Bitdefender vs. Avast 2025: Is Bitdefender a More Comprehensive Antivirus Solution?

Bitdefender and Avast are two of the top antivirus software programs, each with its own merits. Bitdefender offers numerous bonus features, including an ad blocker and parental controls. Avast offers multiple device protection and a user-friendly interface. In this matchup, we chose Bitdefender as our winner.

We’ll give you the facts, features, and pricing behind both of these antivirus programs, so you can determine which one is the best fit for your budget and lifestyle.

Bitdefender vs. Avast at a glance

• Bitdefender: Best for premium features
• Avast: Best for straightforward online protection

	Our Pick
Star rating	5.0 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	4.8 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Starting price	Free or $54.99/first yr	Starts at $35.88/first yr
Max number of protected devices	10	30
Malware scans	Manual and scheduled	Manual and scheduled
Real-time protection
Phishing protection
Ransomware protection
24/7 customer support
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Learn more	Get Bitdefender Read Bitdefender Review	Get Avast Read Avast Review

Bitdefender pros and cons

The price points for these two antivirus programs are quite distinct. Bitdefender starts at $34.99/first yr and tops out at Free. Bitdefender comes with an ad blocker, which is not included with Avast unless you use the Avast browser.

Avast pros and cons

Avast starts at $35.88/first yr and tops out at $119.88/yr (first year only). Avast provides coverage for up to 30 devices, while Bitdefender can cover only a fraction of that.

Which antivirus is the better value?

Bitdefender has better pricing options and is the better value.

	Our Pick
Price range	$24.99–$64.99/first yr	$35.88-$119.88/yr (first year only)
Best value plan	Bitdefender Premium Security for $64.99/first yr	Avast One Silver (individual) for $35.88/first yr
Money-back guarantee	Yes — 30 days	Yes — 30 days
Learn more	View Bitdefender Plans Read Bitdefender Review	View Avast Plans Read Avast Review

Bitdefender plans

We chose Bitdefender Premium Security as its best-value plan. Premium Security gives you the best protection of all Bitdefender subscriptions, covering up to five devices with a password manager, VPN, proprietary scam detection, and more. 

Bitdefender offers a 30-day free trial for the full version and a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you aren’t satisfied with the product, you’ll receive a full refund without any hassle.

Avast plans 

For Avast’s best value plan, we went with Avast Premium Security. It covers 10 devices and costs only a little more than Avast’s lowest-cost option, providing the same coverage.

Avast also offers a 30- to 60-day free trial (depending on your operating system) and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Which antivirus has better features?

Bitdefender simply has better features than Avast.

Feature	Our Pick
Manual and scheduled scans
Phishing protection
Ransomware protection
Firewall	Yes (for Windows)	Yes (for Windows)
Device optimization tools
Parental controls
Password manager
VPN
Ad blocker
Extras	Scam Copilot, scam prevention and detection, email protection, cryptomining protection, webcam protection	Webcam protection, breach monitoring
Learn more	Get Bitdefender Read Bitdefender Review	Get Avast Read Avast Review

When comparing Bitdefender and Avast, we found that they offered many of the same security features. They both offer manual and scheduled scans, anti-phishing protection, ransomware protection, and a firewall (for Windows users).

As for additional features, both Bitdefender and Avast include a virtual private network. VPNs are a valuable feature for anyone seeking enhanced security while on the go.  We've tested both and found Bitdefender VPN to be better than Avast SecureLine.

Additionally, Bitdefender comes with Bitdefender SecurePass password manager and a built-in ad blocker, while Avast does not. If you’re annoyed by pop-ups, this may be a feature you want. And if you have a family, an antivirus with parental controls is crucial. Bitdefender checks that box too, but Avast doesn’t.

Avast features a Network Inspector, which detects Wi-Fi vulnerabilities on both your home and public networks. Similarly, Bitdefender offers a Home Scanner, which scans for vulnerable devices and passwords, providing security recommendations.

For device optimization, Bitdefender comes with Photon, which helps conserve resources and improve your device’s speed and performance. The technology helps ensure that the antivirus doesn’t impact your device’s processes. If you want the same type of feature from Avast, you’ll need to pay for a subscription to Avast Cleanup Premium, which would typically run you $65.99 for one device.

Avast also stands out with its data breach scanner, Avast BreachGuard. It's not as robust as other dedicated data removal services, but it does include helpful features for protecting your online identity. 

Bitdefender vs. Avast: Test results

When reviewing any antivirus software, we examine third-party testing scores to provide a clear and objective picture of how the product performs. With independent testing, the research offers scoring grades that you can trust, since there are no ties to the companies that own the products.

For this review, we used AV-TEST scores. The lab evaluates antivirus products using real-world scenarios to test their effectiveness in protecting against malware. AV-TEST conducts thousands of tests annually to evaluate the effectiveness of various antivirus programs in protecting user data.

Bitdefender vs. Avast AV-TEST scores

	Our Pick
Windows score	18/18	18/18
macOS score	18/18	18/18
Android score	18/18	17/18
Learn more	Get Bitdefender Read Bitdefender Review	Get Avast Read Avast Review

In the past, Bitdefender only achieved near-perfect scores in third-party testing for performance, protection, and usability. But with perfect scores across the board for Windows, macOS, and Android, Bitdefender outperforms Avast. 

Which antivirus has the better compatibility and customer support?

	Our Pick
Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
Browser extensions	Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari	Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari
24/7 customer support
Customer support options	24/7 live chat, phone, email, support forums, online guides	Phone, email, support forums, online guides
Learn more	Get Bitdefender Read Bitdefender Review	Get Avast Read Avast Review

Compatibility experience

Avast apps are easy to use, and the installation was seamless. Although the user interface offered multiple options, it was intuitive and easy to navigate. Avast works with most devices and platforms, making it a good choice if you need antivirus software on multiple machines.

Bitdefender also works on Windows and macOS and is compatible with most browsers. However, some parts of the product are split up. which is not intuitive. For instance, you must be logged in to Bitdefender Central to install parental controls.

Both of these antivirus programs lack certain features that are specific to Apple users. For example, the firewall is exclusive to Windows users. In addition, Bitdefender doesn’t provide a file shredder or scheduled scans for macOS.

Most antivirus software appears to offer more features for Windows. Some argue that’s because Windows gets hit with more malware. Whatever the reason, most Apple aficionados are used to missing some of the features designed for PC use.

Customer support experience

Avast has an impressive customer service system, but doesn’t offer live chat around the clock. However, you can call its phone support 24/7 if you’re having issues with your device. You can also use the support forum, where other users can help you with questions. The included knowledge base is designed to help you sort through articles that may assist in resolving an issue.

Bitdefender checks all the customer service boxes, including 24/7 live chat assistance. You also get access to text and video tutorials. If you would like to speak with a representative directly, you can call the support number for your location.

Bitdefender vs. Avast alternatives

Both Bitdefender and Avast are two of the best antivirus software programs we've tested. Bitdefender shines with its advanced scam protection, while Avast is a terrific beginner-friendly suite for all users. But if you want unlimited device protection, a lower starting price, or even more advanced security features, here are other top-tested programs we recommend:

FAQs

Bitdefender vs. Avast: Which is better?

Based on performance, pricing, and bundled security features, we believe Bitdefender is the better option. 

When comparing Bitdefender and Avast, they share many similar features, including compatibility and third-party test scores. But Avast doesn’t offer 24/7 live chat support, and Bitdefender is much cheaper than Avast.