- Online 25GB backup storage
- Aced AV-Comparatives’ Real World Protection Test with a 98.7% malware protection score
- 30 Day free trial
Incredibly easy to use, offering lots of customizable options. Free and safe to download.
BullGuard is a computer and Internet Anti-Virus and security software vendor headquartered in London, UK. The BullGuard Anti-Virus has been in the market since 2002, and while it’s not yet a top global player, it boasts of a few million users mainly from around Europe, arguably the most lucrative tech market in the world.
BullGuard has a user-friendly interface with a wide range of customization options including personalized spam and URL filters. It also helps that it’s relatively cheap and has a flexible plan that allows users to subscribe for 6 months instead of a full year.
Here’s everything else you need to know about the BullGuard Anti-Virus.
Package Features and Highlights
As mentioned earlier, BullGuard is a complete cybersecurity system that covers from top to bottom the offline and online functions of computers. To that effect, there are three distinct Bullguard plans to fit the needs of every user, namely:
BullGuard Anti-Virus – A basic plan (for one device), including standard Anti-Virus features such as real-time virus and malware protection, customizable spam filter, a web and email scanner, and URL blocking. Compatible with all Windows versions from XP to Windows 10.
BullGuard Internet Security – Perfect for three devices in need of full malware protection. This package includes all the features of Anti-Virus package and additional ones such as a Next Gen Anti-Malware function, parental controls, system optimizer, and a vulnerability scanner to keep you alert at all times. There’s also a two-way firewall to ensure your web browsing experience stays safe and secure as possible and 5GB online storage for backup purposes.
BullGuard Premium Protection – A full-featured package (for 3 devices) that encompasses all relevant features from the above two plans as well as some exclusive features, not limited to, increased backup storage space (25GB) and the Home Network Scanner that monitors all devices in your home, including thermostats and speakers. Another great feature of this package is the Identity Protection function that trawls the web looking for possible misuse of your personal information and alerting you in real-time. Just like the BullGuard Internet Security plan, BullGuard Premium Protection has a firewall to block unauthorized access to your devices.
| Package | Price (per year) | Price (per 6 months) |
|---|---|---|
| BullGuard Anti-Virus | $29.95 | $21 |
| BullGuard Internet Security | $59.99 | |
| BullGuard Premium Protection | $99.95 |
Best For
Considering the prices and features on all the BullGuard packages, it is a solution for people who have low to moderate security needs – a category most computer owners fall into. Admittedly, none of the BullGuard packages have file encryption or secure online banking features, so if you do a lot of transactions online; it’s probably not the right pick for you. However, the BullGuard Anti-Virus kit works just perfectly if you mostly use your computer for everyday browsing or gaming.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Higher degree of customization which creates a satisfying and personalized user experience | Malware detection is some ways behind the top Anti-Virus products |
| Very user-friendly interface | Constant ads (on the basic plan) that can be very irritating |
| Flexible purchase plans with the 6-month plans and money-back guarantees | |
| Round the clock support |
What They Offer
- Simple, fast and fun user experience (straightforward UIs)
- The software is lightweight and very attractive right from the sleek graphics to the layout and menu
- Online 25GB backup storage
- Home Network Scanner
- Top-notch Malware Detection and Elimination
- Advanced Protection Against Identity Theft
- 30-Day Full Trial
Ease of Use
We’ve stated throughout the article how easy it is to use BullGuard Anti-Virus is but it will not hurt if we elaborate on that fact. For one, it is a lightweight system, about 25MB, and allows you to launch a malware scan with one click from the main screen menu. All hardware you insert, including USB drives and SD cards, are automatically scanned by the program (including email attachments and compressed files).
When it comes to impact on machine performance, BullGuard proved to be quite efficient with negligible slowdowns, at least from our side. A Quick Scan takes about 65 seconds while the initial Full Scan took 1 hour and 5 minutes which reduced to an average of 17 min 28 seconds for subsequent Full Scans.
Detection Rates and Reliability
To assess BullGuard’s detection rates, we looked at results from tests done by two renowned cybersecurity software testing firms, AV-Comparatives and AV-TEST, both tests from 2017. BullGuard is ranked 15th in the AV-Comparatives’ Real World Protection Test with a 98.7% malware protection score. While it is quite a decent score, there’s the fact that there are fourteen other Anti-Malware programs that are better than BullGuard, including Trend Micro, Bitdefender, and Kaspersky which are the top 3 programs in the market. Still, BullGuard is better than most of the Anti-Virus software available and has a high enough protection score to be considered more than reliable.
Help and Support
BullGuard’s staff is reachable 24/7 for assistance or inquiries through various channels. The general email address is mail@bullguard.com while the support email is support@bullguard.com. Visit the support page for additional information on how you can access support from your country.
About BullGuard
BullGuard is a privately owned English company specializing in Internet, mobile and computer security solutions. The company traces its roots to Denmark, where it was formally established in 2002 by Morten Lund and Theis Sondergaard. To their credit, BullGuard has held their own against firms with more resources and well-established links such as Avast and Kaspersky and have continued to introduce new, innovative products in Internet and home security.
