Well, let me make it easy for you. You expect solid protection against virus attacks, less intrusive, should not degrade computer's performance, and not to forget, at a reasonable price. That makes a perfect choice!
Is Bitdefender good? Is it worth a try, or is it good enough to fulfill all those requirements? If you are in no hurry, you can read our detailed Bitdefender Total Security review.
So, I am going to dig deep into Bitdefender's performance and other factors to find out the truth about whether Bitdefender is good or not.
How effective is Bitdefender Virus Protection?
I don't believe in the claims made by companies that are nothing but marketing gimmicks. So, I will just take into consideration the results of independent Antivirus testing labs. Also, I will consider other factors to reach my judgement.
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Results with Independent Testing Labs
Every test that includes Bitdefender technology rates it top-notch.
VBSpam+ Award
In the latest Virus Bulletin's VBSpam test reports, Bitdefender scored 99.98, earning the VBSpam+ award for its high spam catch rate and superior detection.
"Bitdefender has been participating in Virus Bulletin's VBSpam testing program since its outset in 2009 and has achieved a pass in every published test it has taken part in," said Ionuț Răileanu (VBSpam Test Lead - Virus Bulletin).
AV-Test and AV-Comparatives
AV-Test Institute rates antivirus programs on protection, performance, and usability, assigning up to six points in each category. In the latest test results, Bitdefender received 17.5 out of 18. AV-Comparatives performs various tests, three of which I follow closely. Bitdefender rated Advanced+ as the highest rating of all three. Bitdefender also bagged the Outstanding Product Award for 2023
So, we can conclude that it is pretty effective and something we can rely upon.
Moving on to next factors.
Does Bitdefender Slow Down Computer?
It is said that an antivirus program slows down computer speed by 10 - 15%, and that is not completely false. Many Antivirus solutions use a huge amount of resources, leaving little for other computing operations. However, with time and iterations, they have focused on low-impact performance.
Even our customers, especially gamers, prefer Bitdefender over any other solution. They are certainly the ones not ready to trade off the Gaming score for security.
Does Bitdefender slow down Internet surfing speed?
Tests also include operations like launching a website and downloading a file from the Internet. As Bitdefender is configured to scan files only after the download, there was no extra load.
When launching a website, sometimes due to real-time scanning of SSL and Phishing websites, you may observe some slowdowns. Still, it is considered as one of the lowest when compared to competitors.
Though it is not recommended, you can disable the website protection completely if you are facing issues with a particular website. With this aspect Bitdefender is very flexible.
Note: You can configure Bitdefender to scan fewer elements on web pages. We have noticed that using SSL scanning can slow down page loading speed at times.
What Makes Bitdefender Different?
Just Install and forget it. Dead accurate and silent than ever.
Bitdefender Autopilot serves as a Security Advisor, providing deeper insights into your security status. With its smart capabilities, it can suggest security measures tailored to your system requirements and usage patterns.
This includes taking care of critical functions such as antivirus protection, firewall management, privacy safeguards, web browsing security, and auto updates. As a result, you can enjoy peace of mind without the hassle of dealing with constant pop-up notifications, alerts, or frequent settings adjustments.
You will hardly notice that it's there.
Bitdefender Photon ensures that no computing power is wasted on constantly scanning trusted applications. Bitdefender developed Photon so that users can gain the benefit of maximum security while enjoying a great user experience and optimized computer performance.
Includes Ransomware Protection.
Before anyone else, Bitdefender introduced Ransomware protection module in their 2016 version. It monitors important files and blocks any application trying to alter/change it. Though it is capable of analyzing behavior and blocking applications like CryptoLocker, WinLocker or MBR, you must read these 11 things to protect yourself against ransomware.
Additional features.
Helpful and useful features available in Bitdefender Internet Security, Bitdefender Total Security, and Family Pack versions include Parental Control, Firewall, File Shredder, Secure Browser for online transactions, Webcam Protection, and Microphone Monitor.
Pros
Low Performance Impact
It doesn't slow down computers and is designed to not interrupt while gaming or watching movies.
Ransomware Protection
Ransomware protection module as a shield against modern threats.
100% Zero-Day Malware Test
Bitdefender detected all of AV-Test's 307 zero-day malware samples, with the industry average being 100 percent.
Top Notch Fraud Fighter
According to PC Mag review, Bitdefender did an impressive job of detecting freshly submitted phishing URLs outperforming its competitors.
Cons
Slow Full System Scan
The first scan took 35% longer for a full system scan in our tests compared with others. This should not matter as long as you are scheduling it at night or when not working. If that's not the case, AutoPilot will detect idle machine and utilize that time for scanning.
