MS Security Essentials vs. Antivir comparison

If you fluctuate between Avira AntiVir and Security Essentials when choosing your antivirus, we will help you with this comparison.

Avira AntiVir

Avira provides both the paid Internet Security Suite and the free version Avira Free AntiVirus. Both versions work reliably, but the paid version contains additional functions such as a firewall.

• Handling: The program is simple and gives a good impression of the overall situation at first glance. Experienced users can edit a lot of settings compared to other programs.
• Performance: The real-time protection works relatively sparingly and does not slow down the system noticeably.
• Detection: In the last CHIP anti-virus test, Avira did not detect all the pests, but it ended up in a good midfield.
• Conclusion: In our test, Avira is fighting for the crown in the fight against malware with BitDefender Internet Security and Kaspersky Internet Security. It is currently in third place.

Microsoft Security Essentials

Since 2009, Microsoft has had its own anti-virus program to match the Windows system. However, the name "Essentials" already suggests that this can only be a basic protection.

• Handling: The program is extremely simple and only offers the most necessary settings. It cannot be made easier, especially for beginners.
• Performance: The real-time protection works quietly in the background and uses comparatively little resources.
• Detection: Although the program looks good, it rarely fulfills its task as virus detector and remover. No program performed so badly in the test because it hardly recognized or removed a virus.
• Conclusion: Since Microsoft Security Essentials, at least in the current version 4, does not fulfill its main task, we do not recommend this product.

In the next practical tip, we will introduce you to the best anti-virus programs according to the Stiftung Warentest.