Antivirus
Top Companies in 2025
Bitdefender vs G DATA
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- Excellent malware detection rates
- Multi-device compatibility
- Real-time behavior-based threat monitoring
- VPN included with all plans
- Free trial
- CloseGap technology
- Specialized BankGuard protection
- Data limit on VPN in lower-tiers
- Renewal and cancellation process can be confusing
- Limited advanced features for Mac users
- Auto-renewal settings are difficult to manage
- Mobile protection only supports Android
- No dedicated software or driver updater
Bitdefender is a well-regarded cybersecurity company founded in 2001 and headquartered in Bucharest, Romania. Serving millions of users globally, Bitdefender offers cross-platform protection for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. Their antivirus products include real-time threat detection, advanced ransomware defense, a built-in VPN, firewall controls, and system optimization tools. Notable features like the Rescue Environment for deep malware removal, the Safepay browser for secure financial transactions, and a cross-device password manager enhance both usability and protection. Bitdefender also provides multi-device plans and centralized control through their Central dashboard, making it especially convenient for families and small businesses. The company has earned high scores in independent lab tests from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives, consistently recognized for their strong malware detection and minimal system impact. Customer feedback is generally positive, with users praising their security features, multi-device support, and comprehensive toolset, though some have mentioned issues with interface complexity and subscription management. While Bitdefender is not BBB accredited, they remain a respected name in the antivirus industry. With a 30-day free trial and a free antivirus option available, Bitdefender gives users the flexibility to explore their features before committing to a subscription.
G DATA, founded in Germany in 1987, is known for creating the world’s first antivirus software. Today, they offer a full range of cybersecurity tools for individuals and businesses, combining traditional malware scanning with behavior-based detection and AI-driven analysis. Their dual-engine system includes both signature-based and advanced in-memory scanning technologies, backed by features like real-time protection, email filtering, a customizable firewall, and BankGuard for secure online banking. The company’s product line includes three main plans: Antivirus ($29.95/year), Internet Security ($39.95/year), and Total Security ($49.95/year). Each tier builds on the last, with Total Security adding extras like a password manager, performance tuning, file encryption, and USB device control. G DATA’s mobile security tools are focused on Android, with limited iOS coverage. Customer feedback is largely positive. Users appreciate the strong malware detection, rollback feature, and consistent updates, though some mention performance slowdowns and limited customer support responsiveness. G DATA maintains a 4.2 rating on Trustpilot and a 4.0 on G2, signaling overall satisfaction. With support available worldwide and a 30-day free trial, G DATA offers reliable protection with a long-standing reputation in the growing cybersecurity space.
- Security Rating : Excellent
- VPN : Included
- Price : $29.99 per year
- Customer Experience : Good
- Firewall : Included
- Free Trial : 30 days
- Trustpilot Score : 3.5 out of 5
- Security Rating : Excellent
- VPN : Avaialble
- Price : Starting at $29.95 per year
- Customer Experience : Good
- Firewall : Available
- Free Trial : Avaialble
- Trustpilot Score : 4.2 out of 5
- Rescue Environment for deep malware cleanup
- Safepay browser for secure financial transactions
- Built-in ransomware recovery tools
- Cross-device password manager
- USB Keyboard Guard
- Rollback feature
- BEAST behavior blocker
- Adware Removal
- Anti-Phishing
- Anti-Spam
- Anti-Theft
- Anti-Tracking
- Behavior Analysis
- Cloud Scanning
- Dark Web Scanning
- Dedicated Ransomware Protection
- E-mail Scan
- File Encryption
- Free Version
- ID Protection
- Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
- Malware Removal
- Mobile App
- On Demand Scan
- Real-Time Protection
- Spyware Removal
- Vulnerability Scanner
- Webcam Protection
- Adware Removal
- Anti-Phishing
- Anti-Spam
- Anti-Theft
- Anti-Tracking
- Behavior Analysis
- Cloud Scanning
- Dark Web Scanning
- Dedicated Ransomware Protection
- E-mail Scan
- File Encryption
- Free Version
- ID Protection
- Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
- Malware Removal
- Mobile App
- On Demand Scan
- Real-Time Protection
- Spyware Removal
- Vulnerability Scanner
- Webcam Protection
- Boot Time Scans
- Browser Cleaner
- Disk Cleaner
- Junk Files Removal
- Software/Driver Updater
- Boot Time Scans
- Browser Cleaner
- Disk Cleaner
- Junk Files Removal
- Software/Driver Updater
- Cloud Storage Backup
- Live Updates
- Parental Control
- Password Manager
- Rescue Mode
- USB Rescue Toolkit
- USB Vaccination
- Cloud Storage Backup
- Live Updates
- Parental Control
- Password Manager
- Rescue Mode
- USB Rescue Toolkit
- USB Vaccination
- Android
- Browser Plugins
- ChromeOS
- Fire OS
- iOS
- Linux
- macOS
- Windows
- Android
- Browser Plugins
- ChromeOS
- Fire OS
- iOS
- Linux
- macOS
- Windows
- Community Forum
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Social Media
- Ticket
- Community Forum
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Social Media
- Ticket
Bitdefender vs. G Data
Choosing antivirus software today is about more than just detecting viruses. It’s about finding a reliable tool that works across your devices, protects your data in real time, and stays out of your way. Bitdefender and G Data both offer solid protection, but their approaches differ in scope, customization, and overall user experience. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know to decide between them.
