Microsoft Defender Antivirus vs Kaspersky
Two of the top three antivirus products, compared rule by rule on published facts.
In short
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus has 88 points and Kaspersky 84, 4 apart on our antivirus software rules.
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus earns more on price; Kaspersky earns more on independent lab results and refunds and security.
- First-year price: Microsoft Defender Antivirus $0, Kaspersky $49.99/yr.
- Only Microsoft Defender Antivirus meets: free edition with real-time protection.
- Only Kaspersky meets: 30-day refund.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus88/100 #2 of 10
Best for: Windows users who want protection without buying anything.
84/100 #3 of 10
Best for: Buyers outside the United States who want a firewall in the cheapest plan.
Points by group
| Group | Microsoft Defender Antivirus | Kaspersky |
|---|---|---|
| Independent lab results of 45 | 38 | 45 |
| Protection features of 25 | 25 | 25 |
| Price of 20 | 20 | 4 |
| Refunds and security of 10 | 5 | 10 |
| Total | 88 | 84 |
Rule by rule
What each vendor publishes, and the points it earns. Sources are on each product page.
| Rule (points) | Microsoft Defender Antivirus | Kaspersky |
|---|---|---|
| AV-TEST score (15) | 17.5 of 18 12 | 18 of 18 15 |
| AV-Comparatives award (15) | ADVANCED+ 15 | ADVANCED+ 15 |
| AV-Comparatives protection rate (15) | 99% 11 | 99.8% 15 |
| Systems covered (8) | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS 8 | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS 8 |
| Firewall (5) | Yes 5 | Yes 5 |
| Ransomware protection (5) | Yes 5 | Yes 5 |
| Rescue or offline scan (4) | Yes 4 | Yes 4 |
| Browser protection (3) | Yes 3 | Yes 3 |
| Free edition with real-time protection (8) | Yes 8 | No 0 |
| First-year price (6) | $0 6 | $49.99/yr 2 |
| Price from the second year (6) | $0 6 | $64.99/yr 2 |
| 30-day refund (5) | Not published 0 | Yes 5 |
| SOC 2 Type II or ISO 27001 (5) | Yes 5 | Yes 5 |
Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Microsoft Defender suits anyone with a Windows PC who wants solid protection without buying anything. Windows Security adds a firewall, controlled folder access and an offline scan, all built in. The catch is that SmartScreen's website checks are documented for Microsoft Edge, and the apps for other systems need a Microsoft 365 subscription.
All facts, prices and sources for Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Kaspersky
Kaspersky is only an option outside the United States, where a 2024 Commerce Department ruling bars its sale. Elsewhere, Standard includes a firewall, anti-ransomware and anti-phishing for $49.99 in the first year, plus a free Rescue Disk. The catch is that there is no lasting free edition, and Standard renews at $64.99.
Both products are scored by the same rules: how we score antivirus products.