

Compare Main Differences


Bitdefender vs Surfshark
Overview and Features
Today’s digital landscape, choosing the right antivirus software is essential to ensure strong virus protection and data protection. This comparison explores the features of Bitdefender and Surfshark, two prominent antivirus solutions, evaluating them across key aspects such as parental control, compatibility, and antivirus for Android. The goal is to provide an in-depth review, focusing on the areas of protection, usability, and value. While Surfshark is a rising player in the security space, its focus remains primarily on its VPN, making Bitdefender the better-rounded solution for users in need of comprehensive antivirus services, particularly as we look toward the best antivirus 2024.

Virus Protection
- Bitdefender:
- Bitdefender boasts one of the highest detection rates, using advanced artificial intelligence to detect and remove threats before they can cause damage. With a 95% success rate in real-time detection, Bitdefender is one of the most reliable antivirus software for users who want top-tier virus protection.
- Surfshark:
- While Surfshark provides basic virus protection, it focuses more on privacy and VPN services. Surfshark can block common malware, but its detection rate and virus removal capabilities are not as refined as Bitdefender’s.
Virus Protection
Data Protection
- Bitdefender:
- Bitdefender excels in data protection with tools like file encryption, secure browsing, and anti-phishing defenses. It offers a secure online environment that safeguards both personal and financial data, ensuring user privacy at every step.
- Surfshark:
- Surfshark’s data protection is anchored more in its VPN, encrypting online activities but not offering advanced features like file encryption or privacy controls built into its antivirus. While it provides basic privacy features, it lacks the extensive protections Bitdefender provides.
Data Protection
Parental Control
- Bitdefender:
- Bitdefender includes robust parental control features that allow parents to monitor and restrict their children’s online activities. The software offers time limits, content filtering, and real-time location tracking, making it ideal for families.
- Surfshark:
- Surfshark does not offer parental control features in its antivirus solution. While it has privacy and security features, it lacks dedicated tools for managing children’s online usage.
Parental Control
Compatibility
- Bitdefender:
- Bitdefender is compatible across all major platforms, including antivirus for Windows 10, macOS, iOS, and antivirus for Android. It ensures seamless protection regardless of the device, offering comprehensive security solutions for diverse user needs.
- Surfshark:
- Surfshark also offers compatibility across major platforms but remains more focused on its VPN services. While it covers antivirus for Windows 10 and antivirus for Android, the depth of protection on these platforms is not as extensive as Bitdefender’s.
Compatibility
Antivirus for Android
- Bitdefender:
- Bitdefender offers a full-fledged antivirus for Android with app scanning, real-time protection, anti-theft tools, and privacy controls. It provides an excellent mobile security solution that ensures Android devices are protected against all forms of malware.
- Surfshark:
- Surfshark’s antivirus android app offers basic malware detection but is primarily designed to complement its VPN functionality. Its mobile app lacks advanced features like anti-theft or real-time scanning.
Antivirus for Android
Scanning Options
- Bitdefender:
- Bitdefender offers a range of scanning options, including quick, full, and custom scans. Its antivirus software is designed to scan files, apps, and emails for malware, ensuring complete system coverage. It also supports scheduled scans and advanced threat hunting.
- Surfshark:
- Surfshark’s scanning options are more limited, providing basic malware detection without the same depth or flexibility in scanning choices. While it can detect threats, it does not offer as many customizable scanning options as Bitdefender.
Scanning Options
Optimized Resource Consumption
- Bitdefender:
- Bitdefender is designed to consume minimal system resources during scans, ensuring that users can continue to use their devices without slowdowns. Its antivirus software has been optimized for low-impact performance, making it suitable for both older and newer systems.
- Surfshark:
- Surfshark also provides optimized resource consumption, particularly in its VPN services. However, its antivirus solution does not match Bitdefender in terms of balancing thorough scanning with system performance.
Optimized Resource Consumption
Update Frequency
- Bitdefender:
- Bitdefender is known for its frequent updates, ensuring that users are protected against the latest emerging threats. It offers real-time virus definition updates that keep users’ systems protected with the most up-to-date security.
- Surfshark:
- Surfshark provides regular updates, but primarily for its VPN features. Its antivirus receives fewer updates compared to Bitdefender, leaving users potentially exposed to newer threats for longer periods.
Update Frequency
Support
- Bitdefender:
- Bitdefender offers comprehensive support through multiple channels, including live chat, phone, and a detailed knowledge base. Its support team is responsive and knowledgeable, offering users help with installation, troubleshooting, and general inquiries.
- Surfshark:
- Surfshark provides good customer support, particularly for its VPN services. However, support for its antivirus solution is not as extensive or readily available as Bitdefender’s, which limits users in need of immediate assistance.
Support
Pricing

Just at $34.99/yr*
- Leader in Endpoint Security
- Protect up to 15 devices
- Award Winning-Antivirus Software

