Avast Antivirus Review 2024: Pricing, Plan, Features, Pros And Cons How Good is It?

Avast Antivirus Review Avast is widely known for its excellent track record in safeguarding computers against viruses and malware. It offers both free and premium versions, providing users with a comprehensive security solution. In addition to basic antivirus protection, Avast also offers a variety of advanced tools such as password protection, data shredder, webcam shield, and sandbox functionality. Our detailed review of Avast Antivirus will delve deeper into these features to assist you in determining whether it’s the right choice for your needs.

Avast Antivirus Review

Avast, a prominent player in the antivirus industry, is renowned for its superior safeguarding against online threats. In addition to device scanning, it also examines your online network, shields your webcam, and prevents suspicious activities and downloads. Moreover, it offers a VPN service to ensure secure browsing. Nevertheless, Avast faced controversy in late 2019 and early 2020 when it came to light that they were collecting user data and transmitting it to their analytics company known as Jumpshot. However, Avast’s CEO Ondrej Vicek subsequently took the decision to shut down Jumpshot.

In our review, we have thoroughly examined Avast’s security measures to assist you in determining if it is worth installing the software. To give you a sneak peek, Avast is a reliable tool for removing viruses and providing basic protection. However, after testing various antivirus products, including TotalAV, we have found better options in terms of protection, privacy, and reputation. Having this in mind, can Avast antivirus still be trusted? Read on as we put its features, online protection, and security to a test and find out!

Avast Antivirus Key Informations

	TOP Choice
	TotalAV	Avast Antivirus
⭐ Rating:	4.6★★★★★	4★★★★☆
🥇 Overall rank:	#3 out of #25	#16 out of #25
🔥 Coupons:	TotalAV coupon 84% OFF	Avast coupon 70% OFF
💵 Price:	from $19.00/year, 3 devices	From $29.99/year
✂️ Free version:	Yes	Yes
🖥️ Platforms:	Windows, Mac, iOS, Android	Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS

Avast Antivirus pros and cons

Pros

• Free version
• Comes with lots of useful features
• Performs well in independent lab tests
• Really easy to download and navigate

Cons

• You have to pay extra for a lot of features
• Big business plans are very expensive
• Avast has been known to leak user data in the past

Avast Antivirus Full Review

Avast offers excellent security measures, along with a plethora of additional features, making it highly user-friendly. In my tests, Avast achieved a remarkable 100% detection rate for malware. Moreover, it provides robust web protection, a Rescue Disk, a secure browser, advanced anti-tracking features, and a decent set of system optimization tools. Avast caters to both free and premium users on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS platforms. The free plans, Avast Free Antivirus and Avast One Essentials, encompass the essential security features required to safeguard your devices. However, by upgrading to Premium Security or Ultimate, you can unlock an array of additional functionalities. It is worth noting that all of Avast’s plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

How safe is Avast Antivirus?

If you’re in search of effective antivirus software, it’s likely that you prioritize security. Given Avast’s past admission of selling user data, it’s understandable to question the level of safety provided by Avast. So what did we discover in our investigation of Avast? We examined its security features and analyzed the results from independent lab tests, unearthing some noteworthy findings.

Independent Avast antivirus testing

	Award	Blocked threats
AV-Test	Top Product	100%
AV-Comparatives	Advanced+	99.6%
SE Labs	AAA	99%

Similar to many other top antivirus companies, Avast invests in having its products assessed by independent laboratories. The outcomes have been remarkably positive. AV-TEST, a reputable German institution dedicated to cybersecurity research, has conducted tests on both the free and paid versions of Avast’s antivirus software. Fortunately, the results were identical, with the May-June 2022 test demonstrating that the antivirus effectively detected 100% of both new and older malware threats. As a result, it was awarded the prestigious “Top product” certification.

Additionally, AV-Comparatives conducted a test on the free version of Avast. According to their most recent real-world protection report from February to May 2022, Avast successfully blocked 99.6% of the commonly encountered malicious samples used in the test. While this performance is impressive, there were several antivirus providers that outperformed Avast in this regard. Notably, Avira, Norton, and Trend Micro all achieved a perfect score by blocking 100% of the tested malware.

