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Cybersecurity · head to head

Bitdefender Total Security vs Citizen

Bitdefender Total Security logo

Bitdefender Total Security

Cybersecurity

The world's #1 rated antivirus

From
$19.99/year
Free plan
No
Full reviewWebsite
Citizen logo

Citizen

Government

Real-time Safety Alerts

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Citizen has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Bitdefender Total Security vPN limited to 200MB per day, insufficient for streaming video or extended browsing sessions; Citizen no premium or paid features mentioned
  • They diverge on capability: Bitdefender Total Security covers Advanced threat defense, Citizen covers Real-time Alerts.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Bitdefender Total Security and Citizen actually diverge.

Attributes where Bitdefender Total Security and Citizen differ
AttributeBitdefender Total SecurityCitizen
Starting price$19.99/yearFree
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindows, macOS, iOS, AndroidIos, Android
CategoryCybersecurityGovernment
Founded20012016

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Bitdefender Total Security

  • Advanced threat defense
  • Multi-layer ransomware protection
  • Real-time data protection
  • Network threat prevention
  • VPN
  • Parental advisor
  • Anti-tracker
  • Microphone monitor

Only in Citizen

  • Real-time Alerts
  • 911 Monitoring
  • Live Video
  • Safety Map
  • Personal Safety
  • Emergency Services
  • Social Media
  • Location Services

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Bitdefender Total Security

  • Antivirusnot Citizen
  • Internet Securitynot Citizen
  • Endpoint Protectionnot Citizen

Citizen

  • Citizen Servicesnot Bitdefender Total Security
  • Records Managementnot Bitdefender Total Security
  • Public Safetynot Bitdefender Total Security
  • Civic Engagementnot Bitdefender Total Security

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Bitdefender Total Security

  • VPN limited to 200MB per day, insufficient for streaming video or extended browsing sessions
  • Limited features on Apple devices with iOS version lacking scheduled scans, firewall, file shredder, and other tools
  • Failed to detect 10% of virus samples during in-house testing, falling short of perfect detection rates
  • Auto-renewal billing issues with complaints about unauthorized recurring charges and difficulties with refunds
  • Device optimization tools less extensive than competitors, lacking game booster, driver updater, startup manager, and battery usage manager

Citizen

  • No premium or paid features mentioned
  • App is completely free with no monetization model disclosed
  • No in-app purchases or premium tier mentioned
  • Subscription or paid features may exist but not disclosed

Pricing, plan by plan

Bitdefender Total Security

$19.99/year

No published plan breakdown. See the Bitdefender Total Security review.

Citizen

Free
  • BasicFree
    • Real-time Alerts
    • Incident Feed
    • Safety Map

Which should you pick?

Choose Bitdefender Total Security if

  • You need advanced threat defense.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
  • You also want multi-layer ransomware protection.
Bitdefender Total Security review

Choose Citizen if

  • You need real-time alerts.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Ios, Android.
  • You also want 911 monitoring.
Citizen review

Questions people ask

Is Bitdefender Total Security or Citizen better?
Neither clearly leads. Bitdefender Total Security starts at $19.99/year and Citizen at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Bitdefender Total Security or Citizen?
Citizen has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $19.99/year for Bitdefender Total Security and Free for Citizen.
Does Bitdefender Total Security or Citizen run on more platforms?
Bitdefender Total Security runs on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android. Citizen runs on Ios, Android.
Can I use Citizen for free?
Yes. Citizen has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Bitdefender Total Security starts at $19.99/year.
What is Bitdefender Total Security best used for?
Bitdefender Total Security is most often used for antivirus, internet security, endpoint protection. Of those, antivirus and internet security are not what Citizen is typically brought in for.
What can Bitdefender Total Security do that Citizen cannot?
Bitdefender Total Security covers Advanced threat defense, Multi-layer ransomware protection, Real-time data protection, Network threat prevention. Citizen covers Real-time Alerts, 911 Monitoring, Live Video, Safety Map.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Bitdefender Total Security: What are Bitdefender's main features?

Total Security includes real-time antivirus, anti-phishing, anti-ransomware, firewall, secure VPN (limited), password manager, file shredder, and anti-tracker. Additional features include parental controls, advanced threat defense, privacy firewall, and webcam/microphone protection.

Citizen: How much does Citizen cost?

Citizen is available as a free app download for iOS and Android. The app includes core safety and alert features at no cost.

Source
Bitdefender Total Security: What did Bitdefender score on AV-TEST?

Bitdefender scored 6/6 across protection, performance, and usability in the January-February 2026 AV-TEST evaluation, and AV-Comparatives named it Product of the Year with a 99.98% detection rate.

Citizen: Are there paid features or premium subscriptions in Citizen?

Citizen's website does not mention paid features, premium subscriptions, or in-app purchases. All advertised features appear to be included in the free app.

Source
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