Bitdefender Small Office Security vs. GravityZone

With cyber threats constantly on the rise, marked by a 56% year-over-year increase, choosing the right cybersecurity solution is crucial for every business, regardless of its size. The challenge lies in finding a balance between comprehensive protection, ease of use, and cost. 

For small business owners, IT administrators, and enterprise security managers, this decision is even more critical.

Bitdefender offers two robust options: Bitdefender Small Office Security and Bitdefender GravityZone. Each caters to different business needs, from simple, effective protection for small businesses to scalable, centralized security for larger organizations. 

In this comparison, we break down Bitdefender Small Office Security and Bitdefender GravityZone, two powerful solutions designed for different business needs. 

Whether you’re looking for straightforward protection or a scalable security suite, this guide will help you choose the right solution while maintaining compliance and safeguarding critical data.

Batten Cyber provides trusted, expert-driven insights to help businesses select cybersecurity solutions that align with industry regulations and security best practices. 

With a team of professionals who specialize in cybersecurity, compliance, and risk management, Batten evaluates products based on real-world effectiveness, ensuring businesses make informed decisions.

Key Takeaways

• Bitdefender Small Office Security is ideal for small businesses needing easy-to-manage, comprehensive protection with minimal IT involvement.
• GravityZone offers advanced security features, making it better suited for growing businesses with IT teams that need greater control and scalability.
• Small Office Security provides multi-device protection, ransomware defense, and an intuitive cloud-based dashboard for simplified management.
• GravityZone includes advanced features such as risk analytics, sandboxing, and granular policy control, making it more suitable for businesses handling sensitive data.
• Both solutions provide strong cybersecurity, but the right choice depends on business size, IT resources, and security requirements.
• Pricing for Small Office Security starts at $79.99 per year for five devices, while GravityZone starts at $188.99 per year for ten devices.
• Batten Cyber’s expert evaluations help businesses choose the right cybersecurity solution based on real-world testing and practical needs.

Bitdefender Small Office Security vs. Bitdefender GravityZone at a Glance

Feature	Bitdefender Small Office Security	Bitdefender GravityZone
Ease of Management	Designed for simplicity; ideal for businesses without dedicated IT staff.	Advanced centralized management console for comprehensive control over security settings and policies.
Protection Level	High-quality protection against common threats like phishing, malware, and ransomware.	Superior multi-layered protection that covers more sophisticated cyber threats, including zero-day attacks.
Scalability	Best suited for small businesses with straightforward security needs.	Highly scalable, making it suitable for growing businesses and enterprises requiring detailed security management.
Additional Features	Includes safe browsing, firewall, and password manager.	Offers risk analytics, network attack defense, and sandbox analyzer for deeper security insight and threat prevention.
Compliance Assistance	Basic tools to help comply with data protection regulations.	Comprehensive compliance support with detailed reporting for audit trails and compliance checks.
User Experience	Intuitive interface designed for users with limited technical expertise.	Customizable dashboards and alerts tailored to IT professionals for precise control and monitoring.

Bitdefender Small Office Security Overview

Bitdefender Small Office Security is a cybersecurity solution tailored for small businesses that need robust protection without dedicated IT staff. Designed for teams of up to 25 employees, it offers multi-device security, real-time threat detection, and an easy-to-use management platform. 

The solution aims to provide comprehensive protection against malware, phishing, ransomware, and data breaches while remaining lightweight and simple to deploy.

With cross-platform compatibility for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, Bitdefender Small Office Security ensures businesses can protect their digital assets across all major operating systems. Moreover, its cloud-based dashboard simplifies management, allowing business owners to monitor security in real time without extensive cybersecurity expertise.

Bitdefender Small Office Security Core Features

Bitdefender Small Office Security offers a range of features designed to protect small businesses from modern cyber threats. Its all-in-one security model, simplified management tools, and proactive monitoring make it an accessible choice for businesses without dedicated IT support.

Multi-Device Protection

Bitdefender Small Office Security secures Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices, ensuring all endpoints are protected under a single plan. This eliminates the need for multiple security solutions and keeps security consistent across all employee devices.

Ransomware and Malware Protection

The platform includes multi-layered defense mechanisms to detect and neutralize viruses, ransomware, phishing attempts, and advanced persistent threats. Its network threat prevention system blocks attacks before they reach business networks, helping to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.

Easy Deployment and Cloud-Based Management

Bitdefender Small Office Security is designed for businesses without dedicated IT teams. It features an intuitive setup process, allowing businesses to deploy security in under five minutes. Additionally, its cloud-based dashboard provides a centralized control panel where users can monitor security threats, scan devices, and manage settings without technical expertise.

