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Best for premium features
Antivirus software offering reliable security
Simple yet powerful interface tools
Perfect protection score in third-party tests
Premium features incur additional subscription fees
Best for straightforward online protection
High antivirus test scores
Ransomware protection
No parental controls
You probably know that you should use antivirus protection to keep malware out of your computer. The challenge comes when you get overwhelmed by the sea of options floating around the antivirus software market. But not all products will check the boxes for every user.
Bitdefender and Avast are two of the best antivirus software, and they each have their own merits. Bitdefender has plenty of bonus features like an ad blocker and parental controls. Avast offers multiple device protection and a user-friendly interface.
We’ll give you the facts, features, and pricing behind both of these antivirus programs, so you can determine which one is the best fit for your budget and lifestyle.
The best antivirus software should offer a good balance between features and price. One difference between these two products is the cost. As of this writing, you can get Avast for just above $50 for the first year. On the other hand, you can get Bitdefender for about $20 for the first year.
We will mention that if you’re an Apple user, neither of these antivirus products offers the best compatibility. Yes, they will work on your device, but you’ll miss some features that Windows users won’t, like Bitdefender’s firewall and scheduled scans. Likewise, Avast has a firewall that works for PCs but not macOS. Still, these are both reliable antivirus software programs that have good features.
 Bitdefender Our Pick
|
 Avast |
|
| Starting price | Starts at $35.99/first yr | Starts at $50.28/first yr |
| Max number of protected devices | 5 | 30 |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari |
| Free version | ||
| Phishing protection | ||
| Ransomware protection | ||
| Ad blocker | ||
| Learn more | Get Bitdefender | Get Avast |
The price points for these two antivirus programs are pretty far apart. At the time of writing, Bitdefender starts at $59.99/first yr and tops out at Free. Avast starts at $50.28/first yr and tops out at $119.88/first yr. We do want to mention that it’s common for antivirus products to change prices frequently, so what stands today could be different tomorrow.
The features and compatibility are about the same for both. However, Bitdefender comes with an ad blocker, which you don’t find with Avast unless you use the Avast browser. Yet, Avast provides coverage for as many as 30 devices, while Bitdefender can cover only a fraction of that.
| Bitdefender Our Pick
|
Avast | |
| Price range | $14.99–$59.99/first yr | $34.68-$119.88/first yr |
| Best value plan | Bitdefender Internet Security for $32.99/first yr |
Avast One Individual for $50.28/first yr |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days | Yes — 30 days |
| Learn more | View Bitdefender Plans | View Avast Plans |
As mentioned previously, the prices vary greatly between Bitdefender and Avast. The most you’ll pay for Bitdefender is Free. In contrast, Avast’s top-tier product will run you $119.88/first yr. However, both services have free antivirus plans with limited features.
We chose Bitdefender Total Security as its best-value plan. Total Security gives you the best protection of all Bitdefender subscriptions, covering up to five devices. And it costs only $3 more per year than Bitdefender Internet Security. Total Security also comes with macOS, iOS, and Android protection.
For Avast’s best value plan, we went with Avast Premium Security. It covers 10 devices and costs only a little more than Avast’s lowest-cost option, providing the same coverage.
Bitdefender offers a 30-day free trial for the full version and a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you aren’t satisfied with the product, you’ll get your money back without any hassle. Similarly, Avast offers a 30- to 60-day free trial (depending on your operating system) and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
| Feature | Bitdefender Our Pick
|
Avast |
| Manual and scheduled scans | ||
| Phishing protection | ||
| Ransomware protection | ||
| Firewall | Yes (for Windows) | Yes (for Windows) |
| Parental controls | ||
| Password manager | ||
| VPN | ||
| Ad blocker | ||
| Device optimization tools | ||
| Learn more | Get Bitdefender | Get Avast |
When comparing Bitdefender and Avast, we found that they offered many of the same security features. They both offer manual and scheduled scans, anti-phishing protection, ransomware protection, and a firewall (for Windows users).
As far as extra features, Bitdefender and Avast both include a virtual private network (VPN). VPNs are a good feature for anyone wanting more security when on the go. However, Bitdefender comes with a built-in ad blocker, while Avast does not. If you’re annoyed by pop-ups, this may be a feature you want. And if you have a family, an antivirus with parental controls is crucial. Bitdefender checks that box too, but Avast doesn’t.
Avast has a Network Inspector feature, which detects Wi-Fi vulnerabilities for your home and public networks. Similarly, Bitdefender has Home Scanner, which looks for vulnerable devices and passwords and provides security recommendations.
