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Bitdefender Antivirus Plus Review (2026): The right choice?
By Tibor Moes / Updated: November 2025
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus Review 2026
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is one of the best entry-level antivirus. It has perfect anti-malware protection, no impact on the speed of your PC, several security features, and an excellent price.
Buy it if you want straightforward protection for a single PC. But keep in mind that you will get anti-malware, anti-phishing, and a few bonus features. Not the firewall, password manager, or VPN.
Alternatively, you could consider Norton Antivirus Plus. Norton’s entry-level antivirus includes anti-malware, anti-phishing, a firewall, a password manager, and 2 GB of cloud storage.
- Malware protection: 100%. Bitdefender detected and removed each of the 1,200 malware samples in our test.
- Speed impact: 100%. Bitdefender’s anti-malware engine is lightweight and did not slow down our test PC.
- Features: 70%. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus includes anti-malware and anti-phishing. But it misses a firewall, a password manager, and a VPN.
- Price: 90%. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus has an excellent price, but Norton offers more value for money.
Thanks to the 30-day return policy, you can try it risk-free.
| Ranking | #5 of 28 |
| Anti-malware | ✅ |
| Anti-phishing | ✅ |
| Firewall | – |
| Password Manager | – |
| Unlimited VPN | – |
| Operating systems | Windows |
| 🔥 Discount | Save 60% on Bitdefender 🔥 |
Full Review
Bitdefender is ranked #5 of the 28 best antivirus of 2026.
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
Bitdefender’s anti-malware engine combines cloud-based scanning, machine learning, and an extensive malware directory to deliver near-perfect protection. Its five scan types—Quick, System, Custom, Vulnerability, and Rescue Environment—cover both everyday needs and deep-level system analysis. The system scan, though comprehensive, runs efficiently with minimal CPU and RAM impact.
During tests, Bitdefender detected 100% of threats, including viruses, ransomware, spyware, and keyloggers, without slowing system performance. The scanner’s speed rivals top competitors like Norton and Avira while maintaining superior system responsiveness.
Real-time protection (Bitdefender Shield) continuously monitors file activity, memory, scripts, and network commands, intercepting malware before it executes. Advanced users can customize protection levels, targeting archives, boot sectors, and new files. The tool’s quarantine system isolates detected threats instantly.
Bitdefender also supports scheduled scans, letting users automate protection on startup, daily, or weekly cycles. Overall, its anti-malware suite delivers fast, precise detection with minimal resource drain, making it one of the most capable antivirus solutions available today.
Anti-phishing
Bitdefender’s anti-phishing and web protection tools safeguard against fraudulent sites with near-perfect detection accuracy. Every website is checked against a dynamic, continuously updated blacklist of malicious domains, ensuring instant blocking of phishing and scam pages.
In testing, Bitdefender identified all phishing attempts across a large sample set, outperforming Chrome, Firefox, and other antivirus competitors. Its system also flags deceptive web content, malicious links, and unsafe downloads, maintaining strong protection during everyday browsing.
A clear notification panel provides transparency by showing which sites were blocked and why, and users can easily whitelist false positives with one click. This streamlined interface is much simpler than that of competitors like Norton, which require manual adjustments in advanced menus.
Additionally, Bitdefender’s web security layer scans encrypted connections, marks unsafe search results, and detects fraudulent behavior on legitimate-looking sites. This comprehensive approach ensures continuous safety while maintaining browsing convenience, making Bitdefender’s anti-phishing capabilities among the best in the industry.
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 provides advanced network security, effectively monitoring both incoming and outgoing traffic to prevent unauthorized access. It shields systems from intrusion attempts, malware communication, and port scanning, ensuring secure Wi-Fi and LAN connectivity.
The firewall offers several protection modes, including Automatic, Allow, Block, and Alert, giving users flexible control over application access. In Automatic mode—the default setting—Bitdefender intelligently decides whether to permit or restrict connections, balancing convenience with strong security. Users can also enable Stealth Mode to hide their system from public networks, or Passive Mode for low-interference operation.
Testing revealed the firewall’s ability to block simulated network intrusions and prevent open-port exploits, surpassing Windows and macOS default firewalls. While “Alert” mode provides granular visibility, it can become intrusive during heavy software activity.
Though some usability enhancements could improve application recognition, Bitdefender’s firewall remains robust and reliable. Its layered defenses, including port scan prevention and traffic monitoring, make it a superior choice for protecting against network-level threats and vulnerabilities.
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, SecurePass, provides essential password management and encryption tools but lacks the depth of standalone solutions like 1Password or Dashlane. It supports AES-grade encryption, password generation, autofill, and unlimited password storage, all synchronized across devices through browser extensions and mobile apps.
During testing, auto-fill and auto-save worked seamlessly, accurately capturing and entering login credentials. The password generator creates strong passwords up to 32 characters, though it trails dedicated managers offering longer options. SecurePass also stores payment data, software keys, and Wi-Fi credentials, simplifying secure data management across platforms.
The Security Report function audits stored passwords, flagging weak or reused entries and recommending improvements. However, the absence of dark web monitoring limits its proactive capabilities. Despite these shortcomings, its clean interface, strong encryption, and accessibility make it a practical inclusion for users seeking basic password security within Bitdefender’s ecosystem.
For advanced users, standalone managers offer broader coverage, but Bitdefender’s integrated solution remains secure, efficient, and well-suited for general password management needs.
