If you're looking for antivirus software to use on your devices to provide all-round security, it's likely that you'll stumble upon Bitdefender and Kaspersky. Both are top antivirus suites that have been on the market for years, and have built good reputations with users.

But which is the better antivirus for you? Which is more affordable without compromising features?

What Is Bitdefender?

Founded in 2001, Bitdefender is a cybersecurity firm which offers a range of antivirus suites suitable for individuals, families, and businesses.

With the full Bitdefender security suite, you get to enjoy an unlimited VPN service and encryption for all your online details to keep you safe.

Bitdefender also comes with an anti-theft and anti-loss feature that protects your Windows devices, allowing you to access them remotely whenever you want from any part of the globe. It also has multiple layers of ransomware protection for your local files such as pictures, videos, documents, and music.

What Is Kaspersky?

If you're an average user looking for an antivirus to protect you while you surf the net, Kaspersky is the security suite for you. The company also launched Kaspersky Safe Kids, a version of its software that provides protection for kids online and even offline.

Notably, Kaspersky offers security for online banking and makes your browsing activities on Windows and Mac devices private, which is one of its many unique features.

Like Bitdefender, individuals and businesses can sign up for Kaspersky's services, and there are few plans for you to choose from depending on your budget and needs.

Bitdefender vs. Kaspersky: Supported Devices

Bitdefender can be used on virtually any device, be it desktop or mobile. For desktops, the software works on Windows and Mac operating systems. Windows devices must be running Windows 7 or later, while Mac operating systems must be MacOS 10.10 or later. Supported browsers include Google Chrome, Safari, and Firefox.

Both the mobile versions of Android and iOS are supported, with Android 5.0 being the oldest that can use Bitdefender, while iOS 12 or later is required to use it.

Kaspersky also supports major operating systems, on both mobile and desktop devices. Similarly, Windows 7 or later is required, while supported browsers include Microsoft Edge, Firefox, and Chrome. If you still use the outdated Microsoft Internet Explorer (which we heavily advise against), that's supported too.

MacOS users will need version 10.12 or later for the antivirus to work, in addition to the supported browsers. Android-running devices must be version 4.2 or later. Kaspersky never used to support devices running iOS, because Apple maintained that its security was already tight; nonetheless, that has since changed, because yes, your iPhone and iPad need an antivirus suite too. Still, it's relatively recent, which means that you've got to be running iOS 14.0 or newer.

Everyone should keep their operating systems updated, but in case you don't, Bitdefender wins this, purely because older versions are still supported.

Winner: Bitdefender.

Kaspersky vs. Bitdefender: Pricing and Features

An important factor to consider in choosing an antivirus software is the price of the service.

For Bitdefender, there are the all-in-one plans, which are Bitdefender Ultimate Security and Bitdefender Premium Security. The former costs $79.98 for the first year of subscription while the latter costs $59.99 for the first year. The annual subscription fee increases to $179 after the first year for Ultimate Security and $159 for Premium security, both supporting up to 10 devices connected at the same time.

These plans come with complete general online security (i.e. malware protection), an unlimited premium VPN, and a password manager. In addition, the Ultimate plan comes with identity theft protection, which scans the surface web and dark web to check whether any of your personal details have been leaked. If it finds that you have suffered a data breach, it then advises you on the steps to take. You can also subscribe to just one of these services; say, for only the VPN or the identity protection. They work out cheaper if you take out a subscription to a complete Bitdefender package, though.

Kaspersky has a much simpler subscription package with three plans: Standard, Plus, and Premium. The cost of each plan varies depending on how many years you are subscribing for, and the number of devices you want it to support.

The Standard plan costs $8.99 for a one-year subscription and subsequently renews at $28.99 per year for three supported devices with one user account. The Plus plan costs $11.99 for the first year with three devices and two user accounts, then renews at $39.99 after that.

Finally, the Premium plan—which comes with a free one-year subscription for Kaspersky Kids—costs $12.99 for the first year with two user accounts and three devices covered. All paid plans have a 30-day free trial period during which you will have full access to all the features of the plan you choose, and you can cancel any time with a money-back guarantee.

The plans each come with a standard antivirus just as you'd expect, plus payment protection (which gives you extra coverage on sites where you input financial information, whether this be a bank or an online shop) and performance optimization. The Advanced Plan adds in a VPN, so your data is scrambled. And the Premium Plan includes all that, as well as Kaspersky Kids, and identity protection, similar to Bitdefender. Crucially, the most expensive plan also gives you 24/7 support—which gives you peace of mind (but does make you feel that Standard and Advanced subscribers are a little short-changed).

Nonetheless, Kaspersky is much cheaper than Bitdefender, and although they both offer a 30-day trial period with money-back guarantee, Kaspersky is a better option if you're looking for an affordable internet security package.

Winner: Kaspersky.

Bitdefender Free vs. Kaspersky Free

Bitdefender has a free antivirus for all operating systems and devices, which you can access at no cost. The free antivirus is a plan just like the paid ones, but they only give you access to antivirus protection, without additional protection such as the VPN and password manager that come with the paid plans.

Like Bitdefender, Kaspersky also has free software for Windows, Android, and iOS devices. Unlike Bitdefender which offers only antivirus protection though, Kaspersky's free package also comes with anti-malware and anti-ransomware protection to ensure your devices are protected from attackers.

Kaspersky's free antivirus software covers more than Bitdefender, since it also protects against wider malware and ransomware.

Winner: Kaspersky.

Bitdefender vs. Kaspersky: Which Is Better?

Both Bitdefender and Kaspersky have amazing features that make for top internet security suites. However, considering pricing, supported devices, and free versions, Kaspersky comes out on top here. This is not to say that Bitdefender isn't good. In fact, it is an excellent security suite, and you can't really go wrong whichever you choose.

But if your goal is to get full protection for your devices at a relatively low cost, you should go for Kaspersky, since even its free version offers more than just antivirus protection.