Bitdefender Antivirus Review Bitdefender stands out as a top-rated antivirus provider, consistently delivering impressive results in independent lab tests while maintaining competitive pricing and offering valuable security features. Utilizing a cloud-based engine, Bitdefender’s scans are efficient and less resource-intensive compared to its counterparts. With three plans available, including Antivirus Plus for regular users and Internet Security and Total Security for comprehensive protection, Bitdefender also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee for risk-free trial.

It offers solid security for your device with a virus scan and real-time protection features. Additionally, you’ll be secured from phishing and ransomware attacks. With that said, Bitdefender does leave a lot out as well, including network threat protection, usage profiles, a VPN, a password manager, and much more.

Bitdefender Antivirus Review 2024

Despite offering numerous impressive features, Bitdefender still has potential for further development. While many tools are efficient and of high quality, the VPN is restricted to 200MB of data per device unless you opt for the Premium Security Plan. Additionally, enhancements to features such as web protection could improve effectiveness. As a result, this Bitdefender antivirus review delves into its features, protection capabilities, various budget-friendly plans, and compares Bitdefender with its competitors to assist you in making an informed decision.

Bitdefender Antivirus Review 2024 Quick Overview

⭐ Rating:	4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
🥇 Overall rank:	#1 out of #25
💵 Price:	From $29.99/year
✂️ Free version:	Yes
🖥️ Platforms:	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
🔥 Coupons:	Bitdefender coupon 50% OFF

Bitdefender Pros and Cons

In the world of cybersecurity, finding the right antivirus software can be a daunting task. With so many options available, how do you know which one is the best fit for your needs? In this Bitdefender Antivirus review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the pros and cons of this popular antivirus software. From its powerful malware detection capabilities to its user-friendly interface, we’ll cover everything you need to know before making a decision. So if you’re in the market for reliable protection against cyber threats, read on to find out if Bitdefender is the right choice for you.

• Limited VPN usage on most plans
• Fewer features for macOS
• Web protection doesn’t always work
• Incompatible with other security software

Bitdefender Short Review

Bitdefender is a popular antivirus tool for numerous individuals due to its outstanding performance across various areas. Here’s a summary of the key points covered in this review:

• Pricing. Bitdefender provides cost-effective pricing, diverse subscription options, a 30-day refund policy, and a complimentary plan. The Antivirus Plus package begins at $29.99 per month and is suitable for installation on 1 device.
• Security features. Bitdefender has numerous effective features to maintain the security of your devices, such as a firewall, malware scanner, ransomware remediation, VPN, and password manager.
• Ease of use. Although installing Bitdefender may be troublesome, the software is lightweight and user-friendly, so you should not experience major usability issues once it is set up.
• Performance impact. We assessed the impact of Bitdefender on devices during scans and other tasks, and the overall findings were highly satisfactory.

Is Bitdefender safe?

Bitdefender, a reliable anti-malware application, holds the top position among antivirus software. It has been awarded the AV-Comparatives’ Product of the Year title four times, the most by any antivirus program. Setting awards aside, recent tests by AV-Test show that Bitdefender achieved a 100% detection rate for all threats during the September-October 2023 testing period, covering both 0-day and 4-week-old malware. Furthermore, it has improved its score from the previous testing period and now maintains maximum points in protection, performance, and usability categories.

Bitdefender successfully blocked all 10 threats in internal tests. The quick scan lasted 2 minutes, and the full scan took 14 minutes. With these outcomes, you can trust Bitdefender to remove any potential threats, making it one of the top and most secure antivirus options for safeguarding your device against malware.

How much does Bitdefender cost?

Bitdefender provides 6 distinct plans: Free, Antivirus Plus, Internet Security, Total Security, Family Pack, and Small Office. Despite the higher cost of the premium package, each plan includes a wide range of valuable security features to guarantee top-notch device security.

	Bitdefender Free	Antivirus Plus	Internet Security	Total Security	Family Pack	Small office
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Android	Windows	Windows	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Device coverage	1	1	3	5	15	10
Starting price	$0.00	$29.99/year	$29.99/year	$49.99/year	$54.99/year	$99.98/year
Virus Scans	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Real-time protection	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Web attack prevention	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Ransomware protection	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Anti-phishing	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Password manager	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
VPN	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Privacy Firewall	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Performance optimization tool	No	No

If you’re looking for apps that work on all operating systems, Total Security or Family Pack plans are the top choices. The Family Pack is ideal for users needing maximum device connections from Bitdefender. For business or enterprise security with full-stack endpoint protection, the GravityZone plan is the most suitable option. Bitdefender provides 30-day free trials for paid plans and a 30-day money-back guarantee for added peace of mind. Bitdefender offers a free antivirus plan for basic device security, and its premium subscription plans include extra features like a VPN, password manager, and webcam and microphone protection.

