BullGuard vs. Bitdefender

BullGuard vs. Bitdefender - The Ultimate Comparison

Written by Ria du Plessis - Web Developer

Updated on August 12 , 2021

It’s essential to protect your device from threats. It is getting more challenging these days because of the millions of threats out there, and this is why you need a reliable antivirus solution. This article provides you with a comprehensive Bitdefender vs. BullGuard comparison to help you decide which software will be the best for your needs.

Software
Features
  • Multi-device protection
  • Game Booster
  • Extremely lightweight software
  • Multi-layered malware protection
  • Fast system scans
  • Secure web browsing
  • Enhanced security suite and advanced features

Overall Comparison

Our verdict on overall best antivirus program is Bitdefender Antivirus

Bitdefender Pros

BullGuard Pros

  • Has high scores on malware protection testing
  • Performance testing has shown high scores
  • It comes with several privacy features
  • Has high user reviews and is user friendly
  • You’ll have complete protection on Windows devices
  • It has incredible optimization features to help your device run better
  • It has high user reviews
  • Often offers promotions for products
  • The software has a sleek and intuitive design

Bitdefender Cons

BullGuard Cons

  • The free VPN is limited
  • There are fewer features for the Mac version
  • VIP technical support costs extra
  • The password manager isn’t great
  • It takes some time to download
  • Only offers basic protection for Macs
  • It doesn’t support iOS devices
  • The phishing protection isn’t great
  • Protecting multiple devices costs extra
  • The parental control settings aren’t great

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Bitdefender Vs ESET

Bitdefender Vs Sophos

In our comparison of BullGuard vs. Bitdefender, we considered several factors, including features, malware protection, system performance, ease of use, customer support, and pricing. Overall, we have to say that Bitdefender offers better security

In independent testing, Bitdefender performed better, although BullGuard tested well, too. Both antiviruses have minimal impact on your system performance. 

This software is also user-friendly. Bitdefender allows for more customization, while BullGuard is pretty straightforward

When it comes to price, Bitdefender has better coverage for the price. Both antiviruses are competitive, but Bitdefender will give you more value.

Overall Winner: Bitdefender

Key Features

Let's take a look at the key features offered by Bullguard and Bitdefender;

BullGuard

Bitdefender

Virus Scanner

Yes

Yes

Threat Protection

Yes

Yes

Malware Removal

Yes

Yes

Phishing Detection

Yes

Yes

Spyware Protection

Yes

Yes

Ransomware Protection

Yes

Yes

Cloud Backup

Yes, only for the highest two levels of protection.

Yes, only available for Total Security package.

Firewall

Yes, only for the highest two levels of protection.

Yes, only for the highest two levels of protection.

VPN

No, separate software needs to be purchased.

Yes, but with limited capabilities.

Browser Protection

Yes, only for the two highest levels of protection.

Yes, it’s a browser extension.

Webcam Protection

Yes

Yes, only for the highest two levels of protection.

Password Manager

No

Yes

Identity Theft Protection

Yes, for the highest level of protection and separate purchase.

Yes

Parental Control

Yes, only for the highest two levels of protection.

Yes, only for the highest two levels of protection.

Safe Banking

Yes, only for the highest two levels of protection.

Yes, only for the highest two levels of protection.

Performance Optimization

Yes, only for the two highest levels of protection.

Yes

Cleaning Tools

Yes, only for the highest two levels of protection.

Yes

File Shredder

No

Yes

Game Mode

Yes

Yes

Mobile App

Yes

Yes

Key Features Compared

Bitdefender offers a free version that is only compatible with Windows devices. There aren’t any advanced protection features or tools available in this free version, but your device will protect your devices from many online threats.

Bitdefender's paid packages offer excellent protection against malware, you’ll also get;

  • Password manager 
  • File shredder
  • Anti-fraud tool
  • Two-way firewall
  • Webcam protection.

