Bitdefender Internet Security Review (2025) The best choice?

Full Review

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

Bitdefender offers top-tier internet security at a competitive price. Its cloud-based scanner combines machine learning and signature-based detection to deliver strong malware protection. Additional features include robust web protection, a fast VPN, system tune-up tools, a secure browser, and leading parental controls.

Bitdefender provides free versions for Windows and Mac, as well as several premium plans. Antivirus Plus is a solid choice for protecting up to 3 Windows PCs, while Internet Security adds parental controls, making it ideal for families.

Total Security covers up to 5 devices across multiple platforms (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS), and Premium Security offers the full feature set, including unlimited VPN. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Anti-malware

On-Demand Virus Scanner

Bitdefender’s virus scanner is both comprehensive and lightweight. It uses a vast malware directory and machine learning to identify both known and emerging threats. Since the scanning largely occurs in the cloud, the antivirus has a minimal impact on system resources.

There are five scan types:

1. Quick Scan – Targets active processes for fast detection.
2. System Scan – Provides a full system sweep for malware and vulnerabilities.
3. Custom Scan – Allows scanning of specific areas of concern.
4. Vulnerability Scan – Identifies privacy risks and outdated software.
5. Rescue Environment – Scans for malware outside the operating system.

In tests, the scanner detected all 1,200 malware samples, including viruses, trojans, ransomware, and keyloggers. The full system scan took under 50 minutes, similar to competitors like Norton, but with minimal system slowdown, unlike McAfee. Scans can be scheduled at startup, or daily, weekly, or monthly, though setting custom scans requires extra navigation.

Overall, Bitdefender’s virus scanner is fast, efficient, and highly effective.

Real-Time Protection

Bitdefender’s real-time protection (Bitdefender Shield) scans files and emails as they’re accessed, blocking threats like potentially unwanted applications, keyloggers, fileless attacks, and more. The default settings cover most users’ needs, but advanced users can customize it to scan additional areas such as boot sectors, network shares, and archives.

In tests, Bitdefender blocked 100% of malware samples, immediately quarantining threats from infected files and network-based attacks. While competitors like Norton offer similar detection, Bitdefender stands out for its extensive customization options.

In conclusion, Bitdefender’s real-time protection is highly effective and offers top-tier customization for advanced users.

Anti-phishing

Bitdefender’s anti-phishing protection delivers outstanding performance with perfect detection scores. It constantly checks websites against an extensive, regularly updated blacklist of dangerous sites, blocking access when a match is found.

In our tests, Bitdefender successfully blocked all phishing websites I attempted to access, outperforming browsers like Chrome and Firefox, as well as competitors like Panda and Kaspersky.

A standout feature is Bitdefender’s notification system, which clearly explains why a website was blocked and allows users to whitelist false positives with a single click. This ease of use sets it apart from antivirus programs like Norton, which require more steps to manage exceptions. However, users should only whitelist sites when certain they are safe.

Beyond phishing protection, Bitdefender’s web protection suite scans search results, checks encrypted sites, and monitors for fraudulent content, providing broad coverage against online threats.

Overall, Bitdefender offers exceptional anti-phishing defense and makes managing web protection settings straightforward and user-friendly, while blocking more malicious sites than most competitors.

Firewall

Bitdefender’s firewall is a robust, customizable tool that effectively monitors in- and outbound network traffic, preventing unauthorized access and malware from spreading through your Wi-Fi network. It features port scan protection, passive detection mode, and stealth mode.

While advanced users can fine-tune the firewall settings, beginners can leave it running with default configurations, which still provide superior protection compared to the built-in firewalls on Windows and Mac.

In tests, Bitdefender blocked most simulated network attacks and concealed all service ports from an online port scanner, ensuring that hackers would be unable to gather any information or exploit vulnerabilities.

When handling applications trying to access the network, Bitdefender offers three modes:

1. Automatic – Automatically decides whether to allow or block applications.
2. Allow – Grants all applications internet access.
3. Block – Denies internet access to all applications.

The default “Automatic” mode strikes the best balance for most users. There’s also an “Alert” mode that prompts users whenever a new application attempts to connect to the internet, but it can become intrusive without giving clear enough details about the apps in question.

Competing firewalls like AVG provide more detailed pop-ups, showing the application’s full path and icon, making it easier to identify the app.

