BullGuard vs G Data

Founded in 2002 and headquartered in the United Kingdom, BullGuard developed a reputation as a reliable antivirus provider with a focus on home users, families, and gamers. Their services stood out for blending strong, multi-layered threat detection with performance optimization features—most notably their Game Booster, which allowed users to enjoy lag-free gaming while staying protected. BullGuard’s security suite included essential tools like real-time protection, a configurable firewall, encrypted cloud backup, and a secure browser for financial transactions. Their interface was praised for being user-friendly, especially for non-technical users, and they performed consistently well in independent lab tests from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. While macOS and mobile support was limited compared to Windows, BullGuard maintained a loyal customer base thanks to their practical features and straightforward approach to cybersecurity. In addition to strong malware defenses, they offered useful extras such as a vulnerability scanner, customizable parental controls, and system optimization tools, making them a well-rounded option. In 2021, they were acquired by NortonLifeLock, and by mid-2022, all BullGuard products and services were fully migrated to Norton’s ecosystem, ending standalone BullGuard offerings.

G DATA, founded in Germany in 1987, is known for creating the world’s first antivirus software. Today, they offer a full range of cybersecurity tools for individuals and businesses, combining traditional malware scanning with behavior-based detection and AI-driven analysis. Their dual-engine system includes both signature-based and advanced in-memory scanning technologies, backed by features like real-time protection, email filtering, a customizable firewall, and BankGuard for secure online banking. The company’s product line includes three main plans: Antivirus ($29.95/year), Internet Security ($39.95/year), and Total Security ($49.95/year). Each tier builds on the last, with Total Security adding extras like a password manager, performance tuning, file encryption, and USB device control. G DATA’s mobile security tools are focused on Android, with limited iOS coverage. Customer feedback is largely positive. Users appreciate the strong malware detection, rollback feature, and consistent updates, though some mention performance slowdowns and limited customer support responsiveness. G DATA maintains a 4.2 rating on Trustpilot and a 4.0 on G2, signaling overall satisfaction. With support available worldwide and a 30-day free trial, G DATA offers reliable protection with a long-standing reputation in the growing cybersecurity space.