BullGuard: Identity Guard & Game-Friendly Features

BullGuard at a Glance

BullGuard operated as a consumer-focused antivirus provider, targeting individuals, families, and gamers with accessible protection tools that didn’t require advanced technical knowledge. They supported multiple languages and maintained a significant user base across Europe, North America, and other regions. Their acquisition by NortonLifeLock in 2021 marked a turning point, eventually leading to a full service transition by mid-2022.

They were known for their layered protection model, which blended signature-based malware detection with behavioral analysis. Notable features included a dedicated Game Booster for performance-conscious users, a firewall, secure browser, vulnerability scanner, parental controls, and encrypted cloud backup. Independent labs like AV-Test and AV-Comparatives typically rated their protection in the “Good” to “Very Good” range, though they sometimes lagged behind top competitors in zero-day threat prevention. BullGuard also offered a 30-day free trial across their plans, but no permanently free version.

Within the cybersecurity industry, BullGuard maintained a largely positive reputation. While not accredited by the Better Business Bureau—a common case for globally-based software firms—they received favorable feedback from users for their reliable service and clean interface. Their absorption into NortonLifeLock bolstered the legacy of their core features, many of which continue to influence Norton's product suite today.

Features & Services

• Antivirus scanner: BullGuard’s core antivirus engine used signature-based and behavioral detection to identify and remove malware, spyware, and other malicious files. It ran scheduled and on-demand scans with customizable depth
• Real-time protection: It constantly monitored files, processes, and network activity to immediately detect and block threats as they emerged, including trojans, worms, and ransomware
• Firewall: A built-in, configurable firewall monitored both incoming and outgoing traffic, offering advanced protection against network-based attacks and unauthorized data transfers
• Vulnerability scanner: A scanner to check your system for outdated software, missing security patches, and insecure network settings that could expose you to attacks
• Game booster: a tool for optimizing CPU performance while gaming by reallocating system resources to reduce lag and background interruptions—ideal for PC gamers
• Secure browser: A hardened browser environment to protect against phishing attacks and ensure safer online transactions by blocking malicious websites and untrusted connections
• Parental controls: Users could set content filters, restrict app usage, and monitor online activity to help keep children safe on the web
• Email protection: Scans inbound and outbound email attachments for malicious content, helping to prevent phishing and malware delivery through your inbox
• Behavioral detection engine: This tool leveraged AI and dynamic machine learning to analyze behavioral patterns, enabling early detection of zero-day threats and ransomware
• Anti-phishing: It identified fake websites and email links designed to steal personal information and blocked them before they cause harm
• Spam filter: Reducing unwanted and potentially dangerous emails by filtering out junk and known spam messages
• Safe browsing alerts: Users received alerts when visiting potentially harmful or untrusted websites, helping prevent accidental exposure to malware or scams
• Encrypted cloud backup: A secure backup solution encrypts files before uploading them to cloud services such as Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive. This reduced the risk of data loss due to ransomware or hardware failure, with options to schedule and automate backups
• System optimization tools (available in premium versions): These included tools like startup managers and disk cleanup to improve overall system performance and reduce boot times
• Multi-device support: BullGuard offered coverage for Windows, macOS, and Android devices. iOS support was more limited and focused mainly on account management features

Plans & Prices

BullGuard previously offered three subscription-based antivirus plans, each designed for different user needs—from basic malware protection to full-featured internet security. However, as of July 2022, BullGuard products are no longer being sold, and new customers can no longer purchase or download their antivirus software. Existing customers have been automatically transitioned to equivalent Norton subscriptions following BullGuard’s acquisition by NortonLifeLock in 2021.

Before their discontinuation, BullGuard's plans were as follows:

• BullGuard Antivirus: Priced at around $29.99/year for 1 device, this Windows-only plan offered core antivirus protection, real-time scanning, and a behavioral detection engine. It was designed for users who needed lightweight, essential protection without extras
• BullGuard Internet Security: At approximately $59.99/year for up to 3 devices, this mid-tier plan supported Windows, macOS, and Android. It added a firewall, parental controls, secure browser, and cloud backup tools—ideal for households or users with multiple devices
• BullGuard Premium Protection: The most comprehensive option, this plan cost about $99.99/year for up to 10 devices. It included all Internet Security features plus identity protection and a home network scanner

Each plan allowed for multi-year subscriptions and device count adjustments, with discounts for extended terms. A 30-day free trial was available, allowing users to test the full version of the software before making a purchase. While there were no hidden activation fees, some features—such as additional cloud backup storage—could incur added costs depending on usage levels.

Currently, all BullGuard users are supported under Norton’s infrastructure, which offers a range of equivalent or upgraded plans. For new users interested in similar protection and pricing structures, Norton’s website provides up-to-date information on their current antivirus and internet security packages.

