Bitdefender vs Kaspersky? Which is better? The basic dilemma of choosing antivirus software is faced by almost everyone. Since it is a day to day protection from the online threat requirement for everyone in this internet-driven world. Well if you are getting confused about whether to opt Bitdefender or Kaspersky, don’t worry as in this article we have carried out a full comparison review among the 2 software, so you can understand both of them better and opt according to your understanding.

So, Let’s get started.

In today’s time, the internet is playing a major part of almost everyone’s life, mainly it is because of how useful it is in terms of everything. It provides shopping like features to getting a job in one click. Although it has lots of merits, but also a hub of malicious files and viruses which are ready to burn up the systems and are a major reason behind cyber theft, Cybercrime, and PC related issues. Therefore, this is the point where Antivirus comes into action in regards to the following problems by malicious files and ware or even when these files and ware are detected. As it tends to block off the harmful and malicious files and ware from reaching one’s computer. They also are responsible for cleaning out an infected PC by simply scanning it and removing the dangerous files.

Hence, there are 2 leading Antivirus in the market. Bitdefender and Kaspersky. People while opting an antivirus software often get a perpetual dilemma to decide which one to opt among these 2. Since they pack a lot in them and hence have a lot to offer to their customers. Although they may lack a couple of things or may excel to one another in some things which often tend to be the reason differentiating the two. Hence, the detailed comparison for the same is carried out making it easier for readers to decide between them.

Bitdefender vs Kaspersky Antivirus Plan Comparison

The list below explains about products offered by the companies for home users.

Bitdefender Antivirus Suites

• Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition (Windows Only).
• The plus version of the software. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus (Windows Only).
• Bitdefender Internet Security version  (Windows Only).
• Total security version. Bitdefender Total Security (Both Windows and Macintosh).
• Bitdefender Family Pack (Both Windows and Macintosh).
• The Virus Scanner version(Macintosh Only).
• And the dedicated Mac version. Bitdefender Antivirus for Macintosh (Macintosh Only).

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Kaspersky Security Suites

• Kaspersky Free version. Available to people at no cost. (Windows Only).
• The Second one is Kaspersky Anti-Virus. (Windows Only).
• The Internet Security version. Kaspersky Internet Security. (Mac and Windows).
• Then comes the Total Security version. Kaspersky Total Security. (Mac and Windows).
• Virus Scanner. (Mac Only).
• The pro version of the Virus Scanner. Virus Scanner Pro. (Mac Only).

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Therefore, the above list provides readers with the availability of all antivirus software provided by the 2 companies for home users.

Pre-Comparison Result (Short Verdict)

Note: This section of the article is for those who want to skip the effort of reading an in-depth comparison report of the 2 antiviruses and directly know the result.

As per the research,  Bitdefender is the winning contender of the Comparison. Since it offers more security features and provides users with many different types of utility tools than Kaspersky has to offer. Although, Both Bitdefender and Kaspersky proved to be equal in the “Protection” category. Also, as per the Lab test reports Bitdefender excels with a slight difference from Kaspersky in an impact test.

It is recommended to kindly read the full comparison report for in-depth knowledge of what both the software has to offer before opting for any one of them.

A detailed description of everything included in Bitdefender’s Antivirus Suites

Bitdefender is a very well-known name in the field of antivirus. It is because of its product quality as well as because of the features it offers to its customers. The company provides its users with many versions to choose from according to their needs. Hence the detailed description of those versions are as follows:

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition

This is the first in the line software company provides to the user. It is a free version and hence protects from basic malware. Like ransomware, viruses, worms, etc. But it does not provide users with advanced protection features. Although protection against online threats is induced in the software.

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

The next step up is to Bitdefender’s Antivirus Plus software. It comprises of features like WiFi Security Advisor which tends to block threats trying to spread through the network, A Vulnerability Scanner which holds regular checks in for outdated software and security holes in the OS and a file shredding utility which helps you delete your files with complete security and makes it insanely hard for anyone but you to recover them. Also, Advanced multi-layered ransomware protection, A hardened web browser, and a password management utility. They all are present here in this version of the software.

