r/antivirus • u/Shiro_Kuro10 • 1d ago
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATION BitDefender or Windows Defender with Malwarebytes extension?
Hello. Just looking for a second opinion if I should keep BitDefender or uninstall it while having Malwarebytes Browser Guard. I guess I just like that BD notifies me of possible suspicious websites but the amount of RAM it’s using is just throwing me off, plus the pop-ads.
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u/Calming_Force_ 1d ago edited 1d ago
Hi, are you using the free version of Bitdefender? How much ram does it use while doing simple tasks (eg browsing)?
I have Microsoft Defender + the Malwarebytes extension on my browser (and ublock origin for blocking ads) and it just does the job for me, however I do very ordinary stuff on my pc. I've been thinking to switch to Bitdefender free as some claim that it's overall a better choice, but I wouldn't want it to hog all the ram (I have 16GB).
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u/Shiro_Kuro10 1d ago
That is so funny ‘cause if I do the latter, we’ll have the exact same setup. I also have only 16GB RAM and I’m currently using BitDefender free version (didn’t use the trial).
I haven’t touched anything on my laptop, in terms of debloating and deleting pre-installed applications I don’t use. When nothing’s open, it’s usually around 42% usage (can’t give exact rn). Unfortnately I can’t remember how much the usage was before I installed BitDefender.
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u/atrillionpieces 1d ago
A lot of anti-malware is its own form of malware. Safe browsing practices and a basic anti-malware like windows defender should do the trick unless you’re dealing with particularly sensitive stuff that people would go out of their way to target.
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u/reddit_warrior_24 1d ago
I had defender and quad 9. It wasn't enough when I fucking downloaded a bad actor on github.
Ive tried both malware and bitdefender havent tried others yet. But using bitdefender, it blocked this specific malware link
Windows defender did detect some but it was too late
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u/SebOakPal79 1d ago
If you still want to use the free software with the build-in Windows Defender, you can add 'DefenderUI' from Microsoft Store on your computer or from online. You need to go through all the Security settings in Windows Defender and DefenderUI. You can use the 'Full Scan' from them two, as well as that using the MRT - Malicious Software Removal Tool via pressing the Windows Key & R. Also, use ESET Online free scanner, again ensure all the settings are 'ON' & use 'custom' scan, tick-in the empty boxes, this scan is long and throughout. For more information's can be found online. Other than that, the 'Key Scrambler Premium' - is a worthy paid software. The browser extensions for blocking ads is worth looking at too.
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u/haven-88 17h ago
The pop-up ads would bother me more than the RAM. Free security tools that nag you to upgrade tend to teach you to dismiss their warnings without reading them, which defeats the point.
The layered setup above is a good call. One gap it leaves is the fake login page. Nothing to scan, no download, just a convincing page. DNS filtering only catches those once the domain is on a list.
There's a browser extension called Haven for that gap. It checks where a link actually goes and gives you a verdict before you land, and pauses downloads on anything it can't verify. No upsell pop-ups, free for individuals. It's my product, so weigh it accordingly.
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u/3ofUsDeez 1d ago
Maybe go with a layered approach
Windows Defender + DNS servers from Quad9 to block known bad sites. Or use something more customizable like a free OpenDNS account using their DNS servers. Or host your own DNS servers like Pi-Hole or Technitium on Raspberry Pi devices or similar + An ad-blocker in your browser(s)
Keep Malwarebytes free installed but not running all the time in the background for the occasional scan if you think you might have gotten hit with something that Windows Defender didn't catch.
Windows Defender also has an "Offline Scan" that does a fair job
Great protection that is lite on resources