Which Bitdefender Should You Choose?

Introduction

Bitdefender is a top cybersecurity brand. It's known for its strong and dependable antivirus.

Bitdefender offers several versions of its software to protect your devices. Each is made for different needs:

• Antivirus Plus
• Internet Security
• Total Security
• Premium Security
• Ultimate Security

But what makes these versions different? And which one is right for you?

In this guide, we'll give you a full comparison of their main features, extra tools, and prices. This will help you choose the best option.

We'll start with the most basic and cheapest option. Then, we'll move to the most complete package. We'll explain what each version offers and who it's best for. Let's begin!

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus: Basic Protection and Light Performance

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is the basic version of Bitdefender. It gives essential protection for Windows PCs without slowing them down.

It's known for being light, fast, and easy to use. It's perfect for users who need simple computer security.

Even though it's the most basic, it offers a strong defense against all types of malware. This is thanks to Bitdefender’s top-rated antivirus engine, which is used in all higher versions.

Key Features

• Instant protection against viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other common threats.
• Web security tools to block bad websites and fake scams.
• SafePay secure browser for online banking and shopping. This keeps your money details safe and private.
• Rescue Mode, which gets rid of tough malware before your computer even starts.
• Automatic updates that keep the virus database current without you doing anything.

This version is great for home users with 1 to 3 PCs. They need good protection from online dangers but don't need advanced features.

If you mostly use your computer for browsing, social media, work, and online shopping, Antivirus Plus will protect you well. It won't slow down your computer much. It's a good choice if you like an antivirus that is simple and light.

As the most basic version, Antivirus Plus does not include some advanced tools found in higher Bitdefender versions. For example, it has no dedicated firewall, parental controls, or webcam/microphone protection. These are in more advanced packages.

Instead, Antivirus Plus uses the Windows firewall to control connections. However, it offers the same high-quality malware detection as higher versions. This is because it uses Bitdefender’s top-rated antivirus engine.

In short, it gives you basic security: top malware protection, safe browsing, and payment protection.

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is the cheapest option. At Licendi, you can find licenses starting from €14. It's an affordable way to protect your Windows PC.

If you're on a budget or don't need extra features, Antivirus Plus offers excellent basic protection at the lowest cost.

Bitdefender Internet Security: Complete Security for Windows

Bitdefender Internet Security offers better protection for Windows users. It adds more security and privacy features beyond basic antivirus.

It includes all the features of Antivirus Plus. Plus, it adds advanced tools for full internet protection and family safety online.

Added Security Features

• An advanced firewall that watches all network traffic. It blocks unwanted access and attacks. Unlike Antivirus Plus, which uses the Windows Firewall, Internet Security has its own firewall for more control.
• Privacy protection with a webcam and microphone protection module. This stops spyware or hackers from secretly using your devices.
• An anti-spam filter to keep your inbox free from fake and harmful emails. These features are great for video calls, remote work, or simply protecting your privacy.
• Parental Control. This lets parents watch and limit children’s PC and internet use. You can block bad content, set screen time limits, and track online activity. This is a very helpful feature for families to ensure safe online habits.

Internet Security still has all the malware, ransomware, and instant online protections from Antivirus Plus. This includes safe browsing and secure banking. Even with more features, it runs smoothly because Bitdefender is well-optimized.

Bitdefender Internet Security is great for Windows-only users who need better protection on one or more PCs.

If you use your computer for important tasks like work, banking, or personal data, and you want a firewall, anti-spycam, and parental control, this is the right choice. It’s perfect for families with one or several Windows PCs. Licenses are available for 1 or 3 devices.

Compared to Antivirus Plus, Internet Security adds a firewall, anti-spam, parental control, and webcam/mic protection. This greatly increases security.

However, it only works on Windows. It does not support macOS, Android, or iOS. It also lacks the optimization and anti-theft tools found in higher versions.

In summary, Internet Security is perfect for Windows users who want more than just basic protection. It provides complete PC protection and privacy.

Bitdefender Internet Security costs a bit more than Antivirus Plus because of its added features. At Licendi, it starts from €25 for 1 PC (1 year). Multi-PC licenses are also available.

For about €25, you get antivirus, a firewall, parental control, and more. This makes it an excellent value for advanced Windows protection.

