Head-to-head · Antivirus Software
Microsoft Defender Antivirus vs 360 Total Security
Microsoft Defender Antivirus leads on 0 checks, 360 Total Security on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreMicrosoft Defender Antivirus · 7.9/10
- Free planboth
Microsoft Defender Antivirus scores higher on our rubric for antivirus software: 7.9 against 4.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #14 and #58.
On protection scope, 360 Total Security gives you Complete security where Microsoft Defender Antivirus offers Antivirus.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus is the better fit for free Windows antivirus protection. 360 Total Security is the better fit for free users wanting cleanup and business controls.
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus fits best
Free Windows antivirus protection
- 360 Total Security fits best
Free users wanting cleanup and business controls
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Side by side
| Feature | Microsoft Defender Antivirus 7.9/10 Visit ↗ | 360 Total Security 4.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.9 | 4.2 |
| Ranking | #14 in Antivirus Software | #58 in Antivirus Software |
| Best for | Free Windows antivirus protection | Free users wanting cleanup and business controls |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows |
| Support | Docs | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Microsoft Defender Antivirus 1/3 · 360 Total Security 1/3 | ||
| Ransomware protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Parental controls | — | — |
| Password manager | — | — |
| Specs | ||
| Protection scope | Antivirus | Complete security |
| Device limit | Not checked yet | 1 devices |
| Supported platforms | Windows 10, Windows 11 | Windows |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a free, real-time antivirus product built into Windows. It is designed for personal Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices, protecting against viruses, malware, spyware, and other threats without a separately… Read the review → |
360 Total Security is an antivirus and PC security suite aimed at Windows users who want malware protection alongside cleanup and system utilities. Its Essential edition is free and includes virus detection, full protection,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Microsoft Defender Antivirus — where it wins
- Always-on protection with quick, full, custom, and offline scans
- Controlled folder access adds ransomware-focused protection
- SmartScreen and Windows Firewall integration extend Windows protection
Where it doesn't
- Works on Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices only
- Focused on antivirus rather than a broader standalone security suite
- Designed for Windows devices instead of multi-platform coverage
360 Total Security — where it wins
- Free Essential edition includes virus detection, cleanup, and sandboxing.
- Multiple security engines support malware, phishing, and ransomware protection.
- Business tools centralize device management, policies, and threat alerts.
Where it doesn't
- Coverage is focused on Windows, Android, iOS, and Chrome extension.
- Premium adds Cleanup Pro but does not broaden the listed platform coverage.
- The suite may offer more utilities than users seeking antivirus-only protection need.
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus7.9/10 · Free plan
A free Windows antivirus with always-on protection and ransomware controls.
Visit MicrosoftFull verdict → - 360 Total Security4.2/10 · Free plan
A broad free security suite with useful cleanup, protection, and device-management tools.
Visit siteFull verdict →
All antivirus software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update