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Best for Bundling With Microsoft Apps
- Brings the well-loved Microsoft antivirus to other devices
- Includes a firewall, parental controls, identity theft protection, and a VPN
- Free for Windows users
- Features can be confusing
- Middling performance on third-party tests
Best for Privacy and Features
- Super reliable antivirus software with a non-intrusive free version
- Simple yet powerful interface tools
- Perfect protection score in third-party tests
- Slow scans compared to other options
While these are two very different products with very different features, extras, and services, we found Bitdefender to be the best for protection against viruses. Bitdefender is a standalone antivirus with additional features like a VPN, password manager, and safe browsing technology. It offers a variety of plans that you can choose from.
Microsoft Defender is the paid enhancement that comes with Microsoft 365 and compliments the already free Windows Security on your Windows computer. It only offers two plans, so it's less approachable for tight budgets.
Some other differences include the apps and features offered by both: Microsoft leans towards its own products like Excel and Word, while Bitdefender has a broader array of offerings like a VPN and performance optimization tools.
Which antivirus is the better value?
Which antivirus has the better features
Microsoft vs. Bitdefender: Test results
Which antivirus has the better compatbility and customer support?
FAQs
Microsoft Defender vs. Bitdefender: which is better?
Microsoft Defender vs. Bitdefender review at a glance
Microsoft Defender (formerly Windows Defender) acts as a booster to Windows Security, which is the free antivirus that comes with Windows 10 and later Windows versions. If you’re in need of all the additional Microsoft apps like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote, and OneDrive, you’ll receive Microsoft Defender in your Microsoft 365 purchase.
If you aren’t a Windows user or aren’t interested in these programs, you may want the features and protection that come with Bitdefender. With a built-in VPN, gaming and working modes, as well as performance-enhancing features for your computer, Bitdefender offers a lot of value in addition to its antivirus.
- Microsoft Defender: Best for bundling with Microsoft apps
- Bitdefender: Best for privacy and additional features
Microsoft Defender vs. Bitdefender
Microsoft Defender |
Bitdefender |
|
Star rating | ||
Starting price | $6.99/mo ($83.88/yr) | $29.99/yr (first year only) |
Max number of protected devices | 30 | 10 |
Malware scans | Manual and scheduled | Manual and scheduled |
Real-time protection | ||
Phishing protection | ||
Ransomware protection | ||
24/7 customer support | ||
Compatibility | Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Chrome, Safari |
Android, iOS, Windows, macOS |
Learn more | Get Microsoft Defender
Read Microsoft Defender Review |
Get Bitdefender
Read Bitdefender Review |
How we test and rate antivirus software
We use our proprietary grading rubric in all of our testing, which considers ease-of-use, third-party testing scores, internal testing scores, price, compatibility, and features offered, among other metrics.
This means that our testing process is designed to ensure that the product isn't too confusing, protects as it claims, and offers you a lot for a reasonable price. We download and run each program on our own computers on home networks, just like you would. Our ratings reflect the real-world performance of the antivirus product. This ensures that we can recreate a similar experience for you and give our best advice on whether or not it's worthwhile.
To learn more about how we test, check out our full antivirus testing methodology here.
Which antivirus is the better value?
Microsoft Defender |
Bitdefender |
|
Price range | $6.99–$9.99/mo ($83.88–$119.88/yr) | Free–$40.99/first yr |
Best value plan | Free | Free |
Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days | |
Learn more | Get Microsoft Defender
Read Microsoft Defender Review |
Get Bitdefender
Read Bitdefender Review |
Microsoft Defender is not the same as the free Windows Security that comes pre-installed on computers with Windows 10 and newer. It’s a security app that is included in the pricing of a Microsoft 365 bundle. Be wary of anyone attempting to sell you a “one-time price” for Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Defender. It’s almost always a scam.
Bitdefender also offers a free antivirus that’s available for Windows, Android, and macOS. The major difference between these two products is the variety of security choices that come with Bitdefender. Bitdefender Internet Security and Total Security, as well as other plans offering basic protection, let you pick what’s right for you at a price that fits your budget. It’s not an all-or-nothing setup, which may work better for you in the long run.
