Head-to-head · Antivirus Software
Bitdefender Total Security vs Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Bitdefender Total Security leads on 2 checks, Microsoft Defender Antivirus on 1, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreBitdefender Total Security · 9.2/10
- Free planonly Microsoft Defender Antivirus
- Free trialonly Bitdefender Total Security
- Most featuresBitdefender Total Security · 3 of 3
Bitdefender Total Security scores higher on our rubric for antivirus software: 9.2 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #14.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus offers free plan; Bitdefender Total Security doesn't. On protection scope, Bitdefender Total Security gives you Complete security where Microsoft Defender Antivirus offers Antivirus. Bitdefender Total Security offers parental controls; Microsoft Defender Antivirus doesn't. Bitdefender Total Security offers password manager; Microsoft Defender Antivirus doesn't.
Bitdefender Total Security is the better fit for families wanting multi-device security. Microsoft Defender Antivirus is the better fit for free Windows antivirus protection.
- Bitdefender Total Security fits best
Families wanting multi-device security
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus fits best
Free Windows antivirus protection
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Side by side
| Feature | Bitdefender Total Security 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | Microsoft Defender Antivirus 7.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 7.9 |
| Ranking | #3 in Antivirus Software | #14 in Antivirus Software |
| Best for | Families wanting multi-device security | Free Windows antivirus protection |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $59.99/device/yr | — |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | 30 days | — |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Windows |
| Support | Docs · 24/7 | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Bitdefender Total Security 3/3 · Microsoft Defender Antivirus 1/3 | ||
| Ransomware protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Parental controls | ✓ (best) | — |
| Password manager | ✓ (best) | — |
| Specs | ||
| Protection scope | Complete security | Antivirus |
| Device limit | 25 devices | Not checked yet |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Windows 10, Windows 11 |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Bitdefender Total Security is a consumer security suite for Windows PCs, Macs, Android devices, and iPhones or iPads. It combines real-time anti-malware protection with web attack prevention, anti-phishing, firewall and network threat… Read the review → |
Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a free, real-time antivirus product built into Windows. It is designed for personal Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices, protecting against viruses, malware, spyware, and other threats without a separately… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Bitdefender Total Security — where it wins
- Protects Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices
- Combines ransomware remediation, firewall, and anti-phishing
- Family plan covers 25 devices and includes parental controls
Where it doesn't
- There is no free plan
- The included VPN is limited to 200 MB per day
- Parental controls require a Family plan
Microsoft Defender Antivirus — where it wins
- Always-on protection with quick, full, custom, and offline scans
- Controlled folder access adds ransomware-focused protection
- SmartScreen and Windows Firewall integration extend Windows protection
Where it doesn't
- Works on Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices only
- Focused on antivirus rather than a broader standalone security suite
- Designed for Windows devices instead of multi-platform coverage
- Bitdefender Total Security9.2/10 · 30-day trial
A broad security suite for families protecting PCs, Macs, phones, and tablets.
Visit BitdefenderFull verdict → - Microsoft Defender Antivirus7.9/10 · Free plan
A free Windows antivirus with always-on protection and ransomware controls.
Visit MicrosoftFull verdict →
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All antivirus software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update