Bitdefender Review 2022: Is It a Good Antivirus? [Full Review]

Bitdefender is one my favorite antiviruses for 2022. It provides all of the cybersecurity protections you need to be 100% secure, it is easy to use across all operating systems and it is cheaper than some other brands.

Bitdefender produced perfect results against all types and malware samples. Bitdefender’s cloud based virus engine didn’t slow my computer down even when I ran full system scans. Bitdefender is also one of the most effective web protections, finding more risky and fake sites than any other anti-phishing protections, such as those built into Firefox, Chrome, Edge or Edge.

Bitdefender provides web protections and high end malware protections. Bitdefender also has more security options than any other brand. And all its extras work exactly as promised. They are easy to find and very easy to use. Bitdefender boasts:

• Advanced ransomware security.
• System optimization.
• Secure web browser for safe online payments.
• Password manger.
• VPN is a virtual private network.
• Parental control.
• microphone protection and webcam.
• Anti-theft protection Windows/Android.

Bitdefender has many great features. System optimization tools saved me a lot and increased my PC’s performance. Bitdefender VPN speeds up and performs well. Parental controls are very customizable and can even include geofencing or location tracking. Bitdefender’s Anti-Theft Protection works on Windows Devices. Many competitors like McAfee, Avira and Avira only offer protection for mobile devices.

Bitdefender’s password manager can be frustrating for some users. Although it is good at creating secure passwords and autosaving and autofilling logins it lacks key features like two-factor authentication, or password security auditing. Also, the iOS mobile app provides limited protection. It can only monitor email for breaches and provide a limited VPN. Bitdefender’s VPN comes with a limited 200 MB data allowance per day. This is barely enough for web browsing. Bitdefender’s Premium Security plan has unlimited data. It can also be purchased as an add-on.

Bitdefender’s unlimited VPN plan is the most expensive, but Bitdefender still offers great value. Bitdefender is still significantly cheaper than many brands with fewer functions.

Bitdefender is the best internet security software. Bitdefender has unbeatable malware defense, lots of great features, and is affordable for everyone. Bitdefender’s packages all come with a risk-free 30-day refund guarantee.

Bitdefender Full Review

Bitdefender offers internet security that is cutting-edge at a great value.

Bitdefender’s cloud based scanner utilizes machine learning in conjunction with signature-based scanning to detect 100% malware.

Bitdefender offers web protections of exceptional quality, a fast VPN and comprehensive system tune up. Bitdefender also offers some of the best parental controls in the market, as well as many additional protections.

Bitdefender offers many plans. Antivirus Plus protects one Windows PC. Internet Security covers up three Windows PCs. Total Security is an affordable option that can protect up five Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices. Premium Security is the best value package for those who want all Bitdefender’s features with unlimited VPN.

Bitdefender’s plans include a 30-day guarantee of your money back

Bitdefender Security Features

Virus/Vulnerability Scan

Bitdefender’s antivirus scanner is both lightweight and thorough. It utilizes a large malware list and machine learning to identify both emerging and known malware. Bitdefender’s antivirus software takes up very little CPU and disk space because the majority of malware scanning happens in the cloud.

Bitdefender offers 4 kinds of scans

• Quick Scan. Quick scan to identify viruses in temporary files and files within the core system.
• System Scan. The system scan includes an in-depth analysis.
• Custom Scan. Scanning of any location on the system that could be vulnerable.
• Vulnerability Scan. Checking for privacy issues in application settings and critical software updates.

Bitdefender’s virus scan was tested by hiding more than 1,000 malware samples within my virtual Windows computer. These included viruses, trojans. Trojans, spyware, rootkits. ransomware. cryptojackers. Keyloggers. Once my system was infected I ran a system scan.

Bitdefender completed a full system scan in under one hour , which is comparable with top competitors like Norton and Avira’s scans that take approximately 45 minutes.

Bitdefender does not have an adverse effect on the system performance like other competitors. I didn’t notice any slowdowns in my system through the entire scanning process. However, premium competitors like TotalAV can slow down your system when you scan it full.

