Avira vs. Security Essentials comparison

In comparison Avira AntiVir vs. Microsoft Security Essentials is one program clearly ahead. In this practical tip you will find out where the advantages of the two anti-virus programs lie and which we recommend.

Avira AntiVir in comparison

Avira offers both the Internet Security Suite and the free version Avira Free Antivirus. In the paid version you get additional features such as a firewall and browser protection.

• Operation: The program is clearly laid out and combines all functions at a glance on the start page. Advanced users can make a lot of configurations in the settings. In the free version, however, you have to accept small advertisements from time to time.
• Performance: The anti-virus program works sparingly in the background and hardly slows down the system.
• Detection: Avira did not detect all viruses in the CHIP antivirus test, but still ended up in a good midfield.
• Conclusion: The anti-virus program from Avira was one of the top 3 programs in the fight against malware in our virus protection test. Only BitDefender Internet Security and Kaspersky Internet Security did better. Avira was also the test winner in the virus test by Stiftung Warentest.

Competitor Microsoft Security Essentials

With Security Essentials, Microsoft has launched its own anti-virus program. The addition "Essentials" already shows that this is only a basic protection.

• Operation: The program is very simple and therefore easy to understand even for beginners. The few options keep Security Essentials simple and clear.
• Performance: The tool works quietly in the background and uses relatively little resources. Compared to other anti-virus programs, there was a comparatively good score.
• Detection: Virus detection is miserable. In the test, no program performed as badly as Security Essentials. Hardly any virus has been detected or removed, so that the main task is not being performed satisfactorily.
• Conclusion: Anti-virus programs should detect and fight pests. Unfortunately, this is not the case in the current version 4 of Microsoft Security Essentials. For this reason, we cannot advise you on this product.

We will show you how to check individual files online for viruses in the next practical tip.