Hi there. Confused between opting Bitdefender over Windows Defender? Well, In this article we have carried out a detailed comparison of both the software. Thus, Making it easy for you to decide whether to keep the Windows Defender or go for Bitdefender.
So, Let’s get started.
The internet is growing day by day and so does its demand among the people. And as the traffic increases, the malicious ware and files infecting the user’s risk also increase. And for the people using the internet. They are prone to get infected by more than 800 million types of dangerous files available on the internet. Hence these harmful files and ware are responsible for various cyber theft, crime and internet, and PC related issues. Therefore an Antivirus must stop such files and ware. To protect the people who are using the internet.
Windows Defender and Bitdefender. Often people get confused about opting Bitdefender over Windows Defender. Although they may lack a couple of things or may excel to one another in some things. Which makes them differ from each other in many ways. Hence, the detailed comparison for the same is carried out. Making it easier for readers to decide which one to go for.
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Windows Defender vs Bitdefender – Plans Offered
The list below explains about products offered by the companies for home users.
Windows Defender
- Windows Defender Security Centre free (Windows Only). Previously7 known as Windows Defender.
Bitdefender Antivirus Suites
- Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition (Windows Only).
- The plus version of the software. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus (Windows Only).
- Bitdefender Internet Security version (Windows Only).
- Total security version. Bitdefender Total Security (Both Windows and Macintosh).
- Bitdefender Family Pack (Both Windows and Macintosh).
- The Virus Scanner version(Macintosh Only).
- And the dedicated Mac version. Bitdefender Antivirus for Macintosh (Macintosh Only).
Therefore, the above list provides readers with the availability of all antivirus software. Provided by the 2 companies for home users.
A detailed description of everything included in Windows Defender Antivirus Suite
Windows Defender is a very well-known name in the field of antivirus. It is mainly because of the freeware included in the Windows OS. It is a freeware service provided by Microsoft itself. And is mainly used by people in case of the backup.
Windows Defender Security Centre free
The suit provides you with protection from a range of malware threats. But as of advanced protection-related features and extra utilities. You won’t be able to find any of those in it. The most useful and utilized feature is the advanced 2-way firewall. It keeps check on all the outgoing and incoming traffics for malicious activity.
It also has a parental control feature which allows you to set what sites should be visited by the children and helps you monitor their activity. But the disadvantage is that it only works with the Microsoft Edge browser.
Whereas other than those 2 utility tools mentioned above it has nothing in it. It lacks features like file shredder, VPN, password management tool, automatic backup utility, and more.
A detailed description of everything included in Bitdefender’s Antivirus Suites
Bitdefender is a very well-known name in the field of antivirus. It is because of its product quality as well as because of the features it offers to its customers. The company provides its users with many versions to choose from according to their needs. Hence the detailed description of those versions are as follows:
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition
This is the first in the line software company provides to the user. It is a free version and hence protects from basic malware. Like ransomware, viruses, worms, etc. But it does not provide users with advanced protection features. Although protection against online threats is induced in the software.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
The next step up is to Bitdefender’s Antivirus Plus software. It comprises of features like WiFi Security Advisor. Which tends to block threats trying to spread through the network. A Vulnerability Scanner. Which holds regular checks in for outdated software and security holes in the OS. And a file shredding utility. This helps you delete your files with complete security and makes it insanely hard for anyone but you to recover them. Also, Advanced multi-layered ransomware protection. A hardened web browser. And a password management utility. Are present here in this version of the software.
Note: A single subscription of the Plus version lets you protect up to 3 PCs.
Bitdefender Internet Security
This is the next version up in the list of software provided by the company. It consists of all those features present in the Plus suite. As well as offers a two-way firewall. A spam filter. And a file encryption utility. Which tends to monitor ongoing and outgoing connections and blocks of malicious ware. Also, Blocks junk emails and messages. And protects personal files and documents from hackers respectively. It also features a limited parental control utility. Which is responsible for blocking age-sensitive content as well as helps in monitoring children’s usage of the internet. And a limited VPN.
Note: This version also lets a single subscription of the software protect up to 3 PCs.
Bitdefender Total Security
This is the full-blown version of the software company has to offer. Meaning it contains all the feature which the company has to offer. In simpler words, it consists of all the features from the previous version and hence adds Anti-theft Module. Which is responsible for finding lost and stolen devices. Also, it adds up the performance-enhancing tools. Such as OneClick Optimizer, Disk Cleanup, Startup Optimizer.
Unlike other Antivirus suites, this particular version is compatible with Macintosh Systems as well.
Note: This particular version lets you protect up to five PCs, Macs, Android, and iOS devices. With a single Total Security Subscription.
Bitdefender Family Pack
If you are looking for a family subscription. Then there is no better option available other than this. As this particular subscription lets, you protect unlimited no. of PCs, Macs, Androids and iOS devices. That too with “Total Security” Subscription.
Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac
This is a specialized premium version of the software created for Mac OS. It is incorporated with all the features and is capable of blocking every type of Mac-related malware and dangerous files. Also, is equipped with a VPN and an encryption utility. Therefore, on the upper hand. It is also incorporated with protection against annoying adware and dangerous phishing attacks.
Note: Both Bitdefender Family pack and Bitdefender Total Security are compatible with Macintosh OS.
Bitdefender vs Windows Defender (in terms of providing better protection)
As of the 2 software. Bitdefender is considered a better antivirus. Since in today’s time virus is more likely to hit a system. Its a must for antivirus to be good in terms of protection.