Bitdefender Total Security: Complete Multi-Device Coverage

Bitdefender Total Security is Bitdefender’s main and most popular package for general users. It offers full protection for everything and for all types of devices.

It includes everything from Internet Security (antivirus, firewall, parental control, webcam protection, etc.). It also adds benefits like working on many different devices and tools to make your system run better. In short, Total Security is an all-in-one solution for protecting all your digital devices.

The best feature of Total Security is that it's not just for Windows. One license can protect Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices.

This is great for users who want to protect their PC, MacBook, Android phone, or iPhone/iPad with one plan. Family licenses can cover up to 5 different devices, protecting the whole household across all platforms.

• System optimization tools that help make your devices run faster. These include cleaning up old files, speeding up startup, and fixing Windows issues. These tools are only in Total Security and higher versions. They ensure not just security but also smooth performance over time.
• Anti-Theft tools for mobile devices and laptops. Through Bitdefender Central, you can find, lock, sound an alarm, or erase data from a lost or stolen device from far away. This gives you peace of mind that lower versions don't offer.

Total Security keeps Bitdefender’s strong main protection: instant malware defense, many layers of protection against ransomware, blocks bad websites, SafePay, firewall, and parental control. All are optimized for good performance. You can manage all your devices through Bitdefender Central.

Bitdefender Total Security is great for users with many devices or different types of operating systems. If your home uses Windows and macOS computers, plus Android or iOS phones, this package offers the easy use of one solution for all.

It’s also perfect for those who want all the features—students, professionals, or families with several devices. It’s seen as the best deal for general home use, offering top tools for just a bit more than Internet Security.

Total Security is different mainly because it works across different devices and has optimization tools. It’s the first Bitdefender version that protects macOS, Android, and iOS, as well as Windows.

It also includes device cleanup and speed-up, and anti-theft features not available in Internet Security or Antivirus Plus.

While the protection quality is the same for Windows PCs, Total Security lets you extend that protection to all your devices. This makes it the most complete home package before moving to premium privacy options.

In summary, Total Security is great for households with many devices looking for full, cross-platform protection with added performance and anti-theft tools.

Surprisingly, Bitdefender Total Security is priced very well for all it includes. At Licendi, the license starts from €25 (for the basic option covering 1 device / 1 year). This is the same starting price as Internet Security.

This means if you only need to protect one device, you can choose Total Security for the same cost. You'll get its extra optimization features and the option to cover more devices later.

For family packs covering 5 devices, the price is higher but still very affordable. It protects five different devices, which is much cheaper than buying five separate lower-tier licenses.

For example, protecting up to 5 devices for 1 year with Total Security costs only a small part of what it would with separate packages.

In short, for value for money, Total Security stands out. It offers much more at the same base price. This makes it probably the top recommendation if you have many devices or just want the best of Bitdefender without moving to the Premium options.

Bitdefender Premium Security: Advanced Privacy with Unlimited VPN

Bitdefender Premium Security goes a step further. Besides Bitdefender’s full security, it offers top privacy tools. These are for those who want the safest way to browse and handle private information online.

Premium Security includes everything offered by Total Security (multi-device, multi-OS protection, firewall, optimizer, anti-theft, parental control, etc.). It also adds advanced services like an unlimited VPN and a password manager, among others.

It’s the right solution for users who want not only protection from threats but also to get the most privacy online.

Unlimited Premium VPN

The main addition in this version is the Unlimited Premium VPN. Bitdefender Premium Security includes the Bitdefender Premium VPN service with no data limits.

This means you can browse the internet with private and secure traffic, without limits on how much data you use. It hides your real internet address and what you do online from others.

The VPN is key if you often connect to public Wi-Fi (like in cafes, airports, or hotels). It stops online criminals from seeing what you do online. It also lets you privately access online content that's blocked in your area.

Previous versions only had a basic VPN limited to 200 MB per day. Premium Security gives you unlimited VPN on all your protected devices. This provides complete privacy and safety while browsing.

Another important addition is the included Password Manager. This tool lets you safely store all your passwords, bank cards, and other private details with one main password.

It also makes life easier by automatically filling in your login details safely on websites and apps. Having a password manager with your antivirus means you don’t need to buy one separately. Your passwords are protected with Bitdefender’s strong encryption.