Business Asset Monitoring

Beyond endpoint security, Bitdefender monitors business-related digital assets to detect compromised accounts, data leaks, and potential security risks. This helps businesses prevent cybercriminals from exploiting credentials or accessing sensitive information.

Safe Online Banking and Privacy Protection

Bitdefender includes safe browsing features, protecting users from fraudulent websites and financial threats. Its secure transaction mode ensures payments and business-related financial activities are conducted in a protected environment, reducing the risk of fraud.

VPN for Secure Browsing

Bitdefender Small Office Security provides a built-in VPN with 500MB of daily encrypted traffic per device. This is useful for businesses handling sensitive data, particularly when employees use public Wi-Fi networks.

24/7 Support

Despite its ease of use, round-the-clock customer support is available to assist users with technical issues, setup questions, or security concerns.

Bitdefender Small Office Security Pricing

Bitdefender Small Office Security offers flexible pricing based on the number of devices and subscription length.

• One-Year Plan: $79.99 for five devices (regular price $99.99)
• Two-Year Plan: $169.99 for five devices
• Three-Year Plan: $199.99 for five devices

These prices apply to the first subscription period and may vary based on location and promotions. Additional device coverage is available for an increased cost.

Positives of Bitdefender Small Office Security 

• Comprehensive multi-device security for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
• Lightweight and efficient, offering strong protection without slowing down devices
• Simple setup that requires no IT expertise, making it accessible for small businesses
• Cloud-based management for easy monitoring and control
• Multi-layered protection against ransomware, phishing, and advanced cyber threats
• Data breach monitoring to safeguard business credentials and prevent unauthorized access

What Could Be Better?

• Limited customization compared to enterprise-level solutions like Bitdefender GravityZone
• VPN has a 500MB daily cap, which may not be sufficient for businesses needing constant encrypted browsing
• No advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) features for deeper security analytics

Bitdefender GravityZone Overview

Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security is designed to provide enterprise-grade protection for small businesses without requiring dedicated IT staff. It offers comprehensive security against phishing, ransomware, and fileless attacks, ensuring that organizations can defend against evolving cyber threats.

This solution includes a centralized management console that simplifies security oversight, making it easier for administrators to monitor and control devices. With machine learning, behavioral analysis, and real-time monitoring, GravityZone provides a proactive defense against cyber threats.

Scalability is another key feature, allowing businesses to expand protection as they grow without complicated migrations. With compatibility across Windows, macOS, and Linux, GravityZone ensures that all business endpoints are covered under a single security platform.

Bitdefender GravityZone Core Features

Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security provides a multi-layered security approach to protect against cyber threats. Its key features focus on threat prevention, ease of management, and scalability to support growing businesses.

Multi-Layered Threat Protection

GravityZone uses a combination of machine learning, behavioral analysis, and signature-based detection to block malware, ransomware, phishing attempts, and other cyber threats. Its network threat prevention feature stops attacks before they reach business infrastructure, reducing the risk of security breaches.

Centralized Security Management

GravityZone provides an integrated management console that allows administrators to monitor and control security settings across all devices. This centralized approach streamlines security operations, offering real-time insights into potential threats and vulnerabilities.

• Single-Pane-of-Glass Dashboard: View and manage all security components from one interface.
• Automated Security Tasks: Reduces manual work by handling threat detection, response, and updates automatically.
• Granular Policy Control: Administrators can set custom security policies to align with compliance requirements and business needs.

Ransomware and Phishing Prevention

To mitigate ransomware risks, GravityZone continuously monitors for abnormal file encryption attempts and blocks unauthorized changes. If ransomware is detected, the system automatically rolls back affected files to their original state.

The built-in anti-phishing protection prevents employees from accessing fraudulent websites designed to steal credentials and sensitive data. By blocking these sites in real time, GravityZone helps businesses avoid financial fraud and data breaches.

Web Threat Protection

GravityZone provides comprehensive web protection by blocking access to malicious websites and filtering harmful content. This feature helps prevent drive-by downloads, credential theft, and malware infections from unsafe browsing activities.

Endpoint Risk Management

The platform includes an endpoint risk assessment feature that continuously evaluates vulnerabilities in software, configurations, and user behaviors. By identifying and mitigating risks before they become threats, businesses can maintain a stronger security posture.

Firewall and Network Security

GravityZone offers a built-in firewall that monitors and controls network traffic to prevent unauthorized access. It also includes intrusion detection and prevention capabilities to protect against network-based attacks.