Bitdefender users can also schedule scans. They have the option to choose from several scheduling options such as daily, weekly, monthly, or system startup. The only way to schedule custom scans is through Bitdefender — Norton, TotalAV, BullGuard, and Avira offer one-click scan scheduling that allows for all types.

Bitdefender is a top-rated malware scanner. It detects all malware quickly and efficiently. Bitdefender is a good choice if your search for a lightweight and powerful antivirus scanner.

Real-Time Protection

Bitdefender Shield is Bitdefender’s real time protection. It scans each file and email attachment as soon as you access them. Bitdefender Shield default settings include the following scans.

• Potentially unwanted software. Software that hides in other applications (usually bundled as freeware).
• Network shares. Problems in remote networks that are not accessible from your device.
• Boot Sectors. Issues. Changes in the boot sequence.
• Only files that are new or modified. Threats which may be hidden in files that have been modified or new.
• Keyloggers. Malware that captures keystrokes.

Bitdefender Shield provides default protections that are adequate for most users. However advanced users have the ability to customize real-time settings and include scripts, archives, and applications. Advanced users also have the option of excluding any of those options.

I downloaded around 100 infected.exe files,.txt, and.rar (compressed) files. I also used network-based attacks to test my Android device and another PC.

Bitdefender Shield blocked all malicious files from my computer before I was able to download them. It greyed out the button “Save File” and wouldn’t allow me start any.

Overall I’m impressed by Bitdefender’s real-time protection. Other companies offer similar real-time malware detection rates. However, Bitdefender offers the most customization options for its real time scanner.

Anti-Phishing/Web Protection

Bitdefender’s antiphishing protection compares any website to a regular updated database that includes millions of blacklisted, dangerous sites. Bitdefender blocks access if Bitdefender finds a match.

Bitdefender’s Anti-phishing Protection was tested by me with a large number of phishing web sites. Bitdefender blocked them all. Firefox, Panda, Kaspersky and other third-party anti-phishing programs failed to identify as many suspicious websites as Bitdefender.

Bitdefender comes with a simple notification screen. This allows you to view the websites Bitdefender blocked and what they are blocking. Also, it makes it easy for Bitdefender to add a false positive permanently to its exception list. You can easily whitelist unsafe sites using one click. Norton antivirus, however, requires you dig through advanced protocols and settings. Be aware that sites you wish to whitelist should be legitimate and not contain malware.

Bitdefender’s Web Protection prevents your access to a webpage containing downloadable malware. Bitdefender also checks search results and scans encrypted websites.

Bitdefender’s anti-phishing defense is unrivaled. Bitdefender allows you to whitelist websites or adjust your web protection settings.

System Optimization

Bitdefender’s OneClick Optimizationer scans your device and removes all unnecessary files – this includes:

• Temporary files for the system
• Windows junk files.
• Recycle bin files
• Broken registry items
• Browser history.

I ran the scan without any background applications and it took only 2 minutes.

Bitdefender freed up 1.3GB total from my computer, which is really great.

Bitdefender’s Tuneup Tool has some annoying limitations.

Bitdefender recommended that before clicking “Optimize”, I review the issues it had flagged. Bitdefender did not allow me to see the details. Bitdefender would not let me view details such as the file name, or the date, even though it had flagged one problem in my registry. This was annoying because I wanted to know the exact file location and not just what I was deleting.

Bitdefeder’s system tuneup tool could use more features. TotalAV’s system optimization includes a startup manger, an application uninstaller and duplicate file finder.

Despite this, Bitdefender’s simple optimization made my computer faster. Some of the features it offers are not available from other companies. However, it’s extremely user-friendly and does a very good job.

Secure Web Browser (SafePay)

Bitdefender’s secure browser, SafePay by Bitdefender, is a fantastic way to protect your personal data from being stolen when you make online transactions.

