Bitdefender Internet Security vs. Total Security 2025: Two Plans, One Big Difference

In the past, Bitdefender offered both Internet Security and Total Security. Both were stronger options than the free version or Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, but they differed in what devices they protected.

Bitdefender Internet Security was designed for Windows users who wanted malware protection, anti-spam and anti-phishing tools, and other core security features. Total Security, on the other hand, included all of that while also covering multiple operating systems, including macOS, Android, and iOS. That broader coverage is why we considered Total Security the better overall plan.

If you're curious how the discontinued plan held up against the premium Bitdefender plan still available today, read on.

Bitdefender Internet Security vs. Total Security review at a glance

In the past, if you were deciding between Bitdefender Total Security and Bitdefender Internet Security, the first step was to look at how many (and what kinds of) devices you wanted to protect.

From there, features like performance optimization tools or a family pack could help narrow down your choice. Between these two paid plans, the differences mainly came down to device coverage and extra features.

• Bitdefender Internet Security: Best for Windows-only users
• Bitdefender Total Security: Best for multiple devices

Bitdefender Internet Security vs. Total Security quick comparison

Bitdefender plan	Internet Security	Total Security
Starting price	$42.49/first yr	$34.99/first yr
Number of protected devices	1, 3, 5, 10	5 or 10
Compatibility	Windows	Android, iOS, Windows, macOS
24/7 customer support
Real-time protection
Firewall
Phishing protection
Network protection
Ransomware protection
VPN
File shredder
Parental controls
Device optimization
macOS protection
iOS and Android protection
Learn more	View Plan	View Plan

The main differences between Total Security and Internet Security were the device optimization tools, the number of devices covered, and the operating system compatibility.

One of the major differences was the minimum number of devices covered. On the Internet Security plan, you could cover as little as one device or as many as ten devices. Total Security only has the option for five or ten devices covered, so individuals with only one or three devices will have extra licenses left over.

Even so, Bitdefender offered a lot of features on both its paid plans. The device optimization tools are offered only on the Total Security plan, but other features like a VPN, parental controls, and phishing protection came standard for both plans.

Which plan had better features?

Total Security and Internet Security shared a lot of the same features. In fact, there weren’t a lot of differences between the two plans. If you were torn between which one you should get or if you should get Bitdefender at all, taken a look at some of the standout features offered by this cybersecurity provider would help.

Bitdefender Internet Security 

Internet Security made available the features that every good antivirus should offer, like malware and ransomware protection, a firewall, real-time protection, and anti-tracking technology. It also had additional features that protect your webcam, as well as different modes for gaming, work, and streaming.

Some of the more notable features included:

• Autopilot: Offers security recommendations based on your specific needs and processing requirements
• Bitdefender Photon: Adapts to your unique hardware and software setup to save resources and enhance computing power
• Microphone and webcam protection: Provides a list of apps using your microphone and webcam
• Wi-Fi Security Advisor: Provides a diagnostic analysis of whatever Wi-Fi you’re connected to, both home and abroad

Bitdefender Total Security

Total Security incorporates every feature that was offered in Internet Security as well as the Device Optimizer tool, OneClick Optimizer, and it’s compatible with multiple operating systems. Total Security covers macOS and Android, while Internet Security covers only Windows. This could be the difference between which plan you choose.

Another notable difference is that Total Security’s minimum number of devices covered is five rather than one or three. You get either five or 10 licenses, depending on which package you choose. There is no option for a single license with Total Security.

Total Security macOS protection

It’s not uncommon for an antivirus to limit the features available on the macOS version of its software. It’s also not uncommon for that same company to forget to mention what features are available on each operating system.

Bitdefender, on the other hand, provides you with all the information you need to see if its products offer the features you’re looking for on your specific device. The best protection for Mac offers features that enhance Mac’s already strict security rules.

Notable macOS features include:

• Safe Files: Prevents unauthorized changes to your files
• Adware Blocker: Stops pop-ups and removes programs and files that install adware onto your hard drive
• Bitdefender Shield: Allows you to set and forget threat protection
• Anti-tracker: Keeps web trackers from following you around and creating a profile of you to sell to data brokers

Total Security iOS and Android protection

Antivirus apps for your phone can seem light on features. Bitdefender has features available for both iOS and Android, so you can keep your phones, tablets, and other mobile devices free from hackers.

Android notable features:

• App Anomaly Detection: Assesses how other apps are accessing your data and stops intrusive behavior
• WearON: Helps protect your smartwatch while connected to your phone
• AppLock: Protects sensitive apps like banking and medical with an additional pin or other methods of protection you set
• Battery and performance saver: Performs most actions in the cloud so as to not waste resources on your actual phone

iOS notable features:

• Web Protection: Online threat and phishing protection
• Scan: Helps you correct security issues
• Parental controls: Helps you keep your kids safe on their mobile devices

Which Bitdefender plan was better?

Which plan was best really depended on your needs. For someone with a single Windows computer who wanted robust security features, Bitdefender Internet Security used to be the clear choice. It offered a strong set of protections along with Windows-specific device optimization tools, so you wouldn’t necessarily miss the extras included in Total Security.

On the other hand, users with multiple devices across different operating systems — macOS, Android, and iOS included — were better off with Bitdefender Total Security. Internet Security only worked on Windows, so choosing the right plan ensured compatibility and saved a lot of troubleshooting.

Bitdefender Internet Security vs. Total Security pros and cons

	Internet Security	Total Security
Pros	Protection for 1, 3, 5, or 10 devices Parental controls Firewall	Available for multiple operating systems Includes device optimization Affordable pricing
Cons	Only available on Windows No device optimization	Can purchase only 5 or 10 licenses Limited function, Windows-only password manager
Learn more	View Plan	View Plan

Bitdefender antivirus alternatives

Bitdefender may not be the best antivirus option for you. If you’ve checked out the features and protection scores and still aren’t sure, why not look at one of these alternatives? They’re all from well-trusted, industry-leading names that know a thing or two about security.

• McAfee: McAfee is like your cool uncle — it’s been around as long as you can remember and knows stuff. This company has been in the game for a long time. Not only does it offer stellar protection, but it also incorporates a wide breadth of features into its security products to offer you a fully rounded security suite.
  
  See McAfee Plans | Read Our McAfee Review
• Avast: Avast offers a free plan as well as two paid ones. One of Avast’s strengths is its ability to be installed on multiple operating systems with any plan. You can use the Free product on your Mac or Avast One Platinum on your Android.
  
  See Avast Plans | Read Our Avast Review
• Norton: Norton has so many plans: There are options for antivirus alone, antivirus plus identity theft protection, antivirus and a VPN, and more. Whatever combination you need, Norton can handle it. Plus, Norton’s been providing cybersecurity for a long time, so it really understands the intricacies of protection.
  
  See Norton Plans | Read Our Norton Review

FAQs

Bitdefender Internet Security vs. Total Security: Which was better?

We think that both of these plans were very good, but Total Security gets the overall nod — which is good, since Internet Security is no longer offered.

If you’re a one-device kind of person,  Internet Security may have been the better choice at the time. It let you have almost all the features of Total Security with the benefit of paying for only one license. You had access to 24/7 support as well.

If you’re looking for protection for operating systems outside of Windows, Total Security was the better option. You’ll enjoy device optimization tools as well as the ability to use your antivirus software on multiple devices or share with friends and family who also need protection.

Whatever you do, and whether or not you choose Bitdefender, you should make sure you’re always using antivirus software. Internet-connected devices, be they mobile or desktops, are expensive and contain a lot of personal information. Having that fall into the wrong hands could be a headache that’s better avoided than remediated.