Абсолютно все антивирусы имеют уровень защиты 99% и выше, но главные проблемы кроются именно в этом последнем процнете
Многие наши читатели уже давно забыли о существовании вирусов и вредоносных объектов. Причина в использовании Microsoft Defender, который поставляется в качестве бесплатного пакета всем пользователям актуальных версий настольных операционных систем Windows. Поскольку подобное ПО поставляется на условии «как есть», то требовать от него заоблачной защиты не приходится. По крайней мере, так полагают многие пользователи, которые всё ещё предпочитают платные антивирусы. Вообще это ещё не значит, что Microsoft Defender плох, но, как мы знаем, бесплатный сыр только мышеловке, поэтому требуются более серьёзная доказательная база.
Недавно компания AV-Comparatives провела масштабное тестирование нескольких десятков популярных антивирусных пакетов, включая McAfee, Avira, Avast, Kaspersky, NortonLifeLock, AVG и многих других. Конечный результат предсказуем, поскольку большая часть представленных решений отлично справляется с повседневными задачами. И всё же, есть показатели, по которым наблюдаются просадки даже у самых именитых компаний. К примеру, если абсолютно все участники обладают уровнем защиты в режиме подключения к интернету выше 99%, то важно узнать, кто из них хуже справляется с задачами без подключения к сети. Как оказалось, здесь всё не так радужно, ведь даже самые уважаемые антивирусы работают медленно. Учтите, что медленно, это не значит неэффективно, но в корпоративном сегменте это может нести потенциальную опасность.
Как видите, всего в тесте использовалось 10 040 вредоносных объектов, при этом только 2 антивирусных пакета смогли обнаружить их все. Основное большинство ПО пропустило только 2-4 вируса, ну и самые некачественные продукты умудрились не заметить до 25 объектов. Явный провал у Trend Micro, который демонстрирует самый низкий уровень защиты. Учтите, что из 10 040 вирусов Trend Micro пропустил всего 140, поэтому в быту вас ждёт защита на уровне 98.61%.
Не менее важен показатель ложных срабатываний. Отметим, что именно эта характеристика является наиболее раздирающей для пользователей, поскольку никому не нравится, когда во время просмотра фильма, компьютерных игр и других дел программа постоянно чего-то от вас требует. По этому показателю Kaspersky стал одним из лучших, а Microsoft Defender за время теста только 5 раз вводил пользователей в сомнения. Эксперты отмечают, что результат доказывает одну простую истину: дома вы можете пользоваться любым из указанных продуктов. Даже если у вас обычный Microsoft Defender, то защита будет находиться на достаточном для решения повседневных задач уровне. В то же время, если мы говорим о средней по размеру компании, то нужны более серьёзные решения, вот только там чем-то подобным занимаются специалисты, отвечающие за защиту. Если же мы говорим о хакерских взломах, то ни одна компания сегодня не может с уверенностью заявить о полной защите от подобных проникновений.
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27.01.2020
14 января 2020 года, компания Microsoft прекратила поддержку Windows 7 и решила сконцентрироваться на новых технологиях и взаимодействиях с пользователем.
Как известно, лицензионная версия Windows 10 имеет в своем составе базовое антивирусное решение «Windows Defender». Способно ли оно конкурировать с продуктами «Лаборатории Касперского» на равных? Давайте разберемся.
Cравнение антивирусов. Таблица достоинств и недостатков.
| Функция |
Windows Defender — Бесплатная защита |
Kaspersky Internet Security — пробная версия на 1 месяц |
|
Минимальные требования |
||
| Низкий процент ложных тревог | ||
| Самоактивация | ||
| Сбор личных данных пользователя | ||
| Глубокое сканирование ОС | ||
| Антифишинг | ||
| Веб-антивирус | ||
| Родительский контроль | ||
| Антиспам | ||
| Сетевой экран | ||
| Безопасные платежи |
Рассмотрим подробнее преимущества Kaspersky Internet Security.
- Антифишинг. Функция предназначена для защиты личных данных пользователя. Программа проверяет поступившие письма на вредоносные ссылки, предупреждая пользователя об опасности перехода по данным ссылкам.