Users can also create custom firewall rules for specific programs by navigating to the Rules tab and setting permissions manually. Additionally, Bitdefender’s Stealth Mode is designed to make your system invisible to other devices on the network, though it didn’t work flawlessly in my tests, as I could still print wirelessly and stream to my TV even with Stealth Mode enabled.

Overall, Bitdefender’s firewall is highly effective at blocking network threats, easy to use, and provides more protection than the default firewalls on Windows and Mac, despite some minor shortcomings in Stealth Mode.

Password manager

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

Bitdefender’s password manager is a solid tool, though it lacks some features offered by dedicated solutions like 1Password or Dashlane. While it doesn’t include a desktop app or password sharing, it covers essential functions such as:

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

The password manager is included with Bitdefender Premium Security, while other plans offer a 90-day free trial before requiring an additional annual fee. Despite the lack of a desktop app, mobile apps for Android and iOS and browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari are available. It allows users to store not only passwords but also personal information, credit card details, email credentials, and more.

During testing, the auto-save and auto-fill features performed smoothly, automatically saving and filling login credentials. The password generator can create passwords up to 32 characters long, though competitors like LastPass offer longer passwords.

One standout feature is the Security Report, which audits your password vault for weak, old, reused, or leaked passwords. However, it lacks dark web monitoring, which is available through Bitdefender’s separate Digital Identity Protection service.

Overall, Bitdefender’s password manager is simple and secure, though it lacks advanced features found in dedicated managers like 1Password or Keeper. It’s a decent choice for users who don’t require extensive password management tools and comes at a low cost if bundled with Bitdefender Premium Security.

VPN

With Bitdefender Internet Security, 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 strong encryption and privacy features, including 256-bit AES encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch. However, it lacks the server variety and advanced features of standalone VPNs like Hotspot Shield. Most Bitdefender plans include a free version of the VPN, but it’s limited to 200 MB of daily data and randomly assigns servers, which can lead to slow speeds.

Upgrading to Bitdefender Premium Security or subscribing separately unlocks unlimited data and access to 4,000 servers globally. Bitdefender’s premium VPN delivers impressive speeds, outperforming many antivirus-bundled VPNs and even some standalone services. In tests, I experienced minimal speed drops, allowing smooth browsing, video streaming, and torrenting. These speeds are notably faster than competitors like Panda’s VPN, which can significantly reduce download speeds and increase latency.

The premium VPN excels in streaming, unblocking popular platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Although it performs well, NordVPN and Surfshark remain a better choice for those seeking broader platform support and ultra-fast speeds.

Bitdefender’s VPN also supports torrenting and can be configured to auto-connect when using peer-to-peer apps. It features the WireGuard protocol for secure, high-speed connections and a double-hop feature for enhanced encryption by routing traffic through two servers, though this can reduce speed.

In summary, while bundled options like Bitdefender’s VPN and Norton’s VPN lacks the depth of standalone VPNs, it offers excellent speeds and strong security for users seeking basic online privacy and protection, especially when bundled with Bitdefender Premium Security.

Other security features

OneClick Optimizer

Bitdefender’s OneClick Optimizer is a simple tool for freeing up disk space by removing unnecessary files such as temporary system files, broken registry items, and browser history. It cleared 1.3 GB from my PC, but lacks the detailed reporting seen in competitors like TotalAV. For instance, while it flags issues, it doesn’t provide detailed information about them.

Competitors like Avira offer more advanced tune-up tools, such as a startup optimizer and game booster, which Bitdefender lacks. Despite these limitations, the optimizer noticeably improved my PC’s performance, offering a quick and easy way to clear space.

Secure Web Browser (Safepay)

Bitdefender’s Safepay browser is designed for secure online transactions. It prevents remote desktop access, blocks screenshots, uses a virtual keyboard to foil keyloggers, and integrates with Bitdefender’s password manager. Safepay even activates VPN protection (limited to 200 MB daily) during use.

Testing confirmed that its security features, such as blocking screenshots and disabling copy-paste, worked as advertised. However, Safepay’s slow page loading and inability to stream HD videos mean it’s best reserved for financial tasks, not everyday browsing. Despite this, Safepay is a solid option for secure online shopping and banking.

Parental Controls

Bitdefender’s parental control app is feature-rich and works across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS (with some limitations on iOS). You can set daily device limits, schedule usage, block apps and websites, track location, and view recent phone contacts. In testing, the website filtering effectively blocked blacklisted categories, and I could accurately track a test user’s location.

