Bitdefender Antivirus Review 2024: Pricing, Plan, Features, Pros And Cons is this antivirus good?

Bitdefender Antivirus Review Bitdefender is an antivirus provider that has consistently ranked among the top in the market since 2023. It has proven its effectiveness through numerous independent lab tests, consistently delivering excellent results. While it offers a wide range of security features, its pricing is still competitive compared to its competitors. Bitdefender’s success can be attributed to its ability to provide users with reliable and robust protection against various types of malware and cyber threats. Additionally, it offers additional features such as VPN services, parental controls, and password management tools that enhance the user’s overall online security experience.

In today’s digital age, protecting your devices and personal information from cyber threats is more important than ever. With the increasing number of online attacks and malware infections, having a reliable antivirus software is crucial. Bitdefender is a well-known name in the cybersecurity industry, offering a range of products designed to keep your devices safe from viruses, ransomware, and other malicious software. In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at Bitdefender Antivirus and discuss its pricing, plans, features, pros, and cons. Whether you’re a tech-savvy individual or a business owner looking for top-notch protection, this review will help you make an informed decision about whether Bitdefender Antivirus is the right choice for you.

Bitdefender Antivirus Review

In 2023, Bitdefender stands out as one of the best antivirus providers in the market. It consistently achieves outstanding results in independent lab tests and is more affordable than its competitors. Additionally, it offers a range of useful security features. Bitdefender utilizes a cloud-based engine, which proved to be more efficient and less resource-intensive during our testing when compared to other antivirus providers.

Bitdefender Antivirus Review Key Informations

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

Is Bitdefender safe?

Bitdefender, being a secure anti-malware application, holds the leading position in the list of antivirus software. In fact, it has received the AV-Comparatives’ Product of the Year accolade four times, surpassing all other antivirus programs in this regard. Now, setting the awards aside, let’s examine Bitdefender’s most recent virus detection rates. AV-Test reports that Bitdefender successfully blocked 100% of threats during the testing period from May to June 2023.

Bitdefender’s Recent Virus Detection Rates

This remarkable achievement encompasses both newly discovered malware (0-day) as well as older threats up to four weeks old. Additionally, Bitdefender received an outstanding performance rating of 6 points and a usability rating of 5.5, making it the highest-scoring program in these categories.

Bitdefender Threats Interception

Bitdefender successfully intercepted all 10 threats that were presented to it during our internal evaluations. The quick scan was completed in a mere 2 minutes, while the full scan took approximately 14 minutes. With such impressive outcomes, you can trust Bitdefender to effectively safeguard your device from any potential threats.

Bitdefender security Features

Regardless of whether you opt for the free or paid version, Bitdefender utilizes the identical malware database to detect potential risks. Consequently, regardless of your choice of edition, you will receive an equally exceptional level of malware elimination. However, it is worth noting that there are additional advantages to subscribing to Bitdefender antivirus security. Below is a compilation of features that are deemed highly impressive within the package.

Firewall: allows you to monitor all the connections from your device

Anti-theft: allows you to locate your device on Google Maps, lock your device remotely

Malware scanner: offer different scanning options from quick to a thorough search for threats in your device system.

Real-time protection: a really effective security measure that catches threats before they enter your system.

Anti-tracker: a browser extension that protects you from online trackers that harvest your data.

VPN: a tool for digital protection and data collection prevention.

Password manager: a security tool to keep all your passwords safe and in one place.

Firewall

The Bitdefender Firewall is a protective feature that safeguards your device against unauthorized entry. It accomplishes this by restricting both incoming and outgoing connections, whether on local networks or the internet. The firewall employs a series of guidelines to ascertain which connections are permitted and which should be denied. These guidelines are automatically generated for recognized, authentic applications. Additionally, you have the option to personally establish guidelines for applications that you have confidence in.

By utilizing this feature, you have the ability to safeguard your computer against a wide range of dangers, such as hackers, malware, and individuals attempting to access your data without permission. Upon conducting an in-depth evaluation of the Firewall feature on Windows, we noticed that popup boxes would appear, giving us the option to either allow or block certain applications. Additionally, we were able to customize and oversee all permissions associated with both familiar and unfamiliar programs.