- Веб-антивирус. Компонент Веб-Антивирус защищает информацию, которую ваш компьютер отправляет и получает по протоколам HTTP и HTTPS через браузер. Веб-Антивирус отслеживает попытки перехода на зловредный веб-сайт на уровне проверки веб-трафика и блокирует доступ к подобным ресурсам.
- Родительский контроль. Опция позволяет родителям контролировать действия детей в сети Интернет и за ее пределами.
- Сетевой экран. Действует как защита локального компьютера от вирусов, червей, троянских программ и хакерских атак. Осуществляет контроль и фильтрацию проходящего через устройство сетевого трафика в соответствии с заданными правилами.
- Включенный модуль Безопасных платежей открывает Защищенный браузер, в котором Вы можете безопасно совершать покупки в сети Интернет. Данная функция оберегает информацию о банковских картах, учетные записи и финансовые операции.
- Если Вы уже пользуетесь продуктами компании «Лаборатории Касперского», то установка Windows Defender, как и установка любого другого домашнего антивируса, вызовет конфликт программам.
Как отключить Windows Defender?
Для деактивации приложения через редактор реестра выполните ряд действий:
1. Откройте окно «Выполнить», нажатием клавиш Win + R. В появившемся окне пропишите команду regedit;
2. Следуем по пути: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE / SOFTWARE / Policies / Microsoft / Windows Defender;
3. Найдя параметр DisableAntiSpyware, измените его значение на «1», нажмите ОК;
4. Перезагрузите устройство.
Мы настоятельно рекомендуем отказаться от стандартного средства защиты Microsoft и использовать продукты компаний, специализированно занимающихся защитой личных данных на протяжении многих лет.
Купить Kaspersky Internet Security от 1 320 ₽ и получить подарок на официальном сайте.
Возврат к списку
Where security and cyber threats spread everywhere on the Internet, Two very powerful guards stand on the digital battlefield, and they are Windows Defender, which is included in every Windows system, and Kaspersky, the anti-malware
program that is trusted by millions.
In this article, we will compare two powerful programs for protecting against malware and viruses:
Kaspersky Vs Windows Defender.
We will try to separate the two programs in terms of basic features, which are features, security and protection, performance and ease of use, and pricing.
And we will decide who is the winner in this challenge for the best antivirus protection program.
As a quick introduction to the two programs, Windows Defender is a well-known protection program since 2006. Its mission at that time was to protect against spyware, and it later developed into an integrated program to combat viruses and malware.
As for the Kaspersky application, it is a paid anti-malware protection program with a free version. It was developed by a cybersecurity company called Kaspersky Lab in the early 2000s. It was founded by Yevgeny Valentinovich Kaspersky, and from here the program took its name.
Read More: Difference Between Bitdefender Vs Kaspersky Antivirus Which Is Best?
Kaspersky Vs Windows Defender: Features
Let’s see what you will get in terms of basic features. Notably, you will notice a lot of similarity in the features offered by both Kaspersky and Windows Defender.
Similarities
Both programs provide real-time protection against viruses and spyware, in addition to a powerful firewall that prevents unauthorized access to your computer.
Both programs offer different scanning options, including full system scans, quick scans, or custom scans of files or programs.
The Differences
Kaspersky offers a built-in virtual keyboard feature that protects against keyloggers.
Its heuristic analysis engine, coupled with machine learning algorithms, enables proactive threat detection, keeping users one step ahead against security threats.
It also provides parental controls that allow you to restrict access to specific websites or applications, in addition to the feature of storing and encrypting passwords.
On the other hand,
Windows Defender has integration features with the Microsoft Edge browser to protect against phishing, fraud, and malicious websites, in addition to controlling access to folders and protecting them from unauthorized access.
Leveraging the power of cloud-based protection and behavioural analysis, Windows Defender provides real-time threat detection and remediation.
Ransomware protection is a feature that Windows Defender supports, in addition to providing info about device performance and health.
Seamless integration with Windows ensures minimal resource consumption and optimal performance, making it a suitable choice for users looking for built-in security solutions.
Windows Defender is a free program that comes integrated with the Windows system during installation of the system, but its problem is that it lacks the advanced features that paid protection programs provide.
Even if both programs have some similar features, Kaspersky is the one that wins in terms of the features it offers because it is a professional program over Windows Defender that offers the necessary features for protection.