Huge Installer File
It's almost half a gigabyte of space on a Hard Disk. In an era of having storage in terms of Terabytes, this shouldn't matter, right?
Auto-Renewal
When you buy the product from the official website, by default, the auto-renewal is active. The cart design makes it impossible for a new customer to identify and disable it. Hence, you have to be careful!
Limited VPN
Bitdefender products come with a free version of the VPN limited to 200 MB per day and no choice of servers. The paid version, Bitdefender Premium VPN, offers unlimited traffic, which you can get at a discounted price. It can be purchased as a standalone app or by purchasing high plans like Bitdefender Premium Security or Ultimate Security. Learn more in this Bitdefender Premium VPN Review.
Similarly, the free version of Kaspersky VPN also comes with a 200 MB/day limitation when not connected to a Kaspersky account. If connected, you get 300 MB/day of traffic. For unlimited traffic, you must subscribe to Kaspersky Plus or Premium.
Note: Antivirus software like Norton 360 and McAfee Total Protection provide unlimited VPN on all of their plans if their VPN service is available in your region. McAfee provides unlimited VPN to customers who have enabled Auto-renewal. If disabled, you will get only 500 MB/month.
No Premium Password Manager
The new Bitdefender SecurePass has replaced Bitdefender Password Manager. It is a separate standalone product. There is an option to get hands-on with the trial version of the Password Manager for 90 days, after which you will have to purchase it for further use.
Note: The Wallet feature (Windows only), included in the Bitdefender Total Security, Internet Security, and Antivirus Plus plans, reached its End of Life on Oct 15, 2023. The current buyers of Bitdefender products won't see the Wallet feature in the app interface.
Best Value for Money Antivirus
I agree that no amount is bigger for security and protection, but then there are limits. With so many players in the market providing security software solutions, prices are competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bitdefender Safe?
Yes. Bitdefender products are safe and reliable. Bitdefender is ranked among the best antivirus products in Independent Antivirus Testing Labs like AV-Test and AV-Comparatives.
Does Bitdefender protect Android devices?
Yes. Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android protects your Android devices against cyber threats and includes advanced features like VPN, Anti-Theft, App Lock.
Should I use Microsoft Defender or Bitdefender?
Both the programs are lightweight and reliable. Compared to Bitdefender, Microsoft Defender antivirus lacks certain privacy and security features. Also, it is available for Windows only, whereas Bitdefender supports Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
Which Bitdefender product is best?
You can buy their top product at upto 70% off with Bitdefender Total Security coupon code and discounts. That protects upto 10 devices with a validity period of 1 and 2 Years. Also, you can save up to 70% on other product variations like Family Pack, Premium Security, Internet Security, and Antivirus Plus. Not only is it cheaper, but also there is no worry about auto-renewal.
Note: This Bitdefender products comparison guide will help you choose the product that is right for you.
Do I still need to justify "value" for money? Check out Dealarious store and choose a suitable product!
Sourojit is Executive Editor at Dealarious. Rumor says He is Computer Science Engineer; He neither accepts it nor denies it. Tech Explorer, Philosopher and a Storyteller.
I run Bitdefender Total Security and have never had a problem with the software or its performance. The computer boots quickly. When I first changed to the current version It did take me a long time to find the Update (installs the latest potential threat ID’s), searching the programme top to bottom without success. I then found it, not in the programme itself, but elsewhere on the computer, easy to access, just click and there it is. Maybe I could have paid more attention to the instructions?
However, as said, Bitdefender is, in my opinion, very good and puts no obvious load on the computer (a desktop), keeping itself up to date (once per hour). I, as an ordinary user, have no complaints at all.
Worst Antivirus of All. Never try it.
Upgraded to Total Security 2019. No issues till now.
BitDefender is the safest to use as it provides all the latest criteria to catch malware and it does not disturb others apps. This is the Best Value for Money Antivirus.
Does it see whether the download is safe or not? and is it free?
Will it really slow my computer i got icore 5 4gb ram and i am using a laptop
I am using also Bitdefender. I install it because my all web browsers are opening new tab but all the time. I was scanning and cleaning my mac book pro with Bitdefender several times, but still the browsers but themselves are opening new tabs. Can you please help me what can I do with it? How can I stop it? P.S – I am new mac user. Thanks in advance!
Adequate protection is provided. The down side is that internet connection is slow to impossible & would not allow the printing of pages from the internet or pages from an email. Needed to completely uninstall in order to bring my MacBook pro back up to speed.
Bitdefender is a scam, I bought a 3 year for 3 computer subscription, after one month I got a notice that my subscription has expired. I called their help line, they verified that I bought a 3 year subscription, but now they want to charge me a maintenance fee to reload it on my computer. I reversed the charges on my credit card and will never to business with them again.