Both Avast antivirus and Bitdefender antivirus are ranked among the most capable and feature-packed protective software suites available. Hence, settling the Avast and Bitdefender debate means comparing the two like for like, in terms of both performance and overall value for money.
Is paying for Avast worth it? Does the Bitdefender's free edition cover everything you need at no cost? Or is it better to sign up for a paid Avast family plan for better coverage?
Key Takeaways
- Both Avast and Bitdefender are well-known antiviruses with free options for the budget-conscious consumer.
- Bitdefender barely affects the performance of your PC, while Avast isn’t the best choice for peak system performance.
- Both programs have a VPN, but Avast’s VPN is much better.
- Bitdefender provides excellent malware-detection scores and real-time protection and offers more features than Avast.
In this detailed review, we’ll be taking a closer look at the Avast and Bitdefender debate to work out which of the two represents the superior overall security packages good enough to rank in our lineup of the best network security software.
Our recommendation: McAfee
With so many antivirus products in the market, there is none that’s like McAfee. With over 18.9 billion devices protected on a consistent basis, McAfee’s ability to deal with malware attacks come unmatched! McAfee has a dedicated database that is adept to deal with all sorts of virus attacks whether they may be online or offline. To browse their programs, check out their programs here!
Which is the Better, Bitdefender or Avast?
It’s no secret that staying safe these days means taking computer viruses and malware seriously. The moment you let your guard down is the moment you leave yourself wide open to attack. Setting yourself up with Bitdefender or Avast antivirus will ensure you are protected from a wide variety of malware threats, but there are important differences between the two software suites to consider.
Likewise, evaluating the differences between Bitdefender free vs paid packages is essential. If you’re not planning on paying for your protection, weighing up the pros and cons of Bitdefender vs Avast's free offering is the way to go.
Personal preference plays a role, but there are certain features, functionalities and points of appeal that separate these two popular computer protection packages. Let’s take a look at the specifics in a little more detail.
Security
For obvious reasons, the most important initial consideration is that of the security settings of the program suite. Read almost any Bitdefender Antivirus Plus or Avast Total Security review and you’ll scarcely come across a negative word said about either.
Both of these software suites have been designed with both everyday users and businesses in mind, with a wide variety of options available to suit most budgets. Neither would have earned such a strong reputation without providing excellent security coverage, though there are instances where one has a slight edge over the other.
Here’s how they perform when compared side by side, in accordance with a few key security factors:
Antivirus Protection
Kicking things off with a tie, Avast and Bitdefender are completely equal in their capabilities against common and rare viruses. Prioritising virus protection is essential, given how viruses are by far the most common computer threats posed to the average computer. The very best antivirus is that which detects the presence of a virus at the earliest possible stage, blocking its spread and preventing it from causing damage in the first place.
Some claim that Bitdefender has a slight edge over Avast due to the way in which its developers tend to be fractionally ahead of the curve where new viruses and widespread malware are concerned. The free Bitdefender antivirus package is also one of the best available at no initial cost.
Nevertheless, both packages are leagues ahead of the competition in this department, without casting much of a shadow on one another. So again, it’s very much neck-and-neck between the two where antivirus protection is concerned.
Scanning
It’s also a pretty close call by way of scanning – the Avast and Bitdefender virus scanners both doing a great job with minimal disruption. A good virus scanner goes beyond the basics to perform a deep and complex examination of your computer and its hardware, in order to pick up on any potential signs of a threat. As mentioned above, it’s a case of ensuring anything suspicious is picked up on as early as possible, before it is able to cause harm to your system.
Both Avast and Bitdefender offer a wide range of system scan types and features, which can be automated or manually activated. If being completely honest, you could argue that Avast has a slightly longer list of scan types and complex scanning features than its counterparts. Whether or not you’ll actually make use of them depends on your requirements, but Avast may technically have a tiny edge in this department.
Nevertheless, you can count on both of these program suites to perform the fast, detailed and in-depths scans needed to protect your computer from harm. Which in both instances are performed smoothly, seamlessly and without slowing your computer to a crawl.
