Bitdefender vs. Webroot 2024: Bitdefender Bypasses Webroot

Choosing an antivirus for your computer or mobile device is an important decision. You want a product that will keep your personal and financial information safe without slowing down your system.

Bitdefender and Webroot are two popular antivirus programs, but they take different approaches to protecting your devices. In this in-depth comparison, we’ll look at the key features, pricing, compatibility, test results, and more to help you decide if Bitdefender or Webroot is the better pick for your needs.

Bitdefender vs. Webroot: At a Glance

Bitdefender offers comprehensive security tools wrapped in an easy-to-use interface. It receives near-perfect scores in independent lab tests for malware protection. Bitdefender has proven particularly adept at blocking zero-day threats before they spread.

Prices start at just $24.99 per year, and Bitdefender offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. The Total Security plan covers up to 10 devices and includes extras like a VPN, parental controls, and webcam protection.

Webroot takes a lightweight, cloud-based approach to security. It won’t slow down your system, but protection scores from testing labs have been mediocre. Webroot starts at $29.99 per year and covers 1-5 devices depending on the plan.

Highlights include fast scanning, identity protection, and Webroot’s unique ransomware reversal feature. But more limited features and uneven test results make Bitdefender our top pick.

Bitdefender vs. Webroot: At a Glance

	Bitdefender	Webroot
Cost	$24.99-$79.99/yr	$29.99-$77.99/yr
Lab Scores	Excellent, with near perfect malware detection	Mediocre scores for malware detection
Features	VPN, parental controls, webcam security, password manager. Lots of features even on lower-cost plans.	Fast scanning, identity protection, ransomware reversal. Lighter on features than Bitdefender.
Ease of Use	Straightforward interface and installation. Hands-off approach doesn’t slow system	Easy install. Won‘t impact system performance, but has fewer customization options
Customer Support	24/7 live chat, email ticketing system	Email and phone support only
Best For	Users who want comprehensive security tools and excellent lab test scores	Those seeking a lightweight antivirus that won’t slow system performance

Bitdefender vs. Webroot: Pricing

Bitdefender and Webroot have entry-level pricing starting around $25-$30 for the first year. Bitdefender’s renewal pricing remains quite affordable for the second year and beyond, while Webroot subscriptions may jump in price on renewal.

Here’s a breakdown of the current Bitdefender pricing:

• Bitdefender Antivirus Plus – $24.99/yr (1 PC)
• Bitdefender Internet Security – $34.99/yr (1-5 PCs)
• Bitdefender Total Security – $44.99/yr (5 PCs)
• Bitdefender Family Pack – $59.99/yr (10 PCs)

And here are Webroot’s latest rates:

• Webroot Antivirus – $29.99/yr (1 PC)
• Webroot Internet Security – $39.99/yr (1 PC)
• Webroot Internet Security Plus – $59.99/yr (3 PCs)
• Webroot SecureAnywhere Internet Security Complete – $79.99/yr (5 PCs)

Across most pricing tiers, Bitdefender comes in lower than Webroot initially. Webroot also has less-transparent renewal pricing. After the first year, expect pricing to jump to $59.99 for a single PC and up to $99.99 for 5 PCs. Bitdefender‘s renewal pricing stays more consistent year-over-year.

Both companies offer a 30 to 60 day money-back guarantee if you‘re unsatisfied. Overall, Bitdefender brings better long-term value when it comes to pricing.

Winner: Bitdefender

Bitdefender vs. Webroot: Features

While both programs offer essential security protections like anti-malware and anti-phishing, Bitdefender includes far more features even on its cheaper plans.

Here’s an overview of key features provided by Bitdefender and Webroot antivirus tiers:

	Bitdefender Antivirus Plus	Bitdefender Internet Security	Bitdefender Total Security	Webroot Antivirus	Webroot Internet Security	Webroot Internet Security Plus
Cost	$24.99/yr	$34.99/yr	$44.99/yr	$29.99/yr	$39.99/yr	$59.99/yr
Devices Covered	1	1-5	5	1	1	3
Anti-Malware	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Real-Time Protection	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Anti-Phishing	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Firewall	❌	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅
Web Protection	❌	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅
Ransomware Protection	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Parental Controls	❌	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌
VPN	❌	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌
Password Manager	❌	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅
Webcam Protection	❌	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌
Ad Blocking	❌	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌
Identity Protection	❌	❌	❌	❌	✅	✅

A few things stand out from this comparison:

• Bitdefender bundles more features into its cheaper Antivirus Plus plan than Webroot does even on its mid-tier offering. You get an ad blocker, anti-phishing, real-time protection, and ransomware defense with Bitdefender‘s entry-level package.

• Bitdefender Total Security offers additions like parental controls, webcam protection, and a VPN. Webroot reserves most extras for its high-end suites.

• Webroot does include identity protection starting at the mid-tier, which can alert you about potential identity theft. Bitdefender omits this feature.

So while Webroot focuses on fast, lean antivirus protection, Bitdefender offers a wider breadth of security tools. Power users get more customization options and bonus features by going with Bitdefender.

Winner: Bitdefender

Bitdefender vs. Webroot: Malware Protection

Antivirus software lives and dies based on its ability to detect and block malware. To measure this, independent testing labs subject security programs to real-world threats in controlled environments.

