Antivirus
Top Companies in 2025
BullGuard vs ZoneAlarm
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- Clean, easy-to-use interface
- Multi-platform compatibility
- Strong behavioral threat detection
- Built-in vulnerability scanner
- Includes both free and premium plan options
- Built-in phishing protection via browser extension
- Real-time malware detection with cloud scanning
- Anti-bot tools
- Limited macOS and iOS features
- No free version
- Mixed results in zero-day tests
- Desktop protection only available for Windows
- Essential features locked behind top-tier plan
- Lacks recent evaluations from independent testing labs
- Features like VPN and password manager not available
Founded in 2002 and headquartered in the United Kingdom, BullGuard developed a reputation as a reliable antivirus provider with a focus on home users, families, and gamers. Their services stood out for blending strong, multi-layered threat detection with performance optimization features—most notably their Game Booster, which allowed users to enjoy lag-free gaming while staying protected. BullGuard’s security suite included essential tools like real-time protection, a configurable firewall, encrypted cloud backup, and a secure browser for financial transactions. Their interface was praised for being user-friendly, especially for non-technical users, and they performed consistently well in independent lab tests from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. While macOS and mobile support was limited compared to Windows, BullGuard maintained a loyal customer base thanks to their practical features and straightforward approach to cybersecurity. In addition to strong malware defenses, they offered useful extras such as a vulnerability scanner, customizable parental controls, and system optimization tools, making them a well-rounded option. In 2021, they were acquired by NortonLifeLock, and by mid-2022, all BullGuard products and services were fully migrated to Norton’s ecosystem, ending standalone BullGuard offerings.
ZoneAlarm is a long-standing name in personal cybersecurity, founded in 1997 and now operating under the umbrella of Check Point Software Technologies. Headquartered in San Francisco, they’ve built their reputation on firewall technology and have since expanded into complete antivirus and internet security solutions. Their services are geared toward individuals and small-scale users looking for a mix of automatic protection and manual control, particularly Windows users who want more say in what their systems allow and block. They offer a free antivirus plan with core malware defense and a personal firewall, and their paid plans add features like anti-ransomware, advanced phishing protection, and mobile security tools. Their standout features include a two-way firewall, real-time cloud-based scanning, and application-level controls, giving users a clearer window into their device’s behavior. Customer feedback is mixed. Some users praise the software’s reliability, ease of use, and long-term consistency, while others cite concerns around billing practices, support responsiveness, and occasional system slowdowns. ZoneAlarm has received recognition in the past, though they haven’t participated in recent third-party testing—something potential users may want to weigh. So what does all this mean for your device? Read on to explore whether their tools match your security needs.
- Security Rating : Good
- VPN : Separate add-on
- Price : Starts at $29.99/year for 1 device
- Customer Experience : Fair
- Firewall : Included
- Free Trial : 30 days
- Trustpilot Score : 1.3 out of 5
- Security Rating : Fair
- VPN : Unvailable
- Price : Starts at $35.95 per year
- Customer Experience : Fair
- Firewall : Available
- Free Trial : Unavailable
- Trustpilot Score : 1.6 out of 5
- Game Booster for lag-free gaming
- Encrypted cloud backup included
- Customizable parental controls
- Dedicated secure browser for finance
- Two-way firewall
- Application controls
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Real-time security updates
- 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—Undisclosed
- 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—Undisclosed
- Password Manager
- Rescue Mode
- USB Rescue Toolkit
- USB Vaccination
- Android
- Browser Plugins
- ChromeOS
- Fire OS
- iOS
- Linux
- macOS
- Windows
- Android
- Browser Plugins
- ChromeOS—Undisclosed
- 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