According to AV-Comparatives’ Malware protection test in March 2022, Avast was able to protect against 99.98% of online threats. Although it did have 10 false alarms, this is still much better compared to the staggering 96 flagged by Panda. Another cybersecurity product testing laboratory called SE Labs also evaluated Avast’s free version. It found that Avast was able to block 99% of threats and received the highest “AAA” award. Overall, while there is room for improvement with false positives, Avast is definitely one of the top antivirus programs when it comes to detecting malware. Additionally, the free version is just as safe as the paid versions.

Avast Antivirus features

Avast offers a variety of features and tools designed to enhance your online security. It is important to note that the features you receive will vary depending on the plan you choose. The most significant distinction is between Avast’s free and premium antivirus plans. Now, let’s delve into what each plan offers and the specific features they provide.

Avast Free	Avast One	Avast Premium Security
Malware protection
Real-time protection
App monitoring
Firewall
Webcam protection
Malicious website protection
Ransomware shield
SecureLine VPN
Data breach monitoring
Automatic driver updates
Tracker blocker
Optimization tools

The paid plans, as expected, are packed with more features. Nonetheless, it is pleasantly surprising to find a free version that is so generous, even offering a firewall. Furthermore, its malware detection rates are on par with those of the paid plans. For comprehensive protection, Avast One is an excellent choice.

You can safeguard either 5 or 30 devices and benefit from various types of security, such as real-time protection, webcam protection, protection against malicious websites, ransomware protection, and tracking protection. It is worth noting that regardless of the subscription you choose – whether it is free or paid – Avast One is compatible with all popular operating systems including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Keep reading for more detailed explanations of the various features offered by Avast.

Virus scans

Let’s get right into the core content – scanning options. Avast offers a variety of scans that are easy to locate, such as Smart, Full, Targeted, Custom, Boot-time, and Network Inspector scans. To provide accurate results, our research team conducted tests on each scan using 10 malicious file samples on the computer. Now, let’s delve into the findings.

Smart scan

The purpose of this task is to detect malware, network threats, and outdated software. The process was completed within 40 seconds and no planted malware was detected. As for system resources, the CPU load ranged from 20% to 30%.

Full scan

The thorough scanning of your system took a total of 6 minutes and 50 seconds and successfully detected all 10 malicious files. Additionally, the CPU usage remained relatively low at around 30%, although there were occasional spikes exceeding 80%.

Although the results are commendable, it should be noted that the comprehensive scan also identified a false positive. This occurred because Avast mistakenly classified our previously installed Ivacy VPN as a threat and subsequently blocked it. In situations like these, users have the option to simply click on the “Send for analysis” button to assist in enhancing Avast’s malware detection capabilities.

Targeted scan

This tool can be utilized in situations where there are suspicions of threats in a specific location. We conducted a scan on the C: disk, which was completed in approximately 3 minutes, and it successfully detected all 10 malicious files that we tested it with!

Custom scan

The checkup is perfect if you’re pressed for time or simply desire a quick assessment. It examines the system’s surface. It was completed in approximately 1 minute and 10 seconds.

Boot-time scan

The purpose of this tool is to identify malware that becomes active when the system starts up. The Network Inspector feature helps in scanning your network and identifying concealed vulnerabilities to safeguard your sensitive information from being stolen by hackers. However, in our test, it did not detect any issues and completed the scan within just 30 seconds. Therefore, while Avast is effective in detecting a majority, if not all, malicious threats, there is room for improvement when it comes to reducing false positives and offering more comprehensive scanning options.

Malware protection

While malware protection may not be groundbreaking for a straightforward malware removal tool, it remains a crucial aspect to consider. This is because not all antivirus products provide identical features. Here is what you can anticipate from Avast packages:

• Real-time protection that runs silently in the background to block threats as they appear in an unobtrusive yet effective way. This feature is even available in the free version, which is rare to see.
• Complete malware detection that stops you from sharing infected files with other users.
• In-depth scans of your entire machine or device that’s designed to root out hidden malware.
• External storage scans to check external drives, such as CDs, DVDs, USB sticks, etc. for viruses.
• Scheduled scans so it can check for malware while you’re away from your desk.
• Security reports that provide you with personalised updates every 30 days.
• Real-time security updates and new features which are updated automatically.

