Getting antivirus software is one of the most important business users have to take care of. However, its not just about getting one, but users have to select the best one suitable for their system from a wide range of options. With the ever-expansive technical market, software companies are constantly coming up with new and better options every day. Given the fact that the antivirus software is the most essential piece of a garment when you dress up your system, one needs to be very cautious while choosing it.
A number of users are aware of the BitDefender antivirus software or have an experience of using the same. In this article, I have provided you with a list of BitDefender alternatives if you wish to replace or compare this software with the other existing or newer ones in the market. This would help you select even more wisely amongst many other options. If you are using the free version, then you may consider the paid one, here is the comparison between Bitdefender paid vs free in detail.
Best Free Alternatives to Bitdefender Antivirus
If you are looking for free antivirus for home or business, then there are alternatives to Bitdefender available in the market. I have listed only the best and free one that has almost the same or more features as compared to Bitdefender, have a look:
Quick Overivew
Avast Free Antivirus
This probably is the first name that comes in your search list when you’re looking for suitable antivirus software for your system. Avast is by far the most acclaimed antivirus software preferred by many users all around the globe. Avast serves not only your personal small scale requirements for safeguarding the system from several potential threats, but it comes also in a business edition that offers users with high-quality protection of industry-grade.
Its cloud-based feature eliminated the need to get any additional hardware in order to optimize its performance. Avast provides its users with a browser-based console that confirms you a fully authorized monitoring over its workings.
If you are willing to spend a few dollars then you may go ahead with the Avast paid version and can compare the Avast free vs paid here in detail.
Following are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- It has an extremely easy user interface and the user can even be a novice in order to operate it.
- Avast updates automatically.
- It comes with a huge list of features that provide industry-grade security that includes anti-spam, home network security, data shredder, cyber capture, smart scan, safe-zone browser and many more.
Cons:
- Certain users have complained about the systems slowing down due to the installation of the Avast software.
- Some updates on the software may restrict certain functions on your system and that might be problematic for some.
System Support: Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android
Download: https://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download
Kaspersky
Kaspersky is yet another antivirus tool that has gained much fame and popularity for its clean functioning. If you are planning to save on your budget and acquire an expert security program for your system at the same time, Kaspersky is exactly what you need. Kaspersky has proved to be extremely helpful when it comes to small scale or personal business matters.
It has gained much of its fame for providing very strong customer support through mail, phone calls and online chatting. Kaspersky has aimed at attending and noting each and every customer complaint and worked upon those fields thus making this software such a win.
If you are not sure between Avast and Kaspersky then check this comparison chart.
The following can be considered as the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Not just your personal computer, Kaspersky extends its service even up to your smartphones.
- It provides mobile protection through anti-malware protection and anti-phishing both of which are required for a secured internet browsing.
- It comes with a virtual keyboard. This feature would help you eliminate the several threats inflicted by certain keylogger programs that can copy your classified details such as passwords, pins, etc.
Cons:
- Users have often complained about its interface. It is not considered to be a very easy one and many would find it a bit difficult to work with.
- It is reportedly observed meddling with the working of certain browsers and hampers their smooth functioning.
System Support: Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android
Download: https://free.kaspersky.com/
AVG Antivirus
Avg Antivirus is the software suggested to all novice users and it is considered to be a good option if you are looking for a simple and easy to go with a program with the major security functionalities. Avg Antivirus takes up the minimum space on your disk and provides you with all the basic protection your system requires.
Its features may not include much of the fancy functions offered by many of its competitors, Avg Antivirus is still a good choice.
Following are the categories of pros and cons:
Pros:
- It is not limited to any operating system. Works excellent for Windows, Mac as well as Android.
- Its malware protection is highly rated by users.
- Avg Antivirus has become a hit in the market due to its extremely lightweight.
- Easy user interface.
Cons:
- The anti-phishing function is not that good.
- The free version lacks certain desired features such as password protection and firewall.
File Size: 264 KB (Installation File)
System Support: Windows 10, 8, 7, XP, Mac and Android
Download: https://www.avg.com/en-gb/free-antivirus-download
Panda Antivirus
Panda Antivirus is one simple and uncomplicated software program that promises reasonable protection for your system from external malware and other threats. The Panda Antivirus is wholesome as it has all the basic features that would ensure protection.
It offers you with Wi-Fi protection and can also be used on your android system.
Following are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Intuitive and easy user interface.
- The malware detection rate is high.
- It comes with USB protection, which means Panda Antivirus will scan the Pen drive as soon as it connected to the system.
- It comes with a rescue kit that creates a free system recovery.
Cons:
- It can affect the general performance of the system.
- During our testing, we found that sometimes installation may not work properly. Thus, one will have to use offline installation.
File Size: 69 MB
System Support: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
Download: https://www.pandasecurity.com/en/homeusers/solutions/free-antivirus/
Sophos Antivirus Free
Sophos Antivirus has been popular in the market for quite a long time and is considered to be simple and easy to use software program that doesn’t require any additional hardware for functioning. Compared to many of its competitors, Sopho Antivirus provides you with much-uncomplicated protection against most malware and external threats.
