Bitdefender Review: Affordable Antivirus Monitoring

Best overall antivirus software
Bitdefender
Our rating:
4.8 out of 5.0
4.8 out of 5 stars4.8
Price
5 out of 5 stars5.0
Compatibility & coverage
4.5 out of 5 stars4.5
Extra features
5 out of 5 stars5.0
Plans starting at 
$29.99
/yr.*
  • Free plan available

**Promotional pricing for first year; $59.99/yr. for subsequent years.

The bottom line

With real-time malware protection, VPN access, and a no-cost monitoring option, Bitdefender is reliable antivirus product that does a little bit of everything.

Overview
If you’re looking for an affordable, user-friendly antivirus solution, look no further. Bitdefender’s subscriptions are chock full of security features like ransomware remediation and phishing protection to keep your device safe from viruses, vulnerabilities, and other online threats.

And while Bitdefender is keeping your devices safe, it doesn’t skimp on performance. Your computer will be safe from malicious software without slowing down your processor or draining your batteries. Plus, Bitdefender offers 24/7 customer support, which is great for when you’ve had it up to here with troubleshooting.

Ahead, we’re comparing Bitdefender’s plans and prices so you can see which subscription is the best fit for you and yours.

What is Bitdefender?

Bitdefender is a Romania-based cybersecurity and antivirus software company. It offers a number of subscriptions that help keep your computer and other devices safe from malware, a type of software designed to damage or disrupt your computer system. Viruses are a type of malware, as are ransomware, spyware, and more.


Compare Bitdefender plans

*Standard retail prices as of 1/23/2020. Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by retailer.
**Promotional pricing for first year.

Pros and cons of Bitdefender antivirus suites

Pros
  • Pro BulletAffordable pricing
  • Pro Bullet24/7 customer support for paid plans
  • Pro BulletSome VPN access included in paid subscriptions
  • Pro BulletCoverage for at least three devices
Cons
  • Con BulletIncreased pricing after first year
  • Con BulletSeparate subscription required for unlimited VPN access

Bitdefender Antivirus Free review 

Bitdefender Free
  • Anti-phishing and anti-fraud filtrering
  • Quick install
  • Behavior-based detection

Why we recommend Bitdefender Antivirus Free

If you prefer a minimalist approach, try Bitdefender’s free version. It offers some basic antivirus protection, installs quickly, and won’t take up too many of your computer’s resources. Plus, it’s completely free.

Standout features

Bitdefender Antivirus Free gives you the basics: on-demand scanning and malware removal, anti-phishing and anti-fraud filtering, and behavior-based detection. It’s great if you use your computer for resource heavy applications like gaming or photo and video editing.

Bitdefender also offers free protection for Macs and Androids. Virus Scanner for Mac scans your computer for malware and quarantines dangerous files. Antivirus Free for Android protects your mobile device from malware threats with cloud-based threat protection and lets you scan your apps for viruses and spyware on demand.

ASecureLife’s recommendation: Bitdefender’s free version is a good get if you’re on a budget or if you just don’t want to commit to paying a yearly fee for antivirus protection. You’ll get just the basics, but if you don’t use your computer for more than light surfing, video editing, or gaming, Antivirus Free should be plenty.

>>Beware the malware. Get Bitdefender Antivirus Free.


Bitdefender Antivirus Plus review

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
Starting at 
$29.99
/yr.**
  • Includes VPN
  • Ransomware protection
  • Password manager included

**Promotional pricing for first year; $59.99/yr. for subsequent years.

Why we recommend Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus covers the basics and then some. Starting at $29.99 per year, it’s a great value. Plus, it offers some helpful features—like behavioral detection and a Virtual Private Network (VPN)—that help protect your computer and any sensitive documents living there.

Upgrade your VPN
Our Choice
Bitdefender’s paid subscriptions include VPN access, which encrypts up to 200 MB of data daily. It’s a thoughtful addition, but it’s only enough for checking a couple of emails and some light web browsing.

If you want to upgrade your VPN, Bitdefender offers Premium VPN access for an additional $39.99 a year. It’s a little pricey, but you’ll get extensive coverage and an unlimited amount of encrypted data daily.

Standout features

Ransomware protection

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus takes a multilayer approach to protecting your devices. Real-time data protection consistently works against threats like viruses and ransomware, and behavioral detection closely monitors your active apps and takes immediate action against suspicious activity. You’ll also get a few extras:

  • Data protection for documents, including photos and videos
  • Anti-phishing
  • Anti-fraud techb

Online privacy

The Antivirus Plus subscription also helps you maintain some privacy online. Its VPN service encrypts up to 200 MB worth of internet traffic to keep your online presence safe. And an anti-tracker extension blocks trackers that collect your data—so you won’t see those ill-advised bunny slippers pop up on Instagram after you searched for them on Google.

Plus, you’ll get a password manager to help you secure your passwords, credit card information, and more. Bitdefender will even recommend secure passwords when you can’t think of anything better than “Password123.”

Here’s what else you’ll get with Bitdefender Antivirus Plus:

  • Bitdefender Safepay (secure web browser) for safe online banking
  • Wi-Fi security advisor to secure your Wi-Fi network
  • Social network protection
  • Vulnerability and assessment scans
  • Virtual File Shredder (permanently deletes electronic folders and files)
  • Password manager

Price

Antivirus Plus covers up to three devices and starts at $29.99 for the first year, then goes up to $59.99 a year. It’s a great value, especially compared to brands like Norton. Norton offers a lot of the same features as Bitdefender, and its most similar plan, Norton Antivirus Plus, is the same price, but it only covers one device a year.

If you have a Mac or an Android device you’d like to cover, you’ll have to purchase a separate subscription. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac costs $29.99 per year for the first year, then $59.99 per year, and covers a lot of the same things as Antivirus Plus. You’ll get VPN access plus protection from ransomware and Mac-related threats.

