If you’re using a computer in 2022, then your device is at risk of a malware attack. Whether you’re using a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer today, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll have a highly secure computer experience without effective malware protection.
To prevent that from happening, however, you need a security solution that is designed to keep the attackers out and keep your device running all day with no issues from viruses, trojans, spyware, and so on. This is why you require anti-malware software.
Among the best anti-malware tools are Bitdefender and Windows Defender. Both offer some of the best protection from malware and virus attacks.
This article will compare both to help you see how they stack up against each other in various departments and which one you should go for.
Bitdefender vs Microsoft Defender: Main Differences
Although both security tools perform similar functions, they differ in several ways. Some of the key differences include:
| Bitdefender | Microsoft Defender |
| Built for several OSs and multi-platforms | Primarily designed for the Windows OS |
| Offers VPN services | No VPN available |
| Paid services | Free-to-use services |
| Has an inbuilt password manager | Comes with no password manager |
| Offers high-level privacy | No high-level privacy offered |
Bitdefender vs Microsoft Defender: Features and Capabilities
Both security software come with several features that help them to deliver strong security and protection against malware, and performance.
Below is how they stand out in terms of features capabilities:
Bitdefender Features and Capabilities
The features you get on Bitdefender depend on the plan you use. If you’re using the free version, then don’t expect anything more than just antivirus protection.
The paid plans, however, contain more features for protection, privacy, and performance.
For protection, features include:
- Complete real-time data protection
- Advanced threat defense
- Web attack prevention
- Anti-phishing and anti-fraud
- Rescue Environment
For privacy, Bitdefender comes with:
- Bitdefender VPN: for online protection and traffic encryption.
- Anti-Tracker: for keeping your browsing private.
- Wallet: for securing your sensitive data.
- File Shredder: for deleting files with no trace on your device.
- Privacy Firewall: For filtering your network privacy and blocking intrusions.
For performance you get:
- Bitdefender Photon: for improved speed and performance.
- Rescue environment: for device cleanup and restoration.
- Battery mode: for improved battery performance.
- Game, videos, and work profiles enhancer: for improved media experience on your device.
- Global protective network: for heavy scanning on the cloud. This helps your device’s performance and speed stay unaffected.
Microsoft Defender Features and Capabilities
Microsoft Defender is fresh-out-of-the-box if you’re using a Windows 10 or 11 devise. If you’re using the later versions of Windows 10 or using Windows 11, your Microsoft Defender comes with the name Windows Security.
For features, Microsoft Defender comes with a built-in switch that enables it to turn off the program upon detecting a third-party anti-virus and on after the third-party program is uninstalled.
Core features include:
- Virus and threat protection: for securing your device against malware.
- Account protection
- Firewall and network protection
- App and browser control
- Family safety options
Bitdefender vs Microsoft Defender: Pricing
Pricing may matter if you’re hoping to use any of the two security tools.
Bitdefender has several packages for you to choose from. These include the free package; Total Security offered at $89.99 per annum (supports 5 devices concurrently); Internet Security at $79.99 per annum (supports 3 Windows PCs); and Antivirus Plus at $59.99 per annum (supports 3 Windows PCs).
If you’re a first-time subscriber, you get 60% off when you subscribe to any of the packages. This means that you pay only $36, $32, and $23.99 for the first, second, and third packages, respectively.
You can also add Bitdefender’s VPN Premium offer to any of your packages for $49.99 ($29.99 for first-time subscribers).
Microsoft Defender, on the other hand, is free to use. This means that you don’t pay anything to have your Windows PC protected.
Reasons to Choose Bitdefender over Microsoft Defender
Although Microsoft Defender has seen significant improvements over the years, it cannot compete in terms of features and user interface with Bitdefender. So, if you’re looking for security software with top-of-the-line features and utilities, go with Bitdefender.
If you’re seeking the best security with the best support, go with Bitdefender. When you use any of its paid packages, you get amazing support, lacking in Microsoft Defender.
Bitdefender device compatibility across multiple platforms is another reason you may want to choose it over Windows Defender.
Bitdefender’s rating of 5.94 out of 6 (based on its overall score between January 2011 and February 2022) places it second to none in terms of protection against infections.
Reasons to Choose Microsoft Defender over Bitdefender
Microsoft Defender may not rank in the top 5 for anti-virus software, but it offers you the best protection for a free-to-use anti-virus. If you’re seeking to get the most out of free anti-virus software, go with Microsoft Defender. It competes directly with the best names in malware protection.
Windows Defender is best suited for you if you’re a student, living on a low income, or simply not ready to break the bank to enjoy top-notch protection on your PC. You may, however, need to part with a token if you need premium-level support.
Similarities between Bitdefender and Microsoft Defender
Although both programs have their differences, they are similar in several ways. If you’re using Bitdefender or Microsoft Defender and wondering what it’ll be like to switch to the other, then know that both come with endpoint detection and response (EDR) and endpoint protection platform (EPP) functionality.
Both are built for malware detection and cloud protection and are easy to use. They can be used across multiple platforms and do not slow down your device.
Bitdefender and Microsoft Defender Alternatives
To start with, there are several reasons why you may want to use other security software than any of the two in this article. This includes cost, features, ease of use, and so on.
Because Bitdefender is, for the most part, a paid software, you will need to consider alternatives in that department if you wish to pay for your program. The top alternatives to consider are:
- Norton
- McAfee
- Kaspersky
- Panda
- ESET
If you don’t want to pay to have your devices protected but still want to enjoy adequate protection, then you can consider these top Microsoft Defender alternatives:
- AVG Free
- Avast Free
- Avira Free
- Kaspersky Security Cloud Free
- Malwarebytes
Final Verdict
Winner: Bitdefender
Several reasons can make you choose a security software over another. If you’re a die-hard fan of the Windows ecosystem, you may want to go for Microsoft Defender. However, if you’re an Android, Linux, iOS, or macOS user who doesn’t want to go the route of using Microsoft Defender’s endpoint option with a license, then Bitdefender is the best option.
No matter which one you choose, your computer is bound to stay safe all day long.
Because Bitdefender has more to offer in terms of features, it is the better option to go with nevertheless. In terms of all-around security, performance, compatibility, user interface, and support, it also eclipses Microsoft Defender to win this comparison.
Bitdefender vs Microsoft Defender FAQs
Is Bitdefender a better antivirus program than Microsoft Defender?
In several ways, yes. Because Microsoft Defender is totally free, it is lacking in several features. Bitdefender, for its part, has paid products that help it outperform Microsoft Defender.
Can Bitdefender and Microsoft Defender work together?
Unfortunately, no. Microsoft Defender is programmed to turn itself off once it detects any third-party antivirus that provides real-time protection.
Is Bitdefender’s free version better than Microsoft Defender?
Although Bitdefender is arguably the best anti-malware software you can hope to get, its free version falls short of Microsoft Defender’s capabilities for a free device security program.
Can I use Bitdefender on any Device?
Yes. Bitdefender is designed to function across multiple platforms. This means that you can use it on any of your Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS devices.
Is Bitdefender good for Device Performance?
Yes. Bitdefender is light and has the lowest impact on system performance, of any competitor out there. It guarantees you no system slowdown when you conduct full system scans.
How reliable is Microsoft Defender?
Yes. The anti-virus program has been subject to industry tests in recent years with outstanding results.
This includes an AV-TEST protection score of 6.0/6.0 in the November-December 2021 test and a 99.8% AV-Comparatives protection rating in the August-December 2021 test. It holds the best free anti-malware award for 2021 based on the latest test.