Note: A single subscription of the Plus version lets you protect up to 3 PCs.

Bitdefender Internet Security

This is the next version up in the list of software provided by the company. It consists of all those features present in the Plus suite. As well as offers a two-way firewall, A spam filter and a file encryption utility which tends to monitor ongoing and outgoing connections and blocks of malicious ware. Also, it Blocks junk emails and messages and protects personal files and documents from hackers respectively.  It also features a limited parental control utility which is responsible for blocking age-sensitive content as well as helps in monitoring children’s usage of the internet and a limited VPN.

Note: This version also lets a single subscription of the software protect up to 3 PCs.

Bitdefender Total Security

This is the full-blown version of the software company has to offer. Meaning it contains all the feature which the company has to offer. In simpler words, it consists of all the features from the previous version and hence adds Anti-theft Module which is responsible for finding lost and stolen devices. Also, it adds up the performance-enhancing tools. Such as OneClick Optimizer, Disk Cleanup, Startup Optimizer.

Unlike other Antivirus suites, this particular version is compatible with Macintosh Systems as well.

Note: This particular version lets you protect up to five PCs, Macs, Android, and iOS devices. With a single Total Security Subscription.

Bitdefender Family Pack

If you are looking for a family subscription. Then there is no better option available other than this. As this particular subscription lets, you protect unlimited no. of PCs, Macs, Androids and iOS devices. That too with “Total Security” Subscription.

Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac

This is a specialized premium version of the software created for Mac OS. It is incorporated with all the features and is capable of blocking every type of Mac-related malware and dangerous files. Also, is equipped with a VPN and an encryption utility. Therefore, on the upper hand, it is also incorporated with protection against annoying adware and dangerous phishing attacks.

Note: Both Bitdefender Family pack and Bitdefender Total Security are compatible with Macintosh OS.

A detailed description of everything included in Kaspersky’s Security Packages

Kaspersky is also an Antivirus software that attained its name in the field because of the results it provided in protecting users. The company provides its users with many versions to choose from according to their needs. Hence the detailed description of those versions are as follows:

Kaspersky Free

The freeware by Kaspersky provides basic protection against different types of malware such as trojans, worms, viruses, and ransomware. But you won’t be finding any type of advanced protection services and utility tools present there in the software.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus

This is the level up version after Kaspersky free. It provides you with protection against all kind of threats followed by multi-layered ransomware protection, complete web-browsing protection, a vulnerability scanner, and a Gaming mode which tend to subside app notifications and messages. Therefore, providing less distractive gaming.

Note: A single subscription protects a single PC. Although there is an option to add up more PCs that can be done with an additional cost.

Kaspersky Internet Security

This is the next Level up version provided by the company. It contains all the features present there in the previous version and, besides, contains firewall utility, a hardened web browser, and a limited parental control module.

On top of that, it also contains protection against webcam/microphone spying.

Note: The software is compatible with PC, Mac, and smartphone. One can choose protection for more than one device at additional charges.

Kaspersky Total Security

This is the high-end version of antivirus offered by the company. It consists of all the features included that in the internet security version followed by the Password management tool, the Data Shredder utility and an encryption tool. It also offers an inbuilt a complete parental control module and a useful backup utility tool that is responsible for an automatic backup copy of your files and data.

Kaspersky Security Cloud

The newest addition to the antivirus family by Kaspersky. The security cloud is another High-end version offered by the company. This software consists of all the features Total Security version has to offer. Also, it provides users with patented adaptive technology to which company claims that it is capable of adjusting your security settings automatically, and advises you in regards to the same based on your activities.

This particular version comes in 2 packages, Family and Personal. The one and the only difference between the 2 is Family version offers protection for up to 20 PCs, Macs, and smartphones and as of Personal version, it provides protection for 1 PC. Therefore, the family version is priced at 149.99 dollars a year whereas, the personal is priced at more or less the same as Kaspersky Total Security with a cost tag of 89.99 dollars per year for 3 licenses and 99.99 dollars a year for 5 licenses.