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

The entry plan for protecting 3 of your devices from malware is exclusively for Windows. It includes features such as Antivirus Plus.

• Malware scanner
• Secure browser
• VPN (capped at 200 MB of data daily)
• Password manager
• Anti-tracker
• File-shredder
• 24/7 customer support

Conversely, there will be restrictions on security. For instance, you will not receive Bitdefender firewall protection or system optimization tools. Additionally, keep in mind that renewal costs may exceed the initial purchase price.

Bitdefender Internet Security

Bitdefender Internet Security represents an advancement over Antivirus Plus as it includes the following features:

• Firewall protection
• Anti-spam feature
• Parental controls
• Webcam and microphone protection

The cost for the included features is reasonable, and you will get top-notch security for your device and online browsing protection. The downside is that it is limited to 3 devices and exclusive to Windows users.

Bitdefender Total Security

Bitdefender Total Security does not offer extensive additional features beyond those included in Internet Security. The only addition is:

• System tune-up tools
• Anti-theft protection

Nevertheless, this plan includes coverage for mobile devices, allowing you to safeguard both your Android and iOS phones with a top antivirus software available on the market. Additionally, the Total Security plan increases the number of devices you can protect with a single subscription to 5.

Bitdefender Premium Security

This Bitdefender package builds upon the previous one by eliminating the data cap on the VPN, providing the complete password manager package, and extending protection to 10 devices. Additionally, you can once again utilize this Premium security package on all your devices, regardless of the operating system. Therefore, with this Bitdefender plan, you receive the most comprehensive security software package for your investment.

Bitdefender free version

Bitdefender offers a free plan for Windows and macOS users, with the Mac version providing basic protection through the Virus scan feature. The free version of Bitdefender provides comprehensive anti-malware protection with additional bonus features. In fact, the Bitdefender Free Edition rivals some paid premium versions in terms of security, offering virus scan, real-time protection, and defense against phishing and ransomware attacks.

Having said that, Bitdefender also lacks network threat protection, usage profiles, a VPN, a password manager, and other features. If these are important to you, then you may want to consider upgrading to Bitdefender’s premium subscription. This not only provides top-level security but also allows you to protect multiple devices with a single account.

How to download and install Bitdefender

• Activate your license, Please download the application and proceed with the installation.
• Click the “Start Using Bitdefender” button, The main menu appears.
• Enable the wanted security features, Similar to the ransomware remediation feature to enhance device security.
• Initiate the initial device scan.

Bitdefender Security Features

When comparing Bitdefender’s free and paid versions, both use the same malware database for threat detection. This means that you will receive the same high-quality malware removal regardless of your budget. However, there are extra subscription perks to take into account.

Presented below are some of the remarkable features that are incorporated in the Bitdefender antivirus package:

• Firewall – Enables you to observe all the connections originating from your device
• Anti-theft – Enables you to find your device on Google Maps and remotely lock your device
• Malware scanner – Provide various scanning options, ranging from quick to comprehensive, to detect threats within your device’s system.
• Real-time protection – An extremely efficient security measure that detects threats prior to their entry into your system.
• Anti-tracker – A browser extension that safeguards you from online trackers that collect your data.
• VPN – A tool for safeguarding digital information and preventing data collection.
• Password manager –A security tool designed to safeguard all of your passwords in a single location.

Firewall

Bitdefender Firewall is designed to safeguard your device against unauthorized access by preventing both inbound and outbound connections, whether on local networks or the internet. It achieves this by implementing a set of rules to differentiate between allowed and blocked connections. These rules are automatically established for recognized, trustworthy applications, and you also have the option to manually set rules for applications you have confidence in.

A firewall is a powerful tool that can protect your computer from various online threats such as hackers, malware, and data snoopers. When tested hands-on on Windows, the Firewall feature proved to be effective in blocking or allowing applications through pop-up boxes. It also enables users to configure and monitor permissions of known and unknown programs, providing an added layer of security. With the constant evolution of online threats, having a reliable firewall installed on your computer can greatly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your sensitive data.

