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Bitdefender is praised for its free version, but the paid tiers offer a lot of features and functionality with a price range of Free–$49.99/first yr. Anyone on a budget will be delighted with Bitdefender’s offerings. While the free tier keeps you secure, the paid ones enhance your security and even include helpful antivirus tools for online browsing and optimizing your device.
After testing Bitdefender for ourselves, we’ve broken down the different plans so you can decide whether the free product or the complete coverage of Bitdefender Total Security is right for you.
Super reliable antivirus software with a non-intrusive free version
Simple yet powerful interface tools
Perfect protection score in third-party tests
Bitdefender’s price range is Free–$49.99/first yr, notably less than many competitors with similar extras and features. Other antivirus solutions like Norton can run as high as $299.99/yr (first year only) with the potential to increase after the introductory rate.
The free tier is a secure solution for anyone with a single computer who wants to stay safe online, but even the most expensive tiers are still reasonably priced. We also like the high protection scores Bitdefender continuously receives. Price, features, and quality combined make it one of the best choices for antivirus protection.
| Free | Antivirus Plus | Internet Security | Total Security | |
| Starting cost | Free | $29.99/yr (first year only) | $42.49/yr (first year only) | $49.99/yr (first year only) |
| Best for | People on a budget | People who also need multi-device coverage | Additional protection | Multiple kinds of operating systems |
| Number of devices | 1 | 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Compatibility | Windows, Android, macOS | Windows | Windows | Windows, Android, macOS, iOS |
| Firewall | ||||
| Real-time protection | ||||
| Phishing protection | ||||
| Ransomware protection | ||||
| Extras | Online shopping protection | Activity modes, VPN, file shredder, safe online banking, and comprehensive security tools | Activity modes, VPN, file shredder, safe online banking, parental controls, firewall, and device optimization tools | Activity modes, VPN, file shredder, safe online banking, parental controls, firewall, and device optimization tools |
| 24/7 customer support | ||||
| Details | View plan | View plan | View plan | View plan |
Bitdefender Free offers complete antivirus protection for one computer or your Android phone. It protects against malware, viruses, Trojans, and even has built-in phishing and online shopping protection. If you don’t need to cover a lot of devices, the free plan is an unbeatable deal.
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Bitdefender Antivirus Plus offers the robust protection of the free product but includes extras like a VPN, file shredder, safe banking, and more. The yearly cost is less expensive than many competitors that offer similar features, and it covers up to three Windows computers.
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Bitdefender Internet Security steps up the coverage you get in the previous two tiers to include a firewall. The firewall increases your security by helping to filter out what can be executed on your computer. It also covers three Windows devices.
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Bitdefender Total Security is the highest tier. This premium plan covers five devices and can be installed on multiple operating systems. If you need to cover multiple devices and still have extra room in your budget, this may be a great option that’s cheaper than a night out.
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We love that a robust antivirus with strong protection scores includes so many bonus features. Extra security features can increase web protection, offer distraction-free environments, and even help protect kids online.
Antivirus needs to fit you, not the other way around. If Bitdefender isn’t what you’re looking for, consider one of the other best antivirus solutions we’ve personally tested and reviewed. You can learn more below.
| Antivirus | 
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|
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| Star rating | |||
| Price | $29.00–$49.00/yr (first year only) | $29.99–$249.99/yr | $29.99–$99.99/first yr |
| # of devices protected | 4 - 8 | Unlimited | 1 - 10 |
| Malware scans | Manual and scheduled | Manual and scheduled | Manual and scheduled |
| Real-time protection | |||
| EICAR test results | 2/3 | 3/3 | 3/3 |
| Firewall | |||
| Phishing protection | |||
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Chrome, Edge, Opera, Safari | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS |
| Extras | Password manager, ad blocker, VPN | Parental controls, performance optimization tools, VPN | Password manager, VPN, dark web monitoring, parental controls, privacy monitor, identity theft protection, cloud backup |
| 24/7 customer support | |||
| Learn more | Get TotalAV | Get McAfee | Get Norton 360 |
Bitdefender has free and paid tiers. The free product is robust and can protect one device. Anyone on a budget who wants to stay safe online would benefit from Bitdefender.
If you need additional device coverage or multiple operating system coverage, then yes, paying for Bitdefender is worth it. You’ll also get a lot of extras like a firewall and a VPN, as well as device optimization and parental controls on Bitdefender’s paid plans.
Bitdefender accepts most major credit cards and PayPal.
Bitdefender’s most significant disadvantage is the lack of compatibility or device coverage on the free and lesser-priced premium tiers. If you want premium coverage for Android or Apple devices (macOS or iOS), you’ll need to purchase the most comprehensive (and expensive) plan, Bitdefender Total Security. While the free plan does cover multiple operating systems, it lacks the advanced security features included in Total Security.
Bitdefender free protects one device with robust security. Bitdefender’s paid products include excellent protection for more than one device, compatibility with Apple products, including iOS, and additional features like a VPN.
No, Bitdefender was founded in 2001 in Bucharest, Romania, a country known for its data privacy laws.
Yes, we absolutely believe Bitdefender is a worthwhile security product that will keep you safe without breaking your budget. Bitdefender achieves consistently high protection scores, has a trustworthy free product, and offers a variety of useful features with its paid plans.
We think you’ll love Bitdefender. No matter what you choose, however, make sure you have antivirus protection. The modern internet looms with malware threats, but a total security package can help keep you safe.
Super reliable antivirus software with a non-intrusive free version
Simple yet powerful interface tools
Perfect protection score in third-party tests
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