Here are the main advantages of SafePay

• Stops hackers remotely accessing your computer.
• Prevents you and others from taking screen captures.
• Bitdefender’s Password Manager is used to protect your passwords.
• Uses a virtual keyboard to hide keystroke tracking.
• Turns on built in VPN protection (200 MB daily limit).

SafePay’s protections was what I wanted, but I couldn’t capture any screenshots because of its built-in snapshot-blocker. That’s great, as if you can’t screen-capture your browser then intrusive hackers will too!

SafePay was successfully tested using my PayPal account. SafePay made it impossible for me not to use any of the screen capture tools. It was also impossible to copy and paste my 2FA codes or password. The virtual keyboard was displayed immediately after I entered my login details. This keeps keyloggers away from my password and personal info.

SafePay didn’t work well for me. I also found pages loading slow and SafePay wasn’t able to stream HD video. SafePay is not designed to replace your current web browser. SafePay is a good privacy enhancement tool, especially for people who do business online.

SafePay is a great addition to Bitdefender’s already excellent web protection toolkit.

Password Manager

Bitdefender’s password administrator is simple and secure – but it isn’t as good or as 1Password. Bitdefender doesn’t offer two-factor authentication (2FA), password vault inspection, or sharing among accounts. It does offer the essential functions that a password manager should provide, such as:

• Multi-device sync.
• Unlimited password storage.
• Autosave/autofill.
• Separate password vaults.
• Password generator.

You can create a password vault by following three steps when Bitdefender’s Password Manager is installed for the first time.

1. Name the wallet and select a master password. You can also enter a master secret password hint.
2. You can choose which devices will sync your Passwords.
3. You have the option to choose which web browsers your passwords will be imported from. Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or Google Chrome are all supported options.

There is no limit to the number of wallets you can make for users who share a computer. This makes it possible to create different password vaults with one Bitdefender account.

Bitdefender’s wallet makes it easy to store passwords (personal information, addresses, phone numbers), credit cards, bank accounts, email passwords as well license keys and logins to software.

Bitdefender’s browser extension allows you to auto-save or fill passwords. Both auto-save/auto-fill functions worked well in my tests. I disliked that the auto-save feature saved my login credentials when I logged in to new sites. However, it was possible to disable autosave at specific sites.

LastPass is a dedicated password manager. LastPass will ask you whether or not you want to save your login credentials for each online account. Bitdefeder’s autofill function automatically filled my login credentials from saved sites. However there was no option to disable autofill for some sites. Best standalone password managers allow users to disable auto-fill for specific sites. This is especially useful for banks. Bitdefender offers its own browser which makes online banking safe and secure.

Bitdefender also has an excellent password generator. You can access it only via the web extension. Although the default password length of this generator is 15 characters, users can make passwords up to 285 characters. This is quite remarkable considering LastPass only supports password lengths of up to 99 characters. Bitdefender’s password-generator generates passwords with lowercase and uppercase letters by default. You can however customize settings to include just one of these options. You can also allow special characters and create passwords which are easy to remember.

Bitdefender’s password manger is convenient but not as powerful as standalone password management tools like 1Password and LastPass. Keeper offers a wider range of additional tools including password auditing, password sharing, dark web monitoring 2FA, biometric logins and many other features. Bitdefender’s digital wallet is an excellent choice for those users who don’t need an advanced password manager.

Bitdefender VPN

Hotspot Shield, one the most widely used VPN providers on market, powers Bitdefender’s VPN. Bitdefender’s VPN offers less functionality than Hotspot Shield’s and has a smaller server network. Bitdefender’s VPN provides all the essentials: it uses unbreakable AES encryption of 256 bits, has no logs policy, and includes a kill button.

Bitdefender’s plans all come with a free VPN. But it’s limited. The free VPN only offers 200MB of browsing per day, barely enough to stream a single YouTube clip.

However, Bitdefender’s Premium Security Plan and a separate VPN subscription give unlimited browsing data to users. Bitdefender premium VPN also has the fastest speeds on the market – it is faster than many standalone competitors.