Anti-theft

Anti-theft is designed to safeguard your lost or stolen device by providing a range of security features. These functionalities serve to protect your device and ensure its safety.

Remote location: Locate your device on a map, even if it is turned off.

Remote lock: You can remotely lock your device, preventing anyone from accessing your data.

Remote wipe: Remotely wipe your device, deleting all of your data.

Remote alarm: Remotely activate an alarm on your device, making it easy to find if it is lost or stolen.

SIM card change alerts: Receive alerts if your SIM card is changed, which can help you to track your device if it is stolen.

Photo capture: If someone enters your device’s PIN or password incorrectly three times, Bitdefender Anti-theft will take a photo of them using the front camera.

Malware scanner

Bitdefender’s virus scanner is highly efficient and dependable. It utilizes a combination of malware directory and machine learning, making it particularly effective at detecting both familiar and unfamiliar malware threats. The scanning process takes place in the cloud, resulting in minimal impact on the device’s system.

You have the option to choose from four different scan types – Quick scan, System scan, Vulnerability scan, and Custom scan. In order to assess the effectiveness of Bitdefender’s Quick and System scans, we conducted tests using 10 malware samples including trojans, red line stealers, worms, ransomware, etc. We disabled the real-time protection feature before running these scans. Additionally, we monitored the computer resources during the scans to evaluate their impact on the device system. The following are the results of our tests:

Quick scan

The scanning process covers the typical device locations where malware is commonly found. It was successfully completed in 3 minutes and 37 seconds, during which it scanned nearly 4000 files.

System scan

The system conducts a comprehensive search for any potential malware threats. This particular scan lasted for 24 minutes and 5 seconds, during which it examined over 163,000 files. It successfully detected 9 out of 10 zero-day threats, making it an extremely dependable scan option for safeguarding your device. In total, the system scan was completed in less than an hour, with results that rival those of other top antivirus software such as Norton or Avira, which typically take around 15 minutes to finish.

Additionally, Bitdefender offers other two scan options:

Vulnerability scan

The device is checked for vulnerabilities during a 5-minute scan. This scan involves examining weak passwords, outdated applications or drives, and Windows updates. It proves particularly beneficial if manual device updates are neglected. Furthermore, it identifies any system modifications and alerts the user in the event of a security breach, prompting the need for supplementary precautions.

Custom scan

With this option, you have the ability to scan only particular system locations where there might be a threat. Moreover, this scanning option also enables you to schedule scans. Other antivirus software companies such as Norton or TotalAV also offer quick and customizable scans that can be easily scheduled with just a few clicks. All in all, the Bitdefender malware scanner is considered one of the top security tools available. It performs scans quickly and thoroughly without impacting the performance of your device, providing you with utmost confidence in the security of your system.

Real-time protection

The security feature of Bitdefender known as Bitdefender Shield is responsible for continuously scanning all downloaded files for threats. If a threat is detected, it will either be deleted or isolated in quarantine. Therefore, the real-time protection ensures that malware is intercepted before you have a chance to open any malicious files.

By working closely with Bitdefender’s Global Protective Network, which monitors over 500 million machines to identify new malware patterns, this feature provides the most effective protection. This ensures that you are safeguarded against the latest threats and phishing attacks, even those that are not well-documented or recently discovered.

In order to test the reliability of Bitdefender’s malware scanner, we decided to download 10 malware files and unzip them. The real-time protection feature of Bitdefender was then allowed to detect and handle the threats. Typically, this feature is quite efficient in quickly identifying and deleting most of the malicious files that have been unzipped.

It is worth noting that the real-time protection feature of Bitdefender cannot scan compressed files. Therefore, for it to effectively safeguard your device from cyber threats, you must first unzip any downloaded files. Nevertheless, this is a highly secure and speedy feature that offers protection against both new and previously-identified cyber threats.

Ransomware remediation

Bitdefender has developed a ransomware remediation feature that safeguards your files against ransomware threats in an automated manner. This feature ensures that a backup of your files, including documents, images, music, and videos, is created to prevent any potential damage during a ransomware attack. Additionally, Bitdefender has the capability to identify and halt malicious processes attempting to encrypt your files, averting any major complications.

