If you want to know who will win between a matchup between Kaspersky versus Windows Defender in 2020, then you’ve just come to the right place. Make sure to read all the evaluations till the end if you want to make an informed decision.

With today’s age of online commerce and freedom, it is obvious that reliable AV software is crucial. Hackers around the world are constantly coming up with new strategies as well as sophisticated approaches to steal your financial data as well as your sensitive personal data.

In fact, back in 2018, over ten billion malware threats and attacks were recorded. In 2018 as well, around 800 million new malware threats were engineered and unfortunately surfaced on the internet. Moreover, Ransom-ware attacks have doubled in the previous recent years. These values are just getting bigger and wider as years pass.

Aside from that, even prominent companies are not safe. In fact, Accenture reported that the average spending on a malware attack on a certain company can go up to $2.4MM. Based on another study, a new company will be targeted by ransom-ware viruses every fourteen seconds this 2020. This particular rate will most likely only going to rise for up to eleven seconds by the time 2021 comes.

These values certainly imply a message that we must acquire an excellent and reliable AV protection. Additionally, you must never actually rely on low-end or those free AV plans when your digital security is at risk. Rather than cheap or free solutions, you should opt to premium AV plans that will ensure your security.

In regards to that, we’re pretty aware that seeking or acquiring the right and reliable paid AV software can be a daunting task.

That’s why, in this comprehensive comparison, we will compare Kaspersky versus Windows Defender to each other to see which ones is best suited for your needs. We will discuss aspects such as features, protection, and impact on the system, license key, and many more. So make sure to stay tuned!

Brief Summary Of Winners In Each Category

Wait! Are you probably in a rush? Well, good thing because we will show a brief summary about these two brands in each category.

Features

The winner in this category is Kaspersky. The brand gives its users with all types of innovative features as well as functionalities that improve users’ online security and enhance user experience significantly. On the other hand, Windows Defender does for sure offer some crucial features. However, its innovative security-related features are not really a component of the software.

Malware Protection

In terms of malware protection, then Kaspersky win this aspect too. Actually, it’s quite a tie, however, Kaspersky is quite better compared to Windows Defender in the most latest independent tests performed by prominent software security firms. 

System Performance

In terms of overall system performance, Kaspersky takes this point. Compared to Windows Defender, Kaspersky is much better when it comes to impact on the computer’s system performance.

User-Friendliness

Again, Kaspersky wins this round as well as they has a more intuitive as well as better user-friendliness compared to Windows Defender’s.

Pricing

For the most part, there’s really no winner in the pricing category. Find out why in the later part of the article.

FREE OPTIONS

Kaspersky Free Antivirus

This particular plan is a free trial version of the antivirus. It has a reliable and precise structure. Not to mention that it is easy to use.  This particular AV provides users the brand top-rated AV engine as well as an intelligent blocking of malicious threats. In fact, you don’t even need to put up some advertisements and simple leave the application operating in your system tray and you will barely be on there.

Additionally, the brand’s security suite and commercial antivirus products add features such as password management, parental controls, and banking protection, file back-up, and coverage for your mobile, Mac, and Windows devices. Such products are priced from 30 US dollars which is good for one PC and one year.

Windows Defender – Always Free

Windows Defender has no setup needed. It is lightweight, and has an average detection rates.

For the most part, this AV has been trying to secure computers from viruses since the era of Vista, but it comes with little success. Moreover, independent testing usually placed this AV at the bottom of the protection rankings as it comes with a detection rate of 60% to 70%.

However, today’s Windows Defender seems looking good. In fact, AV-Comparatives evaluation and the last summary evaluation given on July to November 2-17 awarded Microsoft a 99.1% protection level. This means to thirteenth place out of twenty one. This is clearly not that good, but it still able to outperform a lot of prominent commercial engines out there.

There are a lot of other reasons to get fond of Windows Defender. It comes with your PC already and is enabled in default. Meaning, users don’t need to configure it. It is lightweight, and easily grabs small system resources. It is also unlikely to conflict with any software you have. What you need to do is get on your PC, and the software will handle everything else in the backend.

For the most part, Windows Defender still comes with its own respective issues. Evaluations can be not consistent gradually and between most reports and labs, suggests it raises more false positive results compared to the regular results. However, even with these issues, it is obvious that Windows Defender now features authentic beneficial protection at the same level to much commercial AV software out there. If you have a simple, or simply familiar and want the package, this is a great choice.

Is It Compatible to Windows 10?

For the most part, it is utilized to be the case that Windows suffered greatly from safety vulnerabilities that only 3^rd party AV software could safeguard against. Nonetheless, over the recent years, Microsoft has made a serious effort to enhance the security of their operating system. Not least with the inclusion of Defender by default on their Windows 10 operating system.

For sure this is a genuine development as Windows Defender really does the task it must when it comes to giving the same fundamental safeguards that would be expected from any kind of AV software.  As with the aspect we mentioned above about free software, then this is all you need.

