What is the best free AV software, Bitdefender or Avast?

I have a tight budget right now but need a dependable AV for my computer with Win 10. I've heard good things about Avast but dislike the popups and I also like Bitdefender but need advice on this issue. Thanks in advance!

If you choose Avast, right click the taskbar icon, then tick 'silent mode', and you will get no pop ups.

In your opinion, is Avast a dependable AV software?

In my opinion and the opinion of many, many others across the professional technical community is that Microsoft's own Windows Defender since version 1709, is a new and improved and very robust Antivirus. I would even say it might exceed the 3rd party and paid for AV's in the fact it's fully integrated into Windows 10. What's new in Windows 10, version 1709 | Microsoft Docs scroll down to Security after clicking the link and get all the info on the new Win Defender you need.

I've used Avast 16 years, started in 2006, but recently switched over the systems to Windows Defender for following reasons it's improved since version 1709 of WIndows 10 released, fully integrated is really nice, no more uninstalling/reinstalling to fix issues like i did with Avast over the years. or updating program version monthly and restarting interrupting anything working on, much more enjoyable using This Desktop and Laptop, and such

AMDMan2016 said:

I recently switched over the systems to Windows Defender for following reasons it's improved since version 1709 of WIndows 10 released, fully integrated

I've heard so much that Windows Defender is just not enough to protect my Windows 10 OS. That's what I originally have installed in my desktop but I've been led to believe that WD does not protect well against malware and such. Is this wrong?!

Well most folks think it's fine, i just recently started fully using it myself, so far so good in my own personal opinion here, scan with Malwarebytes free as secondary scanner weekly, so far found nothing missed, i'm sure others will have opinions, and varying degrees of opinions on this topic.

Also depends on users surfing habits, how they handle there email, and things like that, i lately feels it's enough as i grew tired of Avast popups, constant uninstall/reinstalls as recommened by there forum to fix issues at times, as well as installing new program version monthly

I never really had any problems myself with it either. I did install the free version of Avast and set it to silent mode because I also grew tired of the popups.
Thank you so much for your help and advice!

your very welcome!

hmm windows defender is it enough in this day in age one wonders .