Reviews
Bitdefender vs Avast: which is best for protecting your computer
Bitdefender and Avast are two examples of antivirus software. Between the two, which is better? Let’s find out.
At our site, you’ll only find unbiased reviews. However, we do earn profit from our affiliate links.
More and more people are using PCs these days, meaning that more and more companies are coming up with way to make that easier. In this bracket are the companies that make the software that keep devices safe- companies that manufacture malware detecting software. Bitdefender and Avast are two examples of antivirus software. Between the two, which is better? Let’s find out.
Bitdefender and Avast are usually used on desktops, and they’re both compatible with Macs and Windows. They share a lot of other factors which makes deciding between them easier when you look at each on its own.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
Bitdefender is a subscription-based antivirus software designed to detect and combat malware both online and offline. With its password manager, secure browsing and added features like the virtual keyboard and file shredding options, this software is an excellent option for anyone who wants to protect their PC. There are other options to choose from in case you want added security like the Bitdefender Internal security, but those come at extra costs.
Here are some of the banes and boons of Bitdefender antivirus software.
Pros
- Bitdefender can run on a wide variety of devices including any Windows or Mac PCs
- It is very efficient in detecting malware on PCs
- It is faster than Avast in detecting and dealing with malware when you’re online and when you’re offline. Usually, it fixes the problem before you even realize that you had one
- Bitdefender rarely gives false positives. False positives are when an antivirus software categorizes normal programs as malware and alerts you about them, or cancels them
- Bitdefender does not modify any of your default settings when you install it. That means you won’t have to go unchecking boxes when you put the software on your computer
- Sometimes children poke around where they are not supposed to. Bitdefender offers its users a child lock option to prevent children from accessing sites they shouldn’t have access to.
- Bitdefender does not slow down Macs, though it makes PCs function slower than their norm
- The software allows users access to many services at an affordable yearly subscription of $38.99
Cons
- Bitdefender is harder to navigate than Avast. Its scanning and other toggle buttons seem all over the place when you open the Bitdefender menu
- For a pay-based antivirus option, Bitdefender offers very few services above the norm
- Bitdefender slows down systems PCs when it runs
Avast Free Antivirus
Avast is one of the best free antiviruses available in the market today. IT offers most of the other services that antiviruses do- managing your passwords, fighting malicious software, securing your browser- with one big distinction: it is free. Here are other reasons why people pick Avast.
Pros
- It is easy to install and use. All you have to do is download it, select your preferred settings and restart your PC, and you’re ready to go
- Avast is easy to use. Its toggles are mostly on the left-hand side. Additionally, the Run Smart Scan option is placed at the center of the Avast Menu which makes it easier to access
- It does not slow down the system performance of the user’s PC provided that he or she is not using a Mac
- It offers almost all antivirus software functions for free, making it suitable for anyone who is running on a budget
Cons
- When a user first installs Avast, the software changes his or her settings. It turns the Google page into a person’s default page. If you want another page, you have to go back to Avast to uncheck boxes so that the software does not modify any of your other settings and it’s a tiresome process
- Sometimes the Avast email signature causes problems with email addresses, particularly for Gmail users
- Avast is infamous for giving false positives. In fact, it gives thirteen false positives to zero false positives from Bitdefender on average
- Avast does not have a child lock option for those users who would like to use one
- The Avast antivirus is not as effective as other malware detection software in dealing with computer viruses. It detects less malware both online and offline when compared to Bitdefender
Bitdefender vs. Avast
Avast and Bitdefender have a lot in common. They both manage passwords, scan networks for malware, secure browsers and allow computers to run on game modes. They both have pros and cons when it comes to performance. However, that said, Avast is a winner hands-down when it comes to pricing. After all, it’s free.
Bitdefender might offer extra services to account for the $29.99 price, plus they offer their Premium VPN for only an extra $10, but for the most part, Avast covers all the basics for free. Looking at them as antivirus software though, Avast comes in a far second. Bitdefender is easier to learn how to use (you don’t have to keep fiddling with your settings all the time) and more competent in protecting computers from specific threats that are harder for other programs to identify. Avast is great for a free product but anyone looking to really clean their computer with a fine tooth comb will want to go with Bitdefender.