This tool is very useful today. We manage many online accounts, and using the same password for many things is a bad idea. Bitdefender Premium Security helps you easily create and use strong, different passwords. These are stored in a secure digital safe you can access from all your devices.

Premium Security also makes privacy protection stronger with the Anti-Tracker feature for web browsing. Anti-Tracker stops online trackers from gathering your information (like tracking cookies and ad scripts). This increases your privacy and can even make pages load faster by removing those elements.

If you care about the privacy of what you do online, this feature will be very appealing. On top of that, Premium Security still has webcam/microphone protection, firewall, antispam, and other features already in Total Security to keep your privacy safe.

Bitdefender Premium Security is for users who want strong regular security, plus online privacy and anonymity.

For example, people who work with private information, frequent travelers using public Wi-Fi, or anyone worried about how much personal data is online. If you often download content, work from home, or make transactions on insecure networks, the unlimited VPN will be very important.

It’s also great for families with many devices. With one subscription, you can cover up to 5 devices (computers and phones), making sure everyone browses with a VPN and stays protected.

Overall, Premium Security is for users who need a full security package plus advanced privacy. It means you don’t need to buy separate VPN or password manager services.

Compared to Total Security, Premium Security adds top features that bring the package into complete privacy. With Premium, you get an unlimited-data VPN. Total Security only offered a very limited basic VPN.

You also get a full password manager, which is not in lower versions. The other security features (multi-OS antivirus, firewall, parental control, etc.) are the same between Total and Premium.

So, in terms of malware protection and family features, you won’t lose anything by upgrading to Premium; you only gain more tools.

Note that Premium Security is sold in licenses for 5 or 25 devices. It's for users with many devices (it’s not available for a single device, unlike lower versions).

This shows its goal to protect multiple devices with heavy internet use.

In summary, Premium Security combines Bitdefender’s regular security with integrated privacy services (VPN, anti-tracker, password manager) that you won’t find in Total Security.

As a more complete package, Bitdefender Premium Security costs more. At Licendi, it starts from €40 for a 5-device / 1-year license.

The cost is higher than Total Security, but remember it includes the premium VPN subscription (which is usually costly on its own) and a password manager at no extra charge.

When you consider the savings, Premium Security can be cheaper than paying separately for an antivirus + VPN.

For those who need both, the combined package offers great convenience and value. It also protects five devices at once, making it good for a family or a user with several devices. Ultimately, it’s an investment in full privacy and security. If those areas are important to you, Premium Security is well worth the price.

Bitdefender Ultimate Security: Total Protection with Identity Monitoring

Bitdefender Ultimate Security is Bitdefender’s best home protection. It combines all features from previous packages with a special focus on protecting your online identity.

This version is for those who want every possible layer of defense. This includes actively watching their personal data to stop fraud or misuse online.

Ultimate Security takes everything from Premium Security (full multi-device antivirus + unlimited VPN + password manager + anti-tracker, etc.). Then, it adds advanced Identity Protection tools that make it stand out.

Defining Feature: Identity Protection

The main feature of Ultimate Security is its Identity Protection. This package includes a service for always watching your personal data across the internet (even the dark web).

This means Ultimate Security can see if your private information shows up in data breaches or online leaks and tell you right away.

For example, you can register your email, phone number, card details, or other IDs. The platform will notify you if those details are found exposed in any hacker-leaked database.

You’ll get instant alerts about data leaks involving your data. This lets you quickly act: change stolen passwords, cancel cards, or make certain accounts more secure before someone uses that information for bad.

This active watching of the dark web and public places helps you be ready for possible identity theft.

Ultimate Security also offers an Identity Protection Report or Identity Protection Score. This checks how safe you are online and what information of yours might be out there.

It’s like a report on your online presence. It helps you understand your risk and gives expert advice to make your online security better.

This expert help is another added value. Bitdefender specialists give continuous advice on best security practices (e.g., tips to strengthen privacy on social networks, protect financial data, etc.).

So, Ultimate Security not only protects you automatically but also teaches and helps you keep your digital identity safe.

Of course, Ultimate Security includes all the Premium features: unlimited VPN, password manager, anti-tracker, firewall, parental control, device optimization, anti-theft, etc. There are no compromises; it's a truly "all-in-one" package.

It works with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. One license can cover 5 devices (or up to 25 with the extended option), just like Premium Security.

