Microsoft Defender serves as the default antivirus solution for millions of Windows users, providing essential protection with its real-time alerts and built-in firewall. While it effectively safeguards many users, a significant number still seek out third-party alternatives that offer a broader array of features. For those who consider themselves proactive internet users, exploring more comprehensive solutions may be beneficial.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-best-alternative-to-microsoft-defender”>Best alternative to Microsoft Defender
Among the alternatives, TotalAV stands out as a powerful and user-friendly option, equipped with an impressive suite of optimization tools.
Reasons to buy
- <span class="hawk pros_marker”>+Easy to use
- <span class="hawk pros_marker”>+Excellent ad blocker with data breach monitoring
- <span class="hawk pros_marker”>+Robust performance optimization tools
Reasons to avoid
- <span class="hawk cons_marker”>-Higher renewal rates
While Microsoft Defender is integrated into the Windows operating system, ensuring a solid baseline of security, TotalAV offers a more extensive range of advanced protection features. Even its basic plan provides essential safeguards against phishing scams and ransomware, alongside system tune-up tools and browser protection. For users seeking additional capabilities, higher-tier plans unlock even more features.
TotalAV’s user interface is designed for ease of navigation, allowing users to access various functionalities—from scans to ad-blocking and VPN features—through a well-organized dashboard. Recent tests by AV-Comparatives reveal that both Defender and TotalAV achieve a commendable 99.1% protection rate, placing them among the top contenders in the antivirus market. However, users may notice a slight decrease in system performance when employing TotalAV compared to Defender, a common trade-off with many third-party antivirus solutions.
Defender’s firewall protection is robust and sufficient for most users, while TotalAV enhances this with its WebShield feature, which offers effective anti-phishing measures. Additionally, TotalAV provides a VPN service, available with higher-tier plans, adding an extra layer of security for online activities.
Another noteworthy feature of TotalAV is its password manager, which employs 256-bit AES encryption and adheres to a zero-knowledge policy, ensuring user privacy. The application also includes auto-save and fill functionalities, secured by biometric protection. Furthermore, TotalAV’s system optimization tools are highly regarded, featuring a junk cleaner, duplicate file finder, and startup manager to enhance overall system performance. For those concerned about identity theft, TotalAV offers a million insurance policy guarantee.
In terms of cost, Microsoft Defender is essentially free, bundled with the Windows operating system. In contrast, TotalAV offers three pricing tiers: the Premium plan starts at per year for up to three devices, lacking the VPN and password manager. The Internet Security plan, priced at 9 annually, covers six devices and includes the VPN feature. Lastly, the Total Security plan, at 9 per year, supports eight devices and encompasses both the VPN and password manager. Overall, TotalAV presents competitive pricing for those seeking enhanced security solutions.
When it comes to customer support, Microsoft Defender offers basic assistance through its sidebar menu, which includes options for feedback and community resources, though live support is limited to business users. In contrast, TotalAV provides 24/7 dedicated support, a comprehensive knowledge base, and guides for DIY troubleshooting, enhancing the overall user experience.
Ultimately, TotalAV emerges as a more powerful and versatile tool, combining ease of use with competitive pricing and a rich feature set that outshines many rivals in the market.
Take a look at our full TotalAV review.
Check out our guide to the best antivirus software for even more alternatives.
