Windows Defender vs HitmanPro: Which One is Better? [2024 Top Picks]
We compare security, extra features, ease of use, and more to help you decide.
Windows Defender is a good antivirus, but it’s not as feature-rich, easy to use, or reliable as third-party competitors. Windows Defender’s malware detection rates and web protection rates aren’t as consistent as alternatives like Norton and Bitdefender. It also lacks some essential features like a PC optimizer (included in TotalAV). That said, I really like Windows Defender’s customer support options, which include live chat, an extensive knowledge base, and more. Overall, Windows Defender is a good choice to get you started and is okay for less advanced users, but most people are better off going with an alternative antivirus instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the best antivirus for me?
The first thing to do is to understand what you need — all antiviruses come with different internet security tools to help you stay protected, so identifying what level of protection you want will help you figure out which product is right for you.
Some antiviruses have a virtual private network (VPN), some have safe browsing extensions, and some have a password manager. Some only work on certain operating systems, while others cover all operating systems across multiple devices.
It’s important to compare the best antiviruses on the market to find the perfect one with the functionality you need.
What makes an antivirus secure?
A high-quality antivirus suite will detect, flag, and remove viruses and various types of malware. It will also offer real-time protection against all threats, regardless of whether you are browsing the internet, downloading software, shopping online, or opening email. For additional security, many antivirus suites offer a VPN, secure storage, and a password manager — these things all add several layers of protection against various cyber threats.
For more information on how antiviruses work, read this.
What do I need to look for when searching for an antivirus?
An antivirus needs to protect against all types of malware — trojans, rootkits, worms, spyware, viruses, ransomware, and anything else that might cause damage to your devices. This is done in a variety of ways, but the most essential feature of an antivirus is real-time protection — this makes sure that an active threat is effectively stopped before anything serious can happen.
Other things to look for include — excellent detection rates, fast system performance, included extra features (like a VPN, password manager, etc.), easy-to-use interface, good customer support, and overall value.
How do I know if one antivirus is better than another?
When researching antiviruses, it’s a good idea to visit a few well-known antivirus software websites such as Norton, McAfee, and Bitdefender to directly compare each antivirus’s features.
You can also look at the expert opinions of our reviewers at SafetyDetectives.com to find the most up-to-date information about the best cybersecurity products on the market today.