While it may not be feasible to completely eliminate the encryption caused by ransomware, one can always substitute the encrypted files with prearranged backups. This ensures that there is no need for concern regarding the possible loss of significant documents or other confidential information.

AntiSpam

Despite its seemingly straightforward nature, the AntiSpam feature is actually more intricate than one might think. Its purpose is to provide active protection for the entire email channel by working with any mailbox. In order to accomplish this, it utilizes a Whitelist, a heuristic filter, and learning modules.

Bitdefender conducts an analysis of each received email, examining the message contents, header, and metadata in order to identify specific indicators of spam. Users also have the option to enable blocks for emails written in Cyrillic or Asian characters. The learning module complements this filter by collecting statistical data on the frequency of legitimate emails and spam messages.

With appropriate adjustments, this module is capable of detecting spam messages at a faster rate than any trained cybersecurity professional. Completing the triad is the whitelister, which allows users to designate trusted domains that will not be marked or scanned as spam. We put this feature to the test by evaluating its ability to recognize spam emails. The tool successfully identified and flagged spam mail, effectively safeguarding your data.

Anti-tracker

Bitdefender Anti-Tracker offers a solution to premium users who wish to put an end to the excessive tracking conducted by web services. It is well-known that the majority of websites track each and every click made through third-party scripts, cookies, and other advertising technologies.

The Anti-tracker add-on can be installed on Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Edge. By activating it, you can prevent harmful scripts from collecting your data while browsing the internet. Additionally, you have the ability to control which tracking categories are permitted or disabled. For instance, you may choose to allow website analytics but disable ads or social media tracking. This add-on can be customized according to your preferences and it effectively reduces the loading time of all websites.

Bitdefender VPN

Bitdefender stands out from many other antivirus service providers by including a VPN as part of their app. This is particularly noteworthy as some antiviruses require an extra fee for their VPNs or offer them as separate products when purchasing their highest-priced packages.

Additionally, you have the option to purchase the VPN separately, which would require a payment of $2.50 per month for a yearly subscription. In terms of antivirus software providers, while Bitdefender is a decent VPN choice, it falls short compared to premium alternatives such as NordVPN, Surfshark, IPVanish, and others. Bitdefender only offers one tunneling protocol called Catapult Hydra, which is known for its speed but lacks detailed information regarding its security measures.

Nevertheless, this VPN does provide AES 256-bit encryption, ensuring the successful concealment of your data. However, if your main concern is maximum security and anonymity, Bitdefender may not be the ideal VPN for you as it lacks an independently verified no-logs policy. On a positive note, there are several advantages to using Bitdefender Premium VPN:

• Has 4,000+ servers in more than 53 countries.
• Unblocks Netflix US and a few other streaming services.
• Has a kill switch, which will disable your Internet traffic if your connection to the VPN servers is disrupted.
• Includes an Auto-connect feature when you switch to a public Wi-Fi network or when you visit specific websites.
• Offers Split tunneling, which allows you to exclude the websites of your choice from the VPN traffic.

In contrast, opting for the lower-priced Bitdefender antivirus plans will only provide you with a daily data limit of 200 MB. However, if you choose to purchase the VPN separately, you will have access to unlimited data. For more detailed information, please refer to our comprehensive Bitdefender VPN review.

Password manager

Instead of creating a separate project, Bitdefender incorporates its password manager into the primary dashboard. Additionally, if you utilize Bitdefender on multiple devices, you will find it convenient to synchronize passwords across all of them.

The password manager comes with various features, such as:

Password wallet: here you can store your passwords and choose on which browser you can use this feature.

Password generator: helps you generate strong passwords to up your security.

Auto-save and auto-fill : pretty self-explanatory, these features allow you to automatically save new passwords into your password wallet. And you can also fill them in automatically.

This password manager is user-friendly and has a range of features. It is particularly suitable for beginners and offers a decent level of security. However, premium password managers such as NordPass or Keeper provide enhanced security features like two-factor authentication and have a wider range of features. Therefore, although this is a good choice for those looking for a basic password manager and a valuable addition to an antivirus suite, there are superior options available in the market.