Device Control and USB Protection

To prevent data leaks and unauthorized access, GravityZone enables businesses to restrict USB and external device usage. Administrators can enforce policies to limit or block data transfers from removable storage devices, reducing insider threats.

Scalable and Flexible Security

Bitdefender GravityZone is built to scale with your business, allowing seamless expansion as security needs grow. New endpoints, add-ons, and upgrades can be integrated without disruptions. Businesses can customize their security setup, adding or removing features based on operational requirements.

Bitdefender GravityZone Pricing

Bitdefender offers tiered pricing for GravityZone Small Business Security, with discounts available for longer-term plans.

• One-Year Plan: $188.99 for 10 devices (regular price $314.99)
• Two-Year Plan: $277.74 for 10 devices (regular price $504.99)
• Three-Year Plan: $327.50 for 10 devices (regular price $654.99)

Pricing may vary depending on the number of devices and additional add-ons selected. Taxes are not included in the listed prices.

Positives of Bitdefender GravityZone

• Strong multi-layered security against ransomware, phishing, and advanced persistent threats
• Centralized management console with automated security tasks for easier administration
• Scalable platform that allows businesses to expand protection as they grow
• Real-time monitoring and proactive defense mechanisms to prevent cyber incidents
• Customizable security policies for better compliance and risk management
• Web threat protection and firewall capabilities for enhanced security
• Endpoint risk assessment to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities

What Could Be Better?

• Limited third-party integrations may require businesses to adjust existing security workflows
• Some advanced features require additional add-ons, increasing overall costs
• Mobile device management options are not as comprehensive as dedicated MDM solutions

Now that we’ve reviewed both options independently, let’s compare them side-by-side. 

Bitdefender Small Office Security vs. GravityZone: Choosing the Right Solution for Your Business

Bitdefender offers two cybersecurity solutions tailored to different business needs: Small Office Security and GravityZone Small Business Security. While both provide robust protection, their key differences lie in ease of management, level of security, scalability, and additional features.

Small Office Security is designed for businesses with minimal IT resources, offering straightforward protection with automated deployment and simple cloud-based management. 

GravityZone, on the other hand, caters to organizations requiring more advanced threat protection, granular security controls, and scalability for larger environments.

Understanding the differences between these solutions is crucial to selecting the right fit for your business. 

Below, we compare their features, usability, and security capabilities.

Ease of Management

How easy are these security measures to manage? 

Small Office Security: Streamlined for Non-Technical Users

Small Office Security is designed for small businesses without dedicated IT teams. It prioritizes ease of use with a cloud-based management portal that eliminates the need for on-premises servers.

• Simple Setup: Businesses can deploy security across all devices in minutes using automated installation links sent to employees via email.
• Intuitive Dashboard: A visual traffic-light system provides an at-a-glance view of security status—green for protected, amber for attention needed, and red for urgent action.
• Pre-Configured Policies: Security settings are available in Standard, Strict, or Custom templates, reducing the complexity of policy configuration.
• Automated Security Updates: Small Office Security automatically applies the latest threat intelligence updates without requiring user intervention.

These features make Small Office Security an excellent option for business owners who need a set-it-and-forget-it security solution.

GravityZone: Powerful Control for IT Professionals

GravityZone offers a much more detailed and customizable management experience, ideal for businesses with IT administrators or security teams.

• Comprehensive Policy Customization: With over 240 security policy settings, businesses can fine-tune protections for different departments or risk levels.
• Hierarchical Policy Inheritance: Administrators can enforce company-wide security standards while applying specific policies to high-risk users or remote workers.
• Advanced Reporting & Compliance Monitoring: GravityZone provides 47 pre-configured reports covering everything from threat detection to endpoint vulnerabilities and compliance readiness.
• Granular Device Control: IT teams can manage security policies for individual endpoints, user groups, and network segments, ensuring a precise security posture.

For organizations that require detailed oversight, compliance tracking, and advanced policy management, GravityZone provides enterprise-grade capabilities within a small business package.

Protection Level

Let’s now compare the level of protection that both afford. 

Small Office Security: Strong Baseline Protection

Small Office Security provides core protection against common cyber threats, making it well-suited for businesses that need essential security without complexity.

• Multi-Layered Threat Defense: Protects against malware, phishing, and ransomware using behavioral analysis and machine learning.
• Safe Browsing & Online Banking Protection: Prevents access to malicious websites and secures financial transactions.
• Integrated Firewall & VPN: A built-in firewall filters network traffic, while a 500MB daily VPN encrypts online activity on public networks.
• Ransomware Rollback: Automatically restores encrypted files in the event of a ransomware attack.

