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Which antivirus protection do you think deserves to live on your Personal Computer (PC)? Does it have to be BitDefender or you think that should be Windows Defender? If you’re not sure, you aren’t the only person on earth who is going through this situation. Fortunately, we created this head-to-head comparison between “BitDefender Vs Windows Defender” so that you can learn about the better option to secure personal data and devices.
Cybersecurity in The Modern Age
You may not know but the cybersecurity market is growing very quickly and speaking of annual revenue in the U.S., the number has reached $23 billion worldwide. This is because hacking is now more common than ever, and having your data or devices hacked can be expensive and time-consuming.
When it comes to “Data Breaches”, who do you guess should get the credit for breaching the most data? Well, you’d be surprised to hear the name because it is “Yahoo!” and, according to statistics, River City Media gets the 2nd position and UIDAI comes on the 3rd place as far as data breaching is concerned. There are also other companies that are on the list like MySpace, Adobe, eBay, etc.
Hackers are always creating something new by using clever and illegal ways so that they can design a program and inject it into your system resources with the intention of breaching your privacy, emptying your bank account, and keeping an eye on your activities.
They will keep attacking your operating system until they can access your files or information and if that happens, that will be an extremely annoying day, but it’s fairly easy to prevent this.
You won’t believe it, but AV-Test institute claims that they catch more than 300,000 new known malware attacks every single day – that’s a whole lot of attacks and it’s hard to believe that many occur. Some folks believe that surfing the Internet and using a website that doesn’t have an active padlock (not https) is all they need to worried about.
This is where reliable antivirus protection comes in. Without a doubt, safeguarding the data and privacy should be a priority for every computer and internet user to make sure that no one gets access to it. To make sure of this, you should purchase the best antivirus software available on the market.
What an Antivirus does is that it eliminates all of the possible get-outs and gives you peace of mind that you crave for. It’ll protect you from a number of vulnerabilities such as worms, spyware, viruses, or ransomware.
BitDefender Vs Windows Defender
Now that we understand how important antivirus software is it’s important to choose the right one. I know that you’ve been dying to know which one is the better of the two, BitDefender or Windows Defender. We want to objectively go through the pros and cons of each one so that you aren’t just spoon-fed the answer – you will understand the differences and can apply this knowledge in the future.
Our Top Choice
Our recommendation: McAfee
With so many antivirus products in the market, there is none that’s like McAfee. With over 18.9 billion devices protected on a consistent basis, McAfee’s ability to deal with malware attacks come unmatched! McAfee has a dedicated database that is adept to deal with all sorts of virus attacks whether they may be online or offline. To browse their programs, check out their programs here!
BitDefender or Windows Defender: Which one has better Features?
Though some Bitdefender features like “Real-time” protection can be found in both of the Antiviruses, BitDefender is still ahead of the whole game.
“Windows Basic Protection” & Dependencies
Dependency is the foremost consideration you need to think of. What if an Antivirus only runs on a particular machine i.e. it only on Windows? Keep this in mind as you might operate devices on different platforms like Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. So, if you are on the lookout for an Antivirus Software that is capable of running on all platforms, BitDefender is the winner because Windows Defender only runs on Windows and can be used by Windows users only.
Real-time Data Protection:
When it comes to “Real-time” protection, both of the software offer it, but only Bitdefender gives top-of-the-line safety to protect your data from the malware infections. Therefore, if you use Bitdefender, you are backed by the best-in-the-industry anti-malware protection solution in the first place – that’s the automatic protection we are talking about.
Advanced Threat Detection & Defense:
BitDefender offers a genuine and improved threat protection by using the behavior-based technology that will instantaneously block the online threats and ransomware. Speaking of Windows Defender (WD), it uses cloud-delivered protection that keeps the threat definitions updated and also offers behavior detection from the cloud. To conclude, what Windows Defender offer is acceptable Windows system & device performance, while the BitDefender is a game-changer that will make it virtually impossible for you to get hacked.
Anti-tracker:
This is an all-new feature added by BitDefender and therefore you won’t see this in Windows Defender. What this feature does is that it keeps your browsing private so that it doesn’t get into the wrong hands. It also provides options to manage trackers that may collect your data so that you’ve got full control. Windows Defender doesn’t have any equivalent feature.
Ransomware Protection:
Both BitDefender and Windows Defender (WD) will both protect you if you are after advanced protection from basic ransomware. However, BitDefender offers a multi-layer Protection which you won’t be getting in the Windows Defender suite if you decide to stick with that free antivirus products. So, Windows Defender loses here as well.
