Customer Ratings & Reviews

For those who don't always read the full review... What I like... - Linux compatibility (one of the few major vendors) - Web-accessible central control center - Easy to add an remove devices from your account - Clean interface - Explanations of security concerns - Web search tool shows clear results And...not so much: - Setting up on a Mac is not intuitive - Very inconsistent user interfaces on Mac and Windows - VPN feature isn't even enough to test with - Password manager is better than nothing, but lacks tons of features For context, I am proficient with a lot of technology. I worked in the I.T. field in the mid-2000's, but a lot has changed and my knowledge is more limited to what I need now. That said, I have been working my way off Windows over to Mac and slowly to Linux. My most recent and last version of Windows is Windows 10, and I used the built-in antivirus and security features rather than a third-party app. Many Mac and Linux users don't even think abut security software, and it's understandable why: - Malware is more often written for Windows computers because of the larger audience - Malware for Windows often will not run on Mac and Linux So...security through obscurity. That tide is starting to shift though, and Mac and Linux are not immune to malware, so having a security suite is still a really good idea. I just haven't used one in a while so I wasn't familiar with the features. I regret that I was not able to install this onto my Linux laptop. I experience a hardware failure and have not had a chance to remedy it yet. However, I have a Macbook, 2 iPads, and a Windows computer that I tested this on. First, the installation process was easy on Windows, which is to be expected. If you know much about technology security and operating systems, you know why. For a less tech-savvy user, this is great, because everything is setup for you quickly and easily. A security software suite has to be deeply ingrained into your operating system to do its job, or it won't be able to see what's going on. The MacOS system is much more locked down than Windows, and in addition to taking longer, there were a LOT of settings changes and permissions that had to be granted. I do give Bitdefender credit for this, as it did a good job of explaining what needed to be done and not changing the screen until the permission was granted, so it was easy to follow along and make sure I wanted to grant the permission. Installing on the iPads was a bit different, as it's just an app from the AppStore. Download, sign into the app, and make a couple of settings changes if needed. There are multiple apps that you have to download - Mobile Security, Password Manager, and VPN. Each is a separate app. One feature I do like is the "central" hub. This is a web-based dashboard that lets you view the devices protected on your account, as well as their status, such as a feature not turned on. You can also easily disconnect a device from the account from here, which I tested. Getting a new device? Just click remove on the old device's profile and it will remotely sign out that old device and free up a license. The experience using the app was a little confusing for me, as there are a lot of features, and again, I have not used one of these products in a while. Bitdefender does a good job of breaking it down and explaining what the feature is and what actions you might need to take. I used the Vulnerability Scan feature on the Windows computer and it did a good job of explaining what each concern was and why. However, some of these are what was identified as a Browser Security issue, which each one making references to Internet Explorer. Again, I'm on Windows 10 and while Internet Explorer was still available in that operating system at launch, Microsoft removed it a long time ago. Yes, there are backend compatibility features deep within it, but someone using this Bitdefender application today that doesn't understand what I just said would wonder why there is a security issue with a browser that is not even on their computer. A big observation I made is how different the app is between Windows and Mac. There is a similar layout to the navigation on the app's dashboard, but the layout and feature set vary greatly between the two. Much of this has to do with what Bitdefender can and cannot do on the two different operating systems (it can do a LOT more on Windows), but if you use both, don't expect the same experience. Scans between the two systems varied a lot too. Overall, the scanning process feels really slow. On my M4 MacBook Pro (not a lightweight computer by any means), the progress meter got to the halfway mark and 30 minutes later had not moved, even though it was still scanning. It was actually faster on the Windows computer (under 30 minutes), which is running a decent Ryzen 7 processor. I should note that there is a lot more data on the Windows computer than the Mac. This suite also has some other features. It includes a VPN service. However, it's limited to 200MB per day, per device (I tested this and each device did have its own quota). However, 200MB isn't even enough to test the feature with, especially when using a computer (vs a mobile device like the iPad). I visited two retailors' websites and did two Google searches and I had blown through the quota. To get unlimited requires a separate subscription, so I cannot speak to how well this feature works. There is also a password manager. I set this up and manually entered one password into the account to check it out. It is very basic, in that it will store the URL, the username, the password, and there is a notes section. It can also store other data like credit card numbers. It contains a password generator and can alert you to password security concerns. For most people, this is more than sufficient, and if you are not already using one, it's worth trying this one out. Overall, Bitdefender's security suite is a good product and I recommend it, especially if you are NOT using Windows (which is built-in but not nearly as feature-rich). Yes, you should consider this if you are on Mac or Linux, as those operating systems are not immune and threats will only increase as the user base does. If you are managing multiple devices, especially for family members, the centralization feature is really nice to have to monitor device status along with adding and removing devices easily. Setup is a bit tricky on a Mac, so follow the steps closely but once it's setup, you are good to go.

