Head-to-head · Antivirus Software
Microsoft Defender Antivirus vs Kaspersky Premium Total Security
Microsoft Defender Antivirus leads on 1 check, Kaspersky Premium Total Security on 2, and 1 is 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 planonly Microsoft Defender Antivirus
- Free trialonly Kaspersky Premium Total Security
- Most featuresKaspersky Premium Total Security · 3 of 3
Microsoft Defender Antivirus scores higher on our rubric for antivirus software: 7.9 against 7.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #14 and #22.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus offers free plan; Kaspersky Premium Total Security doesn't. On protection scope, Kaspersky Premium Total Security gives you Complete security where Microsoft Defender Antivirus offers Antivirus. Kaspersky Premium Total Security offers parental controls; Microsoft Defender Antivirus doesn't. Kaspersky Premium Total Security offers password manager; Microsoft Defender Antivirus doesn't.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus is the better fit for free Windows antivirus protection. Kaspersky Premium Total Security is the better fit for users wanting unlimited VPN and family tools.
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus fits best
Free Windows antivirus protection
- Kaspersky Premium Total Security fits best
Users wanting unlimited VPN and family tools
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Side by side
| Feature | Microsoft Defender Antivirus 7.9/10 Visit ↗ | Kaspersky Premium Total Security 7.1/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.9 | 7.1 |
| Ranking | #14 in Antivirus Software | #22 in Antivirus Software |
| Best for | Free Windows antivirus protection | Users wanting unlimited VPN and family tools |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Starting price | — | $54.99/device/yr |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | — | 30 days |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Features Microsoft Defender Antivirus 1/3 · Kaspersky Premium Total Security 3/3 | ||
| Ransomware protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Parental controls | — | ✓ (best) |
| Password manager | — | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Protection scope | Antivirus | Complete security |
| Device limit | Not checked yet | 3 devices |
| Supported platforms | Windows 10, Windows 11 | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| 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 → |
Kaspersky Premium Total Security is a consumer security suite for individuals and families. Its Premium plan combines real-time antivirus and malware detection with anti-ransomware protection, phishing and malicious-site blocking, online… 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
Kaspersky Premium Total Security — where it wins
- Unlimited VPN, password manager and identity monitoring included
- Anti-ransomware, payment protection and malicious-site blocking
- Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android
Where it doesn't
- The Premium plan covers three devices
- There is no free plan
- Activation is limited to the Middle East
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus7.9/10 · Free plan
A free Windows antivirus with always-on protection and ransomware controls.
Visit MicrosoftFull verdict → - Kaspersky Premium Total Security7.1/10 · 30-day trial
A paid security suite with unlimited VPN, family controls and support for three devices.
Visit KasperskyFull verdict →
All antivirus software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update