Is MSE as good as the free Avast or Avira?

Recent postings here from some users seem to indicate that the current version of MSE is quite good. I was thinking of using either Avast or Avira, but if MSE really is as good at detection and removal then I thought I'd give it a try first. Anyone try all three recently? The reports I've found online still seem to show MSE as not quite as good.

Nevermind. I did more searching and found more info. I'm going to try MSE, SpywareBlaster, and MAMB (which I already use).

Here are a few comparisons. The 2nd includes more up to date data. I personally us Avast with no issues.

Microsoft Security Essentials vs Avira vs avast! vs AVG: A comprehensive comparison to help you decide which (free) anti-malware security software you should use | Freeware Reviews | dotTech

Avast vs AVG vs Avira vs Microsoft Security Essentials Review Of Free Antivirus Software » TechLogon Technology News | Tech News Help And Tutorials

A Guy

If you go to the link below you will see some tests with some differing results. Even through both test are done by the same people, the two test use two different methodologies and ratind systems. In the October 2011 test, MSE did better than both Avira and Avast. In the December test, Avira and MSE did well (with Avira being the better of the two) and Avast did poorly. It is also a matter of personal preference. In over two years of using MSE I have only had one virus successfully infect my computer, but keeping regular back-ups of my computer allowed to fix the problem in under an hour. Also, when it comes to real world scenarios, the results are generally going to be different from what happens in a controlled envorinment.

AV-Comparatives - Independent Tests of Anti-Virus Software - Removal-Tests

I've always had MSE detect something when it first tries to install itself. Even in the one case the a virus did make it's way on to my computer, MSE popped up with a message saying severe threat detected, but then the virus apparently ended the processes for MSE. MSE is known for the fact that its heuristic based detection being weaker than many other AVs, but this is by design to help insure that no false positives occur. The main thing to remember is that no AV is perfect, and no AV will protect your computer completely. This is why we also recommend having an on-demand scanner, such as MBAM, doing backups, and having system restore turned on. That way if something does get past your main AV, you have a backup plan ready.

EDIT: Just wanted to add, if you prefer Avast or Avira, both are fine AVs. Use which ever you like, and recommend which ever you like to others. Its mostly a matter of what you think works best for you.

Asking for an opinion on a AV is going to get you a lot of different answers, as everyone has their own preferences & beliefs on which on works best. In the end you will have to make the choice on what you think is better & what you're comfortable using.

MSE does work well in the fact that since it was written by MS, it integrates smoothly with Windows. That's not to say it's 100% protection, nothing is. Make sure to keep your AV defs updated.

To this date, the best AV out there is....common sense and cautious surfing habits.

It also helps to run Malwarebytes and other on demand scanners (Such as MSERT) on a regular basis.

And of course, a Firewall is a must have item nowadays.