Regardless of the difference in 2 Antiviruses, Therefore, the tests were held by AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. To check how well an Antivirus is against such increasing threats. Since these are the software responsible for an individual’s internet security and safety.
AV-Test (Tests)
The AV-Test held a study in September and October 2018. Both of them were tested against widespread malware samples and zero-day malware samples. As of the results. Bitdefender showed excellent outcomes. It detected 100% of both types of malware in both months. And hence received a perfect score of 6 out of 6 in the “Protection” category.
And as of Windows Defender results. It also showed a perfect result against widespread malware. But its rating was dropped down because of its poor detection against zero-day malware. Hence it bagged a low rating of 5.5/6 by the AV-Experts in the AV-Test (Tests).
AV-Comparatives (Tests)
Therefore, one more test was held by AV-Comparatives. But this test was held in sight of aiming to test a product in real-world malware conditions as well as the Malware Protection Test.
Bitdefender was one of the few Antivirus software to get an “ADVANCED+” rating. Because of its 99.9% malware detection and with 2 false positives’ count.
Whereas Windows Defender got the second-best “ADVANCED” award because of its impressive protection rate of 99.5%. But it gave out a high number of false-positive count (106). Making it degrade its overall protection score.
Note: The above test was conducted against Real-World malware protection.
Whereas of the other test which was conducted in September 2018. Bitdefender again got the “ADVANCED +” rating with a protection rate of 99.99% and low false counts. And for Bitdefender, It showed an impressive 99.99% protection rate in the test but was held back by giving out 32 false positives. Making it achieve the second-best “ADVANCED” rating in the test.
Note: The above test was conducted against Malware Protection.
Therefore for the result. Bitdefender is pretty strong against all types of threats. And hence bagged the first position in the Protection test. Whereas Windows Defender did good but was just not able to keep up to the results shown by Bitdefender. Hence making Bitdefender the winner.
Windows Defender vs Bitdefender CPU Usage Comparison
Antivirus is majorly known for running in the background to perform Real-Time scanning. Although, it is been an issue for people as they seem to eat up most of the CPU performance. But is important for the sake of safety and security.
Therefore, for antivirus to be acceptable. It should imply a less strain on PC. As heavy strain can result in unexpected pauses and hang in a system. Which is pretty annoying.
Therefore, tests were conducted by independent labs to carry out the result. How the 2 software fared in a particular category. By carrying out a couple of activities like launching popular websites, downloading and installing, commonly used applications, copying of files, and more.
Note: The tests were carried out on a standard PC as well as a High-end PC.
Windows Defender Impact Test
As of the test conducted in regards to checking the load exerted by Windows Defender on the system. It got a low rating of 5.5/6, in the AV-Test study. Whereas, it bagged the third-best rating
“STANDARD” award in the test held by AV-Comparatives. Since the exerted rate on the CPU by it was very high. Hence it exerted more burden than any other software in the test.
Bitdefender’s impact Test
As for the test which was carried out on Bitdefender. The Antivirus once again got a 6/6 rating in AV-Test whereas an “ADVANCED+” award in AV-Comparatives Test with a rating of 6.9. In the “performance” category.
AV-Comparatives test result report
Windows Defender vs Bitdefender (Value for Money?)
Both companies might have basic duties of protection users from malware threats. But as for the price tags, it might not be the same case. As in this section, we’ll be stating the allotted price of each software version provided by both companies. Hence making it easier for readers to decide which one falls in their budget range.
Windows Defender Antivirus Software Pricing
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Windows Defender Security Centre free
It is a freeware which can be downloaded for free. Whereas it is pre-installed in the original Windows OS.
Bitdefender’s Antivirus Software Pricing
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Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
The Antivirus Plus subscription is available in 29.99 dollars for a 1-year plan.
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Bitdefender Internet Security
The Bitdefender Internet Security is available for 34.99 dollars for a 1-year subscription.
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Bitdefender Total Security
The total security version of Bitdefender Antivirus is available at 38.99 dollars for a year subscription.
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Bitdefender Family Pack
One can get a 1-year subscription of this version at 54.99 dollars.
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Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac
This Mac dedicated Antivirus software can be purchased for 34.99 dollars a year.
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Bitdefender Small Office Security
One can purchase this for 99.98 dollars. And it includes a 1-year subscription for 10 devices.
Since Windows Defender is a freeware and does not have an allocated price tag. Hence no comparison can be carried out in regards to the same.
Final Thoughts
Getting a premium antivirus in today’s time is everybody’s need. Since they tend to provide individuals with security and safety from online threats. As of the 2 Antivirus software discussed in this article. The comparison is for people to understand the software better and to opt for the one which suits best for their needs.
Hence, the conclusion is that both of the Antivirus software is very well functioning. And, are pretty successful in protecting the individual from online threats and malicious ware. But as of the result of the comparison between the 2. Bitdefender excels, Because of its streamlined features as well as prices and options available for all the customers. Also, it highly excels in terms of giving out false positives. Meaning that it tend to report very few safe files as a threat. And tend to protect from 100% of malicious files followed by giving out less impact on the system.
Therefore, Bitdefender is an Antivirus software that is recommended for all the internet users out there seeking a new antivirus. Since it has to offer a lot of things at a budget-friendly price. And keep in mind the software is capable of stopping all kinds of threats. As proved in the tests stated above.
Therefore, it is clear that Bitdefender is the winning contender of this head to head comparison between Windows Defender and Bitdefender.