eSecurity Planet maintains an editorially independent stance regarding content and product recommendations, ensuring that any potential financial gain from partner links does not influence the integrity of the information provided.
Comparative Overview of Microsoft Defender and Bitdefender
In the realm of small business security, Microsoft Defender and Bitdefender stand out as two prominent providers, each offering a suite of products tailored for small teams. Microsoft Defender excels in safeguarding office solutions such as Word and Teams, along with business endpoint devices. In contrast, Bitdefender specializes in conducting vulnerability scans and securing email accounts.
Here’s a concise comparison to assist you in determining which solution aligns better with your small business needs:
- Microsoft Defender: Ideal for larger SMBs and comprehensive business requirements, starting at .00 per user per month.
- Bitdefender: Suited for startups with over 10 employees, offering identity protection and a built-in VPN, starting at .33 per user per month.
Microsoft Defender Overview
Overall Rating: 3.7/5
- Pricing: 4.4/5
- Features: 3.4/5
- Ease of Use and Administration: 3.8/5
- Customer Support: 3.7/5
Microsoft Defender serves as an endpoint and email security suite tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. It encompasses features such as next-gen antivirus, vulnerability management, and endpoint detection and response (EDR). For teams of up to 300 users, Microsoft Defender for Business is recommended; however, for larger organizations or those anticipating rapid growth, Defender for Endpoint is more suitable. Additionally, Defender for Office 365 provides essential email security for SMBs.
Bitdefender Overview
Overall Rating: 3.4/5
- Pricing: 3.8/5
- Features: 3/5
- Ease of Use and Administration: 3.4/5
- Customer Support: 4/5
Bitdefender Small Business Security offers device and email protection, shielding users from various online threats. Its features include identity protection, a VPN, and a password manager. This solution is crafted for SMBs with up to 25 users; for larger teams, Bitdefender GravityZone is recommended.
Pricing Comparison
| Microsoft Defender | Bitdefender | |
| Free Trial | 90 days | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Least Expensive Plan | Defender for Office (Plan 1): .00/user/month | 3 users: 9.99/year |
| Mid-Range Plan | Defender for Business: .00/user/month | 5 users: 9.99/year |
| Most Expensive Plan | Defender Business Premium: /user/month | 25 users: 9.99/year |
Microsoft Defender offers competitive pricing, with Plan 1 starting at just .00 per user when billed annually. For larger SMBs, this pricing structure is particularly advantageous. Conversely, Bitdefender’s pricing is on the higher side, especially for smaller teams, making it an appealing option for startups with limited staff.
Feature Comparison
When it comes to features, Microsoft Defender provides robust endpoint protection, threat remediation, and antivirus capabilities. However, it lacks clarity regarding web browsing protection and ad-blocking functionalities.
Bitdefender, while also lacking in web browsing and ad-blocking features, offers essential identity exposure protection, a VPN, and a password manager, making it a solid choice for startups seeking basic security measures.
Ease of Use and Administration
| Desktop Operating Systems | macOS, Windows, Linux Server | macOS, Windows |
| Mobile Operating Systems | Android, iOS | Android, iOS |
| User Documentation/Knowledge Base | Yes | Yes |
Microsoft Defender supports a wide range of operating systems and is backed by comprehensive user documentation. However, it lacks training videos, which could enhance user experience. Bitdefender, while supporting essential operating systems, falls short in Linux support and lacks sufficient how-to video options.
Customer Support Comparison
Microsoft provides phone and live chat support, alongside a community forum for customer engagement. However, clarity regarding email support remains ambiguous.
Bitdefender offers email and chat support, along with a customer forum. While phone support is available for enterprise clients, access may be limited for small business users.
Alternative Solutions
While Microsoft Defender and Bitdefender are commendable options for small business security, alternatives such as Norton, McAfee, and Trend Micro may also be worth considering.
Norton Security
Norton Security’s plans cater well to single offices and startups, featuring secure browsing, encrypted vaults for sensitive information, and dark web monitoring. Their Small Business plan begins at .99 for three employees.
McAfee
McAfee Business Protection is available on Dell computers, supporting up to five users. It includes features like a VPN and identity monitoring, though specific pricing details require direct inquiry.
Trend Micro
For businesses with larger teams, Trend Micro’s Worry Free Services provide advanced endpoint and email security, including data loss prevention and extended detection and response (XDR) services. Pricing details are available upon request.
Evaluation Methodology
To assess Microsoft Defender and Bitdefender, a product review rubric was established, focusing on pricing, features, ease of use, and customer support. Each category was weighted based on its significance, leading to the following outcomes:
- Pricing Winner: Microsoft (4.4/5 stars)
- Features Winner: Microsoft (3.4/5 stars)
- Ease of Use and Administration: Microsoft (3.8/5 stars)
- Customer Support: Bitdefender (4/5 stars)
