As a Tech Journalist, I Put Two Popular Antivirus Software Packages Head to Head

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. Antivirus software is an important part of keeping your PC secure. Windows 11 already has a competent antivirus package built in thanks to Microsoft Defender, but a dedicated security suite can offer additional protection and features.

After all, your PC is full of valuable information, from your online banking details and important emails to family photos, so it makes sense to keep things secure. I’ve spent a lot of time with Bitdefender and Avast antivirus packages to help evaluate which one is right for you. After all, you only need to sign up for one plan, and you want to make it a good one.

Bitdefender has been around since 2001, while Avast was established back in 1988, so you’re in safe hands with either. I’ve looked at how well their current antivirus tools work and how easy each package is to use in 2026. Pros: Flexible range of plans; family plans support up to 25 devices. Cons: More expensive than Avast Premium Security.

Pros: Free antivirus option; Premium Security is cheaper than Bitdefender Premium Security. In typical antivirus software fashion, Bitdefender and Avast both have plans that are cheap for the first year before increasing in price for the second year. Bitdefender offers basic antivirus protection starting at £17.99 for one device.

You also get a VPN bundled in, but it has a strict limit of 200MB of data per day, so it won’t be much use for most people. With Bitdefender, I’d recommend paying a little more and going for Bitdefender Premium Security, which is £59.99 for the first year. It turns the VPN into one with unlimited data, adds a password manager and also includes scam protection and email protection.

If you want the middle ground, there’s Bitdefender Total Security for £49.99, which includes antivirus protection, a password manager and the limited 200MB-per-day VPN. In my experience, the extra £10 for Premium Security and its unlimited VPN is the better deal. For those who want even more, there’s Bitdefender Ultimate Security for £69.98, which adds dark web monitoring, real-time breach notifications and identity protection features on top of everything Premium includes.

There are also family plans that support up to 25 devices and five accounts. Avast’s big highlight is its free antivirus, but if you want more protection, there’s Premium Security and Ultimate. Avast Premium Security currently costs £39.99 for the first year for its single-device plan.

It can help protect you against scams, suspicious emails and unsafe websites, as well as remote attacks and Wi-Fi security issues. The single-device subscription covers one PC or Mac plus one mobile device, while Avast also offers a multi-device version that protects up to 10 devices. If you want a VPN, you’ll need to step up to Avast Ultimate, which bundles Premium Security with SecureLine VPN, Cleanup Premium and AntiTrack.

Its multi-device version supports up to 10 devices. Avast offers useful features and there’s no doubt that its free antivirus is an obvious highlight. However, if you want a VPN, I’d lean towards Bitdefender as it offers more practical features that you’ll genuinely use on a regular basis.

Your mileage may vary, though, depending on how well you can identify scam emails and texts without the backup of Avast. Pros: All the key features included; password manager and unlimited VPN included with Premium Security. Cons: Focused more on security than cleaning up your PC.

Pros: Lots of key features; clearly lays out what needs resolving. Cons: Some features, including the VPN, require Avast Ultimate.