# MERLION vs Microsoft Defender

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MERLION at none against Microsoft Defender's 3. MERLION also leads on review sentiment (50% vs 34%) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 17.0). Microsoft Defender's advantage is chart position (#153 vs unranked). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Microsoft Defender sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. MERLION asks for nothing beyond the download.

MERLION ships an update weekly, Microsoft Defender every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MERLION | Microsoft Defender |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.7 (22K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microsoft-defender-security/id1526737990/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **22K** |
| Positive reviews | **50.0% of reviews** | 33.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | — | **#153** |
| Size | 41 MB | 161 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [S-Crypto](https://appshunter.io/developer/420616448) | [Microsoft Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/298856275) |

## What reviewers say

### MERLION

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merlion/id1245878577)

This app connects event attendees with event information and networking opportunities. Users can view event schedules, register for activities, interact with speakers, and connect with other participants.

**Highlights:** View past and upcoming events, Register for events and activities, Browse event program with filters, Create personalized event schedule, Ask questions to speakers, Participate in polls and quests, Network with other attendees

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Microsoft Defender

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microsoft-defender-security/id1526737990)

**Currently charting:** #153 Top Grossing · Business, #201 Top Free · Business (US App Store)

This app offers comprehensive online security for individuals and families, providing antivirus scanning, threat monitoring, and identity protection. It helps safeguard personal information by scanning the dark web and offers credit monitoring and identity theft restoration services.

**Highlights:** Antivirus scanning, Threat monitoring, Dark web scanning for identity threats, Credit monitoring, Identity theft restoration, Anti-phishing protection, Multidevice alerts

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Microsoft 365 Personal | $6.99 | per month |
| Microsoft 365 Personal | $9.99 | per month |
| Microsoft 365 Family | $12.99 | per month |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast
- 🔒 Security
- 👍 Ease of use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues
- 🔋 High battery drain
- 🔍 Excessive data usage
- 🤖 Compatibility problems
- ⚠️ Disruptive to other apps

**Reported bugs**

- Login issues
- Unexpected app crashes
- Inconsistent behavior after updates

**Requested features**

- Dark mode support
- Customizable VPN settings
- Better integration with other apps


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MERLION free?

MERLION is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Microsoft Defender free?

Microsoft Defender is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do MERLION or Microsoft Defender have ads?

Neither MERLION nor Microsoft Defender shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MERLION or Microsoft Defender?

MERLION ships an update weekly, and Microsoft Defender every 2 weeks. Most recently, MERLION was updated on October 7, 2026 and Microsoft Defender on October 21, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*