Winner: Bitdefender
Microphone Monitor:
This is another latest feature that has been added to the BitDefender’s characteristics (just like Anti-tracker feature). What it does is that it helps in regaining the control over your own device. This is very helpful in keeping track of the applications that have access to the device’s microphone and when they have that access. If you don’t want a specific application to have access to your phone’s mic, you can bring that to an end. There’s no such thing Windows Defender offered and it’s not offered in any other antivirus apps to our knowledge.
Web Attack Prevention:
While visiting a website, you should be aware of your safety first because if you don’t take proper steps towards the security of your data or your safety, odds are you’re highly likely to be tricked by the cyberpunks. So, with the help of this feature, you are kept safe from malicious websites. Again, it is a premium feature and doesn’t come with the Windows Defender suite which means if you are relying on Windows Defender then you are vulnerable while surfing the web.
Safe Online Banking:
We all love online shopping and when that happens, we are required to pay. But when you pay online, you have to be very cautious because attackers are always trying to find unique ways to cheat on you and take you down by emptying your bank account. The Bitdefender Safepay provides safety from those attacks and is a dedicated browser that will offer tight Windows security over your transactions happening. This feature has been improved in BitDefender and you won’t find this feature in the Windows Defender.
Password Manager:
Is it your tendency to store password (into the browsers) because you don’t want to have them in your memory all the time and dont’ want to keep them on those yellow post its next to your desk?
If so, you’ll love Bitdefender because it has a feature that is known as “Password Manager”. What it does is that it allows the security for your passwords, credit card, debit card information, and other sensitive files or sensitive data every time you need them. In Windows Defender, you will miss out on this.
Vulnerability Assessment:
There is another benefit of using BitDefender and it is that you will get vulnerability assessment. In just a matter of time, you will be able to run a deep scan for security holes and vulnerabilities – all it takes is a single click and there you have it. Unfortunately, Windows Defender has no equivalent. If you're only running Windows Defender because you have a windows just remember there is better anti virus software for PCs.
Webcam Protection:
Have you heard of a person being spied on through their webcam? Yea, this really happens. Attackers can find a way to get into your Webcam and keep an eye on your activities. If this situation happens, you will get notified about it and the access to your webcam shall be blocked instantaneously. This feature is available in only two packages of BitDefender, but sadly, you won’t get it with Windows Defender.
Speeding up:
While you use the Antivirus Software, the Windows system must not be slowed down because if that happens, you won’t be able to do your work at the same pace you have been looking forward to. But, you don’t have to worry about that because BitDefender has your back here too. It offers a one-click optimizer that will be helpful in improving the system speed and system performance of your device that you will be using. The Windows Defender doesn’t offer a speed-up solution in this area.
This is not a complete list of the advanced features of BitDefender for the “Windows”, there are others that you can see with the help of the image shown above. We only covered the major aspects so that you could have an idea of why BitDefender is a better choice for you.
Now, let’s be familiar with what BitDefender has to offer for the macOS Protection below:
macOS Protection
Remember, macOS Protection is only available in one package i.e. “Total Security”, so if you purchase the “Antivirus Plan” or “Internet Security”, you won’t get your hands to the macOS Protection whatsoever. That’s why the “Total Security” is a must-have if you have a Mac.
Total security suite also has more features & useful add-ons such as the ability to make your Mac adware-free and get rid of unwanted toolbars, hijackers programs, and other issues that can give you a heart attack. The scanning that you will get in this suite is Ultra-fast which will keep your floating on the cloud nine and you will always be satisfied with the exceptional services of this package – Total Security.
While you use the Antivirus Software on your Mac device, all of the files will be 100% safe and away from the reach of any attacker or impersonator trying to be other than what that person is. The Security suites also features a BitDefender unlimited VPN traffic which will be highly useful in protecting your online presence by encoding all your Internet traffic so that hacker can’t understand what it is.
Android Protection
How can we forget “Android”? The BitDefender provides award-winning security for your Android device, whether you are using a Smartphone or Tablet. The BitDefender works internally and automatically on your Android and if there is any that poses a threat to your device, it will instantly inform you about that so that that danger can be removed for your safety and security of your data. That’s why there is also an “On-demand and On-install Scan” feature available with it.
Just like above-mentioned packages, you also have a “VPN” that encrypts all the Internet traffic. Furthermore, it has a never-seen-before feature called “Battery & Performance Saver” that can reduce the performance of your phone when it is not in use and save battery so that you can continue your work longer than you could imagine. It also offers the Privacy for all of your accounts associated with your device so that you could get to know if there is any data breach among them.