Bitdefender additional features

In addition to essential security features, Bitdefender also provides a range of additional features that you may find extremely helpful. These include microphone and webcam protection, web protection, SafePay, VPN, and more. However, incorporating more optimization features like Avira’s startup optimizer or driver updater would be advantageous for Bitdefender. Regardless, Bitdefender offers more than just the necessary features. Let’s explore all of them below.

Microphone and webcam protection

The Webcam Filter is a valuable feature available to paid subscribers, offering protection for your camera and microphone against unauthorized access. While placing duct tape over your built-in webcam may be a simple solution, muting the microphone poses a greater challenge, as it can also pose potential risks.

We have conducted tests on this feature and discovered that it effectively sends notifications whenever any app or website attempts to access your camera or microphone. Once notified, you can effortlessly remove the website or app from the access list, preventing any further connections. It is important to note, however, that you will not receive a notification when an attempt to access is made; only successful accesses trigger notifications for your webcam or microphone. Nevertheless, there are security modifications available to address this issue.

• Customize a list of websites or apps that you deem secure enough to access your webcam or microphone.
• Allow websites to access the camera, but not the microphone.
• Block access only to websites, but allow apps to access the camera or microphone.

With Webcam Filter enabled, you can be sure that your device won’t be spying on you via video or audio. Sadly, the feature is only available only for paying users.

Web protection

Bitdefender provides a fully encompassing suite of web protection, consisting of a range of online security features. One notable feature is the anti-phishing tool that effectively detects and blocks any potential online threats that may jeopardize your data and device. This tool safeguards you from accessing malicious websites that could potentially target your personal information. The websites are cross-referenced with an up-to-date database of blacklisted sites to ensure maximum protection. Additionally, Bitdefender has a dedicated tab within its antivirus application specifically for anti-phishing, allowing you to easily view all blocked sites and the reasons behind their blockage.

In addition, this functionality serves as a safeguard against accessing websites that contain downloadable malware, protecting your device from inadvertently being infected with harmful threats. However, our internal testing revealed that the effectiveness of this feature was inconsistent when attempting to access malicious websites on both iOS and Android devices.

Bitdefender offers a range of web protection features to ensure the safety of users’ online activities. One such feature is Fraud Protection, which actively scans for fraudulent websites that aim to exploit users’ financial information unlawfully. Additionally, Bitdefender’s Search Advisor provides warnings about dangerous pages that may appear in search results.

Furthermore, the Encrypted Web Scan verifies the validity of SSL/TSL certificates on encrypted websites. In conclusion, Bitdefender’s web protection feature is highly effective in safeguarding against online threats and preventing potential phishing attacks from compromising users’ data and devices.

System optimization

Bitdefender OneClick Optimizer is an excellent system tune-up tool that helps you free up space on your device by removing outdated and unnecessary files. It should be noted, however, that it does not search for old personal files such as photos or videos. The system optimization scan conducted by Bitdefender OneClick Optimizer checks your device for the following:

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

Depending on how often you clean up your device, this tune-up tool can be very beneficial to your system optimization or just work as an additional feature to easily get rid of useless junk files. So, if you’re storing lots of old and unnecessary files, this is the perfect solution for you.

Furthermore, the scan is incredibly fast and organizes the results into categories such as disk, registry, and privacy cleanup. Following the scan, Bitdefender grants you the ability to review the identified files before removing them, as a precaution in case it has mistakenly classified any legitimate files as junk.

In general, this tool for optimizing devices is fairly simple, but it serves its purpose well when it comes to cleaning up your system. It may not offer as many features as competitors like Avira, which boasts over 40 optimization tools. While it could benefit from updates and additional features, it is still user-friendly and effectively delivers on its promises by efficiently removing old files and optimizing device performance.

SafePay (Secure Web Browser)

Bitdefender has implemented SafePay, a secure web browser available on its paid premium plans, to safeguard online shoppers from cybercriminals. SafePay is specifically designed for banking and online shopping websites but can be used to access any website. It creates a separate sandbox environment, which is unaffected by malware that may be present on your regular browser.