The Bitdefender Total Security includes a variety of functions, mainly in three categories: Protection, Privacy, Utilities. Under Protection, it includes: Antivirus, Advanced Threat Defense, Online Threat Prevention, Ransomware Remediation, Vulnerability Scan, Cryptomining Protection, Firewall, Antispam, Email Protection, Scam Protection. Under Privacy, it includes: Safepay, VPN, SecurePass, Ant-Tracker, Video and Audio Protection, Parental Control. Under Utilities, it includes: Profiles, File Shredder, Anti-Theft, and OnClick Optimizer. Now, the above list of coverage are read from Bitdefender website. However in the installed application can’t really notice what is covered or can see only less functionalities. Additionally, it seems I have to install multiple applications at least based on installation experience in Mac. I installed Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac, then for VPN it requires to install a second app Bitddefender VPN. From the application for Antivirus, can learn only following: 1. Dashboard: Quick Scan, System Scan, Total Security # of installed of total, Safe Files, Web Protection by browser Safari, Chrome, Firefox. 2. Protection: Antivirus, Web Protection, Anti-Ransomware. In each name includes functions for respective options. 3. Privacy: VPN (that open second Application after installation), Anti-Tracker. Now, how good it is doing all it claims I couldn’t verify technically, but form usage experience, for instance, if the VPN is enabled, then the content of new email doesn’t show after VPN is enablement. What I wish it were better: 1. Better or clarity of what includes as there seems discrepancies between the actual installation and functionaries vs what is stated in the website, or can’t tell exactly what is what the coverage. 2. It requires to install multiple applications. 3. The VPN is limited based on quantity of traffic. Hence can’t be reliable unless spend extra. 4. For the Anti-Tracker extension installation, it didn’t detect that the Microsoft Edge is installed or doesn’t support. It didn’t show the option except for Safari, Chrome and Firefox. 5. For Web-Protection, it has to be enabled by each browser type. However in order to enable, for instance for case of Safari, it allow the Bitdefender to read, alter and see sensitive information from webpage, including password, phone number and credit cards. So Bitdefender protect from other or bad intended parties, but feels it is being allowed for Bitdefender. A bit contradictory and not sure how much of the privacy is protected against Bitdefender press. In conclusion, it provides a number of handy tools and protection. It feels a bit confusing in term of details and description of what cover, and a bit of doubt on while it protect from bad actor how much actually Bitdefender might have access to private information; then having to install multiple apps makes the experience bit overwhelming.

Bitdefender Total Security is a descent, "lightweight" Internet security package that does what it is supposed to do without bogging down your system or harassing you with unnecessary notifications. Installation - Getting set up is simple and begins with creating an account at Bitdefender Central, your hub for downloading the software and managing your licenses. One interesting thing I found is that when you create an account with your email address, there is a section called “Digital Identity Protection” that shows you the vulnerabilities and compromised information it has found on the web. Think websites that have been compromised, and your account logins are freely available on the dark web. Anyway, once you download the software, it is a relatively fast and straightforward process. Security - Anti-virus and anti-malware protection is pretty straightforward. After installation, you should immediately run a full scan of your system to ensure it is safe. I have not found this software to bog down my system like the popular guys, so that’s a plus in my book. When it comes to security and real-time protection, I feel like it does what it is supposed to. I didn't have any issues with the firewall. Some software firewalls tend to over restrict traffic, but Bitdefender seemed to be just fine. System Optimizer - This tool scans your computer for unnecessary files, registry errors, temporary files, and other junk that might be slowing it down. I can’t say whether it actually speeds up my computer right now, so only time will tell. VPN - Having a software VPN is always a handy tool, especially when traveling or using public wifi networks. Bitdefender Total comes with such a service, but it is limited to only 200 MB a day. That’s hardly much and only good for a short time of web browsing or emails. It’s nice to have in a pinch, I guess. Better than nothing. If you need more time/data connectivity, Bitdefender offers unlimited access for $70 a year. Just want to note that other competitors offer the same service, with unlimited access, included in their security package. So I find this limited access curious. Overall - Bitdefender Total Security is a good basic security package that offers all the basic features you would need to secure your computer. From anti-virus to firewall, anti-tracking to privacy protection, this is a good option (and a reasonable price) for securing five devices. Are there better options on the market that have a better user interface and features? Yes. But when it comes to what it does, Bitdefender Total Security is a good option for most.

How many ways can our private data be attacked? Let me count some of the ways: Viruses, Spam, Phishing, Spoofing, Malware, Spyware, Trackers, Worms, Ransomware, Identity Theft, Password Attacks, software flaw exploitation... on and on and more and more threats are uncovered every day. It is exhausting thinking about it, much less doing something about it. Fortunately, there are reliable, respected and constantly updated means to fight back. That is where Bitdefender Total Security comes into play, by giving you the constantly updated automated tools and security features to keep your precious data and online interactions safe and continually monitored and defended. Bitdefender is an international company that has been around for over 25 years and has an outstanding reputation for its continuous innovation and being one of the most respected leading Cybersecurity providers. They are currently harnessing AI to detect and defend against ever-changing threats. Bitdefender's Total Security suite is not just Antivirus. In a simple to deploy intuitive interface that protects Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices, it presents a broad range of tools such as: Advanced Threat Defense, which identifies and blocks suspicious and compromising digital behaviors, Vulnerability analysis, Ransomware Remediation, Online Threat Prevention, Anti-Spam protection, Anti-tracker features, Cryptomining Protection and Firewall protection. It also has a Password Manager, File Shredder, Video and Audio Protection, a protective VPN, and a SafePay feature. Your system's registry, storage disks and privacy features can be totally optimized with Bitdefender Total Security's OneClick Optimizer feature. And you can easily schedule and customize Full System Scans that will ensure that your system stays clean and safe using the latest malware definitions. There are even more features that one can explore and employ. It should be noted that Bitdefender Total Security Individual for 5 devices is considered its entry-level protection suite, so some may find that their particular needs are not fully met with this suite. But, in my opinion, for the typical user, Total Security presents much more security features than even I need. Since I am not an expert on how well this suite does its job securing my data and privacy, I have turned to the real experts who have evaluated this Bitdefenderd Total Security suite to real-world threats and I find my most trusted sources give it outstanding marks for performance. I urge anyone who is seeking a new line of defense for their systems and data to reach out and do the same. Yes, I would recommend this suite to family and friends.