Below we’ll compare protection results from AV-Test and SE Labs, two respected security software testing companies.

Bitdefender AV-Test Results

In AV-Test evaluations from June 2022, Bitdefender received a perfect 6 out of 6 rating for protection against zero-day threats across Windows, Android, and MacOS devices. It also earned top marks for having minimal impact on system performance.

Webroot SE Labs Results

In SE Labs’ latest Home Anti-Malware Protection tests published in July 2022, Webroot only managed mediocre results:

• Total Accuracy: 95%
• Protection Accuracy: 87%

This means it failed to block 13% of targeted malware attacks. That’s far below top programs like Bitdefender that typically score 99% and above.

Webroot also had a high rate of “false positives” – incorrectly flagging legitimate applications and websites as malicious. This can be annoying for users and disrupt workflow.

So while both vendors offer core security protections, Bitdefender excels at stopping threats based on testing lab data. Webroot fails more often, hurting its malware detection credibility.

Winner: Bitdefender

Bitdefender vs. Webroot: System Performance

Antivirus software runs constant background processes to monitor system activity. If poorly optimized, it can slow down your device and consume excessive RAM and CPU.

Webroot is purpose-built to have minimal system impact. Because it relies on cloud scanning and intelligence, it uses few local device resources. Independent tests confirm Webroot has little effect on performance.

Bitdefender also earns excellent marks for performance optimization. In AV-Test evaluations, it slowed down systems significantly less than the industry average. Users are unlikely to notice any drags from Bitdefender‘s real-time protection.

So both options excel when it comes to preserving system resources. But Webroot has a slight edge for its ultra-lightweight approach that is virtually unnoticeable in day-to-day use.

Winner: Webroot

Bitdefender vs. Webroot: User Interface

The quality of an antivirus program’s dashboard can make or break the user experience. You want something straightforward to use, yet packed with customization for power users.

Bitdefender uses a simple main dashboard that clearly communicates security status. Advanced menus allow you to tune the antivirus to your liking. There are ample settings to control scans, notifications, traffic filters, and active protections.

Bitdefender Central Dashboard

Webroot also has an intuitive main interface displaying your security status and tabs for running quick scans. However, customization and notifications options are fewer compared to Bitdefender. It prioritizes ease of use over advanced controls.

Winner: Bitdefender offers a better balance of usability and customization.

Bitdefender vs. Webroot: Mobile Protection

Both vendors provide security apps for Android and iOS mobile devices. These apps block unsafe links, scan for malware, and include anti-theft tools.

However, Bitdefender gives you significantly more features and value with its mobile offerings:

• Web protection from malicious and phishing sites
• Call blocking and anti-spam tools
• Battery optimization
• Remote locate or wipe if the device is lost
• Microphone and camera access controls
• Much more…

Webroot includes basics like malware scanning and spam call blocking, but lacks the depth of controls Bitdefender provides. And with Bitdefender, mobile protection comes included with all paid tiers, even its cheapest plan. Webroot sells its mobile security as a separate add-on.

Hands down, Bitdefender apps offer the superior experience on phones and tablets.

Winner: Bitdefender

Bitdefender vs. Webroot: Customer Support

Finding help when you run into issues is vital for any antivirus. Both Bitdefender and Webroot offer support channels, but Bitdefender has far superior 24/7 assistance.

With Bitdefender, you can get live chat support any time of day or night. Calls are also answered 24/7. And Bitdefender offers consistent assistance across security packages – even free users get full support.

Meanwhile, Webroot only provides direct support via phone and email ticketing during business hours. There is no live chat function. Support options are also limited based on your subscription tier.

Bitdefender simply offers a better Premium care experience with always-available technical experts. Webroot lags with barebones support coverage.

Winner: Bitdefender

Bitdefender vs. Webroot: Our Recommendation

Based on our detailed comparison, Bitdefender is the clear winner over Webroot as an antivirus solution. Here are the key reasons we recommend Bitdefender as the superior product:

• Stronger Malware Protection: Bitdefender received near-perfect scores during independent testing for blocking viruses, ransomware, spyware, and other threats. Webroot failed more often at stopping attacks.

• More Security Features: Even cheaper Bitdefender plans include extras like a VPN, firewall, webcam security, ad blocking, and password manager. Webroot reserves add-ons for premium tiers.

• Better Interface Customization: Bitdefender gives you ample controls to fine-tune security notifications, scans, and filters. Webroot offers simpler menus and fewer options.

• Superior Customer Support: Bitdefender provides 24/7 live chat and phone support across all pricing tiers. Webroot only offers direct assistance during business hours.

• Greater Long-Term Value: Bitdefender subscriptions cost less than Webroot after the first year, especially when you consider the extra built-in features.

Overall, Bitdefender provides complete, layered security backed by stellar independent lab results. Webroot earns points for its set-it-and-forget-it approach that won‘t bog down systems. However, weaker malware blocking and fewer features make it a less appealing choice.

Bitdefender is TechSafety‘s top pick for antivirus protection on Windows PCs and across all your devices. Visit Bitdefender to learn more or sign up today!