For device optimization, Bitdefender comes with Photon, which helps save resources and will improve your device’s speed and performance. The technology helps ensure that the antivirus doesn’t impact your device’s processes. If you want the same type of feature from Avast, you’ll need to pay for a subscription to Avast Cleanup Premium, which would typically run you $65.99 for one device.
When reviewing any antivirus software, we look at third-party testing scores to give a clear, objective picture of how the product performs. With independent testing, the research offers scoring grades that you can trust, since there are no ties to the companies that own the products.
For this review, we used AV-TEST scores. The lab evaluates antivirus products using real-world scenarios to test them for malware protection. AV-TEST runs thousands of tests each year to see how well different antivirus programs work to protect user data.
| Bitdefender Our Pick
|
Avast One | |
| Windows score | 18/18 | 18/18 |
| macOS score | 18/18 | 18/18 |
| Android score | 18/18 | 16/18 |
| Learn more | Get Bitdefender | Get Avast |
When Bitdefender was tested on Windows, it detected one false positive out of over one million samples used. It had two false blockages when installing legitimate software. That result was out of 40 samples used for testing.
Avast was tested with over two million samples and found two false positives for two months. That’s equal to the industry average. Bitdefender was higher than the industry average in April but not in March.
Bitdefender received perfect scores across Windows, macOS, and Android. Avast received largely perfect scores, but it only scored a 4.0/6.0 for usability with its Android product.
| Bitdefender | Avast Our Pick
|
|
| Windows | ||
| macOS | ||
| Android | ||
| iOS | ||
| Browser extensions | Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari | Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari |
Avast apps are easy to use, and the installation was seamless. Although the user interface contained multiple options, it was intuitive and didn’t take long to navigate. Avast works with most devices and platforms, so it’s better if you need antivirus on multiple machines.
Bitdefender also works on Windows and macOS and is compatible with most browsers. However, some parts of the product are split up. which is not intuitive. For instance, you must be logged in to Bitdefender Central to install parental controls.
Both of these antivirus programs lack certain features for Apple users. For example, the firewall is exclusive to Windows users. In addition, Bitdefender doesn’t provide a file shredder or scheduled scans for macOS.
Most antivirus software seems to provide more functions for Windows. Some argue that’s because Windows gets hit with more malware. Whatever the reason, most Apple aficionados are used to missing some of the features designed for PC use.
| Bitdefender Our Pick
|
Avast | |
| 24/7 live chat | ||
| Phone | ||
| Support forums | ||
| Online guides |
Avast has an impressive customer service system but doesn’t offer live chat around the clock. However, you can call its phone support 24/7 if you’re having issues with your device. You can also use the support forum, where other users can help you with questions. The included knowledge base is there to sort through articles that might help you fix an issue.
Bitdefender checks all the customer service boxes, including 24/7 live chat assistance. You also get access to text and video tutorials. If you want to speak to a rep directly, you can call the support number for your location.
The best version of Avast depends on your budget and what level of protection you need, as features may vary by plan. We think the Premium Security subscription gives you the best value for your money.
We think Bitdefender is worth it since the price is much lower than Avast’s. It may depend on what you’re looking for in antivirus software. If you don’t care about parental controls, network security tools, or a VPN, Bitdefender may not be worth it for you.
If you’re looking for a better product than Avast, there may be several that fit your needs. For some, the price difference alone will make Bitdefender a better choice. For others, something like AVG antivirus, which is highly customizable, might be better than Avast.
Bitdefender’s free plan doesn’t offer as many features as Bitdefender’s paid plans. When you pay for a subscription, you get enhanced protection, like tech support, a VPN, a firewall, and real-time protection. Like most antivirus programs, you get more when you pay for a plan.
If you look at Bitdefender vs. Avast, they have many of the same features, like compatibility and third-party test scores. Yet, there are some areas where they differ. Avast doesn’t offer 24/7 live chat support like Bitdefender does. You’ll also get a built-in ad blocker with Bitdefender. If that isn’t enough of a difference between them, consider the first year’s pricing points; Bitdefender is much cheaper than Avast.
The one area where Avast cleans the floor with Bitdefender is device coverage. Avast can protect up to 30 devices, while Bitdefender secures only up to five. At first, this seems like a big difference, but most of us probably don’t have 30 devices. Both of these antivirus programs are good and offer great features you want for protecting your devices and your private data.
When strictly comparing these products side by side, you’ll want Bitdefender antivirus for price alone. It has more features and more customer support options, which make it a more comprehensive choice. Avast is popular and scores well in independent testing, but it lacks some of the services you may want and does so at a hefty price.
Antivirus software offering reliable security
Simple yet powerful interface tools
Perfect protection score in third-party tests
Premium features incur additional subscription fees
