If you’re looking for antivirus software to use on your devices to ensure comprehensive security, you’ll likely come across Bitdefender and Kaspersky. Both are the best antivirus packages that have been in the market for years and have earned a good reputation among users.
So which antivirus is best for you? Which is more affordable without compromising on features?
What is Bitdefender?
Founded in 2001, Bitdefender is a cybersecurity firm that offers a range of antivirus packages suitable for individuals, families and businesses.
With the full Bitdefender security suite, you’ll enjoy unlimited VPN service and encryption for all your online data to protect your security.
Bitdefender also comes with an anti-theft and anti-loss feature that protects your Windows devices and allows you to remotely access them anytime from anywhere in the world. It also has multiple ransomware protections for your local files like pictures, videos, documents and music.
What is Kaspersky?
If you’re looking for an antivirus to protect you while surfing the net, Kaspersky is the security suite for you. The company also introduced Kaspersky Safe Kids, a version of its software that provides protection for children online and even offline.
Note that Kaspersky offers security for online banking and keeps your browsing activity private on Windows and Mac devices, which is one of its many unique features.
Like Bitdefender, individuals and businesses can sign up for Kaspersky services, and there are several plans for you to choose from, depending on your budget and needs.
Bitdefender and Kaspersky: Supported Devices
Bitdefender can be used on almost any device, be it desktop or mobile. The software for desktop computers runs on Windows and Mac operating systems. Windows devices must be running Windows 7 or later, and Mac operating systems must be running MacOS 10.10 or later. Supported browsers include Google Chrome, Safari, and Firefox.
Both mobile versions of Android and iOS are supported, Android 5.0 is the oldest version that can use Bitdefender, and iOS 12 or later is required to use it.
Kaspersky supports major operating systems on both mobile and desktop devices. Similarly, Windows 7 or later is required, supported browsers include Microsoft Edge, Firefox and Chrome. If you are still using the outdated Microsoft Internet Explorer (which we strongly recommend against), this is also supported.
MacOS users need version 10.12 or later in addition to supported browsers for the antivirus to work. Devices running Android must be running version 4.2 or later. Kaspersky never supported devices running iOS because Apple argued that its security was already tight; however, that has changed since then, because yes, iPhones and iPads also need an antivirus suite. Still, it’s relatively new, meaning you’ll need to be running iOS 14.0 or later.
Everyone should keep their operating systems up to date, but if you don’t, Bitdefender wins because older versions are still supported.
Winner: Bitdefender.
Kaspersky vs Bitdefender: Prices and Features
An important factor to consider when choosing an antivirus program is the cost of the service.
Bitdefender has Bitdefender Ultimate Security and Bitdefender Premium Security all-in-one plans. The former is $79.98 for the first year of subscription and the latter is $59.99 for the first year. Annual subscriptions increase to $179 after the first year for Ultimate Security and $159 for Premium security, both of which support up to 10 devices connected at once.
These plans come with full general online security (ie anti-malware), unlimited premium VPN and a password manager. In addition, the Ultimate plan comes with identity theft protection that scans the surface network and the dark web to check if any of your personal information has been leaked. If it detects that you have suffered a data breach, it advises you on what steps to take. You may also subscribe to only one of these services; say just for VPN or identity protection. They work cheaper if you subscribe to the full Bitdefender package.
Kaspersky has a simpler subscription package with three plans: Standard, Plus and Premium. The price of each plan varies depending on how many years you subscribe for and the number of devices you want it to support.
The standard plan costs $8.99 for a one-year subscription and then renews for $28.99 per year for three supported devices with one user account. The Plus plan costs $11.99 for the first year with three devices and two user accounts, then renews for $39.99.
Finally, the Premium plan, which comes with a free one-year subscription to Kaspersky Kids, costs $12.99 for the first year, which covers two user accounts and three devices. All paid plans have a 30-day free trial period, during which you will have full access to all features of the plan you choose, and you can cancel at any time with a money-back guarantee.
Each of the plans comes with standard antivirus, as you’d expect, plus payment protection (which gives you extra coverage on sites where you enter financial information, whether it’s a bank or an online store) and performance optimization. The Advanced Plan adds to the VPN, so your data is not scrambled. The Premium Plan includes all of this, plus Bitdefender-like Kaspersky Kids and identity protection. Crucially, the most expensive plan also gives you 24/7 support – which gives you peace of mind (but you’ll notice that Standard and Advanced subscribers change a bit).
Even so, Kaspersky is cheaper than Bitdefender, and while both offer a 30-day trial with a money-back guarantee, Kaspersky is the better choice if you’re looking for an affordable internet security package.
Winner: Kaspersky.
Bitdefender Free and Kaspersky Free
Bitdefender has a free antivirus for all operating systems and devices that you can access for free. A free antivirus is a plan like the paid ones, but they only give you access to antivirus protection without additional protections like VPN and password manager that come with paid plans.
Like Bitdefender, Kaspersky has free software for Windows, Android, and iOS devices. Unlike Bitdefender, which only offers antivirus protection, Kaspersky’s free package also comes with anti-malware and anti-ransomware protection to keep your devices safe from attackers.
Kaspersky’s free antivirus is more comprehensive than Bitdefender’s because it also protects against a wider range of malware and ransomware.
Winner: Kaspersky.
Bitdefender and Kaspersky: Which is Better?
Both Bitdefender and Kaspersky have amazing features that make them the best internet security suites. However, considering pricing, supported devices and free versions, Kaspersky comes out on top here. That doesn’t mean Bitdefender isn’t good. In fact, it’s a great piece of safety kit and you can’t go wrong whichever one you choose.
But if your goal is to get complete protection for your devices at a relatively low price, you should go for Kaspersky, because even its free version offers more protection than just antivirus.