When determining the ideal cybersecurity solution for your needs, there are several factors worth considering:
- Security Requirements:Evaluate your specific security needs, including threat landscape, device compatibility, and budget constraints.
- User Experience: Consider ease of use and intuitiveness of the interface to improve user experience and productivity.
- Support and Updates: Examine the availability of technical support, frequency of updates, and commitment to addressing emerging threats.
Kaspersky Vs Windows Defender: Security and Protection
AV Test.org, a site that gives evaluations of security applications after testing them and putting them under conditions simulating real-world conditions, gave Kaspersky Endpoint Security a score of 6/6 in terms of protection and security in its latest tests.
It’s easy to see why this is the case, as Kaspersky uses a set of robust security protocols to provide the most comprehensive protection possible against various security threats, including:
- Signature-based detection
- Machine learning algorithms
- Behavioural-based detection
- Heuristic analysis
- Detecting zero-day threats
- URL filtering
- System watcher
- Firewall
On the other hand, Security.com gave Kaspersky an 8.2/10, due to old security flaws.
There is a known fact against Kaspersky that it still collects some user information such as IP addresses, domain names, etc., which it shares with third parties.
On the other hand, from the same laboratory, I gave a rating of 6/6 in terms of protection for the program, as Windows Defender uses a comprehensive set of security and protection protocols, including:
- Real-time protection
- Cloud-based protection
- Behaviour-based detection
- Firewall
- Controlled folder access
- Exploit protection
All security protocols are used by Windows Defender to identify known and unknown malware, detect suspicious behaviour, and monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic, phishing scams, and fraudulent websites.
Windows Defender is included with the system, and there are no reports that Microsoft collects any user data yet.
Kaspersky Vs Windows Defender: Performance
We’ll look at how quickly and efficiently Kaspersky Vs Windows Defender performs security tasks by looking at their impact on your computer’s processing power.
We know that both Kaspersky and Windows Defender are effective in detecting and removing security threats, but how efficiently and quickly they perform these tasks is at the expense of the device’s performance.
According to AV Test’s performance and speed tests, Kaspersky and Windows Defender provided different results when it comes to performance and device resource consumption.
When it comes to performance, Kaspersky and Windows Defender have strengths and weaknesses, depending on your system and specific needs:
Windows Defender:
Pros:
- Lighter space: Uses fewer system resources, making it ideal for older or resource-constrained computers.
- Minimal impact on performance: Significant slowdowns in everyday tasks are unlikely to be noticed while the program is running in the background.
- Seamless integration with the system: No additional software installation or configuration is required.
Cons:
- Potential resource increases: Scans and updates may cause temporary slowdowns, especially on very old systems.
- Limited customization: Performance settings are basic and offer little control.
Kaspersky
Pros:
- Advanced optimization: Offers diverse performance profiles to balance protection and device resource usage.
- Player Mode: Reduces the impact during gaming sessions.
- Power saving mode: It enables scheduled checks to be postponed until the device enters rest mode or while the device is detected consuming less power.
- Cloud-based scanning: Reduces local resource usage by offloading tasks to the cloud.
Cons:
- Higher resource usage: It can affect performance on older or resource-constrained systems, especially during scans.
- More complex setup: Requires installation and configuration knowledge for macOS users.
Kaspersky Or Windows Defender: Usability
It is important to have two things in every security program:
-
Ease of use: It is also known as the impact of the security program on the entire usability of your computer, such as bypassing any false warnings, false detections, or anything that may be a source of inconvenience to the user that may lead to the disruption of his workflow.
-
Ease of use of the program: such as how easy it is to use the user interface, and whether the results are easy to understand rather than just huge technical talk.
In terms of technical usability, in an AV Test of thousands of samples looking for glitches or false alarms, both Kaspersky’s performed exceptionally well, with both receiving a very close score.
Not observed any case of false alarms on Kaspersky in any case, and the program did not list legitimate files as malicious either during a software installation or a full system scan.
On the other hand, Windows Defender had one example of the wrong occurrence
of some actions performed during the installation of some software or while
using it.
In terms of actual usability, Windows Defender is the most user-friendly, with a simple-to-use interface that makes it a great choice for those without any technical experience.