Firewall Protection
One of the most important aspects of any computer security system is an effective firewall and network protection capability. Where virus or malware detection program is designed to locate potentially harmful files already on your computer, a firewall establishes a robust barrier between your computer and the Internet. The idea being that with a firewall in place, only the files and users you permit to gain access to your computer and network systems will be able to do so.
Most operating systems and ISPs these days provide rudimentary firewall protection, which is relatively easy to set up and customize. Though rarely is a basic OS-based firewall considered as safe as an advanced firewall, as part of a much broader and stronger security program suite.
It’s a relatively easy Avast comparison vs Bitdefender in this instance – Avast includes an additional firewall for enhanced protection, whereas Bitdefender doesn’t contain a firewall. Hence, if firewall protection is a priority, Avast takes the lead in this area.
Malware Protection & Phishing Protection
Malware attacks and phishing attempts are becoming more commonplace by the day, which in many instances are practically impossible for the average user to spot. This is where an advanced computer security program suite can help, by ensuring anything that could pose a threat to you or your computer is detected and brought to your attention at the right time.
Neither Bitdefender nor Avast has much of an edge in this aspect, given how both have been designed to identify and prevent a wide range of attacks. Avast may have a slightly larger list of tools and features for handling these kinds of security threats, but Bitdefender is noted for its unrivalled user friendliness. You could therefore argue that Avast is a superior information protection tool, but also that Bitdefender is the perfect choice for the everyday user.
Again, it depends entirely on your requirements and your personal preferences. Not to mention, how much you are willing to pay – given how features and functionalities differ from one package to the next in both instances. In any case, you’re likely to find the most of your needs covered, irrespective of whether you go with Avast or Bitdefender.
Features
Comparing features like for like can be tricky, given how what’s on offer differs significantly from one paid package to the next. In this instance, therefore, let’s assume you’ve decided to go with the top-level subscription package, either with Bitdefender or Avast.
When comparing both lists of features from top to bottom, the most important functionalities are more or less identical between the two. Examples of which include quick scans, a full-system scan and boot-time scans, alongside features such as cloud antivirus, anti-spam, email security and so on. Perhaps the only difference being that while Avast edges ahead in terms of the different types of scans you can do, Bitdefender offers a few additional features you don’t get with Avast.
For example, choose the top-level package with Bitdefender and you’re also provided with an outstanding unlimited VPN traffic, a useful password manager and a feature called Rescue Mode for dealing with the consequences of an attack. You also get a superb multi-layer ransomware protection system, which again isn’t included in Avast.
Of course, the extent to which any of these advanced features is essential or even preferable is entirely up to you to decide. In terms of basic coverage, both packages are leaps and bounds ahead of most mainstream antivirus suites. It’s just that with Bitdefender, you gain access to a handful of super-premium additional features that don’t make it into the mix with Avast.
Hence, Bitdefender takes the lead in terms of features, by a very narrow margin.
Password Manager
Bitdefender’s password manager is the better option. Avast has stopped the sale of new Avast Passwords subscriptions. So, you can’t use it anymore as a new subscriber.
Bitdefender’s password manager, on the other hand, is one of the best-bundled password managers I’ve tested. It has essential features like a password generator, unlimited password storage, auto-filling, password auditing, password sharing, data breach monitoring, and multi-device syncing.
System Performance
If you’re relatively experienced where computer security software is concerned, you’ll know just how much of a drain it can be on your system’s resources. Traditionally, there’s been a direct correlation between the power/effectiveness of the antivirus program and the extent to which it slows down your computer. The more comprehensive and in-depth the program, the greater the disruption it has caused.
Increasingly, however, developers are working hard to optimize their system security software packages for lower-spec machines. This way, you’re able to continue working on your computer as normal, while your antivirus program does its thing in the background.
Comparing Avast and Bitdefender, it’s safe to say that Bitdefender is the more lightweight package of the two by far. From top to bottom, Bitdefender has been designed to limit its consumption of system resources and to get the job done smoothly and seamlessly on computers with minimal RAM and limited processing power. By contrast, Avast does have a habit of slowing things down – especially when performing more intensive scans.
For anyone running a high-spec PC with plenty of RAM and processing power, it’s purely a case of personal preference. By contrast, anyone with a more modest set-up or a moderately powered laptop should probably go with Bitdefender.