Note: All the premium version provided by Kaspersky are compatible with Mac, Windows, and Smartphones except for the Anti-Virus Suite provided by the company.

Therefore, the Above context explains everything about all the available suites by Kaspersky.

Bitdefender vs Kaspersky (in terms of providing better protection)

As of the 2 software, both of them are considered to be really good Antivirus. One is known to be the best antivirus whereas the other one as an underdog in the market. It is all because of the protection, features, and utility tools the two ware provides. In the current period virus is more likely to hit a system. Since there is a growing number of internet users day by day, threats are also increasing at a faster rate. Therefore, both the software provides nominal features for the protection of an individual from such threats.

Therefore, the tests were held by AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. To check how well an Antivirus is against such increasing threats. Since these are the software responsible for an individual’s internet security and safety.

Note: The tests were carried out on a standard PC as well as a High-end PC.

AV-Test (Tests)

There were 2 different tests conducted against zero-day malware and widespread malware in January and February 2018 and November and December 2018 on Windows 7 and 10 respectively. As of the Windows 7 test, both of them maintained there reputation by perfect blocking 100% of both the malware in both the month respectively.

Hence, AV experts rewarded both of them with a perfect score of 6/6 in the “Protection” category.

Whereas for the test held in the Windows 10 OS against the same malware types in November and December. Bitdefender showed incredibly remarkable results. It halted 100% of both types of malware in both the months attaining again a perfect score of 6/6 in the “Protection” category by the AV experts.

On the other hand, Kaspersky’s test on Windows 10 against the same types of malware was good but not as impressive as Bitdefender’s test was. As of result, the antivirus managed to block 100% of widespread malware in both the month but for zero-day malware. It was only able to detect 98.9% in November but was improved in December by the detection rate of 100% of zero-day malware. Although, it also attained a perfect score of 6/6 in the “Protection” category by the AV experts.

AV-Comparatives (Tests)

The AV-Comparatives held a study in the period of July-November 2018. In which both of them were tested against real-world malware conditions in the “Real-World Protection Test” and simple malware conditions in the “Malware Protection Test”.

As of the “Real-World” Protection Test, Both Bitdefender and Kaspersky were allocated with the highest “ADVANCED+” award by the experts due to their near-perfect protection rates of 99.9% and 99.7% respectively. Where Bitdefender returned 3 false positives in 5 months and Kaspersky returned only 2.

Whereas, For the malware protection test, Both Bitdefender and Kaspersky again bagged the highest possible “ADVANCED+” award in the test, It was also made possible because of their near-perfect protection rates of 99.95% and 99.96%, respectively.

And as for false positives in this test, Kaspersky returned 10 of them whereas Bitdefender only came up with 5.

Hence, for the protection test on two software, It is clear that Bitdefender and Kaspersky are pretty capable of providing with the best protection to their customers, but as of the result they both proved to be equal in this category as they came up with almost the similar score in the “Protection” category making the result of this section a tie between the 2 Antiviruses.

Bitdefender vs Kaspersky (in terms of impact on system)

Antivirus is majorly known for performing in the background to carry out the process of Real-Time scanning. Although, it is been a concern of people since they tend to eat up most of the CPU performance. But is important for the sake of safety and security.

Therefore, for antivirus to be perfect it should imply less strain on PC because the heavy strain can be a particular reason for unexpected pauses and hang in a system that can be pretty annoying sometimes.

Therefore, tests were conducted by independent labs to carry out the result of how the 2 software fared in a particular category. By carrying out a couple of activities like launching popular websites, downloading and installing, commonly used applications, copying of files, and more.

Note: The tests were carried out on a standard PC as well as a High-end PC.

Bitdefender’s impact Test

As for the test which was carried out on Bitdefender. The Antivirus once again got a 6/6 rating in AV-Test.

Below are the test results of Bitdefender’s Impact test held by AV-Test.

Whereas, it also received an “ADVANCED+” award in the AV-Comparatives Test with a rating of 4.1 in the “Performance” category.

