Every security suite places antivirus protection at its core, yet they vary significantly in the additional features they offer. Among these, Bitdefender Total Security stands out with an impressive array of enhancements. Building on the robust foundation of the Editors’ Choice Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, this suite includes a network security inspector, advanced ransomware defense, a hardened browser, and an active Do Not Track system, among many other features. Its comprehensive and high-quality offerings have earned Bitdefender Total Security the Editors’ Choice award for entry-level security suites.
How Much Does Bitdefender Total Security Cost?
Bitdefender employs a straightforward two-tier pricing model for its security suite products. Customers can opt for either a five-license individual subscription or a 25-license family subscription, the latter of which unlocks the parental control component. The individual subscription for Total Security is priced at 9.99 per year, aligning with Avira Prime. In comparison, Norton 360 Deluxe is slightly more expensive at 9.99 for five licenses, but it includes five no-limit VPN licenses and 50GB of hosted storage for online backups. To access unlimited VPN capabilities with Bitdefender, a separate subscription is required.
Similarly, McAfee Total Protection offers a five-device protection plan at the same 9.99 price point. However, opting for McAfee+ at 9.99 per year provides unlimited licenses across various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and ChromeOS. While unlimited licenses can be appealing, most users will find that the 25 licenses included in Bitdefender’s family subscription—priced at 9.99—suffice. F-Secure Internet Security previously matched this price for 25 licenses but has since increased to 4.99. Overall, Bitdefender’s pricing remains competitive within the market.
Getting Started With Bitdefender Total Security
To activate your subscription, simply enter a code in the Bitdefender Central online console. Once activated, you can install the product on your current system, scan a QR code with your mobile device, or send an email link to install it on other devices. The installation link automatically downloads the appropriate installer for the active operating system.
The interface closely resembles that of Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, featuring a left-rail menu with icons for Dashboard, Protection, Privacy, and Utilities. The main window displays the current security status and offers recommendations from the AutoPilot component. Six user-configurable button panels provide quick access to frequently used features. This top-tier suite encompasses everything found in the standalone antivirus, along with additional functionalities.
Within the AutoPilot banner, users can initiate a quick scan, system scan, or vulnerability scan, as well as activate Safepay or the VPN. A sixth button allows users to add the system optimizer, password manager, or file shredder to the main window, replacing an existing button that may not be as frequently used.
The Protection page includes panels for Antivirus, Advanced Threat Defense, Online Threat Protection, Vulnerability, and Ransomware Remediation. Total Security enhances this with Antispam, Cryptomining Protection, and Firewall features. The Privacy page incorporates Safepay, VPN, and Anti-Tracker, along with a password manager, video and audio protection, and parental control for family subscriptions. The Utilities page features Anti-Theft, OneClick Optimizer, Profiles, and Data Protection, with the latter two exclusive to the suite.
Shared Antivirus Features
Bitdefender currently boasts perfect and near-perfect scores from four of the five independent antivirus testing labs. It achieved a maximum score of 18 points from AV-Test Institute and earned two Advanced+ scores and one Advanced score from AV-Comparatives. Additionally, it excelled in testing by AVLab Cybersecurity Foundation and passed a rigorous evaluation from MRG-Effitas at Level 2. My aggregated rating gives Bitdefender an impressive 9.6 out of 10. In comparison, ESET Home Security Essential scored 9.8 points, while Norton, Avast One, and Microsoft Defender Antivirus received scores of 10, 9.8, and 9.4, respectively.
In my hands-on malware protection test, Bitdefender scored 8.6 out of 10. While my results occasionally diverged from the labs’ findings, I tend to rely on their evaluations. However, Bitdefender’s trend of lower scores in my hands-on tests raises some concerns. My evaluation of its ability to prevent malware downloads yielded a 95% protection rate, which is average compared to competitors like Avira and Sophos Home Premium, which scored 100%.
Bitdefender excelled in my hands-on antiphishing test, achieving a perfect 100% detection score. It also demonstrated strong performance in defending against real-world exploits generated by the CORE Impact penetration tool, successfully detecting and neutralizing numerous threats.
