Avast Free Antivirus is one of the most popular free antivirus software out there. They claim to have the largest could network. Also, they have a huge user base along with a perfect UI for any sort of user.
At the other hand. Windows Defender is an inbuilt antivirus and online security system that comes preinstalled in Windows PC.
Both of these programs are free to use. However, Avast is a third party software. So, you might be thinking about whether you should use this antivirus or not.
So, here in this article, we are going to discuss some important things about both these antivirus systems and will help you to choose the right one for you.
Primary Features of Avast Free Antivirus:
- Effective Testing Capabilities
After my testing on several testings on various malware files, I found that this antivirus software is pretty solid when it comes to detecting the potential threats in a computer. The results looks pretty good and the antivirus make sure to quarantine all the malware files while it was testing the computer.
- Email Scanning Tool
Avast Free Antivirus tool comes along with its separate Email scanning tool to let you make your inbox free from any sort of spammy or malicious mails.
- Performance Scanner
This antivirus program is capable of running a performance scanner that will allow you to see if your computer is working in a normal condition at its fullest or not.
- Secure Browser
If you want, during the setup, you can opt for a secure browser installation on your PC. You may get some additional features like secure online transactions, safe browsing, etc with this browser.
- Password Manager
An advanced Password manager feature is there with Avast Free Antivirus. As compared to other password manager programs, you can trust it because it is secured with top-notch encryption tactics. Also, you get it for free.
- URL Screener
This is another feature which you get along with Avast Free Antivirus package. This feature allows you to test a bunch of URLs and open check of they are ligitimate.
Limitations of Avast Free Antivirus:
- Heavy System Impact
When you do a full system anti-virus scan, Avast will start to consume a lot of your system resources. It is going to impact the whole system and all your ongoing tasks in an negative way. So, consider this thing because Windows defender scan is pretty simple with very less system impacts.
- Mediocre Security System
We can’t expect much from a free anti-virus but it should be able to offer you a decent quality security support which Avast somewhere lacks. With this free antivirus, you will not be able to get rid of all the malware. Especially if your system is infected with the latest and advanced viruses, this package may not be able to detect them all.
- Slower Scans
As compared to the Windows Defender, the full system scan with Avast Free Antivirus will take a long time to complete.
Primary Features of Windows Defender
- Advanced Threat Protection
This is one of the best features that the latest Windows Defender offers to Windows systems. With Windows Defender ATP, your system will always remain under a security system that you can easily manage with a couple of clicks.
- File Backup
With Windows Defender, you can easily save your desired files to OneDrive and keep them protected from any sort of threat.
- Easily manage your privacy
Windows Defender allows you to easily change your privacy settings and customize the overall security environment as per your needs. You are free to data usage, location, camera, and other settings to maintain your system’s security.
- Real-time virus scanning
With Windows Defender, you get behaviour-based, real-time antivirus protection to keep your system always protected against harmful files. This feature will always notify you about the recent files and software which you install on your computer.
Limitations of Windows Defender:
- Full Scan will take a long to complete
Windows Defender allows you to run quick, full, and custom scans as per your desires. The quick scan is pretty fast but not able to scan the whole system. However, when you choose the Full scan, it can get hours to get completed. The time may vary depending on the amount of files stored in your system.
- Weaker Threat detection
As compared to the Avast Free antivirus, I found Windows defender to be a bit loose in detecting all the viruses at the first place. In other words, it is not a specialized antivirus software which will help your system to stay away from all the emerging viruses.
- Huge System Impacts
While scanning your system, Windows defender will notify you that you can keep working while it is doing its job. But, I experienced a huge resource consumption whenever I tried to do a full system scan.
- Not suitable for business uses
Windows Defender may be suitable for personal computers where you do less online works. But, when you own a computer to handle business tasks, Windows defender will never be able to satisfy all your needs. Password protection, URL screener, and various other features are missing in Windows Defender.
Which one should you use? Windows Defender or Avast Free Antivirus?
In my opinion;
Windows Defender is good antivirus software for the people who are less indulged in internet-based computer uses. For example, if you use your PC for writing, painting, video editing, or other non-internet based tasks, Defender is enough to protect your computer.
However, for advanced virus detection and prevention, you may go for Avast or any other popular antivirus program. In that case, too, a free antivirus software may not be able to provide you with the best offerings if you want to run deep scans. Only a good and premium antivirus software will help you in this.
So, consider your needs before picking any antivirus for you.
Conclusion:
I hope this article will help you to make your decision to choose between both these antivirus programs. Share this article with others too.