Is Microsoft Defender Antivirus better than Avira?

Microsoft Defender Antivirus ranks higher in our list of antivirus software (#2 against #7, score 89.0 against 80.0). Avira is best for: free Windows antivirus with paid mobile plans. Microsoft Defender Antivirus is best for: Windows PCs that need no extra software.

Which is cheaper, Avira or Microsoft Defender Antivirus?

Avira: Free Avira Free Security for Windows; paid Prime plans. Microsoft Defender Antivirus: Included with Windows; no separate purchase.

Do Avira and Microsoft Defender Antivirus run on the same platforms?

Avira supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS. Microsoft Defender Antivirus supports Windows.

Avira vs Microsoft Defender Antivirus: Which Is Better? (2026)

80.0
Editorial score
89.0
4
Platforms
1
Yes
Free to use
Yes
No
Open source
No

Which should you choose?

Choose Avira if you want

Free Windows antivirus with paid mobile plans.

Free Avira Free Security for Windows, with paid Prime plans that include Prime Mobile apps for iOS and Android. The free download is listed for Windows only.

Choose Microsoft Defender Antivirus if you want

Windows PCs that need no extra software.

Built into Windows Security at no extra cost and needs no setup. It covers Windows only, and tools such as a VPN come from third-party suites like the ones in this list.

The main differences

Only Avira runs on macOS.
Only Avira runs on iOS.
Only Avira runs on Android.
Avira is free plan, paid upgrades; Microsoft Defender Antivirus is free.

Side by side

	Avira	Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Score	80.0	89.0
Rank in list	#7 of 11	#2 of 11
Price	Free plan, paid upgradesFree Avira Free Security for Windows; paid Prime plans	FreeIncluded with Windows; no separate purchase
Free to use	Yes	Yes
Open source	No	No
Platforms	WindowsmacOSAndroidiOSWindows, macOS, Android, iOS	WindowsWindows
Made by	Not stated	Microsoft
Free version	Yes	Yes
Extra tools	Paid Prime plans	Personal subscription for other devices
Best for	Free Windows antivirus with paid mobile plans	Windows PCs that need no extra software
Strengths	Free Avira Free Security for Windows Downloads for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS Prime Mobile apps for iOS and Android	Included with Windows at no extra cost Needs no separate install or setup Personal subscription available for other devices
Limits	Free version is listed for Windows only Product names are spread across free and paid tiers	Built-in version covers Windows only The built-in version is antivirus only, without a VPN
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about Avira vs Microsoft Defender Antivirus

Is Microsoft Defender Antivirus better than Avira?: Microsoft Defender Antivirus ranks higher in our list of antivirus software (#2 against #7, score 89.0 against 80.0). Avira is best for: free Windows antivirus with paid mobile plans. Microsoft Defender Antivirus is best for: Windows PCs that need no extra software.
Which is cheaper, Avira or Microsoft Defender Antivirus?: Avira: Free Avira Free Security for Windows; paid Prime plans. Microsoft Defender Antivirus: Included with Windows; no separate purchase.
Do Avira and Microsoft Defender Antivirus run on the same platforms?: Avira supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS. Microsoft Defender Antivirus supports Windows.