One a side note, like acquiring a 2^nd bolt or lock on an external door in your household can sometimes have more than one piece of safeguard in pace. This is in particular as there is always the chance that Defender might not be able to catch a malware that 3rd party AV software might actually catch.

In addition, it is mentioned above that the extra privacy and security features that other AV software give can make them very captivating in their own respective aspect. For sure, your OS is in safe. However, if you’re looking to get more piece of mind, then investing in an extra protection might be the best way.

Quick Rundown – Initial Verdict

Windows Defender is obviously better than nothing; however, Kaspersky is overall the best pick, all thanks to its amazing features, super performance, and impressive anti-malware security.

Kaspersky provides more security-features as well as additional utilities in its AV software products compared to Windows Defender. Additionally, independent laboratory evaluations prove that Kaspersky is much ahead of Windows Defender when it comes to both impacts on system performance as well as malware detection.

Moreover, Kaspersky Free come with protection that safeguards against regular viruses, malicious websites, etc. On the other hand, the Windows Defender is an anti-malware part of the Microsoft Windows OS. It was first released as free anti-spyware software for the Windows XP Operating System, and was later labeled with Windows Vista as well as Windows 7. It then developed into complete AV software, which replaces the Microsoft Security Essentials as part of Windows 8 and the next versions.

Furthermore, Windows defender is a basic, free, as well as real-time protection solution which is capable for an average PC user who sticks to mainstream websites. However, it is not considered the best option for computer security. Unlike 3^rd part-security plans in independent evaluations, Windows Defender normally performs toward the bottom or middle of the pack.

Well, let’s get more elaborated details below.

Winners In Each Category – A Detailed Rundown

Features

Aside from the anti-malware protection, most AV software companies features a slew of innovative security-improving features as well as additional utilities as part of their many products.

First of all, let’s witness what features are included in the Windows Defender software.

Windows Defender – Features

Windows Defender software or also known as Windows Security Center are pre-installed on many computers that have Windows operating system integrated. This implies that you don’t need to install or download it yourself because it’s already there. On a side note, you can’t just really uninstall it because again it is built in and automatically goes for a nap when you use AV security software.

This particular software from Windows features a comprehensive anti-malware scanner tan can detect all kinds of malware threats which include spyware, ransom-ware, worms, viruses, and many more. The Windows Defender is usually updated with new malware functions in order to guarantee that your PC is always safeguarded against malicious threats that have just emerged in the virtual world.

Furthermore, it comes with an innovative firewall that easily inspects all the traffic that is flowing in and out of your LAN or Online network, thus blocking malicious traffic as well as hacking attempts.

The advantageous Find my Device feature of this software can assist user in tracking down their computer if it happen to get stolen or lost. It also allows users to lock or erase the computer if there are sensitive data or files that are in danger of being abuse.

Additionally, this software from Windows also features a guide plan of parental control features. These particular features bar your children from visiting apps or websites that are not appropriate for their particular age. This also restricts their screen time as it comes with automatic timers and effectively monitors their web activity.

So, with that being said, let’s dive in to Kaspersky’s features.

Kaspersky – Features

Kaspersky Free

First of all, the Kaspersky Free is the company’s first AV offering? This particular free software easily protects you against various kinds of malware threats, however, it is quite barebones when it comes to innovative security-related utilities as well as features. Well, it’s probably better compared to nothing. On a side note, Kaspersky’s premium options are certainly better.

Kaspersky Antivirus

This is the brand’s entry-level premium plan for computers out there. Aside from protecting against all types of digital threats, this plan also features some other beneficial tools which include Vulnerability Scanner that easily scan for loopholes and patches that can be targeted and its Silent Mode utility enables users to enjoy movies or games without any kind of distractions. Moreover, it comes with advanced, multi-layered ransom-ware protection and it’s already incorporated into the plan.

Kaspersky Internet Security

This particular plan is another upgraded version of the plan we discussed above. It is compatible with mobile phones, Macs, and PCs. This plan features everything that is found in the previous plans we mentioned above. It also comes with a hardened browser and two-way firewall that safeguards your financial information when you engaged in an online transaction such as banking or shopping. It also comes with an email filter that prevents spam or junk away from your main inbox. Furthermore, it features an anti-webcam spying feature as well as limited-use Virtual Private Network that can aid you access content that may not really be available in your current location.

Kaspersky Total Security

This is the brand’s full-fledged AV plan. It comes with everything that is jammed into the previous plans we discussed above. Additionally, it comes with innovative features which include a full-blown password manager that effectively protects your passwords, a file encryption utility that aids safeguard your crucial data to prevent anyone from accessing them, and a file shredder that erases sensitive files which can’t really be restored by anyone. It is certainly an impressive plan of parental control as it allows you to monitor the web activities of your children and preclude them from seeing age-restrictive content.

Kaspersky Security Cloud

This particular plan is another premium security plan offered by Kaspersky. This plan comes with all the features from the Total Security, additionally it comes with a patented adaptive technology that implements the required options and settings based on the user’s computer use and internet habits.

Overall, in this quick rundown, we determined that the Kaspersky is the winner as it offers more sophisticated feature with its many plans. ON a side note Windows Defender doesn’t really have much to offer.

