Head-to-head · Anti-Phishing Software
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen vs Avast Online Security & Privacy
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen leads on 0 checks, Avast Online Security & Privacy on 0, and 7 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 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 SmartScreen · 8.8/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresMicrosoft Defender SmartScreen · 5 of 6
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen scores higher on our rubric for anti-phishing software: 8.8 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #8.
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen is the better fit for windows users and Microsoft-managed organizations. Avast Online Security & Privacy is the better fit for free Chrome phishing warnings and privacy controls.
- Microsoft Defender SmartScreen fits best
Windows users and Microsoft-managed organizations
- Avast Online Security & Privacy fits best
Free Chrome phishing warnings and privacy controls
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Side by side
| Feature | Microsoft Defender SmartScreen 8.8/10 Visit ↗ | Avast Online Security & Privacy 8.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.8 | 8.5 |
| Ranking | #6 in Anti-Phishing Software | #8 in Anti-Phishing Software |
| Best for | Windows users and Microsoft-managed organizations | Free Chrome phishing warnings and privacy controls |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop, Browser extension | Browser extension |
| Platforms | Windows | Chrome extension |
| Support | Docs | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business |
| Features Microsoft Defender SmartScreen 5/6 · Avast Online Security & Privacy 3/6 | ||
| Phishing URL blocking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Email phishing detection | — | Not checked yet |
| Browser protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Credential protection | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Real-time scanning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Threat detection dashboard | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Microsoft Defender SmartScreen is a built-in Windows and Microsoft Edge security feature for people and organizations seeking protection from phishing and malicious content while browsing. It checks visited URLs against reported threat… Read the review → |
Avast Online Security & Privacy is a free browser extension for people who want warnings about dangerous websites and basic privacy controls while browsing. It checks visited URLs, can block access to dangerous sites including phishing… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen — where it wins
- Checks URLs and webpages for phishing and suspicious behavior
- Checks downloaded files and apps against reputation data
- Supports policy management through Group Policy and Intune
Where it doesn't
- Email phishing detection is not included
- Credential warnings depend on supported Windows 11 configurations
- Organization reporting requires Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Avast Online Security & Privacy — where it wins
- Scans visited URLs and can warn about or block dangerous sites
- Adds safety indicators to search results to help spot phishing sites
- Includes anti-tracking, advertiser opt-outs, and cookie controls
Where it doesn't
- Protection is delivered through a browser extension, not a standalone app
- Some privacy features require an Avast One or Avast Premium Security subscription
- Support channels are limited to documentation
- Microsoft Defender SmartScreen8.8/10 · Free plan
A free Windows and Edge safeguard for suspicious sites, downloads, and credential entry.
Visit MicrosoftFull verdict → - Avast Online Security & Privacy8.5/10 · Free plan
A free browser extension pairing phishing warnings with practical privacy controls.
Visit AvastFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Google Safe Browsing vs Microsoft Defender SmartScreen
- Google Safe Browsing vs Avast Online Security & Privacy
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- Avast Anti-Phishing vs Avast Online Security & Privacy
- Bitdefender TrafficLight (now Bitdefender Web Sage) vs Microsoft Defender SmartScreen
- Bitdefender TrafficLight (now Bitdefender Web Sage) vs Avast Online Security & Privacy
- Norton Safe Web vs Microsoft Defender SmartScreen
- Norton Safe Web vs Avast Online Security & Privacy
All Anti-Phishing software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update