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, combines reliable encryption with strong performance. It employs AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and a kill switch to maintain privacy and data integrity. Users on basic plans receive 200 MB of daily data, while premium subscribers enjoy unlimited access and over 4,000 global servers.
Performance testing showed impressive connection stability and minimal speed loss, even when streaming or torrenting. The premium VPN integrates the WireGuard protocol for faster, more secure tunneling, as well as a double-hop option for added encryption. Streaming tests confirmed compatibility with major platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+.
While it lacks advanced options such as split tunneling and dedicated IPs, Bitdefender’s VPN offers high-speed connections ideal for secure browsing, streaming, and public Wi-Fi use. Auto-connection for torrent clients and reliable kill-switch functionality further enhance safety.
Overall, Bitdefender’s VPN offers a smooth blend of usability and protection, standing out as one of the strongest antivirus-bundled VPNs on the market.
Other security features
Bitdefender provides an extensive suite of supplementary tools that elevate its overall protection beyond standard antivirus capabilities. The Safepay browser isolates financial transactions from external threats by blocking screenshots, disabling copy-paste, and enforcing VPN and virtual keyboard use. This ensures safe online payments and prevents credential theft.
The Parental Control module delivers powerful monitoring across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It supports app blocking, location tracking, and web content filtering, offering detailed activity reports. Although missing a request-access feature for children, it remains one of the most reliable parental control systems available.
Bitdefender’s Anti-Theft function enables remote location tracking, locking, and data wiping for lost or stolen Windows and Android devices. Identity Theft Protection monitors personal data, financial activity, and credit bureau reports, with insurance coverage up to $2 million in its premium tier.
Additional features include ransomware remediation, Wi-Fi security analysis, cryptomining protection, anti-tracking, and webcam/microphone safeguards. The file shredder permanently deletes sensitive data, while OneClick Optimizer enhances system performance. Profiles allow users to customize system behavior for gaming, work, or public Wi-Fi use.
Together, these tools make Bitdefender a comprehensive, all-in-one security platform designed to secure digital identities, devices, and privacy across all major operating systems.
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:
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: November 2025).
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: November 2025.
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.
Anti-Malware Protection (30%)
We evaluate how well the antivirus detects and removes various malware types like viruses, trojans, ransomware, and spyware.
In-House Testing: Using 1,200 diverse malware samples, we conduct real-time attack simulations to assess detection and neutralization of known and emerging threats through signature-based and heuristic analysis.
Independent Lab Results: We incorporate findings from respected institutes like AV-Test, SE Labs, and AV-Comparatives to validate our results.
Security and Privacy Features (30%)
We assess additional tools that enhance cybersecurity:
Web Protection: Testing the software’s ability to block phishing sites and web-based threats by accessing known malicious websites.
Firewall: Evaluating effectiveness using intrusion simulations and the ShieldsUP! test to secure network ports and monitor traffic.
Password Manager: Assessing capabilities to generate, store, and auto-fill complex passwords, plus features like two-factor authentication and biometric login.
VPN: Evaluating security protocols, encryption, speed, server locations, data limits, and support for streaming and peer-to-peer sharing while hiding IP addresses.
Parental Controls: Testing screen time management, content filtering, location tracking, and resistance to bypass attempts to protect children.
Identity Theft Protection: Assessing monitoring of personal info and responsiveness to potential identity theft alerts.
Secure Cloud Storage: Evaluating capacity, security, usability, and features like file encryption and secure sharing.
Anti-Ransomware: Simulating attacks to test detection and blocking of unauthorized encryption via behavioral detection and exploit prevention.
Dark Web Monitoring: Checking effectiveness in scanning the dark web for personal info and providing timely alerts.
System Performance Impact (10%)
We measure how the antivirus affects device performance during everyday tasks:
Resource Usage: Monitoring CPU and memory during scans and real-time protection.
Performance Tests: Evaluating impact on launching apps, downloading files, browsing websites, and copying data, aligned with AV-Test criteria.
False Positives (10%)
Accuracy is crucial to avoid interruptions:
False Positive Detection: Assessing how often legitimate applications or files are incorrectly flagged.
Usability Tests: Referencing AV-Test evaluations to gauge false positive frequency for effectiveness and user-friendliness.
Price and Value (10%)
We analyze overall value by comparing features to cost:
Cost Analysis: Considering subscription prices, device coverage, and multi-year plans.
Feature Evaluation: Assessing if included features justify the price compared to competitors.
Ownership and Reputation (10%)
Trust is essential in cybersecurity providers:
Company Background: Researching history, industry track record, mergers, or acquisitions.
Privacy Policies: Examining data handling, privacy commitment, and compliance with regulations.
Ethical Conduct: Investigating past unethical behavior, data breaches, or controversies.
Sources and tools
- Apple Platform Security
- AV-Comparatives Consumer
- AV-Test Android
- AV-Test macOS
- AV-Test Windows
- GRC Firewall Test
- Microsoft Defender
- SpeedTest VPN
- Trustpilot Security Software
Author: Tibor Moes
Founder & Chief Editor at SoftwareLab
Tibor has tested 28 antivirus programs and 25 VPN services, and holds a Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate from Stanford University.
He uses Norton to protect his devices, NordVPN for his privacy, and Proton for his passwords and email.
