Bitdefender vs. Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender) 2026: Which Is Better?

Bitdefender is the better choice for most Windows users. In our testing, both offered similar malware protection, but Bitdefender blocked phishing sites Microsoft Defender missed and didn't slow our system down.  

Microsoft Defender Antivirus (formerly Windows Defender) comes free with Windows and may be enough for people who want basic malware protection. However, a Bitdefender subscription adds extra security features, such as a VPN.

For these reasons, we think Bitdefender can bring your Windows security to the next level.

Microsoft Defender vs. Bitdefender review at a glance

• Microsoft Defender: Best for basics
• Bitdefender: Best overall

		Our Pick
Star rating	4.9 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	5.0 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Starting price	Free	Free or $34.99/first yr
Max number of protected devices	30	Up to 5 or 25 on Bitdefender Family plans
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	Windows, Android, iOS, macOS
Learn more	Get Microsoft Defender Read Microsoft Defender Review	Get Bitdefender Read Bitdefender Review

Microsoft Defender pros and cons

Microsoft Defender Antivirus comes built into Windows at no extra cost. Its phishing and DNS filtering limits could leave some people wanting a paid antivirus.

A Microsoft 365 subscription includes additional Microsoft Defender features and apps such as Word and Excel.

Bitdefender pros and cons

Bitdefender may be worth paying for when desktop security is a top priority. It includes enhanced phishing and scam protection, plus a complete security suite.

Which antivirus is the better value?

Microsoft Defender's free protection covers basic Windows use. Bitdefender's paid plans offer better value if you want extra features.

		Our Pick
Price range	Free or $1.99–$19.99/mo for Microsoft 365	$34.99–$64.99/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 plans

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is the scanner built into Windows Security. The Microsoft Defender app is included with select Microsoft 365 subscriptions and supports Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. 

A Microsoft 365 subscription adds cross-device security tools, but it doesn't change the built-in antivirus protection on Windows.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is free with Windows Security and doesn't require a trial. Microsoft 365 Family offers a free 30-day trial, which we found easy to cancel through the Microsoft 365 portal.

Bitdefender plans

Bitdefender has three paid plans, and each one adds more privacy tools as you go up. All three work on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The biggest difference is the VPN. Only the top tier gets unlimited VPN traffic. Bitdefender also offers a free antivirus, but it's only available on Windows.

• Bitdefender Antivirus Plus: This entry-level tier covers three devices and provides antivirus, malware, and ransomware protection. It also includes scam protection, data breach detection, and a standard VPN capped at 200 MB of traffic per day per device.
• Bitdefender Total Security: This tier offers everything in the Antivirus Plus plan, and it expands coverage to five devices. It adds cryptomining protection and a password manager for one user. 
• Bitdefender Premium Security: This tier offers everything in the Total Security plan and keeps coverage at five devices. It upgrades you to unlimited VPN traffic with 3,000+ servers in 100+ countries. It also adds email protection, an AI-powered Scam Protection Pro feature, and a system-wide ad blocker and anti-tracker.

Which antivirus has the better features?

Bitdefender bundles more security features, while Microsoft Defender sticks to the core protections built into Windows.

Feature		Our Pick
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, cryptomining 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 a modern antivirus. The most significant difference you’ll find between these two is in the additional features included with each.

Bitdefender’s bundled apps include security software that you might otherwise purchase separately, such as a VPN and password manager.

These two products differ a lot, so the right pick depends on which features matter most to you.

Choose Microsoft Defender if core antivirus protection meets your needs and you already use Microsoft productivity apps. Choose Bitdefender if you want tools like a VPN or password manager in one subscription.

Microsoft vs. Bitdefender: Test results

Third-party testing is essential for ensuring that security software functions as advertised. We use AV-TEST, one of the most reputable third-party testing sites in the industry. AV-TEST checks how well security products detect threats and how they affect system performance and usability.

 We also refer to SE Labs, AV-Comparatives, and our in-house EICAR testing. 

		Our Pick
AV-TEST Windows score	17.5/18	18/18
AV-TEST macOS score	N/A	18/18
AV-TEST Android score	N/A	18/18
AV-Comparatives malware protection score	99.93%	99.94%
SE Labs results	98%	100%
EICAR score	2/3	3/3
Learn more	Get Microsoft Defender Read Microsoft Defender Review	Get Bitdefender Read Bitdefender Review

During our in-house tests, Microsoft Defender failed our EICAR phishing test because it didn't block the test page. This test checks whether the antivirus blocks a fake phishing page. Without that protection, you're more exposed while browsing.

Since Bitdefender is our pick for antivirus with scam protection, it's no surprise that it outperformed Microsoft Defender in phishing protection. 

Bitdefender earned top AV-TEST scores on Windows, macOS, and Android.

Microsoft Defender lost half a point in the AV-TEST for Windows in the performance category. It slowed installs of frequently used apps at a much higher rate than the industry average (43% vs. 16%). In our testing, Defender's real-time protection also noticeably slowed our system.

Which antivirus has the better compatibility and customer support?

Both products support major operating systems, but Bitdefender is the better choice for users who want stronger customer support.

		Our Pick
Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
Browser extensions	Chrome, Edge, and Firefox	Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari on macOS
24/7 customer support
Customer support options	Online guides, chat, phone, form	Guides, video tutorials, how-tos, live chat, phone, email
Learn more	Get Microsoft Defender Read Microsoft Defender Review	Get Bitdefender Read Bitdefender Review

Compatibility experience

When you think of Microsoft Defender, you may think of a Windows-only program. However, the software is compatible with multiple operating systems, including macOS and iOS.

We successfully installed our trial on both our Windows 11 Lenovo and our iPhone, but ran into issues with our Mac. It was buggy on our Mac, so we removed it. We were running Ventura on a Mac with an M2 chip, so we assumed the software was compatible, based on the specifications online. 

 We couldn't confirm whether the issue was specific to Apple silicon because our test covered one M2 Mac. Microsoft Defender may perform differently on Intel-based MacBooks.

We installed and used Bitdefender on multiple platforms without issues during our testing. However, Bitdefender doesn’t offer as many features for its Mac product as it does for its Windows product.

Bitdefender offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari on macOS. Microsoft Defender has extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.

Customer support experience

Our customer support experiences weren’t perfect with either service. When we contacted Bitdefender about its Mac product, the support technician didn't realize it included fewer features. The agent was friendly and helpful on the phone, so the overall experience was positive.

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 found the Microsoft customer service rep to be repetitive and a little frustrating. 

We tried reaching out again a few days later to ask questions about canceling our trial, but the next rep was just as repetitive.

If you’re already flustered and in need of answers, we can see how this type of support could get frustrating.

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, along with more plan options. We were also happier with the support we received from Bitdefender and the product's overall aesthetics.

		Our Pick
Value
Features
Test results
Compatibility & customer support
Learn more	Get Microsoft Defender Read Microsoft Defender Review	Get Bitdefender Read Bitdefender Review

Top antivirus alternatives

Microsoft Defender provides basic Windows security. People who need different features or pricing can compare the Windows antivirus alternatives below, including Bitdefender. Our reviews cover each product's main pros, cons, features, and price.

FAQs