Microsoft Defender AlternativesTop Anti-Virus & Anti-Malware Apps like Microsoft Defender

Microsoft Defender is described as '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' and is a very popular Anti-Virus app in the security & privacy category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Microsoft Defender for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, Android Tablet and Linux apps. The best Microsoft Defender alternative is Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which is free. Other great apps like Microsoft Defender are ClamvAV, Avast Free Antivirus, Spybot - Search & Destroy and Bitdefender Antivirus.

Microsoft Defender iconMicrosoft Defender
  157
  • ...

Windows Security (known as Windows Defender Antivirus before Windows 10 May 2020 Update, Windows Defender before Windows 10...

More about Microsoft Defender
More about Microsoft Defender
Microsoft Defender alternatives page was last updated May 16, 2025
Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard
  1. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware icon

    Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

     853 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    Comprehensive protection software utilizing AI and machine learning to detect and neutralize threats. Features include RDP and Ransomware Protection. Efficiently uses minimal system resources with customizable settings for scan modes and performance adjustments.

    113 Malwarebytes Anti-Malware alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Kindle Fire
    Malwarebytes Anti-Malware screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Process scanning
    2.  Heuristic Detection
    3.  Real-time protection
    4.  Ad-free
    5.  Multiple languages
    6.  Malware Analysis
    7.  Built-in VPN
    8.  Block Trackers
    9.  No Logs
    10.  No Tracking
    11.  No registration required
    12.  CloudAV

    Malwarebytes Anti-Malware VS Microsoft Defender

     
    Comments about Malwarebytes Anti-Malware as an Alternative to Microsoft Defender
    brta2818
    Positive Dec 15, 2021
    0

    Its real-time scanner (if you've shelled out for the premium version) uses less system resources than that of Microsoft Defender.

    Guest
    Positive Sep 3, 2019
    -4

    Malwarebytes is very popular and works well.

    Microsoft Defender Icon
    Malwarebytes Anti-Malware icon

    • Most users think Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is a great Microsoft Defender alternative.

    • Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is the most popular Windows, Android, Mac & iPhone alternative to Microsoft Defender.

    • Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is the most popular free alternative to Microsoft Defender.

    • Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is Freemium and ProprietaryMicrosoft Defender is Free Personal and Proprietary
    • Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is LightweightMicrosoft Defender is not according to our users
  2. ClamvAV icon

    ClamvAV

     244 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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...

    96 ClamvAV 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

    ClamvAV VS Microsoft Defender

     

    • ClamvAV is the most popular Linux alternative to Microsoft Defender.

    • ClamvAV is the most popular Open Source alternative to Microsoft Defender.

    • ClamvAV is Free and Open SourceMicrosoft Defender is Free Personal and Proprietary
    • ClamvAV is Lightweight and Privacy focusedMicrosoft Defender is not according to our users
  4. Avast Free Antivirus icon

    Avast Free Antivirus

     810 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    Provides free real-time protection against viruses, malware, spyware, and ransomware, with secure HTTPS scanning, customizable scans, password management, home network security, antiphishing, Smart Scan, rescue disk creation, and software updating.

    138 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 Defender

     
    Comments about Avast Free Antivirus as an Alternative to Microsoft Defender
    Guest
    Negative Sep 3, 2019
    21

    Don't trust these big-name security suites, they're crap and full of bloatware. Same goes for AVG, Avira, Comodo. When they get on your system they just take over and nag you to buy whatever...

    Microsoft Defender Icon
    Avast Free Antivirus icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Avast Free Antivirus is a great Microsoft Defender alternative.

    • Avast Free Antivirus is Free Personal and ProprietaryMicrosoft Defender is also Free Personal and Proprietary
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    AdwCleaner icon
    AdwCleaner

    Detects and removes adware, PUPs, toolbars, browser hijackers, and unwanted plugins with fast scanning and cleaning. Requires no installation and runs as a portable utility. Cleans files and registry traces, fixes altered browser...

    https://www.malwarebytes.com
    Learn More
  6. Spybot - Search & Destroy icon

    Spybot - Search & Destroy

     436 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    Spybot - Search & Destroy detects and removes spyware, a relatively new kind of threat not yet covered by common anti-virus applications.

    102 Spybot - Search & Destroy alternatives

    License model

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • PortableApps.com
    Prices for Corporate Edition

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Portable
    2.  Malware Analysis
    3.  Multiple languages

    Spybot - Search & Destroy VS Microsoft Defender

     

    • Spybot - Search & Destroy is the most popular commercial alternative to Microsoft Defender.

