Bitdefender's free trial gives you 30 days of the full product with no credit card required. You start it by creating a free Bitdefender Central account, and Bitdefender says that after one month the subscription simply expires, so there's nothing to cancel. The Premium VPN trial is shorter at 7 days, and Mobile Security for Android is 14 days.
That makes Bitdefender one of the easier security trials to try. No card means no surprise charge, and the trial is the same features as the paid version, not a cut-down edition.
Which Bitdefender trial are you getting?
| Product | Trial length | Devices on the trial |
|---|---|---|
| Bitdefender Premium Security | 30 days | Up to 5 Windows, macOS, Android and iOS devices |
| Bitdefender Total Security | 30 days | Installed through Bitdefender Central |
| Bitdefender Premium VPN | 7 days | Up to 10 Windows, macOS, iOS and Android devices |
| Mobile Security for Android | 14 days | Your Android device |
Bitdefender's support article says the trial has the same features as the paid version. Its downloads page adds that all its product trials are free and it's up to you what happens once the trial is over.
How to start a Bitdefender free trial
- Go to Bitdefender Central and click Create account. Fill in the details and click Create Account.
- Once you're in Bitdefender Central, click Get Started.
- Click Try Bitdefender on the selection screen. If you skip it, there's a link on your dashboard to get the free 30-day full trial of Total Security.
- Click Install on a device and choose the product you want to test.
- Pick This device to install now, or Other devices to send a download link to another computer or phone.
Bitdefender's support page is clear that no credit card is required at any point in that process. That's a real difference from rivals that ask for a card and bill you if you forget.
What happens when the 30 days end
Bitdefender says that after one month the subscription expires and you can no longer use the product without subscribing. Because there's no card on file, there's no automatic charge. Before day 30, make sure you have another form of protection ready, whether that's a paid plan or a free tool, so your device isn't left without antivirus.
The free option that isn't a trial
Bitdefender also offers Antivirus Free, which it describes as protection without hidden costs or time limits, and my guide to free antivirus options covers where that fits. If you're unsure whether Bitdefender itself is trustworthy, read my answer to is Bitdefender safe before installing.
If you buy after the trial
Bitdefender's Total Security page says your first 30 days as a paying customer are risk-free: if you're not happy, you can request a full refund. So you effectively get two safety nets, the free 30-day trial without a card, then a 30-day refund window if you buy and change your mind.
| Stage | What you risk |
|---|---|
| Free trial, days 1 to 30 | Nothing, no card is taken |
| Trial ends without buying | Protection stops; no charge |
| Bought a plan, first 30 days | Bitdefender offers a full refund on request |
Tips for a useful test
- Install it on the computer you use most, so you notice any slowdown in daily work.
- If you're on Premium Security, add a phone too, since the trial covers up to 5 devices.
- Try the VPN early if it matters to you, because its trial is only 7 days when taken separately.
- Run a full scan in the first week, then leave it running quietly and see how often it interrupts you.
For small businesses
The consumer trial suits sole traders and very small teams using personal devices. If you're protecting company laptops for a team, compare business options too. My roundup of antivirus for small businesses lays out what to look for.
What to test in Total Security
Bitdefender's Total Security page lists features worth checking during the 30 days, so you know what you'd be paying for:
- OneClick Optimizer, which Bitdefender says improves speed and performance.
- Microphone Monitor, to see which apps try to use your microphone.
- Safepay, a protected browser for banking that can now fill in card details in billing fields.
- A VPN with up to 200 MB a day of encrypted traffic. If you want more than that, the separate 7-day Premium VPN trial is the one to test.
Total Security plans are sold by household size: Bitdefender lists one member with up to 5 devices, or five members with up to 25 devices.
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Trialling on a phone
Bitdefender's Android trial is separate: Mobile Security for Android comes with a 14-day free trial, and Bitdefender says it removes existing malware from your device. If you want to cover a phone and a laptop together, the Premium Security trial is the simpler choice, because one trial covers up to 5 devices across Windows, macOS, Android and iOS.
- Start the Premium Security trial on your main computer.
- From Bitdefender Central, choose Other devices to send a download link to your phone.
- Use both for the full 30 days, then decide.
My advice
Start with the 30-day Premium Security trial if you want to test everything, including the password manager and phones. There's no card, so the only thing to plan is what protects you on day 31. If you decide to buy, keep the 30-day refund in mind, and if you don't, have a replacement installed before the trial expires.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Bitdefender free trial?
30 days for Bitdefender's main security suites. The Premium VPN trial is 7 days and Mobile Security for Android is 14 days.
Do I need a credit card for the Bitdefender trial?
No. Bitdefender's support article says no credit card is required.
Do I need to cancel the Bitdefender free trial?
No. Bitdefender says that after one month the subscription expires and you can't use the product without subscribing, so there's no charge to stop.
Is the Bitdefender trial the full version?
Yes. Bitdefender says the trial has the same features as the paid version.
Can I get a refund if I buy Bitdefender after the trial?
Bitdefender's Total Security page says your first 30 days are risk-free and you can request a full refund if you're not happy.
Can I try the Bitdefender VPN separately?
Yes. Bitdefender offers a 7-day free trial of Premium VPN, which it says can secure up to 10 Windows, macOS, iOS and Android devices.
