Bitdefender Antivirus Plus Review (2025): The right choice?

Full Review

Bitdefender is ranked #4 of the 28 best antivirus of 2025.

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus offers advanced internet security at an excellent value. Its cloud-based scanner combines machine learning with traditional signature-based detection for strong malware protection. It includes web protection, a fast VPN, system tune-up tools, a secure browser, and top-tier parental controls.

Bitdefender provides free versions for Windows and Mac, alongside several premium plans. Antivirus Plus covers up to 3 Windows PCs, while Internet Security adds parental controls for families. Total Security is a great choice for protecting up to 5 devices across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Premium Security offers the full suite of features, including unlimited VPN access. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Anti-malware

On-demand virus scanner

Bitdefender’s antivirus scanner is highly effective and lightweight, using a vast malware directory and machine learning to detect both known and emerging threats. Since scanning largely occurs in the cloud, it minimizes CPU and disk space usage during scans.

The five available scan types include:

• Quick Scan: Targets active processes for fast malware detection.
• System Scan: Provides a comprehensive system-wide scan for malware and vulnerabilities.
• Custom Scan: Focuses on specific system locations for potential threats.
• Vulnerability Scan: Checks for privacy risks and missing critical updates.
• Rescue Environment: Scans the system without booting into the operating system, ideal for dealing with stubborn malware.

In tests, Bitdefender detected 100% of the malware samples, including viruses, ransomware, and keyloggers. The full system scan took just under 50 minutes, comparable to Norton and Avast, but with minimal system performance impact, even during resource-intensive scans. Bitdefender also offers scan scheduling, though options like custom scans and scheduling are less intuitive to access.

Overall, Bitdefender’s malware scanner is one of the best, offering thorough protection without slowing down your system.

Real-time protection

Bitdefender’s real-time protection, or Bitdefender Shield, is excellent. It scans files and email attachments immediately upon access and protects against:

• Potentially unwanted applications
• Process memory issues
• Malicious scripts
• Command-line threats
• Keyloggers

Advanced users can customize the protection to include additional areas like boot sectors and network shares. In testing, Bitdefender blocked all malware before downloads were complete, effectively quarantining threats in real-time.

Bitdefender’s real-time protection rivals top competitors like Norton, but its customization options stand out, making it a top choice for both everyday users and advanced security needs.

Anti-phishing

Bitdefender’s anti-phishing protection excels with perfect detection scores. It uses an updated database of millions of blacklisted sites to block access to dangerous websites. In testing, Bitdefender successfully blocked all phishing sites from a large sample directory, outperforming built-in browser protections like Chrome and Firefox, as well as competitors such as Panda and Kaspersky.

A key feature is Bitdefender’s notification screen, which displays blocked sites and reasons for blocking. This makes it easy to whitelist false positives with a single click, unlike Norton and others that require more complex steps. However, users should whitelist sites only when certain they are safe.

Bitdefender also offers comprehensive web protection, scanning search results, encrypted sites, and checking webpages for fraudulent content.

Overall, Bitdefender delivers outstanding anti-phishing defense, blocking more threats than most competitors while providing easy-to-use whitelist management and customizable web protection settings.

Firewall

With Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, there is no firewall. Upgrade to Bitdefender Internet Security, or a more expensive package, to get the firewall. Below is the analysis of the firewall, which we tested for Bitdefender’s other products.

Bitdefender’s firewall is highly customizable and effectively monitors in- and outbound network traffic to block cyber threats. It offers advanced features like port scan protection, passive detection, and stealth mode, which are ideal for tech-savvy users. However, even out of the box, it provides superior protection compared to the default firewalls in Windows and Mac.

During testing, Bitdefender’s firewall blocked most simulated network attacks and prevented an online port scanner from accessing any service ports. This means that potential attackers probing for vulnerabilities would be unable to obtain any information from your system.

Bitdefender handles application network access in three modes:

• Automatic: Bitdefender decides whether to allow or block access.
• Allow: All applications can connect to the internet.
• Block: All applications are prevented from connecting to the internet.

The default Automatic mode strikes a good balance for most users, offering reliable protection without unnecessary interruptions. There’s also an Alert mode, which prompts you whenever an application tries to connect to the internet, though it can be intrusive and unclear at times.

While Bitdefender’s firewall settings are easy to navigate, creating custom rules for specific applications is also straightforward. Advanced users can adjust individual permissions through the “Rules” tab.

Bitdefender’s Stealth Mode is designed to make your computer invisible on the network, but in testing, it didn’t fully prevent devices like wireless printers or smart TVs from interacting with the computer.