Additional Features Shared With the Antivirus
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus includes a plethora of features typically reserved for full security suites. Safepay, which safeguards online financial transactions, operates within a hardened browser and features a virtual keyboard for added security. The password manager integrates with Safepay but does not support third-party add-ons.
Safepay previously offered automatic protection when visiting financial sites, but this feature has been deemphasized. Users now need to manually launch Safepay before accessing banking sites. When a banking site is opened in Safepay, users can bookmark it and opt to always open that page in Safepay.
Bitdefender’s Anti-tracker feature actively blocks ads and trackers while browsing, displaying the number of trackers present on the current page. The antivirus also includes a VPN, which is limited to 200 MB of bandwidth per device per day unless upgraded to a premium subscription.
Upgrading to Bitdefender Premium Security removes these bandwidth restrictions, providing full access to the Bitdefender Premium VPN. Additionally, Bitdefender Ultimate Security bundles Total Protection with the premium VPN and identity theft remediation services.
Other bundled features include a profile system that adjusts settings based on activities, a vulnerability scanner for identifying security weaknesses, and a File Shredder for permanently deleting sensitive files. Bitdefender also offers a Rescue Environment that allows users to boot into a non-Windows environment to remove stubborn malware.
SecurePass Password Manager
Bitdefender’s product line has evolved to include the SecurePass password manager, which replaces the simpler Bitdefender Wallet. This feature is exclusive to Bitdefender Total Security and other suite applications.
Getting Started With Password Management
From the Bitdefender Central dashboard, users can install the password manager on various browsers or mobile devices. The initial launch prompts users to log in to their Bitdefender account and create a strong master password, generating a 24-character recovery key for account access in case of forgotten passwords. It is advisable to securely store this recovery key.
To facilitate password management, Bitdefender allows users to import existing passwords or manually create new entries. The software supports direct imports from popular browsers and several competing password managers.
When adding accounts manually, users can input the website URL, username, password, and a friendly name. The software also checks whether the entered password has appeared in any data breaches and can generate one-time codes for multi-factor authentication.
Multi-factor authentication can be enabled for added security, requiring both the account password and a code generated by an authenticator app or received via email.
Password Capture and Replay
SecurePass can capture credentials as users log in to various sites, prompting them to save the information afterward. When revisiting a site, the password manager automatically fills in the credentials for easy access.
For users with multiple saved credentials, SecurePass displays a list when returning to a site, allowing for quick selection and navigation.
Password Generator
The password generator can be accessed during account creation or editing, generating random passwords of varying lengths and complexity. Users are encouraged to opt for longer passwords for enhanced security.
Security Report
Bitdefender’s security report helps users identify weak, duplicate, or old passwords, as well as any malicious URLs associated with their accounts. The report categorizes passwords by strength, allowing users to prioritize improvements.
Identities and Credit Cards
SecurePass enables users to save identity entries and credit card details for easy form filling. However, the process for entering contact information can be cumbersome, particularly for US users. Users can save multiple identities and credit cards, streamlining the online shopping experience.
Secure Your Accounts Remotely
The password manager can be installed across multiple devices, but users should be cautious of security risks if a device is lost or stolen. While previous versions allowed users to manage active sessions, the current iteration focuses on a single “Lock account” button for remote account security.
Improved Password and Group Sharing
SecurePass offers two methods for sharing passwords: Share Link and full sharing. Share Link generates a temporary link for password details, while full sharing establishes a trust relationship with another SecurePass user, allowing for collaborative password management.
Groups can be created to facilitate sharing multiple accounts with others, enhancing the collaborative experience.
Doesn’t Beat the Best Standalone Password Managers
While Bitdefender’s SecurePass is included with the Total Security subscription, it may not match the effectiveness of dedicated password managers. Competitors like Proton Pass and NordPass offer superior features without additional costs.
Firewall Protection Without Fuss
Transitioning from an antivirus to a security suite typically introduces firewall protection, and Bitdefender is no exception. The firewall operates seamlessly, blocking network attacks and preventing misuse of network connections by installed programs.
In testing, Bitdefender successfully thwarted web-based attacks and monitored permissions for known programs. Users can enable Alert mode for more granular control, though most should find the default settings adequate.
