Bitdefender vs Kaspersky – which of the two is the best antivirus package for you?
Internet security software is playing an increasingly important role in safeguarding businesses and households alike from a long list of potential threats. We’ve long since passed the point where Internet protection can be taken for granted – it’s now a case of being proactive, or facing the prospect of catastrophic consequences.
Selecting the best internet security software between Bitdefender internet security and Kaspersky means taking a variety of variables into consideration. The level of antivirus protection required, how many operating systems you intend to secure, how much you can afford to pay and so on. Though in all instances, sticking with a tried, tested and trusted software suite from a respected developer is the way to go.
Bitdefender vs Kaspersky - Which Antivirus Offers Better Protection?
Is Kaspersky anti-virus good? Absolutely yes. Is Bitdefender for Mac and PC worth paying for? Without a doubt. But which of the two offers the best all-round protection? Also, you can look here for the best antivirus for Linux reviews.
That’s what we’ll be taking a look at in this independent Kaspersky vs Bitdefender summary but we also did a full Bitdefender review.
In both instances, you’re looking at a robust and all-inclusive antivirus suite from an established and reputable defender security company. Whether looking to safeguard your home computer with the most basic features to secure Windows or take business security to a higher level with the Bitdefender password manager, both companies offer a variety of packages to suit all preferences and budgets.
However, there are important differences between the two when it comes to user-friendliness and the scope of the features on offer. Not to mention, the value for money of the various Kaspersky and Bitdefender deals available right now.
Read on for all the information you’ll need to decide whether Bitdefender or Kaspersky anti-virus is the right choice for you.
Also, check out how Bitdefender and Kaspersky anti-virus compare to other anti-virus software packages, using the following links:
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!
Bitdefender is Cheaper than What Kaspersky Offers
Right off the bat, you could argue that Bitdefender is technically cheaper than Kaspersky anti-virus. There’s very little between the two at the bottom end of the table, with both offering a wide variety of introductory packages for next to nothing. However, anyone interested in the higher-level packages available from the two will find Bitdefender premium security solutions are slightly more affordable – a saving in the region of around $10.00 per year.
In addition, Bitdefender also takes the lead by offering a slightly better free trial version. Both providers offer a full 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can try any of the paid packages at no risk whatsoever. It’s just that the free antivirus version of Bitdefender is slightly more comprehensive than its counterpart. There’s also a neat Bitdefender Family Pack that’s worth checking out, if looking for affordable home coverage.
Nevertheless, both packages represent outstanding value for money and provide exceptional coverage at a low price.
Kaspersky and Bitdefender offer about the Same Level of Antivirus and Malware Protection
Put to the AV test by independent third parties, both Kaspersky and Bitdefender have consistently outperformed the competition in terms of robust and reliable antivirus and malware program. Deemed capable of detecting a full 100% of all threats, both packages are as good as it gets when covering the basics.
Independent testing involves pitting anti-virus software against rare and common widespread malware and viruses over the past four years, along with the capacity of the program in question to identify new and unknown threats. Neither showed any edge over its rival in this context – both scored top marks in all areas that matter most.
Kaspersky Total Security has Fewer Features than Bitdefender
Interestingly, despite the fact that Kaspersky costs more as far as its higher-level tiers are concerned, you actually gain access to a longer list of features and functionalities with Bitdefender. The question as to whether or not you need all of these features is up to you to decide, but it is still a point in favor of Bitdefender as the more comprehensive suite of the two.
They’re more or less even where the basics are concerned, covering essentials like password management across multiple devices, parental controls, privacy protection, dangerous website detection and full protection suite against all types of viruses, spyware, malware dangerous internet downloads, webcam protection, network protection and phishing attacks.
However, Bitdefender is the only one of the two that also comes with an advanced anti-theft tools and a free unlimited VPN traffic (Bitdefender Premium VPN service) as part of the package. There’s also the bonus of platform-specific program including Bitdefender for Android and Bitdefender for Mac, with one license covering up to five devices across multiple platforms.
Kaspersky Internet Security Concerns
Events that took place a few years ago left a sour taste in the mouths of many new and existing Kaspersky critics. Back a few years ago, there were allegations that Kaspersky anti-virus had potentially dangerous ties with the Russian government, resulting in the immediate prohibition of its use on all computer systems in US government offices. It’s important to note that the allegations were never actually proven, though even to this day the use of Kaspersky anti-virus is prohibited in US government settings.
Though it’s interesting to note that the US government has issued no warnings whatsoever regarding the safety or otherwise of Kaspersky in non-government settings. Nevertheless, the controversial issue prompted many who were running Kaspersky anti-virus to switch to other anti-virus security suites, despite there being no direct evidence of any specific danger.
Working hard to move on from the controversy, Kaspersky has made a variety of changes to its operational policies and more recently moved its data processing to Switzerland. There’s no evidence whatsoever to suggest that the vast majority of home and business users should be concerned about using Kaspersky, though many still instinctively avoid it due to the allegations that surfaced.
Bitdefender has More Awesome Features than Kaspersky
As touched upon above, there’s no disputing the fact that Bitdefender has a much longer list of impressive features and functionalities than its rival. One of the most useful of all being a secure banking browser, which enables you to continue working while conducting an investigation if you suspect your browser like Internet Explorer or Chrome has been compromised. There’s also a useful file shredder, which is great for securely and permanently erasing data from traditional hard disks.
