Written by Ria du Plessis - Web Developer Updated on August 12 , 2021 |
Webroot and Bitdefender are both well-known antivirus programs. Before choosing one of them, it is essential to look at all the different components they offer. To help you with this decision, we’ve done a side-by-side comparison of Webroot vs Bitdefender to help you with your decision.
| Our verdict on overall best antivirus program is Bitdefender |
Webroot Pros | Bitdefender Pros |
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Webroot Cons | Bitdefender Cons |
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Bitdefender offers slightly more security features and better malware protection while still keeping the impact on system performance low.
Webroot might not be that well-known yet, but it still is a strong contender with its rapid scanning times and lightweight security solutions.
It’s crucial to consider the key features of any antivirus solution before you decide to purchase it.
There are specific characteristics that you may require from your antivirus program. For example, if you enjoy gaming, you want an antivirus that won't interrupt your gaming experience.
Perhaps you have young children and need to ensure that they are safe online and cannot access inappropriate sites, then you would need parental control options.
Let's take a look at the key features between Webroot vs. Bitdefender.
Feature | Webroot Complete Security | Bitdefender Premium Security |
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 | Yes |
Firewall | Yes | Yes |
VPN | No | Yes, separate subscription |
Browser Protection | Yes | Yes |
Webcam Protection | Yes | Yes, including mic protection |
Password Manager | Yes | Yes |
Identity Theft Protection | Yes | Yes |
Parental Control | No | Yes |
Safe Banking | No | Yes |
Performance Optimization | Yes | Yes |
Cleaning Tools | No | Yes |
File Shredder | No | Yes |
Game Mode | Yes | Yes |
Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
Bitdefender includes parental control options and safe banking features, which Webroot doesn't currently offer. If you have children or enjoy online shopping, these may be essential features to look for in an antivirus program.
Bitdefender also offers its users access to a file shredder when you need to permanently get rid of confidential information in such a way that it can't be recovered.
Another key point to bear in mind is that Bitdefender has a VPN available. Even though the unlimited use of the VPN requires a separate subscription, Webroot currently doesn't even have a VPN.
Webroot does have a feature to remediate damage caused by ransomware. The threat of ransomware is real and can cause significant damage to you and your computer. This unique bonus feature gives users more peace of mind.
| Webroot vs Bitdefender for antivirus features: Bitdefender |
Below the screenshot shows the Webroot Features;
Below the screenshot shows the Bitdefender Features;
Malware protection is one of the most crucial features any antivirus solution should have. The antivirus solution you choose should protect your device from harmful programs such as viruses, trojans, worms, and other dangerous threats.
Independent labs such as AV-Test and AV-Comparatives evaluate antivirus programs and give uncompromised feedback on how well the antivirus performs.
Let's take a look at Bitdefender and Webroot malware test results:
Bitdefender Results from AV-Test:
Webroot’s AV-Test Results;
The last AV-Test done for Webroot was in March 2019, so these results are outdated. This means that we can’t know the effectiveness of their malware protection for sure, but according to these results, they lack when it comes to malware protection.
| Best for malware protection: Bitdefender |
When it comes to system performance, you want to choose an antivirus program that will not put too much strain on your computer.
AV-Test tested the system performance of Bitdefender and Webroot. Unfortunately, Webroot has, as mentioned above, not taken part in these tests since 2019.
This makes it difficult to have an unbiased result for consideration. AV-Test scored Webroot a possible five and a half out of a potential six in the last test they participated in.
Below the screenshot shows Webroot Test Results;
Bitdefender scored an impressive five and a half out of six. This is still a good result, followed by many years of consistently achieving high results.
Below the screenshot shows Bitdefender Test Results;
| Best for System Performance: Bitdefender |
Pricing is always a top consideration when it comes to choosing an antivirus solution. After all, you want to make sure you get the most value for the money you spend.
Webroot has pricing plans that start at $39.99 for one device, then the more devices you add, the more you pay. The complete family pack for ten devices is the most expensive package available at $159.99. This might seem a bit pricey considering you don’t have as many features as some of its competitors.
Bitdefender has packages starting at $59.99 and includes three devices right off the bat. Their most expensive package is $89.99 and covers five devices. When you consider all the features included in the Bitdefender packages, these are excellent value for money.
| Best for price: Bitdefender |
When considering any new program for your computer, you want it to be easy to use. Both Webroot and Bitdefender have very similar designs that are clean and simplistic in look and feel.
Webroot went for an organic-looking green color scheme, which is quite pleasing to the eye. Webroot's interface is slightly more crowded than Bitdefender's, which might make it more challenging to navigate.
Bitdefender opted for a modern black, green, grey, and white color scheme. It’s also effortless to install, and installation only takes about two clicks from the homepage. The interface is less cluttered, which makes it clean, simple, and easy to use.
| Best for ease of use: Bitdefender |
Customer support is also an important aspect when choosing an antivirus solution. You want to be able to contact someone when you run into trouble.
Webroot offers support through a drop-down on their homepage - this means that it’s effortless to access support when you need it. The support available to Webroot users is ticket submission for help and access to the Webroot knowledge base, where you can access FAQs and forums. They also offer phone line support and support through social media.
Bitdefender made sure to cover all their bases when it came to supporting their users. Like Webroot, you can easily access customer support from the drop-down list on the home page. The full range of contact options includes phone lines, email, live chat, user forums, and FAQ with video support.
| Best for customer support: Tie |
This is a close competition between Webroot vs. Bitdefender, and although both are good options, Bitdefender does outperform Webroot when it comes to malware protection and features.
Bitdefender has consistently shown great results regarding malware protection, as shown by their impressive lab scores. They also offer many different features that users would find extremely useful.
In our honest opinion, and from the side-by-side comparison we have done, we can see that Bitdefender is the best option in this case.
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