Avast Free Antivirus vs Bitdefender Total Security

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 Total Security is a security suite for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It provides real-time protection against viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, zero-day exploits, rootkits, and spyware, along with phishing and ransomware protection. The suite includes parental controls, a password manager, and a VPN that encrypts internet traffic; VPN data is limited to 200 MB per day per device. Individual covers five devices under one account, while Family covers 25 devices under five accounts. Family Manager provides a dashboard for settings and real-time alerts. Antispam is available for Microsoft Outlook and Thunderbird, and OneClick Optimizer can free space, clean registries, optimize browsers, and adjust Windows settings. The first-year price is $59.99 per year for Individual and $79.99 per year for Family, plus applicable sales tax. A 30-day trial and full refund within the first 30 days are listed. Bitdefender was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Bucharest, Romania.