AppBreakup
Submit an app

Bitdefender alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 8, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rankAll antivirus and anti-malware software

Top picks

Common reasons people leave Bitdefender: free edition is Windows only, and free VPN is capped at 200 MB a day. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Bitdefender, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Avast Antivirus currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingVerified priceOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Avast Antivirus logoAvast AntivirusFree plan + paid—NoWindows, macOS, Android +15 of 566.5
2Malwarebytes logoMalwarebytesFree plan + paid$59.99 a year (Standard, 3 devices)NoWindows, macOS, Android +16 of 664.8
3Kaspersky logoKasperskyPaid—NoWindows, macOS, Android +24 of 461.8
4ESET NOD32 Antivirus logoESET NOD32 AntivirusPaid—NoWindows, macOS4 of 461.8
5F-Secure logoF-SecurePaid€49.99/year for 1 deviceNoWindows, macOS, Android +15 of 542.3
6SoSophos HomePaid—NoWindows, macOS, iOS +25 of 542.3
  1. Avast Antivirus logo

    1. Avast AntivirusTop pick

    Best for: Home users who want a free real-time antivirus for Windows or Mac

    Free plan + paidWindows, macOS, Android, iOS

    66.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from Bitdefender

    Free real-time antivirus that also has a free Mac version.

    Pros

    • Free edition includes real-time protection, not just scans
    • Covers Windows, Mac, Android and iPhone
    • Smart Scan checks malware, add-ons and settings together

    Cons

    • Free version shows frequent upgrade offers
    • Firewall and ransomware shields need a paid plan
    • Setup can offer extra Avast apps you may not want
    Visit Avast Antivirus Compare with BitdefenderDetails and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Avast Antivirus a good Bitdefender alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Free version
    Avast Free Antivirus for Windows
    Checked Nov 8, 2026support.avast.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Windows support
    Windows 7 SP1 to Windows 11
    Checked Nov 8, 2026support.avast.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Mac version
    Avast Security for Mac
    Checked Nov 8, 2026support.avast.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Smart Scan
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026support.avast.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Owner
    Gen Digital
    Checked Nov 8, 2026press.avast.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. Malwarebytes logo

    2. Malwarebytes

    Best for: People who want a familiar anti-malware scanner across several platforms

    Free plan + paidWindows, macOS, Android, iOS

    64.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Bitdefender

    Simpler suite and a free on-demand scanner for cleaning an infected PC.

    Pros

    • Free scanner is handy for cleaning up an already infected machine
    • One subscription covers Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices
    • Paid plans include a scam and ad blocking browser extension

    Cons

    • Real-time protection requires a paid subscription
    • Higher tiers bundle a VPN and identity services some people won't need
    • Feature set differs between operating systems
    Visit Malwarebytes Compare with BitdefenderDetails and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Malwarebytes a good Bitdefender alternative?

    Verified facts

    6 of 6 verified
    Free version
    Cleanup scanner
    Checked Nov 8, 2026malwarebytes.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    $59.99 a year (Standard, 3 devices)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026malwarebytes.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    60 days
    Checked Nov 8, 2026malwarebytes.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
    Checked Nov 8, 2026malwarebytes.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Plus plan
    $79.99 a year, adds VPN
    Checked Nov 8, 2026malwarebytes.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Standard Family plan
    $119.99 a year, 10 devices
    Checked Nov 8, 2026malwarebytes.com(opens source in a new tab)
  3. Kaspersky logo

    3. Kaspersky

    Best for: Home users outside the US who want a full security suite with VPN and parental controls bundled

    PaidWindows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux

    61.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Bitdefender

    Similar tiered suites, from basic antivirus up to full security with VPN and password manager, on all major platforms.

    Pros

    • Strong results in independent antivirus lab tests
    • Higher plans bundle VPN, password manager and parental controls
    • Covers desktop and mobile platforms under one subscription

    Cons

    • No longer sold or updated in the United States following a 2024 US government ban
    • Mobile features are limited in some countries
    • Bundled cleanup and upsell tools add clutter if you only want antivirus
    Visit Kaspersky Compare with BitdefenderDetails and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Kaspersky a good Bitdefender alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Entry plan
    Kaspersky Standard
    Checked Nov 1, 2026kaspersky.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux
    Checked Nov 1, 2026kaspersky.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    30 days
    Checked Nov 1, 2026kaspersky.com(opens source in a new tab)
    System requirements
    Windows 7 SP1 or later, macOS 14 or later
    Checked Nov 8, 2026kaspersky.com(opens source in a new tab)
  4. ESET NOD32 Antivirus logo

    4. ESET NOD32 Antivirus

    Best for: PC and Mac users, especially gamers, who want light paid protection without extras

    PaidWindows, macOS

    61.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Bitdefender

    Lightweight paid antivirus with fine-grained settings for advanced users.

