When comparing Windows Defender vs Kaspersky, the Slant community recommends Windows Defender for most people. In the question“What is the best antimalware software for a new computer?” Windows Defender is ranked 3rd while Kaspersky is ranked 5th.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro No Ads
Pro 100% Detection Rate (according to AV-Test)
As of March 2021, Defender has been scoring perfect 6 in AV-Test ratings in all 3 categories for almost a year. The last time it scored a non-perfect score was in April 2020 which was a long time ago.
Pro Part of Windows
Pro Lightweight
Pro 99.7% detection rate result and 6/6 protection score from third party testing labs
Kaspersky recieved a 99.7% detection rate result from the AV Comparitives Mobile Security Review behind only AhnLab and Kingsoft. From AV Test, Kaspersky recieved a 6/6 in both protection and usability.
Pro SIM watch
Kaspersky's SIM watch feature will alert you by email if the SIM card has been removed with the location of the device and can lock the device.
Cons
Con It doesn't even get anything
Con Harder to set exceptions and restore for false positives
Defender and its options isn't as accessible as other av programs.
Con Moderate effect on performance
Kaspersky is not the most lightweight application or as well optimized as applications such as Lookout. Some slowdowns may be experienced using Kaspersky but that may be a necessary sacrifice for Kaspersky's stronger virus detection rate.
Con Awkward and outdated user interface
Navigating the settings menu and other features in Kaspersky's mobile application is an awkward experience even with new redesigns. The application lacks a consistent design and the settings menu especially feels like one of the earlier Android applications designed.
Con Some basic antivirus features available only for paid users
The free version of Kaspersky will not automatically scan new applications after they are downloaded. Cloud enabled protection to react to fast and new threats is also a paid only feature. The paid version of Kaspersky is $14.95 a year.