Each of these products offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. On top of that, each offers a free 30-day trial before you commit. We signed up for the trial for Microsoft 365 Family and found it extremely easy to cancel from our 365 portal. While we didn’t use support to cancel Bitdefender, we did contact customer support and found them friendly and helpful, albeit not as knowledgeable about the Mac product.
Which antivirus has the better features?
Feature | Microsoft Defender |
Bitdefender |
Manual and scheduled scans | ||
Real-time protection | ||
Phishing protection | ||
Ransomware protection | ||
Firewall | ||
Device optimization tools | ||
Parental controls | ||
Password manager | ||
VPN | ||
Extras | ID theft monitoring, cloud storage, Microsoft 365 apps | Vulnerability scan, parental controls, crypto mining protection, social media protection, webcam protection |
Learn more | Get Microsoft Defender
Read Microsoft Defender Review |
Get Bitdefender
Read Bitdefender Review |
Both Microsoft Defender and Bitdefender include all the standard features necessary in modern antivirus. The biggest difference you’ll find between these two is in the additional features included with each.
For Microsoft Defender, those include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and all of the other original Microsoft apps. Bitdefender’s bundled apps include security software you might otherwise purchase separately, like a VPN and password manager.
Since these two products are so vastly different in their offerings, it’s going to be up to you to decide what set of features are more important.
If you want a full suite of apps geared toward office productivity, then Microsoft Defender is likely your best choice. However, if you’re looking to bundle your VPN, antivirus, password management, and identity theft protection services into one payment, Bitdefender is the one you’ll want.
Microsoft vs. Bitdefender: Test results
Third-party testing is essential for making sure security software works the way it claims to work. We use AV-TEST, which is one of the most reputable third-party testing sites in the business. AV-TEST puts security products through rigorous testing for threat detection and malware detection as well as system performance and usability to make sure even the newest threats are blocked.
Microsoft Defender vs. Bitdefender malware protection scores
Microsoft Defender |
Bitdefender |
|
AV-TEST Windows score | 17.5 | 17.5/18 |
AV-TEST macOS score | N/A | 18/18 |
AV-TEST Android score | N/A | 18/18 |
AV-Comparatives malware protection score | 99.94% | 99.92% |
SE Labs results | 100% | 100% |
EICAR score | 2/3 | 3/3 |
Learn more | Get Microsoft Defender
Read Microsoft Defender Review |
Get Bitdefender
Read Bitdefender Review |
When looking at either of these security products, the biggest issue with testing was a few false positives. False positives occur when an antivirus program flags something as being potentially dangerous, even if it isn’t. This can be annoying, but it doesn’t pose a security risk.
It’s worth noting that anything your internet security solution flags as potentially dangerous should be examined by support before you manually allow it to be installed. Unless you’re absolutely certain the file trying to execute is good, it’s better to wait for confirmation than to release malware or a virus onto your computer accidentally.
Which antivirus has the better compatibility and customer support?
Microsoft Defender |
Bitdefender |
|
Windows | ||
macOS | ||
Android | ||
iOS | ||
Browser extensions | Yes — Chrome, Edge, and Firefox | Yes — Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari on macOS |
24/7 customer support | ||
Customer support options | Online guides, chat, phone, form | Guides, video tutorials, how-to’s and troubleshooting, live chat, phone, email |
Learn more | Get Microsoft Defender
Read Microsoft Defender Review |
Get Bitdefender
Read Bitdefender Review |
When you think of Microsoft Defender, you may think of a Windows-only program. However, the software says it’s compatible with multiple operating systems, including Mac and iOS devices.
We successfully installed our trial on both our Windows 10 computer and our iPhone but ran into issues with our Mac. In fact, it was just overall buggy on our Mac, so we immediately removed it.
We’re running an up-to-date version of Ventura on a Mac with an M2 chip, so we assumed the software was compatible, given the specs online. However, it just didn’t work correctly.
When checking with other Mac users whose Macbooks are using Intel chips rather than Apple’s new proprietary chips, they reported using Microsoft Defender successfully with that processor. It stands to reason that Microsoft Defender hasn’t updated itself enough to run smoothly with the new propriety Apple M chips.
