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Bitdefender: Antivirus Plus, Internet Security, Total Security or Family Pack?

CDCD Keys Deal29 Oct 20263 min read
Bitdefender: Antivirus Plus, Internet Security, Total Security or Family Pack?
In this guide
  1. What all versions have
  2. The differences
  3. Which one to choose
  4. How to activate it
  5. Frequently asked questions

Bitdefender is one of the most award-winning antiviruses, but there are lots of versions: Antivirus Plus, Internet Security, Total Security and Family Pack. The core protection is the same; what changes is the supported systems, the extra tools and the number of devices. Here’s how to find your way in two minutes.

The short version

  • Do you have just one Windows PC? Antivirus Plus is enough; choose Internet Security if you also want a firewall and parental controls.
  • Do you have a PC, a Mac and smartphones? You need Total Security: it covers Windows, macOS, Android and iOS.
  • Need to protect the whole family (up to 15 devices)? The Family Pack is the “family” version of Total Security.

What all versions have

  • multi-layered protection against viruses, malware and ransomware, with the Bitdefender engine that wins awards in independent tests;
  • anti-phishing and online fraud protection;
  • Safepay, the protected browser for banking and online shopping;
  • a basic VPN with a limited daily traffic allowance;
  • minimal impact on your computer’s performance.

The differences

Antivirus Plus Internet Security Total Security Family Pack
Systems Windows Windows Windows, Mac, Android, iOS Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
Antivirus and anti-ransomware Yes Yes Yes Yes
Firewall No Yes Yes Yes
Parental controls No Yes Yes Yes
Webcam and microphone protection No Yes Yes Yes
Optimisation and anti-theft No No Yes Yes
Devices (in our store) 1 PC 1 PC 5 devices 15 devices

Which one to choose

Antivirus Plus: the bare essentials, done well

For a single Windows PC used for browsing, studying or work. It has the same protection as the higher versions, without a firewall or parental controls (Windows already has its own firewall).

See Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Internet Security: if there are children at home

It adds a more complete firewall, parental controls, email anti-spam and webcam and microphone protection. But it’s still Windows only.

See Bitdefender Internet Security

Total Security: the most popular

It protects 5 devices of any kind: the home PC, your work Mac, an Android phone and an iPhone. It also includes tools to speed up your device and anti-theft for laptops and phones. In our store you’ll find it for 1 year and also for 3 years, which is worth it if you don’t want to think about renewing.

See Total Security 3 years

Family Pack: for the whole family

It’s Total Security for up to 15 devices. Each family member can have their own linked account, and you manage everything from Bitdefender Central. With lots of devices at home, it costs much less than buying several licences.

See Bitdefender Family Pack

How to activate it

  1. Go to central.bitdefender.com and sign in or create an account.
  2. Open My Subscriptions → Activate with code and enter the code you received by email.
  3. From My Devices → Install protection you install Bitdefender on your PC or send the link to your other devices.

Frequently asked questions

I already have a Bitdefender subscription: can I add the code?

Yes. If you activate a code for the same version on the same account, the time is added to what you have left.

Is the included VPN unlimited?

No, the included VPN has a daily traffic limit. If you need a VPN with no limits, there’s Bitdefender Premium VPN.

Can I use Total Security on a Mac?

Yes: Total Security and Family Pack work on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. Antivirus Plus and Internet Security, on the other hand, are Windows only.

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