Anti-theft

Anti-theft is a security function designed to safeguard your lost or stolen device, offering a range of features including:

• Remote location. Find your device on a map, even if it’s powered off.
• Remote lock. You have the ability to lock your device from a distance, thus preventing unauthorized access to your data.
• Remote wipe. Delete all of your data by wiping your device remotely.
• Remote alarm. Easily trigger an alarm on your device from a distance to aid in locating it in case of loss or theft.
• SIM card change alerts. Get notifications in case there is a change in your SIM card, which can assist you in locating your device in case it is stolen.
• Photo capture. Bitdefender Anti-theft will capture a photo of anyone who enters an incorrect PIN or password three times on your device, using the front camera.

Malware scanner

Bitdefender provides a dependable and effective virus scanning solution that utilizes malware database and machine learning to detect both known and unknown malware threats. The scans take place in the cloud, resulting in minimal impact on the device system. Bitdefender offers multiple virus scanning options to ensure excellent protection from malware threats, allowing users to scan specific folders, the entire device, or identify vulnerabilities for improved device protection.

You have the option to choose from four scan types: Quick scan, System scan, Vulnerability scan, and Custom scan. We downloaded 10 malware samples (including trojans, red line stealers, worms, ransomware, etc.) and turned off the real-time protection feature to test the Quick and System scans. We then monitored computer resources to assess the effectiveness of Bitdefender’s scans and their impact on the device system, and here are the results:

• Quick scan – The device locations where malware typically appears were scanned. The process was completed in 3 minutes and 37 seconds, and nearly 4000 files were scanned.
• System scan – The entire system was scanned for malware threats. The scan lasted 24 minutes and 5 seconds and examined over 163,000 files. It successfully detected 9 out of 10 zero-day threats, making this type of scan highly dependable for device protection. In total, the system scan took less than 1 hour, putting its results on par with other top antivirus software such as Norton or Avira, which typically completed the scan in around 15 minutes.

Furthermore, Bitdefender provides two other scanning alternatives.

• Vulnerability scan – Examine the device for potential weaknesses and runs for a duration of 5 minutes. The scan encompasses the evaluation of susceptible passwords, obsolete software or drivers, and Windows updates. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who do not perform manual device updates. It also identifies any alterations to the system and provides notification in the event of a security breach, indicating the need for further action.
• Custom scan – With this option, you can scan particular system locations where a threat may exist and schedule scans. Norton and TotalAV, Bitdefender’s competitors, also offer easy scheduling for quick custom scans.

The Bitdefender malware scanner ranks as one of the leading security tools, providing speed, comprehensiveness, and the guarantee of system security without causing any device slowdown.

Real-time protection

Bitdefender Shield is Bitdefender’s real-time protection feature that continually scans all downloaded files for threats. It automatically deletes or quarantines any detected threats, effectively preventing malware from being opened. This feature works in tandem with Bitdefender’s Global Protective Network, which monitors over 500 million devices to detect new malware models. As a result, Bitdefender Shield can provide robust protection against even the latest and poorly documented threats and phishing attacks. The combination of real-time scanning and global threat intelligence ensures that users are always protected from potential security breaches.

Bitdefender’s malware scanner has been put to the test, and its reliability has been evaluated. The test involved downloading ten malware files, unzipping them, and allowing the real-time protection feature to operate. The results showed that Bitdefender was quick to detect and eliminate most of the malicious files that were unzipped.It is important to note that Bitdefender’s real-time protection feature cannot scan compressed files. Therefore, for optimal effectiveness, downloaded files must be unzipped first. Overall, this is a highly secure feature that provides protection against both known and new cyber threats.

Ransomware Remediation

Bitdefender’s ransomware remediation feature is an essential tool for protecting your digital files from ransomware threats. This innovative feature automatically creates backups of crucial files such as documents, images, music, and videos to ensure they can be recovered in case of a ransomware attack. Additionally, Bitdefender’s advanced detection system monitors for any suspicious activity or attempts to encrypt your files. If ransomware is detected, the software will immediately block all malicious processes before they can cause any significant damage. This feature provides peace of mind for users and ensures that their important data remains safe and secure.

While it may not always be feasible to remove ransomware encryption, there are ways to mitigate the damage caused by these attacks. One such method is to replace the encrypted files with prepared backups, which can help safeguard against potential data loss. Having reliable and up-to-date backups of your important documents and sensitive information is critical in protecting yourself against ransomware attacks. It’s essential to regularly backup your data and store it securely in an offsite location or a cloud-based storage solution. In addition, implementing strong security measures like multi-factor authentication and keeping your software updated can also help prevent ransomware attacks from occurring in the first place.

