Bitdefender vs. AVG – Comparison review

The Internet has become a required tool for communication, fun, business, study, and all other activities. The number of Internet users is constantly growing, and not all users come there with good thoughts. Hackers constantly develop new malware that attacks your Internet devices (PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc.) to steal your personal data, money, or other valuable information.
[reviewbucket_badges id=”3705″ badges_style=”1″] To protect from possible and real threats, antiviruses were developed. Antiviruses detect the malware and malicious software, put them in quarantine, and delete at the end. Modern antiviruses automatically update themselves to protect from fresh worms and viruses.

So, how to choose the best antiviruses is a constant problem for residential PC users. In this article, two antiviruses will be compared in detail – Bitdefender vs. AVG.

Bitdefender vs. AVG – Comparison table

Purpose	Antivirus	Antivirus
Supported OS	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
Mobile/ Tablet version
Internet protection	Ransome, Adware, Spyware, Hacking, Phishing, Rootkits, Trojans, Worms	Ransomware, Adware, Spyware, Hacking, Phishing,
Real-time protection
VPN
System optimizer
Password Manager
Automatic Software Updates
Safe Browser
Web cab/microphone monitor
Gaming mode
Firewall
Parental control
Business version
Free version
Dark Web Monitoring
Money-back guarantee	30 days	30 days
Free trial	30 days	30 days
Technical support	Phone / email / chat	Community help / FAQs/ phone /chat
Additional features	File shredder, Safepay, Antispam, Credit Card Monitoring, and many more	AntiTrack / Driver Updater
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Main differences between Bitdefender and AVG

Bitdefender and AVG are strong programs for antivirus protection with a long history and users. Both programs have numerous additional features and tools, but they are not all the same. Below, the main differences are presented:

The other differences are presented in detail further.

Bitdefender vs. AVG – Overview

In this part of the comparison, we provide a short overview of the most vital features of these programs, as the list of capabilities of both programs is quite impressive.

Bitdefender was released in 2001, and since then has become one of the best and most reliable antiviruses. After a simple installation that takes some time, you will receive access to the main features of the antivirus (quick actions) on the dashboard: quick scan, system scan, vulnerability scan, VPN, and safepay. If it is required, you can add additional quick actions. The malware protection system collects all information worldwide; the database is synchronized to protect you from all viruses. In addition, it has hundreds of millions of live sensors, behavioral-based detection, traps for email spam, and web crawler systems.

Bitdefender has separate applications for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS users. While iOS has only several functions – it can scan for vulnerabilities, limited VPN, and browsing detection. The Android version has all the required functions, and you can start the scan with just one click.

The antivirus proposes several profiles – work, movie, game, and public with special settings. You can switch between them when required. For example, in game mode, the PC performance is boosted, and no pop-up messages disturb the user; in public Wi-Fi profile, the security features are boosted to protect from any threats in an unsafe network.

Bitdefender provides a bunch of privacy protection tools: a VPN, anti-theft, anti-tracker, a password manager, and much more. These tools are required to keep your anonymity online and secure online accounts in one place. For example, a VPN is available even in the free version but only with a 200 MB data limit.
Bitdefender also has good technical support. In addition, even in the free version, online support is available.

AVG is one of the best-in-class antiviruses with numerous additional features for privacy protection and faster performance. AVG started its history in 1992 as a separate company; now, it is part of Avast Company. This antivirus has all the latest AI achievements to guard against all zero-day threats in real time; all viruses are caught before they can do any harm. In case of any hacking or suspicious actions, you will receive an alert immediately, but on guard, you have improved firewall protection against the invasion of your network.

AVG has also enhanced ransomware protection for the most critical files on your device and webcam protection to avoid any third-party access. The software does not slow down the PC’s performance; its unique tool even improves the performance and obtains more storage space. Meanwhile, you can browse privately and securely using a secure VPN (available only with AVG ultimate and as a separate proposal) without advertising and online tracking. Also, the software has an exclusive tool – a Wi-Fi inspector to check the networks for intruders.

The antivirus supports Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. Windows, iOS, and Android versions are available in numerous languages, while the Mac version is limited only to English. If you need help with how to install AVG or are lost in different tariff plans, AVG has an Express Install service available for English-speaking users. Using remote access, AVG experts connect to the PC anytime and optimize the required product to your needs. The service is paid ($19.99). For other questions/problems, you can contact technical support by phone, email, or using the FAQs section.

At first glance, it is impossible to call the winner in comparing Bitdefender vs. AVG, as both programs have all the required tools and features to protect from the most severe known and zero-day threats.

Bitdefender vs. AVG – Face-to-Face Comparison

The overview chapter showed many similar features of these antiviruses. Let’s compare in detail the most important parameters to find differences.

Security

According to all tests performed by different websites, Bitdefender provides advanced plus security protection from malware. As a result, it received a 5 times a year award from AV comparatives, more than any other competitors in the antivirus market. It is executed using several protection layers – advanced threat defense, vulnerability scan, online threat prevention, and ransomware remediation.

This antivirus has advanced threat defense which is actually a real-time protection tool. In the background, this tool is able to catch worms, Trojans, rootkits, viruses, ransomware, etc. For this first line of defense, you can manually set the settings:

For advanced users (paid version), you can choose the scan depth that you can enable/disable: accessed applications, unwanted applications, process memory (scanning for malicious activity there), command line, and scripts. In addition, you can turn on or off the Bitdefender shield in this tab to protect from malicious software.