Just at $35.88/yr*
- Support for up to 5 devices
- Advanced Security Features
- 24/7 malware protection
Bitdefender vs. Surfshark: A Detailed Comparison
In the world of cybersecurity, selecting the right software is crucial. Bitdefender and Surfshark both provide valuable services but cater to different aspects of online security. This comparison evaluates their offerings based on being the best antivirus for various platforms, including Mac, Windows, iPhone, Android, and Linux.
- Best Antivirus for Mac
When considering macbook antivirus, Bitdefender emerges as a top choice. It offers comprehensive features such as a reliable spyware scanner, ad blocker, and robust phishing protection. Its lightweight design ensures minimal impact on system performance. Surfshark, while more focused on its VPN capabilities, provides a cloud antivirus solution that may suffice for basic needs but lacks the comprehensive features that Bitdefender offers. For those seeking the best protection on Mac, Bitdefender is the standout option.
- Best Antivirus for Phone
For mobile devices, Bitdefender excels with its dedicated applications. Its antivirus PC version translates well to mobile, providing effective protection against malware. Surfshark offers a solid VPN service that enhances privacy but lacks dedicated antivirus capabilities on mobile platforms. If you’re looking for free antivirus 2024 options, Bitdefender’s limited free version offers decent protection for Android users, making it a reliable choice compared to Surfshark.
- Best Antivirus for Windows
In the realm of antivirus PC, Bitdefender is widely recognized as one of the best antivirus 2024 options. Its advanced features, including endpoint detection and response and effective antivirus removal tool, place it ahead of the competition. Bitdefender consistently delivers the best virus protection with its continuous updates and robust performance. Surfshark, while offering a competent cloud antivirus, primarily focuses on privacy and lacks the depth of protection provided by Bitdefender for Windows users.
- Best Antivirus for iPhone
When it comes to antivirus for iPhone, Bitdefender shines with features that ensure safe browsing and protection against threats. It includes options for optimizing device performance and safeguarding user data. Surfshark’s privacy tools are excellent but do not offer the comprehensive malware protection that Bitdefender provides, making it less suitable for users who prioritize security.
- Best Antivirus for Linux
In the Antivirus for Linux category, Bitdefender is a preferred choice, offering specialized tools that cater to the unique needs of Linux environments. Surfshark does not provide dedicated solutions for Linux, making Bitdefender the optimal choice for those seeking robust protection on this platform.
Verdict: Top Choice for 2024
When it comes to choosing the top antivirus 2024, Bitdefender stands out as a premium option. While Surfshark offers affordable protection, Bitdefender takes the lead with its superior performance, advanced features, and comprehensive security.
For users seeking the best Windows antivirus, Bitdefender delivers unmatched protection across all Windows platforms, including antivirus Windows 11. Its ability to tackle even the most advanced malware makes it the ideal choice for users who prioritize maximum security. With Bitdefender, you also get access to multi-layered protection, including anti-ransomware and phishing protection, which ensures complete safety.
Bitdefender also provides a free antivirus version for users who want basic protection. Although limited, this option allows users to benefit from Bitdefender’s robust virus detection capabilities without any cost. This makes it one of the best antiviruses even for those on a budget.
What sets Bitdefender apart is its attention to detail, especially in terms of system performance. It offers powerful protection without compromising speed or system resources, ensuring smooth operations even on older machines.
In conclusion, while Surfshark is a solid choice for budget-conscious users, Bitdefender is the best Windows antivirus for those seeking top-tier security and advanced features. Whether you’re looking for antivirus free solutions or premium protection, Bitdefender’s flexibility and comprehensive offerings make it the better choice for 2024.
FAQs-
1. Which is the best antivirus for 2024?
Both Surfshark and Bitdefender are among the best antivirus 2024 options. However, Bitdefender is often rated higher for advanced features like endpoint detection and response, while Surfshark excels with affordable, basic protection.
2. Does either brand offer a free antivirus for Android?
Yes, Surfshark provides a free antivirus for Android, while Bitdefender also offers a mobile antivirus version for Android with more advanced features in its premium version.
3. What kind of protection do they offer for macOS?
Both brands offer antivirus for Mac. Bitdefender is generally preferred due to its more advanced features, while Surfshark provides more basic coverage for Mac users.
4.Is there a free version of these antivirus programs?
Yes, both brands offer a free antivirus option. Surfshark offers free antivirus for Android, while Bitdefender has a more comprehensive free mac antivirus version along with basic Windows protection.
5. Do these antivirus programs support Windows 11?
Yes, both Surfshark and Bitdefender provide Windows antivirus solutions, including antivirus Windows 11 protection. Bitdefender is highly rated as one of the best antivirus for Windows.
6. Which antivirus is better for removing malware?
Bitdefender is equipped with an antivirus removal tool and provides detailed instructions on how to remove malware, making it a more robust option for malware removal compared to Surfshark.
7. Do these antiviruses support older systems like Windows 7?
Bitdefender offers antivirus for Windows 7, while Surfshark focuses more on modern systems like Windows 10 antivirus and newer versions. Bitdefender is a better option for legacy support.
8. Which offers the best internet security software?
Bitdefender offers more comprehensive internet security software, making it one of the best antiviruses for overall protection, including computer virus protection and endpoint detection and response.
9.Do they support iPhone protection?
Yes, both Surfshark and Bitdefender provide Antivirus for iPhone to protect iOS devices, though Bitdefender’s mobile suite offers more advanced features.
10.Is there a free download option for Linux users?
Bitdefender offers antivirus for Linux with advanced protection. However, neither brand currently offers an antivirus software free download for Linux users.