Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs Avast One
A comprehensive head-to-head comparison of two leading security & cybersecurity solutions in 2026. Compare features, pricing, ratings, and more to find the right fit.
Quick Verdict
Choose Microsoft Defender for Endpoint if you need Threat & vulnerability management and prefer comprehensive paid features. Choose Avast One if you prioritize Antivirus and want a free tier to start. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint has a higher user rating (4.5 vs 4.4).
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs Avast One: At a Glance
| Criteria | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | Avast One |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.5 | 4.4 |
| Pricing | $3/month | Free |
| Pricing Model | subscription | freemium |
| Free Plan | ||
| Platforms | Desktop, Mobile, Api | Web, Desktop, Mobile |
| Category | Security & Cybersecurity | Security & Cybersecurity |
| Founded | 1975 | 1988 |
Feature Comparison: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs Avast One
| Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | Avast One |
|---|---|---|
| Threat & vulnerability management | ||
| Attack surface reduction | ||
| Next-gen protection | ||
| EDR | ||
| Auto investigation | ||
| Microsoft Threat Experts | ||
| Threat analytics | ||
| Secure score | ||
| Microsoft 365 | ||
| Azure Sentinel | ||
| Intune | ||
| Azure AD | ||
| Power Automate | ||
| ServiceNow | ||
| SOC2 | ||
| Antivirus | ||
| Firewall | ||
| VPN | ||
| Data breach monitoring | ||
| Email Guardian | ||
| Webcam Shield | ||
| Ransomware Shield | ||
| Performance optimization | ||
| Windows Security | ||
| macOS | ||
| Chrome | ||
| Firefox | ||
| AV-TEST Certified | ||
| AV-Comparatives Award | ||
| Cloud deployment |
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs Avast One: Pricing Breakdown
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Pricing
Model: subscription
- Per user
- Next-gen protection
- Attack surface reduction
- Device control
- All P1 features
- EDR
- Automated investigation
- Threat analytics
- Defender for Endpoint P2
- Defender for Identity
- Defender for Cloud Apps
- Defender for Office 365
Avast One Pricing
Model: freemium
- 1 Device
- Antivirus
- VPN (5GB/week)
- Basic firewall
- 5 Devices
- All Essential features
- Unlimited VPN
- Identity protection
- 30 Devices
- All Individual features
- Family sharing
- Advanced privacy
Pros and Cons
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.5/5)
- Available on 3 platforms (Desktop, Mobile, Api)
- Rich feature set with 15+ capabilities
- Strong Threat & vulnerability management functionality
- Strong Attack surface reduction functionality
Cons
- No free plan available
- May require time to learn advanced features
Avast One
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.4/5)
- Free plan available to get started
- Available on 3 platforms (Web, Desktop, Mobile)
- Rich feature set with 15+ capabilities
- Strong Antivirus functionality
- Strong Firewall functionality
Cons
- May require time to learn advanced features
Who Should Use Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs Avast One?
Choose Microsoft Defender for Endpoint if you:
- Need Threat & vulnerability management
- Have a budget of $3/month+
- Work primarily on Desktop and Mobile
- Value Attack surface reduction
Choose Avast One if you:
- Need Antivirus
- Want to start for free
- Work primarily on Web and Desktop
- Value Firewall
Frequently Asked Questions: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs Avast One
Is Microsoft Defender for Endpoint better than Avast One?
It depends on your needs. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint has a 4.5/5 user rating while Avast One has 4.4/5. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint excels in Threat & vulnerability management and Attack surface reduction, while Avast One stands out with Antivirus and Firewall. Consider your budget ($3/month vs Free), platform needs, and specific feature requirements.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint or Avast One?
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint starts at $3/month. Avast One offers a free plan and starts at Free. Avast One has a clear pricing advantage with its free tier.
Can I use Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and Avast One together?
While both are security & cybersecurity tools, some teams use complementary software together. Check each product's API and integration capabilities for compatibility. However, most users find that one solution covers their core security & cybersecurity needs.
What are the main differences between Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and Avast One?
The key differences include: pricing model (subscription vs freemium), platform support (Desktop, Mobile, Api vs Web, Desktop, Mobile), and feature focus. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint emphasizes Threat & vulnerability management, Attack surface reduction, Next-gen protection while Avast One focuses on Antivirus, Firewall, VPN. User ratings differ slightly: 4.5 vs 4.4 out of 5.
Ready to choose?
Explore detailed reviews, user ratings, and pricing for both Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and Avast One.