Bitdefender Total Security<!–> bundles antivirus and anti-malware with other digital privacy tools for $109.99 per year for individuals and $139.99 per year for a family of up to five, though Bitdefender often runs promotions on its annual plans. (At the time of writing, subscriptions were discounted to $49.99 and $69.99, respectively.)
Bitdefender offers solid protection against threats across platforms through a collection of clean, user-friendly apps and extensions.
Bitdefender is significantly more robust on Windows than on MacOS, and the included VPN is too limited for most users on desktop.
A good antivirus and anti-malware solution can supplement your device’s privacy and security features to fight against evolving digital threats, including ransomware and phishing. Bitdefender Total Security–> offers multiple layers of protection and prevention across platforms within user-friendly apps and browser extensions.
Also: The best antivirus software and apps
Bitdefender offers a 30-day free trial of its Total Security suite — all you need to do is create an account and download and install the software on your computer or phone. If you don’t purchase or activate a subscription before your trial expires, your protection will end, as Bitdefender doesn’t require a credit card upfront. Bitdefender Total Security for individuals allows access on up to five devices (Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS), so you can try before you buy on both desktop and mobile.
Like many antivirus programs, Bitdefender for Windows has the most features: anti-spam filtering, a privacy firewall, and Wi-Fi security assessments, to name a few. Because I tested Bitdefender Total Security on MacOS, I was not able to try all of the full suite available to Windows users.
Bitdefender is currently our top pick for the best antivirus software overall.
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Installation and setup process
You can install Bitdefender when you first sign up for your trial or access your subscription and downloads later by logging into your Bitdefender Central account. Follow the prompts to add the software to your machine. You’ll need to adjust Bitdefender’s permissions in your system settings, which the setup wizard will guide you through. Bitdefender can also generate a QR code or download links to send via email or text to other devices – remember, you can have Bitdefender Total Security on up to five at a time – so you can add the Bitdefender Mobile Security app on Android or iOS. You’ll need to log in using your Bitdefender Central credentials.