Software · head to head
Bitdefender Total Security vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Bitdefender Total Security
Software
The world's #1 rated antivirus
- From
- $19.99/year
- Rated
- -
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Software
Enterprise endpoint security built into Microsoft 365
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Bitdefender Total Security vPN limited to 200MB per day, insufficient for streaming video or extended browsing sessions; Microsoft Defender for Endpoint pricing not published on public websites; quote required from Microsoft sales
- They diverge on capability: Bitdefender Total Security covers Advanced threat defense, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint covers Threat & vulnerability management.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Bitdefender Total Security and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint actually diverge.
| Attribute | Bitdefender Total Security | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $19.99/year | On request |
| Pricing model | Unknown | quote |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Founded | 2001 | 1975 |
Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Bitdefender Total Security
- Advanced threat defense
- Multi-layer ransomware protection
- Real-time data protection
- Network threat prevention
- VPN
- Parental advisor
- Anti-tracker
- Microphone monitor
Only in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Threat & vulnerability management
- Attack surface reduction
- Next-gen protection
- EDR
- Auto investigation
- Microsoft Threat Experts
- Threat analytics
- Secure score
Both cover
- Cloud deployment
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Bitdefender Total Security
- Antivirusnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Internet Securitynot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Endpoint Protectionnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Enterprise endpoint security across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS via Plans 1 or 2not Bitdefender Total Security
- Small and medium-sized businesses using Microsoft Defender for Business as alternativenot Bitdefender Total Security
- Organisations using Microsoft 365 E5 which includes Defender for Endpoint Plan 2not Bitdefender Total Security
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Bitdefender Total Security
- VPN limited to 200MB per day, insufficient for streaming video or extended browsing sessions
- Limited features on Apple devices with iOS version lacking scheduled scans, firewall, file shredder, and other tools
- Failed to detect 10% of virus samples during in-house testing, falling short of perfect detection rates
- Auto-renewal billing issues with complaints about unauthorized recurring charges and difficulties with refunds
- Device optimization tools less extensive than competitors, lacking game booster, driver updater, startup manager, and battery usage manager
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Pricing not published on public websites; quote required from Microsoft sales
- Defender for Endpoint Plan 1 and Plan 2 do not include server licenses; additional licensing required for server protection
- Specific feature differences between Plan 1 and Plan 2 require consulting Microsoft documentation
Pricing, plan by plan
Bitdefender Total Security
$19.99/yearNo published plan breakdown. See the Bitdefender Total Security review.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
On requestNo published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Bitdefender Total Security if
- You need advanced threat defense.
- You work on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
- You also want multi-layer ransomware protection.
Choose Microsoft Defender for Endpoint if
- You need threat & vulnerability management.
- You work on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
- You also want attack surface reduction.
Questions people ask
- Is Bitdefender Total Security or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint better?
- Neither clearly leads. Bitdefender Total Security starts at $19.99/year and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Bitdefender Total Security or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?
- Bitdefender Total Security starts at $19.99/year and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint at On request.
- Does Bitdefender Total Security or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint run on more platforms?
- Bitdefender Total Security runs on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
- What is Bitdefender Total Security best used for?
- Bitdefender Total Security is most often used for antivirus, internet security, endpoint protection. Of those, antivirus and internet security are not what Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is typically brought in for.
- What can Bitdefender Total Security do that Microsoft Defender for Endpoint cannot?
- Bitdefender Total Security covers Advanced threat defense, Multi-layer ransomware protection, Real-time data protection, Network threat prevention. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint covers Threat & vulnerability management, Attack surface reduction, Next-gen protection, EDR. Both handle Cloud deployment.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Bitdefender Total Security: What are Bitdefender's main features?
Total Security includes real-time antivirus, anti-phishing, anti-ransomware, firewall, secure VPN (limited), password manager, file shredder, and anti-tracker. Additional features include parental controls, advanced threat defense, privacy firewall, and webcam/microphone protection.
Bitdefender Total Security: What did Bitdefender score on AV-TEST?
Bitdefender scored 6/6 across protection, performance, and usability in the January-February 2026 AV-TEST evaluation, and AV-Comparatives named it Product of the Year with a 99.98% detection rate.
Related pages
More on Bitdefender Total Security
More on Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
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