Cybersecurity · head to head
Avast One vs Microsoft Defender
Microsoft Defender
Cybersecurity
Always-on protection for you and your family's data and devices
- From
- $12/month
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only Avast One has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Avast One ransomware and Wi-Fi vulnerability protection only on paid plans; Microsoft Defender defender Suite requires existing Microsoft 365 E3 or equivalent base licensing
- Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Avast One and Microsoft Defender actually diverge.
| Attribute | Avast One | Microsoft Defender |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | $12/month |
| Pricing model | Unknown | subscription |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Web |
| Founded | 1988 | Unknown |
Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Cybersecurity).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Avast One
- Antivirus
- Firewall
- VPN
- Data breach monitoring
- Email Guardian
- Webcam Shield
- Ransomware Shield
- Performance optimization
Only in Microsoft Defender
Nothing recorded that Avast One does not also cover.
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Avast One
- Antivirusnot Microsoft Defender
- Internet Securitynot Microsoft Defender
- Privacy Toolsnot Microsoft Defender
Microsoft Defender
- Endpoint security and threat protectionnot Avast One
- Identity and access securitynot Avast One
- Email threat protectionnot Avast One
- SaaS application security monitoringnot Avast One
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Avast One
- Ransomware and Wi-Fi vulnerability protection only on paid plans
- Free plan VPN is limited, no data breakthrough monitoring
- Rebuilt app in May 2026 may have stability issues
Microsoft Defender
- Defender Suite requires existing Microsoft 365 E3 or equivalent base licensing
- Some Defender products use pay-as-you-go pricing with variable costs
- Prices vary based on Microsoft agreements, requiring sales contact for custom quotes
Pricing, plan by plan
Avast One
Free- FreeFree
- Antivirus
- Limited VPN
- Privacy tools
- Silver$2.99/month
- Enhanced antivirus
- VPN
- Device cleanup
- Premium$4.19/month
- Full antivirus
- VPN with 55 servers
- Password manager
- Premium Plus$11.67/month
- All Premium features
- 30 devices covered
Microsoft Defender
$12/month- Microsoft Defender Suite$12/month
- Endpoint protection
- Identity threat detection
- Email security
- Microsoft 365 E5 with Defender$60/month
- Includes Defender Suite
- Microsoft Teams included
- Comprehensive security and compliance
- Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management Add-on$2/month
- Vulnerability scanning and management
- One-month free trial available
- Annual commitment required
Which should you pick?
Choose Avast One if
- You need antivirus.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
- You also want firewall.
Choose Microsoft Defender if
Nothing in the data separates Microsoft Defender from Avast One on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.
Questions people ask
- Is Avast One or Microsoft Defender better?
- Neither clearly leads. Avast One starts at Free and Microsoft Defender at $12/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Avast One or Microsoft Defender?
- Avast One has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Avast One and $12/month for Microsoft Defender.
- Does Avast One or Microsoft Defender run on more platforms?
- Avast One runs on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android. Microsoft Defender runs on Web.
- Can I use Avast One for free?
- Yes. Avast One has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Microsoft Defender starts at $12/month.
- What is Avast One best used for?
- Avast One is most often used for antivirus, internet security, privacy tools. Of those, antivirus and internet security are not what Microsoft Defender is typically brought in for.
- What can Avast One do that Microsoft Defender cannot?
- Avast One covers Antivirus, Firewall, VPN, Data breach monitoring.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Avast One: Is Avast One free?
Yes. Avast One offers a free tier with antivirus, VPN (limited), and privacy tools. Paid plans start at $2.99/month for Silver and $4.19/month for Premium covering up to 5 devices.
SourceMicrosoft Defender: How much does Microsoft Defender Suite cost?
Microsoft Defender Suite costs $12/user/month (paid yearly), but requires existing Microsoft 365 E3 or equivalent base licensing. It includes endpoint protection, identity threat detection, email security, and SaaS application monitoring.
SourceAvast One: What does Avast One include?
Avast One provides antivirus, VPN, password manager, device cleanup, Wi-Fi security, data breach monitoring, and protection against AI-generated scams and deepfakes.
SourceMicrosoft Defender: What add-ons are available for Microsoft Defender?
Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management Add-on costs $2/user/month with annual commitment and includes a one-month free trial. Additional pay-as-you-go products include External Attack Surface Management, Cloud Security Posture Management, and Sentinel.
SourceAvast One: Does Avast One have ransomware protection?
Ransomware protection is available only on paid plans, not the free tier. Free users get antivirus and basic protection only.
SourceMicrosoft Defender: Is Defender included in Microsoft 365 E5?
Yes, Microsoft Defender Suite is included in Microsoft 365 E5 at $60/user/month (paid yearly with Teams). Prices may vary based on Microsoft agreements, requiring contact with Sales for customized quotes.
SourceRelated pages
More on Microsoft Defender
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