Bitdefender or Kaspersky – Which antivirus to choose
Updated: · Techbox, Thessaloniki
Two of the best-performing antivirus products in independent testing. The right choice depends less on protection, where both are top class, than on your devices, the extra tools you want and the edition that fits.
Protection: both at the top
Both Bitdefender and Kaspersky consistently earn top scores from independent test labs such as AV-Test and AV-Comparatives, for threat detection, ransomware protection and system impact.
In practice both will protect you equally well. The difference lies in the editions, the devices they cover and the extra tools.
The Bitdefender editions
Antivirus Plus: basic protection for Windows PCs, with a separate edition for Mac. · Internet Security: for Windows, adding a firewall, parental controls and webcam protection. · Total Security: for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS, on 5 or 10 devices, with optimisation tools. · Family Pack: up to 15 devices for the whole family.
There are also Mobile Security for Android, Premium VPN for unlimited VPN, and Small Office Security for small businesses. The VPN included in the standard editions has a daily data limit.
The Kaspersky editions
Since 2022 Kaspersky has organised its range into three tiers, all for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS: Standard for core protection and safe payments, Plus adding unlimited VPN and a password manager, and Premium adding identity protection and priority support.
The names Antivirus, Internet Security and Total Security belong to the previous generation. For businesses there is Small Office Security, which also covers servers.
One point worth knowing: Kaspersky is a Russian company, and in 2024 the US banned the sale of its products there. In the European Union they are sold normally.
Which one to choose
One Windows PC: Bitdefender Antivirus Plus or Internet Security, or Kaspersky Standard. · Computers and phones together: Bitdefender Total Security or Kaspersky Plus. · You want unlimited VPN: Kaspersky Plus or Premium, or Bitdefender with Premium VPN. · A large family: Bitdefender Family Pack for up to 15 devices.
Every edition is under antivirus programs.
How you receive the licence
All licences are electronic: the activation key reaches your email minutes after payment. The term runs from activation, and with most editions you can add the key to an existing subscription to extend it.