On the other hand, Kaspersky offers more customization options that allow more experienced users to fine-tune the software to suit their needs, but some casual users may find it a bit confusing.
Please note that for Macs, the software is installed from several packages, so it may be a bit cumbersome and complex for some users.
Should I just keep Windows Defender or switch to Kaspersky Free?
Deciding between Windows Defender and Kaspersky Free can be tricky, as each offers distinct advantages and disadvantages depending on your specific needs and priorities.
Here’s a breakdown to help you make an informed decision:
Stick with Windows Defender if:
- Budget is a major concern: Defender is completely free, while Kaspersky requires a paid subscription for advanced features.
- Ease of use is essential: Defender integrates seamlessly with Windows and boasts a simple interface.
- Your system is older or resource-constrained: Defender has a lighter footprint and minimal impact on performance.
- Basic protection suffices: Defender offers decent detection rates for common threats like malware and viruses.
Switch to Kaspersky Free if:
- Maximum protection is your top priority: Kaspersky consistently outperforms Defender in independent lab tests, especially against zero-day threats and novel malware.
- Advanced features are important: Kaspersky Free offers parental controls, vulnerability scanning, and other valuable tools that Defender lacks.
- Performance impact is less of a concern: You have a modern, powerful system that can handle Kaspersky’s resource usage.
- Peace of mind is worth the cost: You’re willing to invest in premium security for added assurance.
The Key Difference Between Kaspersky Vs Windows Defender
| Windows Defender | Kaspersky | |
| Pricing | ||
| Price | $0 | $29.99 |
| Money-back Guarantee | ✔︎ | |
| Scanning | ||
| Real-time Antivirus | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Manual Virus Scanning | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| USB Virus Scan | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Registry Startup Scan | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Auto Virus Scanning | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Scheduled scan | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Anti-Spyware | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Anti-Worm | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Anti-Trojan | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Anti-Rootkit | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Anti-Phishing | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Anti-Spam | ✘ | ✔︎ |
| Email Protection | ✘ | ✔︎ |
| Chat/IM Protection | ✘ | ✘ |
| Adware Prevention | ✘ | ✘ |
| Compatibility | ||
| Windows | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Mac | ✘ | ✔︎ |
| Android | ✘ | ✔︎ |
| IOS | ✘ | ✔︎ |
| Usage | ||
| Ease of use | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Extra features | ||
| Personal Firewall | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Parental Controls | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Gamer Mode | ✘ | ✔︎ |
| VPN Service | ✘ | ✔︎ |
| Smartphone Optimizer | ✘ | ✘ |
| Device Tune-up | ✘ | ✘ |
| Safe browser | ✘ | ✔︎ |
| Support | ||
| Live Help | ✘ | ✔︎ |
| Phone support | ✘ | ✔︎ |
| Email support | ✘ | ✘ |
| Ticket support | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
Conclusion
It’s clear that both Kaspersky vs Windows Defender are excellent, high-performing programs when it comes to protecting against security threats, and that both options have their pros and cons.
While Kaspersky may cost you some money and Windows Defender is completely free, it’s other factors that set them apart.
When we look at features, Kaspersky outperforms Windows Defender because it is primarily a security-oriented program.
As for Windows Defender, you can consider it as an additional feature in the Windows system and provides basic protection only.
Well, in terms of performance, Windows Defender wins easily, because the tool is integrated into the system when it is installed, and it can be considered part of the system and not a separate program from the system.
Although Windows Defender may be an excellent security program, we do not recommend it if you want to make it the only security program on your device.
It is preferable to look for an external security program that is strong and reliable to protect your digital life and device.
Price:$0
Price:$29.99
Windows Defender highlights:
- Provides robust protection from most types of malware
- Has a built-in firewall
- Phishing protection for IE and Edge browsers
- Parental control feature is available.
- Comes pre-installed in Windows OS; protection is enabled by default.
Kaspersky highlights:
- Support for Linux platforms and the latest versions of Microsoft Windows
- Strengthen protection from new harmful programs
- Real-time antivirus security
- Active infections healing
- A flexible and fast scanning system
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(Last updated on January 9th, 2023)
Windows Defender or Kaspersky, which antivirus software should you choose in 2023?
Read this data-driven Windows Defender versus Kaspersky comparison to make a smart decision.
