Features

Defender has virus, malware, and spyware detection and removal. Real-time protection monitors downloaded files. There’s no firewall. Cloudbased protection defends against threats identified on other users’ PCs. It comes preinstalled, with no ads or popups nagging you to upgrade.

The free version of AVG features virus, malware, and spyware protection, and realtime security updates. Unlike Defender, it comes with a plugin to protect you from unsafe links, downloads, and email attachments. A gaming mode (that cuts down on resources used) is welcome, but if you want firewall or phishing protection, you must pay.

Bitdefender offers similar features as AVG, plus comes with Autopilot mode, which configures security settings on the fly, enables automatic updates, and more, with no annoying pop-ups, but AVG’s gaming mode gives it the edge. Winner:

AVG