    Pros

    • Light on system resources, with a Gamer Mode
    • Detailed settings for advanced users
    • Full-featured 30-day trial without a credit card

    Cons

    • No free version
    • Covers only Windows and macOS; phones need a higher plan
    • Firewall and VPN are not in the NOD32 tier
    Visit ESET NOD32 Antivirus Compare with BitdefenderDetails and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is ESET NOD32 Antivirus a good Bitdefender alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Free trial
    30 days
    Checked Nov 8, 2026eset.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, macOS
    Checked Nov 8, 2026eset.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Gamer Mode
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026eset.com(opens source in a new tab)
    System requirements
    Windows 10+, macOS 13+
    Checked Nov 8, 2026eset.com(opens source in a new tab)
  5. F-Secure logo

    5. F-Secure

    Best for: Households wanting a European antivirus suite with scam and banking protection across their devices

    PaidWindows, macOS, Android, iOS

    42.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from Bitdefender

    European-based suite with banking and scam protection across Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.

    Pros

    • Covers Windows, Mac, Android and iOS in one subscription
    • Banking and scam protection beyond basic virus scanning
    • European company subject to GDPR
    • 30-day free trial and money-back guarantee

    Cons

    • No free antivirus plan, only a one-off online scanner
    • Standalone Anti-Virus product is no longer sold separately
    • Some features vary between desktop and mobile apps
    Visit F-Secure Compare with BitdefenderDetails and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.312
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is F-Secure a good Bitdefender alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Free trial
    30 days
    Checked Nov 8, 2026f-secure.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    €49.99/year for 1 device
    Checked Nov 8, 2026f-secure.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    PC, Mac, Android, iOS
    Checked Nov 8, 2026f-secure.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Headquarters
    Finland
    Checked Nov 8, 2026f-secure.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    30 days
    Checked Nov 8, 2026f-secure.com(opens source in a new tab)
  6. So

    6. Sophos Home

    Best for: Families who want one person to manage antivirus on several Windows PCs and Macs remotely

    PaidWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web

    42.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from Bitdefender

    Lets one person manage antivirus on up to 10 family PCs and Macs from a web dashboard.

    Pros

    • One web dashboard manages protection on up to 10 computers
    • Ransomware protection with file rollback on Windows
    • Parental web filtering included without an add-on
    • No third-party ads or upsell add-ons in the product

    Cons

    • No free tier, only a trial
    • No bundled VPN or password manager, unlike larger consumer suites
    • Live support is limited to US weekday hours
    Visit Sophos Home Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.312
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Sophos Home a good Bitdefender alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Free trial
    Yes, no credit card required
    Checked Nov 8, 2026home.sophos.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Devices
    Up to 10 Windows and Mac computers
    Checked Nov 8, 2026home.sophos.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    30 days
    Checked Nov 8, 2026home.sophos.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Live support hours
    9 a.m.–7 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday
    Checked Nov 8, 2026home.sophos.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Ransomware rollback
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026home.sophos.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best Bitdefender alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Avast Antivirus logo

Best Bitdefender alternative for most people

Avast Antivirus

Free real-time antivirus that also has a free Mac version.

Malwarebytes logo

Best Bitdefender alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Malwarebytes

Simpler suite and a free on-demand scanner for cleaning an infected PC.

Kaspersky logo

Best Bitdefender alternative for Mac

Kaspersky

Similar tiered suites, from basic antivirus up to full security with VPN and password manager, on all major platforms.

ESET NOD32 Antivirus logo

Best Bitdefender alternative for Windows

ESET NOD32 Antivirus

Lightweight paid antivirus with fine-grained settings for advanced users.

Kaspersky logo

Best Bitdefender alternative for Linux

Kaspersky

Similar tiered suites, from basic antivirus up to full security with VPN and password manager, on all major platforms.

F-Secure logo

Best Bitdefender alternative for iPhone and Android

F-Secure

European-based suite with banking and scam protection across Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.

So

Best Bitdefender alternative for working in the browser

Sophos Home

Lets one person manage antivirus on up to 10 family PCs and Macs from a web dashboard.

Bitdefender alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Bitdefender?

Avast Antivirus ranks first right now. Free real-time antivirus that also has a free Mac version. Malwarebytes and Kaspersky follow it in our ranking.

Bitdefender vs Avast Antivirus: what's the difference?

Both Bitdefender and Avast Antivirus are free with paid plans. Both run on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS.

Is Bitdefender free?

Bitdefender is free with paid plans. Free version: Yes, Windows only; Total Security plan: $59.99 a year, 1 member, up to 5 devices; Premium Security plan: $79.99 a year; Antivirus Plus Multiplatform plan: $29.99 a year, 3 devices. Checked on Bitdefender's own site, November 2026.

How much do Bitdefender alternatives cost?

Verified prices for the top-ranked Bitdefender alternatives: Malwarebytes, $59.99 a year (Standard, 3 devices); F-Secure, €49.99/year for 1 device. Each price was checked on the app's own site; see each card below for the date and source.

Is there a free alternative to Bitdefender?

Yes. Avast Antivirus (free plan + paid) and Malwarebytes (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Bitdefender?

None of the 6 alternatives in this list is open source.

Which Bitdefender alternatives work on Linux?

Kaspersky runs on Linux.

Why do people switch from Bitdefender?

The complaints we hear most: free edition is Windows only; free VPN is capped at 200 MB a day; paid plans renew at a higher price than the first year.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Bitdefender, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.