Malware Protection

For the most part, Malware protection is the priority of all AV software out there. That’s why whatever software gives better anti-malware features could be the smart pick. Now in order to determine which AV software is better when it comes to protection, let’s take a look at the lab results from two unbiased security companies.

The first company is AV-test.org. They utilize an s coring metric of one to six. Obviously the six is the highest score that can be obtained. Their latest two-round evaluations were conducted in April 2019.

First of all, both Windows Defender and Kaspersky were able to obtain six out six in the protection evaluations, displaying impressive malware defense capabilities.

On the other hand, an Austrian Lab AV-Comparatives is another independent lab testing firm that we can get unbiased evaluations. In their latest real-world protection test, Kaspersky were able to acquire an Advanced plus award – which is the highest aware one can acquire. It is also due to Kaspersky’s near-perfect malware detection rate as well as low number of false detection results. On a flip side, Windows Defender didn’t really do well on the AV-Comparatives’ tests, as it only earned the second best Advanced award.

When it comes to protection, yet again Kaspersky won. Even though it’s pretty close on the first evaluation, Kaspersky still managed to overpower Windows Defender in the overall protection capabilities.

System Performance

Better AV software doesn’t slow down the performance of your PC. In fact, they put a noticeable impact on the PC’s system resources. Now, to determine which AV software is better when it comes to impact on system performance. Let’s take a look at the independent performance test results.

When it comes to the Performance category that AV-Test performed, Kaspersky obtained a perfect six out of six score. This only implies that it puts minimal impact on PCs while operating in the backend. On the other hand, Windows Defender only got a 5.5 out of six score.

Now, in the AV-Comparatives’ evaluation on April 2019 performance test, Kaspersky was able to overpower Windows Defender as it was able to acquire the Advanced Plus award. The Windows defender only got the Standard award which is the lowest award featured by AV-Comparatives.

Looking at it, it is obvious that Kaspersky is yet again the winner when it comes to impact on the system.

User-Friendliness

This particular factor of security product must be intuitive and very easy to use for everyone out there which includes newbies. With that said, let’s try to roundup the interface of Windows Defender versus Kaspersky to see which one offers better User-Friendliness.

For the most part, Windows Defender’s interface can take quite long to get inside to because you need to go a lot of several clicks just to get inside Windows Defender’s options and settings.

Additionally, you won’t be able to operate any scheduled scans with Windows Defender. This implies that each task aside from fast scanning should be undertaken from the dashboard of the software. Users can find all the major operations as they are located on the left-hand side of the screen. This makes it simple to see where to go based on your needs.

All in all, the interface must be simplistic and intuitive along with a sleek visual look.

That said; let’s see what Kaspersky’s user-interface has to offer.

First of all, Kaspersky uses a light and open-frame interface with most of its operation included. Placed at the top, users will see a big banner that indicates whether your PC is safe or not. Found at the bottom of the dashboard, you’ll notice your subscription status, this keep you in the loop for when you want to refresh your plan.

All in all, Kaspersky’s user-interface is very user-friendly and simple as it also comes with a room of customization and modification. All of its primary settings and functions are also easily accessible with just a couple of clicks.

With that said, Kaspersky is definitely the winner of this user-interface matchup since Windows Defender needs a lot of clicks just to get inside its main dashboard.

Pricing

Let’s be real here, Windows Defender is free. It comes with no paid for any kinds of upgrades. On the other hand, Kaspersky features a free version and a myriad of different premium plans that come at varied price ranges.

Obviously Kaspersky Free is free. On the other hand, Kaspersky Antivirus is the company’s entry level that cost around 30US dollars which is good for acquiring three licenses that can be utilized between computers. Moreover, Kaspersky Internet Security provides three licenses which are given at almost 40US dollars each year.

Additionally, Kaspersky Total Security can also protect up to 3 smartphones, Macs, or Pcs for just almost 50US dollars which is good for a year. And lastly, Kaspersky Security Cloud comes in two varieties which is the Personal and Family. The Personal version only costs as the same as the Total Security while having the capabilities to protect up to five devices per year. On the other hand, Family version cost almost 150US dollars which is good for a year and twenty devices.

With all of these, there’s really no comparison between the two features AV software since Windows Defender doesn’t offer any kind of paid version. If they only feature free plan, then yes. But since Windows Defender only has free, then it’s hard to give verdict on this pricing factor – all in all, no winner on this matchup.

Final Thoughts

For the most part, Kaspersky is a prominent AV software company; this only implies that their security performance is top-notch. Of course, Windows Defender also possesses good quality AV program that is always free for Windows users.

However, the thing here is that Kaspersky offers a lot of features with respective price ranges. But still, if you’re looking for a good investment, then spending a little bit for the security of your information is a smart decision.

On a side note, if you don’t really need any kind of features and just want the basic AV features, then Windows Defender is what you’re looking for. Also if you’re looking for some coupon code and activation code, you might want to check REDDIT.

Hope this helps your decision. See you in another review!