Almost every aspect of our life is somehow connected to the online world in today’s era. We are relying on the internet more than ever before – and that has its pros and cons.
Cybercriminals are constantly creating new and more powerful ways to steal our data and breach our privacy. And our heavy reliance on the internet means we are more vulnerable than ever, as we now have more and more data and photos on our computer, smartphone and on the cloud.
Betting lovers like to read Complex Hollywood news using Windows Defender and Kaspersky are two of the most popular anti-virus programs on the market. But which one is better?
Windows Defender is a free anti-virus program that is included with Windows 10. It offers basic protection against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.
Kaspersky is a paid anti-virus program that offers more comprehensive protection against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It also includes features such as a virtual private network (VPN) and parental controls.
So, which one is better? It depends on your needs. If you just need basic protection, then Windows Defender will suffice. However, if you want more comprehensive protection, then you should consider Kaspersky.
The 2021 SonicWall Cyber Threat report states that around 5.6 billion malware attacks were registered in 2020. The number of ransomware attacks jumped 62 percent and crossed 300 million, whereas the number of IoT attacks skyrocketed 66 percent to 57 million.
Another source suggests that cybercrime will cost the world $10.5 trillion by 2025, up from $3 trillion in 2015.
The above-mentioned stats are evident that you need a reliable antivirus program if you want to insulate yourself against all sorts of digital threats.
You may want to install a free antivirus app, which is better than no protection at all but there are no guarantees. Free packages lack advanced tools that go beyond just malware protection.
By contrast, a premium antivirus suite – such as Norton 360 Deluxe, Bitdefender Total Security, or McAfee Total Protection – not only detects and blocks malware, but it also comes with features like a password manager, VPN, parental controls, webcam protection, file shredder, cloud backup, file encryption, identity theft protection, and much more.
But the question still remains: which is the best antivirus software?
We have compared almost all popular security products and now it’s up to you which one to choose according to your needs and budget.
In this comprehensive guide, we will pit Windows Defender against Kaspersky and see how they fare when it comes to features, protection against malware, impact on computer speed, user interface, and pricing.
Don’t have time to read the entire article? Check out the quick summary below to see which antivirus program wins in each category.
A Quick Rundown of Winners in Each Category
1. Features
Winner: Kaspersky. Overall, Kaspersky provides you with all kinds of advanced features and utilities that enhance your online security and improve your user experience. Windows Defender does offer the essential features, but many advanced security-related features are not part of the software.
2. Malware Protection
Winner: Kaspersky. It’s a close call, but Kaspersky fared slightly better than Windows Defender in recent independent evaluations.
3. System Performance
Winner: Kaspersky. Overall, Kaspersky is better than Windows Defender in terms of the impact on system performance.
4. User-Friendliness
Winner: Kaspersky. Kaspersky’s user interface is more intuitive and user-friendly than Windows Defender’s.
5. Pricing
Winner: N/A. There’s no real comparison between both software in this category.
Short Verdict
The main difference is that Kaspersky is a paid product while Windows Defender is free. Kaspersky guarantees a 100% detection rate against malware, while Windows Defender’s detection rate is much lower, at around 95% to 98%. Also, Kaspersky offers a slew of advanced features and utilities that you won’t get with Windows Defender.
Best Antivirus for 2023
#1 (Excellent)
- Robust feature-set
- Excellent anti-malware security
- Minimal system impact
- Easy-to-use interface
- Automatic updates
- Trusted by 50 million users
- 100% virus protection promise
- 60-day money-back guarantee
70% off
#2 (Very Good)
- Exceptional malware protection
- Little impact on performance
- Trusted by millions of users
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- User-friendly interface
50% off
#3 (Very Good)
- Good malware protection
- Trusted by big corporations
- Minimal impact on performance
- Good value for money
- 30-day risk-free guarantee
40% off
Let’s dig into the details …
1. Features
Today’s antivirus programs offer more than just anti-malware protection. They come with loads of advanced features related to device security and performance, and your privacy and identity theft protection.
In this section, we will take a detailed look at the features offered by Windows Defender and Kaspersky.
Let’s start with Windows Defender.
Windows Defender is built-in antivirus software of the Windows operating system, meaning you don’t have to download and install it yourself. However, you can turn off its real-time protection if you are using a different antivirus suite.
