Spending time online is always fun. Shopping, browsing Pinterest, watching movies…the list is endless. But did you know that every time you do one of these things, you’re putting your online safety at risk? Viruses and malware can come at you from anywhere if you aren’t being careful. One of the best ways you can protect your home’s online life is to invest in antivirus software, and in this article, we are going to take a look at two out of the many software options you can choose from: Bitdefender and G Data.
Bitdefender vs G Data: Main Differences
While both of these antivirus softwares provide the same service, there are definitely some differences reported by users. Each of these falls into similar range levels: on antivirushelp.info Bitdefender has a 4.4 with over 300 reviews, and G Data has a 4.7 with only 6 reviews. According to the comparison sites, here are a few of the most notable differences in service.
A side-by-side look at what reviewers are saying:
| Bitdefender | G Data | |
| Repair Rate | 92% | 75% |
| Online Backup | Not available | Included in the package |
| Chat Support | Yes | No |
| Password Manager | Yes | No |
Bitdefender vs G Data: Features & Capabilities
Bitdefender and G Data are both well-rated cybersecurity solutions for home and business. Being such, they do share many of the same features and capabilities. Each one can be used for anyone from a personal computer user all the way up to a full-on enterprise. G Data is a Germany-based company created in 1987 that touts itself as being the “inventor of the antivirus” on its webpage. Bitdefender is a cybersecurity company born in Romania in 2001, with a headquarters there and in the US. Below we’ll explore some features from each of these software options.
Bitdefender Features
- Privacy Firewall
- Prevent hackers from getting into your mic or webcam
- OneClick Optimizer that gets rid of unnecessary files
- Anti-phishing protection
- Antivirus and malware protection
- Cloud-based management of all devices
- Unlimited VPN (with some of the pricier packages)
- Password manager (also with pricier packages)
- Game mode
- Virtual keyboard
- Parental Controls
G Data Features
- No-backdoor guarantee
- Real-time protection without causing performance drops
- Surf and Phishing protection
- Quarantine for suspicious files
- “Locate my device” feature
- Parental controls
- Firewalls for safe browsing
- File shredder
- Online backup
- IM and Mail protection
- Privacy firewall
Bitdefender vs G Data: Pricing
Bitdefender and G Data are both solidly in the “reasonably priced” range for what they offer their clients. They do work their pricing systems a bit differently from each other, though. Here’s what I mean: Bitdefender has packages that start as low as $29.99/year for 3 devices and goes up to $99.98/year for 10 devices. They also offer some low-level packages for free. G Data’s packages start at $39.95/year for 1 device and go up from there depending on how many devices and how many years, with options for 30-day free trials. Essentially, the cost for either will directly depend on the level of protection you need, how many devices you need coverage for, and for how long.
Why to Choose Bitdefender over G Data?
Overall, Bitdefender does offer a few more features, especially useful ones, that G Data does not. Bitdefender also has a higher repair rate, simpler pricing, and more reviews to be found on comparison sites. Bitdefender has less of an impact on performance speed while working, and higher-rated ease of deployment and integration. Their company has 1600+ employees working (over half of which are with R&D), and locations globally. If something simple yet with lots of features and plenty of assistance is what you are looking for, Bitdefender may be the option for you.
Why to Choose G Data over Bitdefender?
G Data has 35 years of experience in the field of cybersecurity. Their 500 employees work hard to keep you safe, providing end-to-end protection solutions and 24/7/365 quality customer support. Having created the first antivirus software, they seem to know what they are doing. They even offer online classes to educate their clients about online security awareness, which Bitdefender does not. They also have a very sleek and easy-to-navigate webpage, most likely due to their European basis. While it is just a smidge more expensive, they make up for it in their experience. If you want the original in the business, G Data is for you.
Similarities Between Bitdefender & G Data
Both Bitdefender and G Data provide the same service, so the similarities are numerous. Some of the most noted similarities are that they both have highly rated protection and well as decent customer support. Each of these softwares provides its users with a firewall, along with a file shredder, parental controls, and even mail protection. The list goes on, and the quality of both is top tier.
Bitdefender & G Data Alternatives
If Bitdefender and G Data don’t feel like the right fit for you, there are a variety of other antivirus software options for you to choose from. Below are several options to peruse, but always remember to do your research!
Alternatives for either:
- Malwarebytes
- McAfee
- ESET
- Webroot
- Avira
Alternatives for Bitdefender:
- Crowdstrike
- Microsoft
- K7 Antivirus
Alternatives for G Data:
- Symantec
- Trend Micro Apex
- Sophos
Bitdefender vs G Data: Final Verdict
With these two antivirus software options, there really is only one true winner: whichever one fits your needs! This writer can’t give you a clear choice this time. Both Bitdefender and G Data have similar ratings, similar features on offer, similar price points, and are both globally available. If you want more experience, G Data may be the right one for you. If having more features sparks your interest, go for Bitdefender. Or select one of the many other antivirus software options. Just sketch out what you need coverage for, what level of business you’re handling (personal, freelancer, small through large-scale business), and go from there!
FAQs
Can my antivirus/malware prevention software spy on me?
Your antivirus /malware prevention software will never share your personal information with anyone.
Can I have more than one antivirus/malware prevention software on my computer?
You should not. They do not work well with each other and having both can cause system issues.
Do I really need antivirus/malware prevention software?
Technically, no. You are physically able to use your computer without any kind of protective software. If you decide to go that route, though, you’re playing a risky game with your online security. You should have a basic version at the minimum.
How does antivirus/malware prevention software work?
Antivirus/malware prevention software is designed to watch out for any unwelcome intrusion into your computer, track it down, and destroy it before it can do any damage.
Sources
- https://www.bitdefender.com/
- https://www.gdatasoftware.com/
- https://www.gartner.com/reviews/market/endpoint-protection-platforms/compare/bitdefender-vs-g-data-software
- http://antivirushelp.info/compare/bitdefender-internet-security-vs-g-data-internet-security/