There are endless options available in the realm of antivirus software, and the more options, the more confusing it becomes to choose one. Cybersecurity threats don’t waver when it comes to stealing online data, hacking your computer systems, encrypting files and demanding a ransom. The need for strict and comprehensive online protection is higher than ever before, and we understand how perplexing it can be to choose antivirus software to trust.
In this Bullguard vs Avast battle, we will see how the former performs against one of the world’s top fast and free antivirus software, Avast. The comparison initially seems imbalanced, but let’s take a detailed look at each of our contenders’ features, installation process, interface, protection level and more to be able to choose a winner at the end.
What is Bullguard? What can it do for you?
Bullguard is a paid antivirus software that’s a branch of the parent organisation Avira, the multinational and world-renowned security company, with its free Avira Antivirus Software. The most used feature of Bullguard is its secure VPN option for both individuals and small businesses. Recently, Bullguard Antivirus and Norton, another world-renowned antivirus software, have joined forces and become part of the same company.
If you’re an active Bullguard subscriber, then you can enjoy its versatile protective measures, in addition to those of Norton 360, with its on-the-clock protection capabilities. Different operating systems, Windows, Mac and Android support Bullguard. The software provides protection against malware, worms, trojans, phishing and spam attempts. In addition to its antivirus and anti-spyware features, you will get a powerful firewall and protection against identity theft.
What is Avast? What can it do for you?
Avast is a powerful and light antivirus that offers two main security plans, the free plan and the paid one. Through the years, Avast developed its protective features to include computer and mobile protection, which contributed to the software’s success as one of the lightest and best antivirus software on the market. The free and paid plans available offer impeccable protection for individuals; if you’re a business, we recommend one of Avast’s paid plans.
When you choose Avast, you get protection for your different operating systems, Windows, Mac, Android and IOS. Avast’s VPN is famous for securing your time online, and together with its antimalware, anti-phishing, adware protection and email protection, you’re in safe hands. Your webcam will be secured online, and you’ll get a safe data shredder as well.
Bullguard vs Avast: Which Antivirus is the Best?
The comparison categories between Bullguard and Avast will break down each software’s features, protection level and effect on your system’s performance, just to name a few.
Features
There are a few differences between the features each Bullguard and Avast provide. We will fully explore these features here and highlight the little differences.
Bullguard
When you purchase a Bullguard plan, you get protection against viruses, malware, ransomware, phishing and a firewall. The software also provides you with a safe browser, optimises your CPU’s performance, scans your network, protects you against identity theft and protects your Android phone as well.
Avast
Avast’s free plan provides solid protective measures against malware, phishing, adware, phishing, and Avast‘s sandbox for separate file testing and email protection. The paid plans add to these features a secure VPN, which allows you to roam freely on the internet, webcam protection, Avast’s developed password manager and the file shredder.
- Winner
The range of features in each software differs from the other; we believe the first round will be a draw.
Installation
Many antiviruses software offers users detailed and comprehensive installation options, while others offer default, quick and easy options.
Bullguard
The installation interface here is easy; you first buy the package you want, download its files onto your device and then run the installation file. The installation interface isn’t complicated, so it’s ideal for individuals who like straightforward and clean dashboards. In a few minutes, and without taking up much space on your device, Bullguard is installed and ready to use.
Avast
You have two main options when installing Avast; the free plan or the paid plan. If you’re installing the free plan, the installation guide takes you through the process with the most recommended settings for your device. If you’ve purchased a premium plan, you will find the extra installation settings of that plan during the process, which you can customise to your benefit, and the process will finish in around two minutes.
- Winner
Both contenders kept their installation processes simple and easy to follow through; we call it a tie!
User-Friendly Interface
The software’s interface is the dashboard you will need to navigate through each time you open your antivirus, which emphasises the importance of simplicity and conciseness.
Bullguard
The white dashboard greets you after installation is complete with the software’s main services on the main interface. You will find the Antivirus, Firewall, Vulnerabilities, Backup, Game Booster, Settings and Parental Control organised in two lines. You can access the software’s updates and settings on the upper right-hand side of the dashboard.
Avast
Avast’s interface is an intriguing shade of blue, with the main navigation menu on the left. The menu is concise, with everything you need listed under three main categories, Protection, Performance and Privacy. The software’s free plan is a constant advertisement for the Premium Packages, and if you click the ad, it will take you to the packages’ purchasing page.
- Winner
Both our contenders offer a simple interface. However, Avast boasts a more refined, concise and appealing interface.
Protection
Online threats are endless, and, unfortunately, cyber attackers keep inventing techniques to evade the means of cybersecurity. So, when you purchase either of the software on our list, what are you signing up for?
Bullguard
Bullguard offers you powerful antivirus software and effective protection against malware, phishing, spam, spyware and email protection. You will get an Online Back Up option, which parallels increasing cloud dependency, and if you’re a gamer, the software’s Gamer Mode will be perfect for you. Additionally, this antivirus offers parents a great tool; Parental Control. However, BullGuard’s Parental Control has been criticised extensively for being a half-a-decade out of date.
