Surfshark Antivirus vs. Microsoft Defender: your complete antivirus comparison

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

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:

All-in-one, user-friendly protection

Join millions who trust Surfshark for complete online safety

Get Surfshark

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.

Features: comparison

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.

Pricing and plans: comparison

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.

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.

Interface and ease of use: comparison

While Microsoft Defender provides a functional interface, Surfshark Antivirus delivers a modern, polished, and highly user-friendly experience. Its cross-platform consistency and customization options make it a more versatile choice for users who prioritize ease of use.

Testing

Evaluating antivirus software through independent testing provides valuable insights into its effectiveness. Based on recent assessments, let’s examine how Surfshark Antivirus and Microsoft Defender perform:

Surfshark Antivirus: strong performance in independent tests

Surfshark Antivirus has undergone evaluations by reputable testing organizations, demonstrating its robust security capabilities:

• AV-TEST Certification: in June 2024, Surfshark Antivirus achieved certification from AV-TEST, an independent IT security institute. It scored 6 out of 6 points in both Protection and Usability and 5.5 out of 6 in Performance, indicating excellent malware detection rates and minimal impact on system performance;
• Virus Bulletin VB100 Award: Surfshark Antivirus has consistently received the VB100 certification from Virus Bulletin, affirming its ability to detect 100% of malware samples with zero false positives;
• Real-world testing: in practical scenarios, Surfshark Antivirus demonstrates effective protection against zero-day malware attacks and widespread threats, maintaining high detection rates and reliability. 

Microsoft Defender: reliable basic protection

Microsoft Defender, integrated into Windows systems, has shown dependable performance in various tests:

• AV-TEST results: in August 2024, Microsoft Defender scored 6 out of 6 in Usability and Performance and 5.5 out of 6 in Protection, reflecting solid malware detection and a user-friendly experience; 
• AV-Comparatives assessments: Microsoft Defender has been participating in AV-Comparatives’ Main Test Series since 2007, consistently achieving satisfactory results in malware protection and performance evaluations;
• Real-world testing: while effective against known threats, some tests indicate that Microsoft Defender may be less adept at handling advanced or zero-day malware compared to specialized antivirus solutions. 

Testing: comparison

Both Surfshark Antivirus and Microsoft Defender perform well in independent tests, with high scores in usability. However, Surfshark Antivirus demonstrates an edge in handling zero-day threats and offers additional certifications, reflecting its commitment to comprehensive security.

Customer support

Reliable customer support is essential for any antivirus solution, as users may encounter technical issues or require assistance with setup and configuration. Here’s how Surfshark Antivirus and Microsoft Defender compare in this aspect:

Surfshark Antivirus: 24/7 multichannel support

Surfshark places a strong emphasis on providing top-tier customer support to ensure users have a seamless experience:

• 24/7 live chat: Surfshark offers round-the-clock live chat support, allowing users to instantly connect with a support representative for assistance;
• Email support: for less urgent inquiries, Surfshark provides email support with response times averaging 24 hours;
• Comprehensive knowledge base: the Surfshark website includes a robust knowledge base with detailed guides, FAQs, and troubleshooting articles. These resources are designed to help users solve issues independently, if they prefer to do so;
• Personalized assistance: support agents are known for being helpful and patient, making the support experience user-friendly even for those with limited technical expertise.

Microsoft Defender: limited and self-service focused

As a free antivirus solution built into Windows, Microsoft Defender offers basic support options, but these are less comprehensive than those provided by Surfshark:

• Microsoft support agents: while users can reach out to Microsoft’s virtual assistant or live agents for help, availability may vary based on your region and the time of day;
• No dedicated support for Defender: since Defender is part of Windows, its support is bundled with general Microsoft support, which may not always prioritize antivirus-specific queries;
• Community forums: Defender users can post questions on Microsoft’s community forums to seek advice from other users or Microsoft staff. However, responses may vary in quality and timeliness;
• Online documentation: Microsoft provides a range of articles and how-to guides in its online support center, covering common issues and configuration tips;
• Limited channels: there is no dedicated live chat for Defender, and phone support for antivirus-related concerns is unavailable, which may leave some users frustrated.

Customer support: comparison

While Microsoft Defender provides basic customer support suitable for a free antivirus, Surfshark Antivirus offers more support options. Its 24/7 live chat, personalized assistance, and multilingual resources ensure users get timely help, making it a better choice for those who value strong support services.

Final verdict: which antivirus service is the right one for YOU?

Whether you’re looking for advanced, feature-packed protection or simple, no-cost security, the choice ultimately depends on your priorities. A comprehensive solution like Surfshark Antivirus, with its all-in-one security tools, can future-proof your online life. On the other hand, Microsoft Defender is a reliable starting point for basic protection and you get it for free as long as you’re using Windows.

Stay fast and invisible online

Browse with lightning-fast servers that keep your data off the radar

Get Surfshark