Additionally, SafePay checks the security of your Wi-Fi connection and provides a virtual keyboard to prevent malware from registering your keystrokes. In addition to these security features, SafePay also offers convenient features such as integration with Bitdefender’s password manager, bookmarks, and tab view. With SafePay, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are visiting legitimate websites that won’t compromise your credit card information.

Profiles

There are instances when you may not want any disruptions or desire to regulate the level of your device’s performance. Regrettably, many antivirus programs fail to acknowledge this requirement. However, the developers at Bitdefender comprehend that disabling the antivirus entirely may not be necessary. Sometimes, all you need is a bit of privacy or a reduction in system workload. To cater to these needs, Bitdefender offers profiles – preconfigured settings that adjust to your circumstances and enable you to optimize your computer’s performance.

There are times when you need to have zero interruptions, but unfortunately, most antivirus programs fail to consider this requirement. Bitdefender developers recognize that there are instances when you don’t want to completely turn off the antivirus but rather just need some privacy. This is where profiles come in – they are preconfigured settings that adjust to your specific circumstances. You have the option to set up profiles automatically or let an application identify the processes that are currently running. Depending on your activities, there are various modes available:

Work profile: adjusts your email settings and limits background scans to minimize the impact on the system.

Movie profile: postpones notifications and alerts so you can watch a movie without antivirus update jumpscares.

Game profile: limits background monitoring so the impact on the system is minimal.

Public Wi-Fi profile: turns on full network protection to make you safe from insecure public networks.

Battery mode profile: disables background monitoring to conserve system resources, saving battery life.

When utilizing automatic switching, the aforementioned modes are activated automatically upon opening a specific application. For instance, we conducted a test by launching an executable game file, and Bitdefender promptly detected our actions and switched to the profile that restricts the usage of system resources.

Moreover, automatic switching functioned effectively in battery mode as well. When we received a Windows notification indicating low battery life, the device automatically switched to the battery mode profile. While it is worth noting that certain services still require manual input for each of these modes based on our experience, it is reassuring to observe that Bitdefender aims to strike a balance between your tasks and antivirus protection.

Parental controls

The Bitdefender antivirus software not only defends your device against malware but also provides protection against unwanted content through its Parental controls feature. This feature is compatible with Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS platforms. To utilize this feature, you will need to install a separate application on the devices that you want to monitor.

This feature includes:

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

Extensive Testing Result

After conducting extensive testing, we have observed both positive outcomes and some challenges with this feature. The successful implementation of website blocking ensures that your child will not be able to access any restricted pages without your explicit permission. To gain access to these blocked pages, manual authorization is required. The device’s location tracking functionality functions effectively by utilizing GPS coordinates rather than relying on the IP address, making it impossible to deceive using a VPN.

Parental Control Feature

Furthermore, parents have the option to receive notifications when their child reaches specific locations. However, uninstalling the app on macOS presents a difficult situation as it can only be accomplished through BitDefender’s Uninstaller app. Nevertheless, overall, the parental control feature offers exceptional protection and allows for comprehensive management of your child’s exposure to content.

Other features worth mentioning

Bitdefender antivirus suite is filled with so many features, and here are some others that are also worth your attention:

Identity theft protection: monitors for data breaches, dark web forums, scans social media for impersonator accounts, and for the US users monitors credit systems for financial activity using your information.

Wifi security advisor: analyzes the wifi networks and routers for potential threats.

File shredder: overwrites the data using special algorithms so you can’t recover the files.

Plans and pricing

Bitdefender provides a range of 6 plans, including Free, Antivirus Plus, Internet Security, Total Security, Family Pack, and Small Office. Despite the premium package being more expensive, each plan offers a wide array of safety features to ensure optimal device security. For individuals seeking applications compatible with all operating systems, the Total Security or Family Pack plans are ideal choices.