User Interface
Powerful and advanced features are all well and good, but are of little to no practical value if you don’t know how to use them. This is where the importance of a streamlined and intuitive user interface lies, which with antivirus programs is often overlooked. Particularly if you don’t have a huge amount of past experience, the whole thing can be overwhelming at first. The simpler the Bitdefender's antivirus interface, the more likely you are to get the maximum value out of your antivirus software suite.
Initially, you could argue that the interface of Bitdefender’s is a little on the daunting side. It’s not that the information and options on-screen are presented untidily or unattractively – it’s just that there’s so much information it can be difficult to know where to start. Of course, the program comes complete with a whole series of helpful guides and tutorials, so you’ve all the help you need to begin making sense of things.
With Avast, first impressions aren’t nearly as overwhelming. Its development team has done a great job putting together an interface and dashboard that’s both easy on the eye and accommodating for those with little to no experience. Again, all the guides and tutorials you will need to get started are included, so no worries there.
Once up and running, Bitdefender may actually have a slight edge over its rival. For one thing, there’s an extremely useful “quick actions” feature on the front page of the antivirus program, providing quick and easy access to the features you will probably be using most often. In addition, the Bitdefender free trial package doesn’t continuously attempt to pressure you into signing up for a paid package.
Avast offers a free version, but includes buttons and tabs for all the various features you’re missing out on anyway. Frustratingly, each time you accidentally click on one of these buttons or tabs, you’re transported to a website that tries to sell you an upgrade. This doesn’t make for the most enjoyable or user-friendly experience, so the points go the way of Bitdefender in this instance.
Pricing & Plans
Of course, costs need to be factored into the equation when choosing an antivirus software suite for your home computer or your business. Where available, choosing a Bitdefender free Mac or PC trial before handing your cash is simply common sense. Likewise, Avast offers a free trial of its anti-virus software, so you can see how the whole thing works before choosing a paid package.
Avast for Android/iOS and Bitdefender antivirus for Android and iOS variants are available, but in this instance we’ll be taking a look at the main PC and Mac antivirus version of the two.
Avast Pricing
Avast is widely considered to be one of the most affordable high-end computer software suites on the market, with packages available from as little as $60. Here’s how things look for paid Avast subscribers at the time of writing:
| 1 Device | 3 Devices | 5 Devices | 10 Devices |
Avast Internet Security for Windows | $59.99 | $79.99 | $104.99 | $179.99 |
Avast Premier for Windows | $69.99 | $99.99 | $134.99 | $219.99 |
Avast Ultimate for Windows (unlimited devices) | $119.99 | |||
Avast Security Pro for Mac | $59.99 | $69.99 | $79.99 | $99.99 |
Bitdefender Pricing
It’s also hard to knock what’s available over at Bitdefender, where a powerful and in-depth computer security suite can be picked up for less than $40. At the time of writing, this is how the various packages available for paid Bitdefender subscribers looked:
| 1 Device | 3 Devices | 5 Devices | 10 Devices |
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus | $39.98 | $59.99 | $69.99 | $79.99 |
Bitdefender Internet Security | $59.99 | $79.99 | $84.99 | $89.99 |
Bitdefender Total Security | Not available | Not available | $89.99 | $99.99 |
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac | $39.99 | $59.99 | Not available | Not available |
Singling out one or the other as a ‘winner’ in terms of price is actually impossible, given how each paid subscription package includes an entirely different set of features and functionalities.
On one hand, you could say that Avast is slightly more flexible for the commercial or business user, with a more dynamic range of higher-end subscription packages to choose from. On the other hand, Bitdefender is the more affordable of the two in most instances. Especially when looking to cover multiple devices, you could save a lot of money by choosing Bitdefender over Avast.
In any case, they both represent exceptional value for money and have packages available to suit all preferences and pockets. It’s therefore more or less a tie, as value for money is pretty much the same with both options.
Trial & Free Versions
Even if you’ve already made a decision to sign up for a paid package, it simply makes sense to give things ago with a free trial beforehand. This way, you’ll have the opportunity to determine whether or not it is the paid package or program for you, before handing over any of your cash. Free trials of anti-virus software are (of course) always limited in terms of features and functionalities, though should give you a good idea of the scope of what’s on offer with the paid packages.