For only $14.99 per year, you can subscribe to Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android. It includes a Bitdefender VPN plus remote access to your phone in case of loss or theft, and it will snap a picture of anyone who tries to use—or steal—your phone and email that picture to you.

ASecureLife’s recommendation: If you’re looking to get serious about internet security but you don’t know where to start, try Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. You’ll get real-time protection, VPN access, plus some thoughtful features that keep your online identity and your financial information safe.

>>Sayonara, spyware. Get Bitdefender Antivirus Plus.


Bitdefender Internet Security review 

Bitdefender Internet Security
Starting at 
$39.98
/yr**
  • Coverage for up to 3 devices
  • Parental controls and screen time limitations
  • Webcam protection

**Promotional pricing for first year; $79.99/yr. for subsequent years

Why we recommend Internet Security

Bitdefender Internet Security takes the best parts of its predecessor and adds even more features, like spam filters and parental control. It’s a good bet if you’re looking to get serious about your antivirus software.

Standout features

Bitdefender Internet Security adds advanced security features and can be installed on up to three devices, like spam filters to keep your Microsoft Outlook inbox under control. And if you’re a parent, Internet Security offers parental control tools to help keep your kids safe online. You can filter out inappropriate content, limit your children’s screen time, and remotely log into Bitdefender Central to make sure your kids are keeping up with their homework (and not the Kardashians).

Internet Security also tacks on webcam protection, so you’ll know when an app is trying to access your camera, and you can block it accordingly. You’ll also get file encryption—a must-have for confidential documents—and a firewall that keeps you safe from data hackers and other nosy people on the internet.

Price

Bitdefender Internet Security starts at $39.98 per year for the first year, then $79.99 per year after that. It’s pretty in line with the competition: a comparable Kaspersky subscription covering three devices per year starts at $39.99 a year for the first 12 months before jumping up to $59.99 per year. But you won’t get parental control, file encryption, or a password manager.

ASecureLife’s recommendation: If you want to get serious about antivirus protection, or if you’ve experienced a data breach, Bitdefender Internet Security can help keep your devices safe (and give you peace of mind). Come for the spam filters and data encryption; stay for the parental controls and the firewall.

>>Antivirus software made easy. Get Bitdefender Internet Security.


Bitdefender Total Security review 

Bitdefender Total Security
Starting at 
$44.99
/yr.**
  • Coverage for up to 5 devices
  • Improved speed and performance
  • Real-time data and web protection

**Promotional pricing for first year; $89.99/yr. for subsequent years.

Why we recommend Internet Security

Bitdefender Total Security isn’t much more expensive than Internet Security, and it doesn’t add a ton of new features. But it covers up to five devices and can be used across Windows, Macs, Androids, and iOS devices. It’s a good option if your family’s devices are varied—like if you have a Windows desktop but your significant other has an iPad.

Standout features

Thanks to a system optimizer, Total Security has improved speed and performance, so its even less likely to drain your battery or make your desktop glitchy. It also adds antitheft protection, so you can remotely access a lost or stolen device and wipe it of any sensitive information.

Bitdefender Total Security also lets you give a little love to your Mac, Android, and iOS devices with real-time data and web protection. In terms of features, you’ll get the usual: parental control, access to a Bitdefender VPN, and on-demand scans.

Price

For the first year, Total Security is priced at $49.99. Afterwards, you’ll pay $89.99 per year, which is a good deal, considering it covers up to five devices. Webroot’s most similar package, SecureAnywhere Internet Security Complete, starts at $59.99 for the first year and jumps to $79.99 per year.

ASecureLife’s recommendation: If you want, well, a total security solution, Bitdefender Total Security offers a lot of features for a lot of devices at an affordable price. Consider it if your family is device-diverse and you want to make sure everything is covered.

>>A security suite we can get behind. Get Bitdefender Total Security.


Is Bitdefender good?

Bitdefender offers reliable and comprehensive antivirus protection, so it’s easy to protect your computer from malicious software, scams, and more. From scouring reviews online, it seems that most customers are satisfied with both Bitdefender’s features and its customer service. Many users say that Bitdefender is a trustworthy product and that it’s easy to use.

A few customers complain about Bitdefender’s policy of automatic renewals—we suggest cancelling before your renewal date if you decide Bitdefender’s no longer a good fit.

Customer service

We also like that Bitdefender offers solid customer support hours. Bitdefender’s customer support team is available 24/7 via email, chat, and phone. You can also post to Bitdefender’s forum if you want to submit suspicious files to Bitdefender’s lab.

Compare Bitdefender plans

*Standard retail prices as of 1/23/2020. Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by retailer.
**Promotional pricing for first year.

Compared to similar subscriptions, Bitdefender offers comprehensive coverage at a similar price. It typically also covers more devices than other brands’ packages: Bitdefender Antivirus Plus covers up to three devices where Webroot, Norton, and Avast cover only one device at the same tier.

For more on how Bitdefender compares to other antivirus software, check out our list of the best antivirus protection for PC.


Our recommendation

Bitdefender makes some of the most comprehensive antivirus software on the market. Its antivirus suites are reliable, high-value, and great at proactively protecting your computer, tablets, and smartphones from malicious software.

For most people, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus will hit the mark. You’ll get solid protection that’ll protect your online identity and your browsing history, and you’ll also have access to 24/7 customer support.

If you need a plan with a little more oomph—like parental control to keep track of your kids or webcam protection to up your privacy—upgrade to Bitdefender Internet Security. You’ll get extra perks like spam filters and a privacy firewall, plus access to file encryption for sensitive documents like scanned birth certificates or passports.

>>Keep your devices safe. Buy Bitdefender here.