Bitdefender vs Avast: Is a Free Antivirus Enough?
Bitdefender vs Avast: Is a Free Antivirus Enough? For basic protection on one PC, a free antivirus is a sensible start, and Avast offers one. For a household with phones, a Mac and a laptop, we recommend Bitdefender: its paid suites are clearly tiered, a family pack takes in as many as 25 devices, and it has a shop page with us for cashback. Both state a 30-day guarantee for paid plans. Offers shift, status October 2026.
Free or paid: what you actually get
Avast starts with Free Antivirus, which is part of its Avast One app. Avast describes it as basic protection and cites a Top-Rated Product 2025 mention from AV-Comparatives on its own page. Whatever you think of such awards, they are Avast's statement, not ours. The paid levels are Premium Security, which adds protection against scams by e-mail, phone and on the web, and an Ultimate bundle that gathers security, privacy and performance tools.
Available here with cashback
Bitdefender's German consumer page leads with paid products. It sells Antivirus Plus for up to 3 devices as basic protection, then Total Security, Premium Security and Ultimate Security. Total Security brings in a password manager and parental controls. Premium Security, marked as the bestseller, adds AI-based Scam Protection Pro, unlimited VPN traffic, an anti-tracker and e-mail protection for 2 addresses. Ultimate Security adds continuous dark web monitoring, an identity security assessment, breach alerts and tips from Bitdefender's specialists.
Devices and accounts
Bitdefender shows two versions of each suite. The individual version covers 1 account and 5 devices in the first year, the family version 5 accounts and 25 devices. The apps cover Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. VAT is included in the prices on the page. Avast's Premium Security page names 10 devices. Before you pick, count your devices and compare against that number, not against the plan name.
Cashback and how to claim it
Bitdefender is on our list as Bitdefender at daily cashback; the store behind it is bitdefender.de, so the page and the checkout are in German. The current rate stands on the shop page. Avast is not listed, which also means that Avast's free product, which involves no purchase, has no cashback to speak of.
Open the shop page, then buy on bitdefender.de without leaving for other deal sites. An extension that pops up offers at checkout can break the link, so pause it. The order is pending first, then payable when Bitdefender confirms. A refund within the 30 days cancels the order and the cashback with it.
Renewal rules to know before you buy
Bitdefender's prices on the page are marked for the first year, so the second year is a separate figure. Avast spells out in its terms that the next subscription period is charged at the price published at that time, taken up to 35 days before the anniversary, with a reminder up to 65 days before for yearly plans. Avast also allows a refund request within 30 days of the first subscription or of an anniversary. The rules differ in detail, so read the renewal paragraph of whichever you buy.
Comparison
| Point | Bitdefender | Avast |
|---|---|---|
| Cashback with us | yes, bitdefender.de | not on our list |
| Free product | not featured on the consumer page | Free Antivirus |
| Paid tiers | Total, Premium, Ultimate Security | Premium Security, Ultimate |
| Devices | 5 (individual) or 25 (family) | 10 on Premium Security |
| Scam protection | AI-based, from Premium Security | in Premium Security |
| Money-back period | 30 days | 30 days, also after a renewal |
| Renewal | first-year price marked on the page | charged at the price published then |
Who should pick what
One PC, light use: try the free Avast antivirus first; if you never click on odd links and keep Windows updated, it may be all you want.
Families with mixed devices: Bitdefender, because the family version covers 25 devices and 5 accounts, and the order earns cashback.
People who shop and bank a lot online: look at the scam protection that comes with Bitdefender Premium Security or Avast Premium Security, and compare what each names for e-mail and messages.
Our recommendation
If you are ready to pay, Bitdefender via the shop page is our choice: clear tiers, a family option and cashback. If you only need basic protection for one computer, the free Avast antivirus costs nothing and needs no cashback route.
Quick takeaways
- Cashback exists for Bitdefender, not for Avast.
- Avast features a free antivirus on its home page.
- Family version: 25 devices and 5 accounts at Bitdefender.
- For another matchup read Bitdefender vs Norton.
Available here with cashback