Bitdefender — Best Lightweight Antivirus in 2022

Bitdefender is one of my top antiviruses for 2022. It offers all the cybersecurity protections you require to be 100 percent secure. It is also easy to use across all operating system platforms and it is less expensive than other brands.

Bitdefender provided perfect results against all types of malware samples. Bitdefender’s cloud-based antivirus engine didn’t slow down my computer when I ran full system scans. Bitdefender is also one the most efficient web protections. Bitdefender finds more dangerous and fake websites than any other anti phishing protections such as those in Firefox, Chrome or Edge.

Bitdefender offers web protection and high-end malware protections. Bitdefender has more security options that any other brand. It works exactly as it promises. They are easy-to-find and easy to use. Bitdefender boasts:

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

Bitdefender is a great program with many great features. I was able to save a lot of time and increase my computer’s speed with system optimization tools. Bitdefender VPN works fast and is very reliable. Parental controls are highly customizable and can include geofencing, location tracking, or geofencing. Bitdefender’s Anti-Theft Protection works only on Windows Devices. McAfee, Avira, and Avira offer only protection for mobile devices.

Bitdefender’s password manager is sometimes frustrating for some users. While it’s capable of creating secure passwords, autosaving and filling logins, Bitdefender’s password manager lacks key features such two-factor authentication and password security auditing. Additionally, the iOS mobile application provides very limited protection. It does not provide any VPN and can only monitor emails for potential breaches. Bitdefender’s VPN allows for a daily data allowance of 200 MB. This is just enough data to allow web browsing. Bitdefender’s Premium Security plan includes unlimited data. It is also available as an add on.

Bitdefender’s Unlimited VPN Plan is the most expensive but Bitdefender still offers great value. Bitdefender is still much cheaper than brands that have fewer functions.

Bitdefender is the most trusted internet security software. Bitdefender’s packages include a 30-day guarantee of a full refund.

Bitdefender Full Review

bitdefender offers web security that is innovative and affordable.

Bitdefender’s cloud based scanner uses machine-learning in combination with signature-based scans to detect 100% malware.

Bitdefender offers web protections that are of outstanding quality, as well as a fast VPN connection and system tuning. Bitdefender provides parental controls of exceptional quality, along with many other protections.

Bitdefender offers many plans. Antivirus Plus protects a single Windows PC. Internet Security provides protection for up to three Windows PCs. Total Security can protect five Windows, Macs, Android, iOS and Android devices. Premium Security offers the most value for money for those who need all Bitdefender’s features and unlimited VPN.

Bitdefender offers a 30-day money back guarantee

Bitdefender Security Features

Scan for viruses/vulnerability

Bitdefender’s antivirus scan is lightweight but thorough. Bitdefender’s antivirus scanner is lightweight yet thorough.

Bitdefender offers you 4 types of scans

• Quick scan. Quick scan to find viruses in temporary files and core files.
• System Scan. The system scan includes an in depth analysis.
• Custom Scan. Scanning of any vulnerable area in the system.
• Vulnerability Scanning. Vulnerability Scan.

Bitdefender’s virus scanning was verified by hiding over 1000 malware samples on my virtual Windows PC. These included trojans and viruses. Trojans, spyware, rootkits. ransomware. cryptojackers. Keyloggers. Once my system was infected, I ran an automated system scan.

Bitdefender ran a system scan in just one hour. This is comparable to scans by top companies like Norton and Avira, which take about 45 minutes.

Bitdefender is not as disruptive to the system’s performance as some other alternatives. Through the whole scanning process, there were no slowdowns in my system. When you scan your entire system, premium products like TotalAV may slow it down.

Bitdefender users have the option to schedule scans. Users can select from various scheduling options including daily, weekly or monthly. Bitdefender, TotalAV and BullGuard offer one-click scanning that can schedule all types of scans.

Bitdefender is a top-rated antivirus. It can quickly detect all malware. Bitdefender is a great choice if you are looking for an efficient and lightweight antivirus scanner.

Protect your assets in real-time

Bitdefender Shield offers real-time protection. It scans every file and attachment you send as soon as it is opened. Bitdefender Shield default settings include these scans.

• Software that is potentially unwanted. Software that hides within other programs (usually included as freeware).
• Network sharing. Network problems that aren’t accessible from your device.
• Sectors for Boot. Issues. Changes in the boot sequence
• Only files which are new or modified. There may be threats in files which have been modified or deleted.
• Keyloggers. Malware that captures keystrokes.

Bitdefender Shield comes with default protections that will be sufficient for most users. Advanced users have the option to adjust real-time settings or include scripts and archives. Advanced users can also exclude any option.

I downloaded about 100 infected.exe and.txt files. I also tested my Android device with network-based attack.