The latter is particularly suitable for users requiring maximum device connections offered by Bitdefender. On the other hand, those looking to secure their business or enterprise while obtaining full-stack endpoint protection would find the GravityZone plan most suitable. To guarantee your investment in this antivirus software, Bitdefender offers 30-day free trials for all paid plans in addition to a 30-day money-back guarantee. In summary, here are the Bitdefender plans:

Bitdefender All Packages

	Bitdefender Free	Antivirus Plus	Internet Security	Total Security	Family Pack	Small office
Price	$0.00	$29.99/year	$29.99/year	$49.99/year	$54.99/year	$99.98/year
Device coverage	1	1	3	5	15	10
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Android	Windows	Windows	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Virus Scans
Real-time protection
Web attack prevention
Ransomware protection
Anti-phishing
Password manager
VPN
Privacy Firewall
Performance optimization tool

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

This entree plan is exclusively for Windows users and it aims to safeguard up to 3 of your devices from malware. By choosing Antivirus Plus, you will have access to a range of features such as:

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

Bitdefender Internet Security

Bitdefender Internet Security offers additional features compared to Antivirus Plus, making it an upgraded plan.

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

The price for the features provided is highly reasonable, and you will benefit from top-notch device security and online protection. However, it should be noted that this plan only supports a maximum of 3 devices and is limited to Windows users.

Bitdefender Total Security

Bitdefender Total Security does not offer many additional features beyond those included in Internet Security. The only new additions are:

• System tune-up tools
• Anti-theft protection

This plan includes coverage for mobile devices, allowing you to safeguard both your Android and iOS phones with one of the top antivirus software options available. Additionally, the Total Security plan increases the number of devices that can be protected under a single subscription to 5.

Bitdefender Premium Security

With the inclusion of this Bitdefender plan, the previous one is enhanced by eliminating the data limit on the VPN, providing access to the complete password manager package, and extending protection to a maximum of 10 devices. Moreover, you can once again utilize this Premium security package on all your devices, regardless of the operating system. Therefore, this Bitdefender plan offers the most comprehensive safety software package for your investment.

Bitdefender Free Version

Bitdefender offers a free plan for users of both Windows and macOS. The Mac version offers essential protection, including the Virus scan feature which allows you to perform on-demand scans for malware. However, it does not include any additional features. On the other hand, the free version of Bitdefender is a comprehensive suite that provides anti-malware protection along with some bonus features.

Bitdefender Free Edition

In reality, the Bitdefender Free Edition can be compared to the paid premium versions of other antivirus software. It provides reliable security for your device through virus scanning and real-time protection features. Moreover, it offers protection from phishing and ransomware attacks.

Bitdefender Protect Important Note

However, it is important to note that Bitdefender does lack certain features such as network threat protection, usage profiles, a VPN, a password manager, and more. If these features are essential to you, then it might be worth considering investing in the Bitdefender premium subscription. Not only does it provide the highest level of security, but it also allows you to protect multiple devices using a single account.

How to download and install Bitdefender

• Go to the Bitdefender website and choose your antivirus plan.
• Activate your license, download the app, and install it.
• Click the “Start Using Bitdefender” button, so the main menu pops up.
• Enable the wanted security features, like the ransomware remediation feature for stronger device security.
• Run your first device scan.

Bitdefender compared to other antivirus software

With numerous antivirus providers saturating the market, it can be challenging to determine if Bitdefender is truly the most suitable choice for you. To assist you in making an informed decision, we have curated a list of the top 5 antiviruses for comparison. This will enable you to assess how Bitdefender fares against its competitors and determine if it offers good value for your investment.

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★★★★☆
Price	From $29.99/month	From $19.99/month	From $19.00/month	From $49.08/month	From $2.99/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	No	No

Ease of use

Bitdefender’s setup may take some time after selecting the appropriate plan, which can be frustrating due to the large size of the installation files, which are 400 MB. This is a significant amount compared to other antivirus solutions such as Norton Antivirus, which install within seconds.

After the initial setup, using the app is quite straightforward. The default suite organizes its groups into three categories: Protection, Privacy, and Utilities. Additionally, there is a Dashboard that allows for quick actions and displays your status, a Settings tab, and a Notifications tab.