This solution is ideal for small teams looking for reliable protection with minimal security management.

GravityZone: Advanced Threat Intelligence

GravityZone extends protection beyond standard security measures, incorporating cutting-edge threat detection technologies used in enterprise environments.

• HyperDetect Tunable Machine Learning: Provides customizable threat detection, allowing IT teams to adjust security sensitivity.
• Endpoint Integrated Sandbox: Suspicious files are analyzed in an isolated virtual environment before execution, preventing zero-day malware attacks.
• Network Attack Defense: Detects brute-force attacks, lateral movement attempts, and other advanced intrusion techniques at the network level.
• Behavior-Based Ransomware Mitigation: Identifies and blocks unauthorized encryption attempts in real-time, stopping ransomware before it executes.

With enterprise-grade detection, machine learning, and behavioral analysis, GravityZone is a superior choice for businesses facing sophisticated threats or compliance requirements.

Scalability

So, how scalable are these cybersecurity solutions for organizations of different sizes?

Small Office Security: Best for Small Teams

• Ideal for businesses with up to 20-25 devices needing consistent security across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
• No additional IT overhead required, as updates and patches are handled automatically.
• Best for organizations with simple IT environments, such as law firms, accounting offices, or retail businesses.

GravityZone: Designed for Growing Businesses

• Supports from ten to thousands of endpoints, including physical and virtual servers.
• Modular licensing allows businesses to expand protection incrementally as they grow.
• Cloud or On-Prem Deployment: GravityZone offers flexibility for organizations requiring self-hosted security infrastructure.

For companies anticipating growth or requiring comprehensive endpoint management, GravityZone is the better long-term investment.

Additional Features

There are also some additional features of both options worth mentioning. 

Small Office Security: Essential Security Tools

• Password Manager: Securely stores and manages credentials, reducing the risk of account compromise.
• Device Tracking & Anti-Theft: Protects lost or stolen devices by allowing remote location tracking and data wiping.
• Social Media Account Protection: Monitors and secures business social media accounts against hijacking or credential theft.

GravityZone: Enterprise-Grade Security Enhancements

• Risk Analytics & Threat Intelligence: Provides in-depth insights into endpoint vulnerabilities and attack patterns.
• Web Threat Protection & Content Filtering: Blocks malicious sites, suspicious downloads, and harmful advertisements.
• Advanced Patch Management: Identifies outdated applications and ensures critical security patches are applied automatically.
• Dedicated Account Manager: Businesses can access premium support for security planning and ongoing risk mitigation.

For organizations requiring comprehensive security intelligence and endpoint risk management, GravityZone provides a superior toolset.

Pricing Comparison

Let’s do a side-by-side comparison of the pricing options available. 

Bitdefender Small Office Security

• $104.99 per year for 10 devices (initial discounted price).
• Straightforward licensing, covering PCs, Macs, smartphones, and tablets.
• Best suited for small businesses with simple security needs.

Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security

• $188.99 per year for 10 devices (initial discounted price).
• Expandable licensing, with options for servers, virtual machines, and cloud-based security.
• Best for businesses needing scalability and advanced security controls.

Both solutions offer discounted multi-year plans, but GravityZone has more flexible licensing for companies that require long-term security scalability.

What Our Testing Found

Real-world experience often highlights security features that aren’t immediately apparent in product descriptions. In testing Bitdefender Small Office Security and GravityZone, we uncovered unexpected strengths that made a real impact in a small business setting. Here’s what stood out.

Bitdefender Small Office Security: Practical Security That Just Works

As the IT decision-maker for our small startup agency, I needed security that wouldn’t require constant attention. With a mix of personal and work devices across our remote team, I needed a solution that could protect our systems without adding complexity. 

After two months of using Small Office Security across my primary laptop, a backup desktop, and my teammates’ devices, I found its true value lay in practical features that saved time and prevented headaches.

Remote Device Management That Simplifies Troubleshooting

A major win came when my designer’s laptop started acting suspiciously while working from a coffee shop. Instead of scrambling to diagnose the issue remotely, I simply logged into the cloud console, ran a scan, and quickly identified a rogue browser extension. For a small team where IT is just one of many responsibilities, this quick intervention saved time and frustration—no need for lengthy troubleshooting calls or risky guesswork.

A Surprisingly Useful Password Manager

Another unexpected perk was Bitdefender’s built-in password manager. I had previously used a standalone service that cost nearly as much as this entire security package, so I was skeptical about its usefulness. However, it synced seamlessly across our devices and even flagged reused passwords across multiple client accounts—something that helped us tighten security without disrupting workflows.

