Best Bitdefender Total Security Alternatives in 2026
The top Bitdefender Total Security alternatives are Microsoft Defender for Business, Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security and ESET HOME Security: 15 antivirus software our editors would look at instead of Bitdefender Total Security, in our ranking order.
Bitdefender Total Security: A broad security suite for families protecting PCs, Macs, phones, and tablets. Where it falls short: there is no free plan.
Switching from Bitdefender Total Security? For most antivirus software buyers the best Bitdefender Total Security alternative is Microsoft Defender for Business, built for small businesses needing managed endpoint security. Avast One has a free plan, which Bitdefender Total Security does not. Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security offers the most device limit (100 devices).
Why People Look for a Bitdefender Total Security Alternative
- There is no free plan
- The included VPN is limited to 200 MB per day
- Parental controls require a Family plan
- No free plan — 5 of the alternatives below have it
- Device limit: 25 devices — up to 100 devices with Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallMicrosoft Defender for Business9.4
Small businesses needing managed endpoint security
Visit Microsoft Defender for Business - Lowest priceMicrosoft Defender for Business9.4
Paid plans from $3/user/mo
Visit Microsoft Defender for Business - Best free optionAvast One8.5
Has a free plan (Bitdefender Total Security has none)
Visit Avast One - Most device limitBitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security9.3
100 devices
Visit Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security
All 15 Bitdefender Total Security Alternatives, Ranked
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
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Best forSmall businesses needing managed endpoint security
- Better than Bitdefender Total Security:
- Editor score 9.4 vs 9.2
A focused endpoint security subscription with EDR and centralized controls for small businesses.
- Ransomware protection
9.4/10★★★★★Visit Microsoft -
Best forSmall businesses with advanced endpoint needs
- Better than Bitdefender Total Security:
- Device limit: 100 devices vs 25 devices
- Editor score 9.3 vs 9.2
A paid endpoint security suite for small businesses needing layered protection and central control.
- Ransomware protection
9.3/10★★★★★Visit Bitdefender -
Best forHouseholds needing tiered device protection
A tiered household security suite with strong protection and privacy features.
- Parental controls
- Ransomware protection
9.0/10★★★★☆Visit ESET -
Best forEnterprise teams using Fortinet infrastructure
A broad endpoint security client for teams already invested in Fortinet infrastructure.
- Ransomware protection
8.9/10★★★★☆Visit Fortinet -
Best forSingle-device users wanting a full security suite
A broad security suite for one device, with VPN and password management included.
- Parental controls
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit Kaspersky -
Best forUsers wanting Kaspersky protection with add-ons
Cross-platform Kaspersky protection with VPN, password management, and family controls on Premium.
- Parental controls
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit Kaspersky -
Best forBroad protection with a free starting option
- Better than Bitdefender Total Security:
- Free plan
- Device limit: 30 devices vs 25 devices
A broad consumer security suite with free essentials and paid privacy and identity tools.
- Ransomware protection
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit Avast One -
Best forUsers wanting bundled antivirus and identity tiers
A paid security suite combining antivirus, privacy tools, backup, and identity protection.
- Parental controls
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit Norton -
Best forSmall businesses needing broad security features
A broad small-business security suite covering up to 25 devices and Windows Server.
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit ESET -
Best forCore antivirus with anti-phishing and scam tools
- Better than Bitdefender Total Security:
- Free plan
A focused antivirus suite for three devices with useful web and ransomware defenses.
- Ransomware protection
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit Bitdefender -
Best forUsers prioritizing malware and web protection
- Better than Bitdefender Total Security:
- Free plan
A paid antivirus suite with broad malware, web, ransomware, and privacy protection.
- Ransomware protection
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit Malwarebytes -
Best forIdentity-focused multi-device protection
A paid security suite for buyers who want antivirus and identity tools across multiple devices.
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit F-Secure -
Best forFree Windows antivirus protection
- Better than Bitdefender Total Security:
- Free plan
A free Windows antivirus with always-on protection and ransomware controls.
- Ransomware protection
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Microsoft -
Best forFree Windows-native security
- Better than Bitdefender Total Security:
- Free plan
A free Windows-native security suite covering malware, ransomware, networks, and device controls.
- Ransomware protection
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit Microsoft -
Best forManaged business endpoint security
A broad business security suite for organizations that need centralized endpoint control.
- Ransomware protection
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit Trend Micro
Bitdefender Total Security Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to Bitdefender Total Security?
Microsoft Defender for Business: #1 in our Antivirus Software ranking, with an editor score of 9.4 out of 10. A focused endpoint security subscription with EDR and centralized controls for small businesses.
Is there a free alternative to Bitdefender Total Security?
Yes. Avast One, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, Malwarebytes Premium, Microsoft Defender Antivirus and Windows Security have a free plan or a free tier.
Why do people look for Bitdefender Total Security alternatives?
There is no free plan; The included VPN is limited to 200 MB per day; Parental controls require a Family plan.
Which Bitdefender Total Security alternative has the most device limit?
Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security, with 100 devices.
How do I switch from Bitdefender Total Security?
Export your data from Bitdefender Total Security (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Bitdefender Total Security.
How to Switch from Bitdefender Total Security
- Export your data from Bitdefender Total Security (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Bitdefender Total Security.
Bitdefender Total Security vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Protection scope | Device limit | Supported platforms | Ransomware protection | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Bitdefender Total Security | No | $59.99/device/yr | Complete security | 25 devices | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | 9.2 |
| 1 | Microsoft Defender for Business | No | $3/user/mo | Complete security | 5 devices | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Yes | 9.4 |
| 2 | Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security | No | Complete security | 100 devices | Windows, Linux, macOS | Yes | 9.3 | |
| 3 | ESET HOME Security | No | Complete security | 15 devices | Windows, macOS, Android | Yes | 9.0 | |
| 4 | FortiClient | No | Complete security | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Yes | 8.9 | ||
| 5 | Kaspersky Plus Internet Security | No | Complete security | 10 devices | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Yes | 8.8 | |
| 6 | Kaspersky Antivirus | $54.99/yr | Complete security | 3 devices | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux | Yes | 8.7 | |
| 7 | Avast One | Yes | Complete security | 30 devices | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | 8.5 | |
| 8 | Norton 360 | No | $94.99/yr | Complete security | 10 devices | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | 8.4 |
| 9 | ESET Small Business Security | No | Complete security | 25 devices | Windows, Windows Server, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | 8.3 | |
| 10 | Bitdefender Antivirus Plus | Yes | $24.99/yr | Internet security | 3 devices | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Yes | 8.2 |
| 11 | Malwarebytes Premium | Yes | Complete security | 20 devices | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | 8.1 | |
| 12 | F-Secure Total | No | $69.99/yr | Complete security | 5 devices | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Yes | 8.0 |
| 13 | Microsoft Defender Antivirus | Yes | Antivirus | Windows 10, Windows 11 | Yes | 7.9 | ||
| 14 | Windows Security | Yes | Free | Complete security | Windows 10, Windows 11 | Yes | 7.8 | |
| 15 | Trend Micro Worry-Free Services | No | Complete security | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Yes | 7.7 |
Head-to-Head
- Bitdefender Total Security vs Microsoft Defender for Business
- Bitdefender Total Security vs Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security
- Bitdefender Total Security vs ESET HOME Security
- Bitdefender Total Security vs FortiClient
- Bitdefender Total Security vs Kaspersky Plus Internet Security
- Bitdefender Total Security vs Kaspersky Antivirus
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update