Really nice complete security suite. It was very easy to install. Once I redeemed my key on their website I could install it right away on the device I was on at the moment (my laptop), and also it was easy to install on other devices like my desktop PC. I didn't even have to download something on a flash drive and take it there like I thought I would have, their dashboard website makes it easy to do so, all I had to do is tell it I wanted to install it on another device and I could choose to have a download link sent to my email. I just went and opened my email on my other device (desktop PC) and installed it there too. You can install it on up to 5 devices (even mobile devices) and be protected for a whole year. The app is very comprehensive. It has an antivirus, firewall, crypto mining/ransomware protection, antispam etc. I do like you can also choose to have browser integration and it will tell you if the links you are visiting are safe (puts a green checkmark on them) and warms you also of potential threats. They do also include a VPN, however its just 200mb per day with the included one, just enough I guess for safe transactions while you are on unsecure networks, like maybe buying something online or something that requires login in while on unsecure networks. If you want more bandwidth to go with it you got to pay a little extra. What I like the most is that it does not slow down your system and I didn't notice it sucking too many resources like other programs. My PC felt the same. I do like the occasional pop ups from the app on the system tray, however it can be silenced and its smart enough to detect when you are gaming on full scree i.e. and not bother while doing so. If you want a to secure your devices, this suite will give you protection for up to 5 ones, so offers a great value for the price. Glad I have it!

After years of trying out several different antiviruses, I have settled with Bitdefender the past few years. The 2026 edition keeps its good reputation strong in my household. Unlike others, Bitdefender does not: • Barrage the computers with countless ads and unwanted pop-ups • Does not force a credit card on file to recharge when the subscription ends • Does not exponentially drain on the battery of my laptops What it does do: • It keeps the computer running and safe • It provides a streamlined easy to understand and use interface • Gives gentle recommendations • Provides 200MB VPN daily to protect sensitive data from exposure • Provides date breech detection of your email I have Bitfedender on both my PCs and Mac and it works great on both. On the PC it is more streamlined because everything is on one app, whereas on the Mac the VPN is a separate app. Also, the Mac version has less features, which is not a big deal to me because I worry more about the Windows’ vulnerabilities, but is worth noting. For the most part, I barely notice it is there as it just runs in the background, but on the PC laptop I use for remote work, it asks me constantly if I am using a home or work network and does not seem to record the setting. The VPN does run out pretty quickly at 200MB, it is good for a quick action on the web concerning a sensitive transaction, but within minutes will ask you to upgrade the plan. The app has several profiles depending on what you are doing online plus the option for it to toggle between them automatically. It also has a Safepay option, protection from video and audio hacks, anti-tracker, as well as crypto mining prevention. I was able to find this on the PC app only though. Overall, I am happy with this antivirus. I did not get this for the VPN, so that is an added bonus sneak peek in my opinion. I do wish some features were available for the Mac, but as stated, the PCs are my main concern. I highly recommend this over the competitors because this brand provides a service without gimmicks.

I have been using Bitdefender for the past few weeks on both my macOS and Windows laptops, and so far I am very happy with the results. This is a very easy to install program which quickly sets up, downloads, and you are ready to go. One of the best features that I like about this, it is a multi-device program that covers up to 5 devices including the aforementioned Windows and Macs, but also Android and iOS. It is simple to use for a tech person like myself, and even for my dad as well. The home screen offers several clear options to choose from. The dashboard shows your current security status and allows you to run a variety of scans, including: Quick Scan and System Scan, a Vulnerability Scan that checks your online passwords, and a VPN and Safepay which enhances your online privacy. On the left of the hopme screen, you can further check your computer with additional features such as Privacy, Utilities Notifications and Settings. What is also a great feature, you can see the listing of your installed devices and check the status of each one at a glance. This is truly a install and forget program that runs quietly in the background, giving you peace of mind knowing all my installed devices are safe from potential threats. Overall, Bitdefender Total Security manages to provide great protection that is reliable for your devices. Highly recommend this.

Works great. Have used Bitdefender Total Security for all my devices for years.

Decided to try BitDefender after using Norton for years .HUGE MISTAKE. First noticed a huge slowdown in browser access times and Bitdefender was blocking trusted subnet sites(low risk embedded servers) without giving me any options to override After trying to configure product for 3 hours without success , I tried to return Subscription software to BestBuy which is when the fun began . BestBuy won t refund it and even though the manufacturer will on products bought from them directly , I didn t buy from them directly . BEWARE.