On the technical side of things, Avast and Bitdefender are neck-and-neck with their free trial packages. Both Avast and Bitdefender provide the opportunity to test-drive their software suites, with absolutely no obligation to go ahead. Features and functionalities are kept relatively compact in both instances, though the free trial of Avast is a little more comprehensive in terms of scope than its counterpart.
However, and as previously mentioned above, the free Avast trial package is basically one non-stop advertisement for the paid packages on offer. You’re continuously teased with the features you don’t have access to, which when clicked (accidentally or otherwise) take you straight to a sales page of the Avast website. Not the end of the world, but it does get annoying after a while.
Bitdefender Premium Security doesn’t offer quite as many features with its free trial, but does at least feel like a self-contained piece of program – not simply an interactive advert for a more advanced package.
Guarantee
Buying an antiviruses suite (or signing up for a subscription) has traditionally meant taking something of a risk. The reason being that if you weren’t completely satisfied with how the antivirus program worked, there’s wasn’t a great deal you could do. You’d be eligible for a refund if it was faulty, but that was about it. Guarantees and warranties are a relatively new arrival where antivirus programs are concerned, which, when provided, bring total peace of mind into the equation.
Particularly given how in some instances, you could be spending three or four figures to protect your business and its computer systems.
The good news being that with both Avast and Bitdefender, a full money-back guarantee is thrown in for added reassurance. In both instances, customers are provided with a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you have 30 days from the date of purchase to put it through its paces. If you decide the program isn’t for you, you’ll be entitled to a full refund – no questions asked. You won’t be asked to justify your return of the program in either instances, which is good to know.
Both Avast and Bitdefender combine free trials of their program with a money-back guarantee, representing an excellent and reassuring show of confidence on the part of the software provider.
Customer Support
Bitdefender's customer support is available even if you're a free user. This might not sound like much, but it includes live chat, you can contact them via phone or email. Suppose it's a minor issue and you prefer solving problems on your own. In that case, you can find FAQs, guides, and other information on their support website.
As far as Avast are concerned, your problems become worthy of their attention only when you become a paying user. Even when you become their subscriber, this changes very little when it comes to support. Primarily, Avast relies on phone lines and their customer support portal with many FAQs and guides.
Bitdefender offers more ways how it can offer support, and it's generally a more welcoming service. When it comes to customer support, this service truly deserves praise.
Verdict: Who Wins?
Reaching a defined conclusion when comparing Bitdefender with Avast is tricky, for the simple reason that both software suites do a great job at an affordable price. Once again, it’s a case of assessing your own requirements, priorities and preferences, before pairing them with your ideal program solution.
For those looking to protect important business machines from harm on a commercial level, it’s probably fair to say that Avast is the more powerful and in-depth suite of the two. Particularly when it comes to scanning, Avast takes some beating.
But at the same time, it’s significantly more expensive than Bitdefender (with some of the higher-tier packages) and you may not necessarily need such in-depth scanning. Hence, anyone looking for more general coverage and in need of a lightweight solution that isn’t going to eat up their hardware’s resources, Bitdefender is the way to go.
The overall recommendation is, therefore, relatively simple. Decide what level of coverage you need and how much money you can afford to spend on buying different antivirus programs before giving the corresponding antivirus suite a try by way of a free initial trial. It’s also worth remembering that in both instances, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee included with every purchase, so there’s nothing to lose by putting either Avast or Bitdefender through its paces to see what’s on offer.
Our recommendation: McAfee
From phishing scams to malware attacks, security threats grow increasingly by the day. Although the products we mentioned are very good, it cannot beat the likes of McAfee. With McAfee it has protection on all sorts of devices ranging from phones to even cars! It’s extensive product line-up has protected over 18.9 billion devices to this day. We are sure that you will come across a package that is perfect for you, to check out their line-up, click here!