Following are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Easy user interface.
- It has real-time protection.
- It has Parental Control. That mean parent can control what sort of content will be visible for children.
- Enables security management remotely.
- Comes with Ransomware Security (for 30 days)
- Allows safe banking and webcam protection.
Cons:
- Phishing-protection is not that good.
- The scanning process takes time.
File Size:
System Support: Windows and Mac
Download: https://home.sophos.com/en-us/free-anti-virus-windows.aspx
Avira
Avira is a simple software program that provides its users with highly satisfactory malware protection for their systems. It is always suggested as a good choice if you are not looking for an antivirus software tool for professional needs. It can meet all the requirements of your PC and protect it from foreign threats.
Following are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- It does not demand much technical knowledge from the user.
- It can be installed quite easily.
- It can block spyware
- Comes with Anti-ransomware
Cons:
- It can slow down the general functionality of your PC.
File Size: 5.9 MB (Installation file)
System Support: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
Download: https://www.avira.com/en/free-antivirus-windows
ZoneAlarm Antivirus
It is a cloud-based security program that can prove to be extremely effective for protecting systems in a small scale business ground. It provides users with two-way firewall protection and allows users to practice PC monitoring. ZoneAlarm is highly recommended for personal use as well. It ensures safe use of the internet and data privacy.
Following are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- It provides users with an advanced two-way firewall.
- Features protection of user identity.
- Good anti-spyware
Cons:
- It does not provide anti-phishing.
- It does not have an anti-keylogger.
System Support: Windows 10, 8, 7
Download: https://www.zonealarm.com/software/free-antivirus
360 Total Security
Created by the Chinese-based company Qihoo, 360 Total Security is a wholesome antivirus software tool that provides you with a full package with several features ensuring high-standard protection, free of cost.
It has a unique feature known as the Sandbox that allows you to put all your other applications and software programs within an isolated environment.
Following are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- It provides all kinds of internet security in multiple devices.
- The application is updated quite often.
- The software integrates well with all operating systems.
- The free version has Anti-Ransomware.
- Secure online shopping
Cons:
- Too many advertisements may prove to be annoying at times.
File Size: 1.5 Mb (Installation File)
System Support: Windows and Mac
Download: https://www.360totalsecurity.com/en/
Windows Defender
Integrated with Windows, the Windows Defender is another good option for an antivirus software program. This software may lack some of the functionalities featured by BitDefender and others but can prove to be enough satisfying. The application works with absolute silence in the background and doesn’t affect much of the system’s performance.
Noted below are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Provides protection from ransomware files and allows controlled folder access.
- It doesn’t affect the functioning of the system.
Cons:
- The scanning process is slow.
- Its updates are quite long.
- The malware detection ratio is not up to the mark.
System Support: Windows 10
Download: https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/windows/comprehensive-security
HitmanPro
Changing from one software program to another on your system is always a reckless process. If you want to settle down the matter of your system’s security, HitmanPro can operate as your best choice. The HipmanPro antivirus cleans your system as soon as it is installed and then protects it from future threats.
It safeguards the system from all kinds of malware, spyware, Trojans, worms, rootkits, adware and much more.
Following are the pros and cons of using HitmanPro:
Pros:
- It provides you with high-speed scanning.
- Users can install this software on infected systems as it cleans first and then protects.
- Users can bypass the process of installing as it can be launched from the USB carrier as well.
Cons:
- It determines and guards your system against external threats only with an internet connection.
- It only scans the drive where it has been installed.
System Support: Windows 10, 8, 7, XP, Windows Server 2003, 2008 and 2010 (32 and 64 bit)
Download: https://www.hitmanpro.com/en-us/downloads.aspx
Clam Antivirus
Clam Antivirus is an open-source antivirus engine preferred by many users and is gaining popularity in the market. It supports almost all Windows devices including Microsoft 7, 8, 10, XP, Vista and 2000. This list prolongs even up to Windows Server 2003, 2008 and 2012. Clam Antivirus is widely used all along with the globe with as many as 600,000 users on its list.
Clam AV can be your best choice if you have just stepped into the technical world as it provides you with the basic protection your system would require in order to be established. It will protect the system from all kinds of malware and spyware quite efficiently and free of cost. However, once you get hold of the technicality, you might go for other options with more complex and inclusive protection promises.
Listed below are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- It gives you the option to schedule a time for regular scanning according to your convenience.
- This antivirus software has come with an uncomplicated user interface.
- Users also have the option to scan appropriate files selectively.
Cons:
- It does not have an automatic file scanner, hence users have to select individual files and open them in order to be scanned.
- Its processing speed may not reach up to the expectations of many users.
- The software does not come up with new upgrades quite frequently.
File Size: 164 MB
System Support: Windows, macOS X, Linux & BSD
Download: http://www.clamwin.com/content/view/18/46/
Conclusion
Whichever Antivirus you are going to use in replacement of BitDefender, make sure that it has all the features, and should not slow down the PC.
