Webroot Vs. Avast Vs. Bitdefender

Webroot

Webroot has made its name as one of the fastest antivirus software that also uses minimal system resources. The company claims that its software takes just 20 seconds to check a computer for malicious files and won’t bog your computer down with time-consuming updates.

Webroot offers three separate security packages, all with a 14-day free trial and a generous 70-day money-back guarantee. The first is its cloud-based SecureAnywhere AntiVirus software that runs in the background to protect your Windows or Mac computer from malware, viruses, ransomware and other cyberattacks. The software can protect one computer for $49.99 CAD per year.

Webroot’s SecureAnywhere Internet Security Plus software extends threat protection to iOS and Android devices as well as Chromebook computers. The plan also offers secure encryption for usernames, passwords and credit card information through LastPass. You can protect up to three devices with Internet Security Plus for $69.99 CAD per year.

Webroot’s SecureAnywhere Internet Security Complete offers all of the features of the previously mentioned software and adds a system optimizer, eliminates traces of your online activity for privacy protection and offers 25 GB of secure online storage. This plan protects up to five devices for $99.99 CAD per year.

Avast

Avast takes a simpler and more streamlined approach to web security than Webroot. For starters, the company offers a free plan that provides real-time virus, malware and ransomware protection nearly invisibly in the background. The company’s Premium Security plan includes Wi-Fi security verification, scans websites for threat risks and protects your devices from being hijacked remotely. Pricing is $52.80 CAD for the first year, then $84.99 CAD per year for one device after that or $80.28 CAD for the first year, then $109.99 CAD per year for up to 10 devices after that.

The Avast One plan includes a VPN that automatically activates when you connect to public Wi-Fi or visit blacklisted sites. It also comes with system optimization and cleaning tools and hides your online identity and activity. The Essential plan is free for one device. The Individual plan is $55.08 CAD for the first year, then $109.99 CAD per year for five devices after that while the Family plan is $80.28 CAD for the first year and $159.99 CAD thereafter but covers up to 30 devices.

Bitdefender

Our final contender, Bitdefender, lies somewhere between the simplicity of Avast and the more advanced paid plans of Webroot. Like Avast, the company offers a free antivirus tool that scans for malicious activity in the background on Windows and Mac systems as well as Android devices and also includes a performance optimization tool for computers. You can also download a separate free Home Scanner for Windows computers that checks your home Wi-Fi for intruders and vulnerabilities.

Bitdefender’s paid software starts with Antivirus Plus that protects any Windows PC from viruses and other threats such as suspicious network activity and includes a Wi-Fi security scanner, password manager, file shredder, a VPN with a 200 MB daily traffic limit and more, all for $39.99 CAD per year for up to three PCs. Mac users looking for the same level of antivirus protection will have to opt for Antivirus for Mac, which costs $39.99 CAD per year for up to three Macs.

Bitdefender’s Total Security package works on Windows and Mac computers as well as iOS and Android devices and adds a few extra features to Bitdefender Internet Security, including antitheft protection and a one-click system optimizer. Up to five separate devices can be protected for a cost of $69.99 CAD per year.

Premium Security from Bitdefender adds a strong password manager and premium secured VPN traffic for up to 10 devices for $79.99 CAD per year for either iOS or PC.
Bitdefender’s Ultimate Security adds identity theft protection and restoration, standard credit monitoring and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance for up to 10 devices for $89.99 CAD per year.

Bottom Line

While there is certainly overlap between all three antivirus companies, each has its own unique set of features that makes it worth considering.

If you’re looking for antivirus software that’s fast and light on your system, Webroot is a solid choice, but you’ll have to pay for even the most basic protection. For the most essential security features in easy-to-understand plans, you may want to consider Avast. Finally, if you need to protect every device in your household, including a mix of operating systems and smart devices, Bitdefender’s Family Pack might be the best solution for your household.
Canadian specific editing and research (including pricing) conducted by Anna Rey.