Email Shield

The Email Shield feature offers a satisfactory level of email security and is accessible even in the free version. Its functioning involves notifying you about unsafe websites, blocking suspicious downloads, preventing dangerous email attachments, and halting intrusive web tracking. In essence, it safeguards against PuPs (potentially unwanted programs) and conducts scans on secure connections. These scans are exclusively applied to incoming or outgoing emails from well-known mail management software like Mail or Outlook.

Ransomware shield

The Premium plan includes an additional significant aspect known as the ransomware shield. In simple terms, this shield safeguards your files and photos against ransomware attacks. Once activated, this feature prevents unauthorized applications from accessing your sensitive files.

There are two modes available for the ransomware shield: smart and strict. By default, the smart mode utilizes a list of approved applications to identify which ones can make changes to your files. If any application not on this list attempts to access your protected documents, you will receive an immediate notification and no action will be taken without your consent.

Regarding the strict mode, you will receive a notification and be asked for permission each time any application attempts to access your protected files. However, this does not apply to the apps that you have already granted (or denied) access to.

Avast firewall

Avast offers both free and paid users a firewall, which is an integral component of an antivirus package. In basic terms, the firewall safeguards your network against unauthorized intrusions. Avast also enables you to personally restrict internet access to specific applications. However, paid users also get more advanced network security. First off, you can enable or disable hiding potentially sensitive information from other network devices. Also, you can be notified about open ports and ARP spoofing attacks.

Avast SecureLine VPN

By obtaining the Avast One bundle, you will also receive the Avast SecureLine VPN, which is available for separate purchase as well. While it may not be on par with top-performing VPNs like NordVPN, the service is still quite satisfactory, especially considering its origin from an antivirus developer. Additionally, free Avast users have access to the VPN, albeit with a limitation of 5GB per week. This allocation tends to deplete quickly, particularly if you engage in content streaming activities.

• Business-grade customer support offers 24-hour help from trained engineers who can assist you via email, chat, or phone.
• Remote access shield blocks unwanted remote connections.
• Wifi inspector looks for weaknesses in your network that might be putting you at risk and fixes them for you.
• Real site keeps you and your employees safe from fake sites designed to steal sensitive data.
• The sandbox provides a safe environment to test new programs and files in an area that’s completely separated from the rest of your PC.
• Sensitive data shield stops spyware from accessing sensitive documents on your computer.
• Data shredder permanently deletes any confidential files that contain financial or customer data you wouldn’t want recovered.
• Phishing net uses Avast’s cloud database to protect your business from even the most recent phishing sites.

Avast Business Security features

If the Small Office plan does not meet your needs, Avast offers Business Security plans that may be a more suitable choice for you and your company. Avast provides three Business Security plans to choose from – Essential, Premium, and Ultimate. All three plans come with the following features:

• Online management platform, which lets you easily manage your subscription and add/set up/monitor all of your devices in one place.
• Avast antivirus with all advanced protection measures included.
• Data protection – to keep your personal, business, and even customer data secure from cyber felons.
• IT support – 24/5 email, live chat, or phone support from experienced engineers.
• Identity protection, or password and webcam protection.

The Premium plan offers all the features of the other plans, with the addition of unlimited VPN for each device and USB protection. On the other hand, the Ultimate plan not only includes everything from the other business plans but also provides patch management. This feature keeps a close eye on your device and automatically resolves any vulnerabilities that are detected. However, it is important to note that macOS users do not have access to identity protection, unlimited VPN, USB protection, and patch management.

Avast’s Advanced protection plan for MSSPs and resellers

Avast’s all-in-one solution is a great option for resellers or managed security service providers (MSSPs) in need of comprehensive antivirus software. The standout feature is CloudCare, which provides Avast’s complete range of security features in a user-friendly platform that operates through the cloud. Here’s an overview of what CloudCare offers:

• Lets you grow your MSSP while increasing your revenue and building your business. Avast’s CloudCare solution gives MSSPs a simple way to scale business, add new services, and deploy security remotely to new customers.
• Fills the gaps in your security with CloudCare’s essential layers of security to defend your business from threats.
• Manages multiple networks easily by viewing threats, updates, and reports for your customers in one central place.
• Helps you avoid rising costs and upkeep for clients, which helps you reduce onsite client visits to save you money and time.

How much does Avast Antivirus package Price?

Avast’s pricing strategy is considered reasonable, especially when considering that they offer a free version. Unlike many other free antivirus services, Avast’s free version includes all the basic security features, making it a more generous option. However, for optimal protection against various threats, the Avast One package is highly recommended.

