# ShadowHQ vs Microsoft Defender

The clearest difference is review sentiment: ShadowHQ at 100% against Microsoft Defender's 34%. ShadowHQ also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). Microsoft Defender's advantage is chart position (#159 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. ShadowHQ asks for nothing beyond the download.

ShadowHQ ships an update every 3 weeks, Microsoft Defender every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 10, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ShadowHQ | Microsoft Defender |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.7 (21K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microsoft-defender-security/id1526737990/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **21K** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 34.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | — | **#159** |
| Size | 70 MB | 159 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MobiStream Solutions](https://appshunter.io/developer/1414919306) | [Microsoft Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/298856275) |

## What reviewers say

### ShadowHQ

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadowhq/id1511299121)

This app provides a secure backup for communications and critical information during emergencies like ransomware attacks or natural disasters. It ensures you can stay connected and access vital data when primary IT systems are unavailable.

**Highlights:** Backup communications, Secure information storage, Emergency preparedness, Ransomware attack resilience, Disaster recovery

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Microsoft Defender

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

**Currently charting:** #159 Top Grossing · Business, #165 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 ShadowHQ free?

ShadowHQ 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 ShadowHQ or Microsoft Defender have ads?

Neither ShadowHQ nor Microsoft Defender shows ads.

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

ShadowHQ ships an update every 3 weeks, and Microsoft Defender every 2 weeks. Most recently, ShadowHQ was updated on September 10, 2026 and Microsoft Defender on September 24, 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.*