Bitdefender Shield prevented me from downloading any malicious files. It grayed out “Save File” and wouldn’t let me start any.

Overall, Bitdefender’s instant protection is impressive. Others offer comparable real-time detection rates for malware. Bitdefender however offers the greatest customization options for its real-time scanner.

Anti-Phishing/Web protection

Bitdefender’s Antiphishing Protection compares any website to an updated database with millions of dangerous websites. Bitdefender blocks access if Bitdefender discovers a match.

Bitdefender Anti-phishing Protection was tested with a lot of phishing sites. Bitdefender stopped them all. Firefox, Panda, Kaspersky, and other third-party antiphishing programs did not identify as many suspicious sites as Bitdefender.

Bitdefender includes a simple notification screen. You can view which websites Bitdefender blocks and what they are blocking. Bitdefender can add a false negative permanently to its exceptions list. One click is all it takes to whitelist unsafe sites. Norton antivirus however requires that you explore advanced settings and protocols. You should ensure that the sites you wish to whitelist are legitimate and do not contain malware.

Bitdefender’s Web Protection stops you from visiting a web page containing downloadable malicious software. Bitdefender also scans encrypted sites and reviews search results.

Bitdefender offers unrivaled anti-phishing protection. Bitdefender makes it easy to whitelist sites and adjust web protection settings.

System Optimization

Bitdefender’s OneClick Optimizationer scans and deletes any unnecessary files. This includes:

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

It took me only 2 minutes to scan the computer without any background apps.

My computer was freed up to 1.3GB by Bitdefender.

Bitdefender’s Tuneup Tool is plagued by some limitations

Bitdefender advised that I read the issues it had raised before clicking “Optimize”. Bitdefender didn’t allow me to view the details.

Bitdefeder’s tool for system tuning could be enhanced. TotalAV’s system optimization also includes a startup manager and an application uninstaller.

Bitdefender’s simple optimization helped my computer run faster. Bitdefender is extremely user-friendly and does an excellent job.

Secure Web Browser (SafePay).

Bitdefender’s secure web browser, SafePay By Bitdefender, is an excellent way to protect your personal information from being stolen online.

The main benefits of SafePay

• Protects your computer from hackers.
• This prevents you from taking screen captures and preventing others from doing so.
• Bitdefender’s password manager is used to protect your passwords.
• Uses an invisible keyboard to hide keystroke tracking.
• Turns ON built-in VPN Protection (200 MB daily limit)

SafePay offered me the best protections, but I could not capture screenshots due its built in snapshot-blocker. It’s great! Intruder hackers won’t be able to screen-capture their browser either.

SafePay was successfully verified using my PayPal account. SafePay made me compelled to use all screen capture tools. It was also impossible for me to copy and paste my 2FA code or password. After entering my login details, I saw the virtual keyboard immediately. This protects my password and personal information from keyloggers.

SafePay didn’t work for me. SafePay couldn’t stream HD video, and pages loaded slow. SafePay cannot replace your current web browser. SafePay can be used to enhance privacy, particularly for online business.

SafePay is an amazing addition to Bitdefender’s excellent web protection toolkit.

Password Manager

Bitdefender’s password administrator works well, is simple and secure. However, it’s not as user-friendly as 1Password. Bitdefender doesn’t offer two-factor authentication (2FA), password vault inspector, or sharing between accounts. However, it does offer the essential functions a password manager should offer:

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

Create a password vault with the three steps below.

1. You will need to identify the wallet and create a master password. You can also create a master secret passphrase hint.
2. It is possible to choose which devices will sync Passwords.
3. You have the choice to choose which browsers your passwords are going to be imported from. Internet Explorer (or Mozilla Firefox) or Google Chrome are all supported.

For users sharing a computer, there is no limit on the number of wallets that you can create. This allows you to create multiple password vaults using one Bitdefender Account.

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

Bitdefender’s browser extensions allow you to save or fill passwords automatically. Both the auto-save/autofill functions performed well during my testing. I didn’t like that the autosave feature saved my login credentials each time I logged into new sites. But, you could disable autosave for certain sites.

LastPass is a password manager. LastPass will ask if you would like to save login credentials for each online account. Bitdefeder’s automatic fill function filled in my login credentials from previously saved sites. You could not disable autofill for certain sites. Standalone password managers can be used to disable autofill on specific sites. This is especially important for banks. Bitdefender has its own browser that makes online banking safe, secure and convenient.

Bitdefender also offers a password generator. The web extension allows you to access it. This generator defaults at 15 characters for password length, but users can set passwords that are up to 285 characters. LastPass can only support password lengths up to 99 characters. This is quite impressive. Bitdefender’s password-generator automatically generates passwords using lowercase and highercase letters. You can change the settings to allow only one of these options. You can also set up passwords with easy-to-remember characters and special characters.