AntiSpam

The AntiSpam feature, despite its seemingly simple name, is a complex tool designed to protect the entire email channel. It works with any mailbox and has three key components: a Whitelist, heuristic filter, and learning modules. To determine whether an email is spam or not, Bitdefender conducts an analysis of message contents, header, and metadata to detect spam characteristics. The learning module collects data on genuine emails and spam messages to identify the latter more efficiently than a trained cybersecurity expert. Additionally, the tool allows users to block emails encoded in Cyrillic or Asian characters for added protection against spam. Overall, the AntiSpam feature is an essential asset in safeguarding one’s email inbox from unwanted and potentially harmful messages.

The whitelister is the last component of the triad and serves to prevent trusted domains from being marked and scanned as spam. This feature has been tested thoroughly, and it has proved its effectiveness in identifying spam emails. The tool successfully identified and flagged spam mail, which highlights its ability to secure your data.By utilizing the whitelisting function, you can have peace of mind knowing that trusted domains will not be mistakenly labeled as spam. This is particularly crucial for businesses that rely on email communication to operate effectively. It helps to ensure that important emails are delivered promptly and efficiently, without getting lost in a sea of junk mail. Moreover, this feature can also improve productivity by reducing the time spent sorting through unnecessary emails.

Anti-tracker

Bitdefender Anti-Tracker is a solution available to premium users who want to stop excessive tracking carried out by web services. It’s no secret that most websites are tracking every click you make via third-party scripts, cookies, and other ad tech marvels. Anti-tracker is an add-on that you can set up on Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Edge. Once enabled, it will stop malicious scripts from harvesting your data when you’re surfing the web. Also, you can manage which tracking categories you would like to allow or disable. For example, you might be OK with website analytics but against ads or social media tracking. You can customize this add-on in a way that works for you, and it quite significantly reduces the load time of all websites.

Bitdefender VPN

Bitdefender stands out from other antivirus service providers by offering a VPN as part of its app, which is a significant advantage. Some antiviruses either add VPNs as an additional product or charge an extra fee for them when purchasing the most expensive packages. Bitdefender’s provision of a VPN as part of their app is incredibly generous. However, if you prefer to purchase the VPN separately, it costs $3.33 per month if you opt for the yearly plan. This feature adds another layer of security to your online activities, encrypting your internet traffic and keeping your sensitive information safe from prying eyes.

Bitdefender offers a decent VPN service that provides AES 256-bit encryption to ensure data security. However, when compared to premium VPN options like NordVPN and Surfshark, it falls short in terms of features. Bitdefender only offers one tunneling protocol – Catapult Hydra – and while it is fast, there isn’t much information on its level of security. Additionally, Bitdefender does not have an independently verified no-logs policy. If you prioritize anonymity and security, this may not be the best VPN option for you. It’s important to consider all aspects of a VPN before making a final decision, including features, pricing, and security protocols.

Conversely, there are numerous positive aspects to Bitdefender Premium VPN.

• Operating in more than 53 countries, we have a network of over 4000 servers.
• Grants entry to Netflix US and multiple other streaming platforms.
• Includes a kill switch that will disable your Internet traffic in the event of a disruption in your connection to the VPN servers.
• Comes with an Auto-connect function that activates when you connect to a public Wi-Fi network or visit certain websites.
• Provides Split tunneling, enabling you to select specific websites to be excluded from the VPN traffic.

On the cheaper Bitdefender antivirus plans, you will only receive 200 MB of data per day. However, if you purchase the VPN separately, you will have access to unlimited data.

Password Manager

Bitdefender has a unique approach to password management, integrating it into their main dashboard instead of creating a standalone project. This integration provides users with easy access to their passwords while also keeping them protected. Furthermore, if you use Bitdefender on multiple devices, you’ll find it convenient that the password manager syncs across all of them. This feature ensures that all your passwords are updated and secure across all your devices, allowing for seamless and efficient usage.

The password manager contains several features, including:

• Password wallet – You can save your passwords here and select the browser in which you want to use this function.
• Password generator – Assists in creating robust passwords to enhance your security.
• Auto-save and auto-fill – The features are quite self-explanatory as they enable you to save new passwords into your password wallet automatically, and they also allow you to automatically fill them in.

While this password manager is user-friendly and offers basic features, it falls short when compared to premium options like NordPass or Keeper. Premium password managers typically offer more advanced security features like two-factor authentication and are more feature-rich. While this option is a great addition to an antivirus suite, there are better options available on the market for those seeking a more robust password management solution. It is important to choose a password manager that meets your specific needs and provides top-notch security to protect your sensitive information from potential cyber threats.

