Bitdefender vs. Webroot: which antivirus is better?

Bitdefender and Webroot are two popular antivirus providers with different features and prices. Both programs apply solutions to protect your device from malware and other threats. But which of these antiviruses is the better choice for you?

At first glance, Bitdefender is ranked as one of the top antivirus software, while Webroot is a mid-range option that has the upper hand on PC performance — a solid option for old devices. Both providers deserve a hands-on test.

To compare both choices, we looked at how they perform in terms of security and available offers: anti-malware package, apps, PC workload, customer support, and other features that impact digital security.

Bitdefender vs. Webroot

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Bitdefender vs Webroot: which offers better protection?

To find out which antivirus offers better protection we performed an in-house test and checked reviews from independent testing labs like AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives.

Bitdefender is an elite choice that received the AV-Test top product award with a perfect 6 out of 6 mark for protection. On top of that, it was titled AV-Comparatives' top product of the year with an outstanding 99.9% protection rate.

Webroot, on the other hand, struggles to provide effective security. In the latest AV-Test review of 2019, the provider received a mark of 2 out of 6.

Wrapping up

As we look at the results, it becomes clear that Bitdefender offers better security. Even though both providers have malware scanners and real-time protection, Webroot’s capabilities are less consistent.

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Malware protection

Both providers have a set of tools for scanning and real-time protection. To pick the winner, we compared the Webroot Infrared Protection Engine versus Bitdefender's Shield and how effectively they deal with various online threats.

Bitdefender collects information into a website reputation database to recognize and predict dangerous links with malware.

Webroot follows a similar process and pattern recognition to understand threats faster. Both providers also use learning systems to discover new zero-day threats.

Comparing the effectiveness of scans, real-time security, and threat prevention, Webroot’s real-time protection discovered less than half of hidden threats, while Bitdefender’s Advanced Threat Defence identified and quarantined most of the planted malware without problems.

Scanning

Bitdefender provides several methods to scan your device for all use cases. Need a quick inspection? In our tests, the quick scan checked almost 4,000 files in 4 minutes in dangerous areas. You also have options for a deep system and vulnerability scans. Once the process is complete, you get an overview of discovered malware and the options for dealing with it.

Webroot offers two choices – a quick scan for risky directories and a full inspection with adjustable settings to uncover deep-rooted problems. In the end, you get a list of identified threats left at your mercy.

For our verdict, we tested Bitdefender vs Webroot by disabling their real-time protection and injecting the device with malware. On average, Webroot only managed to discover 70% of threats, while Bitdefender finished strong with 90% – a sizeable difference.

Firewall protection

Looking back at our best antivirus list, most providers include a firewall to their list of features. With it, you control online traffic and decide who gets in and out of your network.

Webroot’s firewall is called Web Shield, but it is only available on Windows. Sadly, it failed to identify and react to any attempts of infiltration. Besides, Windows systems already have a solid built-in firewall that is better than Webroot. Because its performance is virtually non-existent, Webroot is a bad choice for firewall protection.

Bitdefender firewall is only included in a mid-tier deal, the Internet Security suite, but it adds extra features and settings to control your local network. It works better than both Webroot and Windows Defender firewall.

Features overview

In the realm of features, Bitdefender has better features for all devices and a free version that rivals Webroot's basic subscription. Here’s what we found during our Bitdefender and Webroot feature research:

While Webroot starts off with a plan rich in features, Bitdefender is better than its competitor with more options for a lower price. Its subscriptions also add more robust features and include tools Webroot lacks, such as a VPN (up to 200 MB), file shredder, and more.

Wrapping up

Once we rate the features of both programs, Bitdefender looks better than Webroot and offers more options with better performance.

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Bitdefender features

Bitdefender starts strong with a free package that includes the main antivirus tools: scanning, real-time protection, and web attack prevention. Because they work the same way for paid subscriptions, this plan is often better than premium deals from other providers.

On top of the basic features, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus adds tools for ransomware protection and anti-phishing. Then, with the help of extra privacy options, it provides good security for complex threats.