Windows Defender offers excellent anti-malware protection, frequent software updates, and an advanced firewall.
The antivirus suite is also packed with excellent parental controls, which help you keep track of your kids’ online activity and set good screen time habits so that your children focus on studies.
Another cool Windows Defender feature is App and Browser Control, which includes reputation-based protection and isolated browsing.
Now, let’s take a look at Kaspersky’s feature set.
Kaspersky Free is the company’s first antivirus offering, which protects against all sorts of malware threats, but it lacks advanced features to protect your data and privacy.
Next up is Kaspersky Anti-Virus, the company’s entry-level paid antivirus product. Apart from protecting against all kinds of malware threats, the program also offers advanced ransomware and cryptolocker protection.
However, the Kaspersky Anti-Virus subscription only supports Windows and you can protect up to five PCs.
The next product from the company is Kaspersky Internet Security, which is compatible with PCs, Macs and smartphones. Besides all the features that are part of the previous suites, the Internet Security plan offers a two-way firewall, blocks unauthorized access to your webcam, protects payments with bank-grade encryption, and prevents online trackers from collecting your data.
The suite also includes a limited VPN, which encrypts your outgoing and incoming internet traffic. The service protects up to 200MB of data traffic daily per device.
Next up is Kaspersky Total Security, which is the company’s “best-performing, best-selling security suite”, according to its website. This package offers everything included in the previous tiers, plus several additional features.
These features include a full-blown password manager that manages and stores all your passwords, a file shredder that erases sensitive files in a way that no one can retrieve them, and a file encryption utility that safeguards your important data.
The Total Security suite also offers advanced parental controls, which help you protect your kids from harmful websites and bad screen time habits.
Kaspersky Security Cloud is another high-end security package offered by the company. This suite offers all the features from the Total Security plan, plus it has so-called “patented adaptive technology” that applies necessary settings and options based on your internet habits and computer use.
Interested in Kaspersky’s business-specific security products? Click here to get more information about these products.
Winner: Kaspersky. It’s quite evident that Kaspersky boasts more and better features than Windows Defender.
2. Malware Protection
The first thing that can be expected from an excellent antivirus program is that it protects your devices from all kinds of malware threats.
To see which among Windows Defender and Kaspersky is better in this category, let’s take a look at the latest evaluations conducted by two independent antivirus testing companies – the AV-Test Institute, and AV-Comparatives.
AV-Test evaluates all popular antivirus brands in three different categories – Protection, Performance, and Usability – and gives each product a score of 1 to 6 (with 6 bring the highest score).
In its latest protection test, conducted in January-February 2021, both Windows Defender and Kaspersky notched a perfect 6 out of 6 score, showing exceptional malware protection capabilities.
Windows Defender:
Kaspersky:
The second independent testing lab that we can rely on to get unbiased results is AV-Comparatives.
This lab conducts two types of protection evaluations: the Real-World Protection Test (in which the vector is the web), and the Malware Protection Test (in which malware is executed on the system).
First, we will take a look at the most recent Real-World Protection Test results, which came out in November 2020.
Once again, both Kaspersky and Windows Defender were among the top performers and received the highest-possible ADVANCED+ award.
The outcome was quite different in the latest Malware Protection Test, conducted in March 2021.
While Kaspersky continues its winning streak with another ADVANCED+ award, Windows Defender didn’t fare as well in this evaluation and received the one-star STANDARD award.
Winner: Kaspersky. While it’s close, Kaspersky is the overall winner thanks to its outstanding performance in all three independent evaluations.
3. System Performance
Another identifying feature of an excellent antivirus product is that it doesn’t put much influence on your computer while working in the background.
We will once again refer to the two independent labs to see which among Windows Defender and Kaspersky is more efficient.
The performance assessments check how well an antivirus program runs while performing different functions, such as launching popular websites, downloading and installing frequently used applications, launching standard software applications, etc.
In the latest AV-Test performance evaluation, both Windows Defender and Kaspersky scored a perfect 6 out of 6 score, showing they don’t slow down your computer speed in a significant way.
Windows Defender:
Kaspersky:
In the AV-Comparatives’ April 2021 performance evaluation, Kaspersky once again bagged the highest-possible ADVANCED+ award. Windows Defender performed poorly in the test and could only get the STANDARD award.