Bitdefender’s firewall also includes Network Threat Protection, which outperformed many competitors in testing. The firewall’s resilience against malware attempts to disable security features further solidifies its effectiveness.
Spam Filter, If You Need It
While spam filtering has become less critical due to advancements in email provider technologies, Bitdefender still offers local spam filtering for users relying on older email clients. The spam filter integrates with Microsoft Outlook and Mozilla Thunderbird, allowing users to manage sender lists and report errors.
Preventing Video and Audio Snooping
Bitdefender’s webcam protection feature restricts access to trusted programs, alerting users when new applications attempt to access the camera or microphone. This proactive approach enhances user privacy and security.
Cryptomining Protection
Bitdefender includes a feature to block cryptojacking attacks, which utilize a computer’s resources for unauthorized cryptocurrency mining. Users can choose to block all mining activities or receive notifications about external mining attempts.
Performance Optimization for Windows
Bitdefender Total Security enhances performance optimization features, including OneClick Optimizer and Anti-Theft. The optimization process identifies and remediates unnecessary files and registry entries, streamlining system performance.
Anti-Theft for Windows
For laptop users, Bitdefender offers robust anti-theft features accessible through the Bitdefender Central console. Users can locate, lock, or wipe their devices remotely, ensuring data security in case of theft.
Parental Control in Family Subscription
Bitdefender’s parental control features are available with the family subscription, allowing parents to manage their children’s online activities. The setup process involves creating profiles for each child and installing the local parental control agent on their devices.
Setting Up Devices
Once logged into the Bitdefender Central console, parents can easily configure settings for each child’s profile, including device management and monitoring options.
Child Profile Settings
The dashboard provides insights into each child’s device usage, internet activity, and location. Parents can set time limits and customize content filtering based on age-appropriate categories.
Setting Limits for Your Kids
Bitdefender’s parental control system allows parents to impose daily internet time limits and schedule focus, bedtime, and family time. However, the interface can be somewhat complex, requiring careful configuration.
Content Filtering Without Explanation
While Bitdefender effectively blocks inappropriate content, it lacks explanatory notifications for blocked pages, which may leave parents and children confused about why access was denied.
Child Location Features Diminished
Although the parental control system previously included robust geolocation features, it now only provides basic location tracking, which may not meet all parental needs.
Look Elsewhere for Parental Control
While Bitdefender offers various parental control features, they may not be as effective as those found in dedicated parental control solutions. Parents seeking comprehensive control may want to explore alternative options.
Protection for macOS
Bitdefender Total Security for macOS provides comprehensive protection, including antivirus capabilities and a free, limited VPN. Independent labs have rated Bitdefender highly for its macOS performance.
Total Protection for Android
Installing Bitdefender Security on Android devices is straightforward, with features such as malware scanning and web protection. The app has received high marks from independent testing labs.
Malware Scan and Browser Protection
Bitdefender’s malware scanning capabilities extend to new app installations, ensuring users do not inadvertently install malicious software. The web protection feature safeguards users from harmful sites.
Perfect Android Lab Scores
Bitdefender has achieved perfect scores in Android antivirus tests, demonstrating its effectiveness across protection, performance, and usability categories.
Scam Alert and Account Privacy
The Scam Alert feature monitors incoming messages for suspicious links, while Account Privacy checks for breaches associated with the user’s email accounts.
Anti-Theft Features
Bitdefender’s anti-theft features for Android allow users to locate, lock, or trigger alerts on their devices, enhancing security in case of loss or theft.
Unusually Flexible App Lock
App Lock provides an additional layer of security for sensitive applications, allowing users to customize access settings based on their preferences.
VPN Dual Personality
Bitdefender offers both a built-in VPN and a dedicated VPN app, with the latter providing enhanced features and performance for users.
Bitdefender Central App
The Bitdefender Central app allows users to manage their security settings and monitor devices conveniently from their mobile devices.
A Comprehensive Android Suite
While Bitdefender’s Android offering may not match the extensive features available on Windows, it remains a robust suite of security components, earning high marks from independent testing labs.
Decent Protection for iOS
Bitdefender’s iOS solution focuses on settings adjustments rather than malware scanning, providing essential features that enhance user security while navigating the limitations of the iOS platform.