I’m going to be honest, I don’t normally use anti-virus software. I feel like I have a pretty good handle on avoiding the pitfalls that people fall into like clicking on unknown emails or links that they don’t recognize, visiting sketchy websites, downloading from unknown sources, etc. I have tried some free antivirus programs and that one company that starts with N that comes bundled for free with a new computer purchase and to be honest the CONSTANT popups begging me to upgrade are more annoying than a virus. So I tried Bitdefender. Not seeing annoying popups. It was easy to install on my laptop, just had to create an account at Bitdefender Central and I don’t have any issues with it being cumbersome or slowing my computer down. On my iPhone though, I installed the Bitdefender Central app and logged in and then was prompted to install the Bitdefender Mobile Security app and BitdefenderVPN. Ok, so I did that. Mobile Security seemed to go fine, but it flagged a security issue because I was on ios 18 still and ios 26 is out. I don’t usually rush to the newest ios until it’s in the wild for a bit. I keep getting a notification that I connected to a risky wifi when I’m at work but I don’t connect to wifi at my work so that’s puzzling. Ok, so the BitdefenderVPN didn’t go quite so smooth. I tapped the connect button and after a short wait it flashed up an error message and had a link to click for help. I clicked the link and it took me to a blank white screen. And that’s where it stopped. Matter of fact, I couldn’t get on the internet at all. Any browser I opened was just a white screen. So I turned the VPN off. I did upgrade to ios 26 shortly after and turned the VPN back on, it connected immediately and has been working fine since so I didn’t contact their tech support since it had resolved. The VPN included with this package is 200mb per day which doesn’t last very long, they do have unlimited packages available for an extra cost. I think the software does a good job of informing you of what each feature does and on my Windows computer it works smoothly. Not sure if I’m going to keep it on my phone. I have a ton of apps on my phone and I’m limited on storage so I might need to remove some. I had to offload 17 apps just to make room to do the ios 26 upgrade. I was able to reinstall them all, it just needed space to perform the upgrade. Not sure that this package is really necessary for me but if you have children or elderly people at your house it might be worth getting for Windows devices at least.

Bitdefender is a great option to cover your digital life risks. It allows you to operate on the web without major concerns about viruses and also monitors your Wi-Fi connection, adding a VPN option when you cannot trust your connection provider. I love this product based on three main factors: 1. Price: With so many options in the market, I appreciate that I can find a trusted brand that offers protection and the ability to optimize the software on your device. In this case, the purchase covers five devices, provides safe storage for your passwords (instead of relying on your browsers), and includes VPN. 2. Coverage: The license includes up to five devices across all types of environments: Windows, Macs, Android, and iOS. This basically covers all the technology tools your family might use for a global digital presence. In our case, we are talking about three laptops and two phones. 3. Simplicity in installation and operation: Considering the different levels of comfort with software in the family, this is key for me. The installation is super intuitive and fast. Just create an account on the first device and invite the other four devices directly from the app by including each family member’s email. The total processing time for downloading the apps on all five devices was less than 10 minutes. As important as the installation, I can report that the portal/dashboard is very intuitive for launching analyses and understanding the reports. After launching the assessment, you can see the progress, the number of files reviewed, and the final report. I found this process quite fast compared to other software I have used previously. However, I found a couple of elements that, although not major problems, concern me: 1. The VPN is limited to 200 MB per day in the subscription. This adds an additional layer of concern when you are on the move. Keeping an eye on usage when you need security the most is not a good feeling. 2. Some reports are too alarming, or the tool is too conservative and requires some user judgment. Bitdefender indicated that my home Wi-Fi connection was insecure when all other software considered it safe. I manage this Wi-Fi and am confident about the level of encryption and access. After a couple of times, I could identify the connection as “home,” and I no longer receive the warning. I received a similar concerning message about my bank website connection, which I also trust. There is one final aspect that could also be considered positive regarding scalability. If the regular license is not enough because you need additional VPN capacity or you would like to obtain Identity Theft Protection (which includes insurance), this can be done directly from your account. I think this is a good option to bring peace of mind to your technological devices at home.

The Bitdefender - Total Security Individual 5 device 1 year - Windows, Apple iOS, Mac OS, Android, Linux [Digital] online security package immediately updated my older computer to a more secure and efficient computer. I received an email from Bitdefender that had the link to download and install on my computer. After installation, two icons were on my desktop. Bitdefender total security and Bitfender VPN were now functional on my computer and provided top security features to keep my data safe from online hacking threats. Immediately, I was notified of nine data breaches of my email address, by Digital Identity Protection. Any threats are also shown on Bitdefender Central page. From the Bitdefender Total Security dashboard I can click to device options where I have access to a Quick scan or a complete system scan. My first complete scan took almost two days to finish. It was approximately 44 hours, when it stopped scanning. I have a Vulnerability Scan to check my computer for potential vulnerabilities in its operating system, network and icons. Bitdefender VPN is available to secure my connection and to protect my privacy. I can enable various security recommendations, such as a malware scan to perform a comprehensive check for malware of the entire system. Anti-Theft features take simple actions to retrieve and secure my lost or stolen device, and to protect data stored on it. I can lock my lost device and block access with a custom code. Wiping my device clean is available also with deletion of all device data, including apps, photos, messages, and any files stored on it. My data saved in the cloud was not affected. There are even ransonware remediation recommendations to enable counter act encryption and to have the files automatically restored after an attack gets blocked. There is SecurePass store to encrypt, and protect all my passwords. Bitdefender can discover any security weaknesses in my device software and network. It detects and removes junk, temporary files, and cache files that are slowing down my computer. The Protection features of antivirus, advanced threat defense, vulnerability, cyrptomining protection, online threat prevention, firewall, ransomware remediation, and antispam, along with all the upgrades that can be purchased for even more security makes Bitdefender - Total Security a full service security software package.