Online anonymity and streaming Features

It provides additional features such as webcam protection, malicious website blocking, and tracking protection. Moreover, it also offers a VPN service which is beneficial for online anonymity and streaming. It’s important to note that Avast employs regional price discrimination. The pricing mentioned here is specific to US users and may differ in other regions. For instance, the prices are notably higher in the UK.

Plans & Features

Version	Features	Price
Avast Free	Real-time malware protection, app monitoring, firewall	$0.00
Avast One	Everything in the free and Premium Security plans, plus SecureLine VPN, data breach monitoring, optimization tools, tracker blocker, and automatic driver updates	$29.99 (1st year)
Avast Premium Security	Everything in the free plan, plus webcam protection, ransomware and malicious website protection	$29.99 (1st year)

Avast Free Avaiable Security

Avast Free is a reliable choice if you need simple protection for your home computer or smartphone. It provides real-time protection and a firewall. On the other hand, the Premium Security plan not only protects against malicious websites and ransomware but also guards against webcam intruders. However, if you want to save money, Avast One is a better option than Premium Security at just $29.99 per year. The One package offers the most value for your money and even includes a VPN service that can be used for both security and accessing different Netflix libraries.

 

Avast business Cost

When it comes to business users, the pricing can be slightly more intricate. There is a wide range of choices available depending on your specific requirements. To start off, there is the Small Office plan, which is priced at $139.99 per year. This option is ideal for small businesses and provides coverage for up to 10 devices.

Businesses Security Plan Cost

In addition to that, there are three additional business security plans available – Essential, Premium, and Ultimate. The Essential plan is priced at $36.99 per year for one user and offers excellent basic protection for businesses. It is specifically recommended for mac users. On the other hand, the Premium Business security plan provides a VPN for every user and is priced at $46.99 per year for one device. Finally, the Ultimate subscription includes patch management and is priced at $56.99 per year for one user.

Avast’s Comprehensive Security Services

To enroll in Avast’s comprehensive security services for MSSPs, it is necessary to contact them directly and have a discussion about your specific security needs. Subsequently, the team will create a pricing package tailored to your requirements.

Avast Secure Browser

Prior to 2016, Avast’s secure browser was a service that required payment. However, the security company changed its approach and started including it for free with their antivirus software. The browser is incredibly easy to set up and use and comes with a lot of great features, including:

Avast Services For Browser Security

• Ad-free browsing that blocks online ads by default. This can significantly improve website loading times.
• Built-in privacy lets you browse, shop, and bank safely online.
• Blocks malicious websites and downloads to protect your device from potential threats.
• Blocks online tracking to stop third parties seeing your online activity.
• Masks your digital identity so websites can’t identify you based on your unique browser profile.
• Monitors your email address to make sure your passwords haven’t been leaked online.

Avast’s Secure Browser Streamlined Features

Avast’s secure browser can be downloaded in a matter of seconds and features a sleek interface that closely resembles Google Chrome. Additionally, it comes with Google as the default search engine, allowing you to conduct searches with the same speed and ease as you would on Chrome. Moreover, by automatically blocking ads, browsing the internet on Avast’s browser feels more streamlined and efficient compared to less secure browsers. Furthermore, Avast has implemented measures to protect user identities, providing an extra layer of reassurance while surfing the web.

Easy Use Interface Environment

Setting up Avast antivirus is a simple process on any device, but the installation does take some time. Whether you use Windows or macOS, the interface is virtually identical. I appreciate that creating an account is suggested but not mandatory.

I tested both antiviruses and found that the app has a modern look. It is divided into four sections: Home, Explore, Messages, and Account. The “Home” section informs you of any issues and allows you to run a smart scan. Personally, I would prefer if all scanning options were available on the main window.

To locate all the scanning options, you need to go to the “Scan center” in the “Explore” section. Nonetheless, credit must be given to Avast for its convenient feature of having all the features accessible from a single window.

When it comes to scans, Avast has the ability to detect threats and provide a simple resolution option. Nevertheless, if the free version detects any complex problems, clicking on the Resolve button will redirect you to a payment screen where you can upgrade to the Premium plan. This approach may seem a bit deceptive, but it still ensures sufficient protection for a free service.