Overall, Bitdefender’s firewall offers robust protection, effectively blocking network threats and malware attacks. While certain features like Stealth Mode could be improved, the firewall is more user-friendly and secure than the built-in options on most operating systems.

Password manager

With Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, the password manager comes as a 90-day trial. Upgrade to Bitdefender’s Premium Security for the complete version.

Bitdefender’s password manager is a solid, though basic, option compared to dedicated tools like 1Password or Dashlane. It lacks a desktop app and features such as password sharing, but it covers essential functionalities, including:

• High-level encryption
• Multi-device sync
• Password generator
• Unlimited password storage
• Payment info storage
• Auto-save and auto-fill
• Password vault auditing

The password manager comes free with Bitdefender Premium Security, but lower-tier plans offer a 90-day trial before requiring a paid subscription. While there’s no desktop app, Bitdefender provides mobile apps for Android and iOS and browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari.

Bitdefender allows storage of passwords, identities, payment details, and even Wi-Fi credentials. The auto-fill and auto-save features worked smoothly in testing, with the option to auto-fill details either automatically or with a manual click. The password generator can create passwords up to 32 characters long, which is decent, though less robust than the 99-character options offered by competitors like LastPass.

The standout feature is Bitdefender’s password vault auditing tool (Security Report), which checks for weak, reused, and compromised passwords. However, it lacks dark web monitoring, which is available separately through Bitdefender’s Digital Identity Protection service.

While it’s not as feature-rich as standalone password managers, Bitdefender’s password manager is a good, user-friendly option included in the Premium Security plan for users who need basic password management without advanced features like password sharing or biometric logins.

VPN

With Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, the VPN comes with a 200 MB per day data limit. Upgrade to Bitdefender’s Premium Security for the complete version, or buy the VPN separately.

Bitdefender’s VPN, powered by Hotspot Shield, offers solid security but with fewer features and server locations compared to standalone VPNs. It uses 256-bit AES encryption, maintains a no-logs policy, and includes a kill switch for added protection.

Most Bitdefender plans include a free version of the VPN, but it’s quite limited, offering only 200 MB of daily data and automatically connecting to a random server, which can result in slow speeds. To get unlimited data and access to over 4,000 servers worldwide, users need to upgrade to Bitdefender Premium Security or purchase a separate VPN subscription.

Despite its limitations, Bitdefender’s premium VPN delivers some of the fastest speeds among antivirus-bundled VPNs, slightly outperforming competitors like Norton’s VPN. Speed tests showed minimal impact on browsing, streaming, and torrenting. The VPN is highly effective for streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, although NordVPN and Surfshark remain a better option for broader platform access.

Bitdefender’s VPN supports torrenting and even allows users to auto-connect when launching peer-to-peer apps. It also offers the WireGuard protocol, known for its speed and security, and a double-hop feature that enhances privacy by routing connections through two servers. While the double-hop feature can cause some slowdown, it’s a useful addition for those seeking extra security.

Overall, Bitdefender’s premium VPN offers fast, encrypted browsing with decent streaming support. While it lacks advanced features found in standalone VPNs, it’s a solid choice for users looking to boost online privacy alongside their antivirus protection.

Other security features

OneClick Optimizer

Bitdefender’s OneClick Optimizer is a basic but useful tool for freeing up disk space by removing unnecessary files, including:

• Temporary system files
• Windows junk files
• Recycle bin contents
• Broken registry items
• Browser history

In testing, it freed up 1.3 GB on my PC, which is quite effective. However, the tool lacks the depth of competitors like TotalAV and Avira, which offer additional features such as startup optimization, application uninstallers, and duplicate file finders. A notable downside is that Bitdefender doesn’t provide detailed information about flagged issues before removal, making it difficult to review what’s being deleted.

Despite its simplicity, OneClick Optimizer improved my PC’s performance, making it a convenient option for quick system cleanups, though users seeking more comprehensive tune-up tools might find it lacking.

Secure Web Browser (Safepay)

Bitdefender’s Safepay browser enhances security during online transactions by offering:

• Protection from remote desktop access
• Blocking of screen snapshots
• Virtual keyboard to prevent keystroke tracking
• Integration with Bitdefender’s password manager
• Built-in VPN (200 MB daily limit)

Safepay worked exceptionally well in tests, blocking screenshots and preventing the copying of sensitive information like passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA) codes. Its virtual keyboard further protected against keyloggers. However, Safepay’s slow page loading and inability to stream HD video limit its usability as a regular browser. Still, it’s faster than Kaspersky’s Safe Money browser and ideal for secure transactions.

