{"id":76145,"date":"2024-02-11T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-11T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/helpdeskgeek.com\/?p=76145"},"modified":"2025-01-31T18:08:03","modified_gmt":"2025-01-31T23:08:03","slug":"bitdefender-vs-windows-defender-which-ones-best-for-your-pc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/helpdeskgeek.com\/bitdefender-vs-windows-defender-which-ones-best-for-your-pc\/","title":{"rendered":"Bitdefender vs Windows Defender: Which One’s Best for Your PC?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Beating long-standing industry names like Mcafee and Norton, Bitdefender has emerged as the top third-party antivirus software. But how does it stand up against the default Windows Defender? Let\u2019s find out.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is an especially pertinent question in the age of the improved Windows Defender, where most basic antivirus capabilities like updating virus definitions and a firewall are already covered by it. So is it still worth getting a premium antivirus option<\/a> like the Bitdefender?\n<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Bitdefender<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Bitdefender vs Windows Defender\n<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Bitdefender is an excellent antivirus utility with many advanced features and capabilities not possessed by the default Windows Defender. But that does not necessarily mean that Bitdefender is the better option \u2013 unless you really need those additional benefits, Windows Defender might be all that you need.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The differences between the two boil down to the fact that Bitdefender offers an entire suite of cybersecurity protections, not just an antivirus program. This includes things like a VPN<\/a> or a password manager<\/a>, which you would otherwise have to pay separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the flip side, you may not require these tools<\/a>, or you may already have your own preferred applications for them<\/a>. And it\u2019s not like Bitdefender is giving these out for free; most advanced tools and security measures only come with the most expensive subscription plans.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Windows Defender, on the other hand, comes enabled on your Windows computer by default and does a damn good job of protecting it from virus threats. It offers real-time virus scanning, phishing protection, and an integrated firewall, which is really all that you need to protect your computer. For enterprise systems dealing with more targeted threats, Windows Defender offers enterprise plans as well with even comprehensive security. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related:<\/strong> We’ve also got a detailed comparison of Norton vs. Microsoft Defender<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bitdefender: The Complete Cybersecurity Package\n<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Bitdefender<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

People tend to fixate on the need for an antivirus, when in fact that is just one of the threats that you face in the digital space. Things like phishing attempts or leaked passwords are bigger issues but are generally not caused by viruses or malware.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bitdefender addresses this oversight by offering a complete package of security features in one app, aimed to defend your PC from any and all threats in cyberspace.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And this list of features is rather comprehensive. You get parental controls, a file shredder, a VPN, a password manager, and an optimization tool to remove bloatware from your PC and speed up its performance.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Security Features\n<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s not to say the security side of things is lacking either. Apart from the usual antivirus scanner constantly checking your system for threats, you get other advanced security measures to deal with all potential vulnerabilities.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are dedicated measures against ransomware, fraud, phishing, and other sophisticated attacks. A vulnerability scanner identifies security risks on your system and another component prevents unauthorized access to your PC\u2019s microphone or camera.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps the most interesting is a browser with built-in Banking and payment protection, giving you a secure environment to carry out online transactions without worrying about keylogging or similar risks. There is social network protection as well, designed to detect dangerous links or scams being distributed through these platforms.\n<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Bitdefender<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Pricing\n<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Of course, with all these bells and whistles, Bitdefender is not going to be a free app. And the pricing can be a bit steep.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are multiple pricing schemes varying by the features offered and the number of devices covered by the plan.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows\n<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Technically Bitdefender has a free version as well, though it locks down almost all features and only gives you basic virus protection and scanning, which you already have with Windows Defender. Not worth installing.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Price: <\/span>Free\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus\n<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is the most affordable premium plan of Bitdefender and provides the ideal coverage for most home users. You get coverage for three systems and all the core security features (anti-phishing ransomware protection, password manager, secure browser, etc), including a limited VPN with a 200MB daily limit.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Price: <\/span>$59.99 annually ($29.99 for the first year)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bitdefender Internet Security\n<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As the name suggests, the next tier of Bitdefender\u2019s premium offering is focused on complete internet security. To this end, you get a two-way firewall, parental controls, microphone and webcam monitoring. Of course, all the features (alongside the 3-device limit) are the same as the Antivirus Plus plan.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Price: <\/span>$79.99 annually ($34.99 for the first year)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bitdefender Total Security\n<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

So far the plans have all been for Windows. Bitdefender Total Security is the first platform-agnostic plan \u2013 you get coverage for 5 devices, including both Windows and macOS PCs, as well as mobile apps for your iOS or Android smartphones. On top of that, you get access to Bitdefender\u2019s system tune-up tools and anti-theft measures, optimizing performance and safeguarding your devices from theft.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The VPN daily limits still stay, however.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Price: <\/span>$89.99 annually ($39.98 for the first year)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bitdefender Premium Security\n<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is the most comprehensive plan offered by Bitdefender, and it includes all the aforementioned security features along with complete access to its VPN without any data limits. It also bumps up the maximum number of devices to 10, which can cover an entire family\u2019s needs.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, this is also the most expensive plan, so unless you need an extra number of licenses or want VPN support, you might want to go for a cheaper plan and get a VPN separately.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Price: <\/span>$149.99 annually ($74.99 for the first year)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bitdefender Pros and Cons\n<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pros\n<\/h3>\n\n\n\n