TLDR is that this is a quite solid option to protect your devices, but there are a few things here and there that I wish were improved, or at least different. Some of which can be simply by choosing the appropriate plan beforehand. Installation is a very simple process, across devices (although I have not hit all of my devices yet), and once installed, the interface is intuitive, any possible issues are both easy to see and explained in plain and concise terms, and any recommendations are just that, rather than intrusive notifications, popups or dire warnings. I appreciate that you are alerted when needed but have control over not only the frequency and vigor of those alerts, but also their remedies. As for protection and coverage, zero complaints. Going in, I knew it had a good reputation, and thus far, I have no issues. Beyond that though, i really like the varied collection of extra “bonus” security features it has that many other security suites out there are not providing. Some are better than others, but across the board it is just a nice value add. I do also appreciate how account/subscriptions appear to be handled. I will need more time to see how this plays out going forward, but everything is clearly laid out, no card is required on file and there is an option to simply activate with a code. Given how many subscriptions I have in my life, having no auto bill and transparency is nice to see. At least for me. Now, for the couple of slight nitpicks I have, admittedly most of which are minor. One, while I do appreciate the inclusion of a VPN, the daily limit for this particular version is 200MB, which frankly, may as well just be zero. Now, this can easily be remedied by moving up one tick in their versions to the “Premium” option but just be sure to check your needs beforehand. Second, and this is probably being unreasonable, is that between the multiple devices and products that require separate installations, it is just a lot of installations. Lastly, while I do think the overall protection is quite good, there have been a few things missed or inconsistent, nearly all within the “bonus” features. These are not really a major concern for me, but something to note. Ultimately, I think this is a good piece of security software, it gives me a nice peace of mind, and I like it. It works well, covers me cross platform, does it all rather simply and at a reasonable price. The value si there. My only advice would be to check your use case and purchase appropriately, as some versions will meet your needs better than others.

I generally don't use antivirus on my PC as I find the built in software does a good enough job for 90% of the issues that I run in on Windows. And even with this software, I don't know if I would personally need it. However, it does have a good market, and that's for folks who have to handle non-tech savvy family member PCs, especially those who are far away. Bitdefender Total Security provides a way for tech folks to help support remote PCs through a web portal, where they can trigger routine scans on a PC and help keep them in good shape. The app itself has a few worth while features and a few that I don't know as I would recommend. The disk space clean up and the triggering of Windows updates are a plus. However, the cleaning up of the registry without actually seeing what it's cleaning is a feature I would never suggest anyone uses. The nice thing is that the app itself can be password protected so that an unsuspecting user doesn't have the ability to click on buttons they should not be. It still allows for the main supporter to come in and do maintenance at the holidays and family gatherings. The VPN itself looks decent, but being as you are limited in how much data you can use each day without a separate purchase, I can't really review the feature in full. Maybe those who only read e-mails might use it, but everyone else will run through the data cap in a couple of news sites with videos that auto play. The browser plugins are also not something I could really evaluate. All the sites turned green as verified and secured, even when I intentionally went to sites that should have thrown red flags. As it stands, it just seems like something else to use resources that probably won't be used much. I also don't know as I can recommend people using the built in password manager. Once your subscription runs you, you likely lose access to the password manager, and with so many free managers out there, this all in one solution doesn't make much sense. All in all though, for the right market, this makes sense. If you're tech savvy though, you'll likely be using this on family PCs rather than your own though.

Bitdefender does a good job catching and alerting to suspicious content, viruses and protects your system while using very little in the lines of system useage. The additional tools like VPN and Safepay are great tools in the package. Having a VPN that is not a monthly charge is a great feature, however it is limited to 200 MB a day unless you upgrade. This is great for laptops you might connect to public networks with. If you need more than 200 MB a day, there is a upgrade option. Looking at utilities, the One Click Optimizer does a great job cleaning up your system from junk files, cached data, temp files, etc. I do recommend paying attention and seeing what is going to be cleaned up, especially when downloading any system updates. They flag as junk files. The Optimizer also cleans up your registry. It does a pretty good job and seems to be quite safe at what it looks for. The virus scan does its job in the back ground, but I would recommend schedululing the quick scan. I usually do it during my lunch hour daily. The full scan I run on Saturdays at 11:30 AM. I don't like running the scans during power up, it sometimes slows the startup process. The virus scan has a bunch of options that you can adjust to your needs. The layout of everything is simple and everything is where you would expect it to be. The developers did a great job making an intuitive interface. Overall, it is a great security suite that does it's job very well.

