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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Overall I think Bitdefender Total Security does a good job protecting you without overwhelming your pc’s resources and it doesn’t nag you with continuous upgrade and renewal notices that other software providers do. On the downside the VPN limits are so low that the VPN protection is fairly meaningless and the Parental Controls aren’t the most intuitive or responsive. Bottom line is if you don’t need VPN access or already have a VPN provider and you don’t need Parental Controls then this is the security software to get. If you require a VPN then I suggest you look at other Bitdefender packages that include unlimited VPN access. Installing Bitdefender is quite easy, you create an account and download the software. It is automated enough where even non-technical people should be able to install the software without issue. Once the software is installed you can go to the Bitdefender dashboard to verify that you are protected and configure the software to your specific needs. You can also run virus scans and vulnerability scans manually when/if ever needed. On the Protection tab in the dashboard you can see what protection is turned on and what additional protection is available to you. This software offers you a complete suite of protective services and it’s easy to turn on/off whatever you need. There is also a Privacy Tab on the dashboard that allows you to customize your privacy settings by controlling cameras and microphones as well as setting up Anti-tracker capabilities. The Parental Control was not the easiest to configure nor was I impressed with the results. I was able to get it to limit device access to specific sites however I could not get it to limit the time on line. The Utility tab offers additional tools like an optimizer and file shredder. I have found the file shredder to be quite useful to permanently delete financial files. On the Notification tab you can see all the Critical, Warning and Information notifications that have occurred. While this information is interesting to a technical person most people will find this information misleading or possibly confusing. For example I have several Critical notifications for Suspicious Connections blocked when I was web browsing on a legit business website that I trust. Rather than concern myself with these types of notifications I trust Bitdefender to do its job protecting me.

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.

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.

If you have young kids or elderly parents or relatives, you really should always pay for proper antivirus and security software. It's just prudent. Bitdefender's Total Security sits in the world of antivirus and broader security and optimization software. The big plus is you can use it on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS so this 5 license version should (at least) keep your parents covered (their PC and phones). Setup is easy, you create a Bitdefender account and you can redeem your registration key online. Things I like about Bitdefender, it's easy to setup and the default settings cover the usual suspects (viruses, malware, ransomware, webcam locking). The 'total security' part which includes a vulnerability scan, privacy, VPN, etc. is OK but not great. Which is worth me talking about to help others make an informed decision. Vulnerability Scan is supposed to detect other applications that need to be updated. On my Windows 11 PC reported zero, but Firefox was out of date as were a few other apps. I could give Bitdefender a pass, but really it should have spotted Firefox. Instead it was giving me prompts that an "Operating System Change" was detected, but that what a regular Windows Update. Hmmm. Also included is Bitdefender VPN, but it's limited to 200Mb (yes 200Mb!) per day. This might be OK if you only occasionally need it on your phone need it but it's very limited and Bitdefender does prompt you to turn it on automatically on your PC - so you would burn through 200Mb quickly especially once you start watching YouTube or Netflix. You can upgrade to unlimited for an extra fee but I do wish they just bundled unlimited or gave you the flat 6Gb a month and let you as a user balance it out over a month. What's good. The registry clean up and file clean up tools are fast and great. Bitdefender is not heavy on resources and loads and scans fast. There's a secure browser called "Safepay" which if you're helping family members, you can tell them to only shop online using Safepay - which is nice, given the recent reports of malware browser extensions. You can also monitor all of the Bitdefender settings remotely via your phone - great for keeping an eye on your parents! I'm giving Bitdefender a 3/5 not because it's bad. There's a lot to like. But the fact it wasn't spotting Firefox was out of date (and missed some other apps) makes me think twice. Plus I do wish the VPN was more generous and they just made it a monthly cap rather than daily. I'm hoping Bitdefender can fix these two things in a future update. But for keeping your parents safe, Bitdefender is good.

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.