BullGuard has several antivirus packages with great features. You will get complete malware protection for your PC, browser protection to use the internet without worry, and a game mode that makes playing PC games easier.

When it comes to features, Bitdefender takes the cake.

Best features: Bitdefender

BullGuard Features;

BullGuard Features

Bitdefender Features;

Bitdefender Features

Malware Protection Capabilities

Malware protection is an important part of antivirus software. To find an unbiased look at how well these programs perform, we turned to independent lab tests done by AV-Test.

The results were:

BullGuard Results;

BullGuard Results

BullGuard detected 99.3% of all malware samples in the March test and 100% of the samples in the April test.

Bitdefender Results;

Bitdefender Results

Bitdefender detected all malware samples in both tests. 

Best for Malware Protection: Bitdefender

System Performance

System performance is just as important when choosing an antivirus solution. You don't want an antivirus that will slow down your device.

To find out which antivirus solution wins in this regard, we look at third-party tests by AV-Test again.

The results were;

Bitdefender Results;

Bitdefender Results

Bullguard Results;

Bullguard Results

Both Bitdefender and BullGuard received a perfect score of six during the test which means they have very little impact on systems.

Best for System Performance: It's a tie

Pricing

Price is another vital aspect when choosing security software. 

Bitdefender pricing;

The Personal Plan costs $89.99 a year but is discounted at $39.98 for the first year. You can cover up to five devices at once, but you miss out on digital identity protection, unlimited VPN traffic, and parental controls.

The Family Plan protects up to fifteen devices at once and costs $119.99 per year, but $49.99 for the first year. You get parental controls but don’t receive unlimited VPN traffic or digital identity protection. 

The Unlimited Plan costs $199.99 a year, but only $99.98 for the first year. You can protect up to 20 devices and complete digital identity protection and unlimited VPN traffic. Bitdefender claims that its VPN and digital identity features are worth $130, making this plan a deal.

Bullguard Pricing;

BullGuard doesn't offer a free option. Its cheapest package, BullGuard Antivirus, costs $29.99/year for one device. BullGuard Internet Security costs $59.99/year for three devices, and BullGuard Premium Protection costs $99.99/year for ten devices.

Winner  Of The Best Price: Bitdefender

Bitdefender has a free version, and it offers more, cheaper coverage for each level of protection.

Ease Of Use And User-Friendliness

Now, we’ll compare how each software looks and if it’s easy to use.

Bitdefender's interface is customizable and personalized. In its default layout, everything is intuitive; however, you can personalize shortcuts to fit your needs. You can even set one to complete specific actions with one click. This feature allows you to schedule activities and prioritize the ones you want to complete first. Bitdefender provides ultimate control over your digital protection experience.

Bitdefender's interface

BullGuard’s software has a sleek and elegant interface. There are several buttons and categories to choose from. Drop-down menus and lists are used to select the different features the antivirus solution provides. A nice component of this software is that it opens a new screen when you click on a tool so you won’t get distracted or confused.

BullGuard’s interface

Customer Support

BullGuard offers support through email, phone, and live chat. In its many reviews, people have stated that the support team works quickly to resolve issues. Other customers noted that customer service isn’t available 24/7. 

Bitdefender also offers support through email, phone, and live chat. 24/7 assistance is available, but advanced help is an extra cost. This isn’t a big issue because the support team can solve most problems through its free services. In reviews, people described the customer service as quick and reliable. There were only a few negative reviews due to slow answers in the live chat tool.

Best Customer Support: Bitdefender

Conclusion

In comparing BullGuard vs. Bitdefender, we’ve found that both software offers excellent protection and have a low impact on system performance. 

Although this is the case, we think Bitdefender is a better choice for security software because you’ll receive more features for less money.

It also won most categories, although it tied with BullGuard in a few of them. If you’re looking for a great antivirus with many features and a fair price, Bitdefender is your best bet.

Which antivirus do you think is for you? Choose Now!

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