    • Spybot - Search & Destroy is Paid and ProprietaryMicrosoft Defender is Free Personal and Proprietary
    • Spybot - Search & Destroy is Privacy focusedMicrosoft Defender is not according to our users
  7. Bitdefender Antivirus icon

    Bitdefender Antivirus

     106 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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 Defender

     
    Comments about Bitdefender Antivirus as an Alternative to Microsoft Defender
    ImSebi
    Positive Sep 21, 2022
    0

    A good alternative you can get when you need something other than Windows Security....

    Guest
    Positive Sep 3, 2019
    -1

    Recommended by some serious geeks. Some of them use it and seem happy with it.

    Microsoft Defender Icon
    Bitdefender Antivirus icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Bitdefender Antivirus is a great Microsoft Defender alternative.

    • Bitdefender Antivirus is Freemium and ProprietaryMicrosoft Defender is Free Personal and Proprietary
    • Bitdefender Antivirus is LightweightMicrosoft Defender is not according to our users
  8. Avira Antivirus icon

    Avira Antivirus

     405 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    Offers real-time protection from malware, ransomware, viruses, and spyware, with advanced repair, browser safety, software updates, VPN, PC optimization tools, cloud-based updates, and system clean-up. Available for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS devices.

    74 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 Defender

     
  10. ESET NOD32 Antivirus icon

    ESET NOD32 Antivirus

     256 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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.

    70 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 Defender

     
    Comments about ESET NOD32 Antivirus as an Alternative to Microsoft Defender
    Guest
    Positive Sep 3, 2019
    1

    This was highly recommended by a PC Tech.

    Microsoft Defender Icon
    ESET NOD32 Antivirus icon
    • ESET NOD32 Antivirus is Paid and ProprietaryMicrosoft Defender is Free Personal and Proprietary
    • ESET NOD32 Antivirus is Privacy focused and LightweightMicrosoft Defender is not according to our users
  11. Kaspersky AntiVirus icon

    Kaspersky AntiVirus

     170 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

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

    81 Kaspersky AntiVirus alternatives

    License model

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • RU flagRussia

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    Kaspersky Free

    Kaspersky AntiVirus Features

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

    Kaspersky AntiVirus VS Microsoft Defender

     
    Comments about Kaspersky AntiVirus as an Alternative to Microsoft Defender
    Guest
    Negative Nov 17, 2020
    0

    Kaspersky Security Cloud Free Blocks non-dangerous Web Sites. It blocked Push Pay Web Site my church uses to make donations. It blocked my AT&T Digital Home phone site as well. Whitelisting did not help. November, 2020

    Nitsu29
    Positive Dec 20, 2021
    0

    Very good signature database and probably the best protection against Malware and Ransomware. Worth the money if you usually visit sites that can easily screw you over

    Microsoft Defender Icon
    Kaspersky AntiVirus icon

    • Most users think Kaspersky AntiVirus is a great Microsoft Defender alternative.

    • Kaspersky AntiVirus is Paid and ProprietaryMicrosoft Defender is Free Personal and Proprietary
  12. AdwCleaner icon

    AdwCleaner

     179 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    Detects and removes adware, PUPs, toolbars, browser hijackers, and unwanted plugins with fast scanning and cleaning. Requires no installation and runs as a portable utility. Cleans files and registry traces, fixes altered browser settings, and can run from flash drives.

    56 AdwCleaner alternatives

    License model

    • Free Personal • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Windows
    AdwCleaner screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Portable
    2.  Malware Analysis
    3.  Standalone
    4.  Ad-free
    5.  No Tracking
    6.  No registration required
    7.  Multiple languages

    AdwCleaner VS Microsoft Defender

     
    Comments about AdwCleaner as an Alternative to Microsoft Defender
    Guest
    Positive Sep 3, 2019
    0

    This was recommended by some geeks.

    Microsoft Defender Icon
    AdwCleaner icon

    • Almost everyone thinks AdwCleaner is a great Microsoft Defender alternative.

    • AdwCleaner is Free Personal and ProprietaryMicrosoft Defender is also Free Personal and Proprietary
    • AdwCleaner is LightweightMicrosoft Defender is not according to our users
  13. Tron Script icon

    Tron Script

     31 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    Tron is a collection of programs, tools, utilities, and Windows functions that are all scripted together. Those programs and such are designed to remove malware and bloatware, repair damaged operating systems, update old versions of very common applications, free up drive space...

    167 Tron Script alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Tron Script screenshot 1

    Tron Script Features

    1.  Malware Analysis
    2.  Bloatware Remover

    Tron Script VS Microsoft Defender

     
10 of 106 Microsoft Defender alternatives