Another powerful tool that should be regularly started is a scan of vulnerabilities. It is responsible for finding:

The nice feature is that the free and paid version finds the malware with the same speed and quality. And even in the free version, Bitdefender provides online threat prevention. This includes web attack prevention, search advisor, encrypted web scan, fraud protection, etc.

AVG has 6 layers of security to stop all malware, viruses, spyware, and other possible Internet threats. It protects your PC; secures your online experience, including payments; protects from all hacker attacks; secures your mobile devices; and safeguards your privacy, including webcam protection. And lastly, users of AVG Internet Security subscription (included in all antivirus packages except AVG free) receive Stay Safe Virus Guarantee. If the antivirus cannot fix the threat damage, you need to call AVG experts, who will solve the problem or refund the antivirus package.

The most advanced protection (AVG ultimate) is based on four programs AVG Internet Security, AVG Secure VPN, AVG TuneUp, and AVG AntiTrack. The main features of the three last tools will be provided in other chapters of this review.

The core defense of AVG Internet Security for blocking threats is based on the following features in real-time:

During Internet surfing, AVG automatically scans all links and downloaded files, blocks dangerous email attachments, guards the PC during unsecure Wi-Fi work, and removes unwanted toolbars and extensions from the used Browser. In addition, you will receive an immediate alert in case of any hack attack on your password or email.

All parameters can be enabled/disabled in the main dashboard. Unfortunately, AVG does not have a change of profiles (work, game, or video) that Bitdefender has for convenient use.

verdict

Both antiviruses have numerous protection layers from all possible threats. The tests from independent laboratories show the same advanced results as the two top products.

Scanning

Bitdefender has various scanning options: full scan, quick scan, vulnerability, and custom scan.

The full scan takes about 15 minutes, but the free version has no URL blocking, firewall, or vulnerability assessment. The firewall monitors incoming threats, ensures ransomware protection to prevent encryption of sensitive data, and monitors the network connectivity and its connection to the applications.

This makes your PC in danger of severe attacks, security holes, and other dangers for your private network. Also, the free version can only detect and remove the danger without healing created problems.

AVG has various scanning options: deep, turbo, smart, file or folder, USB/DVD, performance, and boot-time.

The antivirus is extremely user-friendly. It has a big button below on the dashboard to start a smart scan. Turbo scan allows skipping the already known safe files and takes about 30 seconds. As Bitdefender, AVG allows scanning the whole system, or only files or particularly folders.

You can schedule all types of scans and check further on the history. However, all dangers that will be found are not removed during scanning; you have to purchase AVG Ultimate or AVG TuneUp separately.

verdict

AVG has more options for scanning, including performance and boot-time scans. It is one step ahead of Bitdefender.

System optimization

verdict

While Bitdefender has only basic optimization features, AVG provides not only system optimization features but also can boost the browser and clean all unused apps and toolbars. So, AVG is the winner in this part.

Supported OS

There is no significant difference in system requirements between Bitdefender vs. AVG. They have software versions for Mac, iPhone, Android, and Windows in each category of tariff plans. For some programs, please purchase software per your OS.

verdict

Bitdefender has stricter requirements of supported OS, so AVG is the winner.

Mobile

Bitdefender has separate applications for iOS and Android users. The iOS version is simple to install but provides only limited features.

While the Android version is more functional, you can make application exclusives, battery and performance optimizers, and synchronization with your smartwatches.

AVG has a separate iPhone and iPad application, one of the best available on the market. It checks Wi-Fi connections, provides access to VPN, protects passwords in real-time, and protects from malware. For Android and iOS available free and paid applications with better functionality.

The Android mobile app also has anti-theft features, application lock, and camera protection.

verdict

AVG mobile applications are more functional than from Bitdefender. So, AVG is the winner.

Additional tools

Bitdefender does not limit the antivirus functionality with standard protection features. It also proposes advanced tools.

Separately, you can purchase Password Manager ($19.99/year), Premium VPN ($29.99), and Identity Theft and Digital Protection (from $34.99/year).

AVG also has many valuable tools that minimize the necessity for other PC cleaning tools.

The price for VPN starts from $53.88/year, AntiTrack – $53.99/year, BreachGuard – $43.99 / year, and Driver Updates – $43.99/year.

verdict

In this part of the comparison Bitdefender vs. AVG, wins Bitdefender. It has more built-in features, so you do not need to install or pay for separate programs. Also, it has parental control, a password manager, and all other AVG features and tools, while AVG has only a safe browser.

Price

verdict

Bitdefender is the winner, as it has more tariff plans.

Conclusion

Likely, we can’t make a choice for you which antivirus is the best in the comparison of Bitdefender vs. AVG; only your online habits give you a clue about that. We provided a detailed review of both antiviruses.

Bitdefender and AVG are good, even in a free version for removing malware, and are accessible in use, while premium versions give more possibilities for ransomware protection and PC optimization. Both perfectly protect even from zero-day threats! Antiviruses do not impact PC performance and have numerous tools for further PC improvements and security.

Bitdefender is slightly better than AVG for more tariff options and built-in features, while AVG is better in more scanning options and system optimization. Nevertheless, the main characteristics are the same. So, your choice should be based on your preferences and budget.