There are so many good names in the antivirus industry that smaller providers can get overlooked. We put Bitdefender and Adaware against each other to determine which was actually the best for your security. Both providers offer advanced malware protection, combining signature-scanning with behavior-monitoring so even unknown threats are detected. However, it’s their additional features that make a difference.
Bitdefender is a well-known name with a wide variety of extra features. The Safe File Vault protects all your important documents from ransomware attacks and the SafePay browser ensures your bank details are safe during online transactions. The Webcam Shield keeps your video stream safe from hackers who may try and blackmail you, and you can lock down your log-in process with the virtual keyboard and password manager. The software even scans external hardware such as USB devices and drives to ensure no infections are transmitted to your device. However, all these can noticeably slow down your system.
Adaware offers more straightforward protection. Along with anti-malware features, it automatically scans ports for any threats. There is also built-in email protection and a safe sender list. The parental control tool is invaluable for anyone with a family, allowing you to create age-based templates and apply them to different users. While Adaware may not be as extensive as Bitdefender, it’s considerably cheaper and lightweight.