Bitdefender vs Avast (2026): Which Is Better?
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Quick verdict
Bitdefender wins overall with 9.7/10 vs 9.2/10 in our Antivirus comparison.
- Top protection in two independent labs
- Very light on system resources
- Free version available
- Strong free version
- Web Shield blocks dangerous sites
- Top marks at AV-TEST
Head-to-head
| Feature | Bitdefender | Avast |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 9.7 | 9.2 |
| Best for | Best overall | Best free antivirus |
| Platforms | Windows · Mac · Android · iOS | Windows · Mac · Android · iOS |
| Money-back | 30 days | 30 days |
| Free version | Yes | Yes |
| AV-TEST (P/P/U) | 6 / 6 / 6 | 6 / 6 / 6 |
| Trustpilot | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 |
Pros & cons
Highest protection rate among the programs we list in AV-Comparatives' Feb–May 2026 real-world test, full marks at AV-TEST, and a light footprint on the PC.
- Top protection in two independent labs
- Very light on system resources
- Free version available
Pros
- VPN in the bundle has a daily data limit
- Price rises after the first year
Cons
What users say
The free version scores the same top marks at AV-TEST as many paid suites. Watch out for auto-renewal on paid plans.
- Strong free version
- Web Shield blocks dangerous sites
- Top marks at AV-TEST
Pros
- Pop-ups promoting paid upgrades
- Users report unexpected auto-renewals
Cons
What users say
FAQ
Is Bitdefender better than Avast?
In our Antivirus ranking Bitdefender scores 9.7/10 and Avast 9.2/10. Bitdefender: Highest protection rate among the programs we list in AV-Comparatives' Feb–May 2026 real-world test, full marks at AV-TEST, and a light footprint on the PC.
What is the main difference between Bitdefender and Avast?
Bitdefender is our pick for “Best overall”, while Avast is best for “Best free antivirus”.
See all 6 Antivirus we compared →