Here’s an example of my internet connection before and following activation of Bitdefender’s VPN at a US local server.

You can see that there wasn’t any noticeable difference in internet speeds. This is especially true when compared against VPNs from companies, such as Panda, that can cut down your download speeds by half and send PING skyrocketing.

Bitdefender, however, is great for torrenting. Bitdefender even allows you to set Bitdefender’s VPN to connect automatically whenever you start a peer sharing app. This contrasts sharply with Norton’s policy of not allowing you to activate its VPN if a torrenting client is installed on your machine.

Overall, Bitdefender’s premiumVPN is great. Bitdefender Premium VPN does not have many of the same features as standalone VPNs. However, Bitdefender offers excellent connection speeds and encrypted browsing for those who wish to increase their internet safety.

Parental Control

Bitdefender’s parental app can be downloaded separately for Windows and macOS as well as Android and iOS.

I tested the parental controls app on my Android and Windows PC. To set Bitdefender’s parental control app up, first I navigated to Privacytab within the desktop application, then I clicked Configureunder the Parental Advisor. Bitdefender Central is the online portal where I can add children. Next, I had the Bitdefender parental app installed on the device my child would use. This required me to give permissions to the app, but it only took a few minutes.

Next, I needed the ability to change the parental settings. Bitdefender Central gave me the ability to:

• Set daily device limitations (not available on iOS).
• Set device usage schedules.
• Manage (allow/block) apps.
• You can whitelist or blacklist specific sites and categories of sites.
• View your location and make sure you are only in a safe area (available only on iOS and Android).
• View the latest additions to the contact list for your phone (only available on Android and iOS).

After setting up the settings, I tried the app out with a friend. Bitdefender’s parental control software blocked my friend from accessing websites belonging to the blacklisted categories. The content filters were great. BullGuard, for example, offers many options to filter websites but does not accurately block most inappropriate content. Bitdefender’s website filtering lacks the ability for children to request access to specific websites via the app.

Bitdefender’s parental application worked perfectly. I could see how long my friend was on her phone, see which apps she used and track her location. I was amazed that I could ask my friend for a notification when she reached a certain location safely. This feature is not available in most other antiviruses.

Bitdefender offers geo-fencing so that you can be notified if your child leaves the predetermined safe area.

Bitdefender’s accuracy in tracking my friend’s location impressed me as well. Bitdefender located my friend’s exact house in a 20 meter (65 ft) radius. Norton can track children.

Bitdefender parental controls offer the most comprehensive protections of any parental control application. Bitdefender’s parental control program is a great choice for parents who want to keep their kids safe online and offline.

Webcam Security & Microphone Protection

Bitdefender’s microphone protections and webcam security protects you from hackers viewing your webcam and listening in to private conversations.

Bitdefender inspected all the apps that tried to access my webcam and microphone. It displayed a notification on my screen whenever there was an attempt to gain access. I was able to decide whether or not to grant access.

I like the flexibility I have in customizing access to webcam and microphone. And I was able also to block any attempts by my web browser to access my webcam and microphone. No apps could access these functions.

My only issue was that the microphone and webcam protections can only be used with Windows devices.

Overall, Bitdefender’s webcam and microphone protections are fantastic. They are simple to set up, you can customize them, and you will be able to see which apps have attempted access.

Ransomware Remediation

Bitdefender’s Ransomware Remediation can automatically protect your files whenever it detects any ransomware running on the system. You will be able to restore files encrypted due to ransomware attacks.

Ransomware Remediation seemed to be ineffective in some cases.

I clicked on the Restored Filesbutton to view a list of files that were supposedly recovered. It included photos and video clips. I was then able to access nearly all of the restored files with all original information intact. It was slightly concerning that a few files weren’t correctly restored.

Although there are a few missing files, this feature is very helpful. Nearly all of my files were successfully restored, which is quite impressive considering how many antiviruses don’t offer this feature.