This means with Ultimate, you can protect your whole family's devices and also watch each member’s identity. This helps prevent anyone from getting impersonated or scammed without knowing.

Bitdefender Ultimate Security is for users with strong personal security needs. It's especially useful for professionals, freelancers, or business owners who handle private data and want to be protected from identity theft and data leaks.

It’s also for anyone who has been a victim of a data breach before, or who simply wants complete peace of mind. They know Bitdefender is always watching their data online.

Families who want to protect not only their members’ devices but also their reputation and personal information (e.g., ensuring emails or ID numbers are not on dark-web forums) can benefit from Ultimate Security.

In short, it’s the right package if you’re looking for absolute security plus active identity monitoring. It’s ideal for those who want no weak points in their cyber protection.

The main difference between Ultimate Security and Premium Security is the added layer of identity protection. Both versions have antivirus, VPN, firewall, and other features. However, only Ultimate provides personal-data monitoring, instant alerts about data leaks, and expert security advice.

In other words, Ultimate Security protects beyond the device. It focuses on protecting your online identity across the internet.

Also, Bitdefender Ultimate Security includes all features. Everything from previous versions is here. Unlike some competitors, Bitdefender doesn’t remove features in Ultimate; it adds them.

In sum, Ultimate Security is the same as Premium Security plus the identity protection module.

Another difference is price and who it's for. Ultimate is the most advanced option and costs more. So, it's usually chosen by users with very specific personal-security needs.

However, those who need this level of protection will find Ultimate offers the best coverage. It ranges from technical (like antivirus) to personal (like your identity).

As the most complete package, Bitdefender Ultimate Security is the highest-priced in Bitdefender’s home range. At Licendi, it’s offered from €54 per license (covers 5 devices / 1 year).

It’s a higher investment than other versions. But remember, it includes services that are hard to put a price on. These include constant monitoring of your data online and the ability to stop bigger money losses by finding identity theft early.

For someone who truly needs these extra protections, the value Ultimate provides is worth much more than its cost.

Plus, like Premium, it covers many devices. So, one subscription protects the whole family's devices and personal data. It combines antivirus, VPN, password manager, and identity monitoring in one package. The price is fair for users seeking complete and strong security.

Key Differences Between Bitdefender Versions

To quickly understand the main differences between Bitdefender versions for standard Windows users (Plus, Internet, and Total), here are the most important points where Antivirus Plus, Internet Security, and Total Security differ. Keep this comparison in mind when choosing:

• Antivirus Plus and Internet Security protect Windows systems only (desktops or laptops).
• Total Security is multiplatform. It can protect Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS with one license.

If you have many different devices, Total Security covers that need. If you only have a Windows PC, all three options will work for you.

• These network security features are NOT in Antivirus Plus.
• They are included in Internet Security and Total Security.

Both Internet Security and Total include an advanced two-way firewall that replaces Windows’ firewall. They also have an antispam filter for email, giving stronger protection for communications. Antivirus Plus uses Windows’ firewall instead of its own.

• Internet Security and Total Security include webcam and microphone protection. This stops spying through these devices. Antivirus Plus does not offer this.
• Internet and Total also include parental control to watch children’s activity. This feature is missing from Antivirus Plus.

In short, the two higher packages bring privacy and control features that the basic product lacks.

• Total Security adds special features like the device optimizer (cleanup and system speed-up) and anti-theft tools for finding or locking lost devices.
• Antivirus Plus and Internet Security do not include these maintenance or anti-theft functions.

This makes Total Security stand out for users who care about performance and protecting mobile devices/laptops from theft.

All three versions use the same antivirus engine. So, their ability to detect malware is similar. However, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is simpler, so it tends to use fewer resources and is slightly lighter.

Internet Security and Total Security add more active parts (firewall, extra monitoring). This might mean slightly higher RAM/CPU usage. But Bitdefender is very optimized, so the performance difference is usually small on modern computers.

On older devices, Antivirus Plus might feel lighter. But overall, the advanced packages still run smoothly thanks to good optimization.

• Antivirus Plus is the cheapest option (from ~€14 at Licendi).
• Internet Security is mid-priced (from ~€25).
• Total Security, though the most complete, starts at a similar price to Internet Security (also from ~€25 for 1 device).