Bitdefender Real-Time Protection & More Benifits

• The majority of the content found under the Protection tab focuses on features commonly associated with antivirus tools. This includes settings for real-time protection, firewall monitoring, measures to counteract ransomware, and various other features.
• Privacy encompasses various techniques to maintain anonymity and security while browsing the internet, such as utilizing the SafePay browser, VPN, password manager, and parental controls.
• Utilities are for optimization tools, profile management, and file shredder.

Overall, the Bitdefender interface is easy to navigate for both beginners and more advanced, business users.

Impact on PC performance

When considering the effect of Bitdefender on a device, the term “lightweight” does not only mean that it uses minimal system resources. In our tests, we observed how much of our system resources the software utilized. It is crucial to acknowledge that increased CPU usage can impede the performance of other activities.

Bitdefender’s Full Scan

Bitdefender’s full scan utilized only 50% of the device’s CPU, making it significantly less resource-intensive compared to other antivirus providers. Moreover, our test device was completely safeguarded against all malware samples by Bitdefender’s full scan.

Bitdefender mobile apps

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

There are significant differences between the Android and iOS mobile security apps. Although downloading and setting up both apps was simple, the user experience varied. The Android version is clearly superior, whereas the iOS apps only provide basic coverage and seem to be an afterthought.

Android

The Bitdefender Android application is highly secure and user-friendly. It is widely regarded as one of the top antivirus programs for Android devices. It closely resembles the desktop version in terms of functionality, while also offering a visually appealing interface. Additionally, it encompasses all the necessary security features for your mobile device.

The features included in the Android version are:

A malware scanner constantly scans and protects your device from cyber threats.

Web protection toggle can be enabled on your browser. It protects you from visiting malicious websites.

Scam alert protects you from fraudulent links in your messages.

VPN feature, which caps at 200 MB of data per day, comes with the ad and tracker blocker.

The Autopilot feature advises you on how to be safer when using your phone. It also scans all your new apps for potential threats.

App lock is useful for limiting access to certain apps, in case you lend your device to other people.

The anti-theft feature helps you find a lost or stolen device, by showing the last known location. Additionally, you can send a message to the missing device or make it ring loudly. Also, there’s an option to remotely wipe the system.

Identity protection The service notifies you whether your email was compromised in recent data breaches. Additionally, it scans for any potential leaks on the Dark Web and assists in enhancing the security of your passwords.

iOS

The iOS version of Bitdefender Mobile Security may not be as impressive as its Android counterpart. Nevertheless, it is a highly secure and user-friendly app that provides excellent security for your iOS device. It is considered one of the top antivirus apps for iPhone, following Norton Antivirus and TotalAV. The iOS app offers the following features:

Web protection feature secures your browsing online, so you don’t visit malicious sites.

Privacy monitoring is useful for keeping track of any of your accounts that may have been involved in data breaches.

VPN that caps at 200 MB for a day, which, differently than the Android version, doesn’t come with an ad and tracker blocker.

In summary, the package includes haveibeenpwned.com, a VPN that offers adequate coverage for a few pages, and browser protection all within one application. It is disheartening to note that most antivirus software for iOS lacks extensive supplementary features because Apple devices are less susceptible to malware threats. There is still room for improvement in Bitdefender antivirus when it comes to iOS security.

Customer support

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

Bitdefender’s Support Methods

One of the standout features of Bitdefender’s customer support is that it is available to both free and paid users, without requiring a premium subscription. Additionally, there are multiple methods through which you can access the support you require. Bitdefender’s live chat support is remarkably efficient, connecting you with a dependable support agent in a matter of moments. They promptly address all your queries and effectively resolve any issues you may have. This represents a significant enhancement compared to competitors like Norton, where we had to endure wait times of up to 20 minutes for a response.

Bitdefender Possible New Support Methods

Bitdefender provides a wide range of resources on their support website, including FAQs, guides, and other helpful information, to simplify their users’ tasks. Therefore, it would be beneficial to take a look at these resources while waiting in line. It is possible that you might find a solution to your problem even before it’s your turn. If you prefer alternative methods, you can also reach out to Bitdefender through phone or email. Whichever method suits you best, there are multiple options available. The availability of such comprehensive customer support alone makes this service highly recommended.

