Avast vs Bitdefender
Avast and Bitdefender both offer free antivirus. Choose Avast if you want a free app with extra tools across Windows, Mac and phones and are comfortable reviewing its privacy settings. Choose Bitdefender, free or paid, if you want stronger protection features and fewer prompts. Both are routinely tested by independent labs.
Avast
Best free all-in-one app
Bitdefender
Best overallAvast vs Bitdefender at a glance
| Avast | Bitdefender | |
|---|---|---|
| Free version | Free antivirus in the Avast One app (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS) | Bitdefender Antivirus Free (Windows only) |
| Paid plans | Avast One with VPN and more | Suites with VPN, password manager and more |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Upgrade prompts | Frequent in the free version | Fewer in our review |
| Privacy history | 2024 FTC order banning sale of browsing data for advertising | No comparable US regulatory action we are aware of |
| Independent lab testing | Routinely tested; check latest results | Routinely tested; check latest results |
| Our editorial score | 7.9 / 10 | 9.4 / 10 |
Which should you choose?
Pick Avast if you want a familiar free antivirus with a simple path to paid extras.
Pick Bitdefender if you want the stronger product overall, whether you start free or pay.
Free vs free
Both Avast and Bitdefender offer free antivirus. Avast's free protection now sits inside the Avast One app, which also has free versions for Mac, Android and iOS, and it includes extra tools alongside the core scanner. Bitdefender Antivirus Free is Windows only and deliberately minimal and quiet.
Upgrade pressure
Avast's free version is supported by prompts to upgrade to paid plans. Some people do not mind; others find it distracting. Bitdefender's free edition showed fewer prompts in our review, which helps its Performance impact & ease of use score.
Privacy and trust
This is the biggest difference in our scoring. In June 2024 the US Federal Trade Commission finalized an order that bans Avast from selling or licensing web browsing data for advertising purposes. The FTC alleged that Avast sold browsing data through its subsidiary Jumpshot after claiming its software would block third-party tracking. That history is why Avast scores lowest on Privacy & trust in our ranking. If you use Avast, review its privacy settings.
Paid plans
If you decide to pay, both offer suites with a VPN and other extras. Bitdefender's paid suites score higher on Protection features in our methodology. Check current plans and renewal prices for both.
Platforms and who each suits
Bitdefender's free edition is Windows only, while Avast offers free versions on more platforms. Both providers have paid apps for Windows, Mac, Android and iPhone, with fuller features on paid plans. Check which features each app includes on the platform you care about.
Avast suits people who want a familiar free product with extra tools and do not mind upgrade offers. Bitdefender suits people who want protection that stays out of the way, and who may later move to a paid plan from the provider at the top of our ranking.
The bottom line
If you want free antivirus, Bitdefender's free edition is the quieter choice, and its paid plans are our top pick overall. Avast remains a capable free option for people who like its extra tools.
Avast vs Bitdefender FAQ
Is Avast Free better than Bitdefender Free?
Avast's free app covers more platforms and includes more tools but shows more upgrade prompts; Bitdefender Antivirus Free is Windows only and more minimal. In our editorial scoring Bitdefender ranks higher overall.
Why does Avast score lower on privacy?
In June 2024 the FTC finalized an order banning Avast from selling or licensing web browsing data for advertising purposes, after alleging it sold browsing data through its subsidiary Jumpshot. We factor that history into our Privacy & trust criterion.