Digital Identity Protection

Bitdefender has the capability to continuously monitor online activities and alert you if any of your important data has been exposed. This includes checking breached databases on the dark web to protect your social security number, login credentials, and payment information from being accessed by malicious individuals. It’s essential to understand that you need to buy this feature independently, starting at a minimum of $7.99 per month, to access its advantages. Additionally, it is available in three different levels, with each higher level providing more benefits than the one before.

• Digital Identity Protection The initial subscription choice provides continuous dark web monitoring services for either $7.99 per month or $39.99 per year.
• Identity Theft Protection For just $8.99 per month or $79.99 per year, you can upgrade to receive 1 bureau credit status monitoring, ID theft restoration services, and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance.
• Identity Theft Protection Premium The ultimate plan costs either $11.99 per month or $109.99 for the whole year. It offers bank and credit card activity alerts, monitoring of bureau credit status for 3, and higher insurance budgets.

Bitdefender Additional Features

Bitdefender is more than just a security software, as it provides numerous additional features that can be immensely beneficial to users. These features include microphone and webcam protection, web protection, SafePay, VPN, and many others. Microphone and webcam protection ensure that unauthorized access is prevented, while web protection blocks malicious websites and phishing attempts. SafePay enables secure online transactions, while the VPN feature allows you to browse the internet anonymously. Bitdefender’s extra features provide users with comprehensive protection against various types of cyber threats.

While Bitdefender could benefit from additional optimization features like Avira’s startup optimizer and driver updater, it still offers a range of advanced features. These include the ability to prevent unauthorized access to your webcam, secure online transactions, and protect against phishing attacks. Bitdefender also uses machine learning algorithms to detect and block new and advanced threats in real-time. Additionally, it has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate through different settings and options. Overall, Bitdefender is an excellent option for those looking for comprehensive antivirus protection with advanced features.

Microphone & webcam protection

The Webcam Filter is a premium feature available for paid subscriptions, designed to safeguard your camera and microphone from unauthorized access. While covering the built-in webcam with duct tape is a simple solution, muting the microphone is more challenging and equally risky. Our testing has shown that this feature provides notifications whenever any app or website attempts to access your camera or microphone. Following this, you have the option to remove the app or website from the access list, preventing further connections.

You will not receive a notification for an access attempt, only for a successful access to your webcam or microphone. However, there are security adjustments you can implement.

• Create a selection of websites or apps that you consider safe to use with your webcam or microphone.
• Enable websites to utilize the camera, while restricting access to the microphone.
• Only restrict access to websites, while permitting apps to access the camera or microphone.

By enabling the Webcam Filter, you can ensure that your device cannot spy on you through video or audio. Unfortunately, this feature is exclusively accessible to paying users.

Web protection

Bitdefender provides a complete web security package, comprising various online protection capabilities. Bitdefender’s anti-phishing tool is a highly effective solution that protects your data and device against online threats. Its advanced technology helps identify malicious sites that may target your data and compares them to a regularly updated database of blacklisted sites. Additionally, Bitdefender has a dedicated tab on the antivirus app for anti-phishing, where you can view all the blocked sites and the reason behind their blockage.This feature is designed to prevent you from visiting sites with downloadable malware, ensuring that you do not accidentally send any malicious threats to your device. However, during our in-house testing, we found that the feature was not always efficient when accessing malicious websites on iOS and Android devices. Nevertheless, despite some minor drawbacks, Bitdefender’s anti-phishing tool remains an essential component of its antivirus software suite, offering robust protection against cyberattacks and online frauds.

Bitdefender’s web protection feature is a comprehensive security solution that safeguards users from various online threats. One such feature is Fraud Protection, which protects against fraudulent websites that attempt to unlawfully exploit user’s finances. Another feature is the Search Advisor, which warns users about dangerous pages on their search results. Additionally, the Encrypted Web Scan checks the validity of SSL/TSL certificates of encrypted websites. Bitdefender’s web protection feature efficiently catches possible phishing attacks and prevents them from infecting your data and device. Overall, it is a reliable and efficient security solution that provides peace of mind for users browsing the internet.

