn More
  6. Bitdefender Antivirus icon

    Bitdefender Antivirus

     105 likes
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    Free antivirus offering comprehensive protection with real-time threat detection, AI-powered security, lightweight performance, Game mode, user-friendly interface, and auto updates. Supports multiple platforms and provides live customer support. Ideal for all users.

    58 Bitdefender Antivirus alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • RO flagRomania
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    Bitdefender Antivirus screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Minimalistic

    Features

    1.  Ad-free
    2.  Malware Analysis
    3.  Dark Mode
    4.  Auto Update
    5.  AI-Powered
    6.  Ransomware Protection
    7.  Real-time protection
    8.  Game Mode

    Bitdefender Antivirus VS Microsoft Security Essentials

     
  7. ESET NOD32 Antivirus icon

    ESET NOD32 Antivirus

     256 likes
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    Experience a fast, efficient antivirus with ESET's AI-powered defense against viruses, ransomware, and phishing. Enjoy features like cloud-powered scanning, Enhanced Exploit Blocker, Device Control, and Gamer Mode for uninterrupted use. Optimize your security and maintain speed.

    75 ESET NOD32 Antivirus alternatives

    License model

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • SK flagSlovakia
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    ESET NOD32 Antivirus screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Build-in Firewall
    2.  Malware Analysis
    3.  Works Offline
    4.  No Tracking
    5.  Dark Mode
    6.  No Logs
    7.  No registration required
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  Block Trackers
    10.  Portable
    11.  AI-Powered

    ESET NOD32 Antivirus VS Microsoft Security Essentials

     

    • ESET NOD32 Antivirus is the most popular commercial alternative to Microsoft Security Essentials.

    • ESET NOD32 Antivirus is Paid and ProprietaryMicrosoft Security Essentials is Free and Proprietary
    • ESET NOD32 Antivirus is Privacy focused and LightweightMicrosoft Security Essentials is not according to our users
  8. Avira Antivirus icon

    Avira Antivirus

     403 likes
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    Avira Antivirus is a security software that protects your computer from online threats like malware, ransomware, and spyware. It includes features like browser safety, software updates, VPN, and PC optimization tools.

    79 Avira Antivirus alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    Avira Antivirus screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Built-in VPN
    2.  Real-time protection
    3.  Ransomware Protection

    Avira Antivirus VS Microsoft Security Essentials

     
  10. Kaspersky AntiVirus icon

    Kaspersky AntiVirus

     169 likes
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    Kaspersky AntiVirus offers protection from a range of IT threats and provides the basic tools needed to keep your PC secure.

    86 Kaspersky AntiVirus alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • RU flagRussia

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Kaspersky Free

    Kaspersky AntiVirus Features

    1.  Built-in Firewall
    2.  On-screen Keyboard

    Kaspersky AntiVirus VS Microsoft Security Essentials

     
  11. ClamTk icon

    ClamTk

     70 likes
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    ClamTk is a graphical front-end for ClamAV, an open source antivirus engine for detecting trojans, viruses, malware & other malicious threats. It is designed to be an easy-to-use, lightweight, on-demand antivirus scanner for Linux systems.

    64 ClamTk alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    ClamTk screenshot 1
    Discontinued

    This program is no longer maintained. https://github.com/dave-theunsub/clamtk/issues/163

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Ad-free
    2.  Malware Analysis

    ClamTk VS Microsoft Security Essentials

     
  12. ClamWin icon

    ClamWin

     121 likes
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    ClamWin is a free, open-source antivirus software for Microsoft Windows, using the ClamAV engine. It has an easy-to-use installer and its source code is publicly available. It features high detection rates for viruses and spyware, a scanning scheduler, and automatic updates of...

    67 ClamWin alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • PortableApps.com
    Configuration Screen
    Discontinued

    The latest version (0.103.2.1) is from 2021.

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Ad-free
    2.  No Tracking
    3.  Portable
    4.  GPLv3
    5.  Block Trackers
    6.  Malware Analysis
    7.  Works Offline
    8.  Dark Mode

    ClamWin VS Microsoft Security Essentials

     
  13. AVG AntiVirus icon

    AVG AntiVirus

     284 likes
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    AVG AntiVirus Free provides basic antivirus and antispyware protection for home users. Virus database updated every day. Includes innovative LinkScanner for web-protection.

    77 AVG AntiVirus alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • CZ flagCzechia
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • Chrome OS
    AVG AntiVirus screenshot 1

    AVG AntiVirus Features

    1.  Malware Analysis
    2.  Real-time protection
    3.  Built-in Firewall

    AVG AntiVirus VS Microsoft Security Essentials

     
  14. Comodo Internet Security icon

    Comodo Internet Security

     233 likes
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    Comodo Internet Security is a free, very voluminous and multi-layered security application that keeps hackers out and personal information in.

    83 Comodo Internet Security alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Comodo Internet Security screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Customizable

    Features

    1.  Real-time protection
    2.  Run file in a Sandbox
    3.  Malware Analysis
    4.  Sandbox
    5.  Ad-free

    Comodo Internet Security VS Microsoft Security Essentials

     
  15. HitmanPro icon

    HitmanPro

     66 likes
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    HitmanPro (formerly Hitman Pro) is an on-demand malware scanner and removal tool. It will usually do a full-system scan significantly faster than other (traditional) solutions due to its cloud-based scan technique.

    115 HitmanPro alternatives

    License model

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Windows
    HitmanPro screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Works Offline
    2.  Portable
    3.  Ad-free
    4.  Block Trackers
    5.  Malware Analysis
    6.  Cloud based

    HitmanPro VS Microsoft Security Essentials

     
12 of 47 Microsoft Security Essentials alternatives