However, Total Security can protect more devices. So, it might save you money if you need to cover several computers. It’s cheaper to buy a multi-device Total Security license than several separate Internet Security licenses.

In short, for value for money, Total Security usually offers the best balance if you'll use its multi-OS features or extras.

• Antivirus Plus gives basic security on Windows (antivirus and safe browsing).
• Internet Security adds network protection and parental control for a more complex or family-focused Windows environment.
• Total Security provides full coverage on any device with performance and anti-theft add-ons.

Your choice among these three depends on whether you need the extra features and wider compatibility.

If you only need the basics on a PC, Antivirus Plus is enough. If you want to strengthen a PC with a firewall and privacy features, Internet Security is the right fit. And if you’re looking to protect many different devices or simply want an all-in-one package, Total Security is the better choice.

Differences Between Bitdefender Premium Security and Ultimate Security

Now let's compare the two most advanced versions, Premium Security vs. Ultimate Security. We'll see what makes them different and when to choose one over the other. Both are built on Total Security, so they have more in common than not, except for Ultimate’s important identity feature:

Both Premium and Ultimate Security include the Unlimited Premium VPN and the Password Manager from Bitdefender. There is no difference here: both let you browse with unlimited-data VPN on your devices and safely store your passwords.

So, if you’re choosing between the two, don’t worry: both offer the same level of privacy in browsing and managing your login details.

This is where Ultimate Security stands out from Premium. Only Ultimate Security provides the full Identity Protection module. This includes dark-web monitoring, instant alerts about data leaks, and personal security coaching.

Premium Security does not include this specific feature.

In other words, if it’s important for you to get notifications when your email or other data are leaked online, or you want Bitdefender to actively watch over your digital identity, you’ll need Ultimate.

Premium lacks that layer of personal-data monitoring.

Otherwise, there are no differences in the “regular” security features between Premium and Ultimate. Both packages include the same multi-device antivirus, firewall, anti-phishing, parental control, anti-tracker, webcam protection, system optimization, etc. This means that for malware protection, network security, or device performance, Premium and Ultimate offer the same (excellent) level.

The choice mainly depends on the feature mentioned above: the identity monitor.

Both Premium and Ultimate are made for multiple devices. At Licendi, both are sold in licenses for 5 devices (with a 25-device option).

There is no Ultimate or Premium license for fewer devices. They are typically for full protection for a user across all their devices. In this way, they’re equal: both cover up to 5 devices by default (which can be a mix of PCs and phones).

• Premium Security is for users who want advanced privacy.
• Ultimate Security is for those who also need identity monitoring.

Ultimate’s price is higher because of that extra service.

Comparing costs: Premium starts at ~€40 for 5 devices; Ultimate starts at ~€54 for 5 devices. The price difference mainly reflects the cost of the identity-monitoring feature. So, your decision can be based on whether you need that extra layer.

For someone who doesn’t see value in personal-data monitoring, Premium will be cheaper. It offers almost the same features except for that part. But if you value alerts for possible identity theft, investing in Ultimate is worth it.

In short, Premium Security vs. Ultimate Security comes down to Identity. If you want the extra peace of mind of protecting and monitoring your digital identity (emails, leaked passwords, etc.), choose Ultimate Security.

If that layer isn’t a priority for you, Premium Security already gives maximum device security and privacy, including unlimited VPN, at a slightly lower price. Both are very complete packages, so either will ensure a very high level of protection. Ultimate simply adds that additional personal shield against fraud and leaks.

Bitdefender Price Comparison at Licendi

Here’s a quick look at the estimated prices for each Bitdefender version from Licendi. This will give you a clear idea of the cost for each. Below is each version with its “from” price (the starting price for the shortest term and fewest devices, usually 1 year / standard device):

From €14. (Basic protection for 1 Windows PC for 1 year; a 3-PC option is also available at a higher price). It’s Bitdefender’s cheapest option.

From €25. (License for 1 PC / 1 year; a 3-PC package is also available). Adds firewall, parental controls, and other features at a fair price.

From €25. (Base license for 1 device / 1 year; optional multi-device packs for 5 up to 25 devices). It offers much better value without a higher starting price, covering many devices and different platforms.

From €40. (License for 5 devices / 1 year on any platform; also available in a 25-device pack). Includes the premium VPN and password manager.