How to install Avast antivirus

Installing Avast is a simple process, regardless of whether you are a beginner or an expert. Just follow these easy-to-follow instructions:

• Go to the official website of Avast.
• Depending if you’re getting the free or the paid plan, click the “Download” or the “Buy now” button. For premium plans, make sure you choose the correct device count.
• While free users can continue following the installation instructions, premium version users will be asked to insert payment details.
• Download the file and follow the installation instructions.

24*7/*365 Live Customer Support

Live chat support	(24/7 with paid only)
Phone support	(24/7 with paid only)
Email support	(24/7 with paid only)
Knowledge database

Customer Service Level

Avast provides a basic level of customer service, which includes an extensive collection of helpful FAQs aimed at assisting users in resolving their own issues. When seeking support on Avast’s website, you will be prompted to answer a few questions before being directed to human support. Free users have the option to choose between phone service or email support. However, if you desire additional support options, you will need to subscribe to Avast Care at a cost of $39.99 per year. This subscription grants access to 24/7 phone, live chat, email, and remote access support. Avast guarantees resolution for any problem you may encounter.

Avast Excellent Malware Detection Rates

The pricing plans offered by Avast can be quite confusing, especially when it comes to their business subscriptions. Additionally, they are also more expensive compared to other options. Moreover, although Avast has excellent malware detection rates, it tends to generate a number of false positives.

Avast Antivirus Software Terms

In terms of setting up the antivirus software, it takes longer compared to other similar products. Furthermore, while there is a wide range of features available, most of them are only accessible with the more expensive plans. Despite the data sharing scandal in the past, Avast can still be considered a decent antivirus. However, it is worth noting that there are much better security products available that can meet your protection expectations and also have a clean reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions: Avast Antivirus Review

How effective is Avast antivirus?

After subjecting Avast to an AV-test, we found that it surpassed several of its competitors, thus reinforcing the leading position of Avast in the realm of mobile security. In a separate evaluation carried out by AV-Comparatives, Avast for Mac proved to be one of the most reliable antivirus software, showcasing the program’s efficacy.

How much does Avast antivirus cost?

Although Avast Free is available at no cost, there is an option to upgrade to a premium version which begins at INR 4,160 for the first year for one device, or INR 5,750 for the first year for 10 devices.

Which is better: Malwarebytes or Avast?

When it comes to features and capabilities, Avast outperforms Malwarebytes. Avast is known for being more user-friendly, intuitive, and offering reliable real-time threat protection. For more information, we recommend reading our review comparing Malwarebytes and Avast.

How do I choose the best antivirus software?

When selecting antivirus software, it is important to take into account factors such as user-friendliness, cost, functionality, and compatibility. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the vendor provides reliable customer support in the event of any issues.

Is Avast antivirus safe?

Earlier this year, it was revealed that Avast, despite offering a satisfactory level of basic protection against malware, had been selling highly sensitive web browsing data to some of the largest companies globally.

Avast accomplished this through its marketing technology arm, Jumpshot, which gathered browsing data from up to 100 million devices. Certain clients of Jumpshot paid substantial sums for offerings that provided an “All Clicks Feed,” enabling precise monitoring of user behavior, clicks, and web navigation without the customers’ awareness or approval. Although Avast appears to have resolved this issue, it raises concerns about the safety of using Avast products.

Is Avast a good antivirus solution?

Overall, Avast is a reliable antivirus program that offers a satisfactory level of security. The free version includes numerous features, although it does not offer protection against ransomware. To access premium protection, upgrading to one of the paid options is necessary.

Is Avast completely free?

Certainly! The free version comes at no cost, offering you a basic level of security without any charges. However, if you require more advanced protection for your computer, there are numerous paid options available that offer additional features and enhanced customer support.

Can Avast Antivirus slow down your computer?

Indeed, there is a slight impact. Like all antivirus software, Avast has the potential to decrease the speed of your computer. This effect may be particularly noticeable when conducting a comprehensive scan.

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Bottom line

Avast’s history of selling user data has raised concerns about privacy, even though the company no longer engages in such practices. Notwithstanding this incident, it is an antivirus service that has been approved by independent laboratories and is capable of safeguarding against a wide range of threats, such as ransomware, network intruders, PUPs, and others. Nevertheless, there are more reliable options available in the antivirus market that offer superior levels of protection and have established excellent reputations.