Below are the test results of Bitdefender’s Impact test held by AV-Comparatives.

Kaspersky’s impact Test

And for the test results which was carried out by Kaspersky. The Antivirus once again got a 6/6 rating in AV-Test whereas a top-end “ADVANCED+” award in AV-Comparatives Test with a slightly heavier impact score of 8.1 in the “Performance” category as well.

Below are the test reports for Kaspersky in the “Performance” Category (AV-Test).

Below are the test reports for Kaspersky in “Performance” Category (AV-Comparatives).

Note: The lower the impact score the better the antivirus.

As for this test conclusion, it is clear that both of the software is pretty stable and tend to provide minimal impact on the system. Whereas, if we go for the stats, Bitdefender tends to dominate this section of the comparison making it better than Kaspersky in terms of impact on the system.

Bitdefender vs Kaspersky in terms of Pricing

Almost both companies resulted in attaining a good score and almost contains similar features. But as for the price tags, it might not be the same case. As in this section, we’ll be stating the allotted price of each software version provided by both companies. Hence making it easier for readers to decide which one falls in their budget range.

Bitdefender’s Antivirus Software Pricing

• Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

The Antivirus Plus subscription is available in 29.99 dollars for a 1-year plan.

• Bitdefender Internet Security

The Bitdefender Internet Security is available for 34.99 dollars for a 1-year subscription.

• Bitdefender Total Security

The total security version of Bitdefender Antivirus is available at 38.99 dollars for a year subscription.

• Bitdefender Family Pack

One can get a 1-year subscription of this version at 54.99 dollars.

• Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac

This Mac dedicated Antivirus software can be purchased for 34.99 dollars a year.

• Bitdefender Small Office Security

One can purchase this for 99.98 dollars. And it includes a 1-year subscription for 10 devices.

Therefore, the context stated above tells the readers about the prices available for all different type of Bitdefender software.

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Kaspersky Antivirus Suites Pricing

• Kaspersky Anti-Virus

The Kaspersky Anti-Virus is priced at 29.99 dollars a year for 3 PCs protection.

• Kaspersky Internet Security

The Internet security version is priced at 39.99 dollars for a year subscription for 3PCs.

• Kaspersky Total Security

The full-fledged version offered by Kaspersky is priced at 49.99 dollars a year for the protection of up to 5 PCs.

• Kaspersky Security Cloud

This particular version comes in 2 packages. Family and Personal. The one and the only difference between the 2 is Family version offers protection for up to 20 PCs, Macs, and smartphones. And as of Personal version, it protects 1 PC. Therefore, the family version is priced at 149.99 dollars a year. Whereas the personal is priced at more or less the same as Kaspersky Total Security. With a cost tag of 89.99 dollars per year for 3 licenses and 99.99 dollars a year for 5 licenses.

Therefore, the context stated above tells the readers about the prices available for all different types of Kaspersky software on a different platform.

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Final Thoughts (Winner?)

Getting a premium antivirus in today’s time is everybody’s need. Since they tend to provide individuals with security and safety from online threats. As of the 2 Antivirus software discussed in this article. Both Bitdefender and Avira proved to meet our needs. Although, the comparison is for people to understand the software better and to opt for the one which suits best for their needs.

Hence, the conclusion is that both of the Antivirus software are very well functioning and, are pretty successful in protecting the individual from online threats and malicious ware. But as of the result of the comparison between the 2. Bitdefender excels, Because of its streamlined features as well as prices and options available for all the customers. Also, it highly excels in terms of giving out false positives. Meaning that it tend to report very few safe files as a threat in comparison to that of Kaspersky Antivirus apart from one case where Kaspersky seemed to dominate in the section, Although, Bitdefender also tend to protect from 100% of malicious files followed by giving out less impact on the system.

Therefore, it is clear that Bitdefender is the winning contender of this head to head comparison between Bitdefender and Kaspersky.

Note: Both Bitdefender and Kaspersky tend to have similar scores but Bitdefender excels in some parts making it the winner of the head to head comparison.

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