BullGuard Antivirus Review
If you have a computer, phone, or any other device, you know the importance of keeping it safe from viruses and internet security threats. If you’re reading this, then you’re interested in looking for the best internet security options for you and your devices, and you aim to choose the best one for your devices.
BullGuard Internet Security, a London-based company, originated in 2002 and has been around since then. There are perks to BullGuard—the customer service and the prices, for example. It is also easy to use and customize, and customers rave about how simple it is to install. Let’s look at this antivirus in detail.
BullGuard Antivirus Review
Let’s look at the specifics of BullGuard, and you can decide if it is one you want to pursue. Here are some highlights and features:
- Real-time antivirus
- USB virus scan
- Auto virus scanning
- Scheduled scan
- Anti-spyware
- Anti-Rootkit
- Anti-spam
- Anti-phishing
- Email Protection
- Intuitive and user-friendly
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Android (Not iOS)
- Personal firewall
- Parental control
- Game mode
- Device tune-up
- Live customer support
- Average reliability
- Free, automatic updates
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Sounds like a pretty impressive list, right? BullGuard is one of the best options when it comes to ease of use, and it has some pretty attractive packages.
Let’s look at more details.
Reliability and Security
AV-Comparatives, one of the most respected and reputable independent anti-virus testing companies, tested BullGuard’s capabilities in several different areas. All three of the packages showed excellent results in traditional virus detection.
Real-time scanning also received above average results. Malware protection scored average results, but keep in mind, these results were just from a few tests. They earned 8.2 points in various tests. BullGuard also protected 89% of the threats from URL blocking.
It is safe to say that the detection rates are pretty high, and phishing protection is well above average. BullGuard’s website states that it, “Identifies, isolates, and neutralizes,” and we can’t argue with that.
Ease of Use
BullGuard excels in how easy it is to use, so we must mention this fact. It is one of the most user-friendly antiviruses. The dashboard is intuitive and informative, and it allows you to check the current state of your device at any time.
The installation is fast; after downloading your package, the antivirus will be installed in a matter of minutes.
Running scans is simple and easy—you can run the quick scan, the full scan, or the vulnerability scan. The vulnerability scan is great for checking Wi-Fi security and auto-run settings for mobile devices. The full scan is thorough—checking all your files and software on your computer.
This antivirus also doesn’t take up much space, which is surprising because BullGuard needs more resources than its competitors to run well.
Packages
There are three packages to choose from. Let’s see what each one offers:
1. BullGuard Antivirus
This is the most basic package this company offers. For $29.95 (and for one device), in addition to an antivirus, you will get anti-ransomware, the vulnerability scanner, and the Game Booster. This package is good for an entire year, so if you just wanting basic protection, this one is the way to go.
2. BullGuard Internet Security
This package includes everything from the basic package, along with firewall protection, email/spam blocking, parental control, PC TuneUp, and protection for three devices. The price is $59.99 for a year.
3. BullGuard Premium Protection
This is the biggest package that this company offers. You will get all the features in the first two packages plus additional features like Identity Protection, Financial Protection, and a password manager. This package costs $99.95 a year for one device.
4. BullGuard Mobile Security
This is the free version, and it does a pretty good job at protecting your Android device from viruses. It’s user-friendly just like the other packages, and your battery won’t run down while using it. The free package offers Antitheft, SIM Protection, and Mobile Security Manager. If you want to upgrade to some of the premium features, it costs $14.99.
BullGuard offers nice discounts for new customers. All the prices listed above are discounted 20 to 50%. There is also a free 15-day trial for new users, and this company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
It’s important to note that BullGuard doesn’t sell the antivirus for macOS separately. It’s only sold as a part of the Internet Security Package and the Premium Protection Package.
BullGuard Internet Security Reviews
The Internet Security Package has some pretty good reviews online for Windows. Customers say that this antivirus protects their computers and devices from basic malware. They like the safe browsing, game booster, home network scanner, and even the parental controls.
The only downside is that there is no equivalent protection for users of Macs. They can get the basics, but not the extras. In addition, BullGuard offers no app for iPhones at all, which eliminates millions of users.
Game Booster
I have to give the Game Booster some recognition because so many customers love it. It’s an interesting tool that recognizes when games or other applications are running and improves their performance by giving them system resources. The point here is to show that an antivirus does not necessarily slow down your device.
The Game Booster works by shifting user processes to use the same CPU cores while reducing their demands on the system and thus improving the game’s performance. So, basically, installing BullGuard does not slow down gaming; it improves it! While this isn’t necessary a security feature, it is worth mentioning because it is unique to this company, and many customers rave about it.
Customer Service
While BullGuard has live, 24/7 hour chat support, it does not offer tech support via phone. The 24/7 chat is available for those who speak English, Chinese, and Spanish. If you live in France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, or the Netherlands, chat support is available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Customers can also send emails to customer service, and they should receive a reply in less than 24 hours. Social media accounts Facebook and Twitter are also active, and you can find answers to your questions. The community forum is also helpful, as there’s a huge FAQ section on the official website with new blog posts and manuals for customers.
Pros and Cons
Like all antiviruses, BullGuard comes with some things we like and don’t like.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Simple installation
- Good Phishing protection
- Affordable prices
- Decent scores from third-party companies
- Full-featured Android version is excellent
- Vulnerability scan
- Game booster is great
Cons:
- Lacks some security features
- May slow down your computer
- Parental control could be updated
- No iOS version
Conclusion
BullGuard offers some good security measures, plus a few bonuses such as PC tune-up, the vulnerability scan, and of course, the Game Booster! The free version for Android is exceptional—especially because it’s free! BullGuard offers good basic protection (and some perks!) for competitive prices. This antivirus is a good option for those looking for one.
Similar Posts:
- DFNDR Security Review
- Trend Micro Review
- What is The Best Antivirus for Gaming PC?
- Comodo Antivirus Review
- ESET Antivirus Review