Is avira better than microsoft security essentials?

Microsoft Security Essentials was Microsoft's free antivirus offering for Windows 7 and earlier versions. Since the release of Windows 8, it has been replaced by Windows Defender, which is built into the operating system. Windows Defender has evolved significantly and now offers comprehensive protection that rivals many free and paid antivirus applications. It is fully integrated with Windows 10 and 11, and provides real-time scanning, firewall protection, and additional features like ransomware protection, cloud-delivered protection, and more.

To decide which one is better for your needs, you would normally consider factors like detection rates as reported by independent labs, performance impact on your system, ease of use, features offered, and whether you prefer an integrated solution or a third-party product. Independent test scores from organizations like AV-Comparatives and AV-TEST can give you an idea of how they compare in terms of malware detection and system performance.

As of the last data before my knowledge cutoff, Windows Defender had made considerable improvements and scores very well in protection and performance, rivaling many of its competitors. Avira also continues to be a strong choice, especially if you're looking for features that may not be present in Windows Defender.

In conclusion, the decision between Avira and Microsoft Security Essentials (or Windows Defender, for the more current version) depends on personal preference, the specific features you require, and how each program performs on your particular system.