Battle Introduction
At a glance, you can already see that both of these antivirus software are great options. Bitdefender gives you excellent features like solid anti-identity theft protection and parental controls, and Kaspersky delivers value for money and unparalleled emerging threat detection. Both companies have won several awards, and the two consistently come out on top whenever there is a competition. Now, let’s go ahead and dig a little deeper to see what else these major competitors have on offer, and which is the best antivirus software choice for your computer.
1. Virus Detection
Probably the most significant aspect of antivirus software in this battle is virus detection. The software’s ability to recognize, identify, and expose harmful entities such as malware, ransomware and adware will essentially gauge its effectiveness as an antivirus software. Additionally, we want to see how well each software option ranks in detection timing, running time, and overall security, whether you’re utilizing the program for home or business usage.
Kaspersky offers protection against viruses such as rootkits, malware, trojans, and other internet-based threats. With constant updates, Kaspersky delivers real-time protection. What’s really impressive with this software is how well it scans everything as you use it, from applications on your computer to the websites you visit, for possible threats and even has its finger on the pulse of zero-day threats as they emerge. Kaspersky manages these impressive feats without slowing down your computer, another major credit to this brand.
Not to be outdone, Bitdefender has almost no lag, so you won't get slowed down despite having excellent protection. Additionally, it offers good scan times and above average protection from independent testing labs against new and existing threats, along with top scores for correctly identifying threats on both Windows 7 and 8. Bitdefender has a 3-level protection scheme that includes checking all files against the existing virus database, sandboxing any potential threats to see how they behave, and finally acting upon malicious threats with unusual activity. Bitdefender is slightly heavier than Kaspersky in run time, though.
Winner: Kaspersky
2. Software Usability
Both Kaspersky and Bitdefender are easy-to-use and set up, so you won’t need to outsource the installation process to an IT hand. Kaspersky is extremely user-friendly. It offers a clean user interface with icons and buttons for many of their menu options. This way, users don’t have to go searching through complicated menus and terms to get to the section or feature they want. Additionally, Kaspersky allows for unlimited, online or local backups, so your files, private information, and apps are safe all the time and available wherever you go. The automatic software updates ensure that your devices are constantly being protected with the latest software without you having to monitor a thing.
Bitdefender also has an incredibly intuitive system that’s easy to set up and use. It offers a 1-click setup option, you can’t ask for more than that, but with the autopilot mode (see below), you actually don’t have to deal with any configuration or setup at all. Bitdefender takes care of everything, and there are no annoying pop ups asking you questions.
While older versions weren't nearly as comprehensive, Bitdefender took a page from Kaspersky's playbook, introducing the iconic UI into its new design. Additionally, Bitdefender has some great widgets for even more flexibility and customization. Where Bitdefender has a slight edge over Kaspersky is in control functionality. It's just so easy; it has to win. The software comes with an email master control system, so all functionality, features, settings, and accounts can be controlled remotely via a single email account. This is incredibly convenient, making the software highly usable for anyone anywhere.
Winner: Bitdefender
3. Features
Obviously, you’re purchasing an anti-virus solution to protect your computer against malicious threats. However, modern antivirus software comes with many other features that make them invaluable assets to a business or home user for many reasons. Which features are on offer will help you decide which software is the best option for your needs.
Bitdefender has an amazing suite of features, making it hard for even the top names in the industry to compete. They’re big on security and work hard to keep you protected, offering things like virtual keyboards, cloud anti-spam, and protection for daily tasks like instant messaging and USB drive hook-up protection. The auto-pilot mode makes decisions on its own. This feature is a bit of a toss-up; some people love it while others hate it. If you want the software to make all the decisions for you about which programs, files, and websites are safe to use, then autopilot is great for you. If you prefer calling the shots, then avoid this feature. Bitdefender also sends out security reports weekly to keep you posted on what’s going on within your device.
Kaspersky is certainly no slouch in this area, either. This software offers a tremendous array of features to keep users safe including spyware protection, two-way firewall, good parental controls, and safe surfing mode that lets you surf the internet without fear of stumbling upon a malicious site inadvertently, a comforting 100% protection guarantee against phishing, malware, spyware, and more. Kaspersky also features several other protection modes such as safe social profile mode, ID theft protection, and a safe app mode that only lets trusted apps run on your devices.
In terms of convenience, Kaspersky provides several options that make your life easier such as game mode, geo filters, and online banking that makes paying, checking, and dealing with your bank account faster and safer. Finally, the infected file quarantine keeps questionable and infected files out of the way so they can’t harm your computer or files while being dealt with either.
Anti-phishing technology, virtual keyboard, online banking protection
Top pick for Mac users, PCs, and mobile devices, webcam and microphone protection
Separate Safe Kids mode, separate profiles, activity history, reports, filtering, psychologist links, scheduled sessions, social networks
eWallet saves your financial details, antivirus, anti-malware
Great on PCs but not a smooth iOS option. Limited webcam or mic protection
Controlled surfing, account monitoring, scheduled sessions, unlimited profiles, cross-device filtering
Winner: Kaspersky
4. Value for Money
Pricing is another good gauge of which software is right for you. While you should spend the money on upgrades and premium packages if you can afford to have the more inclusive versions, paying more simply because you didn’t do the research is unnecessary.
Kaspersky packages start at $39.95 for a one year contract for one device, and the price goes down as you increase either your yearly contract or the number of devices connected.
Each of the Kaspersky plans comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, a tremendous value for money option.
Bitdefender is obviously more expensive, though it does offer deals that make the packages more affordable pretty frequently. It’s important to look into the deals and make your calculations properly though because often they’re not as competitively priced as they first appear. For example, Bitdefender has a regular offer of 3 devices for $59.95. On the surface, this seems cheaper than Kaspersky’s option, but once you start doing the math, you see that it actually works out to be more expensive.
Between the lower average pricing ranges and the money back guarantee, Kaspersky easily wins this section of the battle.
Winner: Kaspersky
5. Customer Support
When problems come up, you want a company that will be available, helpful, and friendly. Fortunately, both of these brands are known for good customer service, but here’s a closer look at each.
Bitdefender has an extremely thorough customer support system. Representatives are available via phone, live chat, or email form, and they offer excellent support, responding quickly and with in-depth answers. Additionally, Bitdefender offers a useful question and answer section on its website that gives you most of the answers to any issue that might arise, making self-help troubleshooting fast and easy. What might be the most impressive of all, though, is the virus encyclopedia, a smart index of various terms and troubles that you might encounter along with a complete explanation about each one. This is an invaluable tool as most people are completely uninformed or misinformed about internet security threats in general.
Kaspersky has 24/7 support, which is hard to beat, but with so much available, Bitdefender quietly pulls ahead in this department.
Winner: Bitdefender
Overall winner: Kaspersky
When comparing either one to the competition, both Kaspersky and Bitdefender blow other brands clear out of the water. Putting the two head-to-head, though, makes for a more challenging comparison. Bitdefender wins points for customer support and outstanding features. Kaspersky pulls ahead however in file detection, malware removal, and real-time protection, making them the best solution for overall performance and value. So, while you won’t go wrong with either one of these antivirus software options, Kaspersky wins the epic battle of the brands.