For a small agency handling multiple client credentials, website logins, and financial accounts, this was an essential security feature that I hadn’t even considered when selecting the product.

GravityZone: Enterprise-Level Protection That Pays Off in Unexpected Ways

When I first set up GravityZone, it felt like bringing a Ferrari to a go-kart track—powerful, but maybe more than our small operation needed. However, after six weeks of real-world use, I found its advanced protection addressed security gaps I didn’t even realize existed.

Content Filtering That Actually Works for Small Businesses

As a web design and marketing agency, we frequently research competitor sites, download resources, and interact with unfamiliar links. This often exposes us to potentially risky websites hosting outdated plugins, infected assets, or hidden trackers.

GravityZone’s custom content filtering let us create browsing rules tailored to our workflow, so we could protect ourselves while researching, without blocking legitimate industry sites. Unlike generic antivirus filters that over-block or under-protect, this fine-tuned approach was a game-changer.

Ransomware Protection That Doesn’t Get in the Way

Handling large client backups and marketing assets means transferring thousands of files at a time. Some security solutions mistakenly flag bulk file operations as ransomware activity, forcing unnecessary manual approvals.

GravityZone’s behavioral analysis was precise enough to differentiate legitimate bulk transfers from actual ransomware activity. This meant we never had to disable security features just to do our jobs, while still getting real-time protection against unauthorized encryption attempts.

For a small business where client files represent our entire business value, this balance between security and usability was crucial. GravityZone prevented false alarms while keeping a strong defense against real threats.

Bitdefender Small Office Security vs. GravityZone: Which Should You Choose?

To help you make an informed decision, here’s a scoring table, based on a 5-point scale, that provides a comparative view of their features.

Feature	Bitdefender Small Office Security	Bitdefender GravityZone
Ease of Management	4.8	4.5
Protection Level	4.6	4.9
Scalability	4.4	4.8
Additional Features	4.5	4.7
Average Score	4.6	4.7

Get Started With Bitdefender

Bitdefender Small Office Security proved to be a practical, easy-to-use solution that minimized IT workload while offering strong security basics. Its remote management, built-in password security, and lightweight footprint made it ideal for small teams with limited technical expertise.

On the other hand, GravityZone’s more advanced protection brought unexpected value to a small, growing business with more complex security needs. The custom browsing rules, precise ransomware defense, and deeper threat analytics provided enterprise-level security that didn’t interfere with productivity.

For hands-off security that just works, Small Office Security is the right choice. If your business handles sensitive data, works across multiple teams, or requires more granular control, GravityZone provides a level of defense that goes beyond standard small business antivirus solutions.

Protect your business with the right Bitdefender solution. At Batten Cyber, we help you navigate the complexities of cybersecurity, ensuring you find the best solution to meet your needs. 

Our cybersecurity team includes seasoned professionals like Kurt Sanger, a former U.S. Marine Corps cyber operations leader, bringing real-world national security experience to the table. 

Their expertise allows us to thoroughly vet cybersecurity products, identifying the strengths, weaknesses, and real-world usability of each solution before making recommendations.

Unlike generic review sites, Batten Cyber doesn’t just summarize product specs, we test, compare, and analyze security tools in practical settings. We focus on solutions that provide measurable protection without unnecessary complexity, ensuring our recommendations meet the needs of both small business owners and IT professionals.

With objective, research-backed evaluations and a focus on real-world security challenges, Batten Cyber helps you choose cybersecurity solutions with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Main Difference Between Small Office Security and GravityZone?

Small Office Security is designed for businesses with minimal IT resources, offering easy deployment and automated protection. GravityZone provides advanced security tools, better scalability, and deeper policy control for IT-managed environments.

Does Bitdefender Small Office Security Provide Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)?

No, Small Office Security does not include EDR capabilities. Businesses needing advanced threat detection and response features should consider GravityZone or a dedicated EDR solution.

Can GravityZone Be Deployed On-Premises?

Yes, GravityZone offers both cloud-based and on-premises deployment options, making it suitable for businesses with specific infrastructure requirements or compliance needs.

Does Bitdefender Small Office Security Protect Against Zero-Day Threats?

Small Office Security provides strong malware protection but lacks the advanced sandboxing and behavioral analytics of GravityZone, which offers better protection against zero-day threats.

Which Bitdefender Solution Is Better for Businesses with Remote Employees?

Small Office Security is better for remote teams due to its cloud-based management and easy deployment. GravityZone is a better choice if IT teams need greater control over remote endpoints.