Bitdefender includes a VPN in its Antivirus Plus package. Integrated into the main app, VPN hides your identity on the web and encrypts internet traffic. While it has a daily data limit of 200 MB, the cap can be lifted via higher-tier subscriptions.

In the mid-level, Total Security package, you unlock a firewall, parental control apps, system optimization, password manager, microphone and camera protection plus anti-theft and anti-spam features. This deal is a big jump with the best quality-to-price ratio. Here we finally get access to macOS, Android, and iOS systems for 5 devices.

On top of the ladder, we have the Bitdefender Premium Security – the ultimate subscription with features from prior deals plus anti-theft and anti-spam tools. While more expensive, it stretches the limit to 10 devices, works on more systems, and lifts restrictions from the VPN and password manager.

To learn more, check out our Bitdefender review.

Webroot features

As we look at options for Webroot, our opinion is mixed. At first, we have seen promises of real-time protection features, but their performance during tests was bad compared to Bitdefender. Its extra options and the standard security suite leave a lot to be desired.

While it has no free option, its basic package includes a firewall, identity protection tool, and anti-phishing software. Even though it's more expensive, the lightweight structure makes it a decent alternative for old devices. However, we must warn you that the firewall completely failed to perform during our tests, so keep that in mind.

For its mid-tier deal, Webroot adds support for smartphones and extends the coverage up to 3 devices. With it, users get a new extra feature – an integrated Lastpass password manager with leak monitoring.

For the ultimate option, we get a system cleaner and removal of online footprints for 5 devices. Also known as Webroot Internet Security Complete, it adds a system cleaner and doubles down on identity protection. These additional features focus on tracker detection, dark web monitoring, and more attention to online threat prevention.

While on paper these choices are great for work with sensitive data, Webroot’s poor performance overshadows these promises.

For more info, read our Webroot review.

PC performance

Heavy workload can overwhelm some computers and devices. In this comparison, Webroot provides slightly better results than Bitdefender. Its lightweight solutions work better in the background without slowing down the system.

Webroot is great for keeping your CPU load as low as possible during scans. For a full scan, the CPU use did not exceed 77%, with an average of 52%. While the scans find fewer threats than Bitdefender, they are not as heavy on the PC.

Bitdefender is still close, using 66% of the CPU for full scans. While the gap may seem small, those extra percentages will let you run more tasks on your device. For old computers and small devices, you need to keep the CPU load as low as possible.

Wrapping up

For the comparison of PC performance, Webroot takes its first win because of its smaller CPU load. Bitdefender is a better choice for powerful machines because it provides better protection.

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Pricing

Both providers offer a number of subscriptions to choose from. Here we look at each plan and its price-performance ratio to determine the best overall choice.

Bitdefender starts strong with the best free antivirus option. Its standard security suite works just as well as in a premium subscription, Webroot does not have a free version, which already makes it less impressive.

To save even more money, check out Bitdefender coupons for the best-limited deals.

Wrapping up

For all deals, Bitdefender is clearly a better option for a lower price. Its biggest strength is protection, and the standard security package stays the same, even in a free deal.

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Bitdefender pricing

The first package for Bitdefender is already great because it is a free option that has the standard security suite that performs well and does not change as we go up.

Paid subscriptions start with Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. For $23.99/year, it is already cheaper than Webroot and performs better. Also, the deal includes a VPN with a 200 MB limit for safe browsing.

To get the best bang for your buck, we have Bitdefender Total Security. It unlocks many robust features and costs only $35.99/year, with a separate parental control app, device cleaner, and other protection tools. On top of that, we already reach a limit of 5, which matches Webroot’s most expensive option, and a great antivirus for multiple devices.

Last, but certainly not least is Bitdefender Premium Security. For only $54.99/year, we already jump to 10 devices and unlock the restricted features for a VPN and password manager. With it, you get more than an antivirus program, but a well-rounded system for digital security.

Webroot pricing

In its basic package, Webroot Antivirus offers the standard security set plus firewall and identity protection for $25.99/year. It works on both Windows and macOS devices, but the quality of the service seems too steep due to poor protection capabilities.

Next, we have Internet Security Plus for $38.99/year On top of prior tools, it adds support for smartphones and tablets plus a password manager. Also, this subscription lets you use Webroot on up to 3 devices.