Advantages

• Optimized gaming performance with Game Booster: BullGuard’s Game Booster automatically detected full-screen gaming and reallocated system resources to prioritize performance. Unlike many antivirus tools that slow down gaming PCs, this feature ensured smooth gameplay without sacrificing protection. For gamers, it meant fewer interruptions, faster response times, and a secure environment that didn’t interfere with their experience
• Layered malware protection with behavioral analysis: BullGuard combined traditional signature-based scanning with behavior-based threat detection to stop both known and emerging malware. This dual approach helped identify suspicious activity even before a threat was formally recognized. Users benefited from faster, smarter protection that adapted to new types of cyberattacks without bogging down their system
• User-friendly interface built for non-tech users: The BullGuard dashboard was clean, intuitive, and free of unnecessary clutter, making navigation straightforward even for first-time users. Key features like scans, firewall settings, and backups were clearly labeled and easy to access. This allowed customers to manage their cybersecurity confidently without needing advanced technical knowledge
• Parental controls with detailed content filtering: BullGuard offered robust parental controls, including website filtering, usage tracking, and scheduling tools. Parents could customize access levels for different users and monitor online behavior in real time. This gave families a practical way to keep children safe online while maintaining healthy digital boundaries at home
• Secure browser for protected financial transactions: Their secure browser created a locked-down environment that blocked malicious scripts, redirected phishing attempts, and disabled unsafe plugins. It was purpose-built for online shopping and banking. For users handling sensitive financial information, this added layer helped protect against identity theft, personal data, and payment fraud
• Built-in vulnerability scanner for proactive system checks: BullGuard’s vulnerability scanner flagged outdated software, weak passwords, and missing security patches across the device. It helped users fix issues before they became security risks. This feature was especially useful for staying ahead of exploits without having to manually track every update
• Encrypted cloud backup to safeguard important files: BullGuard included cloud-based backup capabilities with encryption for sensitive data. Users could schedule backups and store important documents securely off-device. This reduced the risk of data loss from ransomware attacks, hardware failure, or accidental deletion, offering extra protection beyond malware defense

Disadvantages

• Limited macOS and mobile support: While BullGuard provided strong coverage for Windows users, their features were significantly scaled back on macOS and Android—and iOS was largely unsupported beyond basic account functions. This created a fragmented experience for households with mixed devices. For customers with Apple products or mobile-heavy usage, the lack of consistent feature availability meant uneven protection and fewer tools compared to the Windows suite
• No free antivirus version available: Unlike some competitors that offer a free tier, BullGuard required users to start with a paid plan or a time-limited free trial. Although their trial allowed users to test full functionality, the absence of a basic free version made it less accessible for those seeking budget-friendly long-term solutions. For price-sensitive users, this may have led them to consider other antivirus options with ongoing no-cost protection
• Occasional underperformance in zero-day threat detection: In some independent lab tests, BullGuard performed slightly below top competitors in detecting newly emerging, or “zero-day,” malware. While their real-time and behavioral defenses were solid overall, this inconsistency may have left gaps in protection against the most recent threats. Users highly concerned with cutting-edge protection may have found this shortfall a reason to look elsewhere

Customer Experience

Overall, BullGuard received a mixed array of customer feedback, with many users praising their responsive support and effective security tools, while others expressed dissatisfaction related to billing, performance issues, and aggressive auto-renewal practices. On Trustpilot, BullGuard holds a score of 1.7 out of 5, reflecting recent frustrations with their merger into Norton and the discontinuation of their standalone products.

Positive feedback

Many users praised BullGuard for their ease of use, comprehensive feature set, and top-tier customer support. Reviewers frequently highlighted the software's Game Booster, malware protection, and secure browser as standout tools. Numerous customer testimonials also celebrated the 24/7 live chat team for their patience, technical knowledge, and ability to resolve even complex issues quickly. Longtime users often emphasized their loyalty to BullGuard due to their intuitive interface and reliable performance over the years.

Critical feedback

Despite strong support experiences, negative feedback became more prevalent in recent years—especially following BullGuard’s acquisition by Norton. Users frequently criticized the company's auto-renewal system, citing unauthorized charges, early renewals, and poor transparency. Other complaints centered around performance slowdowns, excessive popup notifications, and difficulty uninstalling the software. Some users also reported poor communication regarding the brand transition, leading to confusion and frustration.

Proactive approach

BullGuard consistently responded to both positive and negative reviews, offering detailed clarifications and personalized support. Their replies to complaints often included step-by-step solutions, refund policies, and guidance for disabling notifications or managing subscriptions. While this responsiveness helped mitigate some user frustrations, the volume of unresolved billing issues and the lack of transition clarity ultimately affected their standing in the eyes of some customers.

Customer Support

​As of July 25, 2022, BullGuard's products and services have been discontinued, and all active subscriptions have been migrated to Norton. Consequently, BullGuard's customer support channels are no longer active. For assistance, customers should now refer to Norton's support resources.​
Previously, BullGuard offered 24/7 live chat support and email assistance. However, these services have been phased out following the transition to Norton. Customers seeking support should now utilize Norton's support channels, which include 24/7 live chat and a comprehensive help center.​

For current support needs, customers are encouraged to visit Norton's official support page.

Norton provides a range of support options, including:

• 24/7 live chat: Immediate assistance from support agents
• Phone support: Available in multiple regions
• Help center: Extensive library of articles and tutorials

For more information on the migration from BullGuard to Norton, customers can refer to Norton's FAQ. Customers are advised to utilize Norton's support resources for any assistance related to their antivirus protection.​

Conclusion

BullGuard distinguished themselves as a user-friendly antivirus solution tailored to home users, gamers, and families. Their key features—like Game Booster, secure browser, parental controls, and multi-layered malware protection—provided practical coverage without overwhelming the user. These tools were designed for flexibility, offering ease of installation and consistent protection for users of all technical skill levels.

Among the standout benefits were BullGuard’s strong real-time threat detection, system optimization tools, and responsive 24/7 live chat support. These features consistently contributed to high satisfaction among users who valued straightforward protection with minimal interference. However, some customers encountered recurring issues with automatic renewals, billing transparency, and system performance impacts. These drawbacks, combined with the confusion caused by their migration to Norton, diminished the user experience for many.

We recommend you do your research before deciding on which antivirus tool is the best fit for your needs. To that end, we provide a variety of resources, including in-depth reviews of other top antivirus products on our review page and a comparison tool to help you weigh your options. Our blog is also full of useful articles on cybersecurity and related topics. By using these resources, you can find the right antivirus solution that matches your specific requirements and security concerns.