System optimization

Bitdefender OneClick Optimizer, a system tune-up tool, effectively frees up space on your device and removes outdated and unnecessary files. It does not, however, seek out old personal files such as photos or videos. The system optimization scan checks your device for:

• Old installation files
• Registries
• Junk files
• Outdated drives
• Empty files

The frequency of device clean-up will determine the extent of benefits provided by this tune-up tool for system optimization. It can also serve as an added feature for effortless removal of unnecessary files. If you have a large number of old and redundant files stored, this tool is ideal for you. Bitdefender conducts a speedy scan and categorizes the results for disk, registry, and privacy cleanup. Following the scan, users are able to review the identified files before removing them, in case any legitimate files are mistakenly marked as junk.

In general, this is a fairly simple device optimization tool, though it is effective for cleaning up the system. It is relatively basic compared to rivals such as Avira, which offers over 40 optimization tools. It may benefit from updates and additional features, but it is user-friendly and delivers on its promises by effortlessly eliminating old files and enhancing device performance.

SafePay (Secure Web Browser)

Online shopping is a convenient way to receive deliveries at home, but it can also pose a risk to your cybersecurity. Bitdefender’s SafePay is a secure web browser that aims to provide protection when making online purchases. It is specifically designed for banking and online shopping sites, but users can open any website via this browser.SafePay creates a sandbox that operates independently of other installed web browsers, rendering it unaffected by malware that may exist on your regular browser. Additionally, this feature verifies the security of your Wi-Fi network connection before allowing you to proceed with online transactions. SafePay is available on Bitdefender’s paid premium plans and serves as an effective tool for keeping cybercriminals at bay during online shopping activities.

Furthermore, there is a virtual keyboard included to prevent malware from registering your keystrokes. SafePay also provides convenient features such as integration with Bitdefender’s password manager, bookmarks, and tab view. This ensures that you can confidently visit legitimate websites without the risk of your credit card information being stolen.

Profiles

Occasionally, it is necessary to prevent disruptions or regulate the level of your device’s operation. Regrettably, many antivirus programs do not take this into consideration. The creators of Bitdefender recognize that there are times when you may not want to fully deactivate the antivirus, but rather require privacy or reduced system strain. This is why they have introduced profiles – predefined settings that adjust to your circumstances and enable you to enhance your computer’s performance.

On occasion, it’s necessary to avoid disruptions. Regrettably, many antivirus programs overlook this requirement. Bitdefender creators recognize that there are times when you don’t want to turn off the antivirus entirely, you may simply require some privacy. This is where profiles come in – predefined settings that adjust to your current circumstances.

You have the option to configure them automatically or let an application identify the running processes. There are multiple modes based on your activity.

• Work profile – Modify your email settings and reduce background scans to minimize the system’s impact.
• Movie profile – It delays notifications and alerts, allowing you to enjoy a movie without being interrupted by antivirus update alerts.
• Game profile –Restricts background monitoring to minimize impact on the system.
• Public Wi-Fi profile – Activates full network protection to keep you secure from unsecured public networks.
• Battery mode profile – Disabling background monitoring helps conserve system resources and extends battery life.

When automatic switching is enabled, specific modes are activated automatically upon launching a specific app. For instance, we verified this functionality by launching an executable game file. Bitdefender detected our actions and switched to the profile that restricts system resource usage. Furthermore, automatic switching effectively functioned with the battery mode. When we received a low battery warning in Windows, the device automatically switched to the battery mode profile. Although certain services still necessitate manual activation for these modes based on our experience, it is reassuring to observe Bitdefender’s effort to strike a balance between your tasks and antivirus protection.

Parental controls

Bitdefender antivirus safeguards your device from both malware and unwanted content through its Parental controls feature. This feature is compatible with Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS, requiring a separate app download for monitoring purposes.

This feature includes:

• Website blocking
• App use restrictions
• Device usage schedules
• Limit screen time
• Access to phone contacts
• Device’s location

After conducting testing on a particular feature, we have found that it has both successful and problematic aspects. Blocking websites was an effective feature, ensuring that your child cannot access any of the blocked pages without your manual permission. Similarly, tracking the device’s location works well using GPS rather than IP address, making it impossible to spoof with a VPN. Furthermore, parents can set up notifications to receive alerts when their child reaches a specific location.While these features are beneficial for parental control purposes, other aspects may not be as successful. It is essential to review all features thoroughly before deciding which ones to use for your child’s safety and protection.

While the parental control feature of BitDefender provides excellent protection and control over the content your child might be exposed to, uninstalling the app on macOS can be a bit of a challenge. The only way to uninstall it is through BitDefender’s Uninstaller app, which may prove to be inconvenient for some users. However, once installed, the parental control feature offers robust security measures that can give parents peace of mind when their kids are online. It allows you to set up different profiles with specific web filtering rules, time restrictions, and application control settings. Additionally, it also provides real-time notifications when your child attempts to access restricted content or websites. Overall, this feature is an effective tool for keeping your children safe while they’re using digital devices.

