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Antivirus Software review
Bitdefender logo

Bitdefender review

Best overall

Strong, lightweight protection with a regular presence in independent lab tests. Most people who want strong all-round protection that stays out of the way. We rank it #1 of 10 in our antivirus software comparison, with an editorial score of 9.4 out of 10.

Updated By the ChoosyOwl editorial teamHow we rank
9.4/10
Our editorial score

Bitdefender scores highest on Protection features, with layered malware, web and ransomware protection across all major platforms, and on Independent testing presence because it is routinely included in major lab tests. It also does well on Performance impact & ease of use. It loses a little on Extras & value transparency because the full VPN and some identity features sit on higher tiers.

How we score antivirus software

Visit site (Bitdefender, opens in a new tab)

Quick facts

Our rank#1 of 10
Best forBest overall
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Android, iOS
Extras (varies by plan)VPN, password manager, identity features on some plans; check plan
Facts checkedNovember 14, 2026

Details are general and can change. Check current plans, prices and terms on the Bitdefender site. See the Bitdefender company profile in our brand directory.

Overview

Bitdefender is a security company whose consumer suites are sold widely in the US. Its paid plans combine real-time malware scanning, web and phishing protection, and ransomware defenses, with apps for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS.

Higher tiers add extras such as a VPN, a password manager and, on some US plans, identity protection features. Bitdefender Antivirus Free provides basic protection for Windows only. Bitdefender is regularly included in tests by independent labs such as AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives; check their latest reports for current results.

As with most suites, first-term pricing is usually lower than the renewal price. Check the plan comparison and renewal terms on the site before you buy.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Broad, layered core protection
  • Light feel in everyday use
  • Routinely tested by independent labs
  • Free Windows edition to start with

Cons

  • Built-in VPN is limited on lower tiers (check plan)
  • Plan lineup can be confusing
  • Renewal price is usually higher than the first term

Key features

  • Real-time malware, web and ransomware protection
  • Apps for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS
  • VPN and password manager on some plans
  • Free antivirus edition for Windows

Who Bitdefender is for

A good fit if

Most people who want strong all-round protection that stays out of the way.

Look elsewhere if

Anyone who wants a full, unlimited VPN included on the cheapest plan.

How we scored Bitdefender

Bitdefender scores highest on Protection features, with layered malware, web and ransomware protection across all major platforms, and on Independent testing presence because it is routinely included in major lab tests. It also does well on Performance impact & ease of use. It loses a little on Extras & value transparency because the full VPN and some identity features sit on higher tiers.

Our antivirus software score weighs protection features (30%), independent testing presence (20%), extras & value transparency (20%), performance impact & ease of use (15%), privacy & trust (15%). See the methodology.

Bitdefender alternatives

  1. #2
    Norton 360 logo

    Norton 360

    Best for identity protection

    Feature-packed security suite with identity monitoring options for US customers.

    • Real-time malware, web protection and firewall
    • VPN and password manager on most plans
    • Dark web monitoring; LifeLock features on some US plans
    • Parental controls and cloud backup (Windows) on some plans
    9.2/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (Norton 360, opens in a new tab) Read review
  2. #3
    Mc

    McAfee

    Best for households

    Long-running consumer suite with identity monitoring and scam-protection tools.

    • Malware and web protection
    • VPN included on many plans
    • Identity monitoring features
    • Scam-detection tools on some plans
    8.8/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (McAfee, opens in a new tab) Read review
  3. #4
    Malwarebytes logo

    Malwarebytes

    Best for malware cleanup

    Well-known malware cleanup tools, with paid real-time protection, a VPN and identity plans.

    • Free malware scan and cleanup
    • Real-time antivirus and web protection on paid plans
    • Browser Guard ad and scam blocker (free)
    • VPN and identity protection on higher tiers
    8.6/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (Malwarebytes, opens in a new tab) Read review

Head-to-head

See all 10 antivirus suites compared

Bitdefender FAQ

Is Bitdefender good antivirus?

In our editorial ranking Bitdefender is the best overall antivirus suite, thanks to its broad protection features and light footprint. It is routinely tested by independent labs such as AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives, so you can check its latest results there.

Does Bitdefender have a free version?

Yes. Bitdefender offers a free antivirus edition for Windows with core malware protection. Extras such as the VPN, password manager and multi-platform apps come with paid plans.

Does Bitdefender include a VPN?

Bitdefender includes a VPN with some plans, but lower tiers may limit it. Check the current plan comparison on the site to see what is included.

Sources and fact check

We checked the facts on this page against Bitdefender's own website on .