As the threat of malware , phishing , and ransomware continues to grow , cybersecurity is a topic everyone need to be cognizant of . That ’s why we ’re reviewing top antivirus and security result to help oneself you decide which one full matches your need at an affordable price .
I critique Bitdefender last twelvemonth and establish it to be one ofthe proficient antivirus option for Windows computers . However , hackers are unforgiving and tone-beginning are increasingly advanced . My PC hold personal entropy , financial data , and logins to all my on-line accounts , so I checked the 2025 version on Bitdefender to assure it ’s still sufficient to protect my computer from malware and scams .
Specs
Tiers and pricing
Bitdefender has a free version of its antivirus software for Windows that can protect up to three devices . However , you really need more than thevarious barren antivirus solutionsto keep your data and your concealment unattackable . Bitdefender Free does n’t proffer ransomware tribute or other advanced feature .
Bitdefender declare oneself several plans that support Windows and Mac calculator as well as iOS and Android devices . Most have initial discounts , with received pricing fill effect when it ’s clip to renew . I ’ll share prices as initial price / renewal cost .
start at $ 25 / $ 50 each year , Antivirus Plus protects one twist and includes ransomware protection and tracker block . It ’s wise to protect all your devices , and Bitdefender ’s $ 60 / $ 110 Total certificate handle up to five devices . To protect an entire household , the 15 - equipment auspices of the $ 70 / $ 120 Family Pack is a good value .
A innocent VPN is include in all Bitdefender make up plans , but the 200MB - per - day limit is quite restrictive . If you need a VPN , the $ 80 / $ 130 Premium Security Plan removes that limitation . For identity theft protection , choose Ultimate Security for $ 90 / $ 160 annually .
If you ’re uncertain whether Bitdefender is the right option , some plans offer 30 - day trials to check out out the features and test performance on your computer . You ask to make a free Bitdefender account , then select the subscription you want to seek .
I screen the equivalent weight of Bitdefender Premium Security by installing a detached 30 - Clarence Day visitation of Total Security , along with a seven - day Premium VPN , and a three - calendar month Password Manager trial .
Bitdefender ’s individual pricing is somewhat expensive compared to other leading antivirus computer software . For example , Norton 360 Deluxe has a feature - pack plan on sales event for just $ 50 . However , Family program bid much better value by supporting five accounts and 25 devices for only a little more money . Premium Security Family costs $ 100 / $ 170 , a great savings to protect the intact family .
Whilegreat antivirus deals can save you money , you should do a petty research before deciding something that can have a heavy wallop on your digital , personal , and fiscal well - being .
Design
Bitdefender is easy to use and guided me through installation and frame-up . The installer added the antivirus software and install a block extension to my browser app to protect me from online threats .
In a few minutes , I was ready to get protrude with the app . An initial assessment scans my system for threats and attack traces . It take a few second , so I choose the option to launch the scan in the screen background while I kept using my computer .
Everything checked out on my PC and a warm tour initiate , inviting me to add the SecurePass parole director that ’s included . After add it to Edge , I position a original password and imported my logins to sync across all my devices .
Exploring the app further , I see recommendations to enable ransomware and cryptomining protection , then started a Vulnerability CAT scan . It alerted me to a vital Windows update
The Bitdefender app has pill for Protection and Privacy that put up more control over how Bitdefender works , while Utilities provide tools to optimize my PC , totally erase deleted files , and set up tradition profiles for work , teem videos , and gaming .
Bitdefender Total Security is a well - designed app that take a shit it sluttish to get a immediate overview of antivirus status and other certificate concerns . More detail and customizations are just a few clicks away when I desire more than the canonical confidence .
Features
The No . 1 job of security system software is to protect you from malware and myriad other threats to your privateness and the condom of your data . Bitdefender ’s antivirus software earned a protection mark of 6 out of 6 from independent security firmAV - Test . The same report traverse Bitdefender ’s carrying into action and usability as well . Scores can alter over months and years , but Bitdefender ’s disk has been nearly perfect for the last 12 class .
I also checked Bitdefender ’s evaluation byAVLab , another cybersecurity inquiry firm . This test measured how chop-chop antivirus software system blocks malware threats . Bitdefender prevented 97 % of malware from launch and successfully blocked the end . Overall , it take just 1.8 seconds to stop malicious attacks , the loyal in the late series of antivirus test .
I did a quick trial run of Bitdefender ’s online prevention by visitingWICAR.organd opening the malware mental test page . Bitdefender instantly blocked the Thomas Nelson Page before the buttons that found blast could load up .
I tested the VPN ’s speed and reliability at position around the world . When I tie to a nearby waiter , I delight up to one-half of my native 900 Mbps downloads . The app connect in a few seconds and was unchanging .
public presentation fall to about 15 % aboriginal when I selected overseas servers . While that ’s still usable , it ca n’t check the speed ofthe well dedicated VPNs on the grocery .
A VPN encrypts your online natural action , protect your seclusion sofaster streaming VPNsaren’t always need . Bitdefender ’s VPN could be all you need .
Bitdefender improved its SecurePass password coach , adding feature establish inthe best word coach . Autofill and cross - platform sync work as anticipate and sharing is much improved . When I created a connectedness to share my Netflix login , there were options to set an expiration date , bound how many metre the radio link could be opened , and want a parole to get at the login .
ripe features like ransomware redress backs up select files as needed to minimize the impact on storage while saving a written matter of file that malware could code for ransom . Bitdefender Premium Security is packed with aegis .
Support
The Bitdefender app has a aliveness preserver icon at the top right for spry access to the live Old World chat , the exploiter template , the sustenance center , and the user residential area .
I cash in one’s chips directly to the chat box and was greet by an AI that offered assistance . I asked about SecurePass sharing and the AI totally misunderstood . I asked for a human being and the chatbot state it would screw to serve , involve for more details . It also said I could ask for a human .
I requested a bread and butter broker a second time and although the AI asked for check , it connected me before I had to ask a third time . That was a moment frustrative , but the springy federal agent was immediate and helpful .
Overall , I was more quenched with the AI chatbot fromtop antivirus competitor Trend Micro , which proved more helpful and immediately transfer me to a live factor when I ask for a human .
Privacy and security
According toBitdefender’sprivacy policy , your personal data is used only for security and protection . Bitdefender will comply with sound petition for personal information .
Any IT ship’s company Bitdefender uses for hosting , support , statistical analysis , and selling have contracts that require appropriate safeguards for information . Bitdefender may use your data to market its service to you , but does n’t sell , rent , or give your datum to third - political party companies for any other determination .
Regarding Bitdefender ’s own security , there have n’t been any incidents since July 2015 , when a hacker infract a individual server and need payment . AForbesarticle show the modest data breach resulted in over 250 customer usernames and passwords leaking online .
While it ’s put off to hear of a security caller getting chop , it occur from time to meter and often on a much big graduated table , like themillions of user affected by CCleaner ’s multiple severance .
Great protection at a fair price
Bitdefender has a great track disk for discover and occlude malware . It ’s also among the fastest at blocking threats . That have it one of the best antivirus solutions you could buy . The full - sport Premium Security plan adds several additional privacy and security system feature to keep your personal datum safe .
While item-by-item architectural plan can be a bit expensive , fellowship plan extend good time value with supporting for up to five account . With over a twelve options and a free version , Bitdefender has something for everyone , and it ’s one of my top picks for antivirus software program .
As skillful as Bitdefender is , there are plenty of other options for Windows laptops and computers . It ’s wise to check around and see whatother top antivirus software program can proffer .