Service range and customization options
Bitdefender delivers a robust feature set for both individuals and families. Their core services include real-time malware detection, advanced threat defense, ransomware repair, phishing protection, a built-in VPN, and identity theft monitoring with higher-tier plans. They support Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS with seamless syncing across devices. Bitdefender also offers customizable scan types and power user tools, letting you fine-tune settings if you want deeper control.
G Data is a smaller player but no less serious about security. Their tools include traditional signature-based virus scanning, behavior monitoring, ransomware protection, exploit shields, and banking protection. While they lack the extras like identity monitoring or a built-in VPN, their dual-engine scanning approach is distinctive. G Data mainly focuses on Windows but supports Android as well. Mac and iOS users will find limited options, and system customization is more restrained than with Bitdefender.
Ease of use and integration
Bitdefender has one of the smoothest interfaces in the antivirus space. The layout is clean, modern, and highly intuitive. Whether you’re on desktop or mobile, managing your protection feels easy, with a central dashboard that shows your system’s status, subscriptions, and security recommendations. Installation is quick, and cross-device management is efficient thanks to their web-based account portal.
G Data’s interface leans toward a more utilitarian design. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done. Their settings menus are clear, though not as polished or simplified for newcomers. Experienced users may appreciate the no-nonsense presentation, but those seeking a more guided or visual experience might find it a bit outdated. Integration across multiple devices isn’t as refined, and remote management tools are limited by comparison.
Security and compliance
Bitdefender consistently ranks among the top performers in independent lab tests. Their security engine uses machine learning, cloud-based scanning, and behavioral analysis to stay ahead of zero-day threats. They’ve earned high scores from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives for malware detection, system performance, and false-positive avoidance. Bitdefender is also transparent about privacy policies and meets GDPR compliance, giving peace of mind for users in Europe and beyond.
G Data is no stranger to strong security either. Their claim to fame is a dual-engine scanning system that layers traditional virus detection with heuristics for deeper threat coverage. This setup has helped them maintain a solid reputation for catching both known and emerging threats. They’ve scored well in AV-Test evaluations, particularly in protection and usability. However, they haven’t achieved quite the same visibility or breadth of third-party testing as Bitdefender. Their privacy practices align with European standards, though they offer fewer disclosures about cloud analytics.
Pricing and value
Bitdefender offers a range of plans, including Antivirus Plus ($39.99/year for one device), Internet Security ($59.99/year for three devices), and Total Security ($89.99/year for five devices), with occasional discounts for new users. Their top-tier plan includes a VPN, parental controls, and device optimization tools. Renewal prices increase after the first year, so keep an eye on long-term costs.
G Data is priced competitively, with their Antivirus plan starting around $29.95/year for one Windows PC. Their Internet Security and Total Security plans are priced higher but include features like email protection and file encryption. They don’t have a free version, but a 30-day trial is available. Their Android app is included with higher-tier licenses. If you're mainly on Windows and value traditional virus protection, G Data gives you a solid offering at a lower cost.
Conclusion
Bitdefender is the more comprehensive choice for users who want security across multiple platforms, a sleek interface, and features that extend beyond basic virus protection. Their consistent top-tier performance and broader range of tools make them a strong pick for both tech-savvy users and families looking for a centralized solution.
G Data, by contrast, is a well-respected option for users who want focused, reliable protection, especially on Windows. Their dual-engine scanning approach sets them apart, and while they don’t offer as many extras, they deliver what matters most: solid malware defense. If you're looking for dependable protection without the bells and whistles, G Data is a strong and affordable contender.