My review of Bitdefender - Total Security Individual - 5 device 1 year software is complicated by the fact that I have had two complete system crashes since installing it on my Dell Alienware desktop PC. And while it was installed, I seemed to develop issues with running Dell’s SupportAssist software that scans for hardware/software issues that might be affecting a Dell system. SupportAssist became extremely slow at loading and eventually a message would appear to reboot the PC and try again. Following a reboot, the result would be the same, resulting in an endless loop of not being able to run SupportAssist and rebooting. After removing Bitdefender and rebooting a few times, I was able to run the SupportAssist software again and found no problems or crashes after running its version of system scan for two days now. Now all of this could simply be coincidence and possibly linked to auto-installed upgrades to Windows 11 from Microsoft’s updates and not the fault of Bitdefender. That remains to be determined. Windows diagnostics was unable to determine the issue and each time I was able to reboot and run normally. More testing would be necessary to determine the exact cause of the shutdowns. Prior to these issues, I found installing Bitdefender was a fairly simple and quick exercise. At first, I was concerned about having to go into Windows and reconfigure their built-in Defender protection, but Bitdefender does all of that for you in one turnkey operation, which was a huge relief. Upon completion of installation, Bitdefender runs an initial security assessment, which took about 2 ½ minutes on my desktop. Bitdefender then makes recommendations on protection issues related to cryptomining and ransomware protection. Once the Bitdefender software installation was complete, I ran complete full system scan which took about 32 minutes to complete, and its assessment of my PC resulted in a “clean” response thankfully. NO VIRUSES! When I later brought up a music app on my browser, I was also presented with an opportunity to subscribe to Bitdefender’s Digital Identity protection at additional cost, which I declined. When making financial transactions, Bitdefender offers to set up a VPN connection for more secure transactions, mostly to be used on a smartphone, but the data is limited to 200MB per day, so that’s quite limiting I suppose. Not being familiar with VPN, I can’t really comment on that data limitation. Bitdefender can be installed on up to 5 devices and includes other features like email spam protection and setting up a vault to secure your passwords, and all this can be shared with your Apple and Android smartphones and tablets. Without extensive troubleshooting into my specific issues I experienced, I reluctantly must assign Bitdefender’s Total Security software 3-stars. I can say that before installing Bitdefender, I never had these issues, so your experience may certainly be different with a more positive outcome.