Bitdefender’s password manager can be used in conjunction with standalone password management tools 1Password or LastPass, but it is not as effective as these standalone tools. Keeper has many additional features, including password sharing, password auditing and password sharing, dark Web monitoring 2FA, biometric logs, and many more. Bitdefender’s digital currency is a great option for those who don’t require an advanced password manager.

Bitdefender VPN

Hotspot Shield, the most used VPN provider on the market, powers Bitdefender’s VPN. Bitdefender’s VPN is less functional than Hotspot Shield’s, and has a smaller server system.

Bitdefender offers a free VPN with all plans. However, it is limited. You can only use the free VPN for 200MB per day to browse, but that’s not enough to stream even one YouTube clip.

Bitdefender’s Premium security plan and a separate VPN subscription offer unlimited browsing data. Bitdefender premium VPN is also the fastest on the market, faster than many other standalone VPN competitors.

Below is an example showing my internet connection before and after Bitdefender activated Bitdefender’s VPN on a US server.

As you can see, there wasn’t any noticeable improvement in internet speeds. This is especially true if you consider VPNs offered by companies such as Panda which can double your download speed and send your PING skyrocketing.

Bitdefender is great for torrenting. Bitdefender lets you set Bitdefender’s VPN as an auto-connect option whenever you launch a peer sharing application. This contrasts starkly with Norton’s policy which doesn’t allow you to activate Bitdefender’s VPN if a torrenting program is installed on your system.

Bitdefender premiumVPN is a great service. Bitdefender Premium VPN is not as feature-rich as standalone VPNs. Bitdefender Premium VPN has excellent connections speeds and encrypted browsing, which can be a great option for anyone looking to improve their internet safety.

Control

Bitdefender’s parental app is available separately for Windows, macOS and Android.

I tested the parental control app on my Android phone and Windows PC. To set Bitdefender’s parental control app up I first went to Privacytab within Bitdefender Desktop. Then I clicked Configureunder for the Parental Advisor. Bitdefender Central is where I can add my children. Next, I installed Bitdefender’s parental app on the device my child would be using. Although I had to give permissions, it took only a few moments.

Next, I wanted the ability to alter the parental settings. Bitdefender Central provided me with the ability to:

• Set daily device limitations (not available on iOS).
• Set device usage schedules.
• Manage (allow/block) apps.
• It is possible to whitelist and blacklist certain sites or categories of websites.
• See your location and ensure that you are in safe territory (available only to iOS and Android).
• See the latest additions of your contact list for your smartphone (only available on Android or iOS).

After I set up the settings, I tested the app with a friend. Bitdefender’s parental controls software stopped my friend accessing sites belonging to the blacklisted categories. The content filters were excellent. BullGuard is one example. It offers many options for filtering websites, but doesn’t block all the inappropriate content. Bitdefender’s website filtering is not able to allow children to request access via the app to certain websites.

Bitdefender’s parental software worked perfectly. I could track my friend’s location, see her time on her phone and which apps she was using. My friend was able to ask me for a notification if she reached a safe location. This feature is not present in all antiviruses.

Bitdefender allows you to set geo-fencing, so that you are notified when your child leaves the designated safe area.

Bitdefender’s accuracy in finding my friend’s exact location impressed me too. Bitdefender was able to locate my friend’s exact home within a radius 20 m (65 ft). Norton can track your children.

Bitdefender parental controls offer the best parental control software. Bitdefender’s parental control software is a great option for parents who want to protect their children online and offline.

Protect Your Microphone & Webcam with Security

Bitdefender protects your microphone and webcam from hackers listening in on private conversations and viewing it.

Bitdefender detected all of the apps that tried accessing my microphone and webcam. Every attempt to gain access was notified on my screen. I could decide whether or not I wanted to grant access.

I love the freedom to control access to microphone and webcam. My web browser could not access my microphone or webcam. These functions were not accessible by any other apps.

I had one issue: the microphone and webcam protections could only be used on Windows devices.

Bitdefender’s microphone and webcam protections work well together. They are easy to setup, customizable, and you’ll be able see which apps tried access.

Ransomware Treatment

Bitdefender’s Ransomware Remediation automatically protects your files whenever it detects ransomware. You can restore files encrypted because of ransomware.

Ransomware removal was not always effective in some cases.

To see a list with files that had been supposedly restored, I clicked the Restored Filesbutton. It also included videos and photos. The restored files were almost all accessible with all the original information intact. It was somewhat concerning that not all files had been correctly restored.

Although a few files are missing, this feature is extremely helpful considering how many antiviruses do not offer it.