Bitdefender compared to other antivirus software

With so many antivirus providers available in the market, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best for your needs. To help with this decision-making process, we have compiled a list of the top 5 antiviruses for comparison purposes. This allows you to compare Bitdefender against other leading antivirus software and evaluate whether it’s worth investing your money in. Some of the factors that should be considered while comparing antivirus software include its cost-effectiveness, ease of use, malware detection rate, performance impact on systems, and additional features like password managers and firewalls.

	Bitdefender	Norton	TotalAV	Surfshark Antivirus	NordVPN Threat Protection
Brand
Review	Bitdefender review	Norton review	TotalAV review	Surfshark Antivirus review	NordVPN Threat Protection review
Rating	4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Starting price	From $29.99/month	From $19.99/month	From $19.00/month	From $48.86/month	From $3.29/month
Device support	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux	Windows, Android, macOS	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Virus scan	Quick, system, vulnerability, and custom scans	Smart, quick, system, custom scans, and Norton Insights	Quick, system, smart, and custom scans	Quick, full, and file/folder scans	No
Real-time protection	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Firewall	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
VPN	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Password manager	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Device optimization	System optimization	System optimization	System tune-up	No	No
Parental controls	Yes	Yes	Yes

Ease of use & setup

The installation process of Bitdefender can be a bit time-consuming, especially considering that the installation files are quite large at 400 MB. This can be frustrating for users who are used to other antivirus solutions like Norton Antivirus that installs in just a few seconds. However, it’s important to note that Bitdefender’s setup is designed to provide comprehensive protection against various online threats such as malware, viruses, ransomware, and others. Despite its longer installation process, Bitdefender’s advanced security features make it a worthwhile investment for those looking for robust protection for their devices.

After you have configured it, the application is quite simple to use. The default package organizes functions into three categories: Protection, Privacy, and Utilities. Additionally, there is a Dashboard for quick actions and to view your status, as well as a Settings and Notifications tab.

• The Protection tab is primarily focused on features commonly found in antivirus software, such as real-time protection settings, firewall monitoring, ransomware countermeasures, and other related functionalities.
• Privacy pertains to techniques for maintaining anonymity and security while browsing the internet, such as using the SafePay browser, VPN, password manager, and parental controls.
• Utilities encompass optimization tools, profile management, and file shredder functionality.

In general, the Bitdefender interface is user-friendly for both inexperienced and experienced business users.

Impact on PC performance

Bitdefender’s impact on the device goes beyond just being “lightweight” in terms of system resource consumption. Our tests involved monitoring how the software utilized system resources, and it’s crucial to acknowledge that increased CPU loads can affect the performance of other tasks.

Bitdefender’s full scan utilized only 50% of the device’s CPU, making it significantly lighter on resources compared to other antivirus providers. Furthermore, it successfully detected all malware samples during the scan on our test device.

Bitdefender mobile apps

Bitdefender offers dedicated applications for Android and iOS, which are included in Total Security, GravityZone Enterprise, and Premium packages. We conducted tests on both applications to determine if they provide equally strong protection for devices regardless of the operating system.

The differences in mobile security apps between Android and iOS are significant. Although both apps were simple to download and install, the user experience varied. The Android version is evidently superior, while the iOS apps only provide basic coverage and seem to be an afterthought.

Android

The Bitdefender Android application is highly secure, user-friendly, and widely regarded as one of the top antivirus options for Android devices. It closely resembles the desktop version, boasts a user-friendly interface, and encompasses essential security functionalities for your mobile device.

The Android version includes the following features:

• A malware scanner Continuously monitors and safeguards your device against cyber threats.
• Web protection You can activate the toggle on your browser to protect yourself from visiting harmful websites.
• Scam alert It shields you from deceptive links in your messages.
• VPN The feature includes an ad and tracker blocker and has a data cap of 200 MB per day.
• The Autopilot feature It provides guidance on how to enhance phone safety and conducts scans for potential threats in new apps.
• App lock It is helpful for restricting access to specific applications when you lend your device to others.
• The anti-theft feature It assists in locating a lost or stolen device by displaying its last known location. Moreover, you can send a message to the device or activate a loud ring. There is also the option to remotely erase the system.
• Identity protection It notifies you about whether your email was compromised in recent data breaches, as well as scans for any leaks on the Dark Web and assists in enhancing your password security.

iOS

While the iOS version of Bitdefender Mobile Security may not be as robust as its Android counterpart, it still offers a reliable and user-friendly experience. The app is highly secure and provides an excellent level of protection for your iOS device. Along with Norton Antivirus and TotalAV, Bitdefender Mobile Security is considered one of the best antivirus apps available for iPhone users. Its ease of use and advanced security features make it an ideal choice for those looking to keep their device safe from online threats.