I have been a user of all kinds of anti-virus, anti-malware, total security, etc. products over the years like most of us have. I will say that Microsoft has gotten really good at what they include with Windows out of the box, and maybe I'm old school but I still like having a dedicated program that is specifically for the security of my various devices. In recent years I have migrated all my, and my family and friends, systems to Bitdefender. Why you may ask? Because it is really good, doesn't slow our systems down, and it doesn't break the bank either. We will dive into some of our devices, more specifically their Operating Systems (OS) as the OS can be a limiting factor in what Bitdefender can really do through no fault of their own, it's the OS developer and hardware seller that are to blame. Installation Installation was a breeze. I think we have really gotten spoiled with just how well things work now. I remember back when a software install may install with an error pop up like it didn't, where uninstalling something would hose the whole OS, and where you better make sure to run System Restore regularly and even then it might not fix the issue or even be able to restore (still sometimes an issue I've found but much fewer and farther between now thankfully!). All that said we truly are spoiled with how software just works now. And Bitdefender Total Security is no different. I installed it on one of my laptops, my iPhone 14 Pro Max, a MacBook Air M3 15" 2024, and an Android phone just to get a feel for it across multiple devices. On all of them the install, signing in, etc. where all seamless. Bitdefender is what the yellow box, red box, green box, etc. solutions wished they could be. I'll get into why down below. Rating: 5/5 Windows 11 Professional - Lenovo Legion Go - Gaming & Daily Driving As I said I installed Bitdefender Total Security on my Lenovo Legion Go running Windows 11 Professional but before I did I played some games & ran some bench-marking tools to get a feel for how the system was performing that day with the stock Microsoft Defender solution. I then set about installing Bitdefender Total Security, ran the same games, the same bench-marking tools and compared the results. There was no drop in FPS, no spike in CPU or RAM usage, my NVME wasn't being taxed, it was like it wasn't even there but it was. Silently chugging along in the background waiting for some adversary to try to attack us, and if they did then Bitdefender would take them out like the silent assassin that it is. I say silent & silently and while the application does take care of most everything by itself (through preset decisions as set by Bitdefender and others by the community of other Bitdefender users) but there were some times where it would ping me saying the webcam was access (no duh, I use Windows Hello). And so that was annoying because the granular control of allowing Windows Hello to access the camera but denying everything else isn't something I can easily figure out how to do. It might be there and I might be missing it but I can't figure it out. And I'm a techie person who's been building computers for 28+ years now (40 now, started at 12 years old). So if I can't figure it out quickly enough to not throw in the towel because my ADD has me doing something else then most users are probably not going to be able to do so either. Bummer. I love Bitdefender Total Security, and I hope they fix it, or make it more intuitive because it would be *chefs kiss* perfect if so. At least it is quiet during gaming, so that's a huge plus in my book. All that said I found when I first launched Total Security it felt like it had a lot...and it kind of does...but it, like most other security sollutions nowadays is pretty surface level and not very in-depth or feature rich. Maybe its because they've perfected it, removed the bloat we don't need (like Windows Registry "Cleaners" and the like) or maybe it's scaling back to offer higher packages with slightly more stuff...I dunno, but yeah, it didn't feel overwhelming, it just felt deep but when I got into the actual meat & potatoes of the software it was rather shallow. Now even though it's in the kiddie pool it still packs a punch because its keep us safe, so don't get it twisted. Oh, crazy enough Bitdefender found 2 malware in an old Outlook backup file from a job I had almost 10 years ago that I was keeping. That spooked me when I saw the screen pop saying it found malware because I thought my system was compromised. Nope, just a previous coworker had been infected and we didn't know it because it was some bespoke malware. I took to alerting my former employer, and they are doing a thorough scan. I shared the info I was able to get from Bitdefender Total Security with the head of IT, and I even shared my mailbox backup file (why not they use to have it anyway so they can have it again, it was all work emails, I just wanted it so that I wouldn't lose all the documentation I helped to develop that I still sometimes make use of in my personal and private life. Rating: 4/5 Mac OS Tahoe (aka 26) - MacBook Air M3 15" 2024 - Working all the livelong day Mac OS was more of the same as the Windows application. The interface is nice, installation was a breeze, and the CPU and RAM usage wasn't absurd. I know most think Macs don't get virus and malware but they absolutely do. It's just a smaller segment of the home and work computer user base and so it isn't the one that most people think of or that most malicious actors spend their times trying to target. That doesn't mean that it is never a target, just that it is a smaller target because you have to kind of work harder to do it. Now I don't mean that Mac OS is better, no, I just mean that the userbase is smaller so the potential victims are fewer which means its not as economical to target Mac users are frequently as Windows users. Since I work from home and work on my MacBook I figured I'd get good use out of Bitdefender because I need to keep my work files safe. It did just that. Again, no system slowdowns at all. It was perfect for me. Rating: 5/5 Android 16 - Google Pixel 7 Pro - Significant Others Smartphone My significant other is like an unofficial beta tester for me, just like the rest of my family. We are always trying new gadgets and do-dads. Sometimes she loves it, sometimes she is frustrated because its buggy, but she lovees me and so she puts up with it :P Well with Total Security she said it was like it wasn't even there. It wasn't overly annoying, it actually was scanning the phone (unless my phones OS but we'll delve into that later). And so she enjoyed having it on her phone and she is keeping it there. She plays some smaller games, nothing too intense, and so we did some bench marking, and minor gaming on the Pixel 7 Pro prior to install and after and it was essentially the same numbers. I say essentially because phones are pretty aggressive about throttling themselves. Which is a good thing because I had my first iPhone 14 Pro Max that got too hold and it, from what the Genius Bar or whatever they are called told me, desoldered either the CPU or one of the other chips from its main board when I had a Popsocket Magsafe portable charger on it over the summer of I think 2024 (around July 2024). It had to be replaced of course. Anywho, the P7P did have slightly less bench marking numbers but gaming stayed the same as far as we could tell and so I don't know if it was truly Bitdefender Total Security or if it was actually the phone just throttling itself due to heat. Everytime it was the same thing. I'll be ordering a Magsafe cooling fan soon. I have one as I got it for doing YouTube car modification videos but its put up since its winter and I couldn't find it. So I'm going to get her one to have as well. But yes, Bitdefender Total Security even rocked Android like a champ. Rating: 5/5 iOS 26.3 Public Beta - iPhone 14 Pro Max - My Personal & Work Smartphone I've discussed it numerous times already and I'll expand on it here but man, I really wish Apple would open up the iOS ecosystem for REAL anti-malware solutions like Bitdefender Total Security is for all the other OSes we had it on. They have it so locked down that its basically just a wasted seat (in my opinion) on an iOS device. I have never had a good experience with anti-malware stuff on iOS because it's just basic and essentially does nothing. Apple won't let developers scan for malware and do other things like Android, Mac OS or Windows will. Its a shame. This isn't a knock on Bitdefender, its an indictment on Apple for selling me a $2000 phone and then locking it down where I can't do what I want with it. Absurd! Rating: 0/0 (through no fault of Bitdefender this is solely on Apple and I can't give 5/5 like it's amazing like for Android and I don't want to give anything less than perfect or nothing at all since Bitdefender does what they can with what they are given by Apple) Conclusion Bitdefender Total Security absolutely delivers. Pick it up for home, and you won't be disappointed! Overall Rating: 14/15