For users focused on protecting sensitive data during financial operations, Safepay is an excellent tool, even if it’s not intended for everyday browsing.

Parental Controls

Bitdefender’s parental control app, available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, allows parents to manage their child’s digital activities, including:

• Setting device usage limits and schedules (not available on iOS)
• Blocking or allowing specific apps (limited on iOS)
• Filtering websites by category (not available on iOS)
• Tracking location and setting geofencing alerts (Android and iOS)
• Viewing new phone contacts (Android and iOS)

The app worked seamlessly in testing, effectively blocking blacklisted websites and tracking app usage and location in real time. The geofencing feature, which notifies parents when a child enters or exits a specified area, is a standout, as it’s not offered by most competitors. However, children cannot request access to blocked sites directly through the app, a feature available in Norton’s parental controls.

Overall, Bitdefender’s parental controls are among the best, providing comprehensive protection and monitoring, both online and offline, making it a top choice for parents seeking robust digital safety tools for their children.

Webcam and Microphone Protection

Bitdefender provides robust protection for your webcam and microphone, preventing unauthorized access by hackers. This feature is a standout compared to competitors like McAfee, which lack similar protections. Bitdefender monitors all apps attempting to access your camera and microphone, sending notifications for each attempt, allowing you to approve or deny access. Users can customize these settings for trusted apps like Zoom or block access entirely.

This easy-to-use, customizable protection is a great addition for users concerned about privacy.

Ransomware Remediation

Bitdefender’s Ransomware Remediation is designed to automatically protect and restore files during a ransomware attack. While it successfully blocked and restored most files in testing, a few files were not fully recovered. Despite these rare misses, this feature remains more effective than Malwarebytes’ ransomware protection, which struggles to block or recover files.

Though not perfect, Bitdefender’s Ransomware Remediation offers a significant layer of protection that many other antiviruses don’t provide, making it a valuable tool for safeguarding your data.

Identity Theft Protection

Bitdefender offers one of the best identity theft protection packages available in 2025, but it’s limited to US users through standalone purchases or in the Ultimate Security bundle. This service monitors up to 100 pieces of personal information, including social security numbers, email addresses, and driver’s licenses. It also scans for impersonator accounts on social media and tracks data breaches and dark web activity.

The standout feature is the ability to remove your data from data brokers, a service also offered by Norton. Bitdefender provides live credit report monitoring, tracking activity with all three major bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) in its Premium plan, which also includes $2M in identity theft insurance.

For comprehensive identity protection, Bitdefender is among the best, especially with its robust credit monitoring and PII tracking features.

Anti-Theft Protection

Bitdefender’s anti-theft protection is highly effective for Windows and Android devices, offering features like device tracking, remote locking, alerts, and data wiping. During testing, the location tracking feature pinpointed my device’s exact location, and the remote locking and alarm functions worked flawlessly. However, Bitdefender does not currently support Mac or iOS devices, which limits its usefulness compared to services like Lookout for iOS.

Still, for Windows and Android users, Bitdefender’s anti-theft tools are easy to set up, accurate, and reliable, offering strong protection against device theft.

Profiles

Bitdefender’s Profiles feature (Windows-only) optimizes system performance based on how you’re using your PC. There are five profiles to choose from:

• Work Profile: Enhances email protection and minimizes system slowdowns.
• Movie Profile: Suppresses notifications and reduces background processes.
• Game Profile: Optimizes performance and reduces interruptions while gaming.
• Public Wi-Fi Profile: Strengthens security when connected to public networks.
• Battery Mode Profile: Extends battery life by adjusting system settings.

Each profile can be customized, and Bitdefender can automatically switch profiles based on app usage. In testing, this feature improved performance when using resource-heavy apps like Adobe Illustrator and while streaming videos, making it a useful tool for optimizing PC performance.

Wi-Fi Protection

Bitdefender’s Wi-Fi protection analyzes networks for vulnerabilities and alerts you to potential threats, keeping your internet connection secure, particularly when using public hotspots.

Cryptomining Protection

Bitdefender’s cryptomining protection detects and blocks cryptojacking attempts, where malicious actors use your system’s resources to mine cryptocurrency. You can allow cryptomining but still receive warnings when detected.

Anti-Tracking Protection

Bitdefender’s anti-tracking feature prevents websites from collecting your personal data for advertising and other purposes, helping protect your privacy online.

