Microsoft Defender is the default security solution by Microsoft for Windows 10 and 11. It should be good enough for most users, considering it has significantly improved its threat detection capabilities and features over the years.
On the other hand, Bitdefender is a top-notch security program available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
What should you choose? Should you stick to the free option? Or, should you proceed to purchase Bitdefender to protect your devices? This article shall present the differences between the two to help you make an informed decision.
Basic Security Protections
Note that Microsoft Defender is a part of Windows Security. Even though features like Windows Hello, Dynamic Lock, and Microsoft account protection options are available under a single roof, it is unique to Microsoft Windows OS. Any antivirus protection program cannot replace it.
Hence, we will be ignoring those for this comparison but will focus on protection from threats and other security/privacy features.
The feature set is more straightforward and sticks to essentials when it comes to Microsoft Defender (or Windows Defender).
The ability to monitor connections, create security rules, and manage inbound/outbound connections is available using the Windows Defender Firewall program. For viruses and other threats, you can expect real-time and ransomware protection.
In addition to that, you get various scanning options to make sure that there are no malicious files in your storage drives. The offline scanning option can be an effective way to look for malicious files without interruptions.
When compared to Bitdefender, it provides you with the same set of features that include real-time protection, firewall management capabilities, and ransomware protection.
Bitdefender goes a step further to give you advanced controls to the scans, virus protection, along with some extra features like Rescue Environment, Early Boot Scan, and others.
You may find Microsoft Defender convenient if you do not need advanced controls.
Advanced Security Protections
Microsoft Defender may fall short on advanced security protections, considering you do not find many things to talk about.
By default, Microsoft Defender submits any suspicious files as samples to test. You should find Tamper Protection as a helpful feature that does not let applications change basic Windows Security settings. It stays active even if you use a third-party antivirus program like Bitdefender.
Furthermore, you get cloud-delivered protection, which automatically keeps the antivirus program ready for the latest threats.
When it comes to online security, Microsoft Defender offers reputation-based protection. It checks for unrecognized files and applications, and the SmartScreen feature aims to protect your device from harmful websites and downloads.
You can also choose to block unwanted programs and downloads directly if you enable the app blocking feature.
Moving on to Bitdefender, you get a slew of features like Advanced Threat Defense, vulnerability scanner, Antispam, and Anti-Theft.
The Advanced Threat Defence feature is tailored to counter unknown threats and zero-day attacks. You can use the vulnerability scanner to look for potential loopholes in your security measures.
It is also worth noting that some of these advanced protection features might affect some games (especially if it is a new game). So, you may want to disable it and try again if one of your games does not work.
In addition, Antispam (with Outlook and Thunderbird support) and Anti-Theft could prove to be the cherry on top if you need these on your device. You also get a SafePay feature that opens an isolated browser for you to comfortably perform any banking activities or anything else that requires total security. It lets you use Bitdefender's' VPN along with it.
Windows Defender also offers a similar feature with Microsoft Defender Application Guard that you have to install separately. It will use Microsoft's Edge browser to launch an isolated environment.
Overall, Microsoft Defender should not disappoint you with its protection capabilities. But, you get more advanced features when it comes to Bitdefender. The advanced features should make up for enhanced security if you require it.
Privacy Protections
Windows is not particularly famous for its privacy-conscious options. So, it isn't' a surprise that you do not get any special privacy-focused features with Microsoft Defender.
With Bitdefender, you get extra privacy options, including a VPN, anti-tracker, parental advisor, webcam and audio protection, and a password manager. This should come in handy if you prefer to use a single service product without opting for multiple options.
Note that the anti-tracker does not work with every browser, but you should be good to go if you have Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome.
User Interface
The UI is the least of your problems regarding antivirus solutions. But, it is still worth taking a looking.
While Bitdefender offers intuitive controls, it could be overwhelming with the number of options provided. In comparison, Microsoft Defender blends in with the Windows experience and provides a simple UI without presenting many options.
Both support light and dark modes, if that's something you prefer.
Pricing, Platform Support, & Extra Features
Whether you should pay for an antivirus or stick to the free one, that is entirely your choice.
Note that Bitdefender offers a variety of editions. You can choose to use the free version or upgrade to one of the premium editions. The features available to you will depend on the edition you purchase.
If you opt for Bitdefender Premium or Total Security edition, you will access a system optimizer and some more features. Microsoft Defender does not offer any such choices, even for business users.
It is a no-brainer that Microsoft Defender is only available for Windows 10 and 11. However, you can choose to use Bitdefender on your Mac, iPhone, or Android phone.
The platform support should not matter since we focus on Windows here. But, if you opt for a bundled purchase that also gives you a license for your other devices, it could prove to be a better solution.
Microsoft Defender vs. Bitdefender: Which Antivirus Is Better?
Bitdefender is a paid antivirus program with several advanced features and extra privacy protections. It offers a free edition, but it may not be viable in the long run.
And, if Bitdefender seems overwhelming to you, Microsoft Defender should give you ample protection as a free alternative.
In any case, you should always be actively cautious about what you do and what you download on your computer to be on the safe side.