In a household of 4 where internet security is important, there are a little over 20 devices, from PCs, laptops, tablets and cell phones, that need protection from internet bad actors. I’ve been using security suites from Norton, McAfee and Aura for all devices in the house. This is my first tryout with Bitdefender Total Security and, although not perfect, the experience has been positive so far. In my case, right after the account was set-up, the rest was seamless; my computer was scanned for attack traces and threats to provide an assessment. This version can protect up to 5 devices. Bitdefender has provided some features that I hadn’t seen before with the competitors. The first one was the cryptomining protection that protects a computer from being unknowingly used for cryptomining. The second one was the ransomware mediation which, according to Bitdefender, not only detects and blocks suspected ransomware and automatically backs up affected files that can be restored. It also offers an advanced threat defense that uses real-time monitoring of behavior to spot brand-new ("zero-day") threats, even before they make it into the virus databases. This Total Security suite provides some solid privacy and identity tools as well. Beside the traditional Camera and microphone protection and the anti-tracker browser extension, the Safepay feature is something I had not seen before with any of the other competitors. Safepay creates a secure environment when paying online and for online banking. It can get a bit aggressive at times. There were a couple of instances where I could not proceed with an online payment and I could not find a way to override it. In the end, I had to proceed from another device that does not have Bitdefender. And adding to that bit of frustration, I was surprised that a security suite named ‘Total Security’ has limited access to a password manager and a VPN with data limitations. Overall, Bitdefender Total Suite is a solid privacy and security software. It comes with some unique features and the Autopilot mode is effective and runs low on resource utilization. It lacks some of the competition included features but it makes up for it with its affordable price for 5 devices.

I have used BitDefender products since 2018 and Total Security has been a constant since. I have dabbled with other Anti-Virus/Malware products at times and keep coming back to Bitdefender. I mainly use the product on Windows PCs, so that will be my focus. I have used it on Android and iOS devices (the latter OS is pretty locked down by Apple, so Bitdefender and other AV solutions have limited value). Bitdefender has made some tweaks to their interface but largely has remained the same. The interface is much like others and you can access many of the functions from the main panel, with menu options along the left side of the application interface, this is refreshing as other Security products have adopted interfaces heavy in cartoonish interfaces complete with avatars. The real-time protection seems to perform well, with not much of a performance hit on PCs with decent resources, although I do think Norton is a bit more lightweight in this area. I currently have Bitdefender configured for the minimal amount of notification (for instance suspicious connections) and unlike other solutions it seems to pick up on expired domain certificates, which can often indicate compromised or less maintained sites. Overall, there is a plethora of capabilities and settings on the left side of the main interface panel, including a Dashboard, Protection, Privacy, Utilities, Notifications and Settings items. Too many to get into individually but you could spend a considerable amount of time exploring each. What you need is enabled by default so if you don’t want to explore the product more in depth you have a default configuration which suits most purposes. Many vendors don’t allow you to configure individual features and others overcomplicate it. Bitdefender is somewhere in the middle, which is a good place to be in this case. What I also like about Bitdefender Total Security is it will coexist with other PC Security products, like Windows Defender. As for the VPN service which has become a common place offering in Security suites, my experience was good, although you do have to go up to the Bitdefender Premium Security or greater suite to get unlimited VPN access, as Total Security only comes with 200MB daily, which is not useful as background processes in Windows and other applications can quickly consume that amount. So lets go over what has improved over time with the Bitdefender product: Ransomware protection, the Safe Banking tools (which open a secured browser which I do not use), Malware detection improvements (including AI and Machine Learning detection to improve against zero day threats), QUIC Protocol Support used by modern browsers (Chromium based browsers such as Chrome, Edge and Opera) and many cloud services including YouTube studio and Google Drive. Overall, this improves scanning of encrypted traffic, better compatibility with modern websites and fewer false blocks or slowdowns. This is meaningful for anyone using cloud apps or streaming services. >>> Pros >> Security suite provides a lot of capabilities >> improved AI/ML based tools and detections >> faster scanning >> product is not “chatty or nagging” in relation to upselling you upgrades. >> Will detect vulnerabilities in other products and update them if needed (including monthly Microsoft updates). >> Windows, Mac OS, Android, Apple iOS versions included in subscription >> Straddles the line well between cartoonish interfaces and those leaning towards technical ones >> Configurable for those that need specific settings. <<< Cons << for lower end devices or those with less resources it may not perform as well as other solutions << Total Security level only provides 200MB of VPN connected data per day, which is next to useless.

When choosing an antivirus for your devices, you need something that offers comprehensive coverage and is not too bulky or intrusive. Bitdefender seems to provide a stable and strong suite of software products focusing on security and privacy. The Total Security bundle offers, in addition to a strong antivirus, includes ad blocking and anti-tracking that works seamlessly in the background as an extension on your browser, to keep your browsing sessions private. The anti-track software identifies each of the trackers and cookies sites employ to spy on you, creating a digital fingerprint, then using and selling the data they collect. You also get ransomware, antispam, and crypto mining protection (if someone uses your computers processor to help them mine crypto without your knowledge) You get video and audio protection from hackers trying to record you. They also include Safepay, a secure webpage for online banking and other sensitive transactions. Some sites may not work (like this one) until you add it as a trusted site in the extension or temporarily turn off the tracker for the site. It feels good knowing you have a high level of protection for your devices and the ability to add up to 5 devices with this version. I think having the added benefit of VPN helps fool trackers, though it seems, the ad block and anti-track don't work when the VPN is enabled. And 200MB is a very small amount for browsing on VPN, I was done in 5 minutes and got kicked off. The limited VPN aside, this is as comprehensive as it gets for security software. Some might worry about using a company based in Romania to handle their security needs, but Bitdefender has been in this business for over 25 years, I think they know a thing or two.