Avast highlights:
- Extensive compatibility with a wide variety of platforms
- Intensive, in-depth and varied scanning options
- The highest level of malware security available
- Suitable for all types of business and commercial use
- Very impressive phishing websites & malware detection
- Automatically detects and blocks suspicious websites
- Excellent user interface and extensive customization options
- New passive mode for running multiple security products in parallel
Bitdefender highlights:
- The longest list of features and functionalities
- Unrivalled results in third-party testing
- Very impressive free trial trackage with minimum up-sells
- Includes a VPN and advanced ransomware protection
- Exceptional overall value for money
- Perfect for individual users and businesses
- Intuitive, simple and easy to use
Bitdefender Pros and Cons
Rounding things off, we’ll now be taking a look at the primary advantages and disadvantages of Bitdefender antivirus program:
PROS
- Good all-round protection
- Minimal drain on resources
- Excellent free trial available
- 30-day money back guarantee
- Long list of features
- Great for homes and businesses
- Very affordable packages
- Avast antivirus interface is more intuitive and attractive.
CONS
- Entry-level packages only protect the Win OS
- Limited number of scan types to choose from
Avast Pros and Cons
It’s a relatively similar story with Avast Premium Security, where there are significantly more pros than cons to report:
PROS
- Dynamic in-depth scanning
- Password manager
- Network security inspector
- Avast has Avast Secure Browser-independent web protection
- Affordable packages available
- 30-day money back guarantee
CONS
- Some features have to be bought separately
- Full protection against dangerous URLs only in Chrome and Firefox
How Does Bitdefender Compare to Other Companies
Kaspersky vs Bitdefender
Kaspersky, like Bitdefender, is a renown internet security software with a slew of features. It has solid protection, but overall Bitdefender offers better protection than Kaspersky. However, it's not the best.
Bitdefender vs McAfee
McAfee is actually our #1 rated choice out of all antiviruses. With unparalleled ability to keep your devices safe, McAfee is definitely the best you can get. You can read more in this article that compares Bitdefender and McAfee.
Bitdefender vs ESET
ESET is a decent antivirus software, but loses out to Bitdefender on features, malware protection, and performance. In our book, Bitdefender better than ESET out on almost every category.
Bitdefender vs Windows Defender
Windows defender is the free antivirus program that comes with Windows desktops and laptops. While its basic protection. is decent, it does not compare to that of Bitdefender's. If you want to protect all your devices then Windows Defender isn't enough. Bitdefender beats out Windows Defender in almost all aspects of an antivirus.
Bitdefender vs Comodo
Bitdefender is superior to Comodo in almost everything that we measure except Malware protection, which Comodo won slightly. That said, Bitdefender is still the clear winner in this matchup.
Bitdefender vs Norton
Norton is another top-ranked antivirus program in our eyes. While Bitdefender is as well, we actually rank Norton above Bitdefender in almost all aspects of virus and malware security.
FAQs
1. Is Bitdefender’s free better than Avast Free?
Bitdefender easily wins in terms of performance. It's easier to use, more intuitive, and scans more quickly. Bitdefender will provide you with the same level of protection as Avast, but it will not overwhelm you with features and links attempting to convince you to upgrade. It simply does its job under no duress. They both do not negatively affect PC performance; overall, we give five stars rating.
2. Can Bitdefender be trusted?
Bitdefender is one of the best antivirus programs we've tested in 2021. Bitdefender can protect your computer against a wide variety of cyber threats, depending on the package and price. This category of malware includes viruses, spyware, adware, and ransomware.
3. Is Avast free really free?
The free version is completely free. If you choose Avast free version, It will provide you with a basic level of security for free. However, there are some features that are not available in the free version. If you want to fully protect your computer, you will need to pay for a subscription.
4. Is Bitdefender the best free antivirus?
Bitdefender is one of the best antivirus software programs on the market. It is free to download and use, and it offers excellent protection against malware and other online threats. Bitdefender is very easy to use, and it provides a number of features that are not available in other free antivirus programs. It is one of the most popular antivirus programs available, and it has received positive reviews from experts and users alike.
5. What is the difference between Bitdefender’s free and paid?
Bitdefender's free and paid antivirus software differ in their features. The paid software offers a wider range of features, such as parental controls and a secure browser, while the free software offers only basic protection against viruses and malware. Paid users also receive customer support, while free users do not.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and Avast Free Antivirus are two popular antivirus suites that offer a lot of special features, but how do they stack up in a one-on-one showdown?