Most of the people are accustomed to using “App Lock” and guess what, you will get exactly the same in the Android protection. Use App Lock on different applications the way you like. Either set a password or pattern. If your smartphone supports a Fingerprint sensor, you can also use that to unlock the applications. There’s another cool feature called “WearON” which comes into play for the connected smartwatches.
Unfortunately, Windows Defender doesn’t have one.
iOS Protection
The features presented for the iOS platform are quite similar to what we have discussed in the Android segment.
Hopefully, you’ll get a clearer picture of the features that BitDefender offers more than what you get with the Windows Defender, especially if you want to protect your mobile devices.
BitDefender is a complete Lifesaver as it offers out-of-this-world features that you will hardly get in any other Antivirus software. We know there is other premium software, but none of them can be compared with BitDefender if you are using an iPhone and have iOS devices.
BitDefender’s Family Pack will allow you to use up to 15 devices per household (billed annually). This way, every single person (member) of your family can feel safe while browsing the Internet or using their hand-held devices and their safety should be your topmost priority.
BitDefender Vs. Windows Defender: Which Antivirus Software Should You Buy?
It is important to understand both choices that you are comparing in order to reach the right decision.
Though it is all clear that BitDefender wins, we want you to understand the technical information so that you don’t have to regret your decision. For the final conclusion, we will be using “AV-TEST”, an independent IT organization from Germany, and is run by specialists who rigorously test different antivirus choices. They have hands-on experience of more than 15 years. What they specialize in is the provision of relevant IT security analyses according to the state of the art in technology.
The tests that we are stating underneath were conducted in May-June of this year i.e. 2020. We will be drawing results based on different categories for you like “Protection”, “Performance”, and “Usability”.
For BitDefender:
Protection:
Performance:
Usability:
For Windows Defender:
Protection:
Performance:
BitDefender Plans (Pricing Model)
| Products | Pricing |
| BitDefender Antivirus Plus | Latest Price |
| BitDefender Internet Security | Latest Price |
| BitDefender Total Security | Latest Price |
| BitDefender Family Pack | Latest Price |
| BitDefender Antivirus for Mac | Latest Price |
| BitDefender Small Office Security | Latest Price |
| BitDefender GravityZone Business AV | Latest Price |
BitDefender Vs Windows Defender Final Words
We believe this all-inclusive article has helped you get your head around the fact that BitDefender should be your top priority when it comes to choosing the best Antivirus Software for all your needs. If you want to make the most out of the unmatched features of BitDefender the good news is that you can choose from different packages (whichever you see perfect-fit). The overall Bitdefender's interface (UI) is also better than that of Microsoft Windows Defender. However, there are more options available. We do more reviews and Microsoft Windows Defender comparison here:
Trend Micro vs Windows Defender
More Bitdefender comparisons:
Our Choice
Our recommendation: McAfee
From phishing scams to malware attacks, security threats grow increasingly by the day. Although the products we mentioned are very good, it cannot beat the likes of McAfee. With McAfee it has protection on all sorts of devices ranging from phones to even cars! It’s extensive product line-up has protected over 18.9 billion devices to this day. We are sure that you will come across a package that is perfect for you, to check out their line-up, click here!
FAQs
1. Is Bitdefender good for Windows 10?
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus provides good malware protection for Microsoft Windows 10 PCs, consistently ranking at the top of independent antivirus testing labs.
2. Should I disable Windows Defender if I have Bitdefender?
Windows Defender should be deactivated automatically during the installation of your new antivirus software. If this does not occur or if one or more Bitdefender modules remain inactive, you will need to manually disable the Microsoft Windows Defender.
3. Does Bitdefender free version work on Windows 10?
Yes, Bitdefender free version works on Windows 10. It's a great antivirus software that can protect your computer from viruses and other malware.
4. Do I need another antivirus if I have Windows Defender?
The short answer is that the built-in antivirus Microsoft's bundled security solution is quite capable in most areas. However, the longer answer is that it could perform better and still perform better with a third-party antivirus suite.
5. Should I replace Windows Defender with another antivirus?
Windows Defender is a good, basic antivirus program that comes pre-installed on Windows computers. If you're looking for additional protection, you can try a third-party antivirus program like, Bitdefender, Norton or McAfee.
6. Is Windows Defender a good enough antivirus?
Windows Defender is a good, basic antivirus. It's not as comprehensive as some of the other options on the market, but it's free and does a good job of protecting your computer from the most common threats. If you're looking for more comprehensive protection, you may want to consider a paid antivirus program.