Here's the full list of features and functionalities Bitdefender offers right now, as outlined by its development team:
Bitdefender is Faster than Kaspersky, in Some Ways
One of the most important considerations for many when choosing anti-virus software is the extent to which their system’s resources will be consumed in the process. With Bitdefender having been designed specifically to be as lightweight and resource-friendly as possible, it’s one of the best software suites on the market right now for low-power machines with less RAM. Kaspersky isn’t far behind, though does tend to eat up slightly more power and available system resources than Bitdefender.
That said, Kaspersky has a slight edge in the speed department, as it is able to carry out scans and present detailed results slightly quicker than Bitdefender. Hence, it’s a case of choosing the package that suits your priorities and your system specifications best – Bitdefender is less resource hungry, but Kaspersky can get the job done faster on a more powerful system.
Bitdefender is Easier to Use than Kaspersky
Neither of these two anti-virus full security suites is difficult to use, but Bitdefender has one of the most intuitive user interfaces of any security program out there. One of the biggest differences with Bitdefender being the extent to which the dashboard can be customized to your own requirements. If you’re not completely happy with how it’s set up as standard, you can make all the adjustments you like.
Kaspersky is also exceptionally easy to use and makes a great choice for first-timers. Issues are brought to your attention with big red ‘X’ symbols, so you know exactly what needs doing and when. Neither option needs the knowledge and skills of a power user to get the most out of, making them both great choices for homes and businesses alike.
Bitdefender Offers Better Customer Support
The general consensus as far as online customer reviews and recommendations go would suggest that both Bitdefender and Kaspersky offer pretty decent customer support. In addition, both of these companies received a score of three stars out of five with Consumer Affairs. This puts Kaspersky & Bitdefender on a relatively level pegging with one another, along with other comparable anti-virus program companies.
That said, Bitdefender has a C rating for customer support with the Better Business Bureau, whereas Kaspersky scored an F. For this reason alone, Bitdefender has the edge in terms of customer support, though it’s clear that standards can and should be improved with both service providers.
Kaspersky vs. Bitdefender Verdict
In terms of overall value for money, it really is too close to call. For one thing, it depends entirely on your requirements and which of the packages you go for. Not to mention, which kinds of functionalities and antivirus PC performance traits you favor over others.
For example, Bitdefender is the cheapest of the two all-round, yet despite its lower prices offers a longer list of features. By contrast, Kaspersky is a little more expensive (though not by much), but gets the job done faster with high-spec machines. You get a free version with both companies, so there’s no difference there.
Some say that Bitdefender’s the better choice for home computers, whereas Kaspersky is the option to go for as a business user. Though in reality, this isn’t the case at all – it’s all about whether you want something fast, or something cheap and easy to use.
Faster option
Kaspersky Total Security
By a relatively compact margin, Kaspersky's total security is the faster of the two options available. Kaspersky outperforms the vast majority of comparable anti-virus suites in terms of speed, though doing so means a slightly higher-spec system to avoid slowdowns or disruption. If resources really aren’t an issue, Kaspersky performs like a dream.
More affordable and Easier To Use
Bitdefender Total Security
If your priority is affordability and user-friendliness, you will not go wrong with Bitdefender. Along with costing slightly less than Kaspersky, Bitdefender is also an extremely lightweight program suite that doesn’t put much of a drain on resources. It also has a much longer list of features and functionalities, with the slight downside of working fractionally slower than Kaspersky.
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!
Bitdefender Pros and Cons
Bitdefender scores top marks in terms of value for money and for having an impressive list of features and functionalities for such a low price. The primary pros and cons of this popular program suite being as follows:
Pros
- Better customer support than Kaspersky
- 100% detection rate
- Affordable packages available
- 30-day money back guarantee
- Intuitive and easy to use
- Minimal drain on system resources
Cons
- Slower to run scans
Kaspersky Pros and Cons
With Kaspersky, it’s a case of paying a slightly higher price for a faster anti-virus suite that gets the job done in record time. The main pros and cons for this equally popular package being as follows:
Pros
- 100% detection rate
- Multiple packages available
- Easy to use
- Great features and functions
- Very fast and powerful scanning
Cons
- Slightly more costly
- Substandard customer support
FAQs
1. Is Bitdefender better than Kaspersky?
Bitdefender and Kaspersky are two of the most popular antivirus software options on the market. They both have their pros and cons, but which one is the best? In terms of overall value for money, it really is too close to call. It depends on your specific needs and what you value most in an antivirus program.
Bitdefender is slightly cheaper than Kaspersky, and it has some great features, such as a password manager and a built-in anti-theft system. However, Kaspersky offers parental controls and a wider range of protection against online threats. So, in the end, it really comes down to personal preference.
2. Is Bitdefender really the best?
Bitdefender is a security software company that produces anti-virus software. It is often considered to be the best in the industry, and its products are used by millions of people around the world. However, there are other companies that produce similar software, and it is ultimately up to the individual user to decide which product is best for them.
3. Can I trust Kaspersky?
Yes, you can trust Kaspersky. Kaspersky Antivirus is an extremely safe application in terms of your device protection. It protects your devices admirably against PC worms, malware, and ransomware, protecting them as well as or better than its top competitors. Additionally, it has a negligible impact on memory and system performance and includes a plethora of useful features.
4. 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 cyberattacks, depending on the package and price. This category of malware protection includes PC worms like spyware, adware, and ransomware.
5. What is the number one antivirus?
Our recommendation: McAfee. From phishing scams to malware attacks, security attacks are becoming more sophisticated on a daily basis. While the products we mentioned are excellent, they cannot compete with the likes of McAfee. McAfee provides protection for a wide variety of devices, from mobile devices to automobiles! To date, its extensive product portfolio has protected over 18.9 billion devices.
