Bitdefender and Avira provide top-of-the line malware protection that includes real-time protection and ransomware protection. They’re also both really easy to use, which means even novices to cybersecurity can be up and running in a short time. Both of them offer additional features such as the VPN as well as an additional file shredder, and privacy security.

Avira and Bitdefender both have outstanding overall scores in independent labs for testing. However, in this test I’d prefer to give the edge to Bitdefender due to its superior performance in the AV-Comparatives Performance Test, which measures the impact security software can have on a computer’s speed. Bitdefender’s low impact score means it can run in the background without significantly slowing down your computer -unlike some rivals.

AV-Comparatives also tests for how much of an impact each product’s performance has on the performance of your system when you perform regular computer tasks, such as browsing websites, downloading online data storage for small business files, and copying files. Bitdefender was the only one to pass this test with a clean score. Avira was a close second.

Both companies provide a high level of customer support. Avira offers a useful knowledge base and YouTube channel, and Bitdefender provides a full support hub that includes a phone number as well as live chat, email support and videos of tutorials. The support hub is organized by product so that you can find the help you require.