Bitdefender also claims to provide compatibility with multiple platforms, and we didn’t have issues installing and using it. However, Bitdefender doesn’t offer as many features for its Mac product as it does for its Windows product.
The other major difference is that Bitdefender offers extensions for browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari on macOS. This is likely because of the web protection and social media monitoring features included in the product. Since Microsoft Defender doesn’t offer those features, it makes sense it wouldn’t have a browser extension.
Our customer support experiences weren’t perfect with either service. For Bitdefender, the support tech didn’t realize fewer features were offered for the Mac product. Even so, the support agent was friendly and helpful over the phone, providing an overall good experience.
With Microsoft, we chose live chat. There were options for chat, American Sign Language (ASL), phone, self-help, and even the ability to book an appointment. We did find the customer service rep for Microsoft to be redundant and a little frustrating. We tried reaching out again a few days later to ask questions about canceling our trial and found the next rep to be just as redundant.
If you’re already flustered and in need of answers, we see how this type of support could become annoying and overwhelming.
FAQs
Is Bitdefender better than Microsoft Defender?
Yes and no. As far as protection goes, both products offer solid security for your computers, phones, tablets, and other devices. As far as compatibility, features, support, and price is concerned, Bitdefender beats Microsoft Defender.
If you’re looking solely for good protection, you can use either. If you’re looking for apps and features useful across the entire internet, we’d recommend Bitdefender.
Can I use Bitdefender with Microsoft Defender?
No. Microsoft has a fail-safe on Windows products where Defender, as well as Windows Security, will deactivate if it detects another antivirus product. This is to make sure they don’t counteract each other.
Often, antivirus products detect another antivirus product as a threat. If you try to run certain products together, you can end up very frustrated with a computer that doesn’t work properly.
Does Microsoft Defender or Bitdefender protect against malware better?
According to independent, third-party testing, both products do an excellent job of protecting against malware. The security aspect of either Bitdefender or Microsoft Defender is solid.
Some question if Microsoft Defender is good, but the test scores don’t lie. The decision between the two products comes down to the features and usability and what you personally prefer.
What security features does Bitdefender offer besides antivirus protection?
Bitdefender offers many other security features, including anti-phishing technology, web attack prevention, anti-fraud protection, a Wi-Fi security advisor, social network protection, anti-tracker technology, safe banking, and network threat protection, in addition to layered and advanced security features.
Microsoft Defender vs. Bitdefender: Which is better?
While both of these antivirus solutions offer independently tested protection, we choose Bitdefender over Microsoft Defender. Bitdefender offers more practical features and applications, as well as multiple pricing structures. We were also happier with the support we received from Bitdefender and the product's overall aesthetics.
If you purchase Microsoft 365 for the Office suite or other features offered, Microsoft Defender is going to enhance the security already available on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 machine. However, if you’re primarily looking for a security solution, we recommend checking out another product.
Since these are both some of the best antivirus products on the market, you can feel confident knowing either will keep you safe from cyber threats; one just might work better for your needs than the other.
Top antivirus alternatives
A lot of antivirus programs can look similar, so it all comes down to the features and pricing when you’re shopping around. If neither Microsoft Defender nor Bitdefender sounds good to you, try one of these other products, which are all great antivirus solutions for Windows users. Our reviews give you a breakdown of the biggest pros, cons, features, and prices for each of these antivirus products.
- McAfee: One of the longest-running security suites on the market, McAfee offers trusted protection as well as a host of other features. You can choose the plan that works best for you depending on how wide a security net you want to cast. McAfee offers antivirus protection as well as a password manager, VPN, and identity theft protection.
Get McAfee | Read Our McAfee Review - Norton: We remember Norton coming preinstalled and free for 90 days on our first computer. Since then, Norton has continued to evolve into a trusted household name. Not only does it offer superb security, but it also brings a host of additional features like dark web monitoring and cloud storage, all backed by its 100% virus protection promise.
Get Norton | Read Our Norton Review - Avast: Avast is a freemium service, meaning its basic virus protection is free for anyone who downloads it. From there, you can purchase more advanced protection that incorporates clean-up tools for your computer as well as a privacy mode for more secure browsing. The 24/7 support is only included with a paid plan, but even that comes at a reasonable monthly fee.
Get Avast | Read Our Avast Review