# Microsoft Defender vs Mode

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Mode at none against Microsoft Defender's 3. Mode also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.7). Microsoft Defender's advantage is ratings volume (22K vs 2) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

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

Mode holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Microsoft Defender has 22K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Microsoft Defender ships an update every 2 weeks, Mode every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 13, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Microsoft Defender | Mode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (22K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microsoft-defender-security/id1526737990/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mode-secure-communication/id6446184124/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **22K** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 33.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#176** | — |
| Size | 162 MB | 182 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Microsoft Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/298856275) | [Mode Software Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1676537300) |

## What reviewers say

### Microsoft Defender

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

**Currently charting:** #176 Top Grossing · Business, #189 Top Free · Business (US App Store)

This app offers comprehensive online security for individuals and families, protecting personal identity and devices from threats. It provides antivirus scanning, dark web monitoring, credit monitoring, and identity theft restoration services.

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

**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


### Mode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mode-secure-communication/id6446184124)

This app provides a secure, encrypted platform for workplace communication, including messaging, video calls, and file sharing. It features advanced security measures like end-to-end and post-quantum encryption, with administrative controls for data lifespan and content policies.

**Highlights:** End-to-End Encryption, Post-Quantum Security, Secure Data Storage on Device, Administration Portal, Data Lifespan Control, Redact & Revise Messages, Video & Voice Calling

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Microsoft Defender free?

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

### Is Mode free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Microsoft Defender or Mode?

Mode is rated higher. Microsoft Defender averages 4.7 out of 5 from 22K ratings, while Mode averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Microsoft Defender or Mode have ads?

Neither Microsoft Defender nor Mode shows ads.

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

Microsoft Defender ships an update every 2 weeks, and Mode every 2 months. Most recently, Microsoft Defender was updated on November 13, 2026 and Mode on November 3, 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.*