File Shredder

The File Shredder permanently deletes files to prevent recovery with data retrieval software. This is especially useful for deleting sensitive information that you don’t want to be recoverable. Bitdefender’s file shredder worked well in testing, permanently deleting files with no issues. While McAfee offers a similar feature, Bitdefender’s overall range of tools is more comprehensive.

AntiSpam

Bitdefender’s AntiSpam feature adds an extra layer of email protection by filtering out spam and phishing attempts using web-filtering technologies. It also provides a toolbar for manual spam management in Outlook, but since similar features are built into Outlook, this might not stand out. Still, the added protection is useful for catching potentially harmful emails before they reach your inbox.

Plans and pricing

In the table below are the core products with their features and prices.

The prices shown are from the USA. However, most brands have different prices (and currencies) in other regions. So visit the brand’s website to see the price in our country.

Plan description

We’ve extensively tested Bitdefender’s antivirus plans and can break them down into simple terms.

Free Plans

• For Windows: Bitdefender’s free plan is basic but robust in malware protection. Missing are advanced features like rootkit removal and VPN.
• For Mac: Similar to Windows, but it’s only an on-demand scanner. No real-time protection.

Basic Paid Plan

• Antivirus Plus (Windows only): Adds real-time protection, a password manager, and a secure browser for online shopping. No firewall, though. Costs $14.99/year with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Advanced Paid Plan

• Internet Security (Windows only): All features from Antivirus Plus, plus a firewall and parental controls. A good deal at $24.99/year, but only for up to 3 PCs.

Premium Paid Plans

• Total Security (All OS): Extends coverage to Mac and mobile, adds system tune-up and anti-theft. Costs $39.98/year for 5 devices.
• Premium Security: All features plus an unlimited VPN for up to 10 devices. Priced at $59.99/year.

For Businesses

• GravityZone Premium: Enterprise-focused with features like network threat protection and Linux support. Starting at $49.99/year with custom pricing for large deployments.

All paid plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee. Choose based on your OS and feature needs.

Test score comparison

We conduct in-house anti-malware tests and review the results from AV-Test, a German lab renowned for its objective evaluations. Below is the average of the last 10 AV-Test results for Windows. Their scoring criteria are:

• Protection (1-6): Effectiveness in blocking malware.
• Performance (1-6): Impact on system speed.
• Usability (1-6): Frequency of errors like false alarms.

We calculate a final score using this formula:

Final Score = 60% Protection + 20% Performance + 20% Usability.

While these results influence our choice of the best antivirus for Windows 11, other factors like privacy and identity protection also play a key role. For a similar analysis for Android or macOS, visit our other comparisons:

• The best antivirus for Android.
• The best antivirus for Mac.

Note: Brands not listed in the table either do not participate in AV-Test trials or are tested too infrequently, such as Surfshark Antivirus.

Source: AV-Test (Last updated: December 2024).

Price comparison

We’ve compared the prices of the top antivirus products for Windows. To make it a fair comparison, we looked at what it would cost us, to protect a  single Windows PC with the most essential features:

• Anti-malware
• Anti-phishing (web protection)
• Firewall
• Password manager
• Unlimited VPN (no data limit)

A few notes:

• Some brands are missing features, lowering their value for money.
• Prices are second-year prices in the USA, without first-year discounts.
• Prices are rounded up for readability (e.g., $99.99 becomes $100).

Brands have different prices outside the USA. See those on their website.

User reviews

We’ve compared the user reviews of all antivirus brands. We’ve used the scores and review count of TrustPilot, a leading user review platform. 

We consider scores above 4.0 very good. Lower scores indicate that the brand might have a poor product or customer service. McAfee’s scores, for instance, are worrying.

Source: TrustPilot. Last Update: December 2024.

Company Profile

Bitdefender, established in Romania in 2001, is a leading cybersecurity provider, serving individuals, small and medium-sized businesses, and enterprises. The company operates globally, with headquarters in Bucharest, Romania, and Santa Clara, California, along with offices across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.

With over 1,600 employees—more than half dedicated to research and development—Bitdefender prioritizes innovation, holding 440 patents in areas such as machine-learning threat detection. Its technology is widely trusted, with partnerships with major players like Microsoft, VMware, and Citrix, and a reseller network spanning 170 countries.

How we test antivirus software

At SoftwareLab, we provide thorough and unbiased antivirus reviews to help you make informed cybersecurity decisions. Our comprehensive testing covers all critical aspects of antivirus performance. We assess each product in six key categories, weighted by importance:

For even more details, visit our blog posts on how we test antivirus software.