For the ultimate deal, Webroot premium goes all out. However, for $77.99/year, the increase in price is big and not proportional to the added features. It only works with 5 devices, and new additions focus on tracking prevention, leak monitoring, and compensation for losses.

Apps and interface: which is more user-friendly?

Even with good features, an antivirus program has to be user-friendly and lead to quick solutions.

Bitdefender offers a fast path to basic antivirus functions because you don't need to sign up to launch a powerful free version. An easy step-by-step installer lets you get to scans and real-time protection fast.

Webroot is easy to download but requires an email and your last name to sign up. As it only works with paid subscriptions, this antivirus has no fast access like Bitdefender.

Once we take a look at the interface, both providers offer a clear overview of the program with categories that are easy to navigate. Bitdefender has a comfortable modern design and clear access to desired features, while Webroot's interface feels old and slow.

Webroot has an advantage as a user-friendly option with a very similar UI for both Windows and macOS. Because support for systems is the same in all packages, you can switch between devices and continue using the antivirus without difficulty.

Wrapping up

While both apps are relatively easy to use, Bitdefender is better option with better app performance, user-friendly navigation, and extra features for portable devices

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Desktop apps

For desktops, we notice a similar trend on both providers, where Windows devices have better-developed options. With Bitdefender, the interface offers clear recommendations and visibility of categories and settings. Convenient icons and color indicators guide the user and help protect your computer without technical knowledge.

While the Mac version has fewer features, you get a smaller package but the same comfortable UI and controllable options for security. With a better subscription plan, you unlock comfortable access to new tools that are easy to control.

Webroot has an old interface that is neatly organized into tabs for security, identity protection, and other features that help you with privacy on the internet. The alternative Webroot app is almost identical for MacOS, but both options feel slow and outdated.

With the comfortable categories, you have a section for customer support and community posts, where you can find recommendations from other users.

While the layout is comfortable for both programs, Bitdefender's app performs better and faster. The only difference between applications is the background color.

Mobile apps

For mobile devices, the difference is even more clear. Bitdefender is much better than Webroot for Android – it mimics its slick desktop app and includes app lock and autopilot features.

Webroot has a low-rated Android app that offers poor scanning and has no data breach monitor nor real-time protection.

An antivirus app for iOS is not a strong suit for both Webroot and Bitdefender. Because the system has many built-in security tools, antivirus programs are not as effective. While still useful, Bitdefender has fewer features for iOS devices.

Overall, in terms of apps and appearance, Bitdefender is a clear winner here with its better-maintained mobile apps. Webroot lacks maintenance, and its outdated apps are overshadowed by most competitors.

Customer support

To compare customer support, we first look at both providers and their options for live chat option and email customer support. Communication by phone and knowledgeable guides on the website is a plus, and the best options must be available 24/7.

Both providers have FAQs and guides to help you find the answer fast before turning to other options. If that does not work, Webroot and Bitdefender have customer support by phone.

The problems with Webroot start with a lack of a live chat option – the most popular way of finding help with cybersecurity tools. Instead, it uses a ticket system that takes a long time to respond.

Bitdefender is better because it has a very fast and responsive live chat. On top of that, you can seek out help on a community forum for more information on niche use cases.

Wrapping up

Webroot is clearly outmatched in our comparison of customer support capabilities. A lack of a live chat option leaves the user without a quick solution. That is why we tip our hat to Bitdefender, as it has all the best options for finding help.

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Final verdict

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While both providers are solid for protection, privacy, and usability, Bitdefender seems to be better at everything. It has a free option, while all the other plans offer more than Webroot for a lower price.

Bitdefender is better than its competitor for security. Based on our in-house tests and independent reviews from AV-Test and AV-comparatives, Bitdefender detects significantly more threats than Webroot. On top of that, it has acomfortable UI that guides the user to the main functions and extra features. as well as better customer support options. Webroot has an overview that is easy to understand but has poor performance and feels outdated.

Lastly, Bitdefender has a free option, and all subscriptions offer more for a lower price. You can make an argument for Webroot as it supports both Windows and macOS devices, but Bitdefender catches up fast and works better with more extra features.

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