However, there’s no option for kids to request access to blocked sites, a feature found in Norton’s parental controls. One unique feature is location-based notifications, which alert parents when their child arrives at a safe location. Overall, Bitdefender’s parental controls offer excellent protection and comprehensive monitoring for parents.

Webcam and Microphone Protection

Bitdefender’s webcam and microphone protection prevents unauthorized access to your device’s camera and mic, alerting you when apps attempt to use these features. You can customize access for trusted apps like Zoom and Slack or block access entirely. The system works smoothly, notifying users of any access attempts and allowing easy control. Compared to competitors like Norton, which offer similar protections, Bitdefender’s webcam and mic security stands out, especially since some rivals, like McAfee, lack these features.

Ransomware Remediation

Bitdefender’s Ransomware Remediation automatically protects your files when ransomware is detected, preventing encryption attempts and enabling file recovery. In tests, it restored most files successfully, though a few were not recovered, which was a bit concerning. Despite this, it performs better than some competitors, like Malwarebytes, which struggled to block and restore files during ransomware attacks. The Restored Files tool provides an overview of recovered files, making it easy to track what’s been saved. While it could be improved, this feature is a solid defense against ransomware.

Identity Theft Protection

Available only for US users as part of Bitdefender’s Ultimate Security bundle or standalone, Bitdefender’s identity theft protection is comprehensive. It tracks up to 100 pieces of personal information (PII), such as social security numbers and addresses, monitors dark web activity, and scans social media for impersonators. Bitdefender also offers the ability to remove your data from data broker lists. Additionally, it includes live credit report monitoring with two protection tiers: Standard monitors one credit bureau with $1M insurance, while Premium monitors all three major bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax) and provides up to $2M in insurance and other advanced features. This makes Bitdefender’s identity theft protection one of the best in 2025.

Anti-Theft Protection

Bitdefender’s anti-theft tools are robust but only available for Windows and Android devices. It allows you to locate, lock, sound an alert, or wipe your device remotely. The location tracking was accurate, pinpointing my test device’s exact street location. Other features, like the loud alert sound and remote locking, worked well, though the lock code function only added extra protection on devices without a passcode. While it lacks support for Mac and iOS, it remains a standout anti-theft option for Windows and Android users.

Profiles (Windows Only)

Bitdefender’s Profiles feature optimizes your PC’s performance based on usage, such as work, gaming, or watching movies. The range of profiles includes:

• Work Profile – Enhances email protection and reduces system slowdowns.
• Movie Profile – Minimizes notifications and background processes.
• Game Profile – Improves system performance during gaming.
• Public Wi-Fi Profile – Boosts protection on public Wi-Fi.
• Battery Mode Profile – Optimizes battery life.

During testing, switching profiles manually or automatically improved system performance for resource-intensive apps like Adobe Illustrator and helped avoid interruptions during streaming.

Other Features

• Wi-Fi Protection – Analyzes networks for potential vulnerabilities.
• Cryptomining Protection – Blocks unauthorized cryptomining activities.
• Anti-Tracking Protection – Prevents websites from tracking your browsing habits.
• File Shredder – Permanently deletes files to prevent recovery, useful for sensitive data.
• AntiSpam – Filters email for spam and phishing attempts, though its additional Outlook toolbar is less impressive since manual spam filtering is possible in Outlook itself.

The File Shredder is a standout, permanently erasing sensitive files, which is particularly helpful for users concerned about data recovery after deletion. McAfee includes a similar tool, but Bitdefender’s overall feature set is more comprehensive.

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 tested Bitdefender’s various plans to help you pick the right one. Here’s a quick rundown:

Free Plans

• For Windows: Basic but strong malware protection. Misses advanced features like ransomware remediation.
• For Mac: On-demand scans only, no real-time protection. Good for existing threats.

Paid Plans

• Antivirus Plus: Windows-only, costs $14.99/year. Real-time protection, VPN with limited data, and a password manager. Lacks a firewall.

• Internet Security: Windows-only, costs $24.99/year. Adds firewall and parental controls. Good value for Windows users but not for other platforms.

• Total Security: Costs $39.98/year. Adds Mac and mobile support. Good for families or multiple devices. No unlimited VPN.

• Premium Security: Costs $59.99/year. All features, including an unlimited VPN. Up to 10 devices. A bit pricey but worth it.

For Business

• GravityZone Premium: Starts at $49.99/year. Advanced features like risk analysis and Linux support. Good for big setups. Free trial available.

Every plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, you can try risk-free.

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.