The iOS application includes:

• Web protection The feature ensures the safety of your online browsing, preventing you from accessing malicious websites.
• Privacy monitoring It is helpful for monitoring any of your accounts that may have been affected by data breaches.
• VPN The daily data usage is limited to 200 MB, unlike the Android version, it does not include an ad and tracker blocker.

In summary, you receive haveibeenpwned.com, a VPN suitable for a few pages, and browser protection in one application. It’s underwhelming because the majority of iOS antivirus software lacks extra features, as Apple devices are less susceptible to malware. Bitdefender antivirus has the potential to enhance iOS security.

Customer support

Bitdefender’s customer support is available to both free and paying users, and there are various avenues to seek assistance. This service is not exclusive to premium subscribers.

Live chat support	Yes
24-hour phone support	Yes (28 numbers across 18 countries, including a worldwide number)
Email support	Yes
Knowledge database	Yes
Community support	Yes

The live chat support at Bitdefender is highly efficient, allowing you to quickly connect with a reliable support agent and receive prompt assistance. This is a significant improvement compared to competitors like Norton, where wait times for a response could be as long as 20 minutes. Additionally, Bitdefender offers a comprehensive collection of FAQs, guides, and other resources on their support website, providing alternative solutions while waiting for assistance. Moreover, customers have the option to contact Bitdefender through phone or email, making their customer support services highly recommendable.

How we tested Bitdefender

We tested Bitdefender by conducting in-house evaluations and consulting third-party antivirus lab results. Initially, we assessed the real-time protection by exposing it to 10 zero-day malware samples. We then tested the software’s ability to detect the malware with both real-time protection enabled and disabled, while monitoring its impact on device performance. These evaluations were conducted across various device and operating system combinations to ensure consistent protection results and to assess other relevant aspects of Bitdefender.

Is Bitdefender good, and should I get it?

Bitdefender stands out as a top antivirus solution with outstanding malware detection and removal capabilities. It offers real-time protection, web security, and various personal security tools, making it a comprehensive option. Additionally, Bitdefender is more cost-effective compared to many other premium antivirus programs such as Norton and Total AV.

The installation and navigation of the antivirus program are remarkably straightforward. It works well with various device types and operating systems. Depending on your chosen plan, it offers features such as a VPN, password manager, webcam and microphone protection, and file shredder. Additionally, all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it out without risk and determine if it suits your needs.

FAQ

Is Bitdefender safe and legit?

Certainly, Bitdefender stands out as one of the most secure antivirus programs available. It underwent independent testing and successfully detected 100% of malware, including both zero-day and 4-week-old threats. As of now, there is no cause for skepticism regarding Bitdefender’s reliability.

Is Norton better than Bitdefender?

Norton and Bitdefender are both top-notch antivirus software, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. While Norton boasts an outstanding malware database, Bitdefender is more lightweight and offers a free version. The choice between the two depends entirely on your specific requirements. Additionally, be sure to explore our comparison of Bitdefender versus Norton.

Does Bitdefender have a VPN?

Certainly. Bitdefender Antivirus comes with a VPN offering 200 MB per day in all editions. Alternatively, the complete version of Bitdefender VPN can be purchased separately.

Is Bitdefender good for mobile devices?

Indeed, Bitdefender is an effective mobile antivirus solution. Nevertheless, its Android iteration surpasses its iOS counterpart by providing a wealth of additional features.

What Bitdefender plans are available?

Bitdefender provides several software bundles: Antivirus Plus, Internet Security, Total Security, and Family Pack. Additionally, there is a no-cost version with real-time protection.

How good is Bitdefender according to Reddit?

Reddit has stated that Bitdefender ranks among the best antivirus software options. It is considered dependable, light on system resources, and provides great value. Nonetheless, users advise against using the free version of Bitdefender and suggest opting for the premium subscriptions for enhanced protection and a range of security features.

Is Bitdefender a Russian company?

Bitdefender is not a Russian company; it was established in Romania in 2001 and is headquartered in Bucharest. The company offers a variety of security products and services worldwide, such as antivirus software and enterprise solutions.