Bitdefender Review: Is it a Good Antivirus?

I'm Donny. I'm a world traveler, investor, entrepreneur, and online marketing aficionado who has a big appetite to compete and disrupt big markets. I thrive on being able to create things that impact change, difficult challenges, and being able to add value in negative situations.

Bitdefender antivirus softwares offer the major protections of high-performance antivirus software, plus a rich suite of extra features all in one package. This review provides an overview of their product suite and if it is any good.

Bitdefender logo

Our Partner

Antivirus Software

AT A GLANCE

  • Protect against all viruses
  • Stay anonymous on the web
  • Secure your wi-fi hotspots
  • Get unlimited encrypted traffic
Overall Rating
4.5/5

Best for Malware Protection

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Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Exceptional range of features in one package.
  • Minimal impact on system performance.
  • Cross-platform functionality.
  • Excellent price-to-performance ratio.

Cons

  • Less than perfect malware and ransomware detection.
  • Minor issues with customer service.

Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the world of antivirus software? We can help.

In this article, we will outline the basic features of Bitdefender Antivirus software, the importance of antivirus software, and try to answer some of the glaring questions that come up in your journey.

Bitdefender icon

Quick Summary

Service: Antivirus Software

Pricing: .$23.99 - $36 /year

Promotion: 60% off discount on all plans

What is Bitdefender Antivirus?

Bitdefender has an excellent reputation in the security software world.

They stand up against the Kaspersky's and Norton's of the antivirus world, deploying much of that technology even with their lower-tiered packages. 

However, Total Security sits atop Bitdefender’s product line, boasting the greatest breadth of protections and compatibility of any Bitdefender antivirus software.

Total Security also sports features that improve the security of your web browsing across platforms and devices.

The package covers the basics of any security software like spam filtering, malware and ransomware detection, and data protection.

On top of that, additional features like parental controls and password management make it a great all-in-one option for internet security. 

Features

Bitdefender Antivirus offers a wide range of product features and customizations, making it one of the most potent security suites available.

Notably, Bitdefender scans running in the background have a small impact on overall performance compared to similar software. 

Antivirus Protection

Helps to keep malware and ransomware from infecting your computer.

Hostile viruses can do anything from accessing your files and personal data to hacking your webcam or microphone to listen in on your home life.

Parental Controls

Allow parents to manage the types of content their children encounter online. Additional settings can actually detect behavior patterns that point to online bullying and alert parents.

For parents concerned about keeping their kids safe online, this feature is a must. 

Location Detection

Does just what you’d think. If someone steals your computer or it gets merely misplaced, it will triangulate the location whenever it connects to a wifi network. 

This feature works less well when connected via ethernet cable but still gives an IP address.

Spam Filtering

Allows Bitdefender to flag sketchy emails or attachments automatically. 

Email presents one of the most significant vulnerabilities in the online experience, and Bitdefender’s tech performs well in keeping dangerous emails out of your inbox. 

Password Manager

Helps to keep the post-it notes to a minimum. All you need is a “master password.” 

The password manager takes care of the rest. It encrypts your login info for websites and enters them automatically. 

VPN

Or “virtual private network” functionality, keeps your browsing private. This prevents websites from collecting your data or sharing it with data collectors.

Their packages only offers 200 mb per month, but users can turn it on and off or upgrade to unlimited VPN. 

Optimization

Helps your computer boot up faster, and clear out junk files to improve performance.

Additionally, Bitdefender antivirus allows users to schedule or turn on and off almost any of these features to minimize further the software’s impact on the system.

Perhaps most importantly, Bitdefender’s lower-tier packages only work for Windows users while Total Security expands that coverage to include Android, Mac, and iOS.

With options to cover five devices, or 10 for a slightly higher cost, software suited to multiple systems has real appeal. 

Plans & Pricing

Plan

Price (per year)

Antivirus Plus

$23.99

Internet Security

$32

Total Security

$36

FAQ’s

Below you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions concerning Bitdefender.

Is Bitdefender Antivirus Legit?

Yes. While some antivirus software has earned a reputation for causing more problems than it solves (i.e. slowing down the computer, frequent interruptions, higher vulnerabilities), Bitdefender does its job effectively, but relatively quietly.

Rigorous, formal, real-world testing by disinterested third parties has demonstrated the efficacy of Bitdefender Antivirus.

The software has some minor vulnerabilities, but they do not point to any illegitimacy so that you can rest comfortably.  

What Types of Devices Does Bitdefender Work On?

Bitdefender Total Security stands alone among Bitdefender’s offerings for its functionality on non-windows systems. The software works on Android (4.1 Jellybean or higher), Mac, and iOS.

In other words, you can get security for all of you and your family with one shot. 

Can I Install Bitdefender on Multiple Devices With One License?

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Is Bitdefender Antivirus Legit?

Yes. While some antivirus software has earned a reputation for causing more problems than it solves (i.e. slowing down the computer, frequent interruptions, higher vulnerabilities), Bitdefender does its job effectively, but relatively quietly.

Rigorous, formal, real-world testing by disinterested third parties has demonstrated the efficacy of Bitdefender Antivirus.

The software has some minor vulnerabilities, but they do not point to any illegitimacy so that you can rest comfortably.

What Types of Devices Does Bitdefender Work On?

Bitdefender Total Security stands alone among Bitdefender’s offerings for its functionality on non-windows systems. The software works on Android (4.1 Jellybean or higher), Mac, and iOS.

In other words, you can get security for all of you and your family with one shot.

Can I Install Bitdefender on Multiple Devices With One License?

Yes. The base price covers up to five devices, and for a small additional charge, you get coverage for ten devices.

You will need to sign up with a Bitdefender central account, and the mobile services require the download of a separate app.

Bidefender Alternatives

norton antivirus

Norton Logo
  • 100% Virus Protection Promise
  • Password Manager
  • Real-time Threat Protection

KASPERSKY ANTIVIRUS

Kaspersky logo
  • Blocks viruses & malware
  • Real-time protection
  • Trusted password manager

MCAFEE ANTIVIRUS

McAfee logo
  • Comprehensive internet security
  • On-the-go secure WiFi
  • Available for multiple devices

Who Should Use Bitdefender Antivirus?

Bitdefender comes up a little short of the absolute top spot in terms of its overall detection and protection capabilities.  It still ranks among the best in real-world tests of how well it recognizes suspicious behavior and blocks threats. 

Moreover, Bitdefender antivirus scored major points for its impact on computer performance compared to similarly robust competitors.

The product finds a beautiful blend of exceptional security - though not flawless - and minimal demand on the system. 

If you don’t need extensive VPN usage (or you can shell out the extra cash for unlimited) and you don’t browse many potentially risky parts of the internet, Bitdefender offers a great option.

Final Verdict

Bitdefender Antivirus works exceptionally well for those who need a little more than the basics of free antivirus software, but do not need absolutely iron-clad browsing security. 

It has a fantastic price point and the ability to handle all but the sneakiest internet trickery. 

On top of its outstanding performance, our Bitdefender Review proves the product has an awe-inspiring array of additional features covered by a single subscription.

Coupled with its efficiency, the security and feature-richness make it a truly excellent product for those who have struggled to find the right software.

Bitdefender Antivirus

Complete protection for all your devices that goes beyond antivirus & anti-malware software.

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I'm Donny. I'm a world traveler, investor, entrepreneur, and online marketing aficionado who has a big appetite to compete and disrupt big markets. I thrive on being able to create things that impact change, difficult challenges, and being able to add value in negative situations.

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