Winner: Kaspersky. The two independent evaluations show that Kaspersky puts less influence on computer speed in daily usage, resulting in a better user experience.
4. User-Friendliness
The user interface of an antivirus program should be intuitive and straightforward, even for new users.
Let’s compare the interface of both security products to see which one fares better in this category.
Windows Defender’s interface takes a bit to get access to, right off the bat. You have to go through several different clicks just to get to the software’s settings and options.
You also can’t run any scheduled scans with Windows Defender, meaning that every task aside from quick scanning must be undertaken from the dashboard. You can find all of the major operations on the left-hand side of the screen in organized groups, making it simple to determine where to go depending on your needs.
Overall, the interface is intuitive and simplistic, with a sleek visual aesthetic.
Now let’s check out Kaspersky’s interface.
Kaspersky utilizes a very open-frame and light interface, with most of its operations, such as Parental Controls, being contained in blocks on the main dashboard. Right at the top, there’s a big banner that tells whether your computer is safe.
At the bottom of your screen, you’ll see your subscription status, keeping you in the loop for when you need to refresh your subscription.
Overall, Kaspersky’s interface simple and user-friendly and also offers room for personalization and customization. All of its main functions and settings are easily accessible, with a couple of clicks at most.
Winner: Kaspersky. Kaspersky offers a better and more intuitive user interface than Windows Defender.
5. Pricing
Windows Defender is free, with no paid-for upgrades, while Kaspersky offers a free version as well as a number of different premium suites that come at different price points.
Kaspersky Free is, of course, free. Kaspersky Anti-Virus, which is the company’s entry-level premium offering, costs $29.99 for 3 licenses that can be used between PCs. Kaspersky Internet Security also gives you 3 licenses for $39.99 per year.
Kaspersky Total Security protects up to 3 PCs, Macs, or smartphones for costs $49.99 per year. Kaspersky Security Cloud comes in two versions: Personal and Family. The Personal version costs the same as the Total Security and can protect up to 5 devices, while the Family version costs $149.99 per year for up to 20 devices.
| Kaspersky Products | Regular Price | Discounted Price |
|---|---|---|
| Kaspersky Anti-Virus | $59.99/year | Check here |
| Kaspersky Internet Security | $79.99/year | Check here |
| Kaspersky Total Security | $99.99/year | Check here |
| Kaspersky Security Cloud (Personal) | $89.99/year | Check here |
| Kaspersky Security Cloud (Family) | $149.99/year | Check here |
| Kaspersky Small Office Security | $149.99/year | Check here |
| Kaspersky End Point Security Cloud | $300.00/year | Check here |
Winner: N/A. Since Windows Defender doesn’t offer a paid version, there’s no comparison between both software in this category.
The Verdict
The main difference is that Kaspersky offers better malware protection than Windows Defender — without putting a burden on system performance. Kaspersky offers a free antivirus product as well as several premium products at different price points whereas Windows Defender is completely free.
FAQs
Is Windows Defender as good as Kaspersky?
Windows Defender is a great free option, but is it really as good as Kaspersky? It depends on whether you are using Kaspersky’s free or premium version. Windows Defender simply can’t match a suite like Kaspersky Total Security, which offers numerous advanced tools and utilities.
Is Windows Defender good enough 2023?
The short answer is yes. However, while Windows Defender is a great free option in 2023 and comes pre-installed with the operating system, it doesn’t have many advanced features like a password manager, file shredder, webcam and microphone protection, identity theft protection, dark web monitoring, safe online banking, etc.
Is Windows Defender free?
Yes. Windows Defender is free and is a built-in part of Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. However, while Windows Defender is better than nothing, you may feel that it lacks many important features that are now a must for all-round security.
Anas Baig is a consumer privacy advocate and cybersecurity journalist by profession. Has has more than 7 years of professional experience under his belt. Anas has been featured on numerous media publications including The Guardian, Lifehacker, The Next Web, Infosecurity Magazine, Security Boulevard, Hacker Noon, CMS Wire, IAPP, SC Magazine, and many others. His interest includes Digital Privacy Rights, Information Security, Networking, Privacy, and Data Protection.
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