Avast
Avast’s real-time monitoring creates in-app modules the software uses to identify and handle current and future threats. This antivirus software offers the same level of protection as its contender, in addition to a VPN for secure online browsing, Webcam Protection, Adware Protection and Wi-Fi Scans.
- Winner
Avast wins this round, even if its extra protective features are available only through its premium packages.
Impact on System Performance
Speed is a worldwide language now, and if your cybersecurity protection solution affects the performance of your operating system, then it might be time to think about an alternative one. How did our competitors do in the effect on system performance category?
Bullguard
One of Bullguard’s downsides is its effect on your operating system. Many users revealed that old computers would freeze if you attempted to install Bullguard on them. The Av-Comparatives test on Bullguard resulted in average scores. This information means that this antivirus software uses many of the system’s resources; it also means that you must have a new or advanced device for Bullguard to work well.
Avast
Avast underwent tests from several labs, Av-Comparatives and Av-Test, and scored above-average results in both labs. The software’s impact on system performance is mild to high, mainly because Avast scans the majority of files on your device.
- Winner
Avast proved it could work on both new and old computers, which is definitely a win.
Scanning
Between a quick scan of your frequently used files and a thorough one that scrutinises every file on your device, there are more types of scans developed to spot, analyse and handle specific threats.
Bullguard
Bullguard is continuously working in the background scanning for threats, which is Real-time Scanning. Additionally, you can run a Scheduled Scan, a Manual Scan, a USB Virus Scan, or an Automatic Virus Scan, and the software runs a Start-Up Scan as well.
Avast
Avast brings you nearly the same types of scans as its competitor. You can run a Targeted Scan, which is similar to Bullguard’s Manual Scan; you can also scan a USB Device, a Smart Scan and a Start-Up Scan.
- Winner
This round is a tie since competitors offer a similar array of system scans.
Pricing
It’s true that protecting your data is priceless, but getting the best value for the money you pay for such a service matters greatly in choosing suitable antivirus software. Both our competitors offer a 30 days trial, but what about their paid plans?
Bullguard
Bullguard has only paid plans, and they tend to the requirements of individuals and businesses alike. Its Antivirus software starts at $29.95 a year; the Internet Security tool starts at $59.95, which increases to $99.95 for the Premium Protection plan. The main Mobile Security Plan is free but requires you to pay $19.95 for the Mobile Security Premium Plan, and the Identity Protection tool can cost $4.95 a month, which is $39.95 a year if you choose the yearly payment.
Avast
Avast’s free plan provides solid protection for your data, and you get many of the software’s features for free. Although the paid plans come on the expensive side a bit, each paid plan provides an additional layer of protection, which we believe will be fitting for your small business. The paid plans for individuals start from $59.28 a year and $119.99 a year. Avast offers extra paid tools, which you can buy separately from your antivirus plan.
- Winner
Although Bullguard’s first paid plan is cheaper than Avast’s, we believe Avast’s free antivirus tips the scales in its favour.
Supported Operating Systems
Each of our competing antivirus software supports different computer and mobile operating systems, but do they both support the same systems?
Bullguard
If you’re using a Windows operating system, a Mac, a Web-based or an Android operating system, then you can use Bullguard as your antivirus software.
Avast
Avast antivirus works on the Windows operating system, Mac, IOS and Android operating systems.
- Winner
Both competitors support the same three operating systems and differ in one only. We believe it’s a tie!
Supported Business
It’s rare that antivirus software can appeal to both individuals and big market corporates. Usually, antivirus software that’s suitable for individual use can also serve small businesses, while big corporates need more detailed and professional software.
Bullguard
Apart from its suitability for use by individuals, Bullguard’s main corporate-size clients include small businesses and freelancers.
Avast
Unlike its contender, Avast’s clientele includes individuals, small and medium businesses and large enterprises.
- Winner
For supporting a large section of society, Avast crashes this round.
Customer Support
Customer support is an essential factor when it comes to comparing antivirus software because sooner or later, you’ll definitely need it.
Bullguard
Bullguard offers only two means of customer support to its users; email support and live chat.
Avast
If you’re using Avast Free Antivirus, the means of help available to you include only the company’s forum and FAQ. However, if you purchased any of the premium packages, you will get email support and live chat. If you need to speak to one of the technicians, you’ll pay dearly, around $200 a year.
- Winner
Even if you don’t want to speak to a technician, Avast still offers various ways of customer support, which is why it wins this round.
As we’ve done with all our antivirus software comparison series, here’s our summary of this comparison as well:
Category
| Bullguard | Avast | |
| Features | √ | √ |
| Installation | √ | √ |
| User-friendly Interface | √ | |
| Protection | v | |
| Impact on System Performance | √ | |
| Scanning | √ | √ |
| Pricing | √ | |
| Supported Operating Systems | √ | √ |
| Supported Businesses | √ | |
| Customer Support | √ |
Avast nearly got perfect scores in this comparison, which implies that Bullguard might not be the best antivirus software, but it’s not that bad, either!