Is Bitdefender good, and should I get it?

Bitdefender is widely regarded as one of the top antivirus software available. Its malware detection and removal rates are exceptional. Furthermore, Bitdefender stands out as a comprehensive solution due to its real-time protection, web protection, and various personal security tools. Additionally, Bitdefender offers greater affordability compared to other premium antiviruses such as Norton and Total AV.

What’s The Process For The Installation?

The installation and navigation of the antivirus software are incredibly simple. It can also be used on various device types and operating systems. The features, which vary depending on your chosen plan, encompass a VPN, password manager, protection for your webcam and microphone, as well as a file shredder. Additionally, all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it without any risk and determine if it suits your needs.

Bitdefender Performance By Our Team Tests

This is precisely why Bitdefender is widely regarded as one of the top antivirus providers, offering utmost security and protection against malware threats to your device and data. Bitdefender provides excellent security at an affordable price. It includes a range of security features and tools that enhance the performance of your device.

Bitdefender Review: Quick Expert Summary

In 2024, Bitdefender stands out as one of my preferred antivirus solutions. It offers comprehensive cybersecurity measures that cater to the needs of most users, ensuring a 100% safe digital experience. Moreover, its user-friendly interface is compatible with various devices and operating systems, making it incredibly convenient. Additionally, Bitdefender boasts affordability compared to its competitors.

Throughout my rigorous testing, Bitdefender consistently delivered outstanding results when confronted with different types of malware samples. Notably, its cloud-based antivirus engine prevented any adverse impact on my computer’s performance during full system scans – a feature lacking in many other antivirus software. Furthermore, Bitdefender excels in web protection by effectively identifying and blocking more hazardous websites than the default protections provided by Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

Frequently Asked Questions: Bitdefender Antivirus Review 2024

Is Bitdefender safe and legit?

Bitdefender is widely considered to be one of the most secure antivirus software options available. It has undergone independent testing and has consistently demonstrated its ability to detect all types of malware, including both newly emerging threats and older ones. Based on its performance so far, there is no reason to question the reliability of Bitdefender.

Is Norton better than Bitdefender?

Both Norton and Bitdefender are exceptional antivirus programs; however, they possess distinct advantages and disadvantages. While Norton boasts an outstanding malware database, Bitdefender is renowned for its lightweight nature and the availability of a free version. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your specific requirements.

Does Bitdefender have a VPN?

Certainly. Every version of Bitdefender Antivirus offers a VPN with a daily allowance of 200 MB. Nevertheless, there is also the option to purchase the complete edition of Bitdefender VPN independently.

Is Bitdefender good for mobile devices?

Indeed, Bitdefender is an excellent antivirus solution for mobile devices. However, its Android application surpasses its iOS counterpart significantly, providing a wide range of additional features.

What Bitdefender plans are available?

Bitdefender provides several software packages, namely Antivirus Plus, Internet Security, Total Security, and Family Pack. Additionally, they offer a free version that includes real-time protection.

How good is Bitdefender according to Reddit?

As per Reddit, Bitdefender is recognized as one of the leading antivirus software options. It is highly regarded for its reliability, minimal impact on device performance, and cost-effectiveness. Nevertheless, users advise against opting for the Bitdefender free version and instead suggest investing in premium subscriptions as they provide enhanced protection and a wide range of security features.

Is Bitdefender a Russian company?

No, Bitdefender is not a company from Russia. The cybersecurity firm was established in Romania in 2001 and has its main office located in Bucharest. It offers a variety of security products and services worldwide, such as antivirus software and enterprise solutions.

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Bottom Line

After exploring the features, pricing, pros, and cons of Bitdefender Antivirus, it is clear that this software offers a comprehensive and effective solution for protecting your devices from malware and cyber threats. With its advanced features and user-friendly interface, Bitdefender Antivirus is a reliable choice for anyone looking to safeguard their digital security. Whether you’re an individual or a business, investing in a reputable antivirus program like Bitdefender can provide peace of mind and ensure the safety of your sensitive data. Don’t wait any longer – try Bitdefender Antivirus today and experience the difference it can make in keeping your devices protected.