Surfshark Antivirus vs. Microsoft Defender: a comparison by Surfshark

Surfshark Antivirus vs. Microsoft Defender: a comparison by Surfshark - Printable Version

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Surfshark Antivirus vs. Microsoft Defender: a comparison by Surfshark - jasonX - 19 February 25

Surfshark Antivirus vs. Microsoft Defender: a comparison by Surfshark

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Every Windows device, has the free built-in security solution -- Microsoft Defender. Is it enough or you can opt to or add with additional layer for your protection? Many of the intermediate individuals can make do woth free solution / combinations verus a full-blown suite. Surfshark witer Aleksander Furgal weighs in on Surfshark Antivirus' comparison to Microsoft Defender in this blog article. Read on below.

If you’re using a Windows device, you might be wondering whether Microsoft Defender, the free built-in security solution, is enough or if you should perhaps consider upgrading your protection with Surfshark Antivirus. In this guide, we’ll break it all down — security, pricing, features, interface, and more — so you can confidently decide which antivirus is the better fit for your online needs.

Note: this comparison was made on December 19, 2024 -- updated pricing for Surfshark is attached

Surfshark vs. Microsoft Defender: at a glance

Surfshark Antivirus delivers a modern, user-focused approach to cybersecurity tailored to today’s needs. On the other hand, Microsoft Defender comes pre-installed on Windows devices, providing a convenient, no-cost antivirus solution.

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of their key characteristics:

Security features

The features offered by antivirus solutions can significantly impact your overall online security experience. Let’s compare the functionality of Surfshark Antivirus and Microsoft Defender to determine which better aligns with your cybersecurity needs:

Surfshark Antivirus: feature-rich and comprehensive

In terms of antivirus protection, Surfshark Antivirus bundles provides a comprehensive approach:

Real-time protection continuously monitors your system for potential threats, scanning files and processes as they run or are accessed to immediately detect and block malicious activity;
Heuristic analysis examines code patterns and behaviors to identify previously unknown threats and zero-day exploits before they can cause damage;
Behavior-based detection monitors running programs for suspicious activities and patterns that may indicate malicious behavior, even if the specific threat hasn’t been identified before;
Drag-and-drop scanning allows users to quickly scan specific files or folders by simply dragging them into the app — a convenient tool for double-checking individual items;
Cloud-based security updates ensures your software is always up-to-date with the latest malware definitions and protection techniques without bogging down system performance;
Webcam protection specifically guards your camera against unauthorized access and hijacking attempts, helping protect your privacy on Windows and macOS systems;
Cross-platform support makes Surfshark Antivirus available on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, ensuring all your devices are protected.

Microsoft Defender: basic features for essential protection

Microsoft Defender offers core antivirus features suitable for general protection needs:

Malware scanning systematically checks your files and system for known viruses, trojans, spyware, and other malicious software through both scheduled and on-demand scans;
The built-in firewall monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic, helping prevent unauthorized access and protecting against network-based attacks;
Heuristic analysis examines programs for suspicious patterns and behaviors to detect new or modified versions of known threats;
Email and phishing protection helps guard against fraudulent websites and emails that attempt to steal personal information by warning users before they access potentially dangerous sites;
Windows-centric approach means that unless you get the Microsoft 365 subscription, Defender is limited to Windows devices.

Pricing and plans

Cost plays a significant role when choosing an antivirus solution. Surfshark Antivirus is part of the One and One+ bundles, while Microsoft Defender is built into Windows, making it a free option for many users. Here’s how their pricing and value compare:

Surfshark Antivirus: affordable top-tier protection

Surfshark Antivirus is included in the Surfshark One and One+ bundles, which combine multiple cybersecurity tools for a single price:

Surfshark One and One+ bundles: these include Surfshark VPN, Surfshark Antivirus, a secure private search engine, a data leak monitoring tool, Alternative ID, and Incogni (in the One+ bundle). This comprehensive package covers all aspects of cybersecurity;
Pricing structure: prices for Surfshark One start as low as $2.49 per month when purchased as a long-term plan. This makes it one of the most affordable cybersecurity suites on the market;
Flexible plans: Surfshark offers various plans, allowing users to choose from monthly, yearly, or multi-year subscriptions. Longer commitments offer greater discounts, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious users.

Microsoft Defender: built-in and free

Microsoft Defender comes at no additional cost for Windows users, making it an attractive option for those seeking basic protection. However, there are some caveats:

Features: Microsoft Defender offers real-time threat detection, cloud-delivered protection, ransomware safeguards, and parental controls, providing a solid security foundation for Windows devices;
Plans: there are no tiered plans or premium upgrades — Microsoft Defender is included as a built-in feature of Windows, offering protection without any additional configuration;
Price: free for all Windows users, delivering essential security at no cost, making it an excellent option for basic protection.

While Microsoft Defender’s free pricing is attractive to basic users, Surfshark Antivirus is included in the Surfshark One and One+ bundles, all-in-one solutions designed for those who want to protect multiple devices and platforms.

Surfshark Updated pricing is HERE

Interface

The interface and user experience of an antivirus solution can significantly impact how users manage their cybersecurity. Here’s a comparison of Surfshark Antivirus and Microsoft Defender regarding their design and usability:

Surfshark Antivirus: intuitive and modern design

Surfshark Antivirus offers an interface that is clean, intuitive, and beginner-friendly, making it easy for users to navigate and control their security:

User-centric dashboard: Surfshark’s interface is designed with simplicity in mind. The dashboard provides a clear overview of your protection status, real-time scanning options, and integrated access to additional products like VPN and data leak monitoring;
Cross-platform consistency: the user experience is consistent across platforms, ensuring you won’t need to relearn the interface when switching devices;
Customization options: users can easily customize their scanning preferences and notification settings and schedule scans to fit their needs;
Guided setup and onboarding: Surfshark offers helpful prompts and tooltips to guide users through setup, ensuring even non-tech-savvy individuals can start using it without hassle.

Microsoft Defender: functional but limited

Microsoft Defender’s interface is functional but may feel outdated compared to modern antivirus solutions:

Integrated into Windows: Defender is built directly into the Windows Security app, which provides a central location for managing security features like antivirus, firewall, and parental controls;
Basic design: while straightforward, the interface lacks polish and can feel cluttered, especially for users unfamiliar with Windows Security’s layout;
Limited customization: Defender does not offer as many customization options as Surfshark. For example, users cannot easily schedule scans or tailor real-time protection settings to their needs;
No cross-platform consistency: unless you get the Microsoft 365 subscription plan, Defender is only available on Windows.

Surfshark Antivirus vs. Microsoft Defender: Which is best for you?

Read on the 'Full article' HERE

Note: Surfshark One bundle includes: Antivirus/Alert, VPN, Alternative ID, CleanWeb, and 'Search' private search tool. All for $2.69/mo. + 3 extra months (85% off) with Surfshark's 30-day money-back guarantee!