Avast Free Antivirus vs Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
Avast Free Antivirus
avast.comBitdefender Antivirus Plus
bitdefender.comSide by side
| Figure | Avast Free Antivirus | Bitdefender Antivirus Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $2.08/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 4 |
| Spec score · Antivirus software | 8.4 (#29) | 9.1 (#5) |
| Breach alerts | Hack Alerts notify users if Avast detects that their email passwords were part of a leak or hack. | Data Breach Detection checks whether email addresses have appeared in known third-party data breaches. |
| Device limit | 1 | 3 |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Protection scope | antivirus | internet security |
| Ransomware protection | Yes | Yes |
| Real-time protection | It detects and blocks malware in real time and scans the PC to remove viruses and other malware. | Its multi-layered protection includes real-time detection against viruses, ransomware, zero-day exploits, rootkits, and spyware. |
| Support | Avast directs users to its Support Center for additional FAQs. | The product page says expert assistance is available 24/7. |
| Supported platforms | Windows,macOS,Android,iOS | Windows,macOS,iOS,Android |
Plans
Avast Free Antivirus
- Free AntivirusFree
- Avast Free Antivirus (included in Avast One)Free
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
- Antivirus Plus, 1 device$24.99 a year
- Antivirus Plus, 3 devices$29.99 a year
- Bitdefender Antivirus Plus Multiplatform — 1 device$24.99 a year
- Bitdefender Antivirus Plus Multiplatform — 3 devices$29.99 a year
In their own words
Avast Free Antivirus
Avast Free Antivirus provides antivirus protection and is now part of the Avast One app. Its free protection detects, blocks, and removes malware, including viruses, adware, spyware, and Trojans, with real-time detection and PC scanning. Web Guard helps block scam websites, phishing links in email, and malicious downloads. On PC, File Shield scans files as they are added or opened, while Behavior Shield warns about suspicious app behavior. Mail Shield flags potentially malicious email attachments, and Ransomware Shield helps stop untrusted applications from changing or encrypting personal files. Network Inspector helps protect Wi-Fi networks from intruders; Firewall monitors traffic to help block malicious intrusions. Hack Alerts notify users if Avast detects that email passwords appeared in a leak or hack, while Avast Assistant offers guidance on whether online messages or offers may be scams. The free plan costs nothing for 1 device. Avast specifies Windows 7 or later and macOS 10.14 or later; automatic updates require internet access. Protection can continue indefinitely after activation, though the app may prompt for reactivation after 12 months.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus Multiplatform protects Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices against malware, ransomware, scams, and other online threats. Real-time detection covers viruses, ransomware, zero-day exploits, rootkits, and spyware. Web protection blocks phishing and fake-shop sites, and layered ransomware protection safeguards documents, pictures, videos, and music from encryption. On Windows PCs, Vulnerability Assessment checks for outdated or vulnerable software, missing Windows security patches, and potentially unsafe settings. Data Breach Detection checks whether email addresses have appeared in known third-party breaches. The included basic VPN allows 200 MB of traffic per day per device; unlimited traffic requires adding Premium VPN. Plans are listed for one or three devices: the first-year prices are $24.99 a year and $29.99 a year, respectively, plus applicable sales tax for the Multiplatform plans. Subscriptions may renew automatically. The maker offers a 30